The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has partnered with over 20 private and public organizations to advance circular economy principles and sustainable plastic management. On May 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchati Chomklin presided over a ceremony where the Pollution Control Department signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the "United Force Driving Thailand Toward Sustainability: AXTRA Circular Impacts" project with CP Axtra Public Company Limited (operator of Makro and Lotus stores) and approximately 20 partner organizations from government, private sector, and educational institutions.

The signing was attended by Dr. Raviwarn Pooridech, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; Dr. Theeraphol Thanomsakdiyut, Executive Chairman of Sustainability and Strategic Development at the Charoen Pokphand Group; Siriphon Dechsing, CEO of Sustainability and Corporate Communications at CP Axtra; and Surin Vorakitthamnrung, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, along with executives and waste management experts from various sectors.

The initiative aims to drive sustainable plastic management under the "Circular Retail" concept, promoting Thailand's retail sector toward a circular economy model. Key objectives include reducing unnecessary plastic use, establishing systematic collection, sorting, and recycling of plastic packaging, developing sustainable innovations, and fostering sector-wide participation through the 5R framework: Re-educate, Reduce, Recycle, Replace, and Reinvent.

Minister Suchati emphasized that the world faces challenges in climate change, social inequality, and resource limitations, requiring all sectors to jointly drive balanced and sustainable economic, social, and environmental growth. He highlighted that sustainable business must consider three benefits: national security, improved quality of life for citizens, and organizational growth. The circular economy is essential for converting waste back into resources, reducing new resource consumption, and minimizing disposal waste.

Dr. Raviwarn stressed that this collaboration represents an important step for Thailand's retail sector, serving as a model for comprehensive waste management and strengthening the country's waste management system while supporting long-term sustainable development goals. Meanwhile, Siriphon Dechsing noted that CP Axtra has continuously implemented plastic management measures, with Makro and Lotus phasing out single-use plastic bags and ceasing sales of foam packaging while promoting sustainable alternatives.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held warm and friendly discussions on May 8, 2025, to strengthen bilateral cooperation and advance shared priorities that reflect the strong bond between the two leaders. Government Spokesperson Rachada Thanadirek revealed that the Thai PM emphasized the excellent current state of Thai-Malaysian relations, with both sides maintaining close ties, good familiarity, and smooth coordination, with ongoing progress and virtually no outstanding issues due to the strong personal relationship between the leaders.

The PM confirmed his readiness to make an official visit to Malaysia within 2025, having postponed a trip originally scheduled for late 2024. He expressed his desire to develop a deeper understanding of Malaysia.

Both leaders discussed key cooperative initiatives, particularly accelerating joint border area development including opening the Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam customs checkpoint connection in Songkhla province and the second Kolok River crossing project in Narathiwat to begin construction this year. These projects will enhance trade, travel, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Regarding security and peace in Thailand's southern border provinces, the PM informed Malaysia that Thailand has appointed a new peace dialogue leader with strong knowledge and experience. Both countries agreed that peace and stability form the foundation for long-term joint border development.

The leaders also committed to enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism, aiming to strengthen people-to-people connections through increased travel and tourism activities while expanding economic opportunities at the regional level.

This discussion demonstrates not only the close government-to-government relationship between Thailand and Malaysia but also reflects the mutual trust and familiarity between the two leaders, who are ready to advance concrete cooperation in infrastructure, economic connectivity, and peace-building in the border region for the mutual and sustainable benefit of their peoples.

WHA Utilities & Power (WHAUP) has closed a deal with Yida New Material (Thailand) Limited to install a 16.64 megawatt solar rooftop system at the company's manufacturing facility in Chonburi Province. The project will save the customer over 1.22 billion baht in electricity costs over a 20-year contract term and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 206,491 tons equivalent, while enhancing energy management performance through AI technology and real-time monitoring via WHAUP's Utility Operation Center.

On May 8, 2025, Akkarin Prateungsit, Chief Executive Officer of WHAUP, announced that the company is committed to expanding its clean energy business, reinforcing its position as a leader in utilities and comprehensive clean energy solutions. The company has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Yida New Material to develop the solar rooftop project, which is currently under installation and is expected to commence power generation in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The 16.64 megawatt solar rooftop project reflects customer confidence in WHAUP's solutions and demonstrates concrete results in improving energy efficiency and reducing costs for business partners. Installation is underway and power generation is expected to begin in Q4 2025, delivering total electricity cost savings of 1.22 billion baht over the 20-year contract period and preventing 206,491 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions.

To align with Yida New Material's goal of becoming a Green Manufacturing facility, the partnership with WHAUP affirms the company's commitment to providing comprehensive services from design and investment through long-term performance management. WHAUP has implemented AI technology and real-time monitoring systems through its Utility Operation Center (UOC) to closely track and analyze power generation efficiency, maximizing energy management benefits for the customer.

According to Akkarin, the Yida New Material solar rooftop project represents a significant milestone for WHAUP in 2025, reflecting progress on the company's strategic plan to expand its industrial customer base and drive tangible clean energy solutions. The project underscores WHAUP's role as an energy partner ready to support customers with solutions that reduce costs, enhance energy security, and drive long-term sustainability goals.

Amidst global energy price volatility and rising electricity cost trends, energy has become a critical factor determining long-term business competitiveness. The industrial sector must transition from traditional energy dependency to building more flexible energy portfolios. WHAUP is developing cleaner energy solutions and more flexible energy procurement models, including Direct Power Purchase Agreements (Direct PPA).

On May 8, 2025, Lieutenant General Withaya Sripraseritphap, commanding officer of the Crime Suppression Division, ordered the arrest of 25-year-old Sutiwat at a residence in Muang District, Sisaket Province, based on a warrant issued on May 6, 2025. He faces human trafficking charges for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material.

