BANGKOK — Thailand has officially entered the summer season in late February, with the hot period expected to last until around mid-May. Authorities warn that temperatures could peak at 42–43°C in some areas, particularly in the North, while upper Thailand may see average highs of 36–37°C, raising health concerns including heatstroke.
The intense heat, sometimes alternating with thunderstorms, poses challenges for outdoor workers and commuters using public transport. Officials cautioned that prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures increases the risk of heatstroke, especially among vulnerable groups.
To ease the impact, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has opened 190 “Cooling Centres” across the capital, offering safe spaces for residents to escape the heat. The centres are located at all 50 district offices, public health service centres, sports complexes and selected pilot schools. Residents can check locations, services and opening hours via the BMA’s online platform.
Beyond cooling centres, City Hall has introduced four key measures to address urban heat more systematically: developing a heat index monitoring and early warning system; strengthening protection for at-risk and vulnerable groups; improving urban infrastructure to reduce heat accumulation; and enhancing public communication and community engagement on heat-related risks.
Thailand has successfully received signals from the KNACKSAT-2 satellite developed by KMUTNB. The satellite has transmitted signals back to Thailand, with the first detection achieved by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), confirming a significant milestone in Thailand’s space mission.
King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) proudly announces the successful reception and decoding of signals from the KNACKSAT-2 satellite following its deployment into orbit from the International Space Station (ISS). During its first orbital pass over Thailand on Sunday night, February 22, 2026, at 01:02 a.m., the NARIT ground station became the first organization in Thailand to successfully detect the signal from KNACKSAT-2 (First Signal), confirming that the satellite stays in orbit.
System Status Confirmation
The successful signal reception and decoding indicate that:
The electrical power generation and power management systems are functioning within normal parameters.
The on-board computer for CubeSat missions is demonstrating stable, reliable operation.
The satellite can transmit beacon signals and telemetry to the ground station.
Signal strength and stability are at appropriate levels.
The successful deployment of KNACKSAT-2 marks a significant milestone for the satellite mission, showcasing significant national space capability alongside the operational readiness of the Thai-developed CubeSat.
Additionally, amateur radio operators and stations within the global SatNOGS (Satellite Networked Open Ground Station) network have reported they are actively receiving signals, telemetry and data transmitted from KNACKSAT-2 as it orbits the Earth and passes over various regions including America, Japan, Australia, and Europe. These reports further confirm healthy signal transmission and operational status, indicating the satellite is currently undergoing the LEOP phase.
National and International Collaboration
KNACKSAT-2 is a 3U CubeSat (30x10x10 cm) multi-payload platform developed by:
King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB)
International Space Technology Institute for Economic Development (ISTED)
NB-SPACE Co. Ltd. (a recognized spinoff company from KMUTNB)
Kyushu Institute of Technology (KYUTECH), Japan
KNACKSAT-2 was successfully deployed into orbit from the International Space Station. It was released via the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) operated by JAXA.
NARIT detected the first signals from the KNACKSAT-2 satellite, reflecting the capability of Thailand’s ground infrastructure and demonstrating substantial collaboration among national space agencies.
Next phases of the space mission
Following satellite signal confirmation, the engineering team will initiate the following procedures to transition from launch to operational status:
Conducting a detailed inspection and analysis of satellite subsystem data
Testing system stability under orbital conditions to maintain operational integrity in space
Gradually activating payloads according to mission procedures
Significance for Thailand’s Space Technology Development
The success in communicating with and decoding signals from the satellite demonstrates Thailand’s growing capability for a comprehensive satellite development and operation, ranging from the phases of conceptual design, assembly and integration, comprehensive testing, in-orbit operation and mission control.
The KNACKSAT-2 project serves as a cornerstone for advancing Thailand’s space economy and fostering aerospace engineering expertise in the long run.
