The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), represented by Secretary-General Poolpat Leesombatpaibul, announced it is now accepting public comments on a proposal to restructure residential electricity rates using a progressive pricing model. The initiative follows cabinet resolutions from April 28, 2025, and the National Energy Policy Committee's decision from April 29, 2025, which guarantee that the first 200 units of monthly household electricity consumption will not exceed 3 baht per unit.

Electricity rates for consumption above 200 units will follow a progressive tiered structure to reflect actual costs and encourage efficient energy use. The distribution utilities have developed four case study scenarios, all maintaining the core principle that residential consumers using up to 200 units pay no more than 3 baht per unit through the progressive rate adjustment in the energy charge component.

High-volume consumers will face incrementally higher rates based on usage levels, excluding monthly service fees, variable charges, and value-added tax. "All four scenarios establish different energy charge rates for each consumption block. Residential consumers using up to 200 units pay no more than 3 baht per unit, while those consuming 401 units or more will face additional charges averaging 0.54-1.03 baht per unit, bringing their total average to 4.96-5.45 baht per unit. Implementation is expected to begin with billing cycles in July 2025," the ERC stated.

Scenarios 1 and 2 set higher rates for households consuming 400 units or more monthly compared to current levels, while Scenarios 3 and 4 apply higher rates to those consuming 200 units or more. This restructuring aligns with government policy while maintaining appropriate cost-reflective principles and considering impacts on different consumer groups and long-term grid stability.

All feedback and recommendations received during the consultation period, running from May 22 to June 5, 2025, will be compiled and analyzed by the ERC before proceeding with legally mandated next steps. The public can submit comments via www.erc.or.th.

Abhisit confident Anucha and Bangkok councilors fit the bill, wants people with real local knowledge who can coordinate effectively and solve problems. Plans to unveil policies soon, believes Bangkok can achieve more than its current state.

On May 22, 2569, at the Democrat Party headquarters, party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva announced after introducing Anucha Burpachai as the party's Bangkok governor candidate that both Anucha and deputy party leader Sakoltee Phattiyakul, who oversees Bangkok areas, are working at full capacity. The nomination strategy involves not merely presenting a candidate but also bringing comprehensive policies and preparation for coordinated work with Bangkok councilors.

Moving forward, the party expects to present clearer policy proposals based on the belief that Bangkok residents should have choices and that the city can achieve more than it currently has. The timing for unveiling the Bangkok management team will depend on strategic considerations.

Abhisit addressed public opinion surveys showing Bangkok residents want councilors who understand local conditions, coordinate effectively, and can solve area-specific problems. He stated that the Democrat Party has experienced members currently serving as councilors, and the party's system extends beyond sitting or former councilors to include people working in various areas—whether through party branches or as parliamentary and councilor assistants. This coordination readiness confirms the party's preparedness not only in its governor and councilor candidates but throughout its entire organizational structure, a matter the party has consistently prioritized.

When asked about competitors, including a former Bangkok governor and former Democrat members running, Abhisit said it would give Bangkok residents more choices, in line with democratic principles.

Central Retail Corporation has launched an environmental conservation initiative targeting Net Zero emissions by 2050, announced CEO Sutthisarn Jiratthiwattana. The company is implementing the 'CRC Shaping Net Zero Program – Designing Initiatives Towards Net Zero Goals Through Synergy and Innovation' under its 'CRC Care' philosophy and 'ReNEW' strategy, which aligns with Thailand's NDC 3.0 international commitments. The program requires integrated efforts across all business units and functions to achieve this ambitious goal.

To drive this Net Zero objective, Central Retail has appointed Environment Champions across all business units to spearhead environmental initiatives in four key dimensions: reducing greenhouse gas emissions from operations, building environmentally responsible communities, promoting eco-friendly products and packaging, and implementing efficient waste management. The company is already executing multiple sustainability projects including solar panel installations at stores and distribution centers, LED lighting upgrades, expanding EV charging infrastructure, deploying electric vehicles in logistics, reducing landfill waste through sorting and recycling, and the 'Hug the World' program that promotes environmentally friendly product sales and consumption.

The CRC Shaping Net Zero Program will serve as an important milestone for Environment Champions from all business units to workshop together, exchange knowledge, and develop new solution ideas. Promising initiatives will receive support for pilot implementation as short-term projects with monitoring plans before developing into long-term roadmaps. Central Retail is also building a sustainability ecosystem with value chain partners, having received support from leading industry partners including PwC, SCGP, WHA Corporation, and OR to share experiences and develop actionable sustainability guidelines.

Suraniya Jiratthiwattana, Chief Sustainability Officer at Central Retail Corporation, emphasized that the company believes sustainability is not the responsibility of any single individual but rather a shared corporate culture where everyone can be a driving force toward common goals. She stated that Net Zero is no longer merely an alternative measure or business opportunity, but a survival necessity and demonstrates competitiveness under the world's new rules emphasizing sustainability. Central Retail is initiating this transformational change from within the organization.

