CKPower reports strong growth in net profit for 2025, favorable water inflows boost operating results

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24 February 2026, 17:30

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.

Five transgender women beat German tourist in Pattaya

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24 February 2026, 17:16

PATTAYA — A German tourist was injured in a late-night altercation involving a group of Thai transgender women along Pattaya Beach Road, police said on 24 Febuary.

The incident occurred opposite Soi Pattaya Beach 13 in Pattaya, causing alarm among bystanders. Parts of the incident were captured on video by witnesses and later handed to police as evidence.

The footage shows about five transgender women grappling with and assaulting the foreign tourist, with both sides falling onto the road during the scuffle. The tourist sustained injuries. In the clip, voices can be heard shouting for someone to grab the foreigner’s wallet. At one point, the tourist managed to break free. One of the group was heard warning others not to record the incident before they dispersed.

Authorities also found a mobile phone that had fallen into a storm drain at the scene. Firefighters were called to retrieve the device.

A good Samaritan told reporters he saw the tourist being attacked and heard shouts urging others to take the man’s bag. When the tourist’s bag fell to the ground, the witness picked it up and returned it to him, angering the group. The motive behind the altercation remains unclear, the witness said.

The injured tourist was later identified as Mr. Markus Santl, 55, a German national. He told police that earlier that night he had brought a transgender woman back to his hotel room, believing the person was a biological woman. After escorting the individual out, he later discovered that 35,000 baht in cash and 1,200 euros were missing from his in-room safe.

Suspecting those involved, he went out to search along Pattaya Beach and recognized one of the individuals. He said he attempted to detain the person, but five to six others joined in and assaulted him. He was able to escape after bystanders intervened and later filed a complaint with investigators at Pattaya City Police Station.

Incidents involving assaults and alleged theft targeting tourists have been reported repeatedly in Pattaya, particularly along the beachfront, raising concerns over the city’s image as a tourist destination. Although authorities regularly conduct patrols and crackdowns, suspects often disperse when officers are present and regroup after patrols leave the area.

Police said they are collecting evidence and reviewing video footage to identify and apprehend those responsible for legal action.

Army: Cambodian 40mm round hits Thai soil, troops return fire with M79

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24 February 2026, 15:56

jjjj — Army spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree

BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Army said Cambodian forces fired a 40mm mortar round into Thai territory during a routine patrol in Si Sa Ket province on Monday morning, prompting a response in accordance with rules of engagement. No injuries were reported.

Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said on 24 Febuary that the 2nd Army Area reported the incident occurred at 8:50 near Phlan Hin Paet Kon in Si Sa Ket, under the responsibility of the Suranaree Task Force.

Thai troops were conducting a normal patrol when Cambodian forces fired one 40mm mortar round that landed near the Thai patrol point. The explosion caused no casualties among Thai personnel.

Following the incident, Thai forces returned fire with an M79 grenade launcher toward the origin of the shot, in line with established rules of engagement. The army described the action as a warning and an act of self-defense to protect personnel and secure the assigned area.

Winthai said the Cambodian action violated the ceasefire agreement outlined in a Joint Statement signed by both sides on 27 December 2025.

A preliminary assessment suggested the incident may have stemmed from a troop rotation on the Cambodian side, involving newly deployed personnel who may lack familiarity with operational procedures and command oversight in the area.

The army said units on the ground have tightened security measures, increased monitoring of the situation and exercised heightened caution in ongoing operations, stressing that the safety of troops and civilians remains the top priority.

Suvarnabhumi apologises over X-ray staff conduct

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24 February 2026, 14:19

BANGKOK — 24 February 2026, Suvarnabhumi Airport has apologised to passengers and pledged to improve screening services following complaints about inappropriate behaviour by security staff at its X-ray checkpoint.

In a statement released on 24 February, the airport said it was responding to social media criticism posted on 23 February 2026 questioning the manners and emotional control of staff at the baggage X-ray screening point.

The online post asked: “Why are the X-ray baggage check staff at Suvarnabhumi so fierce? Why aren’t they better trained in communication and emotional control?” The comments triggered widespread complaints on social media over the alleged use of inappropriate language and gestures by officers at the baggage X-ray checkpoint.

