On April 29, 2025, Pachon Anantsila, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy for Society (DE), chaired a press conference announcing control measures for ride-sharing platform providers following an incident involving malicious conduct toward a service user. He was joined by Dr. Chaichana Mitpan, Director of the Electronic Transactions Development Office (ETDA), Sarapong Paituryapong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport (DLT), Major General Chanannut Saratwalpaichaya, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), Police Colonel Kongsak Pannoi from Nong Khaem Police Station, and Nattadanai Suksitanan, General Manager of Bolt Thailand.

Permanent Secretary Pachon stated that following Digital Economy Minister Chaiyachok Chidchob's directive to expedite control measures for public transport platform providers, the incident represents conduct that should never occur had the platform complied with standards set by the DE Ministry, ETDA, and the DLT. All ride-sharing service providers must register vehicles under the public transport vehicle system (Form 17/Form 18) and drivers must hold public transport driving licenses. The previous registration deadline of March 31, 2025 has now passed, and full legal enforcement will begin moving forward.

The DE Permanent Secretary stated that the ministry regrets the incident and will take full enforcement action against platforms that fail to comply with regulations and negligently allow misconduct to occur. Enhanced legal enforcement mechanisms may be implemented, particularly for platforms lacking proper risk management and user safety systems as defined by the DE and Transport ministries.

Enforcement may include both civil and criminal proceedings to suspend or revoke platform operations, and may invoke the Computer Crime Act Section 20 to block non-compliant platforms. Chaichana Mitpan, ETDA Director, stated that the ride-sharing incident highlights the necessity to "elevate the intensity of supervision and legal enforcement" to build user confidence. ETDA has been conducting parallel operations with serious legal enforcement and continuous consultations with the DLT and related agencies.

Platform providers have been instructed to ensure operations comply with the "Electronic Transactions Commission Announcement Concerning Other Operations for Public Transport Ride-Sharing Platform Business" effective March 31, 2025. Chaichana noted that monitoring revealed some platforms have "insufficiently rigorous" verification procedures, particularly regarding driver identity verification. ETDA has therefore issued orders for stricter compliance.

Thailand joined a special ASEAN agriculture and forestry ministers' meeting to discuss cooperation in reinforcing agricultural security in response to the Middle East situation. Winayadej Thrupsuksok, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, headed the Thai delegation in the online Special ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) Meeting on The Latest Situation in The Middle East. The delegation included Deputy Permanent Secretary Narumol Songwanwong, ministry officials, and relevant staff participating from the Agriculture and Cooperatives ministry conference room.

The permanent secretary addressed the meeting to exchange Thailand's perspectives and adaptation strategies, noting that the Middle East crisis has impacted global food security, agricultural production, and the stability of input supply chains, particularly fertilizers. These disruptions have negatively affected vulnerable groups in the ASEAN region, increasing production costs and food prices for member states.

The ministry has implemented proactive measures to ensure adequate fertilizer supplies domestically while promoting the combined use of chemical, organic, and biological fertilizers to reduce production costs and maintain efficiency. Thailand is also promoting knowledge transfer suited to different crop types and soil conditions, supporting research and development in soil quality improvement, and developing sustainable agricultural systems.

Thailand emphasized support for agricultural market stability and developing resilient and sustainable agriculture aligned with the ASEAN Vision 2045 and relevant cooperation frameworks. The meeting included discussions on current situations, preparedness measures, and emergency response plans, with agreement to strengthen regional coordination and joint actions supporting ASEAN food security.

The meeting stressed the importance of maintaining smooth circulation of food, fertilizers, and agricultural inputs, while agreeing to avoid unnecessary trade restrictions that could worsen food insecurity and increase market volatility. Enhanced regional cooperation was emphasized to strengthen capacity in addressing external crises.

The meeting reflected Thailand's commitment to upgrading agriculture through ecosystem-conscious approaches that enhance flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability while supporting global food security. Thailand emphasized the necessity of concrete cooperation among ASEAN members to enable the region to maintain its leadership role and remain a trusted partner in global food security forums.

Screams echo through the hall as Amarin TV brings an exciting new phenomenon with the creative concert 'CON National Singles - Lonely Come Together Here Target,' transforming single status into an incredibly fun moment at One Bangkok Forum, 3rd floor.

