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Despite Thailand’s 6-1 hammering of Taiwan on Tuesday night in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, their coach Masatada Ishii’s repeated warnings still ring loud.

The War Elephants did put on a spectacular show in Taipei to follow their 2-0 home victory last Thursday with goals galore.

However, what happened thousands of miles away in a town called Arkadag later on the same night has left the equation unchanged.

In the other Group D match, Turkmenistan regained control by ensuring that there was no repeat of their earlier shock defeat to Sri Lanka.

They remain in control of their destiny after sealing a 2-1 win over Sri Lanka.

The upshot means Turkmenistan are back on top of the group, level on nine points with Thailand but holding a favourable head-to-head record against the Southeast Asians.

Thailand will next play Sri Lanka in their fifth match of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on Nov 18.

While Ishii was obviously happy with the three points the War Elephants picked up in style in Taipei, he did add after the match: “I am pleased with the overall performance of the team in both matches, as we won both games.

“If you ask me, we were not perfect; otherwise, we would not have allowed them to score that goal so early after the break.”

Even before the first game against Taiwan in Bangkok, Ishii had been busy telling anyone who would listen that “from now on, we need three points in every game. Against Turkmenistan we failed to do that, so we must make up for it in the matches ahead.”

The straight victories over Taiwan have changed nothing as the War Elephants still cannot afford any more slip-ups.

The Japanese coach has the air of a man who knows what he is doing and what needs to be done.

Upon his return from Taipei on Wednesday night, Ishii said: “From here on, our preparations will depend on evaluating the performances of each player, especially those in the core squad.

“These two games went according to plan — almost perfectly — but there are still details we must improve to be even more ready.

“Since only the group winners will qualify directly for the Asian Cup finals, we must give our very best to be one of those nations.

“Scoring more goals in the second meeting was possible because we faced the same opponent, which made analysis easier.

“Taiwan wanted to beat us, so they opened up more, leaving space behind their defensive line. That allowed us to score more. Their pressing higher up the pitch, combined with our teamwork and understanding, helped us create many goals.”

Meanwhile, Santiphap Channgom said: “Personally, I’m very happy to have contributed to the team, and even happier that we secured three points.

“I’m glad I could help with the goals, but what matters most is that the team got the win — that’s more important than individual performance.

“There’s pressure in every match. Right now, we’re second in the group, level on points with Turkmenistan. Personally, I feel the pressure, but I know we must stay focused on the games ahead.”

Match with Lions

The Football Association of Thailand has confirmed the national team will play a friendly against Singapore during the Fifa Day next month before their Asian Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka.

The match will take place at Thammasat Stadium on Nov 13.

Singapore are currently ranked 158th in the Fifa world rankings.

The War Elephants will face Sri Lanka in Colombo five days later.

Thailand’s first standard for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) specifications is expected this month, with enforcement scheduled from Jan 1, 2026 to support a campaign reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry, says the Department of Energy Business.

A biofuel for aircraft, SAF produces up to 80% less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuel, according to media reports citing various forecasts.

The guideline used for SAF manufacturing in Thailand is based on international standards and covers neat SAF, a mixture of SAF and jet fuel, as well as Jet A-1, said Sarawut Kaewtathip, director-general of the department.

Neat SAF refers to pure SAF, while Jet A-1 is a kerosene-type aviation fuel used commercially by aircraft.

Thailand has never had a standard for Jet A-1, but because SAF will be blended with conventional fuel, a standard for Jet A-1 is needed for the calculation of reduced carbon dioxide emissions, said Mr Sarawut.

“The criteria for SAF manufacturing should be published in the Royal Gazette in the last week of October,” he said.

Thailand has two major SAF manufacturers: Bangchak Corporation produces neat SAF, while PTT Global Chemical (GC), the petrochemical arm of national oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc, makes an SAF-jet oil mixture.

GC’s products are expected to be distributed and marketed by PTT Oil and Retail Business, a subsidiary of PTT.

Both Bangchak and GC use used cooking oil, also known as UCO, as a raw material to produce SAF.

“It is expected UCO will become scarce in 2027 as demand for SAF continues to increase,” said Mr Sarawut.

This may cause manufacturers to produce SAF from plant fibre, he said.

According to SAF scientists, corn stover, sugar cane bagasse and wheat straw are rich in certain types of fibre that can be converted into alcohols such as ethanol or iso-butanol, which are then transformed into jet fuel using alcohol-to-jet technology.

