Community

Thai Health Foundation Mobilizes Nation to Combat NCDs with 25th Mindful Walking-Running Visakha Ceremony

The Thai Health Foundation is organizing the 25th 'Mindful Walking-Running Visakha' event across 70 locations nationwide on May 31, 2569, combining physical activity with mindfulness practice to combat non-communicable diseases and sedentary lifestyles. The initiative aims to engage at least 30,000 participants and recruit new runners while making exercise accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. The event reflects a broader push to foster sustainable health-conscious living rather than one-time campaigns.

7 May Khaosod

The Thai Health Foundation, collaborating with running federations, associations, and network partners, is preparing to host the 25th 'Mindful Walking-Running Visakha Buddha Worship Day—Five Precepts Observance, Reduce and Abandon Bad Behavior 2569' simultaneously across 70 locations nationwide on May 31, 2569. The campaign aims to spark behavioral change among Thai citizens toward reducing sedentary living and practicing mindful movement, under the powerful yet simple principle: 'A strong body requires movement; a resilient mind requires calm.' Dr. Pairoj Saonuam, Deputy Manager of the Thai Health Foundation, revealed that the activity integrates 'active living' with 'mindfulness in physical activity,' using Visakha Bucha Day as a unifying moment for people nationwide to practice self-care through mindful walking and running. The event emphasizes participation and accessibility across all age groups rather than competition. The program targets at least 30,000 nationwide participants and aims to create 'new runners' representing at least 10 percent of participants, welcoming those with no prior exercise habits or inconsistent physical activity to start in a friendly and safe manner. The initiative addresses both physical and mental dimensions, particularly cultivating 'intrinsic motivation' to help people apply mindfulness principles to daily work, life, and health management. Dr. Pairoj highlighted that Thai society's major challenge is 'sedentary behavior'—insufficient physical activity—a primary risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. WHO data indicates adults should engage in moderate physical activity for 150–300 minutes weekly, yet 28.9 percent of Thais aged 18 and over fall below this threshold. The activity reflects the Foundation's commitment to building 'health-conscious lifestyles' rather than short-term campaigns, using symbolic events as catalysts for sustained behavioral change. 'This activity isn't just about getting people out to run once and finishing; we aim for long-term behavioral change, helping people understand that physical movement is achievable daily in forms suited to their needs, eventually becoming part of their lives,' Dr. Pairoj stated. Prasad Jirchaisokul, Chairman of the Thai Running Association for Health Foundation, emphasized the event's hallmark feature: 'accessible design' meeting safety standards, open to all—children, adults, seniors, and those newly beginning health management—without restriction to professional runners. The flexible format accommodates walking, running, or combined meditation practice.

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National

OR Rakes in Over 2.4 Billion Baht in Q1 Profit – Café Amazon Sales Surge to 112 Million Cups

OR reported first-quarter net profit of 2.4 billion baht, up 16.2% from the previous quarter, with Café Amazon surging to 112 million cups sold and strong growth across all business segments.

7 May Khaosod

OR announced first quarter 2025 results with net profit of 2,415 million baht, up 16.2% from the previous quarter, translating to earnings per share of 0.20 baht. EBITDA climbed to 7,100 million baht, representing a 59.8% increase from the prior quarter, with contributions from all business segments. Revenue from sales and services totaled 176,125 million baht, up 13.2% or 20,590 million baht from the previous quarter.

Hemavadee Piktong Thongyai, CEO of PTT Oil and Retail Business Company Limited (OR), highlighted that growth came from all business units. The Mobility segment expanded 59.8%, though average gross profit per liter declined due to government price controls preventing price adjustments and hedging losses. The Lifestyle segment grew 19.9%, with notable strength in food and beverage retail and other businesses, particularly Café Amazon which sold 112 million cups, up 3 million cups or 2.8% from the previous quarter. The Global segment surged over 100%, primarily driven by operations in the Philippines with improved diesel margins and Laos with better gross profit margins across all products.

OR maintained its "AA+" corporate credit rating from Tris Ratings with a stable outlook for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting strong financial condition and market leadership in petroleum products. The company also invested 55.41% stake in Thai Pipeline Network Company Limited (TPN) through its subsidiary Modulus, acquiring pipeline transportation infrastructure from Saraburi to Northeast Thailand to strengthen infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and enhance competitive capabilities for sustainable growth.

