National

PTTEP Reuses Oil Platform Successfully For First Time In Thailand

PTTEP has successfully reused an entire oil platform for the first time in Thailand, cutting construction time by 70% and costs by 35-50% while eliminating thousands of tons of CO2 emissions per platform. The company plans to redeploy 10 ad

13h ago Khaosod

PTTEP has successfully reused an entire oil wellhead platform structure for the first time in Thailand, with plans to expand the initiative to 10 additional platforms during 2025-2027 under circular economy principles. PTTEP President Montri Rawaloichaikul announced that the company has implemented circular economy concepts combined with modern engineering and technology to give new life to oil production platforms that have reached the end of their initial operation. The breakthrough achievement occurred at the JKWK wellhead platform from the Funan field in the G 1/61 project, where the topside, jacket structure, and partial piles were relocated and reinstalled in the same field.

The reuse effort dramatically reduced project timelines from approximately 20 months to just 6 months for construction and installation—a 70% reduction—while cutting construction costs by 35-50% compared to building entirely new platforms. Beyond cost savings, the approach eliminates approximately 3,270 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per platform by reducing steel and equipment manufacturing requirements.

When petroleum resources in a field become depleted, old wellhead platforms that remain structurally sound and safe can be given new purpose and extended utility. The latest relocation and dismantling process employed modern engineering by using wet tow operations to move the jacket structure through water, further reducing energy consumption while minimizing impacts on marine life that inhabit the platform structures.

"PTTEP plans to expand this initiative continuously, with plans to redeploy approximately 10 additional structurally sound and safety-certified wellhead platforms during 2025-2027," the company stated, emphasizing its commitment to advancing circular economy principles in petroleum operations while promoting sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship in offshore operations.

This success demonstrates the practical application of circular economy concepts in petroleum exploration and production, representing efficient resource management that reduces operational timelines, minimizes new resource consumption, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. The approach creates value across economic, energy security, and environmental dimensions simultaneously.

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Tourism

Ranong's Twin National Parks Showcase Ancient Mangroves and Waterfalls

Ranong province offers two premier ecotourism destinations: Mu Ko Ranong National Park, home to Thailand's largest ancient mangrove tree and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and Khlong Kraburi National Park, featuring the scenic three-tier

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The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is inviting tourists to explore two exceptional national parks in Ranong province: Mu Ko Ranong National Park and Khlong Kraburi National Park, highlighting their ecotourism appeal.

Mu Ko Ranong National Park, formerly named Mu Ko Payam National Park until 2010, covers 356.70 square kilometers and is managed by two ranger stations on Koh Chang and Koh Sai Dam islands. Located on Thailand's Andaman coast, the park features extensive mangrove forests recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997—Thailand's fourth such designation and the world's first mangrove biosphere reserve. It is also under consideration for designation as a natural world heritage site protecting the Andaman marine conservation area.

Key attractions include Koh Chang (Turtle Bay), Koh Khom, Koh Thalu, nature trails, and a giant mangrove tree over 200 years old standing approximately 30 meters tall with a circumference of about 2 meters—Thailand's largest dwarf mangrove specimen. The park offers kayaking through mangrove scenery, accommodation, and camping facilities.

For waterfall enthusiasts, Khlong Kraburi National Park in Ranong is a must-visit destination. Covering 169.49 square kilometers, it was established in 1999 and spans three districts. The park's landscape features three distinct zones: the Kraburi River (Thailand's border with Myanmar), mangrove forests along riverbanks and islands, and wet evergreen forests including three national forest reserves.

The park's main attraction is Phunyaban Waterfall, a three-tiered cascade flowing from a small stream within the La-Un-Ratchakrut National Forest Reserve, easily accessible from the main highway. Recently, both Phunyaban Waterfall and Haad Yai Hot Spring received excellent-level tourist destination quality certification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

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Police

Former SEA Games Sprinter Dies in Motorcycle Crash

Former SEA Games gold medalist sprinter Abhisit Promkaew, known as "Khlui," died in a motorcycle crash near his Pathum Thani home on July 2, sustaining fatal neck injuries in a collision with an electrical pole.

