IRPC reported first-quarter 2025 net profit of 7.889 billion baht, a dramatic turnaround from a 574 million baht loss in the previous quarter. CEO Thotsaphon Prommuang attributed the performance to net revenue of 67.779 billion baht, up 22 percent from Q4 2024, driven by higher average selling prices following crude oil price increases. The company recorded a Market GIM of 7.902 billion baht (13.21 USD per barrel), up 14 percent from the previous quarter.

The first quarter benefited significantly from Middle East geopolitical tensions, particularly concerns about the Hormuz Strait closure, which created substantial global oil supply constraints and pushed crude prices up sharply. Dubai crude surged from an average of $68 per barrel in February 2025 to approximately $129 per barrel in March, resulting in substantial inventory gains of 9.843 billion baht. This contributed to EBITDA of 14.750 billion baht, up from 13.394 billion baht in the prior quarter.

However, the company recorded unrealized losses of 1.981 billion baht from oil hedging activities during the quarter, compared to gains of 258 million baht previously. Investment gains improved 64 percent to 299 million baht, primarily from proceeds on selling stakes in joint ventures.

Prommuang cautioned that while first-quarter results improved substantially, the rapid crude price movements have created significant impacts on costs, liquidity, and working capital. Should crude prices decline as Middle East tensions ease, IRPC faces downside risk from recognizing inventory losses on high-priced crude holdings purchased in advance. The company continues to face headwinds from supply-demand volatility and geopolitical factors.

For the second quarter of 2025, IRPC anticipates crude oil and petrochemical markets will remain volatile from geopolitical factors and supply constraints, with Dubai crude expected to trade in the $98-105 per barrel range. The company maintains its strategic focus on balancing returns with prudent risk management, cost discipline, financial discipline, liquidity management, and careful energy price risk management to sustain competitive advantage and long-term sustainable growth amid continued economic and energy market uncertainty.

Bangkok, May 13, 2026 – As sustainability becomes a critical global agenda, businesses are no longer evaluated solely on financial performance. Instead, they are assessed on their growth methods, stakeholder responsibility, risk management, and role in addressing long-term societal and environmental challenges. This is reflected in S&P Global's The Sustainability Yearbook 2026, which evaluated over 9,200 companies worldwide through the 2025 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). Only 848 companies were selected for this year's yearbook. True Corporation, one of Thailand's organizations committed to sustainable business practices, has been ranked in the Top 1% of the world's most sustainable companies in the telecommunications industry with a score of 95 out of 100 for the eighth consecutive year, reflecting its commitment to driving business through technology and AI while delivering concrete environmental, social, and governance results.

Dr. Netchanok Wipattasilpin, Head of Corporate Sustainability at True Corporation, stated: "Amid intensifying global sustainability standards, True Corporation remains committed to conducting business responsibly, transparently, and creating long-term value for all stakeholders. Being ranked in the Top 1% globally in the telecommunications industry by S&P Global for the eighth consecutive year not only reflects the potential of Thai organizations on the international stage but also demonstrates True's commitment to driving practical sustainability across multiple dimensions—from networks and energy to customer experience, digital security, education, and workforce development. Technology and AI serve as critical mechanisms to enhance operational efficiency and transform ESG targets into measurable results. True's next step is to integrate sustainability into every work process, from policy to implementation, enabling the organization to grow disciplined, use resources efficiently, and create balanced results for business, people, society, and the environment."

Dr. Netchanok Wipattasilpin received the award and recognition plaque for Top 1% S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment Score 2025 from Robert Dorneau, Global Head of CSA Corporate Solutions & Engagement at S&P Global, with Verasak Pongtanyavichay, Head of Corporate Sustainability Development at True Corporation, and True's sustainability team present at the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026 Distinction award ceremony at Eastin Grand Phya Thai Hotel in Bangkok.

Practical Results: True Leverages AI to Drive Sustainability Across All Dimensions True Corporation's Top 1% ranking as the world's most sustainable organization in the telecommunications industry reflects not only ESG results but also a business approach philosophy.

South Korean singer-songwriter LEEHI, known for her powerful vocals, has announced her "&CO INTERNATIONAL TOUR" across Asia and Australia, launching this August. Thai fans can catch her first solo concert in the country on Sunday, August 16 at Sphere Hall, EmSphere, following the release of her latest single "You & Me" featuring DOK2 in March.

LEEHI launched her music career in 2012 under YG Entertainment with her debut single "1,2,3,4." Over her 14-year career, she has released numerous albums including First Love, SEOULITE, and 24˚C, establishing herself as a distinctive vocal artist in the K-pop industry. In 2020, she released hit singles "HOLO" and "For You" under AOMG, followed by the successful album "4 ONLY," cementing her status as one of South Korea's leading female vocalists.

In 2025, LEEHI released her latest single "You & Me" (featuring DOK2) under 808 Hi, marking her evolution from soul to R&B while maintaining her signature artistic identity. Fans attending the Bangkok concert can expect to hear her greatest hits including "Red Lipstick," "ONLY," "BREATH," "My Love," and "For You."

Ticket pre-sales through Live Nation Thailand (livenationtero.co.th) begin Thursday, May 28 from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with general public sales opening Friday, May 29 at 12:00 PM via ticketmaster.co.th.