Hemavadee emphasized that OR continues supporting Thai citizens across all circumstances, managing oil supply to the fullest capacity during Middle East tensions to ensure nationwide energy accessibility and sufficiency, while pursuing strategies to strengthen brand value and national energy security.

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National

Urgent: Fuel Fund Committee Slashes All Fuel Prices by 85 Satang per Liter, Effective May 8, 2025, Tracking Downward Global Market Trends

Thailand's Petroleum Fund Management Committee has announced a nationwide fuel price reduction of 0.85 baht per liter across all fuel types, effective May 8, 2025. The cut reflects declining global oil prices following investor relief over US-Iran tensions and reopened shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision aims to reduce living costs for consumers while improving the fund's liquidity management.

7 May Khaosod

The Petroleum Fund Management Committee (PFMC) approved on May 7, 2025, a comprehensive price reduction of 0.85 baht per liter across all fuel types to reflect weakening global market trends. The price cuts follow investor relief over the US-Iran conflict, with reports of temporary ceasefire progress and reopened shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

Global oil prices on May 7 closed at approximately $149 per barrel for diesel and $128 per barrel for gasoline, down from April 30 levels of $179 and $138 per barrel respectively. The new fuel fund rates effective May 8, 2025, include:

Diesel Group: Standard diesel increases collection by 0.63 baht per liter to 1.17 baht per liter, resulting in a retail price of 39.95 baht per liter. B20 diesel reduces compensation by 0.44 baht per liter to 5.38 baht per liter, bringing retail prices down to 32.95 baht per liter. Premium diesel increases collection by 0.63 baht per liter to 2.67 baht per liter.

Gasoline and Gasohol Group: Regular gasoline increases collection by 0.53 baht per liter to 9.87 baht per liter, resulting in a retail price of 52.04 baht per liter. Gasohol 95 increases collection by 0.41 baht per liter to 2.58 baht per liter, bringing retail prices to 42.45 baht per liter. Gasohol 91 increases collection by 0.41 baht per liter to 2.58 baht per liter, with retail prices at 42.08 baht per liter. E20 gasohol reduces compensation by 0.27 baht per liter to 2.61 baht per liter, resulting in a retail price of 35.45 baht per liter. E85 gasohol reduces collection by 0.46 baht per liter to 1.39 baht per liter, bringing retail prices to 31.39 baht per liter.

This price reduction not only helps lower the cost of living for consumers but also improves liquidity management for the Petroleum Fund, which generates approximately 75.65 million baht in daily revenue.

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Breaking

Tragic: Hardworking Man Struck by Lightning While Seeking Money for Daughter's School Uniform

A 45-year-old man in Buriram Province was fatally struck by lightning while working in a sugarcane field to earn money for his daughter's school uniform. Sunthorn died despite emergency CPR after picking up a metal shovel near a tree as a s

7 May Khaosod

A hardworking 45-year-old man was fatally struck by lightning while working in a sugarcane field, having taken the job to earn money for his 9-year-old daughter's school uniform before classes resumed. At 2 p.m. on May 7, 2025, police and rescue teams responded to reports of a lightning strike victim in a sugarcane field in Don Mon subdistrict, Satuk district, Buriram Province. They found the body of Sunthorn, 45, lying unconscious with burn marks and a shovel beside him. Despite emergency CPR, he died before reaching Satuk Hospital.

According to a witness, Sai, 67, the sugarcane farm owner had hired 17 workers to clear grass at 300 baht each. Sai had invited Sunthorn, a son-in-law in the village, knowing he was desperately raising money to buy a complete school uniform—pants, shirt, and shoes—for his daughter in fourth grade before the semester opened. After lunch, as dark clouds gathered, Sunthorn went to retrieve his shovel near a tree despite warnings from others about the approaching storm. The moment he picked up the metal shovel, lightning struck with a loud crack, and he collapsed.

A local resident, Kiang, 60, recalled that Sunthorn had been a productive member of the community for eight years, always working hard and taking any job available to support his family.

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National

Two Young Men Exempted From Military Conscription After Officials Found Measurement Error

Two young men were exempted from mandatory military service in Songkhla after officials discovered measurement errors of 1-2 centimeters in their chest sizes during re-examination by a provincial committee.

7 May Khaosod

Two young men have been exempted from mandatory military service after appealing for fair treatment over inaccurate body measurements with errors of 1-2 centimeters. A committee voted to prevent their conscription.