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The Thai athletics community mourned a tragic loss in the early morning of July 2 when Abhisit Promkaew, a former national team sprinter, died in a motorcycle accident. Known as "Khlui," Abhisit was a decorated athlete who won gold medals in the 4x100-meter relay at two consecutive SEA Games—the 27th in Myanmar in 2013 and the 28th in Singapore in 2015. He died from fatal neck injuries sustained when his motorcycle collided with an electrical pole near his home in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani. The news sparked an outpouring of condolences from the athletics community, teammates, and close friends, including national sprint record holder Phuripol Bunsonn, who posted tributes to the fallen athlete.

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National

CP Group Launches True Alpha Program to Develop Next-Generation Leaders

CP Group's True Alpha Internship Program is developing next-generation leaders through hands-on innovation challenges, with 26 selected students working in startup-style teams to solve real business problems. The program held its mid-stage

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Bangkok – The Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) is advancing its human development strategy by creating a comprehensive learning ecosystem that connects education, technology, and business. The initiative aims to provide young professionals opportunities to learn from real-world experience, develop their potential through actual business challenges, and grow into future leaders who can create value for their organizations, society, and country.

A key component of this strategy is the True Alpha Internship 2026 program, operated by True Corporation Public Company Limited, which implements action-based learning principles. The program transforms traditional internships into an 'Innovation Sandbox' using a Hackathon-style format. Twenty-six students were selected and divided into five cross-functional teams to work like startup teams, developing ideas, testing prototypes, and presenting solutions to real business challenges faced by CP and True, with close mentorship from executives and experts.

Recently, the program held a major milestone event titled 'True Alpha 2026: Mid-demo Pitching' at the CoE Digital & AI Innovation Lab at True Digital Park West. All five teams pitched their business innovation projects to a panel of senior executives including Dr. Thirapol Thanomsakdiyuth, Chairman of the Corporate Sustainability and Strategic Development Committee at CP; Sarinthara Wongsuphaluksana, Head of Human Resources at True Corporation; Ekkaraj Panjveenan, Head of Digital at True Corporation; and Kittipong Veeratecha, Head of Brand and Communications at True Corporation. Each team presented their projects and answered questions to refine their concepts before advancing to the final pitching round scheduled for July 30, 2026.

Dr. Thirapol Thanomsakdiyuth stated that CP's approach to developing future leaders aligns with Senior Chairman Thaninut Chearavanont's vision of creating 'leaders who develop leaders.' He emphasized that organizational sustainable growth comes not only from advanced technology but from people who are ready to learn, think critically, take action, and develop the next generation. "CP Group is creating a learning ecosystem that exposes young talent to real business challenges from the start, because we believe leadership cannot be developed in classrooms alone but through solving problems, collaborating with diverse teams, and learning from real experience," he said.

Sarinthara Wongsuphaluksana, Head of Human Resources at True Corporation, noted that the True Alpha Internship Program is distinctly different from conventional internships. It simulates a startup Hackathon work environment, giving participants the opportunity to think, create, experiment, and develop innovative solutions in a real-world context.

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National

GULF Wins Asian Excellence Award For Third Consecutive Year

Real estate developer Gulf Development won five awards at the Asian Excellence Award 2026, including Asia's Best CEO and CFO, for the third consecutive year of recognition from the prestigious governance awards program.

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Gulf Development Public Company Limited (GULF) has claimed prestigious honors at the international Asian Excellence Award 2026 for the third consecutive year, organized by Corporate Governance Asia magazine, Asia's leading publication on corporate governance. The awards demonstrate the vision of GULF's management team in collectively driving organizational growth within a comprehensive ESG framework across all dimensions, alongside internationally recognized investor relations efforts.