641687061 1396419942530644 6107110853314082505 n — Press release of the Suvarnabhumi Airport apology statement.

The airport said it apologised to all passengers for the incident and acknowledged the concerns raised. It said all feedback would be used to improve staff performance, with an emphasis on polite conduct, courtesy and clear communication.

Suvarnabhumi Airport has instructed the company responsible for security operations at the baggage X-ray checkpoint to enhance service efficiency. The company has been ordered to hold daily briefings with all staff before each shift, stressing the need for operational readiness, courteous service and the provision of accurate and appropriate information to passengers.

The airport has also directed the firm to organise additional customer service training to further develop personnel and improve service standards. It said that if further incidents occur, it will take action in accordance with relevant procedures and review its supervisory measures.

The airport reiterated its apology and said it would continue gathering feedback to improve and further develop its services.

Thai FM hits back at Cambodia’s ‘occupation’ claim in France 24 interview

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24 February 2026, 14:14

messageImage_1771917187679 — Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow speaks during an interview with France 24 in Paris on 23 February 2026.

PARIS — 23 Febuary 2026, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow rejected claims by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet that Thailand continues to occupy Cambodian territory, saying both sides had agreed under a ceasefire that troops would remain in their current positions while working towards a boundary settlement.

In an interview with France 24 on Monday during his visit to Paris, Sihasak said the ceasefire remained “fragile” and urged de-escalation and confidence-building measures.

“First of all, we have reached a ceasefire agreement but the fact is that the ceasefire is still fragile,” he said. “At this moment in time, we have to work to de-escalate the situation, build trust and confidence so that we can move forward in our relationship.”

Responding to Hun Manet’s allegation in the United States that Thai forces occupy areas deep inside Cambodia, Sihasak said the two countries had agreed their troops would stay where they were as part of the ceasefire arrangement.

He argued that prior to the recent conflict there had been clear encroachment by the Cambodian side into Thai territory. “We have to look at the facts,” he said, adding that both sides should avoid escalation, provocation and misinformation.

On allegations that Thai troops had placed shipping containers and barbed wire in areas previously recognised as Cambodian territory, Sihasak said the measures were taken within Thai territory, in areas where Cambodian encroachment had occurred over time.

He said some of the disputes dated back to the period following the Cambodian conflict, when Thailand hosted about 400,000 Cambodian refugees. After peace was restored, some villagers did not return, contributing to overlapping claims in certain areas.

Asked about remarks by Prime Minister Anutin vowing a strong stance, including possible construction of a border wall, Sihasak said Thailand would take necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, including preventive steps where needed.

However, he said the future trajectory depended largely on Cambodia’s approach. “It’s the Cambodian side that keeps internationalising the conflict,” he said, accusing Phnom Penh of making untrue claims even after the ceasefire.

Sihasak said he remains in direct contact with his Cambodian counterpart via WhatsApp to prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of renewed clashes. With Thailand in the process of forming a new government following a recent election, he said some issues would need to await the new administration.

“We have to keep things calm. Further conflict means more losses. I don’t think that’s in the interest of our two countries,” he said.

On a recent maritime incident in which Cambodia accused the Thai navy of intercepting three Cambodians in its territorial waters, while Thailand said they were in Thai waters, Sihasak said Thailand had a duty to act if there was intrusion into its territory.

He accused Cambodia of attempting to portray Thailand as the aggressor, saying Thailand had a long tradition of diplomacy and valued peaceful coexistence with its neighbours. He suggested that nationalist rhetoric in Cambodia could be driven partly by domestic political considerations.

Turning to Myanmar, Sihasak said Thailand was not endorsing recent elections there but viewed them as a possible transition point. He said Thailand and ASEAN were urging continued dialogue, reconciliation and a viable peace process as conditions for re-engagement.

“It’s not a one-way street,” he said. “If Myanmar wants to re-engage, they also have to show that they are committed to dialogue and peace.”

Thailand, as a neighbouring country, has a strong interest in sustainable peace and stability in Myanmar, he added.

Highway police arrest Myanmar driver over migrants

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24 February 2026, 13:46

Highway police arrest Myanmar driver over migrants

PATHUM THANI — 24 February 2026, Highway police arrested a Myanmar national driving a pickup truck carrying seven undocumented migrant workers on Phahonyothin Road in Pathum Thani province, officers said.