On May 7, 2026, a Songkhla provincial reporter noted that three excess military conscripts submitted appeals to the senior committee for 2569. The first, Mr. Saranun (surname withheld), passed physical examination from Committee 1, measured at 172 centimeters tall with chest measurement of 77/80 centimeters, and drew a red lot (Army Unit 4/69). However, Mr. Saranun argued the chest measurement was inaccurate, claiming his own measurement showed 75/78 centimeters, below the required standard.

The second, Mr. Phalakorn (surname withheld), passed examination from Committee 3, measuring 168 centimeters tall with 76/79 centimeters chest measurement, and drew a red lot (Navy Unit 3/69). He filed a similar appeal stating his chest measurement was 75/78 centimeters, below the required standard.

The third, Mr. Muhammad Rizzuan (surname withheld), passed examination from Committee 4, measuring 167 centimeters tall with 82/85 centimeters chest measurement, and drew a red lot (Navy Unit 2/69). He appealed based on having a chronic condition of depression, which he argued could hinder military service.

At a recent meeting of the Songkhla Provincial Internal Security Command, Songkhla Governor Ratthaphun Chidchoo assigned Deputy Governor Sangkhom Koetko to chair the hearing on appeals regarding the conscript selection process for 2569. The meeting included Brigadier General Yutthapong Visetsak, Songkhla Provincial Commander, and Chatkrit Tinchart, prosecutor at the Office of Attorney General.

During the meeting, proper measurement procedures were emphasized: conscripts must stand straight with heels together, the measuring tape placed horizontally at chest level, with measurements taken at full exhalation and full inhalation. Decimal points and fractions must be dropped entirely (for example, 75.9 centimeters counts as 75 centimeters). Measurements cannot be taken with arms spread, fingers inserted into the tape, or above or below chest level.

Following a re-measurement before the senior committee, both the first and second applicants' chest measurements were confirmed at 75/78 centimeters, which does not meet the required standard since exhalation measurements did not reach 76 centimeters. The committee voted to exempt both from conscription.

The third applicant is currently undergoing additional medical consultation from Songkhla Hospital before his case is presented to the senior committee for further consideration.

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National

Heartbreaking: Family Has Paid Funeral Assistance Fund for 5 Years, But When Time Came to Use It for Brother's Funeral, They Were Turned Away and Told to Borrow from Others Instead

A family who paid into a funeral assistance fund for five years was denied access to their promised 20,000-30,000 baht benefit when their brother died, and told to borrow money instead despite their extreme poverty in Nakhon Rangsit.

7 May Khaosod

On May 7, 2026, reporters received a complaint from Ladda (name withheld), 49, and her 78-year-old mother Prasit (name withheld), who suffers from cancer and kidney disease. They came to seek public sympathy after facing repeated hardships while arranging the funeral for their brother Shuchisd (name withheld), 55, who had recently passed away.

Ladda tearfully explained that their family is extremely poor. When their brother died, they didn't even have proper government documents, forcing them to seek help from a relief foundation to obtain copies of their national ID cards to submit to the Nakhon Rangsit Funeral Assistance Association. Their brother had been contributing to this fund for five to six years, with the expectation of receiving 20,000-30,000 baht as agreed upon to cover funeral expenses.

Yesterday, Ladda brought her seriously ill mother—suffering from both cancer and kidney disease—to the association office for a scheduled appointment, hoping to receive the funds to pay for the funeral arrangements. However, they were left waiting for hours under the intense heat. Her mother complained of thirst, back pain, and severe abdominal pain. The response they received was disheartening: officials claimed that "Decha," the only person authorized to make decisions, was unavailable and unreachable, and was supposedly in Chiang Mai.

"What hurt our family the most was when the official told us to go borrow money from others to pay first," Ladda said. "These days, people won't even lend a hundred baht. Where are we supposed to get money to pay the temple's funeral bills? This money is genuinely ours—we've been paying for years. But when we finally need it, it's like we're begging at their doorstep."

The body of Shuchisd is currently lying in state at Rangsit Temple, with the funeral rites scheduled for today (May 7) at 4:00 PM. The family remains anxious about how they will cover the temple's various expenses. Ladda emphasized that they are not asking for the entire amount at once—they simply need the initial funds they were promised to lay their brother's spirit to rest.

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National

Thailand Story Narrative Eyes SET Recovery After April as Capital Outflows Slow

Thailand's stock market showed resilience in April 2025, rising 3.15% as foreign capital outflows slowed and market confidence stabilized amid geopolitical tensions. The SET Index has gained 18.58% year-to-date, supported by government initiatives including energy restructuring and the Land Bridge project. Officials expect relative market stability through year-end with improving economic fundamentals, record tourism numbers, and stable interest rate policies.

