Myanmar sets up task force for burn-free corn exports

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17 April 2026, 16:08

Myanmar sets up task force for burn-free corn exports

YANGON — 17 April 2026, Myanmar has established a public-private task force to certify “burn-free” maize, aiming to meet Thailand’s import requirements and strengthen environmentally sustainable agricultural trade between the two countries.

According to a report by the Office of Commercial Affairs in Yangon and state media Global New Light of Myanmar on 7 April 2026, Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce has formed the task force to facilitate certification of animal feed maize produced without field burning.

The move comes in response to Thailand’s regulation requiring all imported feed maize to be burn-free, which took effect on 1 January 2026.

The task force, overseen by the Ministry of Commerce, will work alongside relevant agencies including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.

Thai trade officials in Yangon described the initiative as a “very positive signal”, reflecting Myanmar’s growing commitment to certification standards and sustainable production.

They said burn-free maize benefits both countries by reducing environmental damage, improving farmers’ health and supporting Myanmar’s exports, while ensuring a stable supply of raw materials for Thailand’s animal feed and food industries.

Thai authorities have advised private sector importers to source certified maize from Myanmar, either through documentation issued by the Myanmar Corn Industrial Association (MDA), which uses traceability systems, or via certification from the new task force.

Thai importers must register with the Department of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Commerce. Initially, importers may use self-certification alongside export certificates as supporting documents.

Efforts to promote burn-free maize have been ongoing, with Thai trade officials and the Thai embassy in Yangon engaging Myanmar’s crop associations, including the Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association, in late March.

Thailand currently imports between 1.3 million and 2 million tonnes of feed maize annually, valued at 15 billion to 19 billion baht. Myanmar is the largest supplier, accounting for nearly 90% of imports, or around 1.2 million to 1.8 million tonnes per year.

In addition, Thailand allows duty-free imports of maize from ASEAN countries, including Myanmar, under Form D certificates between 1 February and 30 June 2026.

Great Eared Nightjar spotted in Thailand after 30 years

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17 April 2026, 15:09

Great Eared Nightjar spotted in Thailand after 30 years

PHETCHABURI — 17 April 2026, a rare Great Eared Nightjar has been spotted in Kaeng Krachan National Park after 30 years, drawing hundreds of tourists and wildlife photographers to the area.

The bird was seen near Ban Krang Camp after images circulated on social media during the Songkran holiday.

Visitors travelled to the site, parking along roadsides before walking to a nearby stream along the route to Phanoen Thung, where the bird was perched motionless on a vine. They took turns photographing it at close range while avoiding disturbance.

Park chief Mongkol Chaiphakdi said the species is rarely observed, and many photographers had never previously encountered it in the wild.

Local photographers said the sighting marks the first time in three decades that the bird has been observed so prominently in the area.

Ban Krang Camp is one of Thailand’s top birdwatching and butterfly-viewing sites, attracting photographers who camp there to capture images of both resident and migratory species throughout the year.

The Great Eared Nightjar, the largest of its kind found in Thailand, is distinguished by prominent ear-like feather tufts and mottled brown plumage, which provide effective camouflage against tree bark and leaf litter.

The species is found across South and Southeast Asia and typically inhabits forests and woodland areas from lowlands up to elevations of about 1,200 metres. A nocturnal bird, it feeds mainly on large insects such as moths and flying termites, catching prey in flight, and remains motionless during the day to avoid detection.

Stray festival rocket hits home in Yasothon village

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17 April 2026, 13:47

Stray festival rocket hits home in Yasothon village

YASOTHON — 16 April 2026, a homemade rocket fell onto a house in a village in Yasothon province on Wednesday, narrowly avoiding injuries as no one was inside at the time.

The incident occurred at about 14:20 in Ban Tha Kho, Khum Ngoen subdistrict, according to local reports.

The homeowner, Wilaiwan, said she was fortunate that the house was empty when the rocket came down, leaving no casualties. However, the property sustained damage.

She said rockets had been launched in the area for the past two days as part of off-season festivities.

Wilaiwan urged local leaders and authorities to consider public safety, warning that the consequences could have been serious had anyone been inside the house at the time.

