CKPower Wins Two Awards at Thailand-Japan Decarbonization Award 2026, Reflecting Innovation Potential in Resource and Environmental Management

Recently, CK Power Public Company Limited (CKP), one of the region's largest renewable energy producers and among those with the lowest carbon footprint, clinched two awards from the Thailand-Japan Decarbonization Award (TJDA) 2026 platform. The awards include a Golden Award for its waste and wastewater management project in the energy production process of the Bang Pa-in Cogeneration Power Plant, and a Silver Award for its Waste to Value lantern project aimed at conservation, protection, and restoration of natural resources and the environment at the Xayaburi Hydropower Plant. These awards are presented by the Thai-Japan Association for Technology Promotion (SJTA), which aims to promote and honor organizations that excel in developing and applying technology and innovation to concretely reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ms. Tuangphon Bunyanasaranun, Assistant Managing Director for Corporate Communications and Sustainability Management, and Mr. Anuwat Sathakul, Operations Department Manager, represented the company in receiving the honors from Professor Dr. Suphachai Patumanakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, at the Grand Hall of Bitec Bangkok Convention Centre in Bangkok.

Thanawat Trivishvavet, Managing Director of CK Power Public Company Limited, stated that CKPower is committed to advancing its long-term electricity production processes through appropriate technology and innovation in environmental management, energy management, and climate change response. This is coupled with developing employee knowledge and capabilities, emphasizing the creation of 'innovators' and fostering an innovation culture within the organization. This enables employees to participate in developing and advancing concrete approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which not only improves operational efficiency and cost-effective resource use but also creates positive environmental and community impacts, strengthens energy security, and generates sustainable value for stakeholders over the long term.

The two award-winning projects are as follows:

The waste and wastewater management project in the energy production process of the Bang Pa-in Cogeneration Power Plant is an approach to efficiently manage water resources in electricity production, focusing on managing the lubricating oil system to reduce waste and improving water efficiency in the cooling tower system through chemical control adjustments to enable greater water recycling. The project has reduced water consumption by more than 743 million liters and saved costs exceeding 5 million baht, while reducing lubricating oil consumption by more than 28,000 liters, saving over 2.6 million baht. Importantly, it reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 95,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent. Long-term plans include advancing to utility systems to further improve efficiency and reduce waste.

The Waste to Value lantern project for conservation, protection, and restoration of natural resources and the environment at the Xayaburi Hydropower Plant transforms organic waste from food scraps at the power plant into soil quality improvement material and promotes environmentally friendly agriculture while building environmental awareness among youth and community members.

Muscat grapes, originating from Japan, are characterized by their large, beautifully colored fruits with a sweet, crisp taste and distinctive aroma. However, their high price—particularly when imported—can reach thousands of baht more, leading some consumers to purchase cheaper Chinese alternatives. Good news for grape lovers: Thailand now successfully grows Muscat grapes across multiple regions including the North, Northeast, and Central areas. The local produce matches the taste and quality of the original Japanese variety without the premium price or concerns about chemical residues.

Thitipon Kaewnuon, known as Tri, owns Theerwaree Grape Garden located in Thung Kluay subdistrict, Phu Sang district, Phayao province. Operating on two rai of land, he has transformed it into an agritourism destination. During harvest season, tourists flock to taste fresh grapes directly from the garden, and current production cannot keep up with demand.

"I previously worked abroad and saved enough to return home and start a business in my hometown, Phayao," Thitipon explains. "I consulted with my wife about what to try, and we settled on grape farming after seeing it featured on television. After researching and understanding the cultivation process, we decided to give it a go."

His garden currently covers two rai with four main grape varieties: Early VFVIJK, Rambo, Luscious Perlette, and Muscat—the star of his operation. Three years ago, Muscat grapes were relatively unknown, but Thitipon was drawn to their unique appeal: their aromatic quality, sweetness, and jelly-like texture when bitten. He sourced his rootstock from Lampun province, which carries authentic Japanese cultivars.