The event welcomes everyone regardless of relationship status—whether you're 'very single,' 'newly single,' or 'wanting to be single'—with no judgment needed. This is a day for single hearts to unite and release their emotions through music, fun, and positive energy without worrying about anyone else's opinion. Come solo, as a couple, or with a group and sing your hearts out together.

The main highlight features a stellar lineup of hot artists igniting the night. DAOU & OFFROAD will take hearts soaring with romantic excitement, T-Pop group PERSES will deliver explosive fun with trending dance moves, rising star DEXX brings pure brightness, and indie pop duo SERIOUS BACON, known for viral chart-topping songs, will immerse everyone in single-but-not-lonely vibes.

'CON National Singles' is more than just a concert—it's a celebration of single life in the most fun way possible. See you there.

Thailand and Laos Unite to Combat Transboundary Haze Using Technology and Knowledge for Sustainable Clean Air

At 2:00 PM today (April 29, 2025), Thai Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Raweewan Pooridet, Ambassador to Vientiane Kroengkanit Rakcharoen, and senior ministry officials, met with Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane. The visit aimed to discuss and strengthen environmental cooperation between the two nations in concrete ways.

Both sides agreed to advance proactive collaboration to address transboundary haze, a shared regional challenge. The focus will be on deploying modern technology, including the development of data-sharing platforms for hotspots and PM2.5 monitoring via satellite imagery, establishing a "green bank," and strengthening capacity in forest fire prevention and control through training and knowledge transfer from Thailand.

Prime Minister Sonexay emphasized the importance of integrating environmental cooperation between the two countries' agencies to tackle issues with direct impacts on public health and quality of life. Thailand is prepared to provide support in technology, personnel, and equipment to improve problem management efficiency.

Minister Suchart stated that the Thai government, under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's leadership, takes the transboundary haze problem seriously, emphasizing proactive work and cooperation with neighboring countries to achieve clear and sustainable results.

"Haze is not a single country's problem—it's a shared regional challenge. Sustainable solutions require cooperation from all parties," Suchart said.

Both nations also agreed to develop systematic cooperation covering forest fire prevention, hotspot monitoring, development of traceability systems, and knowledge exchange to strengthen long-term collaborative capacity.

Additionally, discussions covered the drafting of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to align with Laos's institutional restructuring and changing environmental circumstances.

This dialogue represents another significant step in Thailand-Laos cooperation, reflecting their strong relationship and shared commitment to addressing environmental challenges, creating clean air, and sustainably improving quality of life in the region.

ITC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Roy Chan announced that the company's first quarter of 2025 performance marks the highest results since listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), with sales of $163 million USD, a 28.6% increase from the same period last year, equivalent to 5,174 million baht. This growth stems from increased demand from major customers in the US and European markets.

Operating profit reached 762 million baht, up 36.0% year-on-year, driven by higher sales volume and disciplined cost management. Adjusted net profit (excluding transformation costs) hit 991 million baht, growing 24.9%.

"The first quarter's record-breaking performance reflects our consistent strategic execution, commitment to operational excellence, and strong commercial operations, which have been crucial in driving revenue growth and maintaining robust gross profit margins," Chan stated.

Despite volatile trade conditions, customers continue to trust ITC's innovation capabilities, sustainability leadership, and world-class manufacturing and delivery standards.

Gross profit totaled 1,258 million baht, up 23.1% year-on-year, reflecting an increased proportion of premium products representing 51.5% of total sales.

Pet treat products remain a key growth driver, accounting for 20.8% of total sales in the first quarter with a remarkable 95% increase compared to the previous year. This growth is driven by the premium pet treat trend, growing awareness of pet health and wellness, and increased popularity of lickable pet treat formats.

All regions showed year-on-year growth, with the American market remaining ITC's largest at 60% of total sales. Increased demand from global pet food companies and private label customers drove this growth. Europe showed strong recovery signals with sales growth exceeding 49.2% year-on-year, representing 15% of total sales. Asia and Oceania accounted for 25% of total sales, with growth primarily supported by Japan, Taiwan, and Australia.

While Middle East tensions have not significantly impacted first quarter results, the company has implemented proactive measures and works closely with customers to manage potential indirect impacts. Through strategic groundwork, ITC remains confident in delivering long-term value to stakeholders.

Chan stated that the company maintains its full-year 2025 outlook with a target revenue growth of 9-12% in USD, gross profit margin of 23-25%, and SG&A expenses to sales ratio of 9-10%, while closely monitoring developments in the Middle East conflict.