Wan Lai crowds cause heavy traffic gridlock in Bang Saen

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17 April 2026, 11:07

Wan Lai crowds cause heavy traffic gridlock in Bang Saen

CHONBURI — 16 April 2026, heavy traffic congestion hit roads leading to Bang Saen beach on Thursday evening as large crowds gathered for the start of Wan Lai Songkran celebrations.

At around 18:00, people and tourists travelled to the coastal area in pickup trucks carrying water for traditional festivities, causing severe congestion along Sukhumvit Road towards the beach entrance. Traffic on Khao Lam Road was also heavily affected, with long queues stretching for several kilometres.

Police from Saensuk station were deployed to manage traffic flow and prevent overcrowding, restricting vehicle access to the beachfront area.

Authorities closed roads leading directly to Bang Saen beach to ensure emergency vehicles, including ambulances and rescue units, could access Burapha University Hospital if needed. The measure follows complaints over the past two years about congestion obstructing emergency services.

Vehicles heading to the festival were redirected to alternative routes, while most visitors continued on foot to reach the beach. Areas near restaurants along the approach to the beachfront were crowded with tourists.

The Wan Lai festival in Bang Saen, held on 16–17 April, features traditional sand pagoda building along the beach. Around 100 sand structures are expected to be constructed on 17 April, with entries from government agencies, private organisations, schools and local administrative bodies taking part in a decoration contest.

Thai Airways trims May routes amid high fuel costs

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17 April 2026, 10:40

Thai Airways trims May routes amid high fuel costs

BANGKOK — 17 April 2026, Thai Airways International has reduced flight frequencies across domestic, Asian and European routes for May 2026, citing high fuel costs and a slowdown in tourism demand.

The airline said the adjustments were made to align capacity with weaker travel demand while managing elevated operating costs, particularly fuel.

Domestic routes

Khon Kaen: reduced from four to three flights daily from 1–31 May
Udon Thani: reduced from three to two flights daily from 1–31 May
Ubon Ratchathani: reduced from 14 to 12 flights weekly from 5–28 May

Asian routes

Southeast Asia

Phnom Penh: reduced from 14 to 11 flights weekly from 2–30 May
Singapore: reduced from five to four flights daily from 2–31 May

North Asia

Tokyo (Narita): reduced from three to two flights daily from 11–31 May, except 29 May
Beijing: reduced from two to one flight daily from 7–31 May, except 29 May
Shanghai: reduced from two to one flight daily from 11–31 May, except 30 May
Seoul (Incheon): reduced from three to one flight daily from 8–31 May
Taipei: reduced from three to two flights daily from 6–31 May
Hong Kong: reduced from four to three flights daily from 6–31 May
Kaohsiung: suspended (previously one daily flight) from 8–31 May

South Asia

Hyderabad: reduced from seven to five flights weekly from 4–27 May
Delhi: reduced from 22 to 21 flights weekly from 1–29 May
Mumbai: reduced from two to one flight daily from 1–31 May

European routes

Istanbul: reduced from seven to five flights weekly from 11–27 May
Frankfurt: reduced from 14 to 12 flights weekly from 18–27 May
Munich: reduced from seven to five flights weekly from 19–28 May
Copenhagen: reduced from seven to five flights weekly from 18–27 May
Oslo: reduced from seven to five flights weekly from 18–27 May
Stockholm: reduced from seven to five flights weekly from 18–27 May

The airline noted the information was current as of 16 April 2026 and subject to change, adding that alternative arrangements have been prepared to assist agents and passengers.

Thai couple arrested over fake transfer slips petrol scam

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17 April 2026, 09:54

Thai couple held over fake transfer slips petrol scam

HAT YAI — 17 April 2026, police have arrested a husband and wife accused of using doctored bank transfer slips to obtain free petrol and meals across multiple areas, with their latest offence reported in Phatthalung province.

The arrests followed an operation on 16 April led by Pol. Col. Macha Kaewthong, superintendent of Hat Yai Police Station, and an investigative team headed by Pol. Lt. Col. Nattaruet Khatiyasunthorn and Pol. Capt. Sarunpat Chujaroen.

The suspects, identified as Sarawut, 33, and Pornnapa, 32, were apprehended under warrants issued by the Songkhla Provincial Court.

Police located their grey Toyota Yaris parked along a road in Khlong Hae subdistrict. When the occupants spotted officers, they attempted to flee along the Khlong Hae–Khu Tao route. Officers pursued and intercepted the vehicle at the Khlong Hae–Khu Tao traffic lights on Lopburi Ramesuan Road.

