National

True5G: The Power Connecting Every Opportunity - Searching for Thai Women's Meaningful Voice at Miss World Thailand 2026

True5G is sponsoring Miss World Thailand 2026 to amplify Thai women's voices and social impact projects on the global stage. The Head to Head competition showcases contestants' advocacy potential through presentations and debates focused on

7 May Khaosod

True5G is searching for the "meaningful voice" of Thai women at the Miss World Thailand 2026 Presented by True5G Head to Head round, working together to create a better and more sustainable world. As the main sponsor, True5G believes that "communication" can create real change and is leveraging its intelligent network and AI technology to powerfully connect the stories of Thai women to audiences both locally and globally as the competition advances to the critical Head to Head FAST TRACK TRUE FACE-OFF round.

Amidst an atmosphere full of energy, creativity, and inspiration, the competition reinforces the belief in "the power of women" - not just as inspiration, but as the power to take action and drive the world toward genuine positive change. Pimolpan Sirivongvanakaem, Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at True Corporation, is among the judges seeking the "meaningful voice" of modern women ready to share ideas, communicate values, and drive change to the global stage.

Contestants must present a social project they intend to execute (Beauty With A Purpose) in 3 minutes, followed by a 1-minute debate round showcasing their potential as advocates, reflecting their vision, courage, communication skills, and commitment to the greater good. This aligns with True Corporation's role as a Telecom-Tech Company focused on developing meaningful technology that makes every intention real and sustainable, bringing True5G's capabilities - intelligent networks, AI technology, cybersecurity, and digital ecosystems - to elevate Miss World Thailand 2026 from a beauty pageant to a platform connecting people, ideas, opportunities, and values in meaningful ways.

The top three scorers are MWT12 Malay - Malay Kar, MWT15 Namphung - Kantira Techapattrathanakul, and MWT18 Praechomphu - Nirida Nilsetree, with only one gaining automatic entry to the semi-final round of 12. This demonstrates the power of thought, determination, and potential of Thai women ready to shine on the world stage and transform meaningful beauty into the power to build a better society.

The competition is heading toward its climax, revealing Thai women with beauty, intellect, and hearts ready to inspire the world. Join us for the finals of Miss World Thailand 2026 on Sunday, May 10, to discover the Thai woman ready to win the crown and represent meaningful beauty on the global stage, with live streaming available on TrueVisions NOW and TrueID.

#MWTBESTwithTRUE5G #TheWORLDisTRUE #MissWorldThailand2026 #True5G #BESTwithTRUE5G

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National

Bank of Thailand Moves to Cut Banking Fees, Easing Burden on Citizens and SMEs Starting This July

The Bank of Thailand is cutting banking fees starting July to ease financial pressure on individuals and small businesses, with final assessments expected by May. The central bank also reports two of three newly licensed virtual banks could

7 May Khaosod

The Bank of Thailand is pressing ahead with cuts to banking fees to reduce the burden on individuals and SMEs, with effects expected to take hold in July this year. Bank of Thailand Governor Vithai Ratanakorn disclosed that the Bank of Thailand is currently soliciting feedback on restructuring banking fee schedules to lower certain charges. Final impact assessments are expected to be completed this May, with official implementation anticipated in July or possibly within 2-3 months thereafter, depending on circumstances. This will ease financial pressures on retail customers and SMEs. Regarding progress on establishing virtual banks—with three entities having received licenses—preliminary assessments suggest two virtual banks could be ready to commence operations by year-end. Licensed operators must establish internal systems, IT infrastructure, risk management procedures, and complete organizational structures before launching official services. If unprepared, they may request extensions under existing criteria. Given the complexity of establishing a bank, extensions are permitted. Operators are scheduled to begin setup and launch services by June this year, but those not yet ready can request an additional one-year extension or until June 2027. Regarding ongoing news developments, all virtual banks are believed to be making genuine efforts to comply, though the Bank of Thailand must assess what is appropriate and submit recommendations to the Finance Ministry for further consideration. All virtual banks are believed to be committed to establishing operations and providing credit services in areas traditional banks have not yet reached. The overall credit landscape continues to contract, a contraction attributed to slower economic growth.

