PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) showcased first-half 2025 results with revenue of 176.756 billion baht, net profit of 39.032 billion baht, and an interim dividend of 4.50 baht per share, while ramping up gas production to support the country during energy crises. CEO Montri Rawwaloychaikul reported that petroleum sales volume averaged 563,179 barrels of oil equivalent per day, up 14% year-on-year, with average selling prices at $49.54 per barrel, up 10% in line with global crude oil trends. Despite Middle East tensions creating uncertainty in global energy markets, the company sustained domestic natural gas production at approximately 2,680 million cubic feet per day, surpassing contractual delivery obligations of 2,500 million cubic feet per day to meet national energy demand, minimize impacts on consumers and industry, and strengthen energy security.

Based on strong operational and financial performance, the board approved an interim dividend of 4.50 baht per share, with the ex-dividend date set for August 14, 2025, and payment scheduled for August 28, 2025. In the first half, the company remitted over 27.7 billion baht to the state through taxes, royalties, and other benefit-sharing arrangements, as well as revenue from the G1/61 and G2/61 production-sharing contracts that can support national development initiatives.

On sustainable business operations, PTTEP achieved a first-time success in Thailand by repurposing an expired offshore petroleum platform through circular economy principles, reducing costs, resource consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. The company also partnered with the Fisheries Department and Department of Primary Industries to convert 9 decommissioned platform jackets into artificial coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand to restore marine ecosystems and increase aquatic wildlife habitats, with operations set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

The government is pursuing a comprehensive economic restructuring through five new investment strategies aimed at attracting capital to emerging industries, removing investment obstacles, and positioning Thailand as a regional investment hub, with a target to drive economic growth above 3%.

Narudom Thaoedsthirsakdi, secretary-general of the Board of Investment (BOI), announced that a subcommittee meeting on new investment development, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekachai Nitithamrong, approved a framework for implementing five new investment strategies. The measures seek to accelerate economic restructuring, enhance the country's competitive capabilities, and position Thailand as a key regional investment destination.

Ekachai stated that the global economy is undergoing transformation driven by geopolitical factors, AI technology, digital economy, aging societies, and green economy. Thailand must urgently reduce investment barriers, restructure its economy, and build investor confidence to seize opportunities from the global shift in manufacturing bases and supply chains.

The initiative sets targets to grow the economy beyond 3%, increase total investment to 30% of GDP, and raise Thailand's global competitiveness ranking to the top 20 through promotion of high-potential industries and infrastructure development.

The five core strategies are: 1. Investment and Industry Transformation Hub—upgrading existing industries and creating new ones, with accelerated approvals through Thailand FastPass 2. AI & Digital Hub—attracting investment in AI, semiconductors, and chips, targeting 100 billion baht in investment by 2027 3. Green Hub—promoting clean energy, smart electrical systems, and carbon markets 4. Financial Hub—developing Thailand as a regional financial services center 5. Medical Investment Hub—elevating Thailand as a high-value medical manufacturing and innovation base

Ekachai emphasized that implementation will pursue both quick-win and big-win measures with clearly assigned responsibility units, timelines, and performance indicators. Five dedicated task forces will be established to drive each strategy toward concrete results, with the overarching goal of transforming Thailand's economic engine toward technology, innovation, clean energy, and quality investment-driven growth while creating jobs, enhancing Thai entrepreneurship, and sustainably integrating into global supply chains.

Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin has announced the government's 'Protect Forest, Preserve Life' policy and ordered the rapid establishment of rehabilitation and recovery centers for forest rangers, while enhancing safety standards and providing comprehensive welfare support.

On July 31, 2025, marking World Ranger Day, Minister Suchat presided over the opening ceremony at Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Nayok province. He announced the government's commitment to improving quality of life, safety, and welfare for frontline rangers and pledged to establish recovery centers for injured officers. The event drew over 800 forest rangers from three main agencies, along with representatives from international organizations and the private sector.

Minister Suchat disclosed that Thailand's Environment Ministry currently employs 22,450 forest rangers protecting forests, marine resources, and watersheds nationwide. Despite their critical role in ecosystem conservation, these officers face grave dangers from natural disasters and illegal logging operations. In the 2568-2569 fiscal year, 17 rangers lost their lives in the line of duty.

