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Azerbaijan has been unique space where various civilizations meet throughout history – President Ilham Aliyev

Throughout history, Azerbaijan has been a unique space where various civilizations converge, and cultures, religions, and traditions have developed in an environment of mutual interaction, President Ilham Aliyev said in his address to the participants of the 4th meeting of the Asian Cultural Council of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties, Azernews reports.

The head of state noted that the coexistence of representatives of all religions and ethnic groups in an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and peace has played a significant role in the socio-political development of the multinational and multi-confessional country.

‘The preservation of multiculturalism and tolerance traditions is an integral part of the social and cultural foundations of Azerbaijani society and constitutes one of the main directions of state policy,’ President Ilham Aliyev emphasized.

President: Azerbaijan promotes harmonious relations among different cultures on int’l stage

‘Azerbaijan also promotes harmonious relations among different cultures on the international stage and consistently advances a number of initiatives on the platform of inter-civilizational dialogue,’ said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in his address to the participants of the 4th meeting of the Asian Cultural Council of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), Azernews reports.

President Ilham Aliyev further noted that the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, traditionally hosted by Azerbaijan, has evolved into an important platform supporting international initiatives aimed at promoting peace through culture.

Judo Training Center starts operating in Shabran [PHOTOS]

The Judo Training Center has started operating in Shabran, Azernews reports.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gayibov, the head of the Shabran District Executive Authority, Asif Huseynov, Executive Vice-President of Azerbaijan Judo Federation Rashad Rasulov, and other officials.

The center, which meets modern standards, is equipped with tatami mats, and the training area is furnished with necessary sports equipment to ensure the physical development of judo athletes.

The total area of the tatami is 200 square meters.There are also changing rooms for coaches and athletes. More than 200 athletes will train in the hall.

It is noteworthy that the Azerbaijan Judo Federation has opened judo halls in Ganja, Sumqayit, Gusar, Agstafa, Zagatala, Goranboy, Sabirabad, the village of Agali in Zangilan district, the Zira settlement of Baku, Agdash, Kurdamir, Astara, Jalilabad, Tartar, Gakh, Imishli, and Mosul village in Zagatala district between 2022-2025.

Future judo halls are planned to open in Masalli, Jalilabad, Gobustan, and Siyazan.

Since 2022, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation has provided 11,704 tatami mats to 158 sports halls in Baku and the regions, offering over 2,430 young athletes the opportunity to train for free.

Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art across the country. Since 2015, the Federation has been led by Rovnag Abdullayev.

The country’s modern judo history was laid by Mehman Azizov, who won a silver medal at the Old World Championship in 1998.

A year later, the winner of the World Youth Games in Moscow, Rasul Salimov, grabbed the bronze medal at the European Championship in Slovakia. Another national judoka, Elchin Ismayilov, became the European champion in 2000 in Wroclaw.

However, the achievements of Azerbaijani judo fighters did not stop there. Elnur Mammadli was named the best at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 73 kg division.

The list of the country’s top judo fighters includes Rustam Orujov, Irina Kindzerskaya, Mammadali Mehdiyev, Elmar Gasimov, Hidayat Heydarov, Zelim Kotsoev, Ushangi Kokauri, and Nijat Shikhalizada.

At the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, judokas Hidayat Heydarov (73 kg) and Zelym Kotsoiev (100 kg) earned gold medals for Azerbaijan.

Carpet Museum director holds series of meetings in United States [PHOTOS]

During her visit to the United States, the Director of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, Dr. Amina Melikova, has held meetings with the heads of various leading museums and cultural institutions, Azernews reports, citing the Carpet Museum.

During her meeting with Ms. Marilyn Jackson, President and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums, Dr. Melikova provided detailed information about the rich traditions of Azerbaijani carpet art, the history of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, its current activities, international relations, and future projects. She also spoke about the museum’s inclusive project – tactile carpets designed for visitors with visual impairments. This innovative initiative sparked great interest in Ms. Jackson. In turn, Ms. Jackson shared information about the activities of the American Alliance of Museums, which has 3,400 members, the current trends in the museum field in the United States, and possible directions for cooperation. She also invited the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum to take part in the next conference of the American Alliance of Museums.

