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Parliament is set to debate charter amendments on Oct 14-15, with the opposition pushing for first-reading approval.

Nan Boonthida Somchai, Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) MP for Ubon Ratchathani and secretary to the government whips, said the parliamentary whips will meet this week to allocate debate time for each side ahead of an extensive debate on the content of the bill.

“We will discuss how many hours each group — the government, opposition and Senate — will receive for deliberation,” she said.

Asked whether the House leadership has coordinated with senators to support the first reading of the amendment bills, Ms Nan said such coordination was not possible, stressing that the vote is a matter of individual parliamentary privilege.

“We can only inform them of the upcoming agenda. Each MP and senator will decide independently whether to accept any of the bills in principle,” she said.

She added that MPs are still carefully reviewing the content of the proposed bills with regard to the Constitutional Court’s previous rulings on the amendment process. “We are examining the text literally word for word to understand the potential implications,” she said.

As for BJT’s position, the party will hold an internal meeting on Tuesday to determine its stance ahead of the debate, Ms Nan, who also serves as party spokesperson, confirmed.

Meanwhile, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the main opposition People’s Party (PP), urged all MPs and senators to vote in favour of the bill following the first reading, after which parliament could spend the next two to three months discussing the details in the second and third readings of the draft.

“The process of drafting a new constitution belongs to all parliamentarians, both MPs and senators. Everyone should at least approve the principle in the first stage,” he said.

The PP has also proposed a new charter drafting process that includes a national consultative assembly with citizen representatives from across the country to ensure inclusivity and transparency.

“This must be a safe space for open discussion — on sensitive issues and everyday problems alike,” Mr Natthaphong said, adding that persuading the public of the need for a new constitution is essential for Thailand’s future democracy.

“Under The Castle” (UTC) is an original IP co-created by Got7’s Jakson Wang (aka “P’Jack” to Thai fans) and Team Wang CEO Henry Cheung.

Centred around the fantastical tales of two protagonists Pumpkie and Spookie, UTC blends art, fantasy and storytelling to build an imaginative and mysterious universe. It now comes to life at Emsphere in time for Halloween.

Following its debut in Shanghai in 2023 and a 2024 run in Singapore, Thailand is the third stop of UTC, inviting visitors of all ages to step inside the castle and discover a world beyond the ordinary.

The UTC experience starts with the signature haunted house, which has been completely reimagined for Bangkok. Inspired by the brand-new comic book, every room recreates a pivotal scene of the unfolding story. Guests are guided by Pumpkie and Spookie through eerie corridors, where they unlock secrets and step directly into the fantasy universe.

After surviving the haunted house, explore collectables and delights at the gift shop and the mini bar. Take home exclusive merchandise, ranging from limited-edition apparel and character lifestyle goods to themed accessories designed to transport the fantasy home. UTC narrative serves as the inspiration for drinks at the mini bar. From glowing cocktails inspired by the enchanted castle to playful mocktails that nod to Pumpkie and Spookie’s mischievous personalities.

Next, Pumpkie and Spookie invite guests onto the Mischief Ride, a bumper car zone designed for laughter and chaos. To preserve the memories, UTC-themed photo booths are scattered throughout the venue, offering guests a whimsical keepsake of their visit.

At the main entrance of Emsphere, the night market transforms the ground floor into a lively affair. Expect sizzling Thai specialities and international favourites. “Under The Castle” runs until Nov 2 at Emsphere.

The haunted house operates at different times, depending on the day. Get your tickets and check the timetable with TicketMelon. Visitors must be above the age of 16 to enter.

Uzbek flyweight says referee made ‘mistake’ in third-round ruling as he targets elite after victory over Kongthoranee at ONE Fight Night 36

ONE Championship’s rising Muay Thai star Aslamjon Ortikov believes his victory over Kongthoranee Sor Sommai should have been even more dominant – claiming he was not legitimately knocked down in the third round.

The Uzbek scored an impressive unanimous decision win in their flyweight contest on Saturday morning at ONE Fight Night 36 inside Lumpinee Stadium, a result that is expected to propel him into the top five rankings.

‘I promise you guys – every single one of you – just watch the fight,’ Ortikov told the Bangkok Post backstage. ‘He didn’t even hit me. He stepped three, four times and pushed my leg – it wasn’t a punch or knee or anything. You can just watch the video, I promise.’

