Small business owners operating laundry services and cafes in Chalermphra Kiart District, Buriram Province are scrambling to find ways to survive the government's new tiered electricity rate system, which charges progressively higher rates for increased consumption. With monthly usage exceeding 500 kilowatt-hours—the threshold established by the Energy Ministry—these businesses worry they won't be able to continue operating once the policy takes effect.

Siripon, 39, owner of a laundry pressing shop, explains that she operates five washing machines and six dryers, paying approximately 3,000-4,000 baht monthly in electricity costs—already well above the 500-unit threshold. She fears her bills will rise substantially under the new system. Installing solar panels, she notes, would cost over 150,000 baht, an expense far too high for her limited-profit business. She appeals to the government to consider small operators like herself who necessarily consume high amounts of electricity.

Similarly, Jirawat, 32, who owns a cafe, says the energy ministry's policy initially seemed promising but his business doesn't generate enough profit to absorb higher electricity bills. Despite already removing all non-essential electrical appliances, his monthly bill still exceeds 10,000 baht. He urges the government to recognize the struggles of small business operators in this situation.

April 28, 2025 – Army Spokesperson Colonel Windthai Suwanee announced that the Thai Army is implementing and supporting the 'Royal Charitable Fund' project initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak in constructing civilian shelters with a capacity of 40 people and individual fighting positions for military forces to enhance security. Today, Army Commander General Pana Khlaew Plod Tuk has assigned General Anupap Sirimondul, Chief of the Commander's Staff, to lead a team to Kantharalak District in Sisaket Province to monitor project progress, review work results, and inspect shelter and fortification construction along the border.

The team received a briefing from the Second Army Region (engineering units from the Second Army Development Division and Suranari Force) on the project's advancement covering Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, and Buriram provinces. Phase One included constructing 40 individual fighting positions and 7 civilian shelters—all completed and already utilized by local residents and village security volunteers during recent incidents. Phase Two is currently underway to construct an additional 216 individual fighting positions, with 104 completed and 112 in progress, showing 87.90 percent advancement.

The Second Army Region also presented plans to strengthen Thailand-Cambodia border security, covering transportation, water resources, electricity, communications, personnel and civilian safety, food security, and area management. The team then visited Ban Sok Kham Pom in Phu Pha Mok Sub-district to inspect a civilian shelter, followed by Sao Thang Chai Sub-district to monitor fortified position construction in the Phu Ma Khiao area for troop safety and border surveillance.

Overall, the Royal Charitable Fund project by the Thai Army is divided into two phases, with plans to construct 328 individual fighting positions and 10 civilian shelters. Phase One has been completed with 50 individual fighting positions (10 in the First Army Region and 40 in the Second Army Region) and 10 civilian shelters (3 in the First Army Region and 7 in the Second Army Region). Phase Two is currently constructing an additional 278 individual fighting positions (62 in the First Army Region and 216 in the Second Army Region) to enhance security and border surveillance, expected to be completed by mid-year. Army Commander emphasizes the importance of civilian and military personnel safety along the border and has directed all units to accelerate implementation to achieve concrete results meeting public needs and strengthening national security.

The Physical Education Department under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in collaboration with network partner agencies, organized the 'KICK OFF MOVE TOGETHER Strong Together, Healthy Thailand' campaign to promote exercise as a lifestyle in response to royal policies on sports promotion for national development. The campaign was held at Phra Phon Badi Field, National Stadium, and online across the country, launching a line dancing initiative that is accessible and fun, combining music with low-impact rhythmic movements suitable for the general public. This physical activity promotes body and mental development across all systems.

The campaign chose line dancing because it is easy for the public to follow, reduces injury risk, improves balance, builds muscle strength, supports cardiovascular health, reduces stress, and strengthens community bonds. Over 1,000 people participated at the national stadium, with participants from all 76 provinces dancing simultaneously.

The Physical Education Department is also organizing a 2026 line dancing competition for general public teams aged 25 and above. The grand prize winner receives a royal trophy with certificate and 25,000 baht. First runner-up receives a trophy with certificate and 15,000 baht; second runner-up receives a trophy with certificate and 10,000 baht; and consolation prizes of 5,000 baht each (two awards). Registration closes May 20, 2026, with regional representatives announced by June 26, 2026. The final competition will be held July 23-24, 2026, at Nimit Buthorn Sports Building, Physical Education Department.

Natthareeya Theeviwong stated that this campaign aims to implement the policy promoting exercise and sports among people of all ages in communities, following the sports promotion project for national development. The goal is to instill a love of exercise and sports in youth and people of all genders and ages, creating a strong society with good health, free from drug abuse and social ills. The campaign is expected to transform from a promotional activity into a community participation system that builds nationwide strength and health, prevents chronic diseases, and reduces national healthcare costs.