During questioning, Sarawut confessed that on 6 April 2026 he ordered 500 baht worth of petrol at a filling station. While the attendant was refuelling, he altered an old transfer slip dated 2 April by editing the date, time and account name using a mobile application. He then presented the falsified slip as proof of payment before driving off. He later used a similar method to obtain free noodle meals.

Police have charged Sarawut with theft by deception using a vehicle to facilitate the crime, as well as forgery and use of forged documents.

Investigators are gathering further evidence to pursue additional charges against the pair, as records indicate they carried out similar offences in several parts of Hat Yai district and most recently in Phatthalung.

The suspects have been handed over to Hat Yai investigators for legal proceedings. Police have urged shop owners and petrol stations to verify account balances after each transfer to avoid falling victim to similar scams.

Scouts assist travellers during Songkran travel rush

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16 April 2026, 17:29

Scouts assist travellers during Songkran travel rush

BANGKOK — 16 April 2026, Scout volunteers assisted travellers during the Songkran holiday period, providing support to both local residents and foreign tourists at major transport hubs.

The programme, carried out on 9–10 April, was organised by the Office of the Scout, Red Cross Youth and Student Affairs Division under the Education Ministry as part of the “SCOUT DNA” initiative, also known as the “Smile Mission”.

Dr. Warat Pruksataweekul, deputy permanent secretary of the Education Ministry and acting secretary-general of the National Scout Office, said the initiative mobilised scouts, girl guides and scout leaders to facilitate travel for people returning to their home provinces during the long holiday.

Volunteers were stationed at key transport terminals, including Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Chatuchak Bus Terminal, Ekkamai Bus Terminal and the Southern Bus Terminal on Borommaratchachonnani Road.

Their duties included assisting with luggage, providing directions, offering translation support for foreign visitors and coordinating other forms of assistance.

The initiative received positive feedback from both Thai travellers and international tourists. A senior executive of the Transport Company observed the operation and praised the volunteers for their ability to assist passengers.

Warat said foreign tourists, particularly at Ekkamai Bus Terminal, benefited from the support, noting that many volunteers were able to communicate effectively in English, while others used translation applications to assist visitors.

He added that the volunteers took pride in fulfilling the scout pledge to help others at all times, while also serving as good hosts for visitors to Thailand.

Participants have expressed interest in continuing the initiative annually, citing both the enjoyment of the activity and the opportunity to contribute to society, while travellers have also responded positively to the services provide

Jesus Trump, Don Tzu: Who Really Is Donald Trump and How Well Is He?

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Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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16 April 2026, 16:47

Jesus Trump, Don Tzu: Who Really Is Donald Trump and How Well Is He?

Depicting himself as Jesus Christ this week was just US President Donald Trump’s latest narcissistic exercise on social media. It would not have been a big deal were he not the most powerful man on Earth – and now arguably the most powerful buffoon on the planet.

After deleting the controversial AI-generated image, Trump excused himself by claiming it actually depicted him as a doctor healing a man; he was either ignorant of how a modern doctor dresses or simply lied through his teeth in order to salvage as many offended Christian voters as possible. At least one thing is clear: Trump is no Jesus Christ.

The “Don Tzu” Delusion

Trump is increasingly a figure of international ridicule, with recent satirical takes emerging on a “Trump-style” version of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, dubbing him “Don Tzu” instead of Sun Tzu on social media. In an article by the South China Morning Post a few days ago, humorous “quotes” were featured, including:

“If you do not know what you’re doing, neither does your enemy.”

The line is attributed to “Don Tzu” — a playful portmanteau of Donald Trump and the ancient Chinese military strategist. Let me try to imitate Don Tzu: “A hundred battles end in confusion when you know neither your enemy nor thyself.”

A Rogue Superpower

Only a man like Trump can manage a blockade on a blockade of the Hormuz Strait and think it’s a good idea for the rest of the world. But perhaps he might indeed be a world-leading strategist distracting the rest of us with his buffoonery while trying to undermine Iran, an ally of China, the biggest rival of the United States.

