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Siam Paragon, the global destination long recognised as the number one ‘Top of Mind’ choice among Thai customers and international visitors, together with ICONSIAM, the world-class landmark on the Chao Phraya River, continue to create experiences beyond expectations. Driven by the strategy of Customer-Centric Experience, both destinations are committed to delivering superior service and ‘Meaningful Moments’ for their valued customers.

Most recently, the two destinations organised the exclusive event ‘Moonlight Dinner Cruise: A Mid-Autumn Celebration’, extending invitations to ONESIAM Black members for a special evening on the Chao Phraya River. The elevated dining experience was co-created with Okura Cruise, specially designed to present a memorable, one-night-only culinary journey. The event was graced by Saruntorn Asaves, Executive Vice President – Customer Centricity and Relationship Management, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., and Thanaporn Tantiyanon, Managing Director of ONESIAM Shopping Center Business Group, who warmly welcomed ONESIAM Black members including Varunya Chatphiriyaphan, Grit Supadechoochai, Supatra Yoovidhya, Nipa Cholsaipan, Nam Cholsaipan, Chanya Sawangchit and Dao Sathienthirakul.

Commencing at ICONSIAM Pier, the evening began with a delicate welcome drink on the deck as 25 ONESIAM Black member couples admired 360-degree panoramic views and captured sunset photographs along the river’s most iconic landmarks. Guests then savoured the highlight of the evening-the Okura Cruise Seasonal Kaiseki, a premium Japanese haute cuisine experience co-created by Siam Paragon, ICONSIAM and Okura Cruise. Designed as a ‘First and Only’ menu, it combined refined flavours, textures, colours and presentation to reflect the beauty and philosophy of Japanese nature, crafted exclusively for this night.

To elevate the experience further, Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM collaborated with Boucheron, the world-renowned high jewellery Maison, to present an exclusive showcase of exquisite masterpieces on board. This intimate presentation offered ONESIAM Black members a rare opportunity to view Boucheron’s finest creations up close.

The evening culminated in a surprise performance by legendary artist J Jetrin Wattanasin, whose vibrant stage presence transformed the dinner cruise into an unforgettable celebration. His dynamic performance created moments of joy, excitement and exclusivity-embodying the promise of ‘Extraordinary and Money Can’t Buy Experiences’ that Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM are dedicated to curating for their most valued customers.

This event marked yet another ‘Meaningful Moment’ designed especially for ONESIAM Black members, reinforcing Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM’s commitment to delivering world-class, unforgettable experiences.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed zero tolerance for corruption as Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob launches a probe into an alleged 40-million-baht monthly bribe linked to call centre scams.

Mr Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, on Thursday voiced full support for Mr Chaichanok, who is pressing ahead with the inquiry into the bribery allegation.

He insisted the minister would not relent in pursuing the matter and guaranteed that no corruption would be tolerated under his government.

The controversy erupted after Mr Chaichanok, son of Bhumjaithai patriarch Newin Chidchob, told parliament that a group connected to call centre gangs had offered him a monthly payment of 40 million baht in exchange for refraining from legal action against their operations.

DES permanent secretary Patchara Anantasilp said Mr Chaichanok had instructed that an independent central fact-finding panel be set up to ensure transparency.

The committee, expected to be named within days, will include representatives from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo). Mr Patchara will be the only DES official involved.

The panel has been given 30 days, with findings due by the end of October.

‘If any evidence implicates officials, the committee will act in accordance with the law. There will be no exemptions, even for DES staff,’ the permanent secretary said.

Former Democrat Party MP Nipit Intarasombat said he would petition the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the bribery allegations, claiming no political party was taking the matter seriously. He said he would act in his personal capacity as a citizen.

Responding to Mr Nipit’s move, Mr Anutin said: ‘Everyone has the right to call for an investigation. The facts must be clarified. This government has only been in office for two days, so any past irregularities must be uncovered. If wrongdoing exists, Mr Chaichanok will never let it slide.’