Thailand has an abundance of raw materials needed for SAF production, supporting the government’s plan to make the country a regional hub of aviation, said Mr Sarawut.

The country, which produces ethanol from sugar cane and methyl ester from palm, has infrastructure such as logistics to support the production of new biofuels in the future, he said.

Mrs Thapanee Techajareonvikul, Chief Executive Officer and President of Berli Jucker Public Company Limited (BJC), has been named on Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Asia 2025 list for the second consecutive year, ranking 65th among 100 influential female leaders across the region.

Compiled by Fortune magazine, the list honours women executives whose leadership, strategic vision, measurable business impact, and ability to shape the future of their organisations and industries stand out amid global and regional challenges.

‘This recognition is both an honour and a strong motivation to continue driving BJC’s sustainable growth-creating a positive impact for our people, partners, and communities,’ said Mrs Thapanee.

This year’s list features women leaders from 14 countries across Asia, with Mrs Thapanee among eight Thai executives recognised for their leadership excellence.

The historical agreement was signed by Lt.Gen.Pongchart Kampalanuwong, Director of the Army Sports Development Center, Lumpinee Boxing Stadium who has determined to center it as the global boxing hub and entertainment venue, under ambitiousness for building up the future of Muay Thai at a level of global stage in a sustainable pathway.

Lt.Gen.Pongchart Kampalanuwong, Director of the Army Sports Development Center, Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, who has led the project, said that the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium modification has not been only involved with basic infrastructure development, but also aggressively maintained persistence to inherit Muay Thai culture. This would be parallel with the country’s potential for promoting Thai martial arts- Muay Thai, entertainment and tourism under its national strategy for the economic and social sustainable development. The project has received great support from both local and international partners in various fields that helps it offer a chance to other boxing promoters and organizers for joining the scheme as well. This will be a kind of new model for promoting the boxing stadium to a heart of activity that is led to benefit to aspects of economic, social and cultural development, he added.

Under the cooperation, it has sent a clear message to elevate the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium as a full hub of global sports and entertainment, which would welcome other entertainment activity such as concert, boxing show and competition, e-sport, exhibition, Thai culture promotion and other events. It is a significant movement for building up ecosystem that links tourism, sport and importantly creative economy together. The income will be turned into the army staff’s welfare for their well living system.

Miss Krongkwan Lertjaruanun, Chief Executive Officer of LUMMAX Co.,Ltd. said that the company would exercise its expertise of advanced audio and light technology and live broadcasting innovation to raise up viewers’ experience, together with creating commercial advertisement and space to lure more business opportunities. It is also in charge of ticket distribution system, which has included both online and offline service to welcome both local and oversea demand. The basic infrastructure facility to serve various kinds of activity will be developed, paving a way for the country’s global destination of sport and entertainment venue.

The mass reshuffle involving 45 senior officials under the Interior Ministry, including provincial governors and department heads, is causing a stir.

While such transfers as a new government takes office may not be unusual, such a sweeping change at this ministry has taken place only once in political history, following the 2014 coup by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.

At that time, the military leaders needed officials they could trust to handle the ministry, which is responsible for provincial and local administration.

Regarding the latest rejig, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said it was a “routine appointment round”.

He added that he wished to return justice to some officials, particularly those who had been “unjustly treated” in three consecutive reshuffles during the previous Pheu Thai Party-led government.

The media and political pundits smell vindictiveness.

Mr Anutin was booted out of the interior portfolio last June when Pheu Thai felt the need to take the position back ahead of political uncertainty. The move was the last straw for Bhumjaithai (BJT), prompting it to switch to the opposition bloc.

Veteran politician Phumtham Wechayachai took over the interior portfolio. Like other politicians who take the helm at this ministry, he made a major shakeup, moving many director-generals and provincial governors that Mr Anutin had appointed.

In Thai bureaucracy, politicians often move officials as if they are objects or furniture. When Mr Anutin returned to the interior ministry, he moved back many of those officials.

Among them is Pornpoj Pennapas, who is reassigned as head of the Lands Department, the position he held before Pheu Thai took control of the ministry. Mr Phumtham appointed him as deputy permanent secretary amid speculation over a dispute over the Khao Kradong land title case in Buri Ram.

