The Royal Thai Police announced an urgent investigation into a viral video allegedly showing officers at a northeastern checkpoint demanding money in exchange for releasing a drug suspect. National Police Commissioner Pol. Gen. Kittirathpan Panthapetch has ordered an immediate fact-finding mission, warning that any officers found guilty of extortion or misconduct will face disciplinary, criminal, and administrative action without exception. Deputy National Police Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, speaking as the police spokesman on May 8, 2025, stated that the National Police Office takes this matter seriously due to its direct impact on public confidence in the institution. He reiterated that checkpoints and inspection points are established to protect citizens, reduce accidents, and prevent crime, not to seek personal gain. The public is assured that the police will transparently investigate and take action against any misconduct, and citizens can report tips 24/7 through the police hotlines 191 or 1599.

Clear your schedule! Sek Loso is set to make his comeback with his first-ever fan concert following his release, titled 'SEK LOSO Rebirth' on Friday, June 26, 2569 at MCC Hall The Mall Lifestore Bangkapi.

A historic moment unfolds in Thai music as CI Showbiz announces the triumphant return of legendary artist Sek Loso with a special phenomenon called 'SEK LOSO Rebirth'—more than just a concert, it's a promise.

'SEK LOSO Rebirth' is not an ordinary concert but Sek Loso's first-ever fancon, designed to give music fans a genuine "you and me" experience. This marks the first time everyone will be part of a significant historical moment with a Central Stage setup where every angle offers the same rock-solid experience.

Fans will experience an intimate and warm atmosphere, singing alongside Sek Loso with their voices reaching the heart, welcoming his stronger comeback. Join in cheering and welcoming back the iconic figure of Thai music with special performances featuring a setlist of classic hits cherished by all devoted fans.

'SEK LOSO Rebirth' will take place on Friday, June 26, 2569 at MCC Hall The Mall Lifestore Bangkapi. Be one of 5,000 people to witness this historic rebirth moment. Ticket sales begin May 16, 2569 at 10:00 AM. Ticket prices: 1,600 / 2,200 baht (limited to 5,000 attendees). Purchase at https://citicket.com/en/events/sek-loso-rebirth

For more information, follow Facebook: SEK LOSO or Facebook / Instagram / TikTok: CI Showbiz

Mr. DIY Holding (Thailand) Public Company Limited (MRDIYT), Thailand's leading home decoration and lifestyle products retailer, announced first quarter 2025 results with revenue growth of 21.4% year-over-year valued at 5,423.8 million baht and net profit increase of 25.1% worth 678.3 million baht.

First quarter 2025 performance was driven by continuous store expansion, with 65 net new stores opened during the quarter, bringing the total nationwide branches to 1,192. This expansion supported transaction volume growth of 22.3% year-over-year to 34.3 million transactions, while gross profit margin improved to 52.0%, reflecting operational discipline and benefits from reduced financial costs.

For the next phase, MRDIYT maintains its target of opening 210 new stores in 2025, with over 90% of locations already secured or under construction. Additionally, the company has completed land acquisition for an automated warehouse project, which will support operational efficiency and future growth.

Andy Chin, Chief Executive Officer of Mr. DIY Holding (Thailand) Public Company Limited, stated that the company continues to adhere strictly to its core strategy despite external pressures such as rising oil prices and cost of living concerns, which remain manageable. Supply remains stable and current inventory levels are expected to mitigate short-term impact from manufacturer price increases. The company remains committed to delivering value to customers through initiatives such as the Price Lock campaign running from May to July 2025 to help consumers better manage daily expenses amid the current environment.

"The company continues to drive growth through systematic store expansion, broader customer reach, and value-for-money offerings while maintaining strong profitability amid consumer spending caution," Chin added.

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).