Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) reported a record-breaking performance in the first quarter of 2025, with a net profit of THB 8.549 billion—an increase of 642% or six times higher than the same period last year. The surge reflects CP Foods’ strong adaptability to economic and geopolitical challenges, along with its strict disease prevention systems and high occupational health and safety standards implemented throughout its operations.
Mr. Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CP Foods, attributed the impressive Q1 2025 results to efficiency improvements and cost reductions throughout the entire supply chain. Furthermore, outbreaks of avian influenza in several countries, along with the ongoing impact of African Swine Fever (ASF), have led to a decrease in global poultry and swine supplies. Meanwhile, raw material costs have remained at favorable levels. These factors have enabled CP Foods to surpass its performance targets both domestically and in over 10 countries where it operates.
The company’s strong performance in Q1 2025 is a testament to the dedication of its global workforce and its long-term resilience across diverse environments. CP Foods’ continuous investments in innovation, technology, and the implementation of IT management systems—alongside its commitment to biosecurity and systematic disease prevention in livestock farming—are essential in strengthening the organization throughout the supply chain. These factors enable the company to maintain production stability and ensure consistent product quality.
Mr. Prasit further emphasized that CP Foods’ overall performance for 2025 is expected to surpass that of the previous year. This optimistic outlook is driven by the company’s ongoing strategic initiatives and a rebound in the industry from past challenges. Regarding concerns surrounding U.S. tariff policies, CP Foods remains unaffected due to its focus on affordable food products that are produced locally in over 10 countries. The company depends on exports only 4–5% of its sales, primarily to Asian markets such as Japan and European countries, with exports to the U.S. market accounting for just 0.3%.
Amid global animal disease outbreaks and the reemergence of COVID-19, CP Foods’ leadership has reinforced comprehensive risk management, targeted investments in promising sectors, and, most critically, elevated safety standards throughout its operations. This includes robust disease prevention across the supply chain and stringent occupational health and safety measures to safeguard business continuity.
Chiang Mai Governor Mr. Nirat Pongsitthithaworn received food products and CP-branded drinking water from Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) to support the mission of volunteer forest firefighters under the Chiang Mai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office. This contribution strengthens efforts to prevent forest fires, haze, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), with the goal of ensuring clean, safe air for Chiang Mai residents.
Governor Nirat emphasized that the province has consistently implemented strict forest fire prevention measures across all areas, adapting strategies based on high-risk zones. These include intensified forest patrols to block unauthorized entry, door-to-door campaigns encouraging residents to stop all forms of open burning, and the promotion of alternative fuel management practices. The province has also enforced stricter inspections of vehicle emissions and industrial operations. The food and water donated by CP Foods provide meaningful support for the fire response efforts and morale of frontline volunteers.
Mr. Dusit Pongsapipat, Chief of the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, thanked CP Foods for recognizing the efforts of officials and volunteers who are working to control forest fires and reduce haze. The donated items—including fresh chicken eggs, fresh pork, ready-to-eat Kurobuta pork, CP drinking water, and Five Star meals—will be distributed to wildfire suppression teams in affected areas across Chiang Mai.
Mr. Nuntaphon Vichaidit, Senior Specialist – CSR Business Partner at CP Foods, who led the company’s volunteer team, said the company is proud to support volunteers who are on the frontlines of the fight against forest fires. “CP Foods is committed to contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment for all. We’re honored to assist those who work tirelessly to protect Chiang Mai from forest fires and PM2.5 pollution,” he said.
In parallel, CP Foods is collaborating with the District Chief of San Kamphaeng on the “Leaves for Eggs Market” initiative. This project encourages residents to exchange dry leaves—which are often burned and contribute to PM2.5 pollution—for CP eggs. The campaign offers a sustainable alternative to burning while helping reduce household expenses. Over the past 14 weeks, the initiative has collected 25,000 kilograms of dried leaves and distributed 17,800 eggs. CP Foods has also donated two leaf blowers to support leaf collection and create firebreaks for wildfire prevention.
Tourists walk along Pattaya Walking Street during daytime, at the exact location where two groups of Thai women were involved in a nighttime altercation on May 14, 2025.
PATTAYA — A violent altercation between two groups of Thai women in Pattaya has been captured on video and shared widely across social media, highlighting the intense competition for foreign clientele in the city’s nightlife industry.
