CKPower Wins Two AREA Awards for Fifth Consecutive Year

CKPower wins two Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards for the fifth straight year, recognizing its renewable energy initiatives that have brought clean power and education to over 16,000 children across Thailand and Laos while generating mill

23 Jul Khaosod

CKPower, one of the region's largest renewable energy producers and among those with the lowest carbon footprints, has secured two awards from the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2026 platform for the fifth consecutive year, reflecting success in driving social and environmental projects under the "Firefly Project." This initiative applies the company's renewable energy and resource management expertise to improve living standards, create economic opportunities, and strengthen communities around its power plants.

The awards include a Social Empowerment award for the Firefly renewable energy for quality of life program, and an innovation initiative creating community opportunities; and a Green Leadership award for the Waste to Value project focused on conservation, protection, and restoration of natural resources and the environment. The awards are presented by Enterprise Asia, a leading organization promoting responsible business and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Managing Director Thanawat Treevishvavej stated that CKPower believes improving community and social quality of life is fundamental to sustainable development. The Firefly Project was developed to leverage the company's expertise in renewable energy, engineering, and environmental management to benefit communities around power plants and remote areas, in areas including access to clean energy, job creation, and natural resource stewardship.

The Firefly Project operates under a Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy Framework (2022–2026) across three pillars: renewable energy for quality of life improvement, conservation and environmental restoration, and community opportunity innovation. Sustainability teams at each power plant serve as key mechanisms for collaborative community project development.

The two AREA awards recognize:

Social Empowerment: The Firefly renewable energy for quality of life program has helped communities around power plants and remote areas in Thailand and Laos access renewable energy and clean water. With 46 total projects leveraging engineering expertise—including solar water treatment turbines, solar street lighting systems, renewable energy education, and community learning centers—the initiative has cumulatively expanded renewable energy access by 163,100 watts and provided renewable energy education to over 16,000 children and youth, with a target of 20,000 this year. A total of 2,635 employee volunteers have participated. The Firefly community opportunity innovation initiative has developed six community products under the One Powerplant One Product (OPOP) concept, generating over 2.8 million baht in community income.

Green Leadership: The Firefly conservation and environmental resource restoration project was developed to manage natural resources and the environment through various activities.

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National

Woman Hospitalized With 140 Parasites After Eating Grilled Fish

A 43-year-old woman developed severe abdominal pain and was found to have over 140 parasites in her stomach after eating grilled fish, though endoscopy successfully removed them and her condition improved. Anisakis parasites are commonly fo

23 Jul Khaosod

A 43-year-old woman developed acute abdominal pain just 24 hours after eating grilled fish, and endoscopy revealed more than 140 Anisakis simplex larvae embedded in her stomach. The patient experienced abdominal pain, nausea, low blood pressure, and a rash across her entire body following consumption of grilled spotted golden trevally. Doctors performing upper endoscopy found over 140 Anisakis simplex larvae in her stomach. After removal of the parasites via endoscopy, the patient's condition improved rapidly with no recurrence during a six-month follow-up period.

Anisakiasis is a marine food-borne parasitic disease caused by consuming fish, squid, or other seafood containing stage 3 larvae (L3) of Anisakis species that are either undercooked or eaten raw. Humans are accidental hosts, and while the larvae cannot mature into adult parasites in the human body, they can penetrate the stomach or intestinal lining, causing acute symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and potentially severe allergic reactions.

Although such heavy infections as seen in this patient are rare, the worldwide increase in raw seafood consumption has led to recognition of this disease as an emerging infection that medical professionals should consider, particularly in patients with acute abdominal pain following consumption of raw or undercooked seafood. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jetsada Dondaobunphan, a biology instructor at Chulalongkorn University and science communicator, Anisakis is a roundworm parasite commonly found in wild-caught ocean fish. Consuming it does not cause reproduction within the body but can cause abdominal pain; however, if fish is properly cooked, the parasite dies completely and poses no risk.

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Police

Police Arrest Suspect in Washing Machine Theft Ring

Chalong police arrested a suspect wanted for breaking into coin-operated washing machines after weeks of evading authorities under a court warrant. Officers recovered a motorcycle and other items during the capture.

23 Jul The Phuket Express

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Chalong – The Chalong Police have successfully apprehended a suspect wanted for breaking into coin-operated washing machines, following weeks of evading capture under a court-issued warrant. The Chalong Police told the Phuket Express. They tracked down the suspect, identified as Mr. Dick (surname withheld), who had previously fled an attempted arrest. Officers seized the motorcycle […] Suspect Arrested for Coin-Operated Washing Machine Theft in Chalong -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Police

Phuket Police Arrest 10 in Illegal Gambling Raid

Police raided an illegal gambling operation in Kathu district, arresting 10 suspects after receiving public complaints about the mobile gambling ring.

