Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is continuing its social mission with the launch of “Every Purchase is a Power of Giving”, a fundraising campaign to help restore hospital buildings impacted by recent incidents along the Thai–Cambodian border.
The event takes place August 20–22, 2025, at CP Tower Silom, Bangkok. Shoppers are invited to purchase CP Foods’ high-quality food products, with proceeds (after expenses) going directly to support hospital repair and rehabilitation efforts.
“CP Foods stands side by side with the Thai people in every circumstance,” said Mr. Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CP Foods. “Guided by CP Group’s ‘Three-Benefit Principle’, we are committed to supporting the recovery of border hospitals. With cooperation from all sectors, we believe these hospitals will soon regain full capacity to serve local communities.”
Border hospitals play a vital role as healthcare hubs for residents in remote areas. This campaign highlights CP Foods’ commitment to strengthening public health systems by encouraging both purchases and direct donations, particularly benefiting hospitals across seven border provinces: Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat.
The initiative builds on CP Foods’ ongoing support through the “Every Purchase is a Power of Giving” platform. Previous campaigns provided funds to Ramathibodi Hospital for rebuilding after a major fire and to Phramongkutklao Hospital following earthquake damage.
Certified by the Green Leaf Foundation, this five-star resort is helping conscientious explorers to unwind in style and reduce their carbon footprint with environmental activities, community programs, cultural experiences and more
Phuket, Thailand – The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, invites discerning travelers to experience refined island living where the cultural richness of the Andaman and a deep commitment to sustainability come together in perfect harmony. Situated on a private island in the Andaman Sea and proudly certified with 3 Leaves by the Green Leaf Foundation, this secluded five-star sanctuary offers a serene escape that honors nature, heritage, and mindful luxury in every detail.
At The Naka Island, Phuket, sustainability is not just a commitment, it’s a way of life. Powered by solar energy and free from single-use plastics, the resort actively preserves its pristine surroundings through weekly shoreline clean-ups and eco-conscious practices. Aligned with Marriott International’s Serve360 vision, The Naka Island, Phuket strives to meet ambitious 2025 Sustainability & Social Impact goals while fostering meaningful community connections.
CK Power Public Company Limited or CKPower (SET: CKP),has been recognized in the 2025 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ASEAN CG Scorecard) for listed companies in the ASEAN region, receiving the prestigious ASEAN Asset Class PLCs award. This distinction is granted to companies scoring 97.50 points or higher out of 569 listed companies assessed across six ASEAN member countries. The recognition underscores CKPower’s steadfast commitment to operating under the principles of good corporate governance — ensuring transparency, accountability, ethical conduct, and consideration for all stakeholders throughout its value chain. The ASEAN Asset Class PLCs award is supported by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), both of which play a pivotal role in elevating corporate governance standards across the region.
Thailand's suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives at Constitutional Court to give testimony in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/ Chalatip Roongbour)
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra appeared before Thailand’s Constitutional Court on August 21 for questioning in a case that could end her one-year tenure in office. The hearing coincided with her 39th birthday, drawing well-wishes from family, friends and supporters amid the political turmoil.
Thailand’s second female prime minister and mother of two has been suspended from her duties since July 1, following a major political crisis triggered by leaked audio recordings of private conversations with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The recordings emerged during diplomatic negotiations to defuse border tensions between the two countries.
The leaked audio prompted 36 senators to petition the Constitutional Court, arguing that Paetongtarn should be removed from office for lacking manifest honesty and integrity, and for seriously violating ethical standards.
Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra testifies before Constitutional Court judges in a case that could determine whether she remains in office on August 21, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/ Chalatip Roongbour)
Court to Rule August 29
Besides questioning Paetongtarn, the court also heard testimony from Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council. The proceedings were held behind closed doors due to national security concerns, with no audio or video recording permitted.
The court has scheduled its verdict for August 29, prohibiting participants from disclosing testimony details or distorting facts that could mislead the public. Both sides must submit closing statements by August 25.
Track Record Spells Trouble
Despite support from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, many observers doubt Paetongtaran can survive the Constitutional Court’s scrutiny. The court’s track record with prime ministers is telling: except for General Prayuth Chan-ocha, every prime minister brought before the court—including Samak Sundaravej, Yingluck Shinawatra, and Srettha Thavisin—has been removed for lacking manifest honesty and integrity.
Opposition parties and anti-Thaksin groups have called for Paetongtarn’s resignation ahead of the verdict, convinced she will be ousted. They warn that if she survives, it would suggest a “special deal”—speculation that analysts have floated.
Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, center, leaves the Constitution Court after giving testimony in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/ Chalatip Roongbour)
The Hun Sen Audio Controversy
Paetongtarn became Thailand’s 31st prime minister on August 16, 2024, after Srettha Thavisin was removed by the Constitutional Court on August 14, 2024 for appointing a minister with a controversial background—a decision the court deemed something “reasonable people should know” was inappropriate.
The crisis began on June 15 when Hun Sen’s aide contacted the Thai government requesting a phone call with Paetongtarn. She initially arranged for Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, then-Defense Minister, along with the Prime Minister’s Secretary-General and Foreign Minister to join the call at the Rosewood Hotel on Sukhumvit Road.
However, when they called Hun Sen that evening, he said he was unavailable, causing the ministers to leave. Hun Sen then called Paetongtarn’s mobile phone directly that night, secretly recording the conversation and posting it on Facebook on June 18.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra raises her hands in a traditional Thai greeting gesture as she apologizes to the Thai people for the leaked private conversation with Cambodian leader Hun Sen regarding negotiations to resolve cross-border checkpoint operations between the two countries, at Government House on June 19, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Pattarayoot Phukpol)
Diplomatic Efforts Overshadowed
Critics focused on Paetongtarn’s comments describing the Second Army Commander as an opposition figure who “likes to talk tough to look cool,” and her openness to letting “Uncle” (Hun Sen) propose solutions she could manage. These remarks led to accusations of betraying national interests.
However, her statements emphasizing she didn’t want fighting to break out, didn’t want local residents to suffer, and wanted to defuse border tensions were largely overlooked, overshadowed by mockery that she was naive to be secretly recorded.
What’s Next
If the court rules against Paetongtarn, her entire cabinet will fall, forcing coalition parties to select a new prime minister. Pheu Thai is expected to nominate Chaikasem Nitisiri, 76, the party’s third prime ministerial candidate. A former Justice Minister and ex-Attorney General, Chaikasem currently serves as advisor to Prime Minister Paetongtarn.
Three Pheu Thai PM candidates from left: Chaikasem Nitisiri, Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Srettha Thavisin at a rally on Apr. 5, 2023.
If Pheu Thai can secure a parliamentary majority, Chaikasem would serve as prime minister for the remaining year and nine months until May 2027, though early dissolution remains possible given the government’s narrow 253-seat majority against the opposition’s 239 seats in the 492-member parliament.
Constitutional Deadlock Persists
The government holds just a 14-seat advantage over the opposition—only seven seats above the simple majority needed. Under the constitution, a prime ministerial candidate needs “more than half” the votes, meaning more than 246 seats.
A key problem for Thai democracy, which began recovering after the 2023 elections, is parliament’s inability to amend the 2017 constitution written during military rule. The current charter contains numerous restrictions making amendments extremely difficult, especially when the government lacks a substantial majority.
Meanwhile, several senators face investigation for alleged vote-buying in their selection process, ensuring Thailand’s political conflicts show no signs of ending—regardless of whether Paetongtarn stays or goes.
La-ead Kovavisaruch, CEO of developer Vimarn Suriya Company Limited
BANGKOK — Dusit Central Park will unveil Thailand’s largest urban roof park on September 3, creating a 7-rai (11,200 square meter) green space that offers panoramic views of Lumpini Park and Bangkok’s skyline.
The botanical roof park, featuring exclusively Thai plants, spans from the fourth to seventh floors of the mixed-use development in Bangkok’s central business district. The facility includes cascading waterfalls, natural trails designed for universal accessibility, and multiple zones for dining and events.
“We wanted to create more than just a prime-location commercial space, but a place that gives back to society, welcoming people of all ages and lifestyles,” said Suphajee Suthumpun, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dusit Thani Public Company Limited.
Dusit Central Park project aims to enhance urban wellness and strengthen Bangkok’s potential for sustainable growth.
The roof park represents the first time a prime real estate development in Thailand has created an urban green space designed for public access. The facility connects the project’s hotel, residences, retail, and office components while providing what developers call an “Extended Park View” that visually links with nearby Lumpini Park.
Key features include a Food Passage with local eateries, the D Garden connecting to residents’ private areas, a Bird Nest viewing zone, and a multipurpose amphitheater. Natural trails incorporate universal design principles to accommodate visitors of all ages and mobility levels.
The development follows biophilic design principles, selecting plants that generate oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and dust, and provide habitats for local wildlife. The space aims to support urban biodiversity while serving as a “green lung” for Bangkok’s central district.
Dusit Central Park will serve as a “green lung” for Bangkok’s central district.
Access is available through BTS Sala Daeng and MRT Silom stations, with direct connections to the project. Multiple city bus routes also serve the location, and parking is available for private vehicles.