BANGKOK — On May 13, 2026, Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed a viral audio clip circulating on social media as an AI-generated fabrication, firmly stating that no border crossings with Cambodia would be reopened.

Speaking at 11:00 AM at Military Air Terminal 2, Wing 6 at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, Anutin told reporters the clip was entirely fake. "That is clearly AI. I do not speak that well," he said. "Do not believe it. The methods being used are becoming more inappropriate every day. It is completely unreliable. I never said it, and there will definitely be no reopening of the border."

His comments addressed tensions between Thailand and Cambodia following Thailand's cancellation of the 2001 maritime memorandum of understanding (MOU 44), which addresses overlapping maritime claims. When asked about posts from Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen urging Cambodia to halt bilateral maritime negotiations with Thailand, Anutin emphasized that Thailand acted unilaterally in canceling the agreement without requiring permission or consultation.

Anutin noted he had already informed Cambodia's prime minister of Thailand's decision during an ASEAN meeting in Cebu, Philippines, the previous week. Hun Sen acknowledged the decision, expressed disappointment, but maintained composure. According to Anutin, both countries agreed on their respective dispute resolution approaches—Cambodia would pursue compulsory conciliation mechanisms while Thailand would operate under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). No format for future negotiations has been established, and Thailand is not rushing the process.

On the matter of Thai nationals reportedly detained by Cambodian soldiers, Anutin said Thai authorities were providing assistance. He noted that such incidents have historically been minor, often involving Cambodian citizens unintentionally crossing the border while fishing or through natural routes. When investigations determined they posed no security threat, authorities typically returned them. He expressed hope the same principle would apply to Thai citizens if they had not violated Cambodian law, urging that ordinary citizens not become caught between government disputes.

Regarding border security infrastructure, Anutin said the government had already approved funding for additional barriers and delegated implementation to security agencies responsible for different frontier sections, including the army, navy, and armed forces headquarters.

Japanese snack manufacturer Calbee has announced a shift from colorful to black and white packaging for some of its products due to surging costs caused by Middle East tensions. On May 12, Calbee revealed that starting May 25, the company will change packaging for 14 products, including bestsellers like Potato Chips and Kappa Ebisen, to black and white designs to conserve oil-related materials. Packages will carry a message stating "package to save oil-related materials" to inform consumers of the reason behind the change. The company cited ongoing uncertainties in procuring printing ink and materials due to Middle East tensions, which have caused fluctuating raw material costs and shipping expenses. Calbee decided to simplify packaging to maintain stability in production and distribution. Before announcing the measure, Calbee executives met with Japan's Ministry of Agriculture to explain the packaging changes. The ministry agreed to cooperate with relevant agencies in consulting on petroleum product procurement for the food industry. Other major Japanese food processor Itoham Yonekyu Holdings is also reportedly considering similar packaging simplification. Japanese food packaging and printing ink industry groups have disclosed that many manufacturers are limiting shipments or postponing deliveries as raw material costs continue rising due to current global conditions. Japan is allocating 10 billion dollars to help Asia cope with the oil price crisis triggered by the Iran conflict.

Bangkok Airways announced first-quarter 2025 financial results with revenue of 7,906 million baht and net profit of 2,099.2 million baht, representing a 24.5% increase year-over-year, with 1.2 million passengers carried.

CEO Puthipong Prasattong-osoth disclosed that in the first quarter of 2025, the airline reduced passenger capacity by 11.8% through flight reductions on Bangkok-Phnom Penh routes and service suspensions on Bangkok-Lampang and Lampang-Mae Hong Son routes. The company focused on optimal network management balancing travel demand with seat capacity constraints amid significantly elevated operational costs from Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions that began in late February.

These factors resulted in 1.2 million passengers in Q1 2025, down 5.2% compared to the same period last year, while load factor improved to 86.2%, up 4.7 points. Average ticket prices remained stable at 4,469.7 baht compared to the prior year.

Operating profit reached 2,586.6 million baht, up 242.9 million baht or 10.4% year-over-year, driven primarily by cost management with total expenses declining 6.2%, particularly in fuel consumption and aircraft leasing costs.

Total revenue comprised passenger ticket revenue at 68.6%, airport-related business revenue at 20.8%, and airport business revenue at 2.3%.

"Net profit reached 2,099.2 million baht, up 24.5% year-over-year, with shareholders' profit at 2,091.0 million baht and earnings per share of 1.01 baht, reflecting our efforts to control expenses amid economic and geopolitical volatility," Puthipong added.

Bangkok Airways unveiled a new corporate vision: "Leading Aviation with Responsibility, Delivering Services with Sustainability," to guide long-term business development through integrated aviation operations and responsible practices.

The airline's environmental initiatives under the "Low Carbon Skies by Bangkok Airways" program were selected for inclusion in Thailand's Best Practices and Lessons Learned in Development (Vol.2), published by the International Cooperation Department, highlighting the company's commitment to environmentally integrated business practices.

On corporate governance, the company conducted PDPA in Practice Knowledge Sharing activities to enhance internal understanding of personal data protection compliance, particularly regarding data processing in operational contexts, while promoting knowledge exchange on best practices.

The airline reviewed and announced its 2025 Business Continuity Management policy to strengthen preparedness for crises and unforeseen events that could impact operations.

Additionally, the company is preparing to disclose sustainability information according to IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 standards to ensure comprehensive, transparent disclosure linked to financial performance.