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Tourism

Thailand Tourism Authority Launches Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 to Boost Mid-Year Shopping Tourism

Thailand's Tourism Authority is launching a mid-year shopping sale from June to August across major cities and beach destinations to boost foreign visitor spending. The campaign targets high-spending markets like China, Singapore and the US

7 May Khaosod

The Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) is organizing the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 to stimulate visitor spending during the mid-year period. TAT Governor Thaapanee Kiaatpaibuul emphasized that TAT is collaborating with both government and private sectors to drive Thailand's tourism industry as a vital mechanism for creating and distributing income to the people continuously, improving quality of life and promoting sustainable growth while showcasing Thailand's charm to international audiences. The focus is on quality tourism that generates revenue and distributes opportunities to tourist destinations throughout the country.

Based on statistics from 2023-2024, foreign tourists allocated 15-20% of their total spending to shopping and souvenirs, ranking third after accommodation and food and beverages. The primary markets with the highest purchasing power include the People's Republic of China, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Australia, India, South Korea, and Hong Kong respectively.

Therefore, the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 project has been prepared to offer discounts and special privileges in both major cities and tourist destinations to foreign visitors from June to August 2025, coinciding with the Green Season. Main activity areas include Bangkok, Chon Buri (Pattaya), Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Phuket, and Songkhla (Hat Yai).

The initiative aims to boost spending and support the "Unforgettable Experience" campaign by creating memorable experiences for tourists while promoting Thai charm through Thai brand products and supporting Thai designers. The offerings cover fashion, crafts, jewelry, and eco-friendly products made from recycled materials, providing a premium shopping experience that is accessible to all.

Nat Kruttsutr, TAT Deputy Governor for Goods and Tourism Business, stated that the preparatory meeting with business operators aims to invite participation in the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale project to stimulate spending and travel among foreign tourists, targeting both nearby and distant markets with strong growth.

The project establishes Thailand's image as a shopping destination and delivers truly memorable Thai travel experiences. Previous years' campaigns have successfully attracted and stimulated tourist spending effectively. Data from 2024 showed circulation revenue exceeding 700 million baht during the project period, with 92.92% tourist satisfaction and 98.67% willing to recommend the activities. The top five participating nationalities were Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, the People's Republic of China, and India, while the top five benefits sought included accommodations, restaurants, activities and travel packages, shopping venues, and health and beauty services.

For 2025, TAT is shifting the project concept from "Discount-driven" to "Discovery-driven," presenting Thai brand identity and advantages in both products and services, particularly community products, crafts, and environmentally friendly goods. The authority is developing creative tourism experiences that connect local stories through designed product and service routes tailored to different tourist groups and creating shopping routes recommending shopping destinations and lifestyle areas nationwide.

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Community

Bank Thiti Opens Up About Building His Career: Packed Schedule Managing Three Coffee Shop Branches, Happy 5-Year Relationship with Pimthana, Not Ready for Marriage Yet, Wants to Secure His Future First

Young Thai actor Bank Thiti opens up about balancing his booming entertainment career with managing three coffee shop branches across Thailand. Despite a packed schedule and admitting the business hasn't yet broken even, Bank remains committed with strong support from family and his five-year girlfriend Pimthana, though he says he's not ready for marriage yet as he prioritizes building financial stability.

7 May Khaosod

Both Bank Thiti's entertainment career and business operations are running at full throttle with no breaks. The young actor currently has a packed queue of film and television projects while managing a coffee shop business that has expanded to three branches. Though he admits it's tiring and hasn't returned his investment yet, he perseveres with support from family, his sister, and girlfriend Pimthana. Bank recently spoke at the GDH "Growing Together" concert rehearsal about his work, business, and love life.

How are things going right now? "It's pretty chaotic these days. I have two filming projects ongoing. There were projects from last year and this year has quite a lot as well—both films and series. I'm getting characters that involve deception and manipulation. After playing a charming con artist, we picked up some tricks."

Your youthful appearance hasn't held you back? "Actually, there might be some roles I can't take because they want someone more mature. What I can do is hit the gym to bulk up my physique."

Will we see a more cunning side of Bank in these two projects? "A bit older, playing a detective doing investigations. I think it changes with the times. As I mature, I get more diverse roles. It's challenging because the characters are further from my real personality. I've taken more acting classes to gain experiences I can use on set. I feel like this is a profession I genuinely love. I enjoy it all the time."

Don't you only take good guy roles anymore? "I do take them. Cunning exists even in good people. It's cleverness in surviving in this era."

How's the coffee shop business? "We now have three branches. Khon Kaen is our first location. The other two are in Bangkok—on Rama 4 and the latest one at Marketplace Thonglor. Anyone free should stop by. It might not be booming, but it has potential to expand and give Bangkok customers a chance to try our creations."

