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In an era where many golf courses compete on price and promotions, Pinehurst Golf Club and Hotel has chosen to move forward by investing in world-class innovation and technology. We believe that a great golfing experience doesn’t come from low prices alone, but from consistent course quality, facilities that meet every lifestyle need, and comprehensive one-stop service.

What sets us apart from other courses is that we sent our management, marketing, and maintenance teams directly to Japan to bring back world-class course maintenance innovations and standards. We didn’t just purchase equipment-we learned how to use it professionally from the source of that technology, ensuring every investment directly impacts our golfers’ playing experience.

Measurable Results: Quality Course, Consistent Green Speed, Over 70% Return Golfers

After experiencing Pinehurst, golfers notice clear differences, especially in green quality with consistent speed and uniformly smooth surfaces across all 27 holes. No matter which hole or when they play, the greens deliver predictable putting experiences-exactly what serious golfers want most.

According to our customer data, particularly among Korean, Japanese, and Chinese golfers, over 70% choose to return within three months and play an average of 18-27 holes per day-higher than Thailand’s national average of approximately 18 holes per day. This stems primarily from confidence in our consistent course quality and the variety of 27 holes that can be mixed and matched for different playing experiences, so golfers never feel bored even when playing multiple rounds in a single day.

Unmatched Innovation: Championship-Level Technology from Japan

What clearly distinguishes Pinehurst from other courses is our investment in Championship-level course maintenance equipment from Japan, rarely found in Thailand. What you’ll clearly experience are smooth greens with consistent speed across all 27 holes. Behind this perfection lies our investment in Championship-level maintenance equipment from Japan, rare in Thailand: from greens mowers that create smooth surfaces without damaging grass roots, to automatic sand spreaders that distribute sand evenly at every point, to precision fertilizer sprayers that ensure uniform grass quality across every hole. Even bunker sand receives special care with specialised rakes that leave smooth, trackless surfaces.

These tools aren’t widely available, and many courses won’t invest due to high costs and the need for specialised personnel. But we’re confident this investment pays off because it directly impacts the golfer’s experience.

Pinehurst is Perfect For:

Golfers who prioritise course quality above all

International golfers seeking comprehensive convenience

Golfers wanting to play multiple rounds in one day without boredom

Business professionals needing golf events combined with meetings in one location

Pinehurst Golf Club and Hotel… Where Innovation Meets Tradition

Lifeguards at Patong Beach in Phuket have reported a significant increase in jellyfish stings among tourists.

Many swimmers have been stung by box jellyfish, experiencing red rashes, burning sensations and allergic reactions upon leaving the water, Patong lifeguards say.

Lifeguards give first aid using vinegar to stop the spread of venom and reduce stinging sensations. But several severe cases have required transfers to nearby hospitals for further treatment.

A total of 131 illegal migrant workers who were apparently abandoned by brokers after paying almost 50,000 baht each in hopes of getting jobs ended up being arrested in Muang district of Samut Sakhon.

A combined team of immigration officers, police and local officials in Samut Sakhon raided 80 rooms in village Moo 4 in tambon Khok Kham on Thursday evening and found many people were inside, said Samut Sakhon immigration police on Friday.

There were 76 men and 55 women, all foreign nationals who had entered the country illegally. Although some migrants presented passports, none had valid immigration stamps, and most lacked any documentation.

Initial questioning revealed that the migrants had been smuggled through natural border crossings in Kanchanaburi, Ranong, and Tak provinces, before being transported by brokers to Samut Sakhon, where they were told to hide while waiting to be sent to workplaces.

After arriving, the brokers disappeared, claiming they would return to arrange factory employment. Each migrant had paid nearly 50,000 baht in total for transport and other fees, only to be left stranded.

Deputy Samut Sakhon governor Khetrat Charnsil said all 131 migrant workers had entered the country illegally.

He insisted that provincial authorities have enforced strict measures against undocumented labour. The deputy governor added that authorities were working to identify and prosecute all individuals involved in the smuggling network, including those who facilitated transportation and provided shelter.

The illegal migrants would be deported back to their countries of origin, he said. Although he did not name the countries, some Thai media reported that they were from Myanmar.

Pol Maj Gen Teeradej Athipakkhakun, commander of Samut Sakhon police, said the investigation was being expanded to track down everyone connected to the operation.

He urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to illegal migrant labour to help maintain public safety and social order.

The discovery was reported by park officer Nattaphon Ritnoi, who found the moth near the park’s popular campsite area.

Park chief Atthapong Pao-on said the species — commonly known as the Moon Moth or Long-tailed Scythe-eyed Moth — is seldom seen in the wild.

The moth, which belongs to the family Saturniidae, has been identified under several closely related scientific names, including Argema maenas, Actias ignescens, Tropaea rosenbergii, and Sonthonnaxia recta. It is found across parts of India, China, Myanmar, Thailand, western Malaysia, and the Sunda Islands of Indonesia (including Java and Sulawesi).

The Moon Moth is notable for its large wings, scythe-shaped eyespots, and long, streamer-like tails extending from its hindwings.

The male has lemon-yellow forewings marked with pale brown to reddish-brown bands, and a coppery, crescent-shaped eyespot near the wing’s centre.

Its body is covered with dense yellowish fur, and its antennae are feathery, resembling tiny ferns. The hindwings mirror the forewings in colour but feature long, flag-like tails, edged with fine hairs near the abdomen.

Females are generally paler in colour, often light yellow, with larger golden or orange kidney-shaped eyespots on their wings. On the underside, the moth shows softer tones of grey and pinkish brown with distinct crosslines.

Due to habitat loss and environmental changes, sightings of the Moon Moth in Kaeng Krachan — part of a Unesco World Heritage site — are rare.

Park officials plan to conduct a detailed population survey to assess its current distribution and conservation status.

Kaeng Krachan National Park, including its scenic Panoen Thung viewpoint, will reopen to visitors on Nov 1, inviting nature lovers to experience the misty mountain views — and perhaps catch a glimpse of this magnificent, elusive moth.

Singha, an official partner of ONE Championship, has launched the Singha ONE Hit The Ring project, which will offer Muaythai enthusiasts a chance to test their skills and earn a special trip to attend the blockbuster ONE 173 event in Japan.

The project, in collaboration with four Muaythai superstars — Superbon Superbon Training Camp, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Nabil Anane — is open to any individual aged over 18, barring professional boxers, to take part in four skill tests including power rope slam, punch combo, low-mid kicks and spear knees.

A total of 400 qualifiers from 20 gyms nationwide will make it to the final stage, which will be held on Nov 8 at BG Hall in Pathum Thani. Four winners will earn a trip to attend the ONE 173 event at the state-of-the-art Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Nov 16.

The project also offers a prize pool of one million baht.

“Singha has partnered with many world-class sports events. This time we are collaborating with ONE Championship for the Singha ONE Hit The Ring project to give Thai fans a chance to show their skills and an opportunity to attend the ONE 173 event in Japan,” said Voravud Bhirombhakdi, Senior Executive Vice President and Executive Director of Boon Rowd Brewery Co, Ltd.

“Right now, Muaythai has become very popular worldwide. This activity will not only help promote the sport, but will also be a great opportunity for the four winners to attend ONE 173, which is one of the biggest events of the year in Japan and will feature many top boxers,” said Superbon, the ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion.

Asian shares slid, Treasuries extended gains and gold hit a new high on Friday as signs of credit stress at US regional banks unnerved investors and had markets baying for more Federal Reserve policy easing.

European stocks looked set for a sharp fall at the open, with EURO STOXX 50 futures down 1% and FTSE futures 1.1% lower. Both S and P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures lost 0.6% ahead of more earnings from US regional banks later in the day.

Overnight, Zions sank 13% after disclosing it would take a $50 million loss in the third quarter on two loans from its California division. Western Alliance’s stock slumped 11% after it initiated a lawsuit alleging fraud by Cantor Group V, LLC.

“While the recent issues of the two lenders seems well contained, where there is smoke there is often fire and the remedy of the 2023 crisis has created a tinderbox for another banking flare-up,” said Tony Sycamore, analyst at IG, referring to a series of bank failures that year which prompted the Fed to take extraordinary steps to stabilise the financial system.

The developments pummelled US banking stocks and weighed on the US dollar to the benefit of the yen and the Swiss franc.

Safe-haven Treasuries rallied further, with two-year yields down 3 basis points on Friday to a fresh three-year low of 3.3890% as investors priced in at least two more quarter-point rate cuts from the Federal Reserve this year.

