BANGKOK — May 12, 2026 — Thailand's deputy prime minister and foreign minister stated on Tuesday that Koh Kood island remains unquestionably Thai territory, dismissing reports that Cambodia had secretly registered a 2001 bilateral memorandum as evidence in a maritime boundary dispute.

Speaking at Government House at 8:45 a.m., Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow also announced that Thai authorities were arranging legal assistance for Thai nationals detained by Cambodian soldiers for allegedly crossing the border illegally while gathering forest products.

"The process is under way," Sihasak said. "Coordination regarding legal assistance has already been completed, and we are monitoring the situation closely."

Sihasak was responding to reports that Cambodia had registered the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand and Cambodia concerning overlapping continental shelf claims, known in Thailand as "MOU 2544," which Thailand later revoked.

He noted that Cambodia is a signatory to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which Thailand also recognizes as the framework for future negotiations.

"The MOU 2544 has already been cancelled," he said. "Negotiations under UNCLOS are a good approach and avoid wasting time, although it is still too early to conclude which mechanism will ultimately be used."

When asked about reports that Cambodia intended to use the memorandum as evidence relating to a maritime boundary line allegedly passing through Koh Kood in Trat province, Sihasak rejected the claim.

"That is not possible," he said. "Under UNCLOS, maritime boundaries must be considered according to internationally recognized legal principles."

"I do not know what Cambodia may have secretly registered," he added. "What I know is that discussions will take place under UNCLOS."

Asked whether the issue would affect Thailand's sovereignty over Koh Kood, Sihasak stated that any formal demarcation would clearly demonstrate that the island belongs to Thailand.

CKPower Managing Director Thanawat Triwiswvet announced the company's strong first quarter 2025 performance, with core net profit reaching 1.159 billion baht, up 525 million baht or 82.9% year-on-year. The growth stems from robust operations at both of the company's hydroelectric plants, including a 198.6 billion baht share of net profits from Xayaburi Power Company Limited (XPCL), up from 190.7 billion baht the previous year, thanks to increased water flow and higher electricity sales volumes combined with reduced financing costs from long-term debt repayment and declining global interest rates.

Perfirmance at Fak Kham 2 Power Company Limited (NN2) also improved with higher electricity sales compared to the previous year, driven by reservoir water levels at the beginning of 2025 that exceeded the prior year and increased water inflow during the first quarter. This sustained growth occurred despite operating during the dry season.

Thanawat explained that the company's production capacity structure, based primarily on renewable energy, insulates operations from Middle East instability and global energy price volatility. Energy price fluctuations affect only fuel costs for electricity sold to industrial customers through Bangpakong Cogeneration Company Limited (BIC), representing just 3% of total company output.

In preparation for potential El Niño conditions expected in the latter half of 2025, CKPower has developed a Hydrometeorological Monitoring and Forecasting System to enhance efficiency and accuracy in predicting hydroelectric power plant output capacity.

The Luang Prabang hydroelectric project is 72% complete as of March 2025, on schedule. The company's financial position remains solid, with a liquidity ratio of 1.78x and a net interest-bearing debt to equity ratio of just 0.47x, reflecting efficient cash management and debt repayment capabilities.

Management stated that further interest rate reductions in the U.S. and Thailand would reduce financing costs and support continued 2025 performance, with the company continuously monitoring interest rate adjustments and managing long-term debt appropriately.

Under its five-year plan (2025-2029), CKPower aims to expand production capacity through solar power projects, both via private PPAs and participation in government-sponsored renewable energy auctions, while selling renewable energy certificates (RECs). In 2024, the company's renewable energy plants supplied Thailand with over 10 million megawatt-hours.

The Agricultural Economics Office (AEFO) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives supported Thailand's participation at the ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit 2026 regional cooperation forum. Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Kanjana Khwanmuang represented Thailand and the Ministry of Agriculture as a panelist at the discussion titled "Food Security, Animal Health, and Climate Resilience: A Sustainability Imperative for ASEAN" on May 7, 2026, at Tambuli Seaside Resort & Spa in Cebu, Philippines.

The summit, organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, brought together government officials, private sector representatives, international organizations, and partners from ASEAN and the European Union to discuss green growth, sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate change adaptation.

During the forum, the AEFO deputy presented Thailand's agricultural policy direction, integrating sustainability and climate resilience into agriculture and food systems through the BCG economic model, smart and precision agriculture, water management and proactive risk management, and digital technology and early warning systems to boost productivity and farmer resilience.

