Bangkok, July 3, 2026 – PTTEP has successfully reused an entire decommissioned petroleum wellhead platform structure for the first time in Thailand, maximizing resource management by reducing operational timelines, lowering costs, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions in line with circular economy principles and the company's sustainability practices.

CEO Montri Rawaloaichaikul of PTTEP Exploration and Production Public Company Limited explained that when petroleum reserves at a field deplete, wellhead platforms that remain structurally sound and safe can be repurposed for maximum benefit. PTTEP applied circular economy concepts combined with modern construction engineering and technology to fully reuse the petroleum wellhead platform structure.

The company executed this initiative first at the Jakrawalpak (JKWK) wellhead platform in the Funan field under Project G 1/61, relocating the topside, jacket structure, and selected pile sections for new installation at the same field. This approach reduced construction and installation time from approximately 20 months to just six months—a 70% reduction—and slashed construction costs by 35–50% compared to building a completely new platform.

The project also achieved significant environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 3,270 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per platform through reduced steel and equipment production. PTTEP deployed modern construction engineering techniques, including wet towing of the jacket structure to the new location, which minimized energy consumption and reduced impacts on marine life inhabiting the jacket structure.

"This success demonstrates concrete application of circular economy principles in our petroleum exploration and production operations—a first for Thailand in fully reusing a wellhead platform structure," Rawaloaichaikul stated. "It reflects efficient resource management that reduces operational timelines, minimizes consumption of new materials, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions, creating value across economic, energy security, and environmental dimensions simultaneously."

PTTEP plans to continue and expand this initiative, with programs in 2027–2029 targeting the refurbishment and redeployment of approximately 10 additional structurally sound and safety-assessed wellhead platforms. The company aims to enhance resource efficiency, advance circular economy practices, and continue balancing business operations with environmental stewardship according to its sustainability commitments.

Over 20 residents from Moo 6, Ban Khao Niyom, Pran Krat Subdistrict in Kamphaengphet Province blocked traffic on July 3, 2025, by positioning two tractors at a junction near Khao Niyom Police Station. The action was designed to pressure authorities to resolve serious issues caused by garbage trucks traveling through the community to a recycling plant. These trucks leak leachate onto roads and emit strong odors that significantly disrupt residents' lives, especially during afternoon peak traffic hours.

Ms. Somchai (surname withheld), a community representative, explained that the problem has persisted for a long time without concrete solutions. Residents have demanded the factory cease all operations through Ban Khao Niyom immediately, and called for authorities to shut down the facility if the factory violates this ban. They also want the facility to accelerate waste burial procedures to reduce odor impact on homes.

Factory representatives responded by explaining their improvement plans, including sealing all trucks with silicone to prevent leakage and covering waste with soil after daily operations. They acknowledged ongoing odor issues but attributed them to the natural characteristics of garbage, which they said smells stronger during the day and lighter at night. The facility operates five trucks daily, though eight other local government organizations also use the same route.

After negotiations, Chalermpon Chinara, Deputy District Officer of Pran Krat, mediated an agreement between both parties. Residents will file a complaint with Pran Krat Subdistrict Municipality to pursue legal action against the factory. Police officials confirmed they will impose ongoing fines according to law, and the factory promised to change its truck route within two days to minimize community impact.

On July 3, 2569, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Chungrungruekjit and Secretary Sarawut Neuangcamnong, acting as commander of the Phra Phirun Center, ordered Deputy Commander Sranyasand Veerapakulsunthon to lead a task force raid on a cold storage facility in Mueang district, Samut Sakhon province. The operation involved the Department of Livestock, provincial authorities, police, and customs officials.

Authorities discovered intelligence indicating that the facility housed illegally imported frozen beef, buffalo meat, and organ parts from Argentina, India, and China without proper authorization. During the raid, officers found two pickup trucks parked outside the cold storage, each loaded with approximately 3 tons of meat prepared for delivery to customers.

Inside the facility, inspectors discovered Argentine beef, Indian buffalo meat, and organ parts including beef tongue, intestines, and cheeks, totaling approximately 20 tons according to the facility operator's verbal account. However, no import documentation was found for any of the seized goods.

Deputy Commander Sranyasand stated that the operation resulted in the seizure of 26 tons of illegally imported meat and organ parts. The facility operator could not produce valid import permits, and therefore faces legal prosecution. The confiscated goods have been impounded for further investigation.

Thailand's climate change and environment department partnered with UNDP to hold a public hearing on the draft Fifth National Report and the second Biennial Transparency Report (NC5/BTR2), specifically focusing on Chapter 4 regarding climate change impacts and adaptation. Dr. Pirun Saiyasitpanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, chaired the July 3 consultation meeting at Pullman King Power Bangkok, bringing together stakeholders from all sectors to gather expert feedback and sectoral data. The goal is to develop a comprehensive, accurate national report that fully reflects Thailand's climate vulnerabilities.

