Suchart Champions PM's Community Forest and Carbon Credit Policy to Generate Income and Improve Quality of Life

On May 5, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin ordered the Royal Forest Department to accelerate implementation of the Prime Minister's directive to advance natural resource management alongside grassroots economic development. The focus is on promoting community forests and concretely advancing carbon credits to communities to generate income and long-term security for the public.

Royal Forest Department Director-General Nikorn Sirarojananond announced that the department has established policy guidelines to accelerate tangible community forest initiatives, emphasizing increased community forest establishment. Currently, the department has established over 12,000 community forests across the country, providing citizens the opportunity to sustainably and appropriately utilize forest resources. This is coupled with support enabling communities to register for carbon credits and gain genuine access to carbon trading markets.

Additionally, efforts aim to increase fair benefit-sharing from carbon credits to communities and expand community forest initiatives to other categories of state land for broader coverage. The department is also supporting academic research to validate the economic, social, and environmental benefits of community forests.

This policy serves as a crucial mechanism for strengthening communities, aligning with the government's approach to improving quality of life and driving the country toward sustainable low-carbon society. The Royal Forest Department affirms its continued commitment to advancing the community forest policy, enabling public participation in natural resource conservation and balanced forest utilization for long-term community and national sustainability.

Thailand's under-12 tennis teams competed in the regional qualifying round of the 2026 ITF Asia Twelve and Under Team Competition at the National Tennis Development Center in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi on May 5, 2026.

In the boys' group A competition, Thailand faced Laos with commanding victories. Prathakorn Pachirut defeated Oudtisai Chantawong 6-0, 6-0 in the second singles match, followed by Theer Sraprasit's 6-3, 6-0 win over Sanasai Chansomphu. In the doubles match, Prathakorn and Oliver Bensen Berkhoudt (Thai-Dutch heritage) won 6-0, 6-1 against Sanasai Chansomphu and Sanusai Pammajak, giving Thailand a clean 3-0 sweep.

Coach Jim (Sahathat Suphakij), the boys' team coach, noted that after two matches, the Thai boys have a 1-1 record and face Singapore in their final group stage match. Singapore also holds a 1-1 record, making the match crucial for advancing to the semifinals. He expressed confidence that all Thai athletes will give their best effort.

The girls' team likewise dominated their group A match against Laos with a 3-0 victory. Loretta Lee Abrahhamsen (Thai-American heritage) defeated Manisorn Pammawong 6-0, 6-0 in the second singles, while Phadchira Holeissakun won 6-0, 6-1 over Siliwed Chanthapon. In doubles, Phadchira and Wimuttinya Phongnoo defeated Manisorn Pammawong and Sonedalah Suksahwan 6-2, 6-0.

Coach Boy (Itthiphon Srisaen), the girls' team coach, stated that Thailand now has a 2-0 record in the group stage. In their final group match, they will face Indonesia, who also has 2-0 wins. Both teams have already secured spots in the semifinals, with their match determining the top two positions in the group.

The Thai national team delegation includes Coach Jim (Sahattat Suphakij) for the boys, Coach Boy (Itthiphon Srisaen) for the girls, Assistant Coach Tum (Anuchit Ruengkon), and Trainer Boonmee Pohphaichit.

Thai Union delivered impressive first quarter results with 7.6% growth, supported by strong performance from pet food and frozen seafood businesses, while gross profit surged 29% compared to the previous year. Net profit reached 1,113 million baht. CEO Theeraphong Chansiri of Thai Union Group Public Company Limited stated that first quarter performance reflects effective pricing strategies, strong product portfolio structure, operational discipline, and the company's global business infrastructure and adaptability.

These strengths enabled Thai Union to manage multiple pressures including geopolitical conflicts, import tariffs, and unfavorable exchange rate trends. Despite these challenges, the pet food and frozen seafood businesses continued growing robustly, while transformation costs declined steadily. With this strong foundation, the company is poised to drive further growth in 2025.

Although Thai Union faces cost pressures from U.S. import tariffs, gross profit still grew 3.8% year-over-year to 5,825 million baht with a gross margin of 18.2%, reflecting effective pricing and cost control strategies. Earnings per share reached 0.29 baht, up 18%, primarily due to reduced share count following the share buyback program.

The PetCare business segment performed outstandingly with sales increasing 22.6% year-over-year to 5,115 million baht, driven by strong demand in the U.S. and Europe, recovery in Japan, and rising premium product mix. The Ambient (processed seafood) segment saw sales rise 2.5% to 15,136 million baht through price adjustments offsetting import tariff cost impacts, with volume remaining stable. The Frozen seafood business grew 11.6% to 9,420 million baht from both price increases and volume growth, particularly in shrimp and aquafeed categories. The Value-added products segment declined 1.2% to 2,383 million baht due to weaker U.S. demand and portfolio restructuring.

For 2025, amid volatile global business conditions, Thai Union is closely monitoring U.S. import tariffs, Middle East tensions, and production costs. The company targets 3-4% sales growth, 19-20% gross profit margin, and selling and administrative expenses of 13.5-14.5% of sales, while maintaining commitment to shareholder returns through dividends of no less than 50%.

