Viraphand Angsumali, Managing Director of Home Products Center Public Company Limited (HomePro/HMPRO), announced the company's first quarter 2025 results showing total revenue of 17,149.05 million baht and net profit of 1,403.97 million baht. Primary revenue came from product sales and customer services through the HomePro craftsman team at 16,041.90 million baht, while rental income continued steady growth at 472.09 million baht, reflecting strong commercial property management capabilities, particularly in tourist destinations.

Despite headwinds from high prior-year comparables and lack of government spending stimulus measures, HomePro maintained efficient profitability through continuous product mix management and margin optimization, resulting in gross profit margin expanding to 26.60% from 26.18% in the previous year. This improvement reflected disciplined cost control and strategic product structure adjustments.

Key profit drivers included increased allocation of high-margin products, particularly private brand items, combined with efficient cost and expense management, strengthening the company's profit structure and resilience amid energy cost volatility and economic uncertainty. Angsumali noted the company is executing a "Seasonal Agile Strategy" to capitalize on demand variations throughout the year, particularly for cooling appliances like air conditioners and fans that see increased demand toward the end of quarters.

For long-term growth, HomePro is accelerating development of a "Hybrid Store" model combining strengths of HomePro and Mega Home to expand its customer base across both B2C and B2B segments while improving resource efficiency and creating long-term business synergies. Currently, the company operates 133 total branches: 87 HomePro stores, 4 HomePro S stores, 21 Mega Home outlets, 14 Hybrid Stores, and 7 Malaysia operations.

The company continues engaging customers through marketing campaigns including Double Day promotions, HomePro craftsman services, and a Trade-In program ("Exchange Old for a New World") that not only drives sales but addresses circular economy trends and sustainable consumption.

Financially, HomePro remains strong with a return on equity of 20.98% and continues reducing interest-bearing debt, reflecting efficient capital structure management. "Overall, while short-term revenue faces external pressures, HomePro maintains profitability while advancing business restructuring including margin enhancement, product portfolio optimization, and developing new retail models—key mechanisms driving sustainable growth ahead," Angsumali concluded.

The Royal Irrigation Department is partnering with UNDP to link business partners and revolutionize agriculture in the Yom-Nan basin to combat climate change. On March 31, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at The Imperial Hotel Convention in Phitsanulok, Deputy Governor Nisit Sawatdithep hosted the "Business Matching and Agricultural Cooperation Forum for Climate Change Resilience in the Yom-Nan Basin." The event was opened by Neeve Collier-Smith, representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand, alongside Lapinakorn Chatavangs from the Royal Irrigation Department, administrators from the Regional Irrigation Office 3, representatives from Naresuan University, and participants from government, private sector, financial institutions, and educational bodies from Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, and Uttaradit.

The Yom-Nan river basin, covering Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, and Uttaradit provinces, is a critical agricultural production area facing challenges from volatile climate conditions, including intensifying drought and flooding. The forum emphasized the need to develop resilient agricultural approaches through knowledge sharing, technology, innovation, and systematic water management, coupled with market linkages and capital access. The event focused on knowledge exchange, networking, and strengthening collaboration between farmers, government agencies, private sector, and educational institutions to enhance agricultural potential and build sustainable food security.

Morning sessions featured special presentations on farmers' climate change adaptation, emphasizing shared responsibility across all sectors. Water management was highlighted as fundamental to agricultural climate adaptation. The afternoon included panel discussions on products and cooperation opportunities, featuring representatives from the three provinces presenting agricultural outputs in three categories: food products and raw materials, non-food products and raw materials, and handicrafts. The program concluded with business matching sessions, network building, and development cooperation initiatives to systematically promote product development and market expansion for farmers and community enterprises in the project areas.

