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This Sunday, when Timor-Leste finally joins Asean as its 11th member, it will mark a diplomatic triumph for one of Asia’s smallest states and a moral test for the region’s most enduring organisation. For Dili, this long-awaited step is not about prestige; it is about survival, legitimacy, and opportunity. For the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), welcoming Timor-Leste completes the Southeast Asian map but also exposes the limits of its inclusivity.

Timor-Leste’s path to Asean membership has been long, deliberate, and at times uncertain. The country applied in 2011, almost a decade after independence from Indonesia, and spent over a decade waiting for approval. The hesitation was rooted in practical concerns. Asean questioned whether a nation of just 1.3 million people, with limited administrative capacity and heavy dependence on oil revenues, could handle the bloc’s demanding institutional workload. Yet Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines championed its entry, arguing that the regional family was incomplete without it.

For Timor-Leste, Asean membership is a strategic necessity. The country’s location between Indonesia and Australia makes it inherently part of Southeast Asia, but geography alone has never guaranteed belonging. Politically and economically, Timor-Leste has often been on the margins, relying on Western donors like Australia and the United States for aid and governance assistance, while turning to China for infrastructure development. Membership in Asean offers something different, not a patron, but a platform. It gives Dili a seat at the table where regional rules are written, and a buffer against great power rivalry that increasingly shapes the Indo-Pacific.

The economic rationale is equally clear. Timor-Leste’s petroleum reserves, which fund most of its budget, are dwindling. Without diversification, fiscal sustainability will soon be at risk. Asean membership offers access to a regional market of more than 650 million people and a network of development programmes that can support tourism, agriculture, and digital transformation. Investors often view Asean membership as a seal of stability, a signal that a country plays by predictable rules. For Dili, that credibility is as valuable as capital.

But Asean’s value to Timor-Leste extends beyond economics. It represents a political homecoming and a declaration of identity. For decades, Timor-Leste has balanced between its Portuguese heritage and its Southeast Asian geography. Joining Asean ends that ambiguity. It anchors the young democracy within a community of nations that share similar histories of colonialism, struggle, and reconstruction. For leaders like José Ramos-Horta and Xanana Gusmão, this moment fulfils a long-held aspiration to return Timor-Leste to its regional roots.

Yet both sides face real challenges. For Timor-Leste, joining Asean is only the first step. The hard work begins with integration, building the bureaucratic capacity to attend hundreds of Asean meetings, harmonising domestic laws with regional agreements, and contributing to common initiatives. Its civil service remains thin, its private sector small, and its infrastructure underdeveloped. Without sustained support, Timor-Leste risks becoming a symbolic rather than functional member.

For Asean, Dili’s admission is a test of flexibility and principle. The bloc prides itself on unity and consensus, but its members differ vastly in wealth, governance, and institutional capacity. Integrating a low-income democracy will require creative approaches, what some call “differentiated integration”, to prevent slowing the bloc’s decision-making machinery. Yet this challenge also offers Asean a chance to reaffirm its founding promise that the region’s strength lies in inclusion, not exclusion.

Timor-Leste could also bring new moral clarity to Asean’s politics. As one of Asia’s most resilient democracies, its stance on issues like Myanmar or human rights may challenge the bloc’s tradition of quiet diplomacy. Dili’s independent voice could enrich Asean’s discourse, reminding members that consensus need not mean silence. That, too, is part of Asean’s evolution, from a club of governments to a community of nations.

Economically, Timor-Leste adds little weight to Asean’s combined GDP, but symbolically, its inclusion matters deeply. It completes the map of Southeast Asia, stretching the bloc’s presence across the Timor Sea and strengthening its claim to represent the entire region. It also sends a signal to the world that Asean remains open, relevant, and confident enough to expand even amid global uncertainty.

The success of this new chapter depends on sustained cooperation. If Asean provides targeted assistance, helping Timor-Leste improve governance, logistics, and connectivity, then the partnership could become a model for how regionalism uplifts small states. But if Dili is left to navigate the complexities of membership alone, frustration could build quickly, and the promise of unity would ring hollow.

Timor-Leste’s journey to Asean has been defined by patience and persistence. Its membership now challenges the bloc to match that determination with tangible support. For both sides, this is not merely a ceremonial milestone; it is a test of whether Southeast Asia’s spirit of cooperation can turn aspiration into reality.

