CKPower reports strong Q1 2026 profit growth despite dry season

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12 May 2026, 11:48

Robust Renewable Energy Portfolio Demonstrates Resilience Amid Energy Price Volatility Advances El Niño Preparedness with Hydro Forecasting System

Mr. Thanawat Trivisvavet, Managing Director of CK Power Public Company Limited (SET: CKP), one of the region’s largest producers of electricity from renewables with one of the lowest carbon footprints, announced the continuous growth of CKPower’s Q1/2026 operating performance, with Core Net Profit of Baht 115.9 million, representing an increase of Baht 52.5 million, or 82.9% compared to the same period last year.

The growth was primarily driven by the strong performance of both two main hydroelectric power plants of the Company. The Company recognized a share of core net profit of Xayaburi Power Company Limited (XPCL) amounting to Baht 198.6 million, an increase of Baht 190.7 million year-over-year. This was mainly attributable to higher water inflow through the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant compared to the same period last year, resulting in increased electricity sales volume. In addition, XPCL benefited from lower financial costs following the gradual repayment of long-term loans and the decline in interest rates in line with the global interest rate trend.

In addition, Nam Ngum 2 Power Company Limited (NN2) reported an improved performance, driven by higher electricity sales year-over-year. This was supported by higher reservoir water levels at the beginning of 2026, as well as increased water inflows during the first quarter of 2026. As a result, CKPower’s overall performance in the first quarter of this year continued to grow steadily, despite the dry season.

Mr. Thanawat added that the renewable energy-based portfolio of CKPower has helped CKPower to avoid the impacts from conflict in the Middle East and volatility in global energy prices to the Company’s operating performance. The impact is only limited to fuel costs associated with electricity sales to industrial customers of Bangpa-in Cogeneration Company Limited (BIC), which account for approximately 3% of CKPower’s total electricity generation.

“The probability of El Niño condition is expected to gradually increase in the second half of 2026. To mitigate this risk, the Company has proactively made preparation for the El Niño condition by continuing to enhance its Hydrometeorological Monitoring and Forecasting System. This aims to enhance efficiency and accuracy in electricity declaration of the Company’s hydroelectric power plants. As for the Luang Prabang Hydroelectric Power Project, construction progress reached 72% as of the end of March 2026, which was in line with the plan.”

CKPower also maintains a solid financial position. As at March 31, 2026, the Company maintained a Liquidity Ratio of 1.78 times, while the Net Interest-bearing Debt to Equity Ratio remained at a low level of 0.47 times. This reflects effective liquidity management and strong debt servicing capability. Furthermore, any additional reductions in policy interest rates of the United States and Thailand would help lower financial costs and support CKPower’s performance in 2026. The Company will continue to closely monitor interest rate movements and prudently manage its long-term debt to ensure an appropriate capital structure.

Mr. Thanawat stated that, under the Company’s five-year plan (2026–2030), CKPower aims to expand its power generation capacity through solar power projects in the form of Private PPA and participation in government renewable energy bidding, alongside the sale of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). In 2025, CKPower Group’s renewable energy facilities supplied over 10 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity to Thailand, representing approximately 17% of the total renewable electricity used in the country. The Group’s operations also helped avoid 5.34 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) greenhouse gas emissions. CKPower firmly believes that renewable energy is at the core of the energy transition. The Company continues to drive progress toward achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

MV Hondius evacuation ends as hantavirus monitoring continues

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12 May 2026, 11:21

MV Hondius evacuation ends as hantavirus monitoring continues

TENERIFE — 12 May 2026, All passengers and crew aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius have now been evacuated following an outbreak of hantavirus that left three people dead and several others infected, while health authorities continue monitoring passengers who have begun showing symptoms after returning home.

The final group of six passengers, along with some crew members, disembarked off the coast of Tenerife, Spain, on 11 May, marking the end of a complex international evacuation operation. The group included four Australians, one British resident of Australia and one New Zealander, who were later transferred to the Netherlands for quarantine.