Amina Melikova also met with Ms. Kate Seelye, Vice President for Arts and Culture at the Middle East Institute, and Ms. Lyne Sneige, Director of the Institute’s Arts and Culture Center. The parties discussed how the carpet-weaving heritage can serve as a source of inspiration for contemporary artists, as well as opportunities for experience exchange, exhibition organization, and other forms of collaboration.

The next meeting took place at the George Washington University Museum and the Textile Museum with its director, Dr. John Wetenhall. The museum director informed Dr. Melikova about the new permanent exhibition and the museum library, and spoke about recent projects carried out together with students. The parties also exchanged views on the rare Azerbaijani carpets and embroideries preserved in the collection of the Textile Museum, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

At the end of the meeting, Amina Melikova presented the exquisite publications of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum as a gift to the rich library of the Textile Museum.

Such meetings are of particular importance for the international promotion of Azerbaijani culture and the creation of new opportunities for cooperation in the museum field.

South Korea, Thailand vow swift conclusion of trade pact

South Korea is eager to conclude a free trade agreement with Thailand, President Lee Jae-myung said during talks with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

According to Yonhap News Agency, citing the presidential spokesman, Mr Lee and Mr Anutin agreed to accelerate efforts to finalise the pact.

‘They agreed to join hands to swiftly strike a CEPA, which is currently under negotiation,’ presidential spokesman Kim Nam-joon said after the leaders’ first phone conversation.

South Korea refers to the proposed FTA with Thailand as a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), reflecting its broader scope beyond trade issues.

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumphan earlier said that concluding the deal with South Korea was her top priority, adding that the two nations’ commitment would be formalised on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meetings.

South Korea will host this year’s Apec forums in Gyeongju from 28 October to 1 November, beginning with a gathering of Asia-Pacific business leaders.

During the call, Mr Anutin said he hoped to see trade and investment between the two countries double to US$30 billion from the current US$15 billion, according to a statement from Thailand’s Government House.

Dugong decline spurs seagrass efforts

The Thai Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Foundation is stepping up its efforts to restore seagrass beds across the Andaman Sea, following reports of a drastic decline in dugong populations caused by food shortages and deteriorating marine ecosystems.

Kongkiat Kittiwatthanawong, a member of the foundation’s academic promotion subcommittee, said the dugong population, surveyed this year using drones, had dropped sharply from 248 two years ago to just 114.

The largest remaining dugong populations were recorded in Trang and coastal areas along the Andaman Sea. Mr Kongkiat said the steep decline is primarily due to the critical loss of seagrass — the dugong’s main food source — resulting from the effects of climate change.

He said the decline began early last year, when a “sea drought” in the Andaman Sea destroyed at least 20,000 rai of seagrass beds. “The decline in food resources has forced dugongs to migrate in search of food, leading to more frequent sightings and population records this year,” he said.

Fishing gear, such as gill nets and fish traps, has also contributed to the drop in numbers. Mr Kongkiat said many dugongs are injured or killed after becoming entangled in ropes connecting traps and bobbers, which can cause them to drown, as dugongs are mammals that rely on lung-based respiration.

“With these findings, the foundation’s mission to rescue the dugong population will focus heavily on restoring seagrass beds,” Mr Kongkiat said.

The restoration project is being carried out in collaboration with the Phuket Marine Biological Centre. Seedling cultivation takes place on a four-rai plot in Ban Bang Phat, Bang Toey subdistrict, Muang district of Phangnga.

The mission aims to double the area of seagrass beds within one to two years, with the seedlings to be transplanted to underwater areas in Trang and Krabi to support the dugongs’ nutritional needs.