Thitipon shares techniques for growing large, sweet, crisp Muscat grapes that consumers love: "Many people think Muscat grapes can only be grown in Japan and require cold climates. Actually, grapes grow almost anywhere in Thailand. They thrive with fermented fertilizer, sunlight, and good air circulation. They dislike rain and insects, so we use greenhouses to prevent pests and reduce chemical pesticide use significantly."

New farmers must understand that first-year vines don't produce fruit—they must be nurtured to maturity. In the second year, grapes begin producing but not at full capacity; proper branch development is essential. By the third year, harvesting can begin. Grape production can be controlled by timing: from pruning to harvest takes approximately four months, then another two months for nutrient accumulation—six months total. To harvest in February, count back six months to begin pruning.

Propagation involves grafting quality rootstock onto wild grape stock, taking about one month before transplanting to the field. Soil preparation is crucial: use fermented fertilizer to create loose, porous soil with organic matter from rice straw and leaves, as grapes dislike compacted earth. Plant seedlings at soil level in bags, cover with mulch, and water with fruit or animal fermentation liquid mixed with Trichoderma fungus to prevent disease. Nurture vines for approximately two months until they climb their support structure, then develop lateral branches where grapes will fruit.

At 8:07 AM on April 29, 2026, the King graciously approved General Surayuth Chulanont, Chairman of the Privy Council, to serve as his representative in performing merit-making ceremonies involving the release of cattle, birds, and fish to commemorate the birthday of Princess Tipangkornrasmi. The ceremony was held at Wat Arun in Dusit District, Bangkok.

The Privy Council Chairman sprinkled blessed water over a pair of cattle, which were then presented to farmer Thawon Yaowarutt from Ubon Ratchathani province to raise and breed for increased productivity.

Following this, blessed water was sprinkled over bird cages, and 22 white-crested laughingthrushes were released back into nature. Subsequently, 490,000 freshwater fish were released into the Chao Phraya River, including white-spotted barb, golden barb, Thai siamese carp, rosy barb, white necklace fish, and other species, to allow them to grow, reproduce naturally, and maintain ecological balance.

Fans certainly got their money's worth when renowned Chinese heartthrob Cheng Lei, star of Shadow Love, Legend of the Female General, and the recently concluded How Dare You!?, flew into Thailand as iQIYI International's newest Global Ambassador. The event took place at Sphere Gallery 2 in the Emsphere shopping center, organized by iQIYI International, with excited crowds filling the venue from opening.

The platform had set up exclusive zones for iQIYI VIP premium and annual standard members to experience intimate moments with their favorite star. When Cheng Lei made his entrance, screams echoed throughout the venue. The charming 180-centimeter tall actor impressed Thai fans immediately, greeting them in Thai: "Hello everyone, Thai fans. I'm Cheng Lei" and "I'm happy to see you all." He continued to delight the crowd with flirty Thai phrases like "I love you" and "You're all beautiful."

Cheng Lei then shared his feelings about receiving the iQIYI International Global Ambassador honor and his impressions of Thailand. The event featured an in-depth interview about his feelings and hit series Shadow Love, Legend of the Female General, and How Dare You!?, followed by a Q&A session.

Fans experienced heightened excitement during a series game that drew screams and smiles throughout the hall. A break featured popular Thai dishes including mango sticky rice, milk tea, tom yum shrimp, and pad thai for the actor to sample. The event concluded with a lucky draw where fans received postcards and group photos with the star, plus a tearful surprise where original novelist Qi Yingjun, author of How Dare You!?, appeared to talk with fans and sign autographs.

After the meet and greet, Cheng Lei gave media interviews at EM Tower, sharing his feelings about becoming an iQIYI International Global Ambassador and his impressions of Thai fans. "I feel very honored to receive this opportunity from iQIYI. For this first meeting with Thai fans at the 2026 iQIYI Starship Meet and Greet, I want to thank them so much. I was very nervous at first and sweating the whole time, but all the Thai fans were so excited and having fun. After the nervousness passed, I felt genuinely happy. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, and I hope to meet everyone again next time."

Regarding his preparation for delivering the best experience, Cheng Lei revealed: "Actually, I prepared a lot of Thai language, but when I got on stage I felt nervous and worried about making mistakes, so I didn't speak much. I hope that on my next visit to Thailand, I can speak Thai fluently for everyone."