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 28 April 2026, More than 10 people were injured in a seven-vehicle pile-up during the morning rush hour, police said. The crash occurred at about 08:15 on Highway 224 (Ratchasima–Chokchai road) inbound to Nakhon Ratchasima, in front of SCG Home Solution in Nong Bua Sala subdistrict, Muang district. Police were alerted and coordinated with Sawang Metta rescue teams to assist at the scene. Authorities found multiple vehicles involved in a chain-reaction collision. The lead vehicle, a white Honda Jazz, was struck from behind by a grey-black Toyota sedan, followed by a black Toyota Fortuner, another white sedan, a white Isuzu Highlander pickup, a white Mitsubishi Triton Plus pickup and a refrigerated ice delivery truck, all colliding in succession. The impact left more than 10 drivers and passengers injured. Four people sustained head wounds and chest injuries from striking the steering wheel. Emergency responders provided first aid before transferring the injured to Por Phat Hospital for further treatment. Preliminary investigations suggest the crash occurred during peak commuting hours, with vehicles travelling at speed and following closely without sufficient stopping distance. When the lead car slowed or braked suddenly, for reasons not yet determined, trailing vehicles were unable to stop in time, causing the chain collision. Police said they will review CCTV footage, dashcam recordings and physical evidence at the scene, and question drivers to determine the exact cause before pursuing legal action.

Durian season is bustling in Phrae province, with Jao Jaek durian shop launching an exciting promotion where customers purchasing durians can enter a raffle to win one baht of gold along with many other prizes. Since opening over three years ago, the shop near Phya Phol intersection on Suang Muen road has been sourcing quality durians from Chanthaburi and offering multiple varieties—both whole and pre-peeled—including Monthong, Long Stem, and Volcano durian. The shop operates daily from 8 AM to 8 PM and provides spacious parking. Owner Khunna Kamsut, 47, explains that the shop receives fresh durians daily by the ton, with Volcano durian priced at just 150 baht per kilogram. The promotion allows unlimited durian purchases with automatic entry into the gold raffle, plus additional durian prizes. Interested customers can visit Jao Jaek on Suang Muen road before Phya Phol intersection for convenient shopping and unbeatable seasonal deals.

At a Bhumjaithai Party event on April 28, 2025, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasakdi Phanjaroen addressed the concept of collecting a 1,000 baht fee from Thai tourists traveling abroad. He explained this would be a departure tax under a royal decree that existed since 1983 and was previously collected in 1997. Surasakdi clarified that the Finance Ministry is studying this idea, noting his ministry lacks authority to implement such a fee. The Finance Ministry has consulted with the Thai Travel Agents Association (ATTA) and other agencies, raising concerns about how collected funds would be used.

The minister stated the fee would apply only to tourism-related departures, with exemptions for diplomatic visas, work permits, and other visa categories. He emphasized this is still in the information-gathering phase and not finalized. The 1,000 baht figure references a historical rate and represents preliminary consideration. The rationale is to use revenue from outbound travelers to support domestic tourism initiatives.

ATTA and other associations have submitted recommendations aligned with government tourism stimulus plans like "Let's Travel Together" and nationwide tours. However, Surasakdi noted budget constraints remain a challenge. He explained the concept as "collecting from those traveling abroad to help Thais without opportunities for international travel enjoy domestic tourism."

Surasakdi emphasized the fee would not apply to students or workers abroad. The existing royal decree allows for a maximum collection of 5,000 baht. He stressed this remains purely exploratory, with no Cabinet approval date set. The Finance Ministry and government are still gathering feedback on implementation details, including approval, appropriate rate, timing, and eligible exemptions before moving forward.

On April 28, 2026, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angskulgiat chaired a meeting addressing grievances from rising fuel prices and solutions for public transport operators. Attendees included transport ministry officials and representatives from five ride-hailing associations: the Steel Network Public Taxi Team, the Thai Motorcycle Taxi Riders Association, the EV Motorcycle Taxi Riders Association, and the Thai Riders Association, along with relevant agencies at the former Civil Service Commission office.

Deputy Minister Siripong stated the meeting aimed to comprehensively address public transport operators' concerns for targeted, swift, and concrete solutions. Taxi association chairman Vorapol Gamkhunatod and representatives from the five associations presented seven key proposals:

1. Enforce the 2564 Electronic Ride-Hailing Regulation and related digital platform service announcements 2. Control fares according to the 2564 Transport Ministry announcement on fare rates 3. Consider license renewals and new registrations for motorcycle taxis 4. Develop a state public app platform for taxi, motorcycle taxi, and other registered vehicle services 5. Amend regulations on seven-passenger vehicles from 2560, 2563, and 2564 6. Strictly enforce laws against expired taxis and personal vehicles illegally offering services 7. Establish a committee with representatives from the five associations to address nationwide ride-hailing issues

The deputy minister tasked the Land Transport Department with reviewing and implementing the proposals, improving laws and regulations for fairness and equality while prioritizing public welfare, with continuous progress reporting. Illegal vehicles will face enforcement action.