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Kasetsart University Pilots Net Zero Initiative, Invites Academics and Agricultural Leaders to Major Forum on Grassroots Economic Growth

Kasetsart University launches a Net Zero Carbon initiative on June 9, positioning carbon credits as a new income source for Thai farmers through an academic forum bringing together agricultural experts and policymakers.

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Kasetsart University is moving forward with its Net Zero Carbon initiative, positioning carbon credits as a transformative income source for Thai farmers. The university will host a significant academic forum titled "Enhancing Farmer Income Through Net Zero Carbon Policy: The Role of Kasetsart University" on June 9, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in room EC5205, Building 5, Faculty of Economics, to explore new perspectives and practical solutions for converting carbon credits into tangible supplementary income for Thai farmers.

Dr. Damrong Sripraram, acting rector of Kasetsart University, noted that Thai agriculture faces both challenges and new opportunities as the world shifts toward a carbon-neutral society. Through collaboration among the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, the Institute of Research and Development, the Sugar and Sweetener Research Center, the Thai Sugar and Sweetener Association, the Faculty of Integrated Sciences, and the Thai Rubber and Glove Association, the university organized this academic forum.

The forum will feature nationally recognized experts and distinguished scholars discussing critical issues including: elevating Thai farmers through the carbon credit market (featuring a representative from the Department of Agricultural Extension), rubber plantation carbon credit experiences in Laos and Thai rubber standards (presented by Chairojn Thammaratana, secretary-general of the Thai Rubber and Glove Association), implementing farmer-level carbon credit trading (Dr. Kitti Sophon Thaninsiripinya, carbon credit standards specialist), and guidelines for increasing sugarcane farmer income through Net Zero Carbon policy (Amnuay Patisai, former deputy agriculture minister).

This forum represents a critical turning point in translating national-level policy into grassroots implementation, which will not only help Thailand achieve its Net Zero target by 2050 but also serve as a key driver for creating sustainable economic security and income for Thai farmers. Interested participants can register now through the QR code on the promotional poster or contact 087-495-0488 or thanaporn.at@ku.th for more information.

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National

Business Development Department Acts on PM's Orders to Scan Tourist Areas, Crack Down on Foreign Nominees

Thai authorities are cracking down on foreign-controlled businesses in major tourist destinations, targeting Thai nationals acting as illegal nominees for foreign investors. The Department of Business Development identified thousands of sus

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The Department of Business Development, working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is launching a comprehensive crackdown to dismantle nominee networks operating in tourist destinations and eliminate illegal business operations. A substantial number of Thai nationals have been implicated. Poonpong Nainapakarana, Director-General of the Department of Business Development at the Ministry of Commerce, announced that following a field operation in Koh Pangan District, Surat Thani Province on May 13, 2025, coordinated with the Prime Minister's office to combat the practice of Thais holding shares as nominees for foreigners, and led by General Samran Nualma, Deputy National Police Commissioner for Security and Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking and Illegal Immigration Center, multiple agencies have deployed enforcement operations to dismantle networks of foreigners illegally operating businesses in violation of Thai law. The Prime Minister assigned the Department of Business Development—the lead agency for company registration—to guide and coordinate other government agencies in carrying out their respective enforcement duties. Current data shows 3,754 registered companies on Koh Pangan with 2,381 involving foreign shareholders, 12,050 on Koh Samui with 8,213 foreign shareholders, 29,646 in Phuket with 11,626 foreign shareholders, 1,685 in Phang Nga with 346 foreign shareholders, 3,587 in Krabi with 749 foreign shareholders, 33,314 in Bang Lamung (Pattaya) with 19,910 foreign shareholders, 4,061 in Hua Hin with 2,081 foreign shareholders, and 139 in Pai with 50 foreign shareholders. The department will intensify checks on entities showing nominee characteristics, including companies where foreigners hold the highest share proportion as legally permitted but exercise signing authority binding the company. Cases involving Thai nationals appearing redundantly as shareholders or directors across multiple companies in an unusual pattern, potentially masking nominee arrangements or assisting foreigners in business as per the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542, carry penalties of up to three years imprisonment and fines of 300,000 to 1,000,000 baht. The department will strengthen inter-agency cooperation to seriously combat nominee businesses, ensure fairness for Thai entrepreneurs, prevent disguised asset ownership, and maintain confidence in the country's economic and investment systems. As the originating agency for company registration, the department has implemented stricter registration procedures through orders effective January 1 and April 1, 2025, requiring applications involving foreign shareholders below 50 percent or foreign board members—high-risk nominee groups—to submit bank statements of Thai shareholders to verify genuine investment. Additionally, managers or directors signing registration applications must provide written confirmation that all partners and shareholders have made genuine investments, received no assistance or support from, nor engaged in nominee-style business with foreigners. Registration statistics following these orders show a reduction in high-risk business entity registrations.