U.S. service members, Royal Thai Armed Forces personnel, and service members from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore conduct the opening ceremony for Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 on Camp Red Horse, Rayong, Thailand, Feb. 24, 2026. The U.S. and Thailand hosted the 45th annual Cobra Gold from Feb. 24 to Mar. 6, with 8,000 troops from 30 nations participating in military training and humanitarian projects. The exercise strengthened regional partnerships and demonstrated U.S. commitmen (Photo - U.S. Embassy Bangkok
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RAYONG — Thailand and the United States on 24 February 2026 officially opened the 45th edition of the annual Cobra Gold joint military exercise at U-Tapao Naval Airfield in Ban Chang district, Rayong, with more than 8,000 personnel from 30 countries taking part.
The opening ceremony at 09:00 was co-chaired by General Ukrit Boontanon, Thailand’s Chief of Defence Forces; US Ambassador to Thailand Sean K. O’Neill; and Lieutenant General Matthew McFarlane, Commanding General of America’s First Corps. Ambassadors and senior representatives from Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan and Malaysia also attended.
Cobra Gold, the largest multinational military exercise in mainland Asia, is co-hosted annually by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and US Indo-Pacific Command. This year marks a “heavy year” format, with seven full participants: Thailand, the United States, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. China, India and Australia joined as additional participants.
Key leaders with the U.S. Army and Royal Thai Armed Forces conduct the opening ceremony for Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 on Camp Red Horse, Rayong, Thailand, Feb. 24, 2026. The U.S. and Thailand hosted the 45th annual Cobra Gold from Feb. 24 to Mar. 6, with 8,000 troops from 30 nations participating in military training and humanitarian projects. The exercise strengthened regional partnerships and demonstrated U.S. commitment to Indo-Pacific security. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Mancini – U.S. Embassy Bangkok)
Ten countries are taking part under the Multinational Planning Augmentation Team (MPAT) framework — Bangladesh, Canada, Fiji, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand and the Philippines — while another 10 countries joined the Combined Observer Liaison Team (COLT), including Brunei, Germany, Jordan, Laos, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. The main exercise runs from 23 February to 6 March 2026.
This year’s concept focuses on Combined Joint All Domain Operations (CJADO), integrating command post exercises (CPX) and field training exercises (FTX) through a central Operations Center. The drills cover land, maritime and air operations, with expanded emphasis on space and cyber domains, including geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT). Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations remain a key component.
One of the major activities is a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Demonstration (HADR DEMO), aimed at enhancing multinational rapid disaster response capabilities. The demonstration includes participation by search and rescue dog units under the K9 USAR Thailand team.
Photo – U.S. Embassy Bangkok
In a Facebook post, the US Embassy in Bangkok said Cobra Gold 2026 strengthens peace through shared strength with allies and partners, enhances interoperability, integrates advanced technologies and improves readiness to address future challenges across the Indo-Pacific region.
PATTAYA — Tourist police and Chonburi immigration officers arrested four transgender suspects at 16:00 on 24 February 2026 over the alleged theft of cash and the assault of a German tourist in Pattaya. Two additional suspects remain at large.
The arrests followed a complaint filed by a 55-year-old German national with investigators at Pattaya City Police Station. He alleged that two suspects stole 35,000 baht in cash and 1,200 euros from a safe inside his hotel room on Pattaya Second Road in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, shortly before 00:45 on 24 February. When he later tracked down one of the suspects near Pattaya Beach and attempted to detain the person while calling police, he was allegedly attacked by a group and sustained injuries.
Police said the tourist had invited two of the suspects to his hotel room prior to the incident. While he and one suspect were in the bathroom, the other allegedly saw an envelope containing cash and took the money. The sexual encounter was later cancelled due to a disagreement, and the two left the room. Police said the suspects admitted to dividing the cash.
After discovering the loss, the tourist went out to search for them and confronted one suspect near the beach. Police said the suspect called for help, prompting others to join and allegedly assault the tourist.
Three of the suspects were charged with joint assault causing injury. Two also face additional charges of joint theft at night in a dwelling. All were taken into custody for legal proceedings.
Police said two of the suspects apologised and admitted they committed the crime out of greed after seeing a large amount of cash. The victim praised Pattaya police for their swift action and said he plans to return to the resort city in December to personally thank officers for their assistance.