The prime minister dismissed suggestions that Mr Chaichanok’s disclosure could backfire, saying the minister was committed to integrity.

‘He is not corrupt, he despises dishonesty, and nothing can stop him,’ he added.

The Department of Airports has announced an increase in the passenger service charge – commonly known as ‘airport tax’ – for outbound passengers at six regional airports in Thailand.

Both domestic and international travellers will now pay an additional 25 baht per person.

The affected airports are Krabi, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phitsanulok.

The fee for international passengers has risen from 400 baht to 425 baht per person, while domestic passengers will now pay 75 baht per person, up from 50 baht. The fee is included in the ticket price.

Local media reported that passengers travelling between domestic airports have already seen the airport tax listed at 75 baht per person under the ‘fees and taxes’ section, in line with the department’s announcement, which took effect on Wednesday.

The increase applies only to department-operated airports that have introduced three new passenger processing technologies: automated boarding pass checks, self-service check-in kiosks, and self-service baggage drop systems, which allow travellers to manage their luggage independently.

New Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas says the government’s economic stimulus plan will enable GDP expansion of more than 1% in the fourth quarter, up from an earlier forecast of just 0.3%.

In the first quarter of this year, the Thai economy grew by 3.2%, dipping to 2.8% in the second quarter. For the third quarter, growth is projected at 1.7%, while for the final quarter, the initial forecast was a mere 0.3%.

However, Mr Ekniti said five measures in the fourth quarter should help lift GDP by another 0.2-0.4 percentage points, raising growth to around 1%.

Regarding the “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme, which will be submitted to the cabinet on Oct 7, he said registration for the public will be open from Oct 20-26, with the scheme starting on Oct 29. Total spending under this scheme is estimated at 66 billion baht.

Shops wanting to participate can register from Oct 15 until the programme ends in December.

The tourism stimulus scheme for secondary cities will be submitted to the cabinet on Oct 14, with hotels allowed to deduct expenses from taxes up to double the amount, said Mr Ekniti.

This measure was previously implemented in 2018, resulting in only 200 million baht in lost state revenue.

In terms of government spending, ministries and state enterprises with budgets allocated for seminars will be required to accelerate spending over the next four months, front-loading their budgets, he said.

This budget for seminars is estimated at 6-8 billion baht and is intended to stimulate the economy, said Mr Ekniti.

Regarding the issue of baht appreciation, he said the currency has already started to weaken, as the recent appreciation mainly stemmed from a current account surplus driven by exports and capital inflows.

In terms of gold exports to Cambodia, Mr Ekniti said the converted value was only US$2 billion, which is small compared with total capital inflows.

A working group has been established to monitor inflows from untraceable transactions, sometimes considered “off the books” or “grey money”, which could affect baht appreciation. The working group comprises representatives from the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Fiscal Policy Office.

In a related development, finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit said Khon La Khrueng Plus conditions will differ from the previous scheme when only small retailers who were not registered as juristic persons were allowed to receive payments.

This time, micro small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small businesses registered as juristic persons are also eligible to participate.

In the Revenue Department’s system, there are roughly 3,000 micro SMEs with annual revenue of under 1.8 million baht, and another 2,000 micro SMEs with annual revenue of between 1.8 million and 30 million baht.

When the Women’s China Open first teed off in 2006, the occasion was quietly significant. At the time, women’s golf in the Middle Kingdom was still taking fledgling steps in the global game. The domestic circuit was modest, the talent pool limited and the pathway to elite professional circuits like the LPGA Tour seemed distant, if not daunting.

Yet that first swing in Xiamen coincided with the dawn of a new era, one in which the nation’s most talented women would soon find their footing at home before spreading their wings abroad to challenge the best of the best and eventually write Chinese golf into the pages of sporting history.

Nearly two decades after the inaugural event, the transformation has been profound in China. From Feng Shanshan’s trailblazing major victory in 2012 to the steady rise of top players such as Janet Lin Xiyu, Yin Ruoning and Miranda Wang on the LPGA Tour, and milestone Olympic Games moments in Rio de Janeiro and Paris where Feng and Lin earned bronze medals, women’s golf in China has certainly been propelled to the forefront with great force.