Or perhaps Trump is more like a narcissistic megalomaniac cum the world’s most powerful hoodlum. It’s “me, me, me and me” for him. He has turned the United States into a rogue superpower. It was somewhat rogue before, but now it is so rogue it awakened a new generation around the world to recognize the United States for what it is. Forget about international law; it’s Trump’s law or war, and you risk being ridiculed if you are not on his side.

Fractured Alliances

Not just the pope, but also Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s relationship with Trump—which was solid until the Iran War intervened—is under strain. This followed her defense of Pope Leo XIV this week after he was thrashed by Trump for merely calling for peace. Meloni was once a key European ally, but the Western press speculates the chummy relationship could now be over.

Questioning Stability

It is no wonder that some are now even questioning not just Trump’s political and ethical stances, but his mental stability.
The New York Times reported on Wednesday: “As President Trump threatens to wipe out Iran and attacks the pope, even some former allies and advisers are questioning whether he has grown increasingly unbalanced, describing him as ‘lunatic’ and ‘clearly insane.’”

The Strategy of Chaos:

Some believe Trump’s volatile stance is actually a strategy to elude opponents; or perhaps his cronies are simply reaping profits from the volatility of the stock markets and energy prices.

The Human Cost

Attention should not be diverted by Trump’s personality and should instead focus on what Trump’s America is doing to most of the rest of the world. As we continue to grapple with the death tolls in Iran and neighbouring countries and the economic fallout of the energy crisis, the American embassy here in Bangkok does not even bother to hold press conferences. They could hardly care what you think.

As the international community finds it difficult to deal with Trump’s erratic behavior and unpredictability, we can go on trying to psychoanalyze Trump, but the world must prepare for the worst-case scenario.

Late Wednesday night, Al Jazeera reported that the US is sending 10,000 more troops to the Middle East despite the Iran ceasefire. More deaths and suffering are almost inevitable as long as American voters do not render him a lame-duck president come the mid-term elections this November.

Pattaya set for three-day “Wan Lai” Songkran water festival

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16 April 2026, 13:44

PATTAYA — 16 April 2026, Pattaya is preparing to host its annual Wan Lai festival, promising a nationwide-scale celebration with three days of water festivities from 17 to 19 April.

City officials said this year’s event will be bigger than ever, featuring elaborate light and sound productions and performances by well-known artists across multiple stages along Pattaya Beach.

Reporters on site said the beachfront has been transformed into a large entertainment zone, with four main stages offering continuous activities from daytime into the evening. These include a cultural stage at Soi 5 near the Mono zone, areas around the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya and Nipa Hall, and another stage organised by the Idea Association at Soi 13.

The highlight will fall on 19 April, recognised as Wan Lai Pattaya, the peak day of the festival. Authorities will close roads from 12:00 to 24:00 to allow revellers to celebrate freely.

More than 800 officers will be deployed to provide security and manage traffic in Pattaya and surrounding areas. Dedicated service lanes will also be set up to ensure emergency access for medical assistance and incident response, aiming to safeguard both residents and visitors attending the event.

Thai man, 62, refuses breath test, later charged

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16 April 2026, 11:33

Thai man, 62, refuses breath test, later charged

ANG THONG — 15 April 2026, a 62-year-old man was arrested after repeatedly refusing to take a breathalyser test at a police checkpoint before later complying and being found over the legal alcohol limit.

At 21:30, Pol. Sub Lt. Prajak Chumyen, deputy inspector of prevention and suppression at Mueang Ang Thong police station, led officers to assist checkpoint staff on the Pho Phraya–Tha Ruea road in Pa Ngio subdistrict, Mueang district.

Police said the man, driving a Nissan pickup truck, aroused suspicion and showed signs of intoxication but repeatedly refused to provide a breath sample, offering evasive responses despite being given multiple opportunities.

Officers allowed him three attempts to take the test, but he continued to avoid complying. He was then restrained and taken to the police station, where he agreed to undergo the test.

The result showed a blood alcohol level of 135 milligrams per decilitre, exceeding the legal limit.

He was charged with drink-driving and handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.

Domestic routes

Asian routes

Southeast Asia

North Asia

South Asia

European routes

​The “Don Tzu” Delusion

​A Rogue Superpower

​Fractured Alliances

​Questioning Stability

​The Strategy of Chaos:

​The Human Cost

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The “Don Tzu” Delusion

A Rogue Superpower

Fractured Alliances

Questioning Stability

The Strategy of Chaos:

The Human Cost