The driver responsible for the fatal hit-and-run that killed Associate Professor Surasawat Sukswasdi has surrendered to Chang Phueak Police Station. The senior lecturer at Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Fine Arts was struck by a vehicle while cycling at the 700-Year Stadium on the morning of April 28. He suffered multiple fractures and died before reaching Nakhon Ping Hospital. A merit-making ceremony was held at Wat Pa Paeng in Chiang Mai's city district, with a royal cremation ceremony scheduled for May 2. On May 1, Chiang Mai Provincial Police Commander Yutthana Kaenjanchan announced that the driver had turned himself in to investigation officers at Chang Phueak Police Station. Police are proceeding with legal action. Cycling groups have taken to social media demanding that Chiang Mai's governor and relevant authorities implement enhanced safety measures for cyclists. The Sunday Cycling Club is being urged to mobilize support for provincial-level safety policies to protect cyclists in Chiang Mai.

Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin Launches RMUTR Research & IP Expo 2026 to Drive Commercial Innovation

April 30, 2026 – Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, led by Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Udomvithai Chaiskulkierat, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of the 2026 Research, Innovation, Invention, Creative Works, and Intellectual Property Exhibition (RMUTR Research & IP Expo 2026).

The opening ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pulsak Kosiyaphon, Deputy Director of the Office of the National Research Council of Thailand, held at Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok. This event represents a crucial platform for driving the university's research and innovation agenda.

The university aims to advance research knowledge, develop it further, and apply it practically, particularly by commercializing research outcomes and innovations. This effort creates added value for the university's knowledge, technology, and innovations, transforming them into products, services, processes, and business models that address industry, community, and societal needs.

The university prioritizes translating research from laboratories into practical applications by establishing collaborative networks with entrepreneurs, private sector partners, and government agencies. These partnerships facilitate commercialization, investment, intellectual property protection, and future revenue generation, ultimately strengthening competitive capabilities and supporting the country's sustainable economic and social development.

The event features exhibitions of research work, inventions, innovations, creative projects, and intellectual property, alongside innovation competitions, project pitching presentations, and awards ceremonies honoring outstanding researchers and organizations. The event serves as both a recognition platform and a networking forum for researchers and external partners to explore commercial and societal applications of research outcomes.

The rector expressed gratitude to all supporting organizations, faculty members, researchers, staff, students, entrepreneurs, and distinguished guests who contributed to advancing the university's research and innovation initiatives. He expressed hope that this event will serve as a valuable opportunity to connect research outcomes with businesses and industries, fostering collaboration, investment, and commercial development that will sustainably create economic, social, and national value.

Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sobhawisut and Labor Minister Julphand Amornvivat, partnered with Chulalongkorn University, transformed Siam Square Walking Street into a platform of opportunity to elevate Thai workers into quality human capital and drive the nation through AI and cost-of-living crises toward a sustainable high-income economy.

On May 1 at the Siam Square Walking Street event, Deputy PM Yutthasak opened the "Siam Square Walking Street For All: Chulalongkorn Cares for Strong Thai Workers Year 2" program alongside Labor Minister Julphand Amornvivat.

Yutthasak stated that on the occasion of National Labor Day, it was time for Thailand to shift its perspective from the term "labor" to comprehensive human capital management, as all Thai people represent the nation's most valuable resource.

He emphasized the need to shift strategy from reactive to proactive approaches to support and care for people of all ages—from youth working to support themselves through education to elderly citizens brimming with potential—amid rising living costs, AI technology, and the transition to a green society.

The nation must accelerate preparedness and build resilience in human capital to navigate rapid global changes. This mission requires collaboration across all sectors, particularly educational institutions that bring knowledge to communities, elevate society, and inspire young generations to develop their localities while transforming crisis into opportunity, building new infrastructure, and driving the country toward sustainable high-income growth.

"I extend my heartfelt encouragement and profound admiration to all workers, as you are the most crucial mechanism and heart in driving our economy and truly shaping Thailand's future," Yutthasak said.

Labor Minister Julphand noted that National Labor Day reflects workers' crucial role in the economy amid challenges from energy crises and AI technology. Upskilling and reskilling have become urgent priorities to enhance workers' capabilities to meet rapid changes. The government is committed to developing human capital, strengthening skills and lifelong learning to create security and drive sustainable national progress.

The "Siam Square Walking Street For All: Chulalongkorn Cares for Strong Thai Workers Year 2" event offered comprehensive health services including blood tests, dental health checks, and disease risk screenings with health counseling.

Additionally, mental health services through stress assessment and counseling were provided alongside consultations on labor rights, welfare, and relevant laws, as well as vocational skill development and entertainment activities aimed at comprehensively improving workers' quality of life.