Referee Olivier Coste ruled a knockdown midway through the final round when Kongthoranee appeared to trip Ortikov to the canvas, though the 26-year-old quickly rose to continue the fight unfazed.

‘Nothing happened. I just continued to fight,’ Ortikov said. ‘I felt great.’

It capped a measured performance from Ortikov, who controlled much of the bout with his long guard and counter timing. The victory marks his third straight under the ONE banner, and his first on the main roster after winning a US$100,000 contract in June – a streak that could lift him into contention among the division’s elite.

‘I think I’ll be number four now,’ he said. ‘This flyweight division is the best in ONE Championship. All the great fighters are here – and I’m one of them.’

Aslamjon Ortikov believes Kongthoranee did not knock him down – and insists he was tripped

Aslamjon Ortikov believes Kongthoranee did not knock him down – and insists he was tripped

Asked what comes next, Ortikov laughed. ‘Right now, next is just a burger with cheese and something to drink,’ he joked. ‘That’s it for now.’

But he was quick to add that he’s ready for any challenge when the time comes.

‘I don’t care who’s next,’ he said. ‘Whoever is in the rankings, I’m ready. I’m here for my dream. Nothing personal.’

That dream, he admitted, could one day include a showdown with the former two-sport champion Superlek Kiatmuu9, if the Thai star decides to drop back down to flyweight – where he still holds the kickboxing belt, but last competed over 15 months ago.

‘I don’t know if Superlek can make weight,’ Ortikov said. ‘If he can, why not? He’s a great fighter. We can fight – and after the fight, we can go eat together.’

The 22-year-old also praised Kongthoranee for a ‘great fight’ and said he hoped to share a meal with him, too, before leaving Bangkok.

‘I just want to say thank you to Chatri [Sityodtong, CEO] and to ONE Championship for this opportunity,’ he said. ‘I’m so happy – and I used it.’

Economists expect the Bank of Thailand to keep its policy rate unchanged at Wednesday’s meeting, as the central bank awaits clearer economic data and allows time for its new governor to settle in.

Pipat Luangnaruemitchai, chief economist at Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP), said the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is likely to vote on Oct 8 to hold its policy rate steady, though the decision may not be unanimous.

“The meeting on Wednesday will be the first chaired by the new governor, and there are still several factors that require close monitoring,” he noted.

The central bank’s new governor, Vitai Ratanakorn, who assumed office on Oct 1, has reaffirmed the bank’s primary mission of safeguarding macroeconomic stability amid both domestic and global challenges.

Two newly appointed members will also join the MPC meeting for the first time: Charl Kenchon, former managing director at K-Research, and Suwannee Jatsadasak, the Bank of Thailand’s assistant governor for corporate development.

According to Mr Pipat, the MPC is expected to maintain policy space in light of weaker signs in the economy. He added that the regulator will also continue monitoring supply-side issues, particularly competitiveness in the manufacturing and export sectors.

While the central bank has already anticipated these challenges and continues to maintain an accommodative monetary policy stance, Mr Pipat said the MPC is unlikely to cut rates at this meeting, preferring instead to assess the impact of its most recent cuts.

Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) also forecasts a non-unanimous vote to keep the policy rate unchanged at 1.5%, following the 0.25 percentage point reduction in August.

“The majority of MPC members are expected to favour holding the rate in order to assess the impact of the earlier cut and preserve policy space for future use when conditions are more appropriate,” the centre said.

The MPC’s monetary policy stance is expected to remain accommodative, with greater focus on economic risks while ensuring financial stability.

SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), the research unit of Siam Commercial Bank, also predicts the MPC will keep rates steady this week. However, it expects a 0.25 percentage point cut in December, lowering the policy rate from 1.5% to 1.25%.

EIC noted that the MPC is expected to continue cutting the rate by 0.25 percentage points in early 2026, bringing the policy rate down to 1% in the first half of next year.

It added that the accommodative policy stance would help ease financial conditions amid slowing economic growth, inflation below target and deteriorating credit quality.

Further rate cuts would help support the economy, ease debt burdens and facilitate the deleveraging process for businesses and households. However, they may not significantly boost new lending, as both financial institutions and borrowers remain cautious, according to EIC.

Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin highlighted its heritage and artistry through the recently-wrapped exhibition ‘The Quest: 270 Years Of Seeking Excellence’ at Nai Lert Park Heritage Home.

Vacheron Constantin brought together centuries of mechanical ingenuity, technical innovation and master craftsmanship at the exhibition to bridge the Enlightenment era with the present day while looking to the future.

Celebrating its 270th anniversary, the maison presented ‘The Quest: 270 Years Of Seeking Excellence’ to trace its journey since 1755 through a narrative of artistry, invention and heritage. The exhibition, hosted at the Summer House of Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, welcomed Wongravee ‘Sky’ Nateetorn as a special guest, joining distinguished visitors in discovering the story of one of Switzerland’s most revered watchmakers.

Guided by the brand’s enduring motto from 1819 – ‘Do better if possible and that is always possible’ – the exhibition unfolded across themed sections: The Beginning; Artistic Crafts and Finishes; High Watchmaking and Grand Complications; and The Quest.

The Beginning highlighted the foundations of the maison, featuring rare documents, photographs, artefacts and antique timepieces. Exhibits included the founding charter, Jean-Marc Vacheron’s first apprenticeship contract, the 1839 pantograph invention that revolutionised watchmaking precision with interchangeable parts, and the extraordinary 1979 Kallista watch, carved from a 1kg gold ingot and set with 118 diamonds totalling 130 carats.

Artistic Crafts and Finishes paid tribute to artisans behind Vacheron Constantin’s masterpieces, showcasing intricate skills in miniature painting, grisaille enamel, engraving, gem-setting and guilloché work – techniques preserved and passed down through generations.

High Watchmaking and Grand Complications immersed visitors in the aesthetic and technical mastery of horology’s finest details, often invisible to the naked eye. A highlight was the world’s most complex watch, unveiled in 2024, Les Cabinotiers – The Berkley Grand Complication. Comprising 2,877 parts and 63 functions, it integrates the world’s first perpetual Chinese calendar.

The Quest drew inspiration from the cosmos, symbolising the timeless bond between humanity and the universe. Here, visitors charted their own personalised sky map, a reflection of individual journeys and the infinite possibilities of discovery.

In all, this exhibition offered a rare opportunity to immerse in Vacheron Constantin’s enduring legacy of refinement, innovation and artistry – an unforgettable encounter with a heritage that continues to inspire across centuries.

The Hill Area and Community Development Foundation (HADF) is urging the government to expedite the granting of citizenship status to elderly stateless individuals, thereby improving their access to basic healthcare and state welfare schemes.

HADF founder, Tuenjai Deetes, said the foundation organised a discussion in Toet Thai village in Chiang Rai’s Mae Fah Luang district last week, which was attended by the village chief and about 80 elderly stateless individuals from the community — many of whom have lived in Thailand for over 40 years.

Among the elderly who were at the meeting was Jongjue Sae-Huang, 73, who emigrated from Yunnan, China, in 1964, when he was 14, but has yet to receive Thai citizenship.

Another individual, Sang-oung Khamsai, 73, immigrated to Thailand via Mae Sai district in 1974.

“I have worked and built a family here. I would be proud if I had the Thai nationality,” she said.

Stateless individuals who have lived in Thailand for over 40 years are eligible to receive Thai citizenship, but in reality, there are over 110,000 elderly individuals who remain stateless despite multiple attempts to grant them citizenship, Ms Tuenjai said.

In 1994, many stateless individuals in the community were granted alien identification cards. The government at the time said those who had had the card for at least five years would be granted citizenship.

“It wasn’t as simple as they said,” said Ms Tuenjai.

On Oct 29 last year, the cabinet passed yet another resolution to grant stateless individuals who have lived in Thailand for a long time, as well as children born to stateless parents in Thailand, Thai nationality.

However, the process to obtain Thai citizenship isn’t easy for elderly people to follow, and many have had to revise their application multiple times, which has caused delays in granting them citizen status.

Ms Tuenjai urged the government to streamline the process.

“The government should prioritise this group of elderly people, some of whom have lived in Thailand for more than 40 years at this point. Granting them the nationality would help them get access to healthcare and state pension,” said Ms Tuenjai.