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National

Commerce Ministry Responds to USTR Allegations on Forced Labor and Overcapacity

Thailand defended its labor standards and production practices during technical talks with U.S. trade officials on May 13-14, denying forced labor in supply chains and rejecting overcapacity allegations in key industries.

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Arada Fuengtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, revealed that Thailand participated in technical-level discussions with the USTR on May 13-14, 2025, represented by Deputy Minister Dr. Kirita Phaopitchit and officials from the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thai Customs Department, and Board of Investment. The delegation addressed U.S. concerns regarding forced labor and excess capacity under a Section 301 investigation of the Trade Act of 1974.

Thailand emphasized that its supply chains are free from forced labor, with strict enforcement of labor laws and exports verified by U.S. buyers and international organizations as compliant with standards and free from exploitation. The country is developing a Human Rights Due Diligence law to enhance supply chain oversight. Both sides acknowledged the importance of close cooperation in preventing forced labor throughout supply chains.

Regarding overcapacity concerns, Thailand affirmed its commitment to free trade and market mechanisms, noting that production and investment decisions are made by the private sector based on market conditions. The government has no production targets but facilitates fair competition, and denies overcapacity in automobiles and parts, rubber products, and machinery and electronics. Thailand also pledged close collaboration with U.S. Customs to prevent goods misrepresentation and enhanced origin verification to ensure Thai exports meet U.S. standards.

"This discussion occurred in a constructive and friendly atmosphere," the statement noted. "Thailand and the United States share long-standing mutual trade interests. Thailand is integral to U.S. supply chains and Thai goods are desired by American consumers—not a trade threat. Thailand reaffirms its readiness for close cooperation to ensure transparent, fair, and sustainable bilateral trade."

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National

On Hold: Government Weighs 1.7 Billion Baht World Cup Broadcasting Rights Deal, Concerns Over Value

Thailand's government is reconsidering a 1.7-billion-baht plan to broadcast the 2026 World Cup, citing concerns over value when the funds could instead support youth football development programs across the country.

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Deputy Prime Minister Phrawat Prisdananandkul clarified that the government has not backed down from plans to broadcast the 2026 World Cup, contrary to recent reports. The Prime Minister instructed the Department of Public Relations to coordinate with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to explore all viable options for live streaming the tournament to Thai audiences. However, preliminary discussions revealed significant obstacles: purchasing the broadcasting rights costs 1.3 billion baht, with approximately 300 million baht in taxes and another 100 million baht in operational costs, totaling over 1.7 billion baht in taxpayer funds. Public sentiment questions whether this expenditure will meaningfully sustain Thai football development, inspire youth, or advance the national team toward World Cup participation. Concerns include the short one-month broadcasting window and unfavorable time zones for Thailand. Phrawat emphasized that the government welcomes private sector support and would not oppose private entities purchasing the rights. However, a decision must come quickly as the tournament begins in 15 days. He suggested that 1.7 billion baht could instead fund youth development programs like the Prime Minister Cup or enhance Thailand's T3 professional football league across provinces, which would require only 200-300 million baht annually and create more sustainable growth. Therefore, the government must carefully reconsider how best to allocate these taxpayer funds for Thai football's long-term benefit.

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Police

Russian Man Arrested at Phuket Checkpoint with Large Drug Haul Including Ice, Heroin, Ecstasy, and Ketamine

Russian man arrested at Phuket checkpoint with over 1.8 kilograms of narcotics including ice, heroin, ecstasy, and ketamine hidden in a bus seat pocket on May 18.

