The Thai Meteorological Department issued Announcement No. 5 (45/2569) on severe thunderstorms affecting upper Thailand from April 29 to May 1. The northern, northeastern, and eastern regions, along with the eastern and lower central areas, will initially experience thunderstorms with strong winds, hail, and heavy rainfall in some areas, with possible lightning strikes. Bangkok and its vicinity will be affected in later stages. The storms are caused by a high-pressure system and cold air mass from China moving over the northeastern region and the South China Sea, while upper Thailand experiences hot to very hot conditions. Residents are advised to avoid open areas, large trees, weak structures, and unstable billboards. Farmers should reinforce fruit trees, prepare for crop and livestock damage prevention, and monitor their health during this period of changing weather conditions.

Chainat residents are criticizing the new electricity rate structure as unjust, questioning why their bills are surging by thousands of baht when their income hasn't changed. After the Energy Regulatory Commission approved a new electricity rate structure to begin in June, the first 200 units were set at no more than 3 baht per unit, while usage exceeding 401 units could cost over 5 baht per unit under a tiered system.

Reporters recently visited a decorative fish shop owner in Muang District, Chainat Province, which operates 24 hours daily to run oxygen pumps and lighting. Nattanon Ratphon, 37, the shop owner, revealed that this measure severely impacts business operators. Current sales are already poor, yet electricity costs are climbing in contradiction to the economic situation. This month alone, his bill jumped from 2,000 to 3,500 baht, and any further increases under the new structure would be unbearable. He questioned why bills keep rising by thousands of baht when income remains unchanged.

Meanwhile, 50-year-old vendor Jarinya Eamlaao shared that the scorching heat combined with caring for her bedridden father forces her to run air conditioning around the clock. With goods, fuel, and other expenses already expensive, people are forced to maintain the same income while costs rise everywhere. If the new rate structure pushes electricity bills even higher, she fears life will become increasingly difficult.

Nong Phaphaeng shop has issued a statement promising 1-7 day delivery following the viral live-streaming durian sale hosted by influencer Pimry Pie and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthammaphand, where premium durians normally priced at 600-700 baht each were offered at just 100 baht per fruit, with plans to sell one million units. The livestream event on April 28, 2569 (2026) attracted over 800,000 viewers across all platforms and sparked significant online controversy. Critics questioned whether the small-sized fruits—colloquially called "pop-pop durians"—were actually premium quality, whether one million units would genuinely be sold, and whether the 30-day delivery window (May 30 - June 1) was feasible. In response, Nong Phaphaeng released video footage showing a large warehouse filled with numerous boxes of durians ready for shipment, guaranteeing all orders would be delivered within 1-7 days, with the exception of orders placed just before the livestream ended, which might take longer. The shop confirmed they will handle all claims and complaints except for unripe fruit, offering refunds without requiring product returns, and stressed they are acting as a middleman seller purchasing directly from orchards and ready-to-ship inventory.

Kobbie Mainoo, the promising midfielder for Manchester United, is set to sign a new contract that will significantly boost his earnings by 650%. The 21-year-old midfielder will see his weekly wages rise from £20,000 to £150,000 under the new deal, which extends through 2031. This marks a remarkable turnaround after Mainoo was dropped from the squad during Ruben Amorim's tenure, when contract talks had stalled due to his uncertainty about his future at Old Trafford and ongoing image rights complications that have now been fully resolved.

Mainoo, who previously requested a transfer to Napoli, has emerged as a key player under Michael Carrick's management, featuring in 12 out of 113 matches. He has also returned to the England national team setup and is in contention for selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Their Majesties the King and Queen are undertaking a state visit to the Kingdom of Sweden from April 29 to May 2, 2025, at the invitation of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

At 8:29 a.m. local time on April 29, 2025, His Majesty and Her Majesty boarded Thai Airways International flight TG 8886, arriving at Stockholm Arlanda International Airport for the state visit to the Kingdom of Sweden from April 29 to May 2, 2025.

At the invitation of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Their Majesties attended ceremonial functions commemorating the King's 80th birthday celebration.

Upon the royal aircraft's arrival at Stockholm Arlanda International Airport, His Majesty graciously permitted Khunying Arunrung Potthong Humphreys, Royal Thai Ambassador to Stockholm, to pay respects and welcome Their Majesties. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden greeted them at the aircraft stairs.

Ms. Jessica Hedin, Deputy Director of the Swedish Royal Court's Ceremonial Affairs, then presented members of Crown Princess Victoria's staff and security personnel, as well as Swedish security and safety officials.

The Royal Thai Ambassador and the Director of the Investment Promotion Office in Stockholm presented garlands to Their Majesties.

Their Majesties then proceeded by motorcade to the Grand Hotel in Stockholm, the Kingdom of Sweden, where they are staying.

At 9:30 a.m. local time, Their Majesties arrived at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm, the Kingdom of Sweden.

At the hotel, Ms. Pithara Navarat, Counselor at the Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm, the wife of the Air Force attaché, the Director of the Investment Promotion Office in Stockholm, the wife of the Royal Thai Ambassador, embassy officials and their spouses, as well as the General Manager of the Grand Hotel, paid their respects to welcome Their Majesties.

Additionally, Thai nationals and residents of the Kingdom of Sweden and the Kingdom of Norway gathered to pay their respects and witness the royal visit.

After Rungthang Jitrmueangnon, Thailand's beloved boxer, lost by knockout to Takeru Segawa, a prominent Japanese fighter, in the fifth round and missed the ONE Championship interim flyweight title at ONE Samurai 1, he returned to Thailand. Recently, Boi Tha Phrajan, a well-known amulet expert and Rungthang's close brother, posted an encouraging photo showing Rungthang surrounded by his team and friends all sending mini hearts, with the caption "We are friends #BangThang #BoiThaPhrajan." Additionally, Boi commented that despite the loss, he will give his brother a One Piece card and another 100,000 baht.