7 May Khaosod

The Stock Exchange of Thailand revealed that the SET index rose approximately 3% in April compared to March, continuing its recovery with a year-to-date gain of 20%, ranking fourth among Asian markets after Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. Deputy Manager Saraphon Tulyasetheeyar of the SET noted that April trading volume averaged 65 billion baht daily, relatively stable from March, while foreign fund outflows slowed to only billions of baht compared to significant March losses. The market shows emerging momentum from what officials call the 'Thailand Story'—a combination of government measures addressing cost of living, economic stimulus, energy restructuring, and the Land Bridge project that are easing investor concerns.

Market conditions in April reflected less panic about geopolitical tensions than in March. Saraphon stated that investors are adapting to current conditions, with both US and Thai interest rates likely remaining stable through year-end. Positive economic indicators include rising exports, 11 million tourists in four months, Moody's maintaining Thailand's credit rating at stable outlook, and improved domestic economic figures, suggesting relative stability for the next six months.

April 2025 Thai Stock Market Performance: – SET Index closed at 1,493.69 points, up 3.15% from March and 18.58% from end-2024 – Best-performing sectors: Technology, Industrial Products, and Resources – Average daily trading value for SET and mai: 58.69 billion baht, up 48.88% year-over-year; first four months of 2025 averaged 63.65 billion baht, up 51.45% – Foreign investors posted net sales of 2.51 billion baht; however, year-to-date net purchases reached 16.64 billion baht – Foreign investors maintained 54.43% of total trading value, followed by retail domestic investors (31.68%), institutional investors (7.53%), and brokerage firms (6.37%) – One new listing: Uniplastic Industries (UNIX) – Forward P/E: 15.16x (higher than Asian average of 12.96x); Historical P/E: 17.05x (lower than Asian average of 17.31x) – Dividend yield: 4.42% (higher than Asian average of 2.76%)

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National

SAM Presents Debt Solutions for Consumers Under 100,000 Baht at Money Expo 2026: 'Clear Your Debt, Move Forward'

Sukhumvit Asset Management (SAM) launched a booth at Bangkok's Money Expo 2026 offering debt solutions for consumers with debts under 100,000 baht through their 'Debt Clinic' program and NPL restructuring services. The event, held May 7-10, featured the official opening of SAM's booth M9 with remarks from the Bank of Thailand Governor and other financial sector leaders.

7 May Khaosod

Managing Director Narathnari Rattaphat of Sukhumvit Asset Management Company Limited (SAM) and senior management attended the 26th Bangkok Financial Festival, Money Expo 2026, held May 7-10. The official booth opening at booth M9 in the Challenger Hall 1-2 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani was attended by Bank of Thailand Governor Withaya Rattanakorn, event chairman Santichai Viriyarangkul, and event organizer Prakani Viriyarangkul.

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Police

Deputy Police Chief Opens Training Program for Provincial Registrars Under Security Business Law

Deputy Police Chief Surapong Thanomjit inaugurated a three-day training program for 228 provincial registrars on security business regulations in May, attended by senior police officials at a Krabi convention venue.

7 May Khaosod

Deputy Police General Surapong Thanomjit, Deputy Police Chief, presided over the opening ceremony of the training program for provincial registrars under the Security Business Act B.E. 2558, held May 6-8, 2026. Joining him were several high-ranking police officers including Deputy National Police Chiefs Somkhwor Peungtrap and Charin Kopatthanta, as well as other senior officials. The program trained 228 participants with the support of administrative and related personnel. The event was held at the Ashvin Grand Convention Hotel.

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Tourism

Travel Nearby and Find Work: TAT Partners Launch 'Work Wonder Belong' Campaign

Thailand's Tourism Authority launches "Work Wonder Belong," partnering with major brands to promote remote work travel across 17 central provinces, capitalizing on the growing "workation" trend among Thai employees through May 25, 2025.

7 May Khaosod

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joined forces with leading partners including NEXTOPIA Siam Paragon, Megatix Thailand, Bolt, and Sanook.com to invite modern workers to travel and explore remote work locations across 17 central provinces under the 'Work Wonder Belong' campaign.