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On May 18, 2569, police at the Phuket security checkpoint arrested 29-year-old Russian national Mr. Gorskii Matvei when he arrived on a Phuket-Pattaya passenger bus. Officers noticed his suspicious behavior and nervous demeanor; he attempted to kick a bag underneath his seat when approached for routine ID inspection. Unable to produce a valid passport, he consented to a search, revealing a backpack containing: 564.74 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice), 471.92 grams of mephedrone, 129.8 grams of heroin, 51 grams of ecstasy, 54.6 grams of amphetamine, 582 grams of ketamine, two mobile phones, one Macbook, and 11,320 baht in cash.

The arrest was led by officers from Tha Chatchai Police Station under the command of Phuket Provincial Police leadership. The suspect faces charges of possessing Class 1 narcotics with intent to distribute without authorization. Background checks revealed that Matvei had overstayed in Thailand with an expired visa (expiration date June 15, 2568) and had made multiple border crossings through Chachoengsao and Nong Khai provinces.

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Tourism

Thai Airways Celebrates Royal Orchid Plus and Royal Orchid Holidays Anniversaries with Special Netherlands Travel Packages

Thai Airways celebrates 33 years of its Royal Orchid Plus loyalty program and 55 years of Royal Orchid Holidays with a 50% miles-back offer on Bangkok-Amsterdam flights and new travel packages linking Thailand and the Netherlands through cu

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Thai Airways Public Company Limited is celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Royal Orchid Plus (ROP), its frequent flyer program, by offering members special privileges through a "50% Mile Rebate" campaign for reward ticket exchanges on Bangkok-Amsterdam routes. The airline is also celebrating the 55th anniversary of Royal Orchid Holidays (ROH) with exclusive travel packages titled "The Timeless Charm of Amsterdam" and "Hollanda Village in Ayutthaya," showcasing the cultural and historical connections between Thailand and the Netherlands.

ROP members can exchange reward tickets on Thai Airways flights between Bangkok-Amsterdam and Amsterdam-Bangkok and receive a 50% rebate on accumulated miles used. Tickets must be issued between June 1-30, 2025, with travel between July 1-31, 2025. Members can book through www.thaiairways.com, the THAI Contact Center, and Thai Airways ticket offices worldwide.

Royal Orchid Holidays is also launching "The Timeless Charm of Amsterdam – 8 Days 6 Nights," an 8-day, 6-night cultural and art tour covering major European cities including Amsterdam, featuring attractions such as the Rijksmuseum, Dam Square, Magna Plaza, and the fishing village of Volendam in the Netherlands, as well as Dinant in Belgium.

Additionally, ROH invites travelers to experience "Hollanda Village in Ayutthaya," a domestic cultural tourism package exploring Dutch heritage and Western architecture in Ayutthaya province under the theme "Dutch Heritage & Western Architecture in Ayutthaya." The tour traces Thai-Dutch historical relationships and includes expert lectures on Thai-Western history and culture. The tour is scheduled for May 30, 2025, starting at 4,900 baht per person. Inquiries and bookings are available at www.royalorchidholidays.com.

Both campaigns reflect Thai Airways' commitment to delivering meaningful travel and tourism experiences that strengthen cultural connections and relationships between Thailand and international destinations.

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National

Ekniti warns oil prices will remain high for another 2 years, prepares Thai Helps Thai Plus program for cabinet approval tomorrow

Thailand's GDP grew 2.8% in Q1 2025 driven by investment and exports, but Deputy PM Ekniti warns oil prices will stay high for 1-2 years, prompting the cabinet to approve a 200-billion-baht relief program tomorrow.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas discussed Thailand's first-quarter 2025 GDP expansion of 2.8%, compared to 2.5% in the previous quarter, noting that the standout indicator was total investment growth reaching an 11-year high. Private sector investment surged 10.1%, up from 6.5% growth the previous quarter, coinciding with the Board of Investment's (BOI) Fast Pass unlocking easier investment pathways. Government spending acceleration policies also drove public investment growth to 9.4%, while export indicators remained strong due to accelerated shipments amid Trump tariff measures.

"This quarter's GDP growth stems from two main engines: aggregate investment leading the charge, alongside export acceleration triggered by Trump's tariff measures," Ekniti explained. "These two prominent engines reflect what the Finance Ministry intends to achieve as short-term stimulus with long-term benefits. Currently, it feels like we're looking in the rearview mirror at positive results that occurred before Middle East tensions, but the road ahead remains uncertain and concerning."