Dr. Pirun highlighted that current climate conditions are intensifying and fluctuating rapidly. The World Meteorological Organization has warned of a "super El Niño" phenomenon raising sea surface temperatures 2 degrees Celsius above normal with critical global impacts. According to the 2026 Climate Risk Index by Germanwatch, Thailand's vulnerability to extreme weather has dramatically increased, ranking 17th globally in 2024—a sharp rise from 69th in 2023. This poses direct threats to national security across food, water, health, tourism, investment sectors, and the nation's competitiveness, particularly for vulnerable populations with limited adaptive capacity.

"Developing the NC5/BTR2 report, especially Chapter 4 on impacts and adaptation, is a critical strategic priority for Thailand," Dr. Pirun stated. "It fulfills our international commitments under the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC framework while serving as an essential tool to assess progress on Thailand's National Adaptation Plan, strengthening our mechanisms to protect rights and build sustainable economic and social resilience."

Ms. Niamh Collier-Smith, UNDP Thailand representative, emphasized international cooperation, noting the project receives support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to advance the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). The working team presented draft baseline framework documents and data reference sheets to standardize how partner agencies collect and report climate adaptation metrics.

The department invited government agencies, private sector organizations, educational institutions, and civil society to review the draft report and submit feedback, statistics, and case studies via Google Form or email (adapt.btr@gmail.com). The report aims to comprehensively address gender equality and social inclusion in Thailand's climate adaptation efforts.

Is she really your wife? Noes Udompanich directly answers host Surayuth's question about his relationship status with Yo Arunee, confirming their transition from rumored pairing to genuine couple. He reveals the beginning of their love story and the attraction sparked by her boldness, with Noes having to constantly pursue and coax her attention.

On the Kamakor News program on July 3, 2569, Noes Udompanich appeared to promote his new solo album "Diaw 16." When host Surayuth asked about recent social media buzz regarding Noes taking Yo home to meet his mother and settling their relationship status, Noes explained: "I told Yo that my mother wasn't pleased. I told her because my mother goes to the market and vendors keep asking if my daughter-in-law is coming, if my son got married, they're always asking where my wife is and why he doesn't bring her along. That's the situation now."

When Surayuth directly asked, "So is she really your wife? Tell me straight—I can't figure you out anymore," Noes responded: "At this point I can't deny it. I think I'm starting to understand how this fan-pairing thing works."

Surayuth pressed further: "Be honest. Is she actually your wife?"

Noes laughed and eventually admitted: "It started out playful, you know, just joking around. But then it became real. It's confusing, honestly."

Surayuth said: "This is the first time you're admitting this is real. You're officially a couple now. It started from this pairing, right?"

Noes replied: "I really love her. She's a woman who lives with me and is hilarious. Have you seen her clips? She's the type who says whatever she wants, wears whatever she wants. She came to my concert with makeup done in a way I'd never seen before, didn't tell me beforehand. I laughed so hard. Who would dare do their makeup like that at a concert and not worry about looking good? That's when things started becoming real. It's fun and she's funny."

When asked about the beginning of their love, Noes explained: "I first met her at one of my early shows. She came backstage in what looked like a maternity dress. Not knowing her, I asked if she was pregnant because she was holding a beer. She responded rudely, crudely—I didn't know it was vintage style. She insulted me. No one had ever done that to me before. She had charm. I became interested because of her crudeness and boldness."

Noes continued: "I had to go to her shop just to talk to her. If she wasn't there, I'd wait. I'd call but she never answered."

Surayuth noted: "Yo, you really played hard to get. Noes had to keep chasing and begging for your attention."

Noes agreed, adding: "Yesterday I did a live stream to promote my album and invited her—she probably wouldn't come—so I had to have my staff hire her to appear on the live stream just so I could see her."

When asked if she still insults him, Noes said: "All the time," as the hosts laughed at his devoted pursuit of someone who constantly challenges him.

The Chulabhorn Research Institute, chaired by Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, remains committed to advancing Thailand's medical science and public health. Recognizing that national development requires knowledge-based innovation and skilled personnel, the Institute has pursued comprehensive research since 1987 to improve public health and strengthen the nation's foundation.

Research efforts span natural products and Thai medicinal herbs, organic chemical synthesis, and biopharmaceutical development. Monoclonal antibodies represent a major focus, offering new hope for treating serious conditions including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infections—both current and emerging threats.

The Institute has established a complete biopharmaceutical development ecosystem encompassing research laboratories, production facilities, an internationally-standard animal testing center, graduate education programs, clinical research through Chulabhorn Hospital, and international research partnerships. This led to the creation of the Center for Biologics Research and Development (CBRD), which develops and manufactures biologics using modern technology, including cell-level development, scalable production processes, GMP-standard quality control, and preclinical and clinical research.

A major achievement was developing the biosimilar trastuzumab (trastuzumab), used for targeted treatment of breast cancer and other malignancies. This drug received FDA approval under the royal name "HERDARA" in 2025. The Institute also prioritizes Thailand's natural resources, conducting herbal medicine research using medicinal plants from the Thap Thim Siam 05 village project in Sakaeo Province under the supervision of the Institute's Special Activities Office.