On May 2 and 3, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be open from 8:30 a.m. to noon. During these two days, members of the public will be permitted to pay respects at the lying in state at the Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall from 8 a.m. to noon.

On May 4, the Grand Palace will be closed, while the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Royal Pantheon will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission via Sawasdisopa Gate opposite the Ministry of Defence. Access to the Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall will not be permitted that day. On May 5, when a Chinese funeral ceremony will be held, the Grand Palace will reopen from 8:30 a.m. to noon, but access to the lying-in-state will remain restricted.

Visitors must follow strict dress requirements when entering the Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall, including formal attire; jeans are prohibited, and women must wear dresses or skirts. Authorities also indicated that the royal court remains in mourning during this period.

The project follows filming conducted in January 2026 across the Isan region, presenting Thai identity through cuisine, culture, and local lifestyles while connecting with the Francophone world, coinciding with the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France.

The documentary features travel routes across Nakhon Ratchasima, Roi Et, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, and Chiang Khan in Loei province. It includes profiles of Francophones, such as chefs, designers, teachers, and local experts, who serve as cultural links between Thailand and France.

The program began airing on April 29, 2026, on TV5 Monde, which reaches more than 450 million households in over 200 countries and attracts over 60 million viewers each week. The documentary is also available online at www.tv5mondeplus.com/df and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfoBKr1RtJ4.

More than 80 guests attended the premiere, including Nikorndej Balankura, Thailand's ambassador-designate to France, as well as representatives from government agencies, tourism businesses, airlines, travel firms, media, and online creators. The event included a reception featuring Isan cuisine prepared by a Thai culinary school in Paris, with dishes such as som tam, grilled chicken, tom saep, and a menu titled “Miang 170,” representing ties between Thailand and France.

According to Army Spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, Thai authorities had been notified in advance that a Cambodian delegation would inspect an area near Thai positions. Thai units acknowledged the notice and maintained close monitoring during the visit.

During the inspection, Cambodian personnel were seen moving closer to the Thai barbed-wire line despite prior coordination and existing agreements. Thai troops responded by detonating three warning charges in line with standard procedures, prompting the Cambodian side to withdraw.

The incident has been reported to higher command, including the Suranaree Task Force and the Second Army Area, with further steps planned, including a formal protest. Thai officials said the response followed established rules and reiterated that the country retains the right to act in self-defense to protect sovereignty and public safety. 

The meeting on April 28 addressed defense relations and ongoing cooperation between the two neighbors, including coordination along their shared border, where military units continue to work together to maintain order and support regional stability.

The Thai delegation expressed appreciation for the reception extended to Their Majesties the King and Queen during their recent visit to Laos and indicated its readiness to expand cooperation in military education, training, and personnel exchanges. Both sides discussed joint exercises, continued engagement at multiple levels, and an invitation for Laos to attend a regional military medicine event in Bangkok.

Security cooperation covered efforts to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime, along with joint border monitoring. The talks also included cooperation on forest fire prevention and air pollution, in addition to border area development to support economic activity and agriculture, alongside regional issues.

ASEAN countries rely heavily on imports from the Middle East, with about 55 percent of crude oil and 17 percent of natural gas sourced from the region. Disruptions to transport routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, have affected supply chains, pricing, and access to fuel, raising concerns over economic stability.

Thai officials addressed the impact on the country, including volatility in oil prices, rising living costs, and risks to energy security. In response, measures include increased domestic gas production in the Gulf of Thailand, diversification of import sources, and price management through existing mechanisms to ease the burden on vulnerable groups. The government is also promoting renewable energy, such as solar power and biofuels, to support long-term sustainability.

Thailand also signaled readiness to work with ASEAN partners on regional energy systems, including cross-border electricity and gas networks and emergency response arrangements for fuel supply. Member states are now advancing agreements to enable cooperation during supply disruptions to build greater self-reliance across the region.

The program featured retail promotions at Pagoda outlets across the city, along with exhibition booths and tasting events at Xiaogongyuan Pedestrian Street. Premium Thai fruits, including Monthong durian, Nam Hom (aromatic) coconut, longan, mangosteen, and rose apple, were introduced to consumers, drawing strong public interest.