Despite GDP expansion from the previous quarter, which resulted partly from pre-conflict Middle East conditions, concerns remain about uneven investment distribution affecting small and medium enterprises and ordinary citizens, as well as energy and economic crises stemming from Middle East tensions. Oil prices are expected to remain elevated for another 1-2 years, driving higher inflation and cascading crises. Consequently, the government must prepare accordingly.

Ekniti stated that tomorrow's cabinet meeting (May 19) will approve a 200-billion-baht debt financing plan and the Thai Helps Thai Plus program to assist citizens impacted by Middle East conflict crises, specifically addressing cost-of-living pressures. The borrowing will simultaneously support cost-of-living relief and long-term impacts mitigation while enabling energy transition investments. The 200-billion-baht fiscal year borrowing will maintain public debt at 68% of GDP, within the established ceiling, with expectations that investments will boost GDP growth and subsequently reduce the public debt-to-GDP ratio.

Additionally, the Finance Ministry is coordinating with the Transport and Agriculture ministries to roll out targeted farmer assistance measures, including a fertilizer subsidy program, as farmers face hardship from fertilizer raw material price increases stemming from Middle East tensions. Energy transition measures will also address transport sector impacts from elevated oil prices.

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National

Rooney Says Slot Should Drop Salah Over 'Heavy Metal' Football Jab in Farewell Match

Wayne Rooney believes Liverpool manager Arne Slot should drop Mohamed Salah from this weekend's farewell match after the Egyptian forward publicly called for more aggressive "heavy metal" football, suggesting a lack of trust in his coach.

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Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes that if he were Liverpool manager Arne Slot, he would drop Mohamed Salah from this weekend's farewell match following the Egyptian forward's recent post calling for a return to aggressive "heavy metal" football.

Salah's social media post has created internal turmoil at Liverpool after he called for the team to adopt a more attacking approach and maintain that distinctive identity. In his post, Salah stated: "That's the football I know how to play, and that's the identity we need to bring back and preserve. It's not negotiable, and everyone who joins this club should adapt to it."

Many view the post as a full-frontal attack on manager Arne Slot's tactics, particularly following the team's disappointing season performance.

Rooney recently expressed his view that if he were Slot, he would not let Salah anywhere near the pitch in the final game, especially since the winger is set to leave after this season. Rooney believes Salah's post shows a lack of trust in the head coach.

"I feel sorry for what he's achieved and done at Liverpool, but it's not the time for him to attack Arne again," Rooney said.

"He wants heavy metal football, so he's essentially saying he wants Jürgen Klopp's style of football. I think Mo Salah can't handle that intensity anymore. I don't think his legs can cope with the pace and intensity required."

"If I were Arne Slot, I wouldn't have him anywhere near the pitch in that final game. I had problems with Sir Alex Ferguson - we disagreed and fought. In Sir Alex's final game at Old Trafford, he dropped me for that reason."

"He's basically thrown a bomb and said he doesn't trust and doesn't believe in Arne, and he's left his teammates who will be here next season to deal with this mess too."

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National

Man Nakhon Pathom Proves Himself, Secures Ticket to Professional World Snooker Main Tour Again

Thai snooker player Thanawat 'Man Nakhon Pathom' Thirapongpaibuul has regained his professional status after defeating China's Bai Langning 4-1 in qualifying, six years after a match-fixing ban ended his previous career. The 32-year-old, wh

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Thanawat Thirapongpaibuul, known as 'Man Nakhon Pathom,' has earned his return to professional world snooker after defeating China's Bai Langning 4-1 in the qualifying round at the 'I-EA-T Asia Oceania Q-School 2026 Event 1' held at Kiattithada Sukondhasawat Club on May 18.

The 32-year-old previously competed as a professional snooker player from 2010 to 2016 and became the youngest player in professional snooker history to achieve a maximum break of 147 points.

However, Man was implicated in match-fixing involving six professional snooker matches between 2013-2015 and received a 9-year ban. Due to his cooperation and confession, the penalty was reduced to a 6-year ban with a 2.5-year competition suspension (from June 15, 2022 to March 14, 2025). Despite this setback, Man remained committed to his training during the suspension period and has successfully proven himself by securing his ticket back to the professional world snooker main tour.