The arrest was made under the direction of Pol. Col. Thatcha Pho Suwan, superintendent of Highway Police Division 1, after officers intercepted a suspected vehicle between kilometres 38 and 39 on the inbound side of Phahonyothin Road in Khlong Nueng subdistrict, Khlong Luang district.

Police detained Nay Min Latt, 36, a Myanmar national, along with seven undocumented migrants of the same nationality, three men and four women. Officers also seized a grey Toyota Revo pickup truck with Bangkok registration plates and heavily tinted windows.

Pol. Lt .Col. Kittipob Thongphet, an inspector with Highway Police Subdivision 1, said the operation followed a policy to crack down on illegal immigration and scam networks. Investigators had learned that a group of migrant workers would be smuggled towards Bangkok and set up surveillance before stopping the vehicle for inspection.

During questioning, Nay Min Latt confessed that he had been hired to collect the seven migrants from Nakhon Sawan province and transport them to Bangkok, charging each 1,000 baht. He admitted knowing that none of the passengers had legal documents and said he had carried out similar trips twice before.

The migrants, speaking through an interpreter, told police they had crossed the border by boat from Myanmar via Mae Sot district in Tak province. They said they paid an undisclosed amount to a broker to find work in Thailand.

All suspects were handed over to investigators at Khlong Luang Police Station for legal proceedings.

US to deliver 17 Stryker armoured vehicles to Thai army

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24 February 2026, 11:33

000111111 — Thai army chief. Gen. Pana Klaewplodtook shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane during talks at Royal Thai Army Headquarters on 23 February 2026.

BANGKOK — 23 February 2026, Army chief Gen. Pana Klaewplodtook welcomed Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, deputy commanding general of US Army I Corps, at Royal Thai Army Headquarters to discuss military cooperation, including expanded joint exercises and development of Stryker armoured units.

The talks covered enhanced participation in the annual Cobra Gold exercise and the bilateral Hanuman Guardian drill, as well as closer collaboration on the Royal Thai Army’s Stryker wheeled armoured vehicle programme. The army expressed appreciation for continued US engagement, saying it reflected strong security ties and a shared commitment to developing personnel capabilities. Both sides emphasised integrating advanced military technologies into multi-domain operations, particularly in cyber and space warfare.

Regarding Stryker vehicles, the army thanked the United States for supporting the transfer of 17 vehicles under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme. The handover ceremony is scheduled during the closing of Hanuman Guardian 2026. A US Stryker Brigade Combat Team will continue providing technical training on operations, maintenance and network-centric warfare, in line with the Thai army’s modernisation plans.

Gen. Pana also outlined Thailand’s position on the Thai–Cambodian border situation, reaffirming that the army adheres to international principles of self-defence in safeguarding sovereignty and remains committed to peaceful approaches.

The US side commended the Royal Thai Army for strictly observing rules of engagement and expressed pride in its long-standing alliance with Thailand, underscoring close military ties and mutual trust between the two countries.

UNESCO expected to inscribe Thai dress on heritage list this year

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24 February 2026, 10:58

531900489_1188140930024003_5211993450254275813_n — Photo: Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles

PARIS — Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said there is a high possibility that “Thai dress” will be inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO this year.

Speaking in Paris on 23 February 2026, Sihasak said he had discussed Thailand’s 2026 nomination with UNESCO Director-General Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz. Thailand has proposed “Thai dress” for inscription as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage.

He said Thai dress is a genuine national identity with a clearly documented historical background, strengthening its candidacy. He added that Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya has placed strong emphasis on promoting Thai dress, expressing confidence that the nomination will be considered at this year’s UNESCO meeting, to be hosted by China.

Ko Lipe water crisis prompts Ombudsman-led review

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24 February 2026, 10:33

SATUN — 23 February 2026, Ko Lipe is marketed worldwide as a tropical paradise of emerald waters and powdery white sand. But behind the façade of luxury resorts, the island’s indigenous Urak Lawoi community continues to grapple with chronic infrastructure shortages that have persisted for decades.

Once a quiet island, Ko Lipe has seen rapid commercial growth. Basic utilities, however, have lagged behind. Mounting garbage, high electricity costs and recurring water shortages have steadily eroded residents’ quality of life.