Many businesses have shut down—how are you sustaining yours? "My secret is putting things on paper first. We calculate the return on investment and cost-benefit before we start investing in each branch. Everything has problems. Ours involve staff turnover and unexpected issues like managing large teams or ensuring consistent quality across branches."

Is managing people the hardest part? "It's actually pretty headache-inducing, but I'm lucky my sister supports and helps. She runs the entire business, though when I have new ideas or menu items, I consult with her."

Will you raise prices? "Not right now. If anything, we might lower them. When we first opened, we didn't have business savvy, so we just set prices arbitrarily without proper calculations. But after recalculating, we can actually reduce prices to make our products more accessible."

Can you survive an economy like this? "It definitely impacts us, but we try to balance things to reach consumers at price points they're comfortable with."

Are customer numbers increasing or decreasing? "It depends on the location. Khon Kaen is stable. When there are graduation ceremonies or concerts in Khon Kaen, we get much more traffic than usual. Some days are quieter though."

Do you have a chance to work the bar yourself since you studied barista? "I'm constantly making adjustments in the back. I still adjust dosage and choose syrups in the back. I don't stand at the bar as much as I did when we first started.

No. 04 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Taiwan-Thailand trade surges 47.8% in Q1 as TECO expands tech talent programme

Taiwan-Thailand bilateral trade reached a record high with a 47.8% increase in the first quarter of 2026, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand is expanding recruitment and training programmes to develop tech talent, including establishing talent circulation bases across Thailand and conducting seminars reaching over 3,000 students. Taiwan is now Thailand's fourth-largest trading partner with focus shifting from traditional manufacturing toward AI and smart technology industries.

7 May Khaosod

Trade between Taiwan and Thailand rose by 47.8% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, marking a new high in bilateral economic relations.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand (TECO) said Taiwan is strengthening its role in Thailand's industrial and technology sectors through investment and talent development initiatives.

Since the launch of the "Taiwan-Thailand Tech Talent Service Platform" in late 2025, TECO said it has expanded recruitment and training programmes aimed at supporting Taiwanese businesses operating in Thailand.

In the first quarter of 2026, TECO and Taiwanese companies organised recruitment seminars at vocational colleges in Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Chonburi, reaching more than 3,000 students.

Taiwan has also established "International Talent Circulation Bases" in northern and northeastern Thailand under its INTENSE Programme, expanding technical training opportunities beyond Bangkok.

TECO said it is also working with printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturers and Thai industrial estates to improve employment pathways for Thai graduates.

According to data from Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI), Taiwan ranked as Thailand's fourth-largest trading partner and sixth-largest source of foreign investment.

In 2025, Taiwanese investment in Thailand totalled 131 projects worth 273.5 billion baht, mainly in electronics, ICT and PCB-related industries.

Educational exchanges also continued to grow, with nearly 2,000 Thai students studying in Taiwan in 2025, up 5% from the previous year.

Peter Lan, TECO's representative in Thailand, said Taiwan-Thailand cooperation is shifting from traditional manufacturing toward AI and smart technology industries.

"Taiwan is not just here for trade and investment; we are committed to local talent cultivation," he said.

No. 05 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Pink Ploy Confirms She Withdrew from Drama Herself, Worried About Impact on Team; Contract with Channel 7 Remains

Actress Pink Ploy Pappawadi confirms she voluntarily withdrew from an upcoming drama due to health concerns, worried about impacting her team's work. The actress reports she's recovering at about 90 percent and is currently resting, while her contract with Channel 7 remains intact with no new projects scheduled in the immediate future.

7 May Khaosod

Following Channel 7's announcement of actress Pink Ploy Pappawadi's health issues that led to her withdrawal from an upcoming drama, the actress recently appeared at the "DIMOO HAPPY 9TH ANNIVERSARY" event at Siam Center to provide an update on her condition.

When asked about her recovery, Pink Ploy stated: "I'm gradually getting better. I'm starting to go out for events again. This is probably the first event I've attended since December." However, she declined to share specific details about her illness, saying she prefers not to disclose the nature of her condition as it could affect others.

Regarding her recovery progress, she indicated she's improved about 90 percent and is currently in a self-care phase. She explained that "not feeling well" isn't just about physical illness—there are other matters involved—which she prefers to keep private to avoid further impact on her surroundings.

