Thanawat Treewisavet, Managing Director of CK Power Public Company Limited (CKP), one of the region's largest renewable energy producers with one of the lowest carbon footprints, announced that from April 27-29, CKPower successfully placed three tranches of green debentures totaling 5 billion baht. The offering was oversubscribed by more than double, reflecting investor confidence in the company's business fundamentals and growth trajectory amid global economic uncertainty.

"CKPower thanks all investors for their trust and confidence in our green bonds and operations, as well as the lead arrangers—Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, CIMB Thai Bank Public Company Limited, Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited, and Kiatnakin Phatra Securities Public Company Limited—who played a crucial role in the successful placement," Thanawat said. The outcome demonstrates strong confidence in the company's solid business foundation and its renewable energy strategy focused on energy security and sustainable growth.

The debentures received an "A-" credit rating from Tris Rating with a stable outlook, equivalent to the company's corporate credit rating. They were classified as green debentures in compliance with the Green Bond Principles 2021, Green Loan Principles 2025, and Thailand Taxonomy 2023, and underwent independent external review by DNV, reflecting international best practices in transparent and verifiable capital raising.

The three tranches consist of: - 4-year maturity: 2.5 billion baht at 3.89% annual interest - 7-year maturity: 1 billion baht at 3.46% annual interest, with early redemption rights - 10-year maturity: 1.5 billion baht at 3.75% annual interest, with early redemption rights

Proceeds will fund the Luang Prabang hydroelectric project in Laos, currently under construction, strengthening Thailand's energy stability and supporting the global renewable energy transition. This successful placement reinforces CKPower's role as a green bond issuer linking capital raising to environmentally friendly energy projects.

Thanawat noted that for the five-year plan (2025-2029), CKPower aims to expand capacity through solar projects via private PPAs and government bidding processes, alongside renewable energy certificate (REC) sales. The Luang Prabang hydroelectric project is 65% complete by end-2024 and is expected to achieve commercial operation by 2029. CKPower remains committed to supporting innovation and development of energy efficiency solutions.

Prime Minister Anuthon Chanyaweerchul participated in the opening ceremony of the 48th ASEAN Summit on May 8, 2026, at the Mactan Expo center in the Philippines, alongside other ASEAN member leaders. At the full plenary session, the PM delivered Thailand's position statement, emphasizing the country's commitment to working collaboratively with all ASEAN members to maintain the region as a pillar of peace, stability, and prosperity.

The PM noted that this was the second ASEAN Summit he has attended as Thailand's premier, occurring during a period of significant global uncertainty. Despite ASEAN's history of navigating multiple crises and emerging stronger, the bloc faces renewed challenges. The summit theme, "Navigating Our Future, Together," reflects the need for collective action and unity in facing change.

The PM highlighted three priority areas: Energy Security—addressing supply chain vulnerabilities and maritime security threats by accelerating the ASEAN Power Grid, utilizing the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement, and increasing renewable energy investments in solar and biofuels; Food Security—a concern raised by all ASEAN leaders—requiring expanded cooperation beyond existing frameworks like the Thailand-Singapore rice trade agreement to cope with rising energy and fertilizer costs; and broader Regional Security—emphasizing the need for ASEAN unity, adaptability, and forward-looking cooperation to address regional tensions and their economic impacts.

The Royal Thai Police Office has organized an internal sepak takraw championship with 10 teams competing at the 4,000-seat Nakhon Pathom Municipal Sports Center gymnasium to prepare for the Armed Forces Games. General Sompremsong Yenthuam, special advisor to the Police Office and chairman of the Police Sepak Takraw Association, presided over the opening ceremony alongside other senior officials. The tournament runs from May 7-11, 2025, at the sports facility in Nakhon Pathom's Muang District, with representatives from each command headquarters participating.

General Sompremsong expressed his honor at opening this preparatory project for the 56th Armed Forces Games scheduled between May and June 2025. He emphasized that the primary value of athletic competition lies in the experience gained and the strengthening of health and fitness. The general urged all athletes to respect the rules and etiquette of competition, noting that whether they win or lose, they should take pride in fulfilling their duties to the best of their ability, as true athletic spirit is what ultimately matters.

At 9:50 AM on May 8, 2025, at the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) headquarters, Pakornsut Udomphipattanakul, a Pheu Thai party list MP and deputy party leader, submitted a request to access and review documents related to former Transport Minister Sakdisiam Chidchob's stock manipulation case, in his capacity as the original plaintiff.

Parkornsut requested six specific documents: (1) fact-finding reports and all evidence collected in the case; (2) the notice of charges against Sakdisiam; (3) Sakdisiam's written statements to the NACC; (4) opinions from all NACC officials responsible for the case; (5) minutes of NACC committee meetings; and (6) the NACC committee's final verdict on the case.