Governments including Spain, France, Canada, Britain and the United States arranged charter flights to repatriate citizens after the outbreak aboard the vessel. In total, 94 passengers and crew members were returned to their home countries following the ship’s 41-day voyage from southern Argentina. The final evacuation flight departed Tenerife around midday on 11 May local time.

Last6passengersleaveHantavirus hitship 04 — Passengers are disembarked from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius at the port of Granadilla in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

The Dutch Foreign Ministry said 19 crew members and three doctors who remained on board to care for passengers had already arrived in the Netherlands. The MV Hondius, carrying the remaining 26 crew members, is now heading to the Netherlands for disinfection.

The first positive hantavirus test aboard the vessel was reported nine days ago. The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised all passengers to quarantine for 42 days from 10 May because the virus can incubate for up to six weeks. However, quarantine measures vary between countries.

Spanish passengers are required to remain in hospital quarantine for 42 days. French passengers must stay under hospital observation for 72 hours before continuing isolation at home for a further 45 days. American passengers may choose between home quarantine or isolation at a facility in Nebraska.

Last6passengersleaveHantavirus hitship 03 — Passengers are sprayed with disinfectant by Spanish government officials before boarding a plane after disembarking from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius at Tenerife airport in the Canary Islands, Spain, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Arturo Rodriguez)

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, said passengers should undergo daily health monitoring either at home or in designated quarantine facilities, depending on national guidelines.

WHO said seven confirmed cases of Andes hantavirus have been identified, along with two additional suspected cases. One suspected patient died before testing could be carried out, while the other is on Tristan da Cunha, a remote island in the South Atlantic without local testing facilities.

The death toll remains at three, including two Dutch passengers and one German passenger. Two of the deaths have been confirmed as hantavirus infections. WHO believes the first fatal case may have contracted the virus before boarding the ship while travelling in Argentina and Chile.

Last6passengersleaveHantavirus hitship 05 — A Spanish passenger is sprayed with disinfectant by Spanish government officials before boarding a plane after disembarking from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius at Tenerife airport in the Canary Islands, Spain, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo)

US health authorities said on 10 May that one American passenger among 17 evacuees tested positive for hantavirus, although the result remained inconclusive, while another passenger had begun showing symptoms. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu also said one French passenger developed symptoms during the return flight home.

Hantavirus is primarily spread through contact with rodent excretions, although limited human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact in rare cases. The Andes strain detected aboard the ship can cause severe respiratory illness and carries mortality rates of up to 50% in some cases.

Health officials stressed that the public should not panic, saying hantavirus spreads far less easily than COVID-19 and is unlikely to trigger a global outbreak.

Bolt Tightens Safety After Thai Student Ride Incident

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12 May 2026, 10:30

Bolt Tightens Safety After Thai Student Ride Incident

BANGKOK — 11 May 2026, the popular ride-hailing platform, Bolt, announced stricter safety measures in Thailand, including expanded use of AI technology and more frequent facial recognition checks to prevent driver identity fraud, following a violent incident involving a schoolgirl.

The incident occurred in late April 2026 when the student booked a motorcycle ride through the app to return home in Bangkok’s Nong Khaem district.

According to reports, Arm, the 22-year-old driver, whose motorcycle lacked a license plate, reportedly stopped to drink a substance suspected to be kratom water before bypassing the passenger’s intended destination.

The student recorded a video pleading with the rider to stop. The rider allegedly attempted to seize her mobile phone and refused to stop the vehicle, prompting the student to jump off the motorcycle and suffer injuries. Bystanders later intervened and provided assistance.

Bolt Tightens Safety After Thai Student Ride Incident 2 — Arm, the 22-year-old rider involved in the incident.

Investigations revealed the rider had been using another person’s account to accept jobs on the platform.