As for her acting career, Pink Ploy confirmed she currently has no new projects scheduled but maintains several more years on her contract with Channel 7. She emphasized that the network has been supportive, checking in on her condition and indicating they'll welcome her back when she's ready.

When asked about her hiatus duration, Pink Ploy was cautious about committing to a timeline, saying she doesn't want to rush her return as it could affect both her work and personal well-being. She noted that since her illness came unexpectedly, she prefers to take things as they come rather than set a strict deadline for her return to work.

No. 06 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Deputy PM Supa Jumsai Leads Team Thailand+ Delegation to SelectUSA 2026 Summit in Washington, D.C., Advancing Thai-U.S. Trade and Investment Cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister Supa Jumsai led Team Thailand+ to the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 in Washington D.C. on May 4-5, promoting Thai investment in the U.S. and strengthening economic partnerships. The delegation met with U.S. government officials and private sector representatives from multiple states, focusing on key sectors including energy, advanced technology, processed agriculture, and food innovation. Thai investment in the U.S. currently exceeds $17 billion, with both nations expressing commitment to expanding bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

7 May Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supa Jumsai na Ayudhya announced that her visit to Washington, D.C. on May 4-5, 2026 aimed to promote economic cooperation, trade, and investment between Thailand and the United States, Thailand's most important economic partner. She participated in key activities and held comprehensive discussions with both U.S. government and private sector representatives. The visit demonstrated the Thai government's commitment to strengthening economic ties with the U.S. across all dimensions—trade, investment, and public-private cooperation—with Thailand ready to collaborate closely with all sectors of the U.S. to drive sustainable and concrete economic outcomes.

Supa Jumsai stated that she participated in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 as part of "Team Thailand+" alongside Panapriay Pahittanakul, advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, and Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand. The coordinated effort among the Commerce Ministry, Foreign Affairs Ministry, and Thai Chamber of Commerce, supported by leading Thai businesses, aimed to promote Thai investment in the U.S., particularly in sectors where Thailand has competitive advantages such as energy, processed agriculture, and advanced technology industries. This reflected Thai private sector confidence in the U.S. economy and Thailand's role as an important investment partner.

During the summit, Supa Jumsai met with U.S. Department of Commerce representatives, who responded positively and expressed readiness to facilitate Thai private sector investment in the United States. She also met with representatives from several U.S. states including Texas and Utah, which offer significant investment opportunities in energy, technology, and future industries, all expressing willingness to welcome Thai investments moving forward.

Supa Jumsai noted that the participation of leading Thai private enterprises from the energy, petrochemical, food, and electronics sectors reflected Thailand's plan for continued investment expansion in the U.S. Current Thai investment in the U.S. exceeds $17 billion with a growing upward trend. The summit also provided opportunities for Thai businesses to connect with U.S. business partners and government agencies to expand cooperation in supply chain and target industries. Following the SelectUSA Investment Summit, Supa Jumsai met with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), presenting Thailand's vision and inviting U.S. businesses to invest in Thailand. She emphasized Thailand's economic policies aimed at enhancing competitiveness, restructuring the economy for the future, and promoting target industries such as food innovation and the digital economy, sectors that offer potential for strengthening supply chain linkages between Thailand and the U.S.

U.S. private sector representatives expressed interest in expanding cooperation and investment in Thailand in sectors with mutual potential and support, including food technology and innovation, tourism and hospitality, and partnerships to enhance supply chain resilience.

No. 07 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

True Corporation Reports First Quarter 2025 Results with Fifth Consecutive Quarter of Profitability

True Corporation reported strong first quarter 2025 results with 6.6 billion baht in net profit and 10.9% EBITDA growth, marking its fifth consecutive quarter of profitability. The telecommunications giant added 614,000 mobile subscribers and achieved record-high customer satisfaction levels while managing macroeconomic pressures through disciplined cost management and network modernization initiatives. Mobile and online businesses remain the growth drivers, with 5G subscribers reaching 18.4 million by quarter-end.

7 May Khaosod

May 7, 2025 – True Corporation announced its first quarter 2025 financial results, maintaining consistent profitability driven by continuous growth in service subscribers, improved customer experience through network modernization initiatives, and disciplined cost management. The company posted a net profit of 6.6 billion baht with EBITDA reaching 28 billion baht, up 10.9% year-over-year, supported by frequency spectrum licensing gains. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, True Corporation sustained positive performance across its core mobile and online businesses.