On May 22, 2025, at the Democratic Party headquarters, Abhisit Vejjajiva, a party-list MP and Democratic Party leader, discussed the submission of a constitutional amendment draft. He explained that the Democratic Party lacks sufficient MPs to submit its own draft alone, so it has consulted with other political parties facing the same challenge. The parties are currently aligned on two core principles: first, creating a process that ensures genuine public participation in the charter drafting assembly (CDA), which differs from Pheu Thai's approach; and second, not amending Chapters 1 and 2, which would differ from the People's Party draft.

Abbisit stated that beyond these points, the parties have differing views on the CDA selection process and constitutional approval procedures, with varying details among each party in current discussions. However, he believes a resolution will be reached next week and a draft can be submitted. Each party will present its own proposal and agreement is expected within the week.

On Pheu Thai's draft, Abbisit noted it clearly differs regarding public participation procedures, involving only registration without broader participatory mechanisms. The CDA selection process would also face problems in balancing main principles, proportionality, and provincial considerations.

When asked about Pheu Thai's draft being submitted in the party's name rather than through the Cabinet as typically required for major legislation, Abbisit said it's not necessary and depends on whether the government takes a position. The government clearly didn't include this in its policy from the start, so he's unsurprised there's no Cabinet draft—the government simply doesn't intend to pursue this matter, leaving it to political parties.

Regarding whether parties will submit one draft or multiple separate ones, Abbisit said it depends on whether differences can be reconciled. If so, one draft would be submitted; if not, they may submit separate drafts with mutual endorsements to ensure all proposals are presented. Submission is expected next week.

On whether public participation requires citizens to directly elect CDA members, potentially conflicting with a Constitutional Court ruling, Abbisit proposed using electronic polling to allow people to express views on CDA candidates through a digital system. This would ensure broad participation while saving costs compared to traditional elections. For those without phones, citizens could register in their own subdistrict to vote. Importantly, this would be polling, not election, so the resulting names wouldn't be final—the assembly would still make the ultimate selection.

Sugar Chalita shared relationship updates at the EVEANDBOY BEST SELLING AWARDS 2025 event at One Bangkok, discussing her nearly two-year romance with international boyfriend Charlie Temple. Though she loves him deeply and he's supportive, she's not yet considering marriage, preferring to focus on work and personal life first. She stressed that she and her collaborator Naht prioritize creating meaningful, socially beneficial content rather than chasing viral moments through drama.

When asked about sharing couple moments, she joked they rarely post anything sweet and that her friend takes photos instead. Her boyfriend recently surprised her with pink shoes he knew she wanted. She clarified he doesn't always spoil her—if she wants something, she just tells him. He never shows up empty-handed to events and is consistently supportive. She noted this is simply his responsibility, and she doesn't expect grand gestures; she's content as long as they're together and she can be herself.

Regarding language barriers, she explained that daily English practice has made communication smoother over time. He understands Thai culture exceptionally well, even better than she does in some ways. She spends more time with her work partner Naht than her boyfriend due to their filming schedule, though he occasionally mentions they haven't seen each other in a day.

She's been dating for nearly two years with multiple anniversary dates they celebrate—though she can't remember official dates since she's forgetful and he remembers their first meeting. When asked about marriage plans, she said she's not ready yet and wants to continue working, earning, and living life. She enjoys attending weddings and catching the bouquet but hasn't succeeded yet.

On content creation, she and Naht discuss what to produce, being mindful of appropriateness and cultural sensitivity. She rarely creates trend-chasing content, preferring to serve helpful material that educates and entertains. They balance meaningful content with lighter, frivolous posts. Many creators struggle with location permissions, and she acknowledged this is a concern—she always asks permission before filming and doesn't act recklessly.

Three siblings have run away from home after becoming upset with their father for banning them from playing Free Fire. On May 22, foreign media reported that three children from Surat, Gujarat, India fled with approximately 15,000 rupees (around 5,000 baht) after being prohibited from playing the game. Police suspect the three may have boarded a train bound for Mumbai.

The three children consist of a 14-year-old boy, an 11-year-old brother, and a 9-year-old sister. They all left home early in the morning on May 19 while their family was sleeping.

The family revealed to police that the children were heavily addicted to Free Fire and frequently used their father's mobile phone to play for extended periods. Previously, the children's father had returned to his hometown and accidentally left his phone at home, allowing the three to spend most of their time gaming on the device. When the father returned, the mother began expressing concern that the children were spending too much time on mobile games. The father then decided to remove the SIM card from the phone and lock it away in a cabinet to try to limit their gaming behavior.

However, being banned from gaming made all three children upset, and they decided to run away from home with some cash. When the family discovered the children were missing, they immediately reported it to police.

Police revealed they have established five investigation teams to track down the children, working in coordination with multiple agencies. Initial reviews of CCTV footage show that all three children appear to be safe.

Source: India Today Reported by Sanook News Online team