GULF's awards this year include Asia's Best CEO, presented to Saratcha Ratanawadet, President and Chief Executive Officer, recognizing his pivotal role as top leader in driving organizational strategy and growth while building confidence among shareholders, investors, and all stakeholders. The company also received Asia's Best CFO, awarded to Yupapim Wangwiwat, Chief Financial Officer, for her leadership in financial strategy management, efficient financial structure administration, financial discipline, and maintaining strong cash flow amid economic volatility. GULF was also named Best Investor Relations Company – Thailand for its excellence in investor communication, delivering quality and timely information with full transparency to facilitate investor understanding and informed decision-making.

Additionally, GULF received the Sustainable Asia Award, recognizing the company's excellence in conducting business sustainably under an ESG framework with comprehensive social responsibility and stakeholder care. The company also earned the Best Environmental Responsibility award for the first time, reflecting its concrete commitment to environmental policies and efforts to drive the organization toward a low-carbon society.

The 16th Asian Excellence Award 2026, organized by Corporate Governance Asia magazine, a leading Hong Kong and Asia-based publication on corporate governance, has been held annually since 2011 to honor individuals and organizations excelling in management, finance, investor relations, corporate social responsibility, and corporate governance. Winners are selected based on organizational performance evaluated alongside surveys of investors, analysts, and experts across the Asia region.

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National

Sirikunnya Denies Backup PM Rumors

Pheu Thai deputy leader Sirikunnya Tansakul denied rumors of a backup prime minister from the Democrat Party, saying such an arrangement would violate the 2560 Constitution and require massive party defections unlikely to occur.

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At 1 p.m. on July 3, 2569 at Parliament, Sirikunnya Tansakul, Pheu Thai party list MP and deputy party leader and prime ministerial candidate, addressed rumors that a backup prime minister with the abbreviation 'S.' from the Democrat Party is being held in reserve in case of political accidents, with some suggesting this could be her.

Sirikunnya stated that if this were true, it would require a massive party defection, which she does not believe is the case. She suggested that those circulating the rumors may not be aware of the 2560 Constitution, which prohibits nominating candidates outside those previously proposed during elections. Even with alternative mechanisms, she noted, extreme circumstances would be required for such an appointment, making the rumors more likely speculation than fact.

When asked whether political conflicts might be driving these rumors, Sirikunnya said that if conflicts do exist, they would more likely stem from internal divisions within the ruling coalition parties rather than other factors. She emphasized that no external event could change the prime minister except internal party conflicts.

Sirikunnya further explained that if coalition partners defect or switch sides, this would constitute a different scenario entirely, not a backup prime minister arrangement. She suggested that internal conflicts within the ruling coalition—similar to previously reported tensions between party leaders and spiritual leaders—are the more probable cause.

When pressed on whether a failed budget or rejected royal decrees could trigger a prime ministerial change, Sirikunnya responded that such circumstances would require political accountability from someone with a strong sense of integrity. She noted that Thailand's political history rarely sees prime ministers resign due to policy failures alone.

"We don't often see this in Thai politics—a prime minister resigning because of a wrong political decision," she said. "I believe internal coalition conflicts are the primary driver, or if anything changes, it would more likely stem from disputes among coalition partners. The budget situation is one indicator of this."

Sirikunnya acknowledged that coalition partners whose budgets were reduced may harbor some dissatisfaction, as some line items were cut without opportunity for revision. She explained that once the budget passes the cabinet and public hearing phase, there is typically room for adjustments, but this round appears to have had a tight schedule with no subsequent revisions, leaving some coalition ministers with significant budget cuts and no chance to address them.

Regarding a shadow cabinet meeting planned for next week, Sirikunnya noted that many issues need consideration, as one meeting was skipped. However, topics for July 8 consideration would need to be selected carefully, including matters of local administration fraud and proposals to reduce future corruption risks in local personnel management.

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National

Thai Expressway Offers 50% Cashback on July 7

EXAT offers 50% cashback on toll fees for Easy Pass users on July 7, 2026, across eight Thai expressways, with refunds automatically credited to accounts.