The roof park will operate daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, with dedicated elevator access available outside regular Central Park hours. Admission details have not been announced.
La-ead Kovavisaruch, CEO of developer Vimarn Suriya Company Limited, said the project aims to enhance urban wellness and strengthen Bangkok’s potential for sustainable growth. The company is currently selecting an official name from nearly 2,200 entries submitted through a public naming campaign.
A man uses an ATM machines in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK (AP) — Banks in Thailand are now required to set a daily limit of 50,000 baht ($1,537) on many online transfers to lessen financial fraud, particularly those involving customers judged vulnerable such as children and the elderly, the country’s central bank announced.
The rule announced Tuesday by the Bank of Thailand is meant to help combat the huge criminal industry of online scams, which makes billions of dollars annually and is especially active in Southeast Asia. In many countries there is increasing pressure on banks to play a more active role in safeguarding the assets of customers targeted by scammers.
The new measure aims to curb financial fraud by preventing criminals from receiving and transferring a large amount of money at one time, and enabling timely freezing of illicit funds in order to increase the chances that victims will be able to recover at least some of their money, according to Daranee Saeju, the bank’s assistant governor for Payment Systems Policy and Financial Consumer Protection.
The daily transfer limit will be applied to transfers in three different tiers: under 50,000 baht ($1,537) , under 200,000 baht ($6,147) and above 200,000 baht ($6,147), depending on each customer’s risk profile and the banks’ assessment under know-your-customer, or KYC, rules.
Customers with established records of responsibility can continue transferring at their usual levels.
This measure will be implemented for new mobile banking and internet banking customers by the end of this month and for existing customers by the end of this year.
Thailand has around 12 million mobile banking users, according to a report Wednesday in the Bangkok Post newspaper. It said previous central bank safeguards capped mobile banking transfers at 50,000 baht ($1,537) per transaction — with facial recognition required — and 200,000 baht ($6,147) per day in total.
In June alone this year, 24,500 scam cases related to money transfers were reported to the authorities, causing total losses of 2.8 billion baht ($86.1 million) — an average of 114,000 baht ($3,504) per case. The largest single fraudulent transfer amounted to 4.9 million baht ($150,591), the Post reported, citing the central bank.
On average, scammers needed only three minutes to siphon off half of the stolen funds, while victims typically took 19–25 hours to report the crime, the newspaper reported
For the first six months of this year, children under 15 were involved in 78,468 financial scam cases, while victims over 65 years of age accounted for 416,453 cases, it said..
Apichat Leenutaphong, Chairman of Renazzo Motor Co, Ltd.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s authorized Lamborghini dealer is shifting focus to the used car market as new supercar sales hit an eight-year low, with Renazzo Motor Co. doubling its investment in certified pre-owned vehicles to 200 million baht ($6.15 million) while expanding service operations to weather the current downturn.
Apichat Leenutaphong, Chairman of Renazzo Motor Co, Ltd., the authorized dealer of Lamborghini Supercars, announced the company’s business plan for this year: Renazzo will actively promote its Lamborghini Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program.
The initiative aims to increase brand awareness and expand the customer base by making Lamborghini ownership more accessible through certified pre-owned vehicles.
Used Car Strategy Gains Momentum
The company has doubled its annual working capital for the used car business to 200 million baht ($6.15 million), up from 100 million ($3.07 million) previously. This increase will allow Renazzo to source more used Lamborghinis for customers, cover trade-ins and consignment sales to build a complete business system while maintaining strong resale values.
Renazzo Motor
To date, the company has sold an average of 2–3 used Lamborghinis per month. Apichat believes that this segment will play a crucial role in retaining existing customers and attracting new ones.
All vehicles in the Certified Pre-Owned program undergo a rigorous 153-point inspection, including service history, ownership , and transfer, to ensure compliance with Lamborghini standards. Each vehicle is also covered by a minimum one-year warranty.
“I personally check every Lamborghini that is accepted into our used car program. Every car must be in a condition that I would drive and sell myself. Customers can rest assured that our standards are rigorous and characterized by passion and professionalism. Every detail, including warranty status and ownership history, is clearly disclosed,” said Apichat.
RENAZZO Body & Paint Lab
Renazzo has also invested 70 million baht ($2.15 million) in a new body and paint repair center, RENAZZO Body & Paint Lab, located near its Vibhavadi-Rangsit showroom and service center. The facility can handle up to 40 cars per month, and serves not only Lamborghinis and other supercars, but also general vehicles, all of which are serviced to Lamborghini’s high standards.