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND — 24 February 2026, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow defended Thailand’s position on the border situation with Cambodia and called for stronger multilateral cooperation, as he delivered the country’s national statement at the High-Level Segment of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council at the Palais des Nations.
In his address, Sihasak stressed the need for countries to work together at a time when multilateralism faces serious challenges. Recalling his tenure as president of the council more than a decade ago during a key period of institutional review, he said the body’s credibility and effectiveness depend on genuine cooperation among member states. He also described transnational online scam operations as a global human rights crisis, fuelled by weak rule of law in countries where such criminal networks operate. Thailand, he said, stands both on the frontline of the impact and at the forefront of international efforts to dismantle these networks, and will continue to advance global cooperation to tackle the problem.
Responding to remarks made earlier the same day by Cambodia’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister regarding the Thai-Cambodian border, Sihasak accused Cambodia of demonising Thailand through what he called false accusations and distorted narratives. He said tensions followed years of encroachments and repeated provocations, including interference in Thai domestic politics, resulting in indiscriminate attacks and civilian deaths. He described the situation as a tragic episode in relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The minister said Thailand has historically acted with goodwill towards Cambodia, providing refuge to those fleeing conflict and supporting humanitarian assistance and reconstruction after Cambodia’s civil war. Thailand’s intention has never been confrontation, he said, as the country understands that its peace is inseparable from Cambodia’s. Despite a ceasefire being in place, he added, Cambodia continues to internationalise the issue instead of rebuilding trust and moving forward as good neighbours, undermining prospects for peace.
He also rejected allegations that Thailand was seizing territory, noting that both sides had agreed troops would remain in their positions at the time the ceasefire took effect, pending a final resolution through dialogue. However, he said provocations persist, with Thai soldiers encountering landmines and reports of shots fired across the border. Thailand remains committed to dialogue, he said, but has a duty to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. He again asked whether Cambodia would choose the path of peace or continued tension and conflict.
CHONBURI — 24 February 2026, A 32-year-old man has appealed for information after his three-year-old Scottish cat was allegedly stolen by four youths who arrived on two motorcycles in the middle of the night.
The owner, Wisit Sihaphan, posted on Facebook under the name Min Wisit, offering a reward for information leading to the cat’s return. He said he would withdraw his police complaint if the animal is brought back, but vowed to pursue legal action to the fullest extent if the suspects are identified or arrested.
The incident occurred in Soi Bansuan Prayasatja 5, Moo 4, Bansuan subdistrict, Mueang district, Chonburi province.
Speaking to reporters at 20:30, Mr. Wisit said his female Scottish cat, named “Dollar”, usually slept in front of his house. When she went missing, he checked security camera footage and saw a group of four young men, believed to be about 18 years old or high school students, riding two motorcycles into the alley.
The footage shows the group carrying a black bag, which Mr. Wisit believes was intended to hold the cat. The suspects allegedly placed the brown-patterned Scottish cat into the bag. As they rode away, the cat jumped out near the entrance of the alley. The group stopped, put the cat back into the bag and fled towards Bang Sai and Khlong Tamru in Mueang district.
Mr. Wisit said he believes the suspects had previously seen the cat in the alley and returned specifically to steal it.
He has filed a complaint with Mueang Chonburi Police Station and urged the perpetrators to return the cat in exchange for the withdrawal of the complaint. Otherwise, he said, he would proceed with legal action.
Anyone with information about the missing cat is urged to contact the owner at 095-969-1356. A reward is being offered for information leading to the cat’s recovery.
Exterior of a Delta building. Photo via Delta Electronics press centre.
BANGKOK — 24 February 2026, Thailand’s biggest listed company has crossed a milestone never before reached on the local stock market, with Delta Electronics (Thailand) PCL surpassing a market value of US$100 billion.
Delta has surged in recent months, lifting the company’s market value to levels never before seen on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). At its recent peak, Delta’s market capitalisation surpassed US$100 billion, making it the largest publicly traded company in Thailand by a wide margin.
To put that into perspective: Delta is now worth more than twice as much as some of Thailand’s other corporate giants, including energy and telecom heavyweights that have traditionally dominated the exchange.