In a statement, Bolt Thailand said it had summoned the service provider involved to clarify the facts, suspended the driver account linked to the incident and alerted other ride-hailing platforms to help prevent the individual from operating elsewhere. The company also said it had already suspended more than 40,000 riders for violating platform rules.

On 11 May, Bolt Thailand issued a further statement confirming that its services in Thailand remain operational as usual. While the company coordinates with relevant authorities regarding certification of its electronic systems.

The company said passenger safety and confidence remained its highest priorities and outlined several enhanced measures:

Increase the frequency of random facial recognition checks for drivers to prevent account sharing and impersonation.
Reiterate a zero-tolerance policy on account misuse; accounts found to be shared or used by unauthorised individuals would be permanently banned.
AI-powered monitoring systems capable of detecting irregularities during trips in real time, alongside rapid-response safety reporting systems.
Pop-up reminders before each journey for passengers to verify the driver’s face, vehicle registration and trip details shown in the application before boarding.

Thai FM Says Koh Kood Sovereignty Not in Doubt

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12 May 2026, 10:13

Thai FM Says Koh Kood Sovereignty Not in Doubt

BANGKOK — 12 May 2026, Thailand’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister said on Tuesday that Koh Kood island remains unquestionably Thai territory, dismissing reports that Cambodia had secretly registered a 2001 bilateral memorandum as evidence in a maritime boundary dispute.

Speaking at Government House at 8:45, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow also said Thai authorities were arranging legal assistance for Thai nationals detained by Cambodian soldiers for allegedly crossing the border illegally while gathering forest products.

“The process is under way,” Sihasak said. “Coordination regarding legal assistance has already been completed, and we are monitoring the situation closely.”

Sihasak was responding to questions about reports that Cambodia had registered the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand and Cambodia concerning overlapping continental shelf claims, known in Thailand as the “MOU 2544”, before Thailand later revoked it.

He said Cambodia was a signatory to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, which Thailand also recognises as the framework for future negotiations.

“The MOU 2544 has already been cancelled,” he said. “Negotiations under UNCLOS are a good approach and avoid wasting time, although it is still too early to conclude which mechanism will ultimately be used.”

Asked about reports that Cambodia intended to use the memorandum as evidence relating to a maritime boundary line that allegedly passes through Koh Kood in Trat province, Sihasak rejected the suggestion.

“That is not possible,” he said. “Under UNCLOS, maritime boundaries must be considered according to internationally recognised legal principles.”

“I do not know what Cambodia may have secretly registered,” he added. “What I know is that discussions will take place under UNCLOS.”

When asked whether the issue would affect Thailand’s sovereignty over Koh Kood, Sihasak said any formal demarcation would clearly show that the island belongs to Thailand.

Thailand rushes US trade deal ahead of possible Section 301 review

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12 May 2026, 09:54

BANGKOK — 12 May 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Thailand is accelerating negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States in a bid to reduce tariff risks ahead of a Section 301 review.

Speaking at 08:50 at Santi Maitree Building, Government House, Ms. Suphajee said following her recent visit to the United States, talks were held with Jamieson Greer and Rick Switzer on 4 May to push forward the pending ART negotiations.

She said Thai officials remain in the United States for technical-level discussions on two issues: asset capacity and forced labour.

Ms. Suphajee said her discussions focused on clarifying Thailand’s position after the country submitted its formal response on 15 April, adding that all issues had been clearly explained and no major obstacles had arisen.

She said both sides reaffirmed their intention to maximise trade benefits for both countries.

Thailand is also seeking to conclude ART negotiations, which have remained unresolved since the previous administration, before any investigation under Section 301 — a US trade law concerning unfair trade practices — proceeds.

The talks also addressed Thailand’s trade surplus with the United States. Ms. Suphajee said Thailand’s surplus increased considerably last year compared with the previous year.

She said Thailand had clarified that at least 30% of the additional surplus came from products manufactured by US companies investing in Thailand, while more than 20% came from Thai companies.