If Asean can integrate Timor-Leste with empathy and purpose, it will prove that its idea of”community” remains more than a slogan. And if Timor-Leste can transform inclusion into progress, it will show that even the smallest nation can help shape the future of a region in flux.

SURAT THANI: The Royal Thai Police has intensified checks on foreigners on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan following the discovery of multiple legal violations, deputy national police chief Pol Gen Samran Nuanma has announced.

Pol Gen Samran chaired a high-level meeting focused on preventing and suppressing illegal foreign activities in Surat Thani on Monday.

He said cracking down on crimes committed by foreigners that harm Thai citizens is a top priority for officials. Discovered violations have included nominee businesses, land encroachment and unauthorised work.

Responding to concerns from the private sector about negative media coverage affecting tourism, he stressed that preventive and enforcement operations must be clearly communicated. Law-abiding foreigners and tourists would be treated fairly and not subjected to harassment or illicit demands, he said.

Authorities will expand inspections into land ownership, nominee structures and misuse of state land, and verify building permits, construction projects and demolitions.

Pol Col Apisan Chairat, Superintendent of Division 5 under the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, reported that investigations are underway against several foreigners, including Israeli nationals, accused of altering land, removing rock formations and constructing villas within protected forest zones.

Authorities are also examining complaints about private parties allegedly held on leased land inside Than Sadet Waterfall National Park.

Pol Col Apisan said prosecutions are being advanced under the “Samui Model” initiative, which targets land encroachment and environmental violations.

Taiwan Excellence continues its commitment to social responsibility through the ‘High-Five to Thrive’ CSR campaign, delivering 5,000 nutritious meals to underprivileged children across Thailand in collaboration with the CCF Foundation for Children and Youth.

More than 50 volunteers joined hands with Taiwan Excellence at Wat Weluwan School, Suphanburi Province, to cook and serve warm meals for the students, as well as plant vegetables to create a sustainable food source for the school’s future meals.

Ms Mia Liang, Director of the Taiwan Trade Center, Bangkok, said: ‘In line with Taiwan Excellence’s mission to engage with local communities, enhance quality of life, and promote sustainability, the High-Five to Thrive project extends from our global campaign ‘Give Me Five! A Better Life’.Spound ¨This initiative transforms the power of every ‘high-five’ with FuBear, Taiwan Excellence’s mascot, into 5,000 meaningful meals for children in need – ensuring they can focus on learning without hunger, in partnership with the CCF Foundation under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.’

‘More than 50 volunteers joined Taiwan Excellence in preparing warm meals for the students of Wat Weluwan School, featuring both Thai dishes and the Taiwanese favourite Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice). Each meal was rich in nutrition and served with love, promoting not only physical well-being but also cross-cultural appreciation.Spound ¨Volunteers also participated in planting vegetables to help the school establish a self-sustaining food source – serving as a learning space that fosters life skills, agricultural knowledge, and long-term community growth,’ Ms Liang added.

Mr Adirek Nilphiam, Principal of Wat Weluwan School, said: ‘Wat Weluwan is a small school with only 94 students from kindergarten to primary level. According to our nutrition survey, about 40% of students suffer from malnutrition, with below-average weight and height due to economic hardship in their families. The ‘High-Five to Thrive’ activity by Taiwan Excellence not only provides nutritious meals but also brings smiles, happiness, and inspiration to our students through the heartfelt participation of volunteers.’

Mr Veerasak Puttisai, Director of Project Quality and Operations at the CCF Foundation for Children and Youth under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, said: ‘The CCF Foundation supports over 30,000 underprivileged children across 35 provinces in Thailand through programmes in education, health, nutrition, and life skills – all aimed at empowering them for a better future.Spound ¨ We are deeply grateful to Taiwan Excellence for recognising the importance of child development and joining us in providing 5,000 nutritious meals to improve the quality of life and bring joy to Thai children.’

Through initiatives like High-Five to Thrive, Taiwan Excellence is proud to contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate society, growing together with local Thai communities.

Follow Taiwan Excellence on Facebook: TaiwanExcellence.TH for more updates and activities.

About Taiwan Excellence

The Taiwan Excellence Awards were established in 1993 by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of Taiwan’s most innovative products. Each year, eligible products go through a rigorous selection process that assesses their products based on four important factors: research and development, design, quality, and marketing with the key criterion of being Made in Taiwan.

The Taiwan Excellence mark has gained global recognition as a prestigious symbol of quality and design, effectively showcasing Taiwan’s impressive product innovation.