What does Delta actually do?
Despite its stock market dominance, Delta is not a household name for many Thais.
The company manufactures power management systems and electronic components used in data centres, electric vehicles, industrial automation and telecommunications infrastructure. Its cooling systems and power supplies are particularly important for large data centres that support artificial intelligence (AI) services and cloud computing.
As global demand for AI infrastructure has accelerated, investors have poured money into companies seen as supplying critical hardware behind that expansion — and Delta has been one of the beneficiaries.
Why has the stock jumped?
Part of the recent rally followed a ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that reduced uncertainty surrounding certain tariff measures affecting global trade. The decision eased concerns that higher trade barriers could disrupt supply chains for technology manufacturers with international exposure.
The climb has been supported by strong earnings. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Delta reported revenue of US$1.8 billion, up 50% from a year earlier, while net profit surged 252% to US$224 million. For the full year, revenue reached US$6.0 billion and net profit rose 42% to US$754 million.
Delta generates a significant portion of its revenue overseas, so developments in U.S. trade policy can have an outsized impact on investor sentiment toward the stock.
Shares have climbed sharply this year, building on strong gains in 2025. The rise has helped drive trading activity on the SET and, at times, influenced the direction of Thailand’s benchmark index due to Delta’s heavy weighting.
Regulatory scrutiny and volatility
Delta’s dramatic swings have also drawn attention from the SET’s market regulators.
The recent surge in Delta’s share price has triggered automatic safeguards from the SET. Earlier this week, they placed a derivative warrant linked to Delta under its Level 1 market surveillance measures, a routine step taken when trading activity becomes unusually heavy or volatile. Under those rules, investors must pay fully in cash to trade the flagged security, rather than buying on credit.
The measures are temporary and are part of the exchange’s standard toolkit to cool excessive speculation and keep trading orderly. While they do not amount to a trading halt, they can influence short-term activity by limiting leverage during periods of sharp price swings. Delta has been subject to similar oversight in the past when its shares moved rapidly.
The exchange says such surveillance tools are designed to keep trading orderly and protect investors during sharp price swings. In practice, however, tighter trading rules can also slow momentum in stocks that are rising quickly, particularly those attracting heavy speculative interest.
A symbol of changing market leadership
For decades, Thailand’s largest listed firms were dominated by energy, banking and telecommunications groups. Delta’s ascent reflects a shift toward technology-linked manufacturing and global supply chains.
Its rise also underscores how Thai-listed companies are increasingly tied to international economic forces. Court rulings in Washington, AI demand in Silicon Valley and semiconductor supply chains in Asia can now move the Thai stock market within hours.
Whether Delta can maintain its lead will depend on continued earnings growth and sustained global demand for AI-related infrastructure. For now, however, the company stands as the clearest example of how rapidly investor priorities and Thailand’s market landscape can change.
The SET building on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok’s Din Daeng district.
PATTAYA — 24 February 2026, Thai police are investigating a series of incidents involving a transgender suspect accused of theft and assault against foreign tourists in Chonburi province.
Video clips shared online show a confrontation between a South Korean tourist and a transgender woman at a pool villa in Huai Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. The incident occurred at about 00:00 on 24 February.
Police believe the same suspect was involved in a separate robbery and assault on a German tourist on Pattaya beach in Bang Lamung district, on 24 February 2026.
The suspect that police believe was the same one that involved in a separate robbery and assault on a German tourist on Pattaya beach.
Police have arrested four suspects in connection with the beach attack. Two others remain at large, including a suspect known as “Fuangfa”, who is described as having a distinctive appearance due to heavy body lotion giving a notably pale complexion.
Investigators say Fuangfa appeared in both the beach assault footage and the pool villa incident.
In the villa case, which occurred at 03:53 on 24 February, Kim, 46, and two fellow South Korean nationals invited three transgender women from Pattaya South beach, including Fuangfa, to drink at a pool villa in Moo 1, Huai Yai.
Kim later reported that 20,000 baht in cash had gone missing and asked the group if they had seen it.
The suspect fleeing the pool villa.