Theeraphong stated: "First quarter performance reinforces Thai Union's adaptability and validates our transformation strategy. We remain focused on effective pricing strategies, maximizing our global supply chain and production networks, and maintaining operational flexibility to navigate ongoing uncertainties."

The beauty pageant industry is abuzz with the news that Miss Grand International (MGI) has secured the Miss Universe franchise rights for five Southeast Asian countries: Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Laos.

Miss Universe Thailand posted an official announcement stating: "Official Announcement: Miss Grand International Public Company Limited has received the rights to manage and operate Miss Universe licenses in 5 countries including Miss Universe Vietnam, Miss Universe Indonesia, Miss Universe Malaysia, Miss Universe Singapore, and Miss Universe Laos."

Nawat Anucha Bhakdi, the company owner, also announced the news on social media, saying "MGI has officially secured Miss Universe rights for Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Laos," while sharing a link detailing MGI's acquisition of the Miss Universe licenses for these five countries.

Fans Express Delight

Beauty pageant enthusiasts flooded the comments section with congratulations and praise, with reactions ranging from "Wow, that's huge!" to "Amazing!" and "Incredible!" expressing their excitement about this major development in the pageant world.

On May 5, 2025, at Bangkok City Hall, authorities reported that the Bangkok Moral System Protection Committee (BMSPC) ruled in case no. 57(R)/2568 and red case no. 10(R)/2569 to revoke Bangkok Order No. 3310/2568 concerning the promotion of 17 civil servants, which was previously signed by Governor Chadchart Siritthiphon.

The civil servants specified in the order include 14 district directors: Prasaat Pothi Sri Maht (Jatujak District), Panisara Netrathart (Din Daeng District), Arunee Inthanum (Wang Thonglang District), Praphen Disthasuwan (Tung Khru District), Samamnit Yangthaisoong (Pom Prap Sattru Phai District), Pimchuda Sakunsitthithada (Watthana District), Aunchali Srisawat (Thavi Watthana District), Suwadee Paianon (Ratchathewi District), Bahrung Samnianggam (Klongtoey District), Warunya Leelaburnpong (Dusit District), Saktthep Kiatpitchaya (Bang Khen District), Thawatchai Chantrase (Bang Sue District), Jirasak Hongspaet (Lat Phrao District), and Norathep Chupol (Pathumwan District).

Three royal inspectors are also included: Orsri Pholthawaen, Siamrat Rueangnam, and Phongsathon Chanthaipaisalsilp.

The revocation resulted from complaints filed by Bangkok civil servants who argued that the selection process for promotions to senior administrative positions was unfair and violated merit system principles and Civil Service Commission regulations on selection criteria and procedures.

Governor Chadchart subsequently issued Bangkok Order No. 996/2569 on September 29, 2024, to amend the original order. Deputy Bangkok Administrator Oranya Pornchaiiya then issued Order No. 997/2569 reassigning all 17 civil servants to positions as directors of the Bangkok Administrator's Office—entry-level administrative positions.

Bangkok Administrator Narong Ruangsi then issued Order No. 998/2569 reassigning duties to oversee district offices and inspector units as before. A new selection process for senior administrative positions was subsequently initiated, and Governor Chadchart signed Bangkok Order No. 1137/2569, which resulted in all 17 civil servants being reappointed to their original positions.

This situation has drawn heavy criticism, with expectations that aggrieved civil servants may file complaints with the Administrative Court and the Office of the Civil Rights Commission. Reports also indicate the Palang Pracharat Party is preparing to raise transparency concerns, noting that these civil servants' familiarity with their areas could influence voter turnout in the Bangkok gubernatorial election scheduled for June 28. The party plans to support Dr. Joe Chaiyavat Sathawarawichit as a candidate under transparency and reform principles.

PROXIE celebrated their 4th anniversary in spectacular fashion at the '4th PROXIEversary's Celebration Fan Meeting 404 Found You' held at Thunderdome in Muang Thong Thani. The six-member boy group from bROTHERS MUSIC, who have continuously evolved and become a leading force in T-POP with their unique identity, opened the event with high-energy performances that had fans screaming, starting with songs like 'STAND IN,' 'CRAZY LOVE,' and 'Crush.'

After greeting fans and touching everyone's hearts by reading heartfelt sticker messages from the audience, the group engaged fans with entertaining games, including one where PROXIE members searched for hearts hidden among the crowd. They performed international covers of 'BEAUTIFUL GIRLS' and 'BYE BYE BYE,' and presented an exciting theatrical character showcase inspired by their 'Hob' music video that had fans captivated.

The highlight of the night was the premiere of a brand new fan song titled 'She Is the Reason (Smile),' created from messages fans had written on postcards during a PROXIE exhibition. The emotional ballad moved many fans to tears as they heard their own feelings reflected in the lyrics. The group also blew out candles on a specially decorated cake from fans and wore custom headbands as gifts.

Recalling their debut, PROXIE performed 'Star,' a meaningful cover song from their early days that fans had requested. The all six members expressed deep gratitude for their fans' unwavering support over the past four years, acknowledging the challenging journey that became possible through fan encouragement. The celebration concluded with a surprise as the group emerged from the hall to perform 'Silent Mode' and closed with an energetic rendition of 'BAD SHAWTY,' featuring dynamic choreography and close interactions with fans throughout the venue, delivering a complete celebration of laughter, excitement, joy, and tears.