On May 10, 2025, Patchr Naripattaband, a commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), discussed Thailand's impending energy sector restructuring under the 2025 Decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow funds to address energy crisis impacts and drive the country's energy transition.

He emphasized that Thailand's energy prices are not higher than regional peers due to resource scarcity, but because infrastructure designed in a different era continues operating in a fundamentally changed world. Soaring electricity costs, volatile oil prices driven by geopolitics, and declining reliance on dwindling natural gas reserves in the Gulf of Thailand are clear warning signals that serious reform is overdue.

Thailand is not an energy-poor nation. Vietnam, starting its renewable journey only years ago, has already become Asia's largest solar producer, despite Thailand possessing superior resources and geographic advantages as a regional hub. The problem lies not with resources but with non-competitive structures.

Patchr noted that the world is competing fiercely for future industry investments. Lego announced a $1 billion investment to build the world's first carbon-neutral factory in Vietnam using 100% solar power—a clear signal that access to affordable clean energy has become a primary factor in multinational investment decisions.

Vietnam became Asia's largest solar producer in 2023, proving rapid energy transition is possible. However, success carries expensive lessons. Rapid expansion driven by subsidies exposed planning weaknesses and financial sustainability gaps. Vietnam Electricity (EVN) bears a heavy financial burden as electricity procurement costs surged from $4.5 billion in 2018 to $11.5 billion in 2023, while retail prices remained tightly controlled below actual costs, leaving EVN with losses exceeding $1 billion in 2023.

This is a trap Thailand must avoid. Vietnam's problem wasn't expanding renewables too quickly, but locking in high electricity purchase prices through long-term contracts while forcing EVN to sell below cost to contain public dissatisfaction. The difference accumulated as mounting EVN debt, eventually forcing the state to choose between major rate hikes or subsidizing losses with taxpayer funds. Either way, citizens bear the cost, merely postponed.

Vietnam is now transitioning from fixed Feed-in Tariff pricing—the root of EVN's crisis—to competitive bidding where clean energy producers offer the lowest rates to win contracts, rather than the state unilaterally setting prices. This follows India's successful model: solar prices plummeted from 9.72 cents per unit in 2014 to 3.04 cents in 2024—a 68% reduction in a decade—driven not just by better technology but by market competition pressing prices toward true costs.

Vietnam continues expanding Direct Power Purchase Agreements (DPP) as well.

On April 27, 2569, Chakraphad Saenphudet, head of the Northern News Center and chairman of the Online Media Club, participated in the cornerstone laying ceremony for the Gratitude Chedi Kamphiro at Wat Pa Buddharam in Ban Kham Gang, Lao Yai District, Kuchinara, Kalasin Province.

The ceremony was presided over by Luang Pu Kamphir Kamphiro of Wat Pa Buddharam, a disciple in the lineage of Luang Pu Hongsa Prommasanpanyo, along with M.R. Panidhan Jaroensroj and Anart Wattarangkul of Chiang Mai, honorary advisor to the Senate Committee on Tourism and Sports and advisor to the Online Media Club.

The construction of the Gratitude Chedi Kamphiro originated from Luang Pu Kamphir's vision to commemorate the Buddha and serve as a permanent sacred monument for Wat Pa Buddharam. Subsequently, it will serve as a memorial and reliquary housing the relics of his mother, who donated the land and founded Wat Pa Buddharam in service to Buddhism, as well as relics of his elder and younger brothers. This project continues Buddhist tradition and represents the significant contributions of Thanaporn and Songphorn Setthi Mongkol Nyan, advisors to the Online Media Club.

The cornerstone was blessed by Sommdet Phra Phutthajaew (Sanit Chawanpanyo), member of the Supreme Sangha Council, eastern regional chief abbot, and abbot of Wat Trimit Witthayaram Worawihan, who inscribed auspicious mantras as the primary blessing.

According to Buddhist belief, those who participate in building or pay respects to the chedi will be spared from hell for hundreds of lifetimes, be reborn in the celestial realm with strong health, beautiful appearance, and be beloved and respected, enjoy abundant prosperity and wisdom, and create important conditions for achieving Nirvana.

During the cornerstone laying ceremony and the consecration ritual led by Luang Pu Kamphir and numerous distinguished monks, a miraculous phenomenon occurred at sunset, creating great wonder among the participants.

Following the ceremony, Wat Pa Buddharam, under Luang Pu Kamphir's direction, distributed amulets and sacred objects to all participants.