During the search for the money, Fuangfa allegedly became agitated, shouting loudly, brandishing a wooden table leg and threatening anyone who approached. At one point, the suspect lay on the ground screaming, filmed video on a mobile phone and ran outside, climbing onto a wall and continuing to shout, witnesses said. The behaviour left the tourists and others at the villa shocked.
Fuangfa then fled the scene. Kim subsequently filed a complaint with investigators at Huai Yai police station, submitting video clips as evidence.
Police in Pattaya City and Huai Yai are coordinating efforts to locate and question the remaining suspect.
A woman place flowers at the memorial to the fallen Ukrainian soldiers on Independence Square to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
It has been exactly four years since Russia launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine, attacking the country from multiple directions. On Feb. 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special operation,” a campaign that many expected to be brief and to end with Kyiv’s capitulation.
Instead, European officials are traveling to the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday to show their support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people, who are fighting on.
While Putin did not get the quick and overwhelming victory he had hoped for, the cost has been high on both sides. And as Europe’s biggest conflict enters its fifth year, there is no sign of any peace deal despite U.S. diplomatic efforts over the past year.
Here’s the latest:
Independent media count the Russian war dead
At least 200,000 Russian troops have died during Russia’s four-year invasion of Ukraine, independent media outlets reported Tuesday.
Russian news outlet Mediazona, together with the BBC and a team of volunteers, has collected the names of 200,186 troops killed in the war by scouring news reports, social media and government websites.
Neither Moscow nor Kyiv gives timely data on military losses, and each is at pains to amplify the other side’s casualties. Russia has publicly acknowledged the deaths of just over 6,000 soldiers.
Europe’s parliament hails Zelenskyy
European lawmakers cheered Zelenskyy who met with them on a videoconference during an extraordinary session of the European Parliament commemorating the anniversary of the war’s start.
Lawmakers from Portugal to Finland praised Ukraine and blasted Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán, whose last minute objection sank new efforts to help Ukraine and raise the costs on Russia for prosecuting the war.
“He has become Putin’s cheap servant, Viktor Orbán, in the last years and also today has not only betrayed Ukraine, he has betrayed all of us. He has betrayed Europe,” said German member of parliament Terry Reintke.
While a few criticized Ukraine, an overwhelming majority of lawmakers lauded Ukrainian resolve, wore blue and yellow flower pins, blasted Putin and pledged continued support for the war-ravaged nation many see as a future EU member.
British says Russia is suffering terrible costs and is not winning
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the resilience of Ukrainians as he told his Cabinet that Kyiv’s allies “must defeat the falsehood that Russia is winning.”
“When this conflict broke out four years ago, it was assumed it would be a matter of weeks before Putin took the whole of Ukraine. That’s what everybody believed,” Starmer said.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, center,delivers remarks at the top of the Cabinet meeting to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine at Downing Street in London, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool)
“Four years later, the Ukrainians are holding out against that aggression, holding out on the front line where the circumstances are extremely challenging, but also holding out in civilian life where every day Ukrainians get up and go to work as a sign of resilience and defiance.
Starmer said that over the last year alone, “Russia took 0.8% of land in Ukraine at a terrible cost to themselves, half a million losses.”
Kremlin says Russia will keep fighting
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia has not achieved all of its goals in its war on Ukraine, but that Russia’s operation would continue and that Russian interests would be secured.
When asked how Russia had changed over the last four years, Peskov said that Russian society had rallied around Putin. He also said that Russian society had matured in “understanding our roots” and “understanding what is good and what is bad in international affairs around the world.”
He said the past four years have been very important in Russia’s history and that the country will move forward.
European officials visit Kyiv in a show of solidarity
More than a dozen senior European officials arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday in a show of support. But they also come without two new deals they had hoped to present to Kyiv — a new package of sanctions on Russia and a 90 billion euro loan to fund Ukraine’s defense for the next two years.
Hungary, seen as most pro-Russian country in the European Union, blocked them both. It’s a sign of how difficult it has been sometimes to maintain solidarity as the war drags on.