Such has been the impact and growth in China that golfers from across Southeast Asia, including a strong representation of Thai players such as Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong, Onkanok Soisuwan and Kan Bunnabodee, are now looking at the CLPG Tour as the career springboard as they dream of the stars.

At the heart of this rise has been the Women’s China Open. It is not just another stop on the calendar, it is the flagship event on the CLPG Tour, where every talented golfer aspires to join her idols and attain world-class stature.

For Feng, the country’s first major champion and its most iconic player, the Women’s China Open was an early inspiration especially when she saw firsthand how Korean superstars Shin Jiyai, Kim Hyo-Joo and Park Sung-Hyun dominated on Chinese soil by winning the Open five times amongst them. Shin is a former world No.1, Kim and Park are major champions and the trio holds a staggering 109 professional victories combined.

“Growing up as a young golfer, the Women’s China Open was a tournament that held special meaning for me. The experiences I gained over the years played a pivotal role in shaping my career,” said Feng, who has 22 career wins including 10 on the LPGA Tour.

Feng’s victory at the Women’s PGA Championship in 2012, one of golf’s majors, broke barriers for Chinese golf, but she has never overlooked the foundation that events like the Women’s China Open and the CLPG Tour provided.

“I am proud to see Chinese golfers achieving success on the LPGA Tour, and I believe the future of women’s golf in China is exceptionally bright.”

For Janet Lin Xiyu, who has taken a temporary leave of absence from the LPGA Tour for the arrival of her first child, the Women’s China Open was both a launching pad and a personal milestone. She became the first Chinese golfer to lift the trophy in 2019, an achievement she cherishes as much as her achievements abroad, including a podium finish at the Paris Olympic Games last summer.

“That achievement will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am proud to have contributed to the growth of our country’s golfing history,” said Lin, who owns seven CLPG Tour victories. “From the time I began competing, the Women’s China Open stood out as one of the most important tournaments on the calendar. It inspired me to push harder and strive for excellence. Like all great national Opens, it has played a pivotal role in developing women’s golf, providing a stage for Chinese players to challenge themselves.”

From the inaugural edition in Xiamen to this year’s groundbreaking move to Shanghai where the tournament will be played at Enhance Anting Golf Club from Oct 17-19, all eyes will be on the next wave of Chinese and regional aspiring stars. The local starlets include a group of amateurs such as 18-year-old Wang Zixuan, Xu Ying, 16, and 15-year-old Zhou Shiyuan — all of whom have won on the CLPG Tour this season.

The CLPG Tour has also provided opportunities for regional and aspiring golfers from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia to sharpen their professional teeth, with the likes Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong (THA), Onkanok Soisuwan (THA), Kan Bunnabodee (THA), Jocelyn Chee (MAS), Ng Jing Xuen (MAS), Amanda Tan (SIN) and Patricia Sinolungan (INA) benefitting immensely. With Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul rising to world No.1 recently, the importance of women’s golf growth across the Asia-Pacific is not lost on many.

Kan, 24, was in the national team with Jeeno during their amateur days and believes the CLPG Tour offers a career pathway to the top as the No.1 from the points list will secure playing rights on the Korean LPGA Tour.

“Seeing Jeeno’s success on the LPGA Tour, I’m really proud of her. It was amazing to see her reach world No.1 which is motivating me to want to achieve it too,” said Kan.

The upswing in fortunes is certainly testament to the fact that the Women’s China Open is proving to be just the origin of greatness for women’s golf in the country, and region wide.