BCPG has clarified its investment in petroleum storage facilities and port terminal in Phetchaburi province as a standard business transaction, with buyers and sellers operating independently with no direct or indirect connections.

In response to media reports regarding BCPG Public Company Limited's investment in the petroleum storage and port terminal project in Phetchaburi province, the company provides the following clarification:

The company invested in the project through a business acquisition structure, requiring the seller to establish a new company called Asia Link Terminal Limited (ALT) and transfer only the assets, rights, and contracts related to the petroleum storage and port terminal business to ALT. This transaction structure aims to isolate the acquired business from only those assets and rights directly related to the operation, while separating any liabilities or risks from the seller's past operations. This ensures that post-investment valuation and business performance reflect the true potential of the business without being mixed with historical burdens.

Following the transfer, BCPG Energy Logistics Limited, a subsidiary company, acquired all shares of ALT, which contains only the assets, rights, and contracts related to the business.

The investment valuation follows standard business investment principles, based on the company's ability to generate cash flows from serviceable assets and long-term warehouse lease contracts that provide future revenue. The investment is therefore evaluated based on cash flows and revenue the business can generate, not the physical value of assets. Currently, ALT generates approximately 900 million baht annually, demonstrating its capability to operate continuously and generate cash flows.

Under accounting principles, the company completed a fair value assessment according to accounting standards in the second quarter of 2567, within the required 12-month period from transaction completion. This fair value assessment is separate from determining the investment valuation.

This investment is part of a strategy to develop energy infrastructure business to generate long-term revenue. The petroleum storage and port terminal business generates cash flows and serves as revenue support during the period when Thailand's solar energy project concessions expire.

This transaction is a standard business transaction with both buyer and seller operating independently with no direct or indirect relationships. The company remains committed to conducting business under good corporate governance principles, emphasizing transparency, auditability, and strict compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Deputy Minister Nikorn Somklang of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has assigned ministerial advisor Chanin Rungthanakiart to closely monitor the case of a 14-year-old boy accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl in Pathum Thani province. The boy had recently completed his detention at a juvenile facility when he allegedly lured the victim into a wooded area behind a residential community.

Channin reported that the Pathum Thani Office of Social Development and Human Security has safely placed the victim girl under care at a child welfare facility for psychological rehabilitation. Police have scheduled an interview with the victim, to be conducted jointly with a multidisciplinary team in accordance with criminal procedure law, on April 30, 2025, to ensure the legal process is thorough while minimizing psychological trauma to the child.

Regarding the victim's family situation, the Pathum Thani Emergency Welfare Center found that the girl's mother is a drug user and unable to provide adequate care. The girl has been placed under temporary welfare protection at the Pathum Thani Child and Family Care Center, while her mother has been referred to drug treatment programs.

Chanin stated that the 14-year-old perpetrator exhibits aggressive behavior, recently completed his juvenile detention, and comes from a family with a history of drug use. Officials have ordered his swift removal from society through proper procedures. A multidisciplinary team will assess his family situation, and he will be temporarily placed under the care of institutions under the Ministry of Social Development while police investigations and court proceedings continue.

"The ministry is deeply concerned about this incident," Chanin said. "We recognize that both the perpetrator and victim are youth from vulnerable families, so we must proceed appropriately. We have instructed all relevant agencies to provide close psychological care and rehabilitation support for the victim."

KHON KAEN — A farmer in northeastern Thailand has been flooded with inquiries after sharing a viral video of an exceptionally rare two-headed calf born alive on his farm, with numerous people attempting to purchase the unusual animal.

Preecha Thawornsri, 50, who operates a livestock farm in Nam Phong district, said the female calf was born on April 28, 2026, to Bua Ngern, a four-year-old Brahman cow. The birth required veterinary assistance due to complications during the cow's first delivery.

The newborn calf features two heads, four ears, two mouths, and two noses, with each head oriented in opposite directions. According to Preecha, both heads are alert and capable of drinking milk. The calf is currently being bottle-fed with milk extracted from its mother.

Following the social media post, Preecha has fielded numerous calls from interested parties wanting to own the calf or seeking lottery numbers supposedly connected to the rare birth. He emphasized he has made no commitments to anyone and plans to provide the best possible care for the animal for as long as it survives.

Jakrapong Siangdee, an independent livestock specialist who assisted with the delivery, attributed the condition to a likely genetic mutation during embryonic development. He explained that in identical twin pregnancies originating from a single egg, incomplete separation during early development can produce conjoined twins joined at the head. Chemical or toxin exposure affecting the mother during pregnancy represents another possible cause, potentially disrupting normal cell division.