Monday, May 11, 2569 marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of Phra Kru Phipidhammatra, or Luang Pho Wan Kusalachitta, the former abbot of Wat Khlong Khun in Tapan Hin District, Phichit Province, who was revered as one of the leading Buddhist scholars and teachers of Phichit.

Born as Wan Pannet on September 2, 2478 at Khlong Khun Village in Tapan Hin District, Phichit, to parents Nai Meuk and Nang Khot Pannet, his childhood was spent immersed in rural nature with a calm and peaceful spirit. He regularly attended temple activities with his parents and helped them raise chickens and pigs according to his abilities.

As he grew older, he received his education at Wat Khlong Khun School, completing the fourth grade of compulsory education. He then left school to assist his family by raising cattle and buffalo, continuing the agricultural tradition passed down through generations of his family.

He was ordained as a Buddhist monk on July 7, 2499, with Phra Kru Phiset Thammaratana of Wat Had Tangmo as his preceptor, Phra Bai Tikaanon of Wat Phai Luang as his ordination witness, and Phra Wachajarn and Phra Thammathornsang of Wat Sai Longkhon as his instructors. He received the monastic name Kusalachitta, meaning "one with a mind rooted in merit and virtue."

After three years of monkhood, he gained the trust of villagers and the sangha, who entrusted him with training junior monks. In 2503, he was appointed acting abbot, and in 2505, he was officially installed as the abbot of Wat Khlong Khun, a position he held for many years.

He studied ancient Buddhist texts and sacred knowledge from various masters, including Luang Pu Chan of Wat Khlong Khun and Luang Pu Pho of Wat Wang Ma Nao. He became renowned for his exemplary conduct and strict observance of monastic discipline, earning the deep respect and reverence of people throughout Tapan Hin District and neighboring provinces.

His daily routine involved receiving visitors with warm hospitality, performing auspicious ceremonies, and blessing devotees. He provided various services including astrological consultations, blessing of new homes, ordination ceremonies, and daily ritual baths for people seeking blessings and good fortune.

In 2545, he was granted a royal title elevation to the rank of Phra Kru Sanyabaht Chani Aek with the ecclesiastical name Phra Kru Phipidhammatra.

His reputation grew extensively, and he became well-known throughout the region, receiving invitations to consecrate sacred objects and preside over important Buddhist ceremonies across the central provinces and throughout Thailand. The amulets and talismans he created were highly sought after, including Buddha images bearing his likeness and commemorative medals. He was also famous for his powerful magical objects such as sacred knives and protective talismans.

On March 21, 2564, due to age-related decline, he was admitted to Wang Sai Phoon Hospital for medical care. On Tuesday, May 11, 2564, he developed fever, low blood pressure, reduced oral intake, and diminished urine output, with an increasing lung infection. Tests revealed acidosis and electrolyte imbalance in his body.

A tragedy struck when a 39-year-old woman from Ban Na Jan was fatally attacked by a wild elephant while foraging for mushrooms in Phu Wua Forest. Authorities are warning residents who venture into forest areas to take extra precautions.

At 7:50 AM on May 10, 2025, rescue volunteers from the Saang Sri Wilai Foundation received a report from community leaders in Ban Na Jan, Bung Khla District, Bueng Kan Province about a fatal elephant attack in the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary area, which borders the residential community. Rescue personnel from the Bung Khla station, along with volunteer responders, investigated the scene and found one female victim identified as Ms. Rungnapa (surname withheld), 39 years old, from Ban Na Jan.

According to interviews with family members, the victim had entered the forest to search for mushrooms with relatives when she encountered a wild elephant and was fatally attacked at the scene. Subsequently, rescue officials from Saang Sri Wilai, along with investigators from Bung Khla Police Station and emergency medical staff from Bung Khla Hospital, examined the scene and conducted a forensic autopsy before returning the body to Ban Na Jan for religious ceremonies.

Multiple rescue units from Saang Sri Wilai Foundation participated in the operation, including the headquarters and stations in Bung Khla, Sok Kam, and Muang Bueng Kan.

Authorities are urging residents who forage or conduct activities in forest areas adjacent to wildlife sanctuaries to exercise heightened caution, as large wild animals still inhabit these regions.

Lucky and Unlucky Days Monday, May 11, 2025 Astrological Forecast

Aries You'll receive unexpected income today and pleasant news, letters, and messages from relatives. You'll benefit from your partners and enjoy advantages in your studies. However, existing work problems won't ease or find solutions.

