Honda Automobile (Thailand) Company Limited has convened its nationwide dealer conference for the 2025 fiscal year under the 'Smart in Motion' concept, announcing business direction and key objectives in collaboration with the dealer network. The initiative emphasizes systematic brand development through strategic cooperation between the company and dealers, covering both product and sales and service dimensions.

Koji Iwanami, President and CEO of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Company Limited, stated: "I would like to thank all dealers for their continued cooperation and support throughout the past year, which has been instrumental in driving Honda toward our established targets. For this year's direction, we aim to comprehensively elevate our strategy, not only by continuously introducing new products but also by strengthening our sales and service capabilities to enhance the customer experience throughout their entire ownership journey. Simultaneously, Honda will continue to advance the brand relentlessly to create distinctive and sustainable value."

The company is pursuing two primary operational directions:

1) Product Strategy: Honda aims to present comprehensive solutions that leverage the brand's long-established strengths in reliability, fuel efficiency, and driving performance. The company will position itself by combining traditional customer confidence with cutting-edge technology, developing both hybrid and electric vehicles toward becoming a "Honda Smart Car." Key aspects include strengthening the brand narrative through motorsport heritage by connecting Honda automobiles with the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) sub-brand, introducing new models with clear Honda identity through full model changes and next-generation hybrid vehicles, and upgrading to intelligent vehicles powered by advanced technology including Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) with ASIMO OS as the core control system.

The next-generation Honda Hybrid system will be enhanced in both driving performance and user convenience, with improvements in drivetrain and vehicle structure across hardware and software dimensions. Honda will also introduce vehicles featuring Honda S+ Shift technology to deliver exhilarating sport-style driving in line with Honda's identity.

At 1:30 PM on May 26, 2025, Deputy Police Chief Achayan Kraitong led a coordinated raid involving Thai traditional medicine officials and the Food and Drug Administration to shut down a cannabis drug manufacturing facility. Four Vietnamese nationals were arrested: Nguyen Tua Na (51 years old), Pam Thai Dung (49), Do Phan Hoang (45), and Vo Van Am (39). Authorities seized substantial evidence including 442 kilograms of cannabis flowers, 20 kilograms of hash, 2 kilograms of rosin, 2.5 kilograms of wax-like resin, and 8.7 kilograms of cannabis powder, with a combined value exceeding 3.195 million baht. The operation was located in the Bang Bon district.

Investigators from the first narcotics division had been monitoring the residence after noticing suspicious activity, including frequent vehicle traffic and movement of packages in bags and boxes. A search warrant was obtained and the team discovered a heavily modified two-story warehouse with heat insulation to maintain temperature and contain odors, sophisticated air ventilation and conditioning systems, and specialized drug manufacturing equipment. No permits were found for cannabis cultivation, processing, or distribution.

According to Deputy Chief Achayan, the suspects had rented the warehouse for approximately two months at 15,000 baht monthly, claiming to store fruit. Investigation revealed they purchased cannabis flower from legal farms before processing and extracting it using specialized equipment to produce narcotics for both domestic and international distribution, particularly through entertainment venues. The second floor had been converted into living quarters where the suspects consumed their own products and used ketamine. The production process involved extracting cannabis flowers into powder, mixing with wax-like substances, and compressing into black pellets. Distribution methods are still under investigation but are believed to involve postal services and courier delivery.

Authorities are investigating whether additional conspirators beyond the four arrested are involved and if any Thai nationals participated in the network. Preliminary findings indicate an international organized crime structure with foreign leadership. The four suspects face charges including unauthorized manufacturing of Class 5 controlled substances (cannabis extract) for commercial purposes with intent to distribute, participation in an international criminal organization engaged in drug production and sales, and unauthorized processing or distribution of controlled herbs (cannabis) for commercial purposes without authorization. Investigation into the supply chain and distribution network is ongoing.

In the incident involving Malako S. Todsapol, trainer for Nong Giff at Cha Ha Phayak, who punched a referee after disagreeing with a decision in a Thai Boxing Alliance bout at World Siam Stadium in Tawanchai on May 25, 2026, Olympic gold medalist and muay thai legend Somrak Kamsing has responded. Somrak, who was present at the event, stated that from his analysis, rounds 2, 3, and 5 were correctly awarded to the blue corner fighter Mafia. He expressed disappointment that supporters resorted to punching the referee, calling it inexcusable, especially from members of a major camp. He urged the camp to conduct training for its staff.

"The boxer genuinely lost to the other fighter, winning only round 4 and a bit," Somrak said. "We should applaud the referee for doing an excellent job. He remained calm despite being punched and didn't retaliate. That shows good emotional control, because if he had retaliated, the situation could have become much worse. I want to urge all boxers to accept the referee's decision."

He also noted that while people often criticize referees, this time everyone is criticizing the person who threw the punch. "We need to reflect carefully on this. It should be a lesson for the muay thai community to move forward, not backward," he added.

Nattapong Khunaksorn, stadium manager for World Siam Stadium in Tawanchai, has announced a ban on the individual responsible from entering the stadium indefinitely.