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Police

Cooperative Promotion Department Cracks Down on Hat Yai Cooperative Fraud, Orders Province-Wide Investigation

Hat Yai Credit Union's IT department head manipulated computer systems to steal nearly 400 million baht from members through ghost accounts, prompting authorities to order province-wide cooperative inspections and implement new safeguards.

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The Cooperative Promotion Department is moving swiftly to address a massive fraud case at Hat Yai Credit Union, where members have lost over 399 million baht. Following a parliamentary inquiry by Songkhla MP Churi Numkaew about complaints from cooperative members whose savings had disappeared, department director Nirandon Moolthida revealed details of the investigation into Hat Yai Credit Union Limited's fraud.

Investigators found that the IT department head altered computer system codes in the deposit, loan, and member account systems, affecting 88 accounts total. The perpetrators then created ghost accounts using closed member information with altered names and registration numbers to generate fraudulent deposits, which were then withdrawn from the cooperative. The offender entered deposit information into the system without actual cash or transfers, then had accomplices withdraw the funds.

The investigation identified structural weaknesses: the cooperative had only one IT head with unrestricted access to all systems and no confidentiality protocols, creating opportunities for fraud. The total damage amounts to nearly 400 million baht involving 92 suspects. The cooperative's board has dismissed 10 employees implicated in the scheme, including the IT head, and filed criminal complaints with investigators. A civil lawsuit is being prepared for filing by May 2026, and the Anti-Corruption Commission is being coordinated to trace the financial trails.

To prevent future incidents, the department will implement technology-based safeguards, encouraging cooperatives to deploy applications allowing members real-time access to their account information and integrate with the department's central MIS warning system for anomaly detection. The department is also strengthening internal controls, upgrading auditor training in technology oversight, and building inter-agency cooperation with the Anti-Corruption Commission and national police. Orders have been issued to all provincial cooperative offices to conduct thorough inspections of all cooperatives under their jurisdiction and immediately investigate any irregularities or suspected fraud.

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National

EGCO Group Reports First Quarter Profits Surge 349% to 875 Million Baht

EGCO Group's first quarter net profit surged 349% to 875 million baht, driven by strong electricity demand from data centers and semiconductors at power plants in the United States and South Korea.

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EGCO Group reported first quarter 2025 net profit of 875 million baht, up 349% from the previous quarter, with major support from outstanding performance at power plants in the United States and South Korea, reflecting high electricity demand in both countries driven by technology and data center sector expansion. The company is pursuing continuous strategic investments through asset recycling and M&A in electricity businesses, including high-quality natural gas power plants and renewable energy facilities both domestically and abroad, to generate rapid revenue growth.

EGCO Group Chief Executive Thawatchai Samranwanich stated that first quarter 2025 results demonstrate strong resilience in adapting to changing conditions and efficient asset management capabilities amid a volatile environment influenced by global economic factors, geopolitics, and energy costs. The company successfully revived performance growth from the previous quarter, supported by multiple large power plants internationally and disciplined cost and portfolio management under the "POWER4" strategy and "ONE EGCO ONE GOAL" vision aimed at sustainable and balanced growth.

Total revenue reached 9,509 million baht, up 8% from the prior quarter, with operating profit of 970 million baht, up 966%, and net profit of 875 million baht, up 349%. Key profit drivers include outstanding electricity sales growth from the Linden Cogen natural gas power plant and Compass power plant group in the United States due to data center and AI industry expansion, continuous electricity sales increases from Paju ES power plant in South Korea supporting the semiconductor industry, and improved operations at BLCP power plant in Thailand from lower fuel costs.

As of March 31, 2025, EGCO Group maintains total assets of 225,678 million baht, up 2% from year-end 2024, with shareholders' equity of 102,456 million baht, also up 2%, and cash reserves of 28,943 million baht supporting financial flexibility and future investment opportunities. The company aims to actively manage its portfolio and pursue electricity and energy business investments for sustained long-term growth, with highlights including significant progress on 11 renewable energy projects under the RE Big Lot Round 2 initiative totaling 448 megawatts, with three power purchase agreements already signed and more expected to be finalized soon.

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