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.

Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain fans face a headache with accommodation prices in Budapest surging ahead of the UEFA Champions League final on May 30th. The 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League final will be held at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary at 6:00 PM on May 30th, attracting thousands of supporters for this European showdown. Although travel is generally convenient within Europe, limited flight and train schedules force many fans to stay overnight in Budapest, creating an opportunity for hotels and landlords to dramatically inflate prices—some charging over 10,000 euros per night (approximately 360,000 baht).

Hotel and rental platform prices have skyrocketed. On Booking.com, luxury accommodations for two people exceed 10,000 euros for a night after the final, while even standard apartments and mid-range hotels command premium rates, with the cheapest remaining options around 2,000 euros per night. Airbnb shows similar pricing, though data reveals that just one night after the match, prices plummet back to normal levels of approximately 100 euros per night.

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.

The Justice Minister reported that Ming Chen Sun, a Chinese national accused in a bomb and weapons smuggling case, went into shock and required hospital care. He is now stable, with police maintaining tight security and conducting drug screening tests. At 9:40 AM on May 12, 2569, Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naorat addressed the incident, explaining that special prison officers were transporting Ming Chen Sun when he experienced seizures on the night of May 11. The minister ordered Region 2 Police Command's special operations unit to provide medical care and ensure his safety. When asked if stress caused the condition, the minister stated that comprehensive medical evaluations are ongoing, including drug testing, with results pending. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of his medical emergency.

BAFS GROUP revealed first-quarter 2025 results showing net profit attributable to shareholders of 151.8 million baht, a 6% increase from the previous year, as the company pursues strategic adjustments and aggressively expands all business segments. CEO Natthsith Dithkul reported total revenue of 967 million baht with earnings per share of 0.22 baht, net profit margin of 14%, and EBITDA of 532.9 million baht, up 2% year-over-year.

The Aviation segment maintained service volume growth despite external pressures and uneven regional recovery, with aircraft fueling at 1,486 million liters—a 5% increase representing 92% of pre-COVID-19 levels and 27% of the annual target of 5,560 million liters. The Utilities segment reported revenue of 102.9 million baht, down 12% due to reduced storage and ground transportation fees from tight oil market conditions in late March 2025. The Power segment generated 74 million baht from electricity sales with operating expenses down 4%.

Despite global economic volatility and rising travel costs, Thailand's tourism sector continues driving economic growth in Q1 2025. Domestic flight routes expanded 14% and returned to pre-pandemic levels, while European routes grew 8%, East Asia-Pacific routes (the main market) expanded 3%, and Middle East routes grew 3% despite geopolitical pressures. The company recently received a BBB(tha) corporate credit rating from Fitch Ratings with a stable outlook, affirming confidence in its financial strength and position as a leading comprehensive aircraft fueling service provider and energy business leader.

Amid global energy volatility affecting aviation industry recovery, the company maintains business strength and group structure while efficiently managing operating costs and expenses.