The 42-second video footage shows six Thai women from two rival groups engaged in a physical fight on Walking Street in Pattaya, causing alarm among foreign tourists in the area. Security personnel from nearby entertainment venues eventually intervened to break up the altercation.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 5:00 AM on May 14. Following the confrontation, patrol officers from Pattaya City Police Station arrived at the scene and brought both parties to meet with Police Lieutenant Colonel Thanongsak Inphadung, an inquiry officer at the station.
Screenshot from video footage capturing the moment two groups of Thai service workers fought over customers on Walking Street, Pattaya, in the early morning hours of May 14, 2025.
Preliminary questioning suggests the cause of this altercation stemmed from conflict over competing for customers, exacerbated by alcohol consumption. As the parties could not reach an agreement, authorities proceeded with physical examinations and will pursue legal proceedings according to established protocols.
While such incidents are not uncommon, they underscore Pattaya’s well-known but officially unacknowledged sex industry, where services provided by women and individuals of various gender identities are openly available despite occasional law enforcement crackdowns allegedly aimed at “protecting Pattaya’s image” – leading to the ironic local saying that “Pattaya has no prostitutes.”
Sex workers in Pattaya, along with private organizations, have been advocating for legal protection and welfare benefits since discussions began in 2003. Following Thailand’s recent equal marriage law, which reflects a more progressive society and acceptance of reality, these campaigns have gained renewed momentum.
Pattaya’s sex industry became prominent during the Vietnam War when the United States established military bases in Thailand. Despite its visibility, the profession remains illegal and unrecognized, and workers receiving no social benefits while facing economic and social insecurity.
Tom Cruise poses for photographers during the photo call for the film 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)
CANNES, France (AP) — Three years after flying into the Cannes Film Festival with “Top Gun: Maverick,” Tom Cruise returned to the Croisette on Wednesday with “Mission: Impossible — Final Reckoning.”
Christopher McQuarrie’s latest “Mission: Impossible” installment is the biggest Hollywood tentpole wading ashore in Cannes this year. And its sizable impact at the French Riviera festival prompted shouts of “Tom! Tom!” up and down the Croisette.
After posing for photographs and bringing much of the activity at the Palais to a standstill, Cruise joined McQuarrie midway through the director’s masterclass talk. There was no press conference for the film, which meant Cruise and company faced no questions from reporters. But Cruise’s surprise appearance allowed the 62-year-old star a moment to reflect on his 30 years with “Mission: Impossible.” As to whether “Final Reckoning” is a last hurrah for him, he demurred, calling it “the culmination of three decades of work.”
“I’d rather just people see it and enjoy,” Cruise said.
Pom Klementieff, from left, Angela Bassett, Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, and Hannah Waddingham pose for photographers during the photo call for the film ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)Tom Cruise poses for photographers during the photo call for the film ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)
Whether Cruise has any Cannes stunt up his sleeve this time was much anticipated at the festival. On Sunday, he climbed atop the roof of the British Film Institute in London. When Cruise received an honorary Palme d’Or from the festival in 2022, the “Top Gun: Maverick” premiere included an impressively timed jet flyover.
With McQuarrie, Cruise said he relishes the stunt work in “Mission: Impossible.”
“I don’t mind encountering the unknown. I like the feeling. It’s just an emotion for me. It’s something that is not paralyzing,” Cruise said.
Cruise, McQuarrie and Paramount Pictures, which will release “Final Reckoning” in North American theaters on May 23, are hoping the eighth “Mission: Impossible” installment returns the franchise to box-office heights.
Tom Cruise, left, and director Christopher McQuarrie pose for photographers during the photo call for the film ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)
Their previous film, “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One ” was considered a box-office disappointment, though it ultimately grossed $571.1 million worldwide. Still, with production budgets close to $300 million for these films, a lot is riding on “Final Reckoning.” Cruise has been traversing the world — with stops in Japan, South Korea and England in the run-up to Cannes — to drum up excitement.
Cruise and McQuarrie, as they did around the release of “Top Gun: Maverick” (which McQuarrie co-wrote and produced), have made themselves passionate pitchmen for the big-screen experience. McQuarrie on Wednesday granted: “I worry for the fate and survival of cinema.”