True Corporation’s commitment to innovation has been recognised on the national stage as True CyberSafe, the company’s intelligent cyber-threat protection system, won the 2025 National Innovation Award in the Social and Environmental category. The achievement reflects True’s role in developing innovations that help build a safe, trusted and reliable digital society for every Thai connection. On this occasion, Dr Chutima Aimchotchawalit (right), Chairman of the National Innovation Board of Thailand, presented the 2025 National Innovation Award in the Social and Environmental category, Large and Medium Enterprise segment, to True Corporation Plc., represented by Mr Sharad Mehrotra (centre), Chief Consumer Business Officer, and Dr Naetchanok Wipatasinlapin (left), Head of Sustainability Division, in recognition of True’s outstanding innovation initiatives that deliver clear and lasting value to society and the nation.

At the event, Dr Sumet Tantivejkul, Chairman of the Thai Rice Foundation under Royal Patronage, together with Dr Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation), extended their congratulations to the True innovation team behind True CyberSafe at the 2025 National Innovation Day. The event was organised by the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, at Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Mr Sharad Mehrotra, Chief Consumer Business Officer of True Corporation Plc., stated: ‘The National Innovation Award that True CyberSafe has received this year is not only a proud achievement for True but also a reflection of our unwavering commitment to being an innovation-driven organisation. We are determined to leverage our robust digital infrastructure and comprehensive ecosystem to raise the standards of online safety. We believe that building a trusted digital society is a crucial step towards becoming a Customer Champion, delivering the best possible experiences to our customers. True CyberSafe was therefore developed with intelligent AI technology capable of detecting, blocking and alerting users to suspicious or harmful links in real time, enabling customers to navigate the digital world with confidence, safety and peace of mind, even as cyber threats grow increasingly complex alongside rapid technological advances. To date, the system has protected customers from more than 2.2 billion attempts to click on fraudulent links and answer dangerous phone calls. True will continue to develop innovations to build a safer and more sustainable digital society.’

Dr Naetchanok Wipatasinlapin, Head of Sustainability Division of True Corporation Plc., added: ‘True is committed to harnessing innovation to create long-term value for society, and True CyberSafe is a clear example of how we integrate technology with social responsibility. Receiving this award serves as strong motivation for us to continue innovating – from nurturing new-generation innovators and developing patented technologies to delivering digital solutions that empower people to live and work online with confidence and safety. Currently, more than 1,040 employees are continuously innovating and developing technology to enhance the customer experience, with over 116 patents and petty patents already registered. By 2030, True aims to cultivate an additional 500 innovators, generate no less than 15% of its revenue from innovation, and register up to 200 intellectual property assets, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to building a safer and more sustainable digital society.’

Exploring the Innovation Behind True CyberSafe, Winner of the 2025 National Innovation Award

True CyberSafe is a cyber protection service for over 60 million True customers. Providing protection across True’s mobile and home internet networks, it is free to use with no registration or app download required. It offers three key features:

Real-time malicious link blocking

Blocks links on the blacklist from Thailand’s Cyber Police and government agencies immediately when clicked.

If the link is not on the blacklist but is suspicious, the system shows a warning ‘Caution: This may be a dangerous website’ and gives the user 60 seconds to decide.

Has already protected users from over 2.2 billion fraudulent link clicks, averaging 8 million per day (from 3 December 2024 to 30 September 2025).

Currently tracks over 455,000 suspicious links, with the list growing continuously.

Call AI Filter – AI screens or warns against incoming scam calls

Uses data from over 300,000 suspicious numbers provided by Thailand’s Cyber Police.

Instantly alerts users to potential scam calls.

SMS AI Filter – AI detects scam SMS to analyse scammer behaviour (coming soon).

In addition, the 9777 Scam Report service allows the public to report scam calls easily, quickly and safely, with investigation results provided within 24 hours.

Exports are expected to grow by 6-7% this year, surpassing the previous target of 2-3%, according to the Commerce Ministry.

At an online policy briefing on Wednesday, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun outlined seven key policies as part of a “Quick Big Win” strategy aimed at addressing economic challenges and enhancing the country’s trade and export capabilities.

She said using these strategies, exports are projected to expand by 6-7% year-on-year, exceeding previous estimates of 2-3%. The average monthly export value is expected to reach US$24 billion in the last four months of the year, with total exports anticipated to exceed 12 trillion baht in 2025.