The flight to safety saw gold hit a record of $4,378.69 per ounce. Bullion is set for a weekly gain of 8.5%, its biggest since September 2008 when the collapse of Lehman Brothers fuelled the global financial crisis.

Silver also hit a new peak.

Sentiment in equities has also taken a hit due to rising trade tensions between China and the United States. China on Thursday accused the US of stoking panic over its rare earth controls, rejecting a White House call to roll back the curbs.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 1%, taking the week to negative territory. Japan’s Nikkei lost 1.5% as its banking index tumbled.

Taiwan shares fell 1.1% even after chipmaker TSMC posted a record quarterly profit and issued a rosy forecast for spending on artificial intelligence.

Chinese blue chips dropped 1.5% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng tumbled 1.8%.

The credit worries and rate cut bets undermined the US dollar, which slipped 0.2% on Friday to 98.10 against its major peers. It was on track for a weekly loss of 0.8%.

The yen and the Swiss franc gained most, up 0.9% and 1.2% for the week.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said that the central bank would scrutinise various data in deciding whether or not to raise interest rates this month.

Oil prices extended losses, after falling 1% overnight as US President Donald Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to meet in Hungary soon to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

US crude fell 0.4% to $57.25 a barrel, while Brent was also off 0.3% to $60.87.

Accidents at large-scale construction sites in Thailand occur often — only to quietly fade from public attention, leaving no trace of lasting accountability.

A recent example is the sinkhole measuring 30m by 30m wide, with a depth of 50m, that opened up on Sept 24 at the construction site of the Samsen underground train station, between Vajira Hospital and Samsen police station. The site is part of the southern extension of Purple Line, which is being built by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA).

Lives at risk

Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Yet the incident serves as a stark reminder that the lives and property of Thais hang precariously by a thread, especially amid the widespread construction of large-scale infrastructure projects across Bangkok. This is despite the fact the station’s structural work was already 70% complete.

What is even more troubling is the recurring pattern seen in many other similar incidents — where sections of construction collapse onto busy roads used by thousands of commuters daily. In nearly every case, no detailed explanation is provided by the owners, the government agencies in charge, or even the ministerial officials overseeing them. There is seldom any public clarification as to what caused the accident or who should be held accountable.

Typically, when such incidents occur, compensation for life and property is offered, and a probe panel is hastily formed. However, as time passes, the findings tend to fade into obscurity, with no transparent reporting of the outcomes.

High-risk zone

In the past three to four years, several major construction accidents in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces have made headline news.

A notable hotspot is Rama II Road, a project under construction for over 20 years, handling daily traffic of around 250,000 vehicles due to its importance as a route to the southern region. The road is under the responsibility of the Department of Highways and the Expressway Authority of Thailand.

In 2021, a labourer from Italian-Thai Development Plc fell from an elevated expressway beam during installation, resulting in the worker’s death.

In July 2022, a 5-tonne concrete slab from a U-turn bridge collapsed onto several vehicles, causing two deaths and two injuries.

In August 2022, a large volume of water stored on a tarpaulin on the expressway fell onto a worker, resulting in one fatality. In January 2024, a crane cable snapped at a height of 15 metres, causing one death and one injury.

Most recently, early on Nov 29 last year, a bridge beam collapsed at kilometre 21 outbound on Rama II Road, in Samut Sakhon’s Muang district, killing six people and injuring nine.

This is not to mention projects undertaken by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

One accident occurred at the elevated bridge over the Lat Krabang intersection, near the Lotus’s supermarket on Luang Phraeng Road. This site is part of the elevated road project connecting On Nut and Lat Krabang. The incident happened around 6.08pm on July 10, 2023, resulting in over 10 injuries and two fatalities.

Corruption concerns

Mana Nimitmongkol, president of the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT), said numerous incidents have raised serious suspicions of collusion and corruption in state projects — from small-scale contracts to large infrastructure developments.

He referred to the high-profile case of Kamnan Nok (Praween Janklai), who was arrested in late 2023 in connection with the alleged contract killing of a police officer.

Investigations showed he had won bids for over 200 government projects annually, raising the question of how it would be feasible for a single entity to handle such volume — unless the projects were won through tender and then subcontracted out to others, Mr Mana said.