“Streaming is in danger of driving the industry into extinction,” said McQuarrie. “The advantage a filmmaker has entering the world is that he doesn’t have the pressure of an opening weekend.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira gives a statement regarding progress in negotiations on US import tariff policies at Government House on May 14, 2025.
BANGKOK — Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira revealed on Wednesday that Thailand has submitted several key trade proposals to the United States through Commerce Minister Phichai Naripthaphan in discussions with the US Trade Representative (USTR) on May 8.
The proposals aim to establish Thailand as a stronger economic partner with the United States while addressing ongoing trade concerns. According to Pichai, Thailand’s proposals to the United States can be summarized into 5 points:
1. Thailand will be an economic partner with the United States, focusing on strengthening cooperation between Thai and US processed food businesses, developing the processed food industry, and the digital technology industry by leveraging the strengths of both countries together.
This includes importing agricultural products from the United States to use as raw materials for processing and exporting to the global market, and holding discussions with the US agricultural sector, which is an important political voter base for President Donald Trump.
Cranes work on stacks of containers at the Bangkok Port in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
2. Increase imports from the United States. Thailand plans to increase imports of essential goods such as energy (crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), ethane), aircraft and parts, armaments, and agricultural products like corn, soybeans, and beef, to strengthen commercial ties and meet domestic economic needs.
Representatives from the Ministry of Energy, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), PTT Public Company Limited, and Thai private energy companies have traveled to Alaska to discuss with the Governor of Alaska and US private energy companies to establish cooperation in energy trade.
3. Open markets and reduce trade barriers. Reducing import tariffs under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) system for 11,000 items by 14%, as well as reducing non-tariff barriers, is a key goal of the cooperation. This also includes reducing quotas and restrictions and opening the market for US goods such as cherries, apples, wheat, corn, and meat products.
President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
4. Strictly enforce rules of origin through the implementation of regulations on the origin of goods to address the issue of falsely claiming “Made in Thailand” status for goods from third countries exported through Thailand to the US. This will involve increased monitoring to maintain the reputation of Thai goods in the US market.
5. Promote Thai investment in the United States. The government supports the expansion of Thai private sector investment in the US within the next four years, particularly in the energy sector, such as LNG investment projects in Alaska and large-scale agricultural farm investments. Currently, Thai private companies have 70 investments in 20 US states, creating more than 16,000 jobs with an investment value of $16 billion.
LNG investment projects in Alaska
Pichai noted that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned Thailand positively during the Saudi Arabia-US Investment Forum in Riyadh on May 13, stating that Thailand’s proposals were “good” and comparable to those of Indonesia and Taiwan.
“From Bessent’s remarks, we see positive signals from the US policy level,” Pichai said. “We expect that working-level officials will be assigned to consider the details further. It will take some time before Thailand can hold discussions at the working level, but it will definitely be soon, as one month has already passed out of the 90-day postponement period.”
The Finance Minister emphasized that Thailand’s proposals represent a “win-win solution” that will benefit both countries, adding that the government will ensure imported goods do not negatively impact Thai farmers. He stressed that Thailand is primarily seeking to import items that the country already lacks, based on their economic value.
“Thailand is one of the US’s trading partners with whom the US is willing to discuss and resolve the issue of retaliatory tariffs and move towards constructive economic cooperation,” Pichai concluded.
Singapore, May 2025 – Following last year’s tremendous success, The Luxury Group by Marriott International is proud to announce the highly anticipated return of the Luxury Dining Series. Taking place from July to September, the multi-city regional dining series in 2025 continues to invite discerning travelers and dining enthusiasts to embark on an extraordinary gastronomic journey celebrating the revival of lost flavors and culinary traditions.
Inspired by the findings from the Future of Food 2025 report, this year’s theme of Forgotten Flavors celebrates the art of culinary history and will explore time-honored techniques and innovative culinary experimentation at seven handpicked hotels. The locations of the 2025 series include The St. Regis Osaka, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, The St. Regis Singapore, The St. Regis Jakarta, and the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok.
Renowned chefs and mixologists from across Marriott International’s global portfolio will unite, pairing masters of tradition with contemporary visionaries, to resurrect lost, neglected, and overlooked ingredients. Guests can look forward to a carefully curated gastronomic experience where every plate will offer a taste of the past, reimagined for today’s palate.