According to Ms Tuenjai, Chiang Rai has the highest number of nationality applications, with over 1,000 submitted to the Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) to date.

At least 400 applications have been approved by the Interior Ministry, while around 900 require additional supporting documents, she said.

About 90 have been interviewed by the provincial committee.

The cosmetic surgery and aesthetics sector in Thailand is projected to post minimal growth next year due to weakened spending among locals and an increasingly competitive market, according to Meko International Hospital.

Dr Wararat Sirikudta, chief executive of Meko International Hospital, said the industry might record slim growth next year, affected by the diminished purchasing power of Thais.

She said businesses targeting price-sensitive customers could face more challenges due to decreased customer purchasing power in a challenging economic environment, while new entrants into the market are expected to continue.

The number of clinics offering non-surgical cosmetic treatments in Bangkok is approaching saturation point, said Dr Wararat.

In a strategic move, she announced the merger of Meko Clinic with Someko Clinic to establish Meko International Hospital, targeting both Thai and foreign patients.

Dr Wararat said the company predicts business opportunities in overseas markets, particularly from customers travelling to Thailand for services from Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

The company is focusing on customers from Indonesia and China as both countries have large populations and their economies are growing, while other Southeast Asian nations record gradual growth.

The tension between Thailand and Cambodia also hurts the industry, she said, as the number of customers from Cambodia declined.

The company aims to increase its foreign customer base to 25% of customers by 2026, up from the current 20%.

In September, Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) predicted the cosmetic surgery and aesthetics industry would be worth 75.2 billion baht this year, a 1.6% year-on-year growth.

For 2026, the report projected an industry value of 76 billion baht, up 1% year-on-year. The slight uptick reflects the ongoing competitive environment in the industry.

As Thailand transitions to an aged society, the potential market for anti-ageing surgery or aesthetic procedures is expected to expand, providing further opportunities for growth in the industry, according to the K-Research report.

The report also anticipated a growth in medical tourism, suggesting that the cosmetic surgery sector could benefit from Asian customers seeking services in Thailand.

K-Research warned intense market competition in the market poses a challenge to this industry, which is expected to see around 470 newcomers on average each year.

SKF (Thailand) Ltd, a global leader in bearing manufacturing from Sweden, has reaffirmed its sustainability vision with the official launch of the “SKF Ayutthaya Circular Solution Centre” in Thailand.

The launch strengthens its commitment to the circular economy and drives Thailand’s sustainable industrial growth.

The new facility is an innovation hub for bearing remanufacturing, showcasing advanced technology that “brings used bearings back to life” with performance comparable to brand-new products.

The initiative reduces resource and energy consumption, significantly cuts carbon emissions and helps businesses lower operational costs.

For more than 38 years in Thailand, SKF has delivered world-class Swedish technology and innovation to support the nation’s key industries.

Beyond providing premium-quality bearings and tailored solutions, the company has been committed to fostering a sustainable circular economy by reintroducing used products into the production cycle through repair and refurbishment.

This approach not only creates added business value but also promotes environmental responsibility across partners, suppliers and customers, contributing to a more sustainable industrial value chain.

Tawiwat Reongpunyaroj, managing director of SKF (Thailand), said that as industries worldwide accelerate their sustainability efforts, SKF continues to align its global vision of driving business growth alongside sustainability.

He added that the SKF Ayutthaya Circular Solution Centre is more than a hub for restoring used bearings — it reflects the company’s role as a creator of sustainable solutions, backed by over 118 years of global expertise and innovation.

“With this centre, we enable customers to reduce maintenance costs, minimise downtime and, most importantly, achieve up to 90% reductions in both carbon emissions and energy consumption compared to producing new bearings.”

For example, remanufacturing 600 kilogrammes of bearings helps cut carbon dioxide emissions by 1 tonne.

While producing new bearings requires over 100 complex steps, SKF’s remanufacturing process restores used bearings with only 10 steps — highlighting efficiency in time, resources and cost.

Every remanufactured bearing follows the same stringent quality, warranty and performance standards as new products, while customers also benefit from carbon credit certification and comprehensive lifecycle solutions, including inspection and advanced maintenance technologies.