“We are open to all car brands and segments. Every car that comes to RENAZZO Body & Paint Lab receives a supercar-level service,” emphasized Apichat.
Expect an Upturn in 2026
Looking to the future, he noted that Lamborghini sales are expected to reach only 28 units this year, the lowest level in eight years, due to weak consumer sentiment and fewer product launches. However, he expects an upturn in 2026, when a new tax structure will reduce car prices by around 15%. This has already prompted some customers to postpone their purchases until next year, and Renazzo is accommodating these requests.
The company forecasts an increase in sales to 50 vehicles in 2026, with demand in the Thai supercar market, at around 500 units per year in the 12 to 20 million baht range, and around 200 units for cars priced above 20 million baht.
“I have planned for this scenario from the beginning. With fewer product launches this year and the upcoming tax changes, we are well prepared and have no liquidity problems. Customers who decide to postpone delivery until next year to get better prices can expect full support from us,” Apichat concluded.
BANGKOK — “A Useful Ghost,” the debut feature film by director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, continues its remarkable journey from international acclaim to potential Academy Award recognition. The film, produced by 185 Films and co-distributed in Thailand by Out of the Box by GDH, is scheduled to hit Thai cinemas on August 28, 2025.
The National Film Association of Thailand announced on August 20 that it has selected “A Useful Ghost” as Thailand’s representative for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. A committee of producers, directors, cinema operators, film studios, and media representatives chose the film from 57 entries under consideration.
According to the committee, the film demonstrates “complete uniqueness in all aspects—quality, novelty, and creative and profound content,” making lasting impressions on both critics and international audiences since its debut at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival.
“A Useful Ghost” is selected as Thailand’s representative film for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
The film tells the story of March, a grieving husband devastated by his wife Nat’s death, who discovers her spirit has returned by possessing a vacuum cleaner. While the couple rejoices in their reunion, their unconventional human-ghost relationship faces challenges from both supernatural and everyday domestic problems. The cast includes Davika Hoorne, Apasiri Nitibhon, Witsarut Himmarat, Wanlop Rungkumjad, and Wisarut Homhuan.
Seven years in development, “A Useful Ghost” marked Ratchapoom’s directorial debut when it premiered at Cannes in May. The film made history as the first Thai production to win the Grand Prize in Critics’ Week while earning positive reviews from international critics.
A Useful Ghost
Lead actress Davika Hoorne expressed her enthusiasm for the independent production, acknowledging it may not be mainstream but encouraging audiences to support it. “Being Thai and having the film win an award announced as ‘Thai Movie,’ I want Thai people to go cheer for it,” she said.
The internationally co-produced film received funding from Switzerland, Singapore, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, with additional post-production support from Thailand’s Creative Economy Promotion Agency (THACCA).
The tenth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting is held in Anning, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Aug. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei)
Stride for a New Golden Decade of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Together
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand
Zhang Jianwei
The Lancang-Mekong River is the lifeline of the people in this region. Originated from this river, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) was born with the aspiration of drinking from the same river while sharing a closely linked future. It promotes the culture featuring equality, sincerity, mutual assistance and kinship. It blossoms in the spirit of prioritizing development, equal consultation, pragmatism and efficiency, as well as openness and inclusiveness.
As one of the most dynamic and potential regional mechanisms, the LMC is committed to enhancing the well-being of the people of the six countries and promoting stability and prosperity of the region.
The past decade has been a journey of dedicated cooperation and fruitful outcomes. The six countries are endeavored to maintain stability and withstand the challenge. Therefore, all six countries have continuously deepened the strategic mutual trust, and been committed to building bilateral communities with a shared future.
All six countries also have clarified the overarching goal of building a Lancang-Mekong community with a shared future, as being good neighbors, friends, and partners who trust each other.
All six countries build up strong safeguard of common security, through cooperation in Safe Lancang-Mekong Initiative and combating online scam as well as other crimes，to keep improving the overall regional security situation.
All six countries are energized to promote development. Both hard and soft connectivities have been strengthened. Industrial and supply chain cooperation has been deepened. The Innovation Corridor has become a new highlight of development. With all of that , the building of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Economic Development Belt has made a smooth start.
All six countries are committed to strengthening the bond of mutual understanding and close relatioship, the six countries carry out nearly a thousand projects supported by the LMC Special Fund in water resources, agriculture, poverty reduction, health, women, culture, and other fields, effectively enhancing exchanges and cooperation and bringing tangible benefits to the people of the basin countries.
Recently, the Tenth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held successfully in Anning, Yunnan. Mr. Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of China co-chaired the meeting with Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and attended the joint press meeting.