Another example was the national sports stadium project, consisting of 31 sites that have seen delays. The project is jointly overseen by the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Department of Physical Education, with work assigned to the Department of Highways.

The Rama II Road project, also under the Department of Highways, was similarly highlighted for chronic delays and repeated construction-related accidents, he said.

Additionally, the collapse of a building under construction for the Office of the Auditor General fuelled widespread public suspicion as to how such a structural failure could have occurred.

Krungsri Bank said the value of public projects in 2024 amounted to 780 billion baht. Meanwhile, an estimate by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce suggested that as much as 200 billion baht may have been lost to corruption, Mr Mana said.

He said construction projects in Thailand have long been plagued by systemic flaws and conflicts of interest.

The process typically begins with design firms, which are not only paid for their design services but also play a decisive role in specifying materials, finishes, and equipment. This often allows them to receive commissions or incentives from product suppliers, creating a built-in conflict of interest.

In most cases, design firms are selected through a design competition, but in practice, the process often involves lobbying or bribery of officials in various agencies.

Calls for transparency

“Overall, the direction of state spending, the budgeting process, procurement procedures, and value-for-money evaluations remain highly limited in their effectiveness,” he said.

“What urgently needs reform is the public procurement system. Rules must be broadened to encourage greater private sector participation, foster open competition, and provide the government with more choices — enabling it to select contractors based on capability and performance rather than simply on the lowest price.

“Project information also must be disclosed more transparently to allow for increased public participation.”

Prof Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association, shared some concern about systemic corruption in projects, identifying three primary causes: subcontracting practices where main contractors delegate work to subcontractors without proper oversight, weak supervision involving unqualified personnel assigned to supervise critical projects and forgery of engineers’ signatures.

He called for new measures to prevent such malpractice, beginning with reform of subcontracting laws. This would involve creating a registry of qualified and accountable subcontractors.

Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul, helped by a touch of inspiration from PGA Tour star Tom Kim, and Ding Wenyi from China, made fine starts at the US$1million Macao Open on Thursday — taking a share of the lead following first-round seven-under-par 63s.

They are in front by a shot from Germany’s Dominic Foos and Australian Jack Thompson, on 64s, at the Macau Golf and Country Club — in the 22nd staging of the Asian Tour event.

Korean Im Sung-Jae, Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut, Indian Pukhraj Singh Gill, as well as Ye Wocheng and Bobby Bai from China are a stroke further back following 65s.

Gunn’s round was impeccable: he was bogey-free, made an eagle, and recorded five birdies.

He finished second here last year, and after an indifferent season to date, he got the motivation he needed by going on social media Thursday morning.

“Very happy with today. Started the day by stumbling on a clip on Instagram from Tom Kim,” said the 33-year-old, who is looking for his first victory on the Asian Tour, having finished runner-up four times.

“I think it kind of summarised what he’s been doing throughout this year. And, you know, practising a lot does not mean the results are good. So that kind of unlocked something in me, I guess.

“I’ve been grinding really hard, harder than last year, you know, expecting better results, but it’s not coming. So, I let it all go today, relaxed and then had some lucky breaks out there. I think my mind was more free out there, so I think that’s why I played better golf.”

He is presently in 49th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. His best finish is joint 12th in the Maekyung Open in Korea in May.

Ding did well to perform at such a high level, having flown in from the Spanish Open, and managing only three hours of sleep last night.

“Honestly, it’s been physically demanding,” he said. “I only slept three hours last night. I woke up at 4.50 this morning. I tried to sleep around 9pm yesterday but couldn’t fall asleep until about 1am.”

Like Gunn, he started on the back nine, and also made an eagle, as well as six birdies and only one dropped shot.

The 20-year-old turned professional at the end of last year and has been playing on the DP World Tour.

This week marks his first start of the season on the Asian Tour.

He said: “Great to be back here. I always play better in my home country. I didn’t do really well this year. The young generation over there is very strong and the courses are hard.

“I was a little bit off after I’ve been to Europe, but I will keep my card.” He eagled the famous par-five 18th today, his ninth, after hitting a four-iron 240 yards to 20 feet. He also birdied his final hole, the par-fourth ninth, following a wedge to 25 feet.

Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho came in with a 67, while defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan of Thailand returned a 68.

China’s Haotong Li carded a 70.