Mrs Suphajee said the priorities in the next four months include finalising the agreement on reciprocal tariffs with the US, updating the rules of origin, and fully digitising certificates of origin to enhance transparency and prevent fraudulent claims.

Despite the US government shutdown, she said tariff discussions between the two nations continue uninterrupted.

To increase exports in the final quarter, the ministry plans to promote the use of existing free trade agreements (FTAs) and explore new markets such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, India and Vietnam, as well as facilitate business matching.

Moreover, the ministry expects to finalise an FTA with South Korea by the end of this year and conclude key issues on a pact with the EU in the first quarter of 2026.

Mrs Suphajee said the ministry organised Blue Flag fairs to ease living costs in areas affected by the border dispute with Cambodia, and is providing a 100-baht-per-parcel transport subsidy with Thailand Post for small businesses in affected provinces.

Another goal is to develop alternative marketing channels and new markets to mitigate risks for businesses in the area, she said.

Cost of living

The ministry also signed a memorandum of understanding with more than 100 private hospitals to disclose medicine prices before payment, giving people the option to purchase medicines outside hospitals. This initiative is expected to save 32.4 billion baht annually, reduce overcrowding in public hospitals, and encourage greater use of private hospital services. A progress review is scheduled for Oct 7.

In addition, the ministry hosts around 1,300 Blue Flag fairs annually, helping consumers save more than 5 billion baht a year.

Stabilise crop prices

To support rice farmers, the ministry is offering low-interest loans to delay sales and prevent a glut, as well as subsidies of 1,000 baht per rai to 4.6 million farming households. Mrs Suphajee said the ministry is also pursuing rice trade deals with China, Japan and Singapore.

The ministry wants to strengthen the competitiveness and enhance the value of Thai products, with initiatives expanding access to new markets, providing credit support, and promoting quality certifications such as Thailand Trust Mark and Thai Select.

Artificial intelligence is being used to analyse supply and demand trends to ensure timely trade measures, while e-commerce channels are being expanded to connect local products with global markets.

The chief physician of Police General Hospital has been transferred to an inactive post, effective from Oct 1, following a six-month suspension of his medical licence for his role in helping former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra avoid doing prison time.

National police chief Kittharath Punpetch signed the order transferring Dr Taweesilp Wechawitarn, who also holds the rank of police lieutenant-general, to the Royal Thai Police Operations Centre.

The transfer order noted a resolution passed by the Medical Council of Thailand on May 8, when it voted to suspend Dr Taweesilp’s medical licence for six months, effective from Oct 1.

The council said any violation of the suspension by continuing to practise medicine would constitute an offence under the Medical Profession Act.

The Royal Thai Police subsequently set up a fact-finding committee in July to investigate alleged misconduct involving Pol Lt Gen Taweesilp and another senior physician, Pol Lt Gen Sophonrat Singhajaru. The investigation is still under way.

The two have been accused of helping Thaksin receive privileged treatment in a luxury ward on the 14th floor of the hospital.

The Medical Council concluded that the doctors provided false or misleading medical documents or information regarding Thaksin’s health to facilitate his extended hospital stay.

It suspended Pol Lt Gen Sophonrat’s licence for three months and Pol Lt Gen Taweesilp’s licence for six months, starting Oct 1.

Given the suspension of his medical licence and the pending inquiry, police authorities deemed it inappropriate for Pol Lt Gen Taweesilp to continue in his current role, the order said.

The reassignment would ensure transparency, fairness and prevent potential damage to the force, it added.

Pol Lt Gen Paiboon Chiamanukulkit, a senior physician at Police General Hospital, has been named acting chief physician, effective from Oct 1 to March 31 next year. (Story continues below)

Behind bars

On Sept 9, the Supreme Court ordered Thaksin, 76, to actually serve the year’s imprisonment to which he was sentenced two years ago, rejecting his prolonged stay in hospital as part of his sentence.