The full schedule of the series is as follows:
Japan – July 11-13 – The St. Regis Osaka
Korea – July 17-20 – JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa
India – July 31- August 3 – JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa
Australia – August 15-17 – The Ritz-Carlton, Perth
Singapore – August 29-31 – The St. Regis Singapore
Indonesia – September 11-13 – The St. Regis Jakarta
Thailand – September 25-28 – The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok
More details on programming will be announced soon. Please visit the website for more information – https://www.marriott.com/en-us/marriott-brands/portfolio/luxury-dining-series.mi
BANGKOK — Parents in Thailand increasingly choose international education over traditional curriculum despite slower growth and fewer new school openings, says Kasikorn Research Center. Dr. Temyot Pandajphong of Denla School points out that today, parents focus on skills, educational quality and the environment for their children.
According to the Kasikorn Research Center, the international school sector in Thailand is expected to grow by 9.7% by 2025, generating revenues of 95 billion baht ($2.8 billion). Although growth has slowed compared to last year (13.1%), mainly due to fewer new schools opening, only eight this year, five fewer than last year, the sector remains robust.
Meanwhile, the number of Thai students continues to decline due to the falling birth rate. This decline primarily affects state schools and private schools following the Thai curriculum, which are expected to shrink by 1.1% and 1.2% respectively. The average tuition fee per year for international schools in Thailand is around 764,484 baht ($22,900).
DBS
Dr. Temyot, owner of Denla School Rama 5, which was established in 2006 on over 20 rai (3.2 hectares), shared his insights in an interview with Prachachat Business. The main reason for the growth of international schools, he said, was a clear shift by parents away from the Thai Ministry of Education’s curriculum.
“If parents can afford it, they now prefer to send their children to international schools,” says Dr. Temyot. “We have seen significant changes in the last ten years. Parents used to have concerns about preserving the Thai language and cultural traditions. These concerns have diminished and have been replaced by a focus on skills, educational quality and the environment.”
Safety, mental and physical health, enjoyment of school, bullying prevention, quality of nutrition, adequate facilities, and emotional and social intelligence scores have also become critical factors for parents.
Kasikorn Research Center has cited several reasons why international schools continue to thrive despite declining birth rates in Thailand:
Increasing preference for constantly updated foreign curricula over the traditional Thai curriculum.
Increasing financial ability of parents to invest in education, which is reflected in projections showing a 24% increase in the number of Thai individuals with assets of more than 36 million baht (USD 1 million) between 2023 and 2028.
A steady increase of 0.6% per year on average over the last ten years in foreign executives moving to Thailand and bringing their children with them.
In 2024, Thailand’s international school sector saw growth, with 249 schools enrolling 77,734 students. This represents a 10% increase compared to 2023, when 236 schools had 70,200 students, according to data from the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC).
Dr. Temyot Pandajphong of Denla School
Entrepreneurial Mindset Embedded in Education
The Denla School Group, founded in 1979, currently operates three school models with around 4,000 students:
Denla Kindergarten with two branches — Rama 5 (Denla Rama 5) and Phetkasem (Denla School Phetkasem) — offering two curricula: Denla Integrated Program (DIP) and English Program (DEP).
DLTS International School, with two branches in Rama 5 and Phetkasem.
DBS Denla British School, located on 60 rai (9.6 hectares) on Ratchaphruek Road, offers British curriculum classes for ages 2-18, from pre-school to grade 13.
DBS emphasizes an extended British curriculum tailored to Thai society, with rigorous academics, extended school hours and numerous opportunities in music, sports, academics and exploration of personal interests.
Dr. Temyot emphasized that Denla School graduates have solid communication skills, a broad range of knowledge, a well-rounded personality and the courage to engage in diverse learning experiences, along with a solid understanding of Thai culture and language. He emphasizes the importance of teaching entrepreneurial thinking to all students:
“We don’t expect every child to become an entrepreneur. However, entrepreneurial skills such as creativity, self-discovery and the courage to try new things are important qualities that we want to encourage.”
Thailand invests a lot in education, but the results often fall short of expectations. This is mainly due to fundamental mindsets that influence the design of the system.
“In Thailand, the predominant value is learning to pass exams, not to acquire real knowledge,” Dr. Temyot said. “I once taught students and when a student asked if the topic would be on the exam and I replied ‘no’, he immediately lost interest. This mindset was a major reason why I stopped teaching at college, because it hindered my ability to deliver meaningful education.”