England’s Lee Westwood, winner of this event back in 1999, has work to do. The 52-year-old shot a 74 — two more than his 24-year-old son Samuel.

Ngern Tid Lor Public Company Limited, a subsidiary of Tidlor Holdings (TIDLOR), has been recognized one of the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia – Thailand 2025, marking the third year it has received this prestigious accolade. The award underscores their success in cultivating a corporate culture that balances high performance with employee well-being, driving sustainable growth while enhancing quality of life.

Nutchanart Arpamongkol, Head of Human Resources, and Kanjanat Chalermjulamanee, Head of Tidlor Academy, represented the company in receiving the award.

Over the years, Ngern Tid Lor PLC has invested heavily in talent development and capacity building through technology, embedding these initiatives into daily operations. The company supports skill enhancement through internal and external training programs while promoting holistic employee well-being across four dimensions: physical health, mental health, financial wellness, and social-emotional support.

With a workforce of more than 8,500 employees nationwide, they foster a strong set of core values that shape its corporate culture. These values form the foundation for sustainable organizational growth and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), delivering positive impact for employees, business, and society alike.

The HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Award – Thailand 2025 is organized by HR Asia, a leading human resources publication in the region. This year, 75 organizations in Thailand were recognized from a pool of 303 participating companies.

PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), a global leader in the chemical business and the chemical flagship of PTT Group, has announced its plan to issue new Thai Baht-subordinated hybrid debentures. The debentures are expected to be offered to the general public through a Public Offering (PO) in late 2025 as part of GC’s ongoing Deleveraging Programme. The initiative aims to strengthen the company’s long-term capital structure, enhance financial flexibility, and ensure readiness amid global economic and geopolitical challenges – driving GC towards high-value, low-carbon sustainable growth.

Mr Thitipong Jurapornsiridee, Executive Vice President – Finance and Accounting at GC, said: ‘This issuance is part of our ongoing deleveraging plan, following the strong investor response to our THB 17 billion hybrid debentures issued in 2024. It reflects the confidence investors place in GC’s and the PTT Group’s solid fundamentals. GC remains committed to financial discipline and a systematic capital management roadmap aligned with our Portfolio Transformation strategy, ensuring readiness for sustainable growth in high-value and low-carbon businesses.’

In 2025, GC has continued implementing its deleveraging programme, which covers the issuance of USD-subordinated hybrid debentures, asset monetisation initiatives to optimise capital efficiency, and holistic optimisation programmes to enhance operational and financial performance. The upcoming Thai Baht-subordinated hybrid debentures represent another key step under GC’s long-term capital management roadmap to reinforce financial resilience and support its credit rating.

In addition, GC continues to enhance its competitiveness through innovation and digital technology, advancing its High Value-Low Carbon growth strategy. This includes expanding its specialty chemical business through allnex, a global leader in industrial coating resins, and its Bio/Green and Circularity business through NatureWorks, which is constructing the world’s second bioplastic plant in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand. These efforts align with GC’s commitment to sustainability and its roadmap towards achieving Net Zero by 2050.

The subordinated hybrid debentures also serve as a key instrument to strengthen the company’s financial position. The debentures are recognised as 100% equity in accounting terms, while credit rating agencies grant 50% equity credit. The public offering is expected in late 2025, with a minimum subscription amount of 100,000 Baht and additional multiples of 100,000 Baht, available through 12 financial institutions including Bangkok Bank, CIMB Thai Bank, KASIKORNBANK, Krung Thai Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Kiatnakin Phatra Securities, Asia Plus Securities, Bank of Ayudhya, Krungthai XSpring Securities, Maybank Securities (Thailand), TMBThanachart, and Yuanta Securities (Thailand). The interest rate and subscription period will be announced later.

The lead arrangers stated that GC’s subordinated hybrid debentures represent an appealing investment choice. On 8 April 2025, Fitch Ratings (Thailand) assigned GC a notional long-term credit rating of AA- (tha) with a ‘stable’ outlook, and on 7 July 2025, rated the subordinated hybrid debentures at A (tha), placing them among the highest-rated instruments in the Thai bond market. The company’s ability to repay principal and interest is reflected in its corporate credit rating of AA-. Accordingly, the credit rating for the subordinated hybrid debentures is two notches lower than the company’s rating, due to the debentures’ debt structure and characteristics, which are subordinated to ordinary senior bonds.