23 Jul The Phuket Express

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Phuket— Authorities raid an illegal gambling den where they have Arrested 10 Suspects in Phuket. The Phuket Provincial Administration Officer told the Phuket Express. They conducted a raid following public complaints about ongoing illegal gambling. The gambling ring had reportedly been shifting locations to evade detection, with the latest site discovered in Kathu. Upon arrival, […] Authorities Raid Illegal Gambling Den, Arrest 10 Suspects in Phuket -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Police

Saudi Man Arrested in Patong With Cocaine, Meth

A Saudi Arabian man was arrested in Patong with cocaine and crystal methamphetamine in his hotel room on Muen Ngern Road.

23 Jul The Phuket Express

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Patong – Police in Patong have arrested a Saudi Arabian national on charges of possessing and intending to distribute illegal narcotics. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express. The arrest took place in the parking area in front of a hotel on Muen Ngern Road, extending to the suspect’s room. Officers seized multiple items of […] Saudi Arabian Man Arrested in Patong with Cocaine and Crystal Meth -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Police

Lawmaker Questions Criteria for New National Police Chief

A Pheu Thai MP questioned the selection criteria for newly appointed National Police Chief General Samran Nuelamae, calling for transparency on why he was chosen and what reforms he plans to deliver over his seven-year term.

23 Jul Khaosod

On July 23, 2025, at Parliament, Rangsimanth Rom, a Pheu Thai party list MP and chair of the House Legal Affairs, Justice and Human Rights Committee, spoke about the appointment of General Samran Nuelamae as the 16th National Police Chief for a seven-year term.

Rangsimanth said his main concern was why this particular candidate was chosen. Under the law, selection must be based on knowledge, ability, and seniority. Therefore, he stressed that whoever becomes National Police Chief must demonstrate transparency. He did not fault the nominee personally but called on the Prime Minister and the outgoing Police Chief to explain to society what criteria were used and what facts justified the decision.

Secondly, Rangsimanth asked what society should expect from General Samran over the next seven years and how he would transform the police organization. The committee is currently discussing police and justice reform, focusing on what changes citizens might see or whether the appointment would simply perpetuate old problems.

"If corruption among officers continues, if gray-market problems persist, then these seven years will be wasted," Rangsimanth said. "We hope the new Police Chief will seize this opportunity to make the police organization truly capable of enforcing the law effectively, without bias and without fear of powerful figures."

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National

Ayutthaya United Proves Doubters Wrong in Thai League Debut

Ayutthaya United secured historic promotion to Thai League 1 as runners-up in 2024-25, then defied relegation predictions by finishing 10th in their debut season through smart player recruitment and tactical discipline under coach Gas.

23 Jul Khaosod

Founded in 2007, Ayutthaya United only fielded amateur and cup competition teams until entering professional football in 2016. After three years in the regional league, they jumped to Thai League 2 (formerly Division 1) in 2019. As a smaller club with limited budget compared to rivals, they could not attract star-caliber players. Yet through solid football systems and strong teamwork, they survived Thai League 2 for over six seasons until the 2024-25 season, when Ayutthaya secured promotion to Thai League 1 as runners-up—a historic first for the club.

New clubs promoted to the top flight typically face relegation predictions from media, which is understandable given the intense competition in Thai League 1. Without sufficient budget, sponsors, professional management, or quality player recruitment, survival is unlikely. However, Ayutthaya defied expectations by finishing 10th in their debut season. Coach Gas deserves much of the credit.

Ayutthaya's success stems from knowing and accepting their means rather than chasing dreams. Despite limited reinforcements compared to rivals, they avoided splurging on big-name national team players. Instead, they carefully selected players whose chemistry suited the club, even if lesser-known. They prioritized experienced Thai League veterans, mixed in academy graduates on loan deals, and signed foreign players who added value without excessive wages. Players like Wellington Priori, Kaique Lemes, and Hwang Hyeon-soo impressed, while Thai players like Chakrit Laphthakul, Natthapol Vorasutti, Passakorn Biewthoong, and Sanwat Detchmit formed a solid core.

Though Ayutthaya is not regarded as a traditional football city, it hosts numerous academic institutions developing young talent, including Udomsil School, Tha Ruea School, Senabodi School, and Ayutthaya College. These serve as talent pipelines for professional recruitment.

With a football club as the province's flagship, enthusiasm for the sport thrives. Beyond Thai League 1, Ayutthaya hosts diverse competitions including the Thailand Amateur League, school football, provincial tournaments like the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Cup featuring all 16 districts, municipal-level leagues selecting regional representatives, and grassroots tournaments strengthening local bonds.

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Police

Rayong Shop Seeks Legal Action After Customer Defiles Fitting Room

A Rayong clothing shop filed a police report after a customer defecated in a fitting room on July 21, with the owner demanding the woman take responsibility or face legal action based on CCTV evidence.

