At 2:10 p.m. on May 13, 2025, Prime Minister Anuthim Charnvirakul and Interior Minister led a team to Koh Phangan in Surat Thani to address problems affecting residents and businesses in the tourism area, particularly the use of Thai nationals as front men (nominees) for foreign-owned businesses and encroachment on public beachfront areas. The PM visited a house hosting a company's office and discovered illegal construction with an Israeli national as the owner. Deputy National Police Chief Samran Nuanmaa reported the illegal pool villa construction as part of the anti-nominee operation. The PM stated authorities must verify shareholding structures, noting that foreigners have no legal right to own land in Thailand but circumvent this by using nominees to deceive the public into believing these are Thai companies. He ordered an investigation into the company's financial pathways.

Regarding the cabinet's May 12 resolution unlocking foreign investment in eight businesses without permits, the PM clarified this was merely streamlining procedures to reduce redundancy, not opening business to foreigners without authorization. He apologized for confusion caused by the government spokesperson's statement, explaining that foreigners still require permits from relevant authorities but need not seek redundant approvals from the Commerce Ministry. On the Koh Phangan nominee issue, the PM emphasized that while land encroachment would be handled by the Natural Resources Ministry and Land Department, the focus is on companies opened and sold with foreign control exceeding the 49 percent cap through cross-company structures that create the false appearance of Thai ownership while remaining entirely foreign-controlled.

John Bajjo, the Madagascan forward and captain of Sukhothai FC, has posted a farewell message to the club following their successful escape from relegation and confirmation of top-flight football for next season.

Bajjo played a crucial role in Sukhothai FC's final-match performance, helping secure a dominant 3-0 home victory over Muang Thong United by scoring the second goal. This victory ensured the team's survival and guaranteed their continued participation in Thailand's top division next season.

The striker recently posted a farewell message on his personal Instagram account, saying goodbye to Sukhot Stadium after serving the club for approximately 10 years with the following message:

"I am proud to have represented Sukhothai Football Club for 10 years. The time has come to say goodbye. I would like to thank the club, the chairman, and the team management. I would like to thank all the people of Sukhothai who have always supported me. I wish the club success in the next season."

Bajjo has been a vital force for Sukhothai throughout his tenure, consistently earning starting positions and playing a key role in the team's successful relegation survival this season. Over his time at the club, he made 270 appearances, scoring 82 goals and providing 76 assists for his teammates.

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.