Taurus You'll show increased interest in multiple areas of personal and social life. You may become more devoted to religious principles, the arts, or antiques, and will work on these pursuits vigorously. Romantic prospects face no obstacles, though "slow and steady wins the race."

Gemini Avoid sharing opinions with those who gossip about others. Despite previous laziness, you'll become surprisingly industrious today. People will greet you everywhere and request partnerships. Don't bring strange figurines into your home.

Cancer You'll gain benefits from new friends and relatives through negotiations and retail business. Various commercial activities will flourish. You may accept losses to build networks for future benefits, but avoid expecting windfall profits. Relatives will engage in activities with foreigners.

Leo When leaving home, remain alert and observant for anyone following you. Those who follow closely may be planning theft or harm. Be suspicious of things that seem too good. Don't pursue romance or invest too much affection during this period.

Virgo You'll find suitable housing. Household members may face harassment from thugs or stress. Avoid intoxication. Antique furniture often has good quality. This is ideal for antique enthusiasts.

Libra Be cautious with non-family members of the opposite sex. Partners may change behavior. Avoid processions without necessity. Don't overwork or compete excessively. Don't confront authority figures.

Scorpio You'll face financial delays and shortages. Unexpected expenses will arise suddenly. Financial disagreements with partners will resolve easily. Enemies may temporarily cease harming you.

Sagittarius Your endeavors face numerous obstacles. Help seekers disappear. Missed appointments and misunderstandings occur frequently. Travel in big cities is often delayed. Avoid wearing valuable jewelry. You constantly face financial loss.

Capricorn You'll pursue forgotten knowledge and may profit through unique methods. Income comes from currency exchange or online activities.

After Channel 7HD announced that actress Pink Ploy Pimolmai Chansomkron was experiencing health issues and had to withdraw from the upcoming drama 'Ring of Love Across Time,' she recently appeared at the 'DIMOO Happy 9th Anniversary' event at Atrium 2, Ground Floor, Siam Square to provide health updates and clarify rumors about terminating her contract with Channel 7HD.

When asked about her current condition, Pink Ploy said: "I'm gradually getting better and have started working again. This should be my first event since December. As for the illness itself, I'd prefer not to go into the details. I'll stick with what the channel announced. I don't want to disclose specifics about what condition it is."

Regarding her recovery progress, she stated: "I'm about 90% better now and in the recovery and self-care phase. Sometimes feeling unwell isn't just physical illness—there are other things contributing to it, which I'd rather not discuss because it might affect other matters. The important thing is I'm improving steadily, but it takes time."

On her work situation, Pink Ploy confirmed: "There are no new projects right now, but I still have a contract with the channel for several more years."

Addressing concerns about contract termination, she said: "No, I'm still under contract. I don't have plans to go anywhere. I'm still here. Currently, I'm on a work hiatus, so I ask for your support and understanding. Let's wait for future projects together. We can call this a break from acting."

When asked about a potential three to five-year hiatus, Pink Ploy laughed and said: "Five years? Maybe I'll be married by then! No, I'm just resting for now. I want things to stabilize first because if I rush back to work, it could affect both my work and my health. But definitely not three years. The timeline isn't certain because this illness came so suddenly. Let's see how the future unfolds. For now, I appreciate everyone's support and hope to keep improving."

Regarding her remaining contract with the channel, she said: "I'm not sure exactly how much time is left, but there's still a contract. The management has been checking on me, and they said whenever I'm ready, I can return to work. They understand the situation and will plan for new projects once I'm able. Everyone has been very supportive. There are no hanging projects right now—just the one currently airing, 'Rose Play with Fire.'"

When asked about being replaced in a previously announced project, Pink Ploy explained: "Are you referring to the latest drama where I had to withdraw due to illness and someone took my place? There's nothing mysterious about it. I simply couldn't work while unwell, so I told the channel myself that I couldn't continue. I didn't want to inconvenience others. The longer I delayed, the harder it would be for everyone waiting for my recovery. I think it's actually good that someone stepped in because everyone could continue working without waiting for just me. A drama isn't made by just the lead couple—there's an entire crew that needs to move forward. I think that's a positive thing, and I'm rooting for my friend's performance instead."

When asked if this was her decision with management's approval, she confirmed: "Yes, it was a joint decision that we discussed, just as the channel announced."