“We are proud to support our customers and partners in achieving their sustainability goals. The opening of this centre is only the beginning of our ongoing commitment to shaping a low-carbon industrial future for Thailand,” Mr Tawiwat said.

The launch ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from the Embassy of Sweden, the Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

Peter Björk, president of the Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, said Sweden has a long history of innovation and is one of the most innovative countries when it comes to sustainability solutions, which is always a key focus when designing products and services for everyday life and for the industry.

The new SKF Ayutthaya Circular Solutions Centre is an excellent example of how innovation and sustainability go hand in hand to improve products and processes for the benefit of industry, society and people at large, he added.

Thanathorn Trongsittivito, chairman of the FTI’s Environmental Management Industry Club, said the federation’s mission is to propel Thai industry towards a more sustainable and innovative future, prioritising the shift from traditional manufacturing to clean production processes, with the aim of significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions and maximising the circular economy concept.

The Board of Investment (BoI) has granted approval to Homa Appliances (Thailand) Co, a unit of China’s leading refrigerator exporter, to set up two manufacturing facilities in Thailand.

According to Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BoI, Homa Appliances received approval from the BoI on Sept 30 for an investment of 2.96 billion baht.

One of the facilities will produce smart refrigerators, while the other one will manufacture freezers with EU energy efficiency standards.

“Homa’s investment underscores the growing trend of smart appliance and white goods manufacturers establishing a presence in Thailand in recent years,” said Mr Narit. “Between January 2022 and August 2025, project applications in this sector amounted to a combined value of about 200 billion baht, driven largely by high-value investments from leading Chinese companies. These projects not only create manufacturing jobs for Thais but also expand opportunities in research and development.”

Established in 2015 and headquartered in China’s Guangdong province, Homa Appliances specialises in the design, research and development, and manufacture of electrical appliances such as refrigerators and freezers.

The company’s first two manufacturing projects in Thailand, located in Chon Buri province, will eventually have a combined annual production capacity of over 1.7 million units, including smart refrigerators, high-efficiency refrigerators, and chest freezers, using more than 50-60% local content in their components.

All output from the facilities will be exported, generating expected annual trade revenue of more than 12 billion baht. Upon full operation, the two projects are anticipated to provide employment opportunities for around 3,000 engineers and workers.

“Thailand currently serves as an important production base for electrical appliances in the region. Over the years, many leading companies have established production bases in Thailand to export to markets worldwide, including Samsung, LG, Electrolux, Beko, Arçelik, Hitachi, as well as major Chinese manufacturers such as Midea, Haier and Hisense,” said Mr Narit.

“Homa is the latest global-level manufacturer and the fourth Chinese appliance company to decide to invest in Thailand, underscoring confidence in Thailand’s potential as a regional hub for smart appliance production and the country’s readiness in terms of infrastructure, supply chains, skilled personnel, and government support measures.

“The BoI will continue to work with Homa and other manufacturers to facilitate business matching, connect supply chains, promote the use of local components, and foster collaboration to develop Thai component manufacturers so they have the opportunity to become part of the global supply chain.”

A 76-year-old man is believed to have shot his 66-year-old wife before killing himself at their home in Song Phi Nong district on Monday.

About 6pm, local police were alerted to gunshots at a house in Moo 4, tambon Bang Ta Then. At the scene, officers discovered Saman, 76, and his wife Samruay, 66, dead outside their home.

Saman had a gunshot wound to his right temple. A 9mm pistol with one spent cartridge lay near his left foot.

Samruay had been shot twice, in the left temple and right chest. Police recovered three 9mm shell casings and one cartridge from the scene.

Their youngest son, Somchai, 49, said both parents suffered from high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. His father had recently developed Parkinson’s disease, causing tremors and memory lapses.

“He frequently spoke of wanting to end his life rather than be a burden on his children, and worried that my mother would struggle alone after his death,” Somchai said. “He always said that even though they weren’t born together, they wanted to die on the same day. I thought it was just talk, but he actually went through with it.”

Pol Col Prinya Kaochawat, superintendent of Bang Ta Then station, confirmed neighbours reported hearing three gunshots.

“Their son had visited that afternoon. The incident occurred in the evening,” he said.

The investigation was continuing.