On animal health, Thailand presented a comprehensive policy overview through the Department of Livestock, emphasizing disease surveillance, prevention, control, and food safety standards. The ministry stressed that animal health is essential for food security, rural economies, and consumer confidence, particularly for smallholder farmers who depend on livestock as household assets.

Thailand promotes proactive disease prevention following the One Health approach through biosecurity systems, vaccination, disease surveillance, standardized farm management, and data-driven decision-making to reduce economic losses, prevent antimicrobial overuse, and support sustainable livestock production.

Regionally, Thailand advocates elevating ASEAN cooperation from addressing immediate problems to systematic, data-informed collaboration, including information and early warning system sharing and policy coordination to manage transboundary risks such as animal disease outbreaks, disasters, climate change, and supply chain disruptions.

The Corrections Department spokesman reported that Chinese detainee Ming Chen Sun, 30, was transferred from Pattaya Special Prison to Pattaya Pathumkun Hospital after suffering severe seizures during the intake procedure on the evening of May 11. The suspect had been showing signs of stress and depression, refusing food for three days while consuming only water since his arrest.

Sun was arrested following a car accident in Sattahip, Chon Buri, during which police discovered firearms in his vehicle. Investigation expanded to uncover an arms cache at his residence, containing M4 assault rifles and explosives, leading to the arrest of five suspects total.

During custody, authorities noted the suspect displayed severe seizure symptoms and physical weakness. Medical teams administered IV fluids and relaxants, with doctors monitoring his condition around the clock. Police from Bang Lamung Station provided security with over 10 officers stationed at the hospital.

Medical assessment attributed the seizures to possible drug overdose combined with extreme stress, severe dehydration from three days of refusing food, and lack of family visits. Deputy Provincial Police Commander Wasurachai Chaithaipattana visited the hospital to oversee security procedures and ensure continuous close monitoring.

Corrections Department Deputy Director-General and Spokesman Yutthana Nakruangchai clarified that the suspect remains hospitalized at Pattaya Pathumkun Hospital and has not been transferred to Chon Buri Hospital. The initial cause is believed to be overdose of medication the suspect carried, likely consumed before detention. Officials noted that bringing medication into prison requires official authorization and inspection. Despite refusing food for three days, the suspect consumed some water, with high stress likely contributing to the seizures, compounded by having no family visits.

Nita, a 13-year-old running prodigy, turned in an exceptional performance in the women's 3,000-meter race by crossing the finish line first and breaking the competition record that had stood for 22 years.

At the 41st National Youth Sports Games, the Surat Thani Games, Nuttapas Sikhomkul—known as "Nita"—a 13-year-old runner from Mater Protectoris School, had previously won a bronze medal in taekwondo sparring in the under-37kg weight category.

On May 12, 2026, the 13-year-old from Mueang Chanthaburi returned to competition in the women's 3,000-meter athletics race, delivering an outstanding performance and taking first place with a time of 10:19.24 minutes, claiming the gold medal while breaking the competition record previously set by Ketumanee Samapan at 10:26.03 minutes during the competition in Sukhothai in March 2547 (2004), or 22 years ago.

Previously, Nita created a sensation as a young prodigy by winning the 10km championship at Amazing Thailand Marathon 2025 and Buriram Marathon 2026.

On May 12, 2569, reporters observed unusually busy crowds at school uniform shops across the region as the school term approaches. Most parents are seeking discounted uniforms to cut costs. Ms. Yenjit Kaewganhaa, 43, from Ban Kruat District in Buriram Province, noted that beyond standard uniforms, schools require students to purchase additional uniforms including Girl Guides, youth Red Cross, and volunteer service uniforms depending on students' club affiliations. Though this adds financial burden, she acknowledged it teaches children about their duties and responsibilities in society. Ms. Chujittha Phuseritthira, 40, a parent, stated that the government's 500 baht subsidy per student is no longer adequate. She highlighted the difficult economic situation, especially for border residents like herself who have evacuated twice, lost income, and had to borrow money to survive. She hopes the government will increase assistance. Meanwhile, Ms. Petchlada Iamdi, 21, a school uniform shop employee in Prasart Subdistrict Municipality, noted that while uniform sales are better this year than last, it's because parents earned money working in other provinces. However, local border residents have no money since they couldn't work during the recent clashes between Thai and Cambodian military forces.