“This cultural value is deeply rooted in the historical mindset that equates higher education with social success. As a result, the government and private sector have created regulations that support these values, often explicitly tying job placements to degrees or educational qualifications.”
“Our people study primarily to gain qualifications, not to gain real skills or expertise,” Dr. Temyot concluded. “I wonder if pursuing degrees without gaining truly relevant skills and knowledge justifies the time, energy, money and commitment invested over four years.”
In this picture (From left): Mr Tearavath Trirutdilokkul, Head of Card Payment and Unsecured Products, UOB Thailand, Mr Norbert Tan, Chief Operating Officer of Maxing Group, the Shake Shack Thailand franchisee and Shake Shack staff
Bangkok, 14 May 2025 — UOB Thailand enhances its cardholder lifestyle privileges through an exclusive partnership with Shake Shack Thailand and the renowned chef Pam Pichaya Soontornyanakij, The World’s Best Female Chef 2025 and owner of Michelin-starred restaurant Potong.
As part of the collaboration, UOB cardholders can enjoy a complimentary Seafood Mayo Fries (valued at THB 130) when purchasing the Chef Collaboration Set Menu, featuring Thai-inspired creations like Jaew BBQ Pork Burger or Black Pepper Beef Burger, paired with a Mango Sticky Rice Shake.
Mr Tearavath Trirutdilokkul, Head of Card Payment and Unsecured Products, UOB Thailand, said “This collaboration with Shake Shack underscores the Bank’s commitment to deliver distinctive lifestyle offerings across dining, travel, and retail categories to reinforce our position as the bank of choice for customers. This collaboration with Shake Shack and Chef Pam represents more than a culinary experience — it’s a celebration of innovation, culture, and customer appreciation. By offering our cardholders early access and exclusive perks, we aim to turn everyday moments — like dining out — into something truly special. Whether you’re a food lover or simply looking to try something new, this experience is crafted with you in mind.”
Mr Norbert Tan, Chief Operating Officer of Maxing Group, the Shake Shack Thailand franchisee, added “We’re thrilled to be launching our very first chef collaboration in Thailand, and even more so with a visionary like Chef Pam. This campaign is elevated further by our partnership with UOB, which brings added value and access to a premium customer base who appreciates quality and creativity. It is a unique intersection of food, innovation, and partnership that reflects what modern dining experiences can be.”
The collaboration showcases bold reinterpretations of local Thai flavours in Shake Shack’s iconic formats include:
– Jaew BBQ Pork Burger – smoky, spicy northeastern Thai flavour in a premium pork patty
– Black Pepper Beef Burger – aromatic, Thai-style black pepper sauce with depth and heat
– Seafood Mayo Fries – crinkle-cut fries elevated with rich seafood-infused mayo
– Mango Sticky Rice Shake – the beloved Thai dessert reimagined as a creamy, indulgent beverage
The promotion will be available at Shake Shack nationwide from 7 May to 6 July
BANGKOK — The Thai Cabinet has approved a 1.124 billion baht ($33.75 million) budget for hosting the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship 2025, as proposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. They expects nearly 8.5 billion baht ($255 million) economic boost from popular tournament.
The approval came during the Cabinet meeting on May 13, with officials highlighting that hosting this prestigious event will generate spending from viewers worldwide. The funding will come from the National Sports Development Fund, broadcast rights for domestic and international coverage, ticket sales, and central government reserves.
The championship, one of volleyball’s most prestigious international events, will run from August 22 to September 7, 2025. It will bring together 32 of the world’s top women’s national teams competing across four Thai cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Nakhon Ratchasima.
The tournament will feature teams from five continents — three from Africa, four from Asia, 16 from Europe, six from the NORCECA region, and three from South America. Major volleyball powers including the USA, China, Japan, Brazil, Türkiye, Italy, the Netherlands, and reigning champions Serbia will compete alongside host nation Thailand.
Volleyball enthusiasts worldwide will be able to watch live coverage on VBTV and Volleyball World’s YouTube Channel.
Sorawong Thienthong
“Hosting the championship aligns perfectly with the ‘Grand Sports’ series of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025,” said Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. “It boosts Thailand’s global image, allows local fans to witness world-class volleyball, and is expected to generate over 8.5 billion baht through tourism spending and worldwide media exposure, reaching more than 1.3 billion viewers.”