Phatthalung Province announced it is fully prepared to host the 18th National Senior Sports and Recreation Games 'Nora Games' in 2026, with infrastructure ready across all sectors and an anticipated economic circulation of no less than 100 million baht. The Department of Physical Education and Phatthalung Province are jointly organizing the event, which officially begins tomorrow. Provincial Governor Dr. Sujit Wajagit stated that although Phatthalung is a small province, it possesses the capability and experience from hosting numerous national-level sporting events. All government agencies have mobilized resources and cooperation to ensure full readiness in transportation, lodging, competition venues, tourism, traffic management, security, medical services, and utilities including water and electricity systems. The province expects to welcome nearly 10,000 athletes, coaches, officials, and tourists. Governor Sujit expressed confidence that this major national sporting event will promote tourism in the province, which is renowned for its natural beauty and water buffalo attractions—recognized as 'Amazing Thailand'—along with rafting activities, various tourism attractions, and local cuisine including three-flavored shrimp and community products, allowing visitors to experience Phatthalung's charm comprehensively. Daily economic circulation is projected at no less than 15 million baht, with total revenue during the entire competition period exceeding 100 million baht. The 18th National Senior Sports and Recreation Games 'Nora Games' will feature 11 sports competitions and 1 demonstration sport from May 27-30, utilizing sports facilities throughout Phatthalung Province and neighboring provinces as competition venues.

Thailand's Trade Representative Veerapong Prachabpaisal revealed on May 25 that he held discussions with Bakutuli Bakutnor, Deputy Governor of Almaty Region in Kazakhstan, along with government and private sector officials during Kazakhstan's delegation visit to the THAIFEX-ANUGA Asia event. The discussions focused on economic cooperation and strengthening trade relations between Thailand and Kazakhstan.

Thailand and Kazakhstan are prepared to become strategic trade partners amid volatile global economic conditions, aiming to promote comprehensive trade cooperation by linking supply chains not only between the two countries but also across Central Asia, connecting to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Priority areas include rare earth resources, energy, advanced food processing, and high-tech industries such as digital technology, semiconductors, AI, and cloud services.

Both parties agreed to accelerate support for connecting government and private sector entities of Thailand and Kazakhstan to develop cooperation in workforce development, trade information exchange, and business matching. Veerapong invited Kazakhstani business people to participate in Ministry of Commerce trade promotion activities in 2569, particularly the "TILOG Logistix" logistics and cargo management technology exhibition scheduled for August 19-21 and the "Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair" international jewelry exhibition set for September 8-12.

Veerapong stated that both sides agreed to hold the first Thailand-Kazakhstan Joint Trade Committee meeting, expected in September 2569, to serve as a crucial mechanism for driving trade and economic cooperation. This will provide a foundation for advancing cooperation toward a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Kazakhstan expressed readiness to support and encourage EAEU members to expedite FTA negotiations.

During the final discussions, Kazakhstan demonstrated commitment to elevating cooperation with Thailand in innovative agricultural technology development, investment protection measures, and tax and customs cooperation. Kazakhstan is also prepared to expand collaboration in tourism, trade, and services, aiming to establish both countries as a regional economic gateway.

Kazakhstan ranks as Thailand's second-largest trade partner in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and EAEU member countries, and 90th globally. Thailand-Kazakhstan bilateral trade in 2568 totaled $170.43 million, with Thai exports valued at $93.40 million and imports at $77.03 million. Thailand's key exports to Kazakhstan include automobiles and components, machinery and parts, rubber products, refined oil, and jewelry.

Aseem Puri, Chairman and CEO of Unilever Thailand, announced the company's 2025 business direction, committing to strong growth despite global economic challenges and weakened consumer spending power. The core mission is ensuring consumers can access quality products at the most reasonable prices possible.

The company recognizes that today's consumers face cost-of-living pressures and worry about rising prices. Therefore, Unilever's key responsibility is maintaining affordable price levels and minimizing or avoiding price increases where possible through better cost management.

"Consumers today face pressure on living costs and worry whether products will become more expensive. Our responsibility is to keep quality products accessible at the most suitable prices," Puri said.

Unilever also aims to position Thailand as a center for innovation, research, and manufacturing for export to global markets, particularly in beauty and Thai food products, which enjoy international recognition. Currently, the company manufactures products in Thailand for export to over 60 countries worldwide, with exports exceeding 100 million units. Key markets span South Asia, Japan, Korea, Australia, and Europe.

"What we produce in Thailand isn't just for domestic sales—it must reach the global market. Thai products, especially beauty and food, have international recognition," Puri noted.

Unilever continues investing consistently in Thailand across factories, research and development, technology, marketing, and workforce development to support long-term growth, viewing Thailand as a strategically important regional market.

The company prioritizes integrating digital technology and AI across all business processes—from consumer data analysis and product innovation to digital marketing and e-commerce. It partners with major technology providers including Google, TikTok, and various digital platforms to enhance marketing and sales efficiency.

"AI and digital will be the core of future business. We use data analytics to understand consumer needs and continuously develop innovations and new solutions," Puri said.

Regarding current Thai consumer behavior trends, Unilever found that consumers haven't reduced quality standards despite economic slowdown; instead, they prioritize better value. They compare prices, wait for promotions, and increasingly purchase larger sizes or economy packs.

"Thai consumers still want quality products but with better value—choosing larger packs or refill bags because they save money and last longer," Puri explained.

The company also observes that e-commerce continues growing, with Thai consumers comparing prices across multiple channels—retail stores, convenience stores, and online platforms—before making purchase decisions.