Japan to provide $10 billion to Southeast Asia to ease oil price strain
KYODO — Japan has decided to provide a total of US$10 billion in financial support to Southeast Asian nations struggling with surging crude oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East, government sources said Wednesday.

Traditional “Luk Noo” rocket race kicks off in Pathum Thani
The first round of the traditional Mon “Luk Noo” (little rat) rocket-firing contest was held on Sunday at Hatthasan Kaset temple in Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani province, attracting local participants alongside Thai and international spectators. Handcrafted rockets were launched along a wire to strike a model castle, showcasing skills passed down through generations...

Songkran traffic accidents took 191 lives, most in Bangkok
Although the government has campaigned for road safety during the Songkran festival holiday, traffic accidents from April 10 to 14 have claimed 191 lives, with Bangkok recording the most fatalities.

Big biker rider dies after plunging into canal in Pathum Thani
A big bike rider was killed after losing control on a curve and crashing into a barrier on an overpass in Thanyaburi district of Pathum Thani province late Tuesday night, plunging into a canal and drowning, police said.

Silom wraps up Songkran fun with over 650,000 participants
The Songkran event on Silom Road in Bangkok wrapped up Tuesday night, with total participants over three days reported at more than 650,000, according to the Bang Rak District Office.  

Apple cracks down on low-quality AI-generated apps
Apple has launched a major crackdown on the App Store, targeting a surge of low-quality applications created through "Vibe Coding"—a practice where developers rely almost exclusively on artificial intelligence (AI) to generate software that often lacks functionality or original features.

US lawmaker demands FIFA pay World Cup transport bill amid ticket hikes
NEW YORK - A top US lawmaker called on FIFA to pay for World Cup public transportation costs on Tuesday following a report that local authorities in New Jersey are planning massive price hikes during the tournament.

Oil prices fall for a second day on expectations US-Iran talks may resume
TOKYO: Oil prices fell for a second day on Wednesday on expectations peace talks between the U.S. and Iran may resume and eventually release supply from the key Middle East producing region trapped by the closure of the Strait of ​Hormuz.

Tylenol in pregnancy not linked with autism, Danish study finds
The use of Tylenol by women during pregnancy was not associated with autism in their children, according to results of a nationwide ​study in Denmark published on Monday (April 13). - REUTERS

IMF, World Bank, IEA urge countries to avoid energy hoarding
The International Monetary Fund, World Bank and International Energy Agency on Monday (April 13) urged countries to avoid hoarding energy supplies and imposing export controls that could worsen what they called the biggest shock ever to the global energy market. - REUTERS