Water shortages

Sornnat Hantalay, 22, a representative of the Urak Lawoi community, said water scarcity remains the most pressing problem.

“During the rainy season, floodwater seeps into village wells, leaving the water undrinkable. In the dry season, the island’s three community wells run dry because they cannot support the growing population,” he said. “We have to take boats through rough seas to bring water from Ko Adang. If authorities can ensure a sufficient water supply, it would ease our hardship.”

Residents also face electricity rates several times higher than on the mainland, along with a waste management system that has yet to find a sustainable solution.

Project delays

Following complaints raised to central authorities, Songsak Saicheua, president of the Office of the Ombudsman, led a multi-agency delegation to the island on 23 February to review progress on long-delayed public utility projects. The delegation included officials from the Office of the National Water Resources, Satun provincial authorities and Tarutao National Park, as well as representatives from water and electricity agencies.

An inspection of proposed sites for submarine power cables and a raw water pipeline linking Ko Lipe to Ko Adang found that previous delays stemmed largely from overlapping land-use restrictions and technical requirements to minimise environmental impact.

Ko Lipe covers about 3 square kilometres (1,875 rai) and has 1,387 registered residents in 702 households. The island, however, receives between 150,000 and 200,000 visitors annually.

Solid waste averages 10–11 tonnes per day from households, businesses and marine debris. In 2025, accumulated waste exceeded 3,000 tonnes. The Koh Sarai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation spends about 7 million baht annually to hire private contractors to transport and dispose of waste on the mainland, amid the absence of a permanent public transport route.

Three-pronged plan

Songsak said the current plan is clearer than previous proposals and will proceed on three fronts:

Electricity and water systems: A memorandum of understanding will be signed between the Department of National Parks, the Provincial Electricity Authority and the Provincial Waterworks Authority to allow the laying of submarine cables and a raw water pipeline from Ko Adang. The package is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet, with tangible progress projected in fiscal years 2028–2029.

One-stop service centre: More than 3 rai (about 4,800 square metres) within the national park will be reorganised to consolidate immigration and tourist service offices in one location to improve order and ease marine traffic congestion.

Waste management and healthcare: Authorities are seeking a permanent public route for transporting waste to the mainland and upgrading the Ko Lipe health promotion hospital to better serve residents and tourists.

Songsak said the visit marked not just a routine inspection but a step toward resolving long-standing shortages.

For residents, the success of the proposed projects will be measured not in policy documents but in running taps, stable electricity and cleaner shorelines. Whether Ko Lipe can sustain its booming tourism industry may depend on how quickly those promises are delivered.

Helicopter douses Phetchabun blaze, but fire still reignites

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24 February 2026, 10:03

Helicopter douses Phetchabun blaze, but fire still reignites

PETCHABUN — 24 February 2026, A wildfire in Phetchabun province was largely brought under control after water-bombing operations by helicopter, but flared up again later, officials said.

On 23 February, Seksan Tiangphlab, head of Khao Kho National Park, joined operations with the Central Regional Operations Centre of the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment to urgently tackle wildfires and haze affecting residents in Khao Kho district.

Authorities coordinated with several local agencies, including the Phetchabun Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office, Forest Protection Unit Por Chor 8 (Nam Duea) under the Royal Forest Department, the Phetchabun Internal Security Operations Command and the Phetchabun Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office. A planning meeting was held at the 1st Infantry Division’s Phokhun Pha Muang Camp.

An aerial survey identified fire hotspots in Huai Yai forest and Tabok forest in Nam Ron subdistrict, Phetchabun province.

At 14:30, a helicopter began continuous water drops on the blaze, making 38 sorties and releasing about 19,000 litres of water to support 20 ground officers from Forest Protection Unit Por Chor 8 (Nam Duea) who were working to contain the fire.

Officials said more than 95% of the fire had been extinguished and the area brought under control. Ground teams were handling the remaining hotspots and would continue to monitor the area to prevent further flare-ups.

However, later in the evening the fire reignited on a mountain behind Ban Thung Hin Poon village in Nam Ron subdistrict, Mueang Phetchabun district.

As of 07:30 on 24 February, smoke was still visible inside the mountain area, officials said.

Water shortages

Project delays

Three-pronged plan

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