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The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is offering a special promotion called "7.7 EASY PASS," providing 50% cashback on toll fees for all transactions made using Easy Pass on July 7, 2026, across eight expressways: Chaloemmahanakorn, Sirat, Chaloem Rat, Burapa Withi, Udon Ratthaya, Bagna-Achanusorn, Kanchanaphisek (Bangpli-Suksawat), and Prachuap Ratthaya. Refunds will be automatically added to Easy Pass accounts, and users can check their balance, transaction history, and top up through the EXAT Portal application. Those without an Easy Pass card can apply at EXAT headquarters or toll collection buildings across seven expressways, or register through TrueMoney Wallet, with cards delivered to their homes within 3-5 business days so they can benefit from the promotion immediately. The authority emphasizes that July 7 is the date to prepare your Easy Pass card and take advantage of this valuable campaign.

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National

Justice Minister Defends Missing Parliament Question on Senate Election Probe

Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naovorat denied avoiding parliamentary questions about a Senate election fraud probe, citing prior budget meetings as the reason for missing the July 3 session.

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Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naovorat denied evading opposition lawmakers' questions at Government House on July 3, 2569, after Democrat Party MP Pritsth Wattrasindhu alleged he avoided answering live parliamentary questions about the Senate election fraud probe being handled by the DSI. Rutthapol clarified that over the past three days he had been occupied with pre-scheduled meetings on the 2570 fiscal year budget bill, preventing his attendance at the parliamentary session. Regarding the live verbal question about the Senate case, Rutthapol noted that while such questions are typically urgent matters, the issue in question had occurred two years ago and could have been scheduled in advance. When asked if the Senate election case contains additional issues beyond those questioned, Rutthapol stated he lacked detailed knowledge because he operates at the policy level and suggested inquiring directly with responsible officials.

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National

Shopee Launches 500M Baht Thai SME Support Program

Shopee launched a 500 million baht support program for Thai SMEs, announced during a meeting between Sea Group chairman Chris Feng and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The initiative aims to boost digital access, competitiveness, and exp

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Chris Feng, chairman of Sea Group, Shopee's parent company, stated that amid the full transition to a digital economy, Shopee—the largest regional e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan and a leading platform in Brazil—is advancing its Digital Inclusion mission to provide equal access and benefit from digital technology for all. The platform functions as a "digital bridge" connecting local entrepreneurs to online opportunities domestically and regionally over the past decade.

Feng recently met with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to discuss ways to support and develop the country's digital economy through Shopee's platform ecosystem. He reported on key initiatives, including the 'Thai Helping Thai with Shopee: Thai MSME Growth Support Program,' which represents a significant milestone in supporting Thai MSME growth and expanding digital access opportunity comprehensively to better serve both sellers and buyers.

The program offers over 500 million baht in total support throughout the project to enhance competitiveness of Thai small and medium retailers and create an ecosystem conducive to sustainable growth. This reflects the collaboration between government and private sector in building strong foundations for grassroots economy and responds to the government's "Thai Helping Thai" policy, which aims to leverage e-commerce's potential to create opportunities and income for entrepreneurs nationwide.

During the discussion, the government emphasized its vision to strengthen Thai MSME capabilities, which form the foundation of Thailand's economic system, and highlighted the role of digital platforms in opening trade opportunities and expanding consumer access while driving growth for Thai entrepreneurs across the country.

Shopee has substantively supported this policy through the Thai MSME Growth Support Program, which promotes growth for Thai merchants through benefits that increase consumer reach, boost sales, and support sustainable growth. The platform has also conducted digital skills training for tens of thousands of Thai sellers and leveraged its regional network to connect Thai entrepreneurs to foreign markets, promoting collaboration in bringing local and community products to the international stage through cross-border e-commerce channels.

Currently, many Thai entrepreneurs are successfully expanding export markets through Shopee's cross-border sales promotion programs, including the Shopee International Platform (SIP) and Shopee Global Sales, demonstrating the potential and quality of Thai products recognized by foreign consumers in markets such as Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

The government also proposed that Shopee leverage Thailand's strategic strength as ASEAN's connectivity hub to drive the country's digital economic ecosystem and support Thailand's advancement toward becoming the region's digital economy center in the future.