He also expressed his impression of Thai fans' warm reception: "Thai fans are really fun and cheerful, especially when I saw the fan project and turned back to face everyone. That moment really impressed and moved me."

When asked about Thai attractions or foods he hadn't tried yet and wanted to experience, the young actor responded: "If I had the chance, I'd like to stay in Bangkok for 2-3 days. Thailand actually has many cities with their own unique charm."

The Department of Climate Change and Environmental Management (DCCE), along with the Pollution Control Department (PCD), supported by the German development agency GIZ, launched a practical workshop on April 29 at Best Western Hotel Chatuchak. Deputy Director-General Pavit Kesavawong opened the session titled 'Upgrading Waste Disposal Site Data Management Toward Sustainable Waste Management Technology Transition.' The workshop, held from April 29 to May 1, 2025, assembled experts and over 33 central and local agencies to strengthen activity data collection from waste disposal facilities, driving sustainable waste management technology adoption and supporting transparency reporting under the Paris Agreement.

Pavit stated that following Thailand's submission of its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) on December 26, 2024, the country entered the technical review process with UNFCCC experts. One key recommendation was upgrading activity data collection processes to comply with IPCC 2006 principles. Today's workshop is crucial for building shared understanding between central and local authorities to establish accurate databases for greenhouse gas emissions assessment, leading to decisions that transition waste management from open dumping to more efficient and sustainable systems.

Pavit added that the workshop receives support from the NDC Partnership group. Participants will hear from waste management experts to enhance knowledge about waste disposal technology according to PCD guidelines, including technology transition strategies, emissions calculations and reduction according to IPCC 2006 principles, practical training for site assessment, and a study visit to the Ornuch waste-to-energy project. This will support improved waste reporting and efficient technology transition going forward.

'Proper waste data management not only helps us achieve our greenhouse gas reduction targets under the NDC, but also directly improves community health and sanitation sustainably,' Pavit concluded.

The Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously 6-0 to maintain the policy interest rate at 1% per year, monitoring inflation expected to breach the 3% target. Economic growth is forecast at 1.5% this year.

Don Nakorntharp, secretary of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), announced that the committee meeting on April 29, 2026 reached a unanimous 6-0 decision to keep the policy interest rate at 1.00% annually.

Thailand's economy is expected to experience slower expansion due to Middle East conflicts, which directly impact business costs and household purchasing power. While inflation is projected to rise in 2026, it is expected to decline in 2027 as supply-side pressures gradually ease.

The committee estimates general inflation for 2026 will average 2.9%, up from negative 0.5% in the first quarter, driven primarily by global energy prices and cost pass-through effects. Inflation is expected to exceed the 3.0% target ceiling for a period before declining to an average of 1.5% in 2027 as supply factors resolve.

Core inflation for 2026 is projected at 1.6% and 2.5% in 2027, reflecting higher cost pass-through to goods and prices. However, price increases will not be widespread or sustained due to weak demand limiting businesses' ability to pass along costs. Medium-term inflation expectations remain anchored within the target framework.

"Pre-conflict economic data showed stronger expansion than previously estimated from both domestic demand and exports," Nakorntharp said. "However, the Middle East conflict has caused 2026 growth projections to slow to 1.5%, with 2027 expected at 2.0%."

Private consumption is under pressure from higher living costs, declining income trends, and reduced foreign tourist arrivals due to increased travel costs and restrictions. Despite these headwinds, merchandise exports continue to show solid growth driven by global demand for technology products.

The committee voted to maintain the policy rate, though it will closely monitor escalating inflation risks from energy prices and potential commodity shortages that may persist longer than expected due to Strait of Hormuz tensions, unexpectedly high business price pass-through, and potentially rising medium-term inflation expectations.

Economic conditions remain highly uncertain, requiring close monitoring of prolonged conflict risks and supply chain disruptions that could severely impact manufacturing and employment. However, should the government implement additional fiscal stimulus measures, the economy could expand faster than currently forecast, though growth would decline next year as stimulus effects fade and base effects diminish.