Parkornsut noted this is not the first such request, citing the precedent of former Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan's jewelry case, where the Supreme Administrative Court ultimately ruled that the NACC must open case files to requesters. He expressed hope the NACC would not use privacy laws or state secrets as reasons to deny access, given this established precedent.

When asked if he doubts the NACC's decision, Pakornsut said he absolutely does. He stated the case involves irregularities, having reviewed evidence presented to the Constitutional Court. He wants to know how the NACC's evidence compares to what the Constitutional Court used, questioning why the NACC may have omitted certain documents that could be crucial to the investigation.

Regarding the NACC's previous clarification, Pakornsut argued the case involves falsely filed assets, with the critical element being intent to conceal. He emphasized that proving intent must be based on the time the assets were filed in 2019, not on subsequent events in 2024 or 2025, making the NACC's reasoning illogical.

When asked whether the NACC's dismissal might allow Sakdisiam to return to political office, Pakornsut acknowledged that Sakdisiam became eligible for ministerial positions two years after the Constitutional Court's verdict. However, he noted uncertainty about the Prime Minister's Office's qualification verification process, though Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has already stated Sakdisiam would not be appointed as a minister.

Parkornsut also addressed observations that cases are dismissed when certain administrations take power, acknowledging the previous government also faced similar dismissals, but questioning the pattern itself.

PHUKET — On May 8, 2026, Jojo Savel, a teenage student in Phuket, received praise for performing CPR on a foreign tourist who collapsed unconscious on a road in Kathu, helping save the man's life before emergency responders arrived.

According to local news outlet Phuket Times, the incident took place outside a tea shop in Kathu district when the tourist suddenly lost consciousness, fell to the ground, and struck his head, causing a bleeding injury.

As bystanders panicked, a schoolboy selling grilled mala pork skewers nearby rushed to help and began performing CPR while waiting for rescue workers and an ambulance to arrive.

After several minutes of chest compressions, the tourist began showing signs of consciousness and regained awareness, relieving those at the scene.

The outlet commended the student, writing: "A Kathu Wittaya student in Phuket saved a foreign tourist's life with CPR. While selling mala skewers, he witnessed a male tourist collapse unconscious and strike his head on the ground, causing bleeding. Without hesitation, he performed CPR while waiting for an ambulance."

The post garnered widespread online praise, with many social media users applauding the student's quick thinking and compassion.

Jojo Savel attends Kathu Wittaya School. Local residents noted that the teenager regularly sells grilled pork skewers after school to help fund his education.

Community members said the tourist may not have survived without the student's intervention during those critical moments before paramedics arrived, calling the incident an inspiring example of kindness and civic responsibility among Phuket's young people.

BBGI announced first quarter 2025 financial results with net profit of 265 million baht, up 106% year-over-year and 164% from the previous quarter, reflecting strong business performance through continuous efficient management and risk mitigation against volatile energy costs. According to Detchpont Leisuwarnnoroj, CEO and Managing Director of BBGI Public Company Limited, the company increased sales volumes across both biodiesel and ethanol operations. B100 biodiesel sales reached 94.88 million liters, up 9% year-over-year and 13% from the previous quarter, while ethanol sales totaled 68.40 million liters, representing 3% growth year-over-year and 6% from the previous quarter.

This growth stems from the company's commitment to an Operational Excellence strategy. In biodiesel operations, the company focused on improving production processes, maintaining consistent quality control, and optimizing resource management, particularly through oil loss reduction to enhance raw material efficiency. The company also derived additional value from byproducts such as refined glycerin. In ethanol operations, emphasis was placed on continuous improvement of production efficiency, yield optimization, and process loss reduction, coupled with systematic cost and supply chain risk management through diversified sourcing.

Government energy policy continues to play a crucial role in supporting renewable energy adoption. Biofuel demand is expected to grow through increased diesel mixing ratios from B5 to B7 and expanded B20 implementation, along with promotion of gasohol blends in E20 and E85 categories. Although geopolitical factors in the latter half of the first quarter pressured energy costs and production inputs, BBGI's performance demonstrates its ability to maintain production stability, adapt to market volatility, and manage price fluctuations effectively.

"Growth amid market challenges and pricing volatility reflects our unwavering commitment to Operational Excellence, focused on improving efficiency and developing workforce capabilities to navigate market changes and capture new renewable energy opportunities arising from Thailand's energy policies," the company stated. BBGI remains dedicated to advancing energy security sustainably through bioenergy operations that balance financial performance with environmental, social, and governance considerations.