The campaign transforms ordinary workdays into special moments by discovering new workspaces amidst relaxing and inspiring atmospheres that foster creativity and boost work efficiency. It curates products and services matching modern lifestyles, from accommodations and attractions to co-working spaces ideal for remote work, plus services enabling seamless work-from-anywhere setups. This supports the emerging trend blending work and travel, offering a fresh perspective on central Thailand's tourism appeal from May 1 to July 25, 2025.

Wannapha Keartpong, TAT Central Region Director, noted that many Thai organizations now adopt hybrid and remote work models to meet employee quality-of-life expectations and modern workers' aspirations. This enables weekday travel and has created growing demand for 'workation'—combining work with tourism. The trend includes 'weekend extenders,' stretching weekends without using vacation days, boosting travel opportunities while stimulating tourism in provinces near Bangkok, particularly the central region with convenient access and strong infrastructure for remote work.

TAT and partners have curated tourist attractions, hotels, activities, and co-working spaces suited for combined work and travel, offering discounts and special privileges to encourage weekday travel across major cities and attractions in central Thailand. The campaign aims to enhance work-tourism integration and create innovative travel experiences for today's workforce.

Chanisa Kaewruean, Creative and Innovation Executive at Siam Piwat Company, stated that NEXTOPIA is pleased to support this campaign promoting modern workers' lifestyles blending work and travel. NEXTOPIA opens its spaces as destinations for work, relaxation, and socializing in an inspiring atmosphere in central Bangkok, encouraging travel and lifestyle outside traditional offices.

The campaign offers multiple promotions: shopping at Siam Paragon mall to earn rewards with credit card cashback up to 22%, plus NEXTOPIA provides shopping, dining, and drinking coupons with discounts up to 200 baht in the NEXTOPIA Zone. Thai tourists can present the campaign banner or mention news of the 'Work Wonder Belong' campaign along with an ID card at Information Counters (G Floor North side, 1st Floor Star Dome, and 5th Floor NEXTOPIA).

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National

MGC-ASIA and XPeng Thailand Launch 'XPENG International Ice Hockey Cup 2026'

MGC-ASIA and XPeng Thailand are launching the 'XPENG International Ice Hockey Cup 2026' to support Thai youth through ice hockey competitions featuring U15 and U20 categories. The initiative brings together multiple corporate partners to de

7 May Khaosod

MGC-ASIA, a comprehensive lifestyle mobility business leader, has joined forces with XPeng Thailand, a distributor of premium-tech smart electric vehicles, along with business partners including Alpha X, Sight Car Rental Thailand, Howden Maxi, AIS, and ROYS HOTEL to support Thai youth development through ice hockey competitions. The 'XPENG International Ice Hockey Cup 2026-Asia Elite Series' will feature U15 and U20 age categories, creating a strong foundation for young athletes and opening pathways to higher-level competition.

At the press conference held on May 7, 2025, Dr. Sanhavirot Thamchuanviriya, Group Executive Officer of MGC-ASIA, presided over the official announcement alongside Apiwun Singtaveesardk, CEO of XPeng Thailand. Notable attendees included Phu Tatchcai Limpanyakul, a BUS band member and former Thai national youth ice hockey player known as the "Ice Prince," along with his brother Phim Thanat Limpanyakul, a Thai national ice hockey athlete. Phu will return to compete alongside his younger brother in this event.

Dr. Sanhavirot stated: "MGC-ASIA believes that supporting youth creates a strong foundation for society long-term. Today we're not just supporting a competition, but supporting the growth pathway of Thai youth. Ice hockey develops the body, mind, and discipline, aligning with our commitment to nurturing new generation potential while driving sustainable organizational growth."

Apiwun added: "XPeng isn't merely a premium-tech smart electric vehicle brand—we aim to be part of the new generation's lifestyle. Previously, we connected with younger audiences through fashion and design initiatives. Now we're expanding into sports, supporting ice hockey, a sport full of energy, speed, challenge, and perseverance that reflects our brand identity and genuinely connects us with Gen Z."

Thong Siriwan, representative of the Sports Authority of Thailand, expressed: "On behalf of the Sports Authority of Thailand, I'm delighted to see ice hockey's progress from a niche sport to broader recognition. With determination and support from various sectors, it's developing significantly. We don't focus solely on competition results but also on building a strong ice hockey foundation for sustainable long-term growth. I thank MGC-ASIA and XPeng Thailand for elevating competition standards to international levels and providing crucial encouragement to athletes and sports personnel to bring glory to our nation."

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