Mr. Wang Yi shared his outlook on the prospects of LMC, emphasized that the six countries would strive to build an “LMC 2.0” characterized by unity and cooperation, openness and win-win outcomes, green innovation, and peace and tranquility，jointly opening a new golden decade of LMC and accelerating the building of a Lancang-Mekong community with a shared future of peace and prosperity.
During the meeting, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his counterparts of the other five countries respectively. The foreign ministers of China, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar held informal talks. The foreign ministers of China, Thailand and Cambodia also held a tea gathering. They had candid and friendly exchanges on bilateral relations and regional issues of common concerns such as combating cross-border crimes, ect and had discussions on current hot issues, demonstrating the commitment and wisdom of the Lancang-Mekong family to deepen mutual understanding and trust, as well as to jointly maintain regional peace, stability, prosperity and development, and sending out a strong and positive signal beyond the region.
The world is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, and the region is also facing new opportunities and challenges. As a responsible major country, China is always committed to upholding the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness when developing relations with neibours, adhering to the principle of building good-neighborly relationships and partnerships, as well as building an amicable, peaceful and prosperous neighborhood.
Together with the other Lancang-Mekong countries, China will continue to accelerate the building of a Lancang-Mekong community with a shared future with an inclusive mindset, open attitude, and spirit of solidarity, and safeguard and develop the common home.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Thailand diplomatic relations and Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship. China looks forward to continuing high-level visits and a series of celebrating activities with Thailand, and supports Thailand in hosting the 5th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Summit.
China has full confidence that the historic progress of China-Thailand relations and the vigorous development of LMC will benefit both countries and our people, contribute to regional peace, development and prosperity for a brighter future !
Cyber police intercept a suspicious vehicle on Asok-Din Daeng Road and discover FBS equipment on August 20, 2025.
BANGKOK — Cyber police arrested a South Korean national using a False Base Station (FBS) device to drive around Bangkok sending fraudulent SMS messages to residents, with the suspect confessing he was hired by Chinese nationals.
With the Thai-Cambodia border under tight security making cross-border scam operations difficult, cyber police have arrested three suspects conducting mobile SMS fraud operations over the past three weeks, with the latest being a South Korean man who claimed he was hired by a Chinese employer.
Sophisticated Mobile Scam Operation
Police Colonel Trairong Phiwphan, Commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Division, announced details of the South Korean scammer’s arrest on August 20th, crediting cooperation between cyber police and engineering teams from mobile network provider AIS in tracking down vehicles conducting mobile SMS fraud using False Base Station (FBS) devices.
Authorities detected a suspicious vehicle passing through Ekamai intersection onto New Petchburi Road, heading toward Asok-Din Daeng Road, Pracha Songkhro intersection, and Victory Monument. They detected abnormal frequency signals moving with the vehicle before intercepting it on Asok-Din Daeng Road.
The driver, identified as Mr. Kim, 35, a South Korean national, had active FBS equipment in his vehicle – modified radio telecommunications equipment that transmits signals on various frequencies to mobile phones within range, connected to a mobile power supply, signal distribution box, and three mobile phones.
Police Colonel Trairong Phiwphan questions the South Korean SMS scam suspect (in white shirt) through an interpreter on August 20, 2025.
Chinese Connection Revealed
When police examined Kim’s mobile phone, they found conversation messages between the suspect and his Chinese employer via Telegram application. Kim confessed to being hired to drive around Bangkok sending SMS messages in crowded areas along designated routes, reporting to his employer every 30 minutes.
Kim admitted to conducting operations three times from August 17-19, receiving 100,000 won (72 USD) per day, though his first week of work paid 550 USD total.
Police charged Kim with related offenses and are investigating whether his Chinese employer is connected to previous arrests, while expanding the investigation to other accomplices.
Multiple Criminal Charges
Police Colonel Trairong said such activities constitute organized crime charges and potentially several other offenses. If victims are identified, charges would include conspiracy to commit fraud. If connections to overseas criminals are proven, charges would include participation in transnational criminal organizations. Since FBS devices aren’t sold in Thailand, importing or possessing them also violates customs law.
How the Scam Works
FBS devices can change sender names to mimic legitimate messages by cutting victims’ actual mobile network signals before sending fake messages. Users can detect this when phone signals rapidly degrade from 5G to 3G or lower within short periods. Citizens should be suspicious of messages from mobile providers they don’t use (such as receiving DTAC messages while using AIS) or messages containing suspicious links.
“Scammers are returning to hiring people to drive around sending money-draining links like before, so I want to warn citizens to be careful. Remember that banks or shopping centers will never send links requesting personal information,” Police Colonel Trairong said.