Host Cities Showcase Thailand’s Sporting Legacy
Each host city brings its own unique sporting heritage and cultural appeal to the championship.
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, has previously hosted four Asian Games, the World University Games, and major volleyball events including the 2024 VNL Women’s Finals.
Chiang Mai, the country’s second-largest city, hosted the 1995 Women’s Asian Championship and welcomed both the Southeast Asia Volleyball League and Beach Pro Tour in 2023.
Nakhon Ratchasima, considered a volleyball heartland in Thailand, has previously hosted the Asian Club Championship, the 2019 U19 World Championship, and several Olympic qualifying tournaments.
Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, brings a strong beach volleyball tradition, having hosted multiple FIVB World Tour tournaments and the 2021 U19 and U21 World Championships.
Thailand is the host of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025.
Sustainability Focus
Thailand is implementing a “Green Heart Event” sustainability model for the tournament, focusing on waste reduction, resource conservation, and eco-friendly operations throughout the championship.
“This tournament reflects the Five Grand Concepts of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 — Grand Festivity, Grand Moment, Grand Privilege, Grand Invitation, and Grand Celebration — positioning Thailand not just as a host but as a stage for remarkable memories,” said Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
“It’s a chance to showcase Thai culture, warm hospitality, and our ability to deliver sustainable global events. Each city is ready, and we anticipate strong international travel from fans who know Thailand always delivers.”
Thailand is the host of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025.
Part of Broader Sports Calendar
The Women’s Volleyball World Championship is one component of Thailand’s ambitious sports calendar for 2025, which includes other major events such as the 33rd SEA Games in December, the 13th ASEAN Para Games in January 2026, the MotoGP PT Grand Prix, the Muaythai World Festival, the Honda LPGA Thailand, and a series of UTMB trail running races.
Volleyball enjoys significant popularity in Thailand as the nation’s second most-watched sport. The Thai women’s national team, consistently ranked among the world’s top 15, has a devoted fan base and will be a major draw as the country welcomes the international volleyball community.
The FIVB World Championship builds on momentum from other volleyball events in 2025, including the SEA V.League Final, marking a landmark year for Thai volleyball.
BANGKOK — The Thai Cabinet has approved in principle the draft ministerial regulation on alcohol production proposed by the Excise Department under the Ministry of Finance on May 13. The regulation aims to ease barriers to entry for new alcohol producers, especially small community distilleries, in line with the government’s policy to promote locally produced spirits and improve their competitiveness.
The Excise Department is also preparing further amendments to ease other restrictions to support “community spirits” in the near future.
Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said the cabinet decision was aimed at increasing people’s income and promoting the use of local agricultural products. This would create opportunities to increase the added value of existing industries and strengthen Thailand’s soft power through traditional craftsmanship.
Community liquor production in Nakhon Ratchasima Province
The new regulation will allow brew pubs, draft beer producers and craft beer manufacturers to distribute draft beer for sale outside their breweries, helping small producers to expand their markets and grow their business nationwide.
The ordinance also addresses the challenges faced by community distilleries located far from water sources. It revises the criteria for citing small and medium-sized factories and allows them to locate within 100 meters of public water sources, provided they use effective wastewater treatment systems that prevent pollution.
In addition, qualified entrepreneurs are allowed to set up medium-sized distilleries immediately without having to operate as a small business for a year, which increases their competitiveness.
Five Venues Exempt from Holiday Alcohol Ban
The government’s alcohol policy has recently become more flexible in several areas to support economic and tourism development. For example, the Prime Minister’s Office recently allowed the sale of alcohol at five specific types of venues on major Buddhist religious holidays: international airports, entertainment facilities, tourism-related facilities that resemble entertainment facilities, hotels, and venues that host major national or international events.
Pattaya nightlife
The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Tienthong, commented on the expansion of alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays by saying that only one day had passed since the measure came into force, so no data was available yet. However, he argued that it was better to legalize and regulate sales rather than push them underground, as illegal alcohol sales continue to take place on such holidays.
“People who want to drink will drink anyway. The key is proper regulation, including designated sales areas and age restrictions for buyers. Zoning should be considered for restaurants and grocery stores, especially in tourist areas, to allow sales. Most foreign tourists don’t know which days are major Buddhist holidays with sales bans,” Sorawong said.