Gold’s bullish momentum is expected to continue for at least two more years, according to local trader YLG Group, citing ongoing central bank purchases, persistent inflation concerns, intensifying geopolitical conflicts, and trade tensions.

Pawan Nawawattanasub, chief executive of YLG, said the most significant factor in the near term is the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts.

Historical data shows in the past three Fed rate-cut cycles, gold prices surged by an average of 32% over two consecutive years. However, in the current cycle gold has already soared by 64%, yet the bullish trend still has room to run, she said.

If these supportive factors persist, YLG forecasts gold prices could reach US$4,435-4,900 an ounce. Domestic prices are estimated at 68,500-75,700 baht per baht-weight, assuming an exchange rate of 32.58 baht per dollar.

With strong fundamentals and favourable monetary conditions, YLG believes the current bull run could extend well beyond expectations, potentially marking one of the most significant gold rallies in modern history, said Ms Pawan.

Jitti Tangsithpakdi, president of the Gold Traders Association, shared a similar view, saying bullion is on course to hit $4,500 an ounce, converting to a domestic price of 70,000 baht per baht-weight.

Spot gold is projected to hit $5,000 an ounce next year, said Mr Jitti, though it fell by 1.5% to slip below $4,300 an ounce by mid-afternoon on Tuesday, after hitting an all-time high of $4,381.21 on Monday. The dollar index rose by 0.2% against its rivals, making gold more expensive for other currency holders.

Veeravat Virochpoka, head of research at FSS International Investment Advisory Securities, said gold traders and investors have a “cautious approach”, but bullion certainly remains on an upward trend in his view.

“Given the global economic situation and US-China stances on trade negotiations, the level of uncertainty remains high, spurring demand for safe-haven assets such as gold,” he said.

The monetary policy easing cycle also supports gold prices, said Mr Veeravat. Gold, a non-yielding asset, tends to do well in a low-interest-rate environment.

Earlier in the month, Goldman Sachs raised its December 2026 gold price forecast to $4,900 per ounce from $4,300.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, investors now assign a 96.8% probability the Fed will cut rates again later this month, and an 81.1% chance of another reduction of 50 basis points in December. Markets are pricing in three additional cuts in 2026.

YLG reported gold performed consistently well during previous easing cycles. Bullion soared by 31% in the 2000 cycle, 39% in the 2007 era, and was up 26% in the 2019 cycle. This translates to an average gain of 32% within two years after the Fed’s first rate cut.

Since 1999, the Fed has entered four major easing cycles. The first cycle was in 2000 when the dot-com bubble burst, triggering a downturn in technology investment and weakening the US labour market. The second cycle was in 2007 when the subprime mortgage crisis caused the US housing market to collapse, prompting the Fed to start cutting rates in September that year.

The third cycle was in 2019 amid slowing economic activity, when the Fed executed an “insurance cut” before slashing rates aggressively during the pandemic in early 2020. The fourth cycle started in 2024 and is continuing, after the Fed began policy normalisation as the US economy recovered strongly.

In the current cycle, the Fed’s policy rate is 4.25%, and gold has already climbed by 64% from its previous low — nearly double the historical average.

While the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme is expected to lift year-end spending, the Thai Retailers Association (TRA) has proposed recommendations for strengthening and sustaining Thailand’s economic growth momentum.

Nath Vongphanich, president of the TRA, said following the announcement of the first set of stimulus measures, the association observed encouraging signs of improving consumer sentiment, aided by the fourth quarter being the peak shopping season and an important opportunity for the retail sector to achieve significant sales growth.

He said the co-payment scheme is one of the most effective measures to directly stimulate consumer spending and is expected to increase GDP by 0.21-0.22%, according to Finance Ministry estimates.

The programme plays a crucial role in easing consumers’ cost-of-living burdens during the year-end period while also boosting sales in the retail sector, particularly among small retailers and community-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are key drivers of the grassroots economy.

The measure helps enhance liquidity in the system and creates opportunities for smaller businesses to recover.

The Retail Sentiment Index, a joint survey by the TRA and the Bank of Thailand, indicated retail confidence from October to December has risen to its highest level of the year, reaching a new 12-month high of 63.8 points.

He said this improvement reflects retailers’ growing confidence and optimism towards the new government, as well as key supporting factors such as the year-end festive season and the co-payment measure.