Regarding concerns over transshipment and misuse of trade privileges, Ms. Suphajee said Thailand has documentation and data prepared to clarify all relevant facts.

CCTV Footage Exposes Repeat Illegal Waste Dumping

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12 May 2026, 09:47

CCTV Footage Exposes Repeat Illegal Waste Dumping

PHETCHABUN — 12 May 2026, A village chief in northern Thailand has installed CCTV cameras after repeated illegal dumping by outsiders along a roadside, with the latest footage clearly capturing a man unloading rubbish from a small farm vehicle.

The village chief warned residents not to copy the behaviour “until it becomes the community’s rubbish dump” and said legal action and fines could follow if the problem continues.

A local Facebook user posted a message online saying: “There are warning signs and cameras installed. You should dispose of your own rubbish properly. Illegal dumping is punishable by law.”

The post included CCTV footage showing a man driving a locally made agricultural vehicle, known as an “e-tan”, before dumping waste by the roadside. The clip sparked criticism on social media.

The account was later identified as belonging to Sombun Phunoi, village chief of Nong O village in tambon Pak Chong, Lom Sak district, Phetchabun province, who has been monitoring illegal dumping in the area for some time.

Speaking to reporters at the site, Sombun said the location was the second hotspot where repeated dumping had been detected. Most offenders were believed to come from outside Pak Chong because local communities already had organised waste collection systems.

He said many cases involved residents from neighbouring areas without rubbish collection services or suitable disposal sites, leading them to dump household waste illegally.

“Once rubbish starts piling up, other people passing through tend to follow, and it becomes a long-term problem,” he said.

The accumulation of waste has caused foul odours, damaged the community’s image and created health risks, particularly from organic waste that can attract flies, rats and disease.

Sombun said village security volunteers, community committee members and residents had previously helped monitor the area before officials decided to use village funds to install CCTV cameras to collect evidence.

He urged the public not to dump rubbish in public areas because it dirties shared spaces and affects the wider community.

If the offences continue, he said village authorities may report offenders to police or coordinate with local public health officials to impose fines under Thai law.

Under Thailand’s Public Health Act of 1992 and local regulations, those caught dumping rubbish in public places can face financial penalties.

Muslim senator says Ramkhamhaeng incident challenged Islam’s principles of peace

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11 May 2026, 19:08

Muslim senator and former human rights commissioner Angkhana Neelaphaijit has raised concerns over what she described as “mob rule” after more than 1,000 Muslims reportedly gathered in Bangkok’s Ramkhamhaeng 53 area to pressure an LGBT Muslim individual accused of insulting Islam.

The incident, which sparked widespread debate on social media, reportedly involved the individual being pressured to apologise, shave their head and slap themselves as an act of repentance. Critics questioned whether the actions were voluntary or carried out under coercion.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Angkhana called on the Culture Ministry, the Office of the Chularatchamontri and the National Human Rights Commission to clarify their positions regarding groups identifying themselves as “defenders of religion” taking action against people accused of insulting religious beliefs.

She said the incident challenged Islam’s principles of peaceful coexistence, justice and compassion, adding that repeated claims during livestreams that the punishment was “voluntary” had raised doubts among viewers.

“If such incidents are allowed to pass without preventive measures, it could create a new norm in which mob rule overrides the law and even the true principles of religion,” she wrote.

Angkhana also warned that religious tensions could escalate into hate crimes or Islamophobia, describing religious conflict as one of the most sensitive and fragile issues in society.

Steven Gerrard and football stars enjoy Pad Thai in Bangkok

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11 May 2026, 17:58

BANGKOK — Several football legends from Liverpool and Manchester United were spotted enjoying pad Thai at the famous Thipsamai Pad Thai Pratu Phi restaurant in Bangkok over the weekend.

Photos shared by the restaurant’s Facebook page showed former stars including Steven Gerrard, Claude Makelele, Michel Salgado, Quinton Fortune and Steve McManaman dining at the iconic eatery.