23 Jul The Thaiger Crime

Rayong clothing shop seeks responsibility from customer defecating in fitting roomLegacyA clothing shop in Rayong filed a police report after a customer defecated inside a fitting room before leaving the premises, calling on the woman to accept responsibility or face legal action. The incident took place at a clothing shop on Sukhumvit Road in the Ban Chang district of Rayong on July 21. The owner said the woman has until the end of next week to come forward before legal proceedings are pursued using CCTV footage as evidence. Speaking to Channel 7, 49 year old shop assistant Joom said the customer arrived at the store at about 3.20pm in a dark blue sedan. She was wearing a black T-shirt and white trousers. According to Joom, the customer entered the shop and loudly asked to use a toilet. The staff member said she believed the woman appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, although this has not been confirmed. Photo via Channel 3 Joom said she directed the customer to the shop’s bathroom, but the woman instead picked up a pair of shorts from a display rack and entered a fitting room. After the customer left, staff noticed a strong odour coming from the fitting room. Joom said she entered the room and found human faeces on the floor along with the woman’s trousers. She then photographed the registration plate of the customer’s vehicle before contacting the shop owner. According to Joom, staff cleaned the fitting room themselves. She said the experience was distressing and encouraged customers facing emergencies to inform staff, adding that employees are willing to assist when needed. Photo via Channel 3 The shop owner said she later gave Joom 500 baht as a gesture of appreciation after the incident. The owner reported the matter to police and said she hopes the customer will come forward voluntarily before legal action becomes necessary. The incident follows a similar case previously reported in Phuket, where a restaurant owner said a foreign woman defecated outside the premises, leaving staff to clean the area. The owner also called for more public toilets to help prevent similar incidents. Another case was reported in Saraburi, where CCTV footage captured a man defecating beside a road despite a petrol station with public toilets being located about 100 metres away. Photo via Channel 3

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Regional

Phuket Launches Surveillance System to Combat Crime

Phuket authorities unveiled a new surveillance system called "Phuket Eye" this week to tackle rising crime, drug trafficking, and protect the vital tourism sector.

23 Jul The Phuket Express

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Phuket — Provincial leaders and law enforcement officials in Phuket convened this week to review progress on national security policies, with a strong emphasis on crime suppression, drug eradication, and safeguarding tourism. The meeting of the Phuket Provincial Police Oversight Committee, chaired by Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom, brought together senior police officers, committee members, and relevant agencies. […] Phuket Advances Security Agenda, Features “Phuket Eye” Surveillance System -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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National

Rights Groups Urge Thailand to Halt Chinese Refugee Deportation

Human rights groups urged Thailand to halt the deportation of three Chinese refugees with UNHCR status, citing risks of torture and execution if returned to China or Hong Kong. Thailand's legal framework prohibits such deportations, and law

23 Jul Khaosod

Human rights networks submitted a letter to Thailand's Legal Affairs Committee on July 23, requesting that the government halt plans to deport three Chinese refugees who have already received UNHCR status cards. Puthanee Kangkan, director of Fortify Rights, expressed concern that the Thai government may push the three individuals back to China or Hong Kong, where they face risks of execution or continued detention. Under Thailand's Anti-Torture and Enforced Disappearance Prevention Act, the country is legally prohibited from returning individuals to countries where they may face torture, cruel treatment, or inhumane punishment.

The principle of non-refoulement is a fundamental international law protection that all countries must uphold, and Thailand is a signatory to multiple international human rights treaties that protect refugee status. Thai authorities should urgently release the three from immigration detention and permit them to resettle in a third country. Committee chairman Rangsiman Rome acknowledged the concern, noting that if the facts prove valid, such action would contradict Thailand's domestic law. He stated the committee will investigate the matter and question all relevant parties before proceeding further.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

LHFG Targets 10-12% Credit Growth Amid 2% Thai Economic Outlook

LHFG projects Thailand's economy will grow 2% in 2025 despite external risks like trade tariffs and oil price volatility, while targeting 10-12% credit growth supported by strong first-half earnings up 37% year-on-year.

23 Jul Khaosod

LHFG forecasts Thailand's 2025 economy will expand by approximately 2% from government stimulus measures, though it faces external risks including geopolitical tensions, trade tariffs, and volatile global financial markets. The group's research suggests global economic pressure from wars and regional conflicts could push oil prices to $80-90 per barrel, potentially reaching $100 in the latter half of the year, affecting energy-dependent nations like Thailand. The group must also monitor U.S. import tariffs and third-country export screening, which could impact Thailand's automotive, electronics, food, textile, and labor-intensive industries.

Despite these challenges, LHFG believes Thailand will benefit from AI investment, export growth, foreign direct investment, and government stimulus, supporting economic recovery in the second half. In the first half of 2025, LHFG posted net profit of 1,538.6 billion baht, up 37.3% year-on-year, with total assets reaching 425,330 billion baht, a 6.6% increase from end-2024. Total group revenue grew nearly 20%, driven by banking, securities, and fund management businesses, with banking profit up 25%, securities business growth exceeding 200%, and fund management operations up 80%.

LH Bank expanded lending 6.7% to 302,153 billion baht in the first half, outpacing the industry average of 1.8%, with growth across all customer segments. International business transactions grew notably by 27% through CTBC Bank's network—the parent company and Taiwan's top private bank—boosting trade finance fees by 147% and foreign exchange transactions. Management emphasizes quality growth with careful risk management, responsible lending expansion, financial product development for green economy support, and strengthened competitive capacity for Thai SMEs.

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