Mr Nath said retailers expect the initiative to increase sales by at least 10%, particularly in consumer goods categories and among provincial retail stores, compared with periods without the scheme.

However, the TRA suggested for the next phase of the co-payment scheme, the government consider expanding participation to include retailers of all sizes, to enhance consumer convenience, provide broader purchasing options and increase the overall effectiveness and inclusiveness of the campaign.

According to the Kasikorn Research Center, the co-payment scheme could inject an estimated 60-70 billion baht into the retail sector, serving as a major catalyst for consumer spending in the final quarter of the year.

The association also proposed the government revive the “Easy E-Receipt” or “Shop Dee Mee Khuen” (Shop and Get Tax Refund) campaign during the final two months of the year to stimulate consumer spending during the high season.

The TRA recommended simplifying participation requirements and expanding eligibility to include all product categories within a spending cap of 100,000 baht, which could generate over 100 billion baht in additional economic activity.

“The key challenge will be whether consumer purchasing power can be sustained after the short-term stimulus measures end. While government programmes have successfully boosted short-term economic activity, structural issues such as household debt and stagnant income levels remain obstacles that must be addressed to ensure sustainable recovery,” Mr Nath added.

LONG-TERM GROWTH

The association emphasised the government should also pursue long-term structural reforms to strengthen Thailand’s economic foundation and sustain growth momentum.

The TRA outlined key recommendations to support this direction including reducing import taxes on lifestyle and fashion products, protect domestic retailers from low-quality and underpriced imports while promoting the “Made in Thailand” certification for SMEs to enhance product credibility and expand trade opportunities both domestically and internationally.

The association also urged the government to enhance workforce skills through upskilling and reskilling programmes and recommended adopting professional standards and competency-based qualifications as benchmarks for wage determination, replacing the traditional minimum wage system.

Danish Nobel Laureate Karl Gjellerup’s novel The Pilgrim Kamanita (1906) recounts a borderless tale of a spiritual quest — a journey of an Indian merchant’s son from carnal desire to nirvana — that captured the public’s imagination. Now, it is time to pen stories that draw inspiration from this Buddhist masterpiece.

The literary contest “Inspired By The Pilgrim Kamanita By Karl Gjellerup” is accepting short story submissions until Dec 15, 2025. It aims to promote creativity and cultural exchange between Thailand and Denmark.

The event is part of the project “Tales Without Borders: Thai-Danish Literature And Translations” organised by the World Literature and Creative Writing Programme, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the Royal Danish Embassy in Thailand.

The competition is open to students and the general public (no age restrictions). Contestants should engage with this novel or its Thai translation by the famous duo Sathirakoses and Nagapradipa, who have been praised for their work. Short stories should be 2,000-3,000 words in length. If written in Thai, entries must be accompanied by an English translation.

Selected works will be awarded certificates of recognition. Each category will have three prizes: First Prize, Second Prize and Third Prize.

Gjellerup (1857-1919) is a Danish author who shared the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1917 with his compatriot Henrik Pontoppidan. The son of a parson, Gjellerup studied theology but then turned to atheism. In later years, he returned to religion and found peace in Buddhism. It is shown in Minna (1889) and The Pilgrim Kamanita (1906), an exotic tale of reincarnation set in India. He wrote in Danish until around 1900 when he started writing only in German.

Submit your story in English or in Thai with an English translation by scanning the Quick Response (QR) code. Results will be announced in February.

The parliamentary committee reviewing three charter amendment bills can propose changes during its scrutiny to avoid the final draft conflicting with the Constitutional Court’s ruling, said Prime Minister’s Office Minister Paradorn Prissanananthakul.

He was reacting yesterday to concerns after the People’s Party-sponsored bill was adopted as the main version for deliberation.

According to critics, the PP’s charter amendment bill lacks protection for Chapters 1 and 2 of the current constitution and risks violating the charter due to the proposed origin of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA).

Chapter 1 contains sections that define Thailand as a single, indivisible kingdom with a democratic regime and establishes the King as the head of state, while Chapter 2 outlines royal prerogatives.

The CDA model proposed by the PP comprises a 35-member panel responsible for drafting the new charter and a 100-member advisory council to collect public opinion. The 35 drafters are to be elected by parliament from a pool of 70 individuals elected by voters, while the advisers are directly elected by voters.