Online outreach also took on a vital role, with live-stream sales of Thai durian on Pagoda’s Douyin platform reaching audiences nationwide. The agricultural consul took part in the broadcast, providing details on production and export standards from orchards and packing facilities through to shipment.

Officials also discussed quality control measures known as the “4 No” standards, which include no unripe fruit, no pests, no misrepresentation of origin, and no prohibited chemical residues. Additional inspections for chemicals and heavy metals are conducted before export, helping boost consumer confidence in Thai durian.

​The Minister, who oversees the Department of Airports, worked directly with Director-General Danai Ruangsorn and the Director of Krabi Airport to ensure the response met the highest international aviation safety standards.

​The incident occurred at 4:47 p.m. as an Airbus A320 bound for Suvarnabhumi was pushing back from its parking stand. A passenger reportedly claimed there was an explosive device in their carry-on luggage, prompting the pilot to return the aircraft to the gate. Although the passenger later admitted the comment was a "joke," security protocols required all passengers and baggage to be offloaded for a full inspection.

​The aircraft was moved to Bay 14, an isolated area designated for emergencies, so security teams could inspect the plane away from the main terminal. The Department of Airports confirmed that airport operations continued as normal, with other flights arriving and departing as scheduled.

​By 8 p.m., security officials completed their search and found no explosives or suspicious items. The flight departed at 9 p.m., resulting in a delay of about 4 hours and 15 minutes. The individual responsible was taken into custody for prosecution.

The Minister stressed the importance of aviation safety and warned that any statements causing public panic, regardless of intent, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

​Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek reported that the Prime Minister welcomed the Defence Minister at Government House and acknowledged the longstanding friendship between the two countries. He also thanked Lawrence Wong for his earlier congratulations on the Prime Minister’s appointment.

​The Defence Minister conveyed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s warm regards and expressed hope that Prime Minister Anutin would visit Singapore at a mutually convenient time.

Both sides reaffirmed the strong defence relationship between Thailand and Singapore, highlighted by regular high-level exchanges and annual joint exercises such as Cobra Gold. Prime Minister Anutin confirmed Thailand’s ongoing support for Singapore Armed Forces training activities in Thailand.

The leaders discussed expanding cooperation in energy management, fuel trade, and regional power grid connectivity to improve efficiency, reduce losses, and increase the use of renewable and alternative energy sources, thereby strengthening regional energy security.

​In aviation, both sides identified opportunities for cooperation in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). Singapore’s technological expertise and Thailand’s strategic location and skilled workforce were recognized as complementary strengths for developing a regional MRO hub. They discussed cooperation on food security, highlighting Thailand’s role as a major food producer and the potential to enhance regional supply resilience.

​The Defence Minister also expressed interest in Thailand’s Land Bridge project, describing it as a strategic logistics link connecting two seas, reducing transport risk, and supporting new industrial growth. Prime Minister Anutin noted that the initiative would require significant investment and broad cooperation among governments, private sector partners, and international stakeholders.

​The discussions centered on enhancing military cooperation across all branches of the armed forces. Key areas included joint exercises, defense industry development, cybersecurity, and strategic information sharing. Both ministers stressed the need to strengthen ASEAN’s regional role through the ADMM and ADMM-Plus frameworks. Security of Critical Underwater Infrastructure (CUI) was a priority, with both sides committing to joint initiatives. Thailand is currently reviewing draft agreements to formalize this collaboration.

​This meeting represents significant progress toward concrete military outcomes and a stronger partnership between Thailand and Singapore’s defense ministries. Through continued collaboration, both countries seek to promote sustainable security and long-term regional stability.

According to Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised, traditional performances and live music by well-known artists will take place throughout the festival, blending classical expression with contemporary entertainment. Light-and-sound exhibitions will deliver immersive storytelling rooted in Thai identity, creating a dynamic atmosphere across the venues.

Technology will also play a prominent role, with AI-powered attractions that let visitors generate images of themselves in traditional Thai attire. The digital elements complement more conventional displays, offering a contrast between heritage and modern creativity.

A cultural market will offer local goods, food, and community-based products under OTOP and CPOT programs, supporting small enterprises. Interactive workshops will provide hands-on opportunities to explore Thai traditions, encouraging deeper public engagement with the country’s cultural legacy.