Investigators discovered an X account promoting a secret Telegram group containing images of boys appearing to be under 18 years old, with videos of sexual acts and naked images. The group charged monthly membership fees of 199 baht or lifetime access for 699 baht, with approximately 95,700 followers.

A 16-year-old victim, identified as Boy A, appeared in the explicit content and was rescued. He was referred to protection services for psychological rehabilitation and legal assistance.

After collecting evidence, police obtained an arrest warrant and apprehended Sutiwat, seizing his mobile phone. During interrogation, the suspect admitted to creating the Telegram group and personally filming all content over approximately two years, earning 10,000-20,000 baht monthly. He confessed to filming explicit videos with the minor victim and selling them through the Telegram group and OnlyFans for additional income. The case has been transferred to the Crime Suppression Division for further legal action.

Punches, kicks, knees, and elbows are the hallmark weapons and distinctive techniques of Muay Thai, Thailand's national sport. Beyond physical prowess and fighting technique blended with traditional martial arts, success requires an unwavering spirit and steadfast concentration to face opponents. These elements have made Muay Thai immensely popular with audiences and recognized worldwide as a powerful soft power, elevating it to an international sports entertainment format that captivates viewers from every corner of the globe.

Among the most prestigious venues is Rajadamnern Stadium, the world's oldest Muay Thai ring, which now broadcasts through various channels with over 2.5 billion online views, reaching sports fans in more than 200 countries. This clearly demonstrates how Muay Thai can transform ordinary people into heroes in the ring.

In 2025, Thaivatsadu, a leading retailer of construction materials and home decoration products under CRC Thaivatsadu Co., Ltd., part of Central Retail, has stepped forward to support fighters in the "Thaivatsadu x RWS Rajadamnern World Series" competition to drive Muay Thai toward full international sports entertainment standards, committing over 3 million baht to support this sporting event that establishes a solid foundation for Thai boxers. Behind this arena lies not just entertainment and excitement, but stories filled with the determination of fighters pursuing their dreams to reach the world stage, proving that the refined spirit of a thoroughly trained fighter is the key to victory and glory.

Shark Phranchai, a fighter from rural Nakhon Si Thammarat, began his boxing career in elementary school with an initial purse of just 500 baht. Despite a grueling competitive journey marked by successes and disappointments—including two retirements from boxing—he made the difficult decision to return to the ring under the strict training regimen of the Phranchai camp. He has since earned recognition as one of Thailand's most skilled boxers. In his weight class, he remains undefeated for six years and has held the Rajadamnern championship for many years. This year alone, he has successfully defended his title twice, most recently defeating Kiew Thong T.K.D. Muaythai by points in an impressive display of technical precision and experience.

Speaking with pride about his preparation, he said: "I prepared very thoroughly this time. Studying my opponent is extremely important—understanding what he's good at. Every fight is a major challenge, and I must face skilled opponents with their own fighting styles. I always have to find ways to overcome them. After these competitions, I'm relieved that I've successfully defended the title twice this year, as every fight carries tremendous pressure. I'm proud to have maintained the greatest possession of a Muay Thai fighter's life: this Rajadamnern championship belt. I believe that dedication both inside and outside the ring will take my life further than before. Regarding the support from Thaivatsadu and RWS, I think it's wonderful that all parties are united in advancing Muay Thai, giving athletes greater motivation. I'm grateful to everyone involved."

Yamaha has unveiled the all-new AEROX SP, a next-generation 155cc super sport automatic scooter that pushes performance to new heights while carrying the sporting DNA of the R-Series family. The recommended retail price is 99,900 baht.

The Yamaha AEROX SP is equipped with an upgraded Blue Core 155cc engine developed for enhanced performance through reduced internal friction and a Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system that ensures continuous acceleration across all speed ranges. It features forged pistons for added durability and an advanced hydraulic chain tensioner system that increases engine durability and stability.

The standout feature of the all-new Yamaha AEROX SP is the YECVT (Yamaha Electric Continuously Variable Transmission) system, which electronically controls power delivery through an ECU, allowing riders to freely choose their riding style. It offers two selectable Riding Modes:

T Mode (Town Mode) delivers smooth riding ideal for city driving and fuel efficiency S Mode (Sport Mode) adds excitement and responds to spirited riding styles

The Shift Down Function enhances acceleration for overtaking and can generate engine braking through button control, giving riders full command of performance.

For safety and control, the front wheel ABS prevents wheel lock during hard braking, while a large 230mm rear disc brake enhances stopping power. A Traction Control System (TCS) helps maintain wheel balance and reduces slipping in challenging road conditions.

Design-wise, it's sportier than ever with a full cowl featuring aerodynamic fairings to reduce wind resistance, a new strengthened frame that reduces chassis flex, and repositioned bodywork around the footpegs for better rider grip during spirited cornering.

The front suspension features a new inner front shock with a 30mm shock absorber axis for enhanced cornering stability, while the rear sub-tank suspension system absorbs impacts efficiently while reinforcing its sportiness.

Lighting includes dual projector LED headlights with daytime running lights, new R-Series-inspired LED taillights, and sporty LED turn signals. An Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) flashes a warning when braking hard, enhancing safety for riders and following vehicles.

Connectivity is enabled through a 4.2-inch TFT infotainment meter with a color display offering three screen modes, including a Track Mode for lap time recording like the R-Series instruments. The system supports Turn-By-Turn Navigation using Google Maps when connected via Bluetooth to a smartphone, plus a Y-Connect Application that monitors nine vehicle functions remotely.

It comes with a Smart Key System for easy engine starting, handle unlock, seat access, and fuel door operation, complemented by a front storage compartment with USB Type-C charging and a spacious 25-liter under-seat storage box large enough to hold a full-face helmet.