The foundation is also working with the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Centre in Phuket to rehabilitate malnourished, sick, or injured dugongs that have washed ashore.

Together, these efforts increased the seagrass bed area to 97,784 rai last year. “We expect the dugong population to stabilise within the next five years, with the hope that it will not decline further,” Mr Kongkiat said, adding that although the current population has already been reduced by half, its chances of survival are improving.

Fund allocates B9bn for quick win initiative

Officials are planning to allocate 9 billion baht from the Energy Conservation and Promotion Fund to support the state’s “Quick Big Win” initiative.

A key policy of the Anutin Charnvirakul government, Quick Big Win promotes swift, impactful and broadly beneficial projects across ministries as the administration pledged to work for four months, then dissolve the House for a new general election next year.

“The Energy Ministry’s Quick Big Win focuses on projects that can help people earn revenue and reduce expenses in the energy sector,” said Rathachat Siripanich, manager of the Energy Conservation and Promotion Fund Office.

The budget of 9 billion baht will be forwarded to the fund committee for final approval of allocation in fiscal 2026, which runs from Oct 1 to Sept 30, 2026, he said.

“We want to help the government stimulate the economy and ensure Thailand can achieve its net-zero target in 2050,” said Mr Rathachat.

In fiscal 2025, the office set a budget of 2.75 billion baht, but received project proposals from civic and state sectors totalling 13.4 billion baht.

The committee’s criteria to grant money is based on a policy to promote energy development in remote areas, especially residential areas without electricity.

Abhisit to return as Democrat Party leader on Saturday

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is preparing to return as the leader of the Democrat Party at an extraordinary general assembly on Saturday, where members will also elect a new executive board.

Mr Abhisit, 61, served as the Democrats’ seventh leader from March 2005 to March 2019, and will return as the 10th leader of Thailand’s oldest political party, a party source said on Friday.

Several notable figures are also expected to take key roles on the party’s new executive committee, as it strives to reverse the steep decline in its influence and popularity over the last decade.

Among the most anticipated appointments is that of Chaiwut Bannawat, a former deputy party leader, who is tipped to become the new secretary-general. Mr Chaiwut is known to be a long-time confidant of Mr Abhisit and is widely trusted within the party ranks.

Mr Abhisit has reportedly finalised his executive lineup, a blend of seasoned politicians and new faces, which will be formally introduced after he is elected as leader.

Members are also awaiting a policy vision statement from Mr Abhisit as he outlines his roadmap to revitalise the party, said the source.

Among those tipped for key posts are Sakolthee Phattiyakul, a former deputy Bangkok governor, who is expected to be named deputy leader overseeing Bangkok affairs.

Other appointments include Songkran Jitsuttiphakorn, former Nakhon Sawan MP, as deputy leader for the North; Satit Pitutecha, as deputy leader for the Central region, continuing his previous role; and Chaichana Dechdecho, as deputy leader for the South, also retaining his current position.

In addition, Korn Chatikavanij, a former leader of the Kla Party and former finance minister, will join the Democrat executive team as a deputy leader with a designated mission. Also joining in a similar capacity is Ms Karndee Leopairote, a futurist and digital asset expert.

TikTok Juree Numkaew, a well-known TikTok personality, will be named deputy leader with a special mission.

Pongsakorn Kwanmuang is expected to be named the new party spokesperson. He is the son of Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang, a former Bangkok governor and currently a list-MP of the United Thai Nation Party.

Mr Abhisit made the decision to return as leader of the Democrat Party last month, according to Sathit Wongnongtoei, a former Democrat MP for Trang.

‘The return of Mr Abhisit will bring hope and raise the morale of party members in the wake of political conflict and challenges,’ Mr Sathit said

The leadership position has been vacant since Chalermchai Sri-on resigned last month, citing health reasons.

Oxford-educated Mr Abhisit first entered politics as an MP for Bangkok in March 1992. He led the Democrats from March 2005 to March 2019, and was Thailand’s 27th prime minister from December 2008 to August 2011.