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Tourism

Remote Mountain Town Builds Future Through Coffee

A remote mountain town in Yunnan Province, China transforms through specialty coffee cultivation, with entrepreneurs like Zhao Hua exporting beans globally while preserving traditional Wa ethnic crafts and culture.

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Zhao Hua and her sister operate a cozy café in Mengla County, Yunnan Province in southwestern China, selling coffee beans from their own farm while proudly preserving Wa ethnic cultural heritage. Café visitors can watch traditional Wa women demonstrate weaving, an ancient craft passed down for generations.

Zhao's parents were among the first to plant coffee in the county. She named her brand "Picar Coffee" to honor a beloved pickup truck that traveled mountain roads transporting fresh coffee beans, furniture, sugar cane, and other goods—reflecting the simple, hardworking spirit of local people.

Picar Coffee is now a favorite on Mengla's specialty coffee street. Zhao's viral videos have introduced this remote border town and its local coffee to a wider audience, with her beans now exported to Japan, Australia, and many other countries.

Mengla's coffee connection began in 1958 and expanded seriously in the 1980s. Li Meiying, secretary and director of the Mengla County Tea and Bioresources Industry Center, vividly remembers as a child watching officials and villagers terrace hillsides and plant coffee saplings. "As a child, I watched earlier officials lead everyone in planting coffee, and today I help bring our coffee to the world stage. This legacy will continue," Li said.

Among Mengla's lush hills, Guan Yong's large Lizuk Estate seamlessly combines eco-tourism, coffee culture, rural retreats, tasting experiences, and online sales. While working in Kunming, Guan tasted specialty coffee for the first time and was inspired. In 2017, he returned home and chose an unexpected path—opening a café first, then building a roastery, developing processing, and eventually creating his own Lizuk Estate. "I wanted to understand what gives coffee its true flavor," Guan explained, studying the market before tracing back to the source—the farm—enabling him to create a smart business model serving consumer needs.

From pioneering villagers terracing hillsides and planting the first coffee trees, to Li promoting the industry, to entrepreneurs like Zhao and Guan returning home to build their own brands—this is success passed from generation to generation.

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National

Chulabhorn College Honors Royal Vision With Medical-Art Initiative

Chulabhorn Royal College celebrated Princess Chulabhorn Walailak's birthday with a merit-making ceremony honoring her vision of blending medicine with art, marked by her donation of 690,000 cancer medication units to Thailand's health syste

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Chulabhorn Royal College held a merit-making ceremony titled "Artful Vision of Royal Compassion" on July 4, 2569 (2026) to honor the birthday of Professor Dr. Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, the college's president and board chair. The event took place at the Sriswangvadhana Building within Chulabhorn Hospital and was presided over by Acting Vice-Secretary General Dr. Ratchata Ratchatanawin. Administrative leaders, staff, government officials, partner organizations, and the public participated in the ceremony, offering flowers as tribute to recognize the princess's dedication to public welfare and Thailand's medical and public health development. The princess founded Chulabhorn Royal College in 2559 (2016) as a premier institution for education, research, medicine, and public health aimed at improving citizens' quality of life. She has demonstrated exceptional expertise in medical science, pharmacy, and visual arts by uniquely blending scientific knowledge with artistic imagination to create innovations and new hope for Thailand's health system. As a remarkable gesture on her birthday, the princess graciously donated 690,000 units of Immurabine 100 cancer medication to the national health system—a pharmaceutical achievement reflecting her tireless commitment to ensuring equitable cancer treatment access. The college presented three commemorative lectures and announced two prestigious national and international medical awards: the Sriswangvadhana Award for 2569, presented during a lecture on "Science of Compassion: From Dedication to Public Wellness" by Dr. Ratchata Ratchatanawin; the Princess Chulabhorn Award for 2568, presented during a lecture on "Science for Humanity: Diligence in Oncology" by Dr. Tassana Buntong, Dean of the Nursing Faculty; and a tribute lecture on "Science Reflecting Beauty: Phalaenopsis Princess Chulabhorn Orchid—From Silk Art Innovation to Exquisite Floral Beauty" by Dr. Takorn Pannit, Acting Vice-Secretary General.

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