Mr Paradorn said even if the PP’s version is used as the main draft, as a committee member, he will raise these major concerns during the committee’s deliberation so the final draft is not in violation of the ruling and thus passes the third reading.

The Bhumjaithai minister also expressed confidence that the parliament committee can finish deliberation within the political timeline after the Referendum Act was royally endorsed.

Under the new Referendum Act already published in the Royal Gazette and set to take effect today, a referendum can be held on the same day as the general election or local elections to save on costs.

For a referendum to pass, it requires a simple majority, and at least 60-150 days are needed between the announcement of the referendum and the vote.

Mr Paradorn added that the political timeline is expected to proceed as planned, with the House dissolution expected on Jan 31.

Under a deal between Bhumjaithai and the PP in exchange for the latter’s support for Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul to become prime minister, Mr Anutin must dissolve the House within four months of delivering the government’s policy statement.

As Thailand’s paint industry embraces a new era of innovation, TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited, the country’s leading manufacturer of paints and construction chemicals, has unveiled the ‘TOA EXPERT SERIES,’ the nation’s first ready-to-use 2-in-1 topcoat and primer. The launch marks a major transformation in how painting is approached, combining convenience, durability, and sustainability for both professionals and homeowners.

The new range comprises three models, including TOA ULTRASHIELD EXPERT, TOA SHIELD EXPERT, and TOA PRO EXPERT, each designed to suit varying needs and budgets. With durability of up to 15 years, the series promises smoother application, cost savings, and professional results without the need for mixing.

TOA is partnering with leading property developers and modern trade retailers to reach painters and homeowners nationwide, reinforcing its leadership in product innovation and customer accessibility.

Mr. Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon, Chief Executive Officer of TOA Paint (Thailand) PCL, said Thailand’s decorative paint market is undergoing a major ‘market transformation,’ driven by evolving consumer expectations and environmental awareness.

‘This 2-in-1 topcoat and primer innovation addresses the core pain points of painters and homeowners,’ said Mr. Jatuphat. ‘It reduces work steps, saves time and labour, and ensures quality control. Its superior film coverage allows for smooth application and complete coverage in just two coats.’

The TOA EXPERT SERIES combines high-quality acrylic, water-based formulations with eco-conscious design, ensuring durability and reduced environmental impact. The products are available nationwide through leading modern trade outlets such as Grand Homemart, Global House, Komeri, Dohome, Thai Watsadu, Boonthavorn, Mega Home and HomePro.

Three Models for Every Need

TOA ULTRASHIELD EXPERT – Ultra-premium 2-in-1 paint offering the highest durability of over 15 years, featuring heat-reflective technology and TOA Green Certified standards.

TOA SHIELD EXPERT – Premium 2-in-1 paint with Super Bonding 2X technology for superior adhesion and weather resistance, lasting up to 12 years.

TOA PRO EXPERT – A value-for-money option combining performance, convenience, and affordability for mass consumers.

Endorsed by Leading Developers

The new line has been adopted by SC Asset Corporation PCL and Frasers Property (Thailand) PCL, both of which have praised its quality, durability, and environmental benefits.

Mr. Pisanu Dechsong, Assistant Managing Director – Cost Strategy and Supply Chain at SC Asset, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to sustainability.

‘For over five years, SC Asset and TOA have partnered to develop green paint innovations that enhance living quality while reducing environmental impact,’ he said.

Mr. Wirat Monjaroenporn, Senior Executive Vice President of Frasers Property (Thailand), added that the series aligns perfectly with the company’s QCDESG framework, focusing on quality, cost, delivery, environment, social, and governance principles.

‘We choose TOA paints for their heat-reflective and low-VOC features, supporting green building standards such as LEED, TREES, and Energy-Saving House Label No.5,’ he said. ‘Paint, like a home, is a long-term investment. Using a trusted, high-quality brand like TOA gives homeowners lasting confidence.’

TOA Launches Thailand’s First 2-in-1 Expert Paint

Innovation with Environmental Responsibility

Beyond performance, TOA EXPERT SERIES carries the Carbon Footprint Reduction Label (CFR), recognising reduced greenhouse gas emissions throughout its life cycle. This achievement supports TOA’s 7 Green Mission strategies and long-term ESG goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050.

‘TOA EXPERT SERIES is more than just paint,’ Mr. Jatuphat concluded. ‘It’s a sustainable innovation that enhances living quality while caring for the planet, the easiest, most valuable, and best paint for every Thai home.’