The court said it considered as illegitimate the transfer of Thaksin from Bangkok Remand Prison shortly after his arrival there on Aug 22, 2023, after he complained of chest pain.

The billionaire and former Manchester City Football Club owner had returned to Thailand that same day after 15 years in self-imposed exile. He stayed at the police hospital instead of in prison until his parole in February 2024.

The former prime minister is now in the maximum-security Klong Prem Central Prison.

Sansiri Public Company Limited (SIRI) reaffirmed its leadership in the Thai property market, reporting nine-month sales of THB 39 billion-equivalent to 74% of its full-year sales target and a 5% year-on-year increase, despite ongoing challenges in the real estate sector.

During the first nine months of 2025, Sansiri recorded 19 project sell-outs worth THB 21 billion and built a strong backlog of THB 23 billion, securing about 50% of this year’s revenue recognition. With more than 10 additional projects nearing sell-out, the company signals a stable growth trajectory.

Mr. Wicharn Wiriyapushit, Chief Financial Officer, said the sales momentum was driven largely by condominiums, with strong demand for new launches including Vallez House, Wydden by Sansiri, and Self by Sansiri, which together generated THB 3.4 billion. In Phuket, Setthasiri Koh Kaew Retreat achieved a robust VVIP pre-sale, with over 30% of units sold prior to launch, while show-house sales alone contributed more than THB 1 billion.

The company also reported a solid pipeline of seven ready-to-move-in condominium projects, valued at THB 9.6 billion-including The Base Urban Rama 9, FLO by Sansiri, Dcondo Calm Ramkhamhaeng 40, The Muve Paw Bangkae, Canvas Cherngtalay Phuket, Maken House Chiang Mai, and Dcondo Campus Khon Kaen-which will support revenue in the final quarter.

Sansiri continues to navigate a sluggish property market with prudent yet flexible strategies, focusing on effective cash-flow management, portfolio diversification, and partnerships for future development. Leveraging its strong brand, design innovation, and after-sales service, the company remains confident of sustaining growth.

In the last quarter of 2025, Sansiri will launch seven new projects worth THB 18 billion, including Setthasiri Koh Kaew Retreat, Burasiri Chatuchot, Saransiri Chatuchot, and a new condominium in Kathu, Phuket. The firm will also debut its new Sansiri Community at Chatuchot on 185 rai, featuring the first two projects Burasiri Chatuchot and Saransiri Chatuchot, with pre-sales set for 4-5 October 2025.

The government has approved a central budget of 864 million baht for the Royal Thai Army to enhance border security amid rising tensions along the Thai-Cambodian frontier, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed on Wednesday.

The funds were approved during the cabinet meeting held immediately after his policy address to parliament on Tuesday, a move which underscores the urgency in addressing border issues and ensuring national sovereignty, Mr Anutin said. The premier said the approval had not been delayed and emphasised that the budget is designed to enhance the army’s readiness to respond to emerging security situations at the Thai-Cambodian border.

He declined to confirm whether the funds would be used for constructing border fencing, citing security concerns. However, he said the financial support would enable the armed forces to better protect the country’s sovereignty during this sensitive period. The matter will also be discussed at today’s meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), where several related issues, including the appointment of a new chair of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), are on the agenda. The current chairman’s term ends on the same day.

Responding to Cambodia’s recent petition to the International Court of Justice to rule on the ownership of the disputed Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temples, Mr Anutin said Thailand has a clear stance on this matter and would firmly uphold its national interests. “Cambodia has the right to file the case, but Thailand will continue to follow its established protocols,” he said.

New Second Army Region Commander Lt Gen Weerayut Raksin, who oversees the northeastern border area, said yesterday that Thai troops remain fully prepared and vigilant. “While Cambodia has at times employed military provocations, Thai forces are exercising restraint and avoiding escalation,” he said. Lt Gen Weerayut assumed the role of commander following Lt Gen Boonsin’s mandatory retirement.