He resigned as party leader to take responsibility for a major electoral setback in 2019. After winning 100 seats or more in elections going back to 1996, the Democrats managed just 53 seats in the 2019 poll. Their seat total fell to 25 in the 2023 election.

New system ends need to submit documents

The Department of Business Development (DBD) has invited 381 government agencies to link their data with the Business Data Exchange (Bdex) system to enhance the efficiency of government processes, eliminating the need for businesses and individuals to provide copies of essential documents.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the DBD, said the department developed the Bdex, a web-based platform allowing users to access accurate real-time business data.

Some 155 government agencies have linked their data with this system and the department plans to include more agencies.

Last week, the DBD sent an invitation to 226 government agencies to integrate their data into the Bdex system.

Moreover, the department requested the Digital Government Development Agency assist in streamlining the data integration process.

He said this initiative aims to create a comprehensive linkage of business data, paving the way for a fully integrated public sector information system, ultimately reducing costs and processing times for businesses and the public.

On April 23, 2024, the DBD an­- nounced a cooperation with the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Thai Board of Trade and 10 government agencies to remove the public’s obligation to submit corporate documents and encourage data sharing among government bodies.

The collaboration expanded on Dec 16, 2024, to include 12 more agencies, raising the total to 22.

Mr Poonpong said this effort has saved annual expenses of more than 7.1 billion baht thanks to the reduction in processing time, document usage and opportunity costs.

If all 381 government agencies connect their data with the DBD via the platform and maintain this engagement, it should lead to significant reductions in expenses, travel time and business processing duration, he said.

This advancement should bolster Thailand’s competitiveness, attract more international investors and strengthen the economy, said Mr Poonpong.

Graffiti Social Club brings global street art movement to Bangkok

River City Bangkok and REACH, with the support of Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture, are set to transform the capital’s riverside arts hub into an immersive urban playground with ‘Graffiti Social Club’-a dynamic international exhibition celebrating graffiti’s rise from underground subculture to global art form.

First established in Taiwan in 2019 by graffiti artist and curator REACH, Graffiti Social Club was envisioned as a platform where street artists could exchange ideas and showcase their creativity without boundaries. Over the years, it has been featured in major museums and galleries across Taiwan-including the Juming Museum in Keelung and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei-creating bridges between local and international art communities.

Making its Thailand debut in 2025, the Graffiti Social Club exhibition at River City Bangkok’s RCB Galleria 5 will feature works by 12 acclaimed artists from Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, the United States, and Europe. Participating artists include ALEX FACE, GREMS, LUGOSIS, MHAK, Mr.OGAY, POSE, REACH, RUKKIT, SONG, TENGA ONE, T-WEST, and yoshi47.

The exhibition aims to capture the energy, diversity, and evolution of contemporary graffiti culture. Visitors can expect a vibrant fusion of murals, tags, and mixed-media installations that blur the lines between street and gallery. Each piece reflects the artist’s unique style and story, exploring themes of identity, community, and resistance.

According to REACH, Graffiti Social Club was born out of a desire to create a space where Taiwanese graffiti artists could step onto the international stage. ‘Graffiti has always been about breaking boundaries-between public and private, between rebellion and expression. This exhibition continues that spirit by connecting artists across cultures,’ he said.

The Bangkok edition came to life after REACH met Toby Lu, Director of Sales and Marketing at River City Bangkok, whose vision of collaboration aligned perfectly with his mission to expand the project globally.

‘Thailand’s thriving street art scene and deep-rooted cultural heritage make it the perfect place to host Graffiti Social Club,’ said Lu. ‘This exhibition not only brings together artists from around the world but also strengthens Bangkok’s position as a creative hub in Asia.’

Graffiti Social Club will be open to the public with free admission from 10 October 2025 to 4 January 2026 at RCB Galleria 5, 3rd Floor, River City Bangkok.