In the post, Thipsamai said it was honoured to welcome the world-famous football legends and thanked them for visiting and experiencing its “original pad Thai.”

The restaurant also described the former players as friendly and encouraged football fans not to miss the “An Evening with Legends” event.

The visit came during the “Living Legends Football Festival 2026,” held at UOB LIVE in EMSPHERE, where the five football stars met Thai fans during a special appearance event.

Police seize 250 kilograms of ivory in trafficking crackdown

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11 May 2026, 17:40

Police seize ivory worth $300,000 in trafficking crackdown

BANGKOK — 11 May 2026, Thai police and wildlife authorities have dismantled a transnational illegal ivory trafficking network, arresting nine suspects and seizing more than 250 kilograms of ivory and wildlife products.

The operation, code-named “Broken Ivory: Operation Elephant Slayer”, was announced on Sunday by the Central Investigation Bureau, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

Investigators said the crackdown targeted administrators of secret online trading groups allegedly involved in the illegal sale of ivory, dugong tusks and other wildlife remains.

Police launched the investigation after discovering a Facebook group named “Tusks and Animal Amulets”, where wildlife products were allegedly being traded illegally.

Undercover officers posed as buyers and later confirmed through forensic testing that the seized ivory originated from African elephants.

Authorities said the network had been operating for about one year and generated an estimated turnover of around 10 million baht.

Investigators found the ivory was smuggled from Africa by sea to Vietnam before being trafficked into Thailand through natural crossings along the Mekong River with the assistance of Vietnamese contacts working in Thailand.

On 7 May 2026, officers carried out coordinated raids at 11 locations across seven provinces — Samut Sakhon, Uthai Thani, Kamphaeng Phet, Chumphon, Songkhla, Chonburi and Chanthaburi — and arrested nine suspects under court warrants.

Among the items seized were 140 kilogrammes of raw ivory tusks, 40 kilogrammes of cut ivory pieces, ivory prayer beads, ivory powder, resin-compressed ivory, knives with ivory or antler handles, stingray tail parts, hawksbill turtle remains and equipment used to cut and shape ivory.

Authorities estimated the ivory and related products were worth about 7.5 million baht, while ivory-handled knives were valued at approximately 2.4 million baht.

All nine suspects reportedly confessed during questioning.

Police said further investigations would focus on Vietnamese intermediaries and import routes linked to the smuggling network.

Officials said much of the ivory had been carved into amulets, knives, prayer beads and Buddha statues for Thai buyers who believed ivory carried spiritual significance.

Thailand’s wildlife authorities said the country has never issued permits allowing legal possession of African elephant ivory under domestic law.

Officials said the results of the operation would be reported to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Geneva to demonstrate Thailand’s commitment to suppressing illegal ivory trafficking under the 2015 Ivory Act.

The confiscated items will remain in the custody of the Department of National Parks until legal proceedings are completed, after which the ivory will be destroyed, authorities said.

Thai Cabinet to discuss World Cup 2026 broadcast deal

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11 May 2026, 16:37

Thai Cabinet to discuss World Cup 2026 broadcast deal

BANGKOK — 11 May 2026, Thailand’s Cabinet is expected to hold urgent discussions on Tuesday over securing broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid hopes that Thai viewers will again be able to watch the tournament free of charge.

A Government House source said the issue would be raised during the Cabinet meeting on 12 May because of tight deadlines surrounding negotiations for rights from world football governing body FIFA.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to the source, the government considers the matter urgent as it aims to ensure public access to the global football tournament without subscription costs.

Officials said the policy is intended to provide entertainment for the public while also encouraging young people to take an interest in sport and healthy lifestyles.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul previously said the government was trying to achieve the best possible outcome regarding the broadcasts, although the state could not directly purchase the rights itself and would instead seek cooperation with private-sector partners.

Last week, Anutin also discussed the issue with the chairman of Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), with further clarity expected after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.

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