‘We have defended our independence’
Zelenskyy said his country has withstood the onslaught by Russia’s bigger and better equipped army, which over the past year of fighting captured just 0.79% of Ukraine’s territory, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank.
“Looking back at the beginning of the invasion and reflecting on today, we have every right to say: we have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood; Putin has not achieved his goals,” Zelenskyy said on social media.
“He has not broken Ukrainians; he has not won this war,” Zelenskyy said.
France’s Macron says the war exposes the ‘fragility’ of imperialism
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a post on the social platform X that “this war is a triple failure for Russia: military, economic, and strategic.”
“It has strengthened NATO — the very expansion Russia sought to prevent — galvanized Europeans it hoped to weaken, and laid bare the fragility of an imperialism from another age,” Macron said.
Macron also urged the EU to issue the 90 billion euro ($106 billion) loan to Ukraine, a plan that requires the unanimity of the 27 member states.
“There is no justification for calling this into question. We must now deliver on it,” he wrote.
Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer were to join a meeting of Western leaders supporting Ukraine, the so-called Coalition of the Willing, via videoconference on Tuesday.
A ‘revolution’ in warfare
Britain’s Armed Forces Minister Al Carns says the war has been “the most defining conflict” in decades due to the way it has revolutionized warfare and upended Europe’s security.
“I would never have guessed in my lifetime I would see North Korean troops fighting on the border of Europe,” Carns told reporters on Monday. “Which I think is a significant warning signal to all of us.”
Carns said the conflict had brought a “revolution in military affairs,” especially through the rapid development of drone technology. Drones now account for the vast majority of battlefield casualties in the war.
Western officials say that in the last three months, Russia has lost more casualties than the number of troops it recruits, a potential tipping point.
“The cost on Russia has been almost unimaginable,” Carns said, calling a Western estimate of 1.25 million Russian personnel killed and wounded since 2022 likely an underestimate.
Ukraine’s European allies see Ukraine’s defense as a larger fight for freedom
European leaders visiting Kyiv hailed the Ukrainian struggle.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the Ukrainians are “standing up for the freedom of us all. Their courage and strength shine in the fight against Putin’s darkness. And they give hope to those of us who want a Europe at peace.”
Floodlights shine over the graves of the fallen soldiers as people lit candles on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion in Lviv, Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mykola Tys)
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, said: “We don’t yet know when the war will end, but how it ends will affect Sweden’s security for at least a generation to come. And that’s why our continued support is so crucial.”
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski vowed from Kyiv that his country would remain “steadfast in its support for the Ukrainian people and in its pursuit of a just and lasting peace.”
“A victory parade was supposed to take place here after a few days,” Sikorski said in an address from Kyiv referring to Russia’s initial plans of a quick takeover of Ukraine. “Instead, four years later, Kyiv is still defending itself.”
NATO vows its support to ensure a lasting peace
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Ukraine’s allies will continue to militarily support the war-ravaged nation to end the war and ensure a lasting peace.
“Ukraine needs ammunition today and every day, until the bloodshed stops. Ukraine continues to blunt Russia’s aggression, and despite Putin’s posturing, Russia has failed to meet their ambitions on the battlefield,” he said during a ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
“There cannot be true peace in Europe without real peace in Ukraine. When the fighting eventually stops, the peace has to hold with strong Ukrainian forces ready to deter and defend and effective security guarantees from Ukraine’s partners: Europe, Canada, and the United States.”
China says it hopes for peace in Ukraine
A Chinese government spokesperson noted that the door to dialogue had recently opened in what she called the Ukraine crisis, avoiding describing the conflict as a war.
“We hope all parties will seize the opportunity to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said when asked about the fourth anniversary of the outbreak of the war.
China has been accused of not doing enough to pressure Russia to end the fighting. It has maintained ties and trade with Russia, relieving some of the pressure of economic sanctions. China says its position is impartial and objective.
“China never fans the flames or seeks to profit from the situation, and of course we do not accept any attempts to shift blame onto China,” Mao said.