In response, the ministry has tasked its executives to work with partner networks and the private sector to establish the rehabilitation centers as quickly as possible. These centers will provide medical treatment, recovery care for injured officers, and support for the families of fallen rangers, including educational funding and quality-of-life assistance.

"Every forest ranger is the heart of our nation's natural resource conservation," Minister Suchat emphasized. "Their work protects not just forests but ecosystems, water sources, and the security of all Thai people. The ministry will not abandon anyone and stands ready to provide full welfare support."

Beyond welfare measures, the minister revealed that the ministry is introducing modern technology and innovation to enhance patrol operations and reduce risks to personnel. These include high-resolution camera drones, forest fire-fighting equipment drones, automatic camera traps (NCAPS), forest management systems (IForMS), and satellite monitoring in coordination with GISTDA, as well as a wildlife crime database (iBase) for strengthened law enforcement.

The Environment Ministry aims to integrate all sectors—government, private enterprise, and the international community—to raise ranger safety and welfare standards to the highest level, creating a foundation for effective forest protection across the country.

Phra Maha Khannamtham Wachiranuvathorn (Nakhon Tinliam), the 13th former Supreme Abbot of the Annamikaya order in Thailand and former abbot of Wat Samannamburihar in Dusit, Bangkok, passed away peacefully from old age on Saturday, July 11, 2569 at 3:05 PM at Makarak Hospital in Tha Maka district, Kanchanaburi province. He was 99 years old and had completed 79 Buddhist Lent seasons, leaving the Annamikaya monastic community, Thai sangha, and his disciples in deep mourning.

Originally named Nakhon Loiphibun, he was born on May 30, 1928, in Tha Ruea subdistrict, Tha Maka district, Kanchanaburi province, to parents Huan Hah and Klin Loiphibun. He was ordained on November 2, 1945, at Rohajahee Tua in Damnernsadwak district, Ratchaburi province, with Phra Ajahn Hophat as his preceptor.

On May 15, 1948, he received higher ordination at Wat Thavon Varaaram's Bhikkhu boundary in Kanchanaburi, receiving the monastic name Tinliam. Over his monastic career, he received multiple royal ecclesiastical ranks, culminating in the rank of Phra Maha Khannamtham Wachiranuvathorn on June 21, 2567.

He served as abbot of several temples and held key administrative positions within the Annamikaya order, including Deputy Left Clerk (2530), Right Clerk (2536), Left Assistant Supreme Abbot (2553), Deputy Supreme Abbot (2562), and finally Supreme Abbot of the Annamikaya order in Thailand (2565). He was also granted an honorary doctorate in Mahayana Studies from Mahachulalongkorn Rajabhat University in 2550 and received the Thamasakra Award for community welfare and development in 2551.

Phra Maha Khannamtham Wachiranuvathorn was a revered elder who made significant contributions to Buddhism and Thai society throughout his life. With the impermanence of all conditioned things, he has now passed away peacefully. The King has graciously granted royal blessing and presided over the funeral rites.

A landslide and mudslide blocked Highway 1256 on the Pua–Doi Phu Kha National Park–Bo Kluea route at kilometer 26+000 under Nan Highway Division 2 jurisdiction on July 31, 2025. The Highway Division 2 public relations office announced that officials are working urgently to clear the route and restore traffic flow. The public is advised to avoid this road section until repairs are completed.

SA KAEO — Two suspects have confessed to killing two Russian siblings during an attempted motorcycle theft, and police have taken them to identify where the bodies were allegedly buried in Chonburi province.

The case began when the Russian siblings disappeared along with their Honda ADV 150 motorcycle. The motorcycle was later found dismantled and buried, prompting authorities to track down two suspects, identified as Pong and Thong.

On 31 July 2026, police arrested Thanana, 43, also known as Pong, and Thongchai, 39, also known as Thong, in Wang Sombun district of Sa Kaeo province while they were allegedly attempting to flee.

During questioning, the suspects confessed that they had intended to steal the motorcycle but the Russian siblings resisted. The suspects allegedly shot the younger brother dead and punched the older sister, causing her death.

They then took the siblings' bodies to Khao Chi Chan in Chonburi and buried them to conceal the crime. The suspects also dismantled and buried the motorcycle before fleeing the area.

Police tracked down and arrested both suspects in Sa Kaeo province. The suspects were subsequently taken to the area near Khao Chi Chan to identify the location where the bodies were allegedly buried as the investigation continues.