Thailand is set to host the prestigious 2026 Pattaya Tough Mudder, the country's first international-caliber obstacle course mud run festival, expecting over 2,000 international athletes from more than 20 countries and generating approximately 150 million baht in economic activity. The event was officially announced on May 1, 2026 at Eastpana Hotel in Sri Racha, Chachoengsao, with government officials including Pattarachai Singhawaree from the convention and exhibition promotion office and Isra Charoen-char, Deputy Governor of Chachoengsao Province, expressing the region's readiness to host this world-class sporting event. The 2026 Pattaya Tough Mudder will take place at Wisdom Valley in Chachoengsao on Saturday, May 2, aligned with Thailand's sports tourism policy to establish the country as an international sports tourism destination. The event features world-class obstacle courses and mud challenges designed to test participants' physical strength, mental resilience, and teamwork capabilities, with race options ranging from 5K to overnight endurance challenges. Tough Mudder's core philosophy emphasizes teamwork and community, welcoming ordinary people with extraordinary fighting spirit to conquer obstacles and push their limits together. The event is organized by the Convention and Exhibition Promotion Office, Chachoengsao Province, and Spartan Thailand, with support from sponsors including Shokubutsu, Raw Recovery, Pocari Sweat, Ginzy, Eastpana Hotel, and The Movement Playground.

CHONBURI — May 1, 2026: Bang Saen beach drew massive crowds on National Labour Day, creating traffic jams and packed shorelines, though vendors reported subdued spending as families tightened budgets ahead of the new school term.

At 15:30, reporters observed heavy traffic leading to Bang Saen and along the beachfront, with visitors from multiple provinces converging in large numbers. Picnic areas overflowed with families dining together while sunbeds were nearly fully occupied. Many adults and children braved the heat to swim and cool off in the sea.

Thanaphon Wannapong, 42, a drinks vendor, said visitor numbers appeared high but fell short of last year's Labour Day crowds. "Normally it would be completely packed and business would be booming," he explained, noting that weaker sales this year stemmed from parents setting aside money for school fees and uniforms.

Anan Piamprasert, 50, who rents inflatable rings, reported a sharp income drop. On typical holidays he earns 4,000–5,000 baht daily, but is now bringing in around 1,000 baht on busy days and as little as 400 baht on weekdays. He blamed the decline on rising travel costs and families cutting back before the school term begins.

Yutthaphum Surisan, 31, a visitor from Min Buri, said he brought his family to Bang Saen for its convenient location and appealing atmosphere. Despite traffic congestion and parking challenges, he found the trip worthwhile, highlighting the affordable food and refreshing sea as perfect for a summer escape.

The Thai Nation Party intensifies its push as Pol. Lt. Col. Thawee Sodsong, party leader, heads a legal team to unravel the murder case of Kamalsakdi Liwamaung. The victim himself fears a potential 'cover-up' that would confine the investigation to only the first five suspects, exposing how critical documents have gone missing to an independent investigation unit instead of remaining with police investigators. He is pressing authorities to urgently extract data from 10 phone numbers before they are automatically erased under PDPA rules within three months, insisting the evidence against Montri and Decho is solid enough to issue arrest warrants immediately.

On May 1, 2025, Pol. Lt. Col. Thawee Sodsong, the Thai Nation Party chairman, along with his legal team, attended a meeting to review the case progress. Kamalsakdi Liwamaung participated as the injured party, summarizing new evidence that could potentially link to the "masterminds." Kamalsakdi revealed to the press that after filing additional complaints against two more individuals—Montri and Decho—on charges of "conspiring, hiring, or supporting an assassination attempt," similar to the initial five suspects, he is confident the evidence gathered by his party is weighty enough for police to immediately issue arrest or summons warrants.

"From our perspective, Montri's conduct is clearly not just supportive—the car loans, the film surveillance, and the use of fake license plates are all sufficient grounds for charges. But why are investigators delaying? In three-province cases previously, charges were filed based solely on questioning in special courts, yet this case seems to operate by different standards," Kamalsakdi stated.

The most concerning issue involves telephone communication records. Kamalsakdi indicated he requested additional investigation on seven points, particularly 10 phone numbers involved in the case, only to encounter legal obstacles related to PDPA restrictions and deliberate delays.

"We asked investigators where the communication documents are, and they said they're with the independent investigation unit, not with the police investigators. What does that mean? Telecom companies only keep phone records for three months before automatically deleting them. The longer we wait, the more evidence disappears. Is this an attempt to wrap things up at just the first five suspects as the media has suggested?"

Kamalsakdi openly acknowledged his concerns about "justice," noting he received information that certain officials handling the case harbor personal prejudices against him. However, over the past 2-3 days, the Chulachomklao Camp commander met with him to clarify and confirm that if any personnel in involved agencies show bias, full legal action would be taken, as such conduct is personal misconduct, not organizational policy.

In closing remarks, Kamalsakdi sent a strong signal to state authorities that this case is not a personal matter, but one being watched by people across the three provinces and parts of Songkhla.

"Don't protect certain individuals at the expense of the majority's problems. Don't fuel conflict through dual-standard justice. If the justice process is compromised, society will immediately view it as a reflection of institutional failure, creating a new condition in the region that will make community work even harder for the next hundred years," Kamalsakdi concluded.