UN estimates the cost of Ukraine’s recovery
Matthias Schmale, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, noted that the costs for the country’s recovery from the war are now estimated at $590 billion over a decade — three times Ukraine’s GDP last year.
Schmale said by video link to a U.N. briefing in Geneva on Tuesday that over 10.8 million people, roughly a quarter of Ukraine’s population, remain in need of humanitarian assistance – including up to 1 million in Russian-occupied territory.
He also noted that that Ukraine is one of the world’s most-mined countries, with almost a quarter of its territory “potentially contaminated.”
Bangkok, February 23, 2026 – Mr. Thanawat Trivisvavet, Managing Director of CKPower Public Company Limited (SET: CKP), one of the region’s largest producers of electricity from renewables with one of the lowest carbon footprints, announced that the Company’s 2025 operating performance showed exceptional growth, with Core Net Profit of Baht 2,323 million, representing an increase of Baht 1,036 million, or 81% year-over-year.
The growth was primarily driven by the recognition of its Share of Core Net Profit from Xayaburi Power Company Limited (XPCL) amounting to Baht 1,814 million, an increase of Baht 1,214 million or 202% year-over-year. This was supported by a 7% higher average water inflows at the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant in 2025, along with efficient plant operations, which led to a significant increase in electricity sales volume. In addition, XPCL benefited from lower financial costs in line with the global interest rates downward trend. Meanwhile, Nam Ngum 2 Power Company Limited (NN2PC) delivered its record high performance since the commencement of commercial operations. NN2PC reported electricity sales revenue of Baht 4,365 million, an increase of Baht 291 million or 7% year-over-year. This was attributable to higher reservoir water level at the beginning of the year and increased water inflows into the reservoir in 2025, particularly in July, which recorded the highest water inflow since commercial operations began. As a result, CKPower’s overall operating performance continued to demonstrate solid growth.
Mr. Thanawat stated that reservoir water level at NN2PC at the beginning of 2026 remained higher than the previous year, with YoY higher water inflows in January. These factors should have a positive impact to the power generation during the first quarter of 2026, a period that typically experiences lower rainfall. Meanwhile, XPCL also recorded higher average water flows through the power plant in January 2026 compared to the previous year, benefiting electricity generation from January through February. As for the Luang Prabang Hydroelectric Power Project, construction progress reached 65% as of the end of December 2025 as planned.
CKPower also maintains a solid financial position. As of December 31, 2025, Total Assets increased by 6% from the end of 2024. The increase was mainly attributable to additional investments in Luang Prabang Power Company Limited (LPCL), the strong operating performance of XPCL, as well as proceeds from the issuance of the Company’s first Green Bonds and cash generated from operating activities. The Company’s Liquidity Ratio stood at 2.26 times, an increase of 0.40 times, while the Net Interest-bearing Debt to Equity Ratio remained at a low level of 0.50 times. This reflects effective liquidity management and strong debt servicing capability. Looking ahead, any further reductions in US and Thailand policy interest rates are expected to lower financial costs and further support CKPower’s operating performance in 2026. The Company will continue to closely monitor interest rate movements and manage its long-term debt prudently on an ongoing basis.
Mr. Thanawat further stated that the past year remained challenging, given geopolitical uncertainties, global economic conditions, climate-related risks, and the rapidly evolving energy landscape. Nevertheless, the Company was able to adapt and manage these challenges effectively and received recognition from leading domestic and international institutions in accordance with sustainability standards, including the ASEAN CG Scorecard and recognition from The Asset, a leading financial magazine in Asia. These recognitions reflect the Company’s strong corporate governance practices at the regional level in Asia.
In addition, CKPower received a “AAA” ranking under the SET ESG Ratings, the highest level awarded by the Stock Exchange of Thailand, and was continuously selected as one of the ESG100 sustainable and investable companies by the Thaipat Institute. These recognitions reaffirm the Company’s strong commitment to conducting its business in line with sustainable development principles. CKPower remains committed to driving growth through renewable energy development across the entire value chain, while strengthening Thailand’s energy security and enhancing organizational readiness in terms of human capital, technology, risk management, and ongoing innovation. These efforts support CKPower’s progress toward achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