Sigve Brekke, Group Chief Executive Officer of True Corporation Public Company Limited, stated: "Performance from all our business segments in the first quarter of 2025 showed strong growth. The key highlight isn't just outstanding financial results, but also record-high customer satisfaction levels. We continue to monitor increasing macroeconomic pressures while advancing toward our financial targets. Continuous network modernization, coupled with business and organizational restructuring, represent key strengths that differentiate us and enhance customer experience, operational efficiency, and long-term competitive advantage for our stakeholders."

Operational Highlights for Q1 2025 Mobile phone subscribers increased by 614,000 lines compared to the previous quarter, reflecting improved churn management and active retention measures. Participation in the Ministry of Education's "Study Anywhere Anytime" program contributed to total mobile subscribers reaching 48.1 million lines. Home internet users grew by 36,000, marking the highest growth since the merger, driven by network stability and improved service quality. Continuous network improvements reduced online business network downtime and boosted customer Net Promoter Scores. Increased adoption of digital self-service channels reduced call center contact volume, improving both customer experience and operational efficiency. 5G subscribers reached 18.4 million by quarter-end.

Nakul Sehgal, Chief Financial Officer of True Corporation Public Company Limited, commented: "First quarter results reflect the financial discipline we've maintained since the merger. While PayTV subscription revenue faced some headwinds, mobile and online businesses remained strong through subscriber growth and network investments alongside customer experience improvements. Operating expenses declined significantly year-over-year through frequency spectrum licensing benefits, merger synergies realization, and rigorous cost control, driving EBITDA growth."

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Breaking

Mother Pleads with Paveena for Help Finding Biological Child Swapped by Caregiver for Three Years

A 24-year-old mother has enlisted the help of children's advocate Paveena Hongskul to locate her biological 3-year-old daughter who was allegedly swapped by a caregiver three years ago. Police are investigating potential human trafficking, as the mother unknowingly raised another child for years while her biological daughter's whereabouts remain unknown. The case involves a Myanmar couple and a woman named Ann who recently claimed to be the child's biological mother.

7 May Khaosod

At 2:00 PM on May 7, 2025, at Bang Lamung Police Station, Paveena Hongskul of the Paveena Hongskul Foundation for Children and Women, accompanied by Janchira Thaibandit from Chachoengsao Provincial Police Region, brought Joy (pseudonym), age 24, to meet Lt. Col. Sarawut Nuchanatro, Bang Lamung Police Chief, to request help locating her biological 3-year-old daughter. The child was placed with a caregiver named Vichuda, or "Som," age 32, from birth. Som allegedly swapped the biological child and returned a different child to Joy when the girl was just 5 months old. Police have arrested Som, who was sentenced to imprisonment at the lower court and later released on bail pending appeal. However, Joy remains unaware of her biological daughter's whereabouts. Som has remained silent about the child's location, claiming a Myanmar couple took the child away. Joy's biological mother, an individual known as "Ann," recently contacted Joy asking what to do next, prompting a request for police investigation.

Joy recounted that in 2022, she became pregnant unplanned and had a conflict with her boyfriend, so they separated. Wanting to keep it from her family, she consulted a friend who introduced her to Som, who lived in a rental room with her husband and four children in Bang Lamung, Chachoengsao. Som claimed to love children and agreed to adopt Joy's daughter. Joy moved in with Som for about 20 days and gave birth on October 6, 2022. Initially wanting to give the child up for adoption, Joy agreed to pay Som 8,000 baht monthly for childcare while she worked in construction in Chachoengsao, living at the work site.

After one month, Som told Joy that a Myanmar couple wanted to raise an infant (as they had no biological children) and offered 20,000 baht, but Joy refused. She continued paying Som for childcare and visited occasionally. When the child turned 5 months old on March 1, 2023, Som suddenly brought the baby to Joy, claiming it was temporary, but never returned. Joy then left the child with her mother in Chachachoengsao before resuming work.

Paveena stated that she has coordinated with Maj. Gen. Ponphan Vongmanetest, Chachoengsao Provincial Police Commander, and assigned Lt. Col. Sarawut to urgently pursue two leads: locating the Myanmar couple Som claimed gave the child to, and finding "Ann," the woman who contacted Joy claiming to be the child's biological mother. If evidence confirms the child was sold, it would constitute human trafficking charges against the Myanmar couple. Most recently, Ann called Joy asking what to do next, prompting a request for police investigation into the facts.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Suchart Briefs Parliament, Reaffirms Government's Push to Address Mekong River Contamination and Land Rights Issues in Forest Communities

Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Choomklin briefed Parliament on government efforts to address Mekong River contamination and land rights issues affecting forest communities, particularly in Chiang Rai Province. The government is implementing coordinated measures including environmental monitoring, water quality assessment, emergency water supply measures, and land title documentation for over 800,000 residents. Economic support for affected tourism businesses and fair electricity rates for forest communities are also part of the comprehensive sustainability initiative.

7 May Khaosod

On May 7, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Choomklin addressed Parliament regarding Mekong River contamination and solutions for land and livelihood rights of people in forest areas. The government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin prioritizes improving public quality of life while conserving natural resources, coordinating relevant agencies for sustained, concrete problem-solving.

The briefing followed inquiries from MP Kriengyos Sudlapa regarding land and housing security in forest communities, and MP Moltida Chaiyabal of Chiang Rai concerning the river contamination's impacts on health, economy, and tourism.

Suchart stated the government has closely monitored the Mekong situation since 2024, establishing a task force to assess impacts and develop solutions through cooperation with neighboring countries via the Foreign Ministry to reduce ecosystem and watershed impacts. The Pollution Control Department continuously collects and analyzes water and sediment samples, while health and fisheries agencies jointly assess public health and aquatic safety impacts.

The ministry is securing backup water sources for water supply in at-risk areas, upgrading village water systems, cleaning wells, and assisting affected schools, temples, and communities to ensure adequate, safe clean water access.

Regarding economic impact, the government is preparing assistance measures for businesses and communities affected by water quality concerns, particularly tourism-dependent areas, to restore confidence and reduce income losses.

On land rights, the government is accelerating land title documentation for over 800,000 people by 2027 to ensure housing and livelihood security, while promoting community forests currently covering over 6 million rai with over 4 million users. The government is also advancing carbon credit revenue systems for sustainable community income and resource management.

Additionally, the government is addressing electricity costs for forest community residents, pushing for rates equal to permanent meter holders to reduce expenses and ensure fair access to basic utilities.

"The government aims for people to live harmoniously with natural resources, with secure farmland, good environment, and fair economic opportunities. All agencies will continue addressing these issues comprehensively," Suchart said.

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National

MCOT Board Unanimously Votes Prof. Dr. Veerasak Purivirojkul as New Board Chairman

Chulalongkorn University rector Prof. Dr. Veerasak Purivirojkul was unanimously appointed chairman of Thailand's public broadcaster MCOT on May 7, bringing AI-driven communication expertise to transform the network into a "Learning Station"

7 May Khaosod

The board of directors of MCOT Public Company Limited unanimously appointed Prof. Dr. Veerasak Purivirojkul, rector of Chulalongkorn University and chairman of the Association of University Administrators of Thailand (AUAT), as the new chairman of MCOT on May 7, 2025.

The board expressed confidence in his broad vision and expertise in modern AI-driven communication strategy, which will serve as a critical mechanism to help MCOT navigate changing consumer behavior and compete effectively with foreign platforms.

Prof. Dr. Veerasak is a distinguished scholar combining academic expertise with international-level business management experience. He holds degrees from leading Thai universities Chulalongkorn and Thammasat, a master's degree from Yale University, and a doctorate from Oxford University. He has worked with global organizations including IBM, P&G, and Hakuhodo.

Currently, he serves as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) and chairman of the ASEM LLL Hub, both internationally recognized organizations. He also pioneered the establishment of Chula XL (Extension and Lifelong Learning), a new college integrating knowledge across all disciplines and systematically connecting with people of all ages to support social and labor market changes.

With his comprehensive experience spanning both academia and media business, his appointment is seen as a crucial turning point for MCOT's adaptation to a new era, elevating the national broadcaster's role to serve as "a mechanism for creating learning opportunities" and "a true driving force for society."

Upon taking office, Prof. Dr. Veerasak announced an urgent policy to revitalize the business by transforming Channel 9, MCOT HD, and all affiliated media into a "Learning Station" that integrates all platforms to develop professional skills and knowledge for Thais of all ages, while creating sustainable economic opportunities for the nation.

Prof. Dr. Veerasak is the second university rector to serve as MCOT board chairman. The first was Prof. Surapol Nitikraipetch, former rector of Thammasat University, who served in the position from 2008 to 2011.

No. 11 of ∞ Read at source → Next