Big question marks surround the reshuffle of several provincial governors: a few have served in their provinces for only a brief time.

One example is the provincial governors of Phuket. The province welcomed a new governor, Saransak Srikruanetra, only two weeks ago. He is now to be replaced by Nirat Phongsitthaworn, who moves from the Provincial Administration Department. Such transfers have prompted analysts to see the reshuffle as the return of those affiliated with the “blue camp” (BJT).

More importantly, there are grounds to believe such a sweeping reshuffle is probably not in the best interests of the people. Some suspect it is a compromise between meritocracy and a reinforcement of patron-client relations between politicians and bureaucrats, while the public interest is overlooked.

But the fact is, a governor’s job requires continuity. Abrupt changes will certainly affect public service or could worsen responses to some tough issues like the battle against hazardous PM2.5 dust in the northern region, or the Kok River’s contamination in Chiang Rai.

The move highlights the need for decentralisation and governor elections in some big cities with large populations and economic scale. With this seemingly irrational shakeup, calls that provincial governors should be elected by residents gain greater strength.

Power should be returned to the people, so they can choose a governor who truly serves them, rather than politicians.

The Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) hosted the NBTC Symposium 2025 at Dusit Thani Bangkok under the theme ‘Bridging Today and Tomorrow, Connecting People – Inspiring Futures.’ Held from 9-10 October 2025, the symposium was organised by the International Issues and Engagement Bureau under the Academic Cluster of the Office of the NBTC.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr Torpong Selanon, NBTC Commissioner, together with Mr Trairat Viriyasirikul, Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Secretary-General of the NBTC. The event also featured a special keynote address by Assoc Prof Dr Sompop Purivigraipong, NBTC Commissioner, with Professor Emeritus Dr Pirongrong Ramasoota, NBTC Commissioner, also in attendance.

The symposium brought together ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from United Nations agencies, government officials, private-sector executives, academics, members of foreign chambers of commerce in Thailand, and NBTC executives and staff. The event served as a high-level platform for knowledge and vision exchange among policymakers and executives from leading public- and private-sector organisations, both domestic and international. Discussions covered topics ranging from green telecom infrastructure and cybersecurity resilience to next-generation satellite communications (IMT-NTN) and Thailand’s emerging space economy, with the goal of building sustainable policy frameworks and enhancing national competitiveness on the global stage.

The symposium was conducted in a hybrid format, accommodating both onsite and online participation, with live captioning provided to promote inclusive access to knowledge for all citizens.

1. United Nations Highlights Global Cooperation on Emerging Technologies

The symposium was honoured by a special video address from Mr Amandeep Singh Gill, Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, under the topic ‘Navigating the Converging Future: Global Visions and Shared Challenges.’Mr Gill shared the UN’s perspective on navigating the rapid transformation of digital technologies, particularly AI governance and ethics, emphasising the need for international cooperation to ensure inclusive and responsible digital progress.

2. Executive Keynote: Building the Infrastructure of the Future

In the executive keynote session titled ‘Building the Infrastructure of the Future: How NextWave and Digital Technologies Are Revolutionising Industries?’ leading executives from Thailand’s energy, financial, and telecom sectors shared their visions.Mr Smith Banomyong, Senior Executive Vice President of Gulf Development, stressed the critical role of clean and reliable energy as the backbone of Thailand’s digital economy. Mr Kaweewut Temphuwapat, Chief Innovation Officer of SCB X and CEO of SCB 10X, outlined the financial sector’s transformation through AI towards the ‘First Banking’ vision. Mr Chakkrit Urairat, Chief Regulatory and Government Affairs Officer of True Corporation, underscored the need for national AI infrastructure to ensure digital equality. Mr Saran Phaloprakarn, Head of Mobile and Consumer Product Business Unit at AIS, highlighted telecom networks as critical digital infrastructure supporting diverse future services.

3. Panel Discussions

Transforming Telecom for Sustainability: The Role of Mobile Operators in Driving Green Technology and an Eco-Friendly FuturePanellists included Dr Wongkot Vijacksungsithi, Senior Executive Vice President, Digital and Solutions of NT; Mr Wasit Wattanasap, Head of Nationwide Operations and Support Business Unit at AIS; and Mr Navneet Nayan, Head of Network Strategy at True Corporation. The session was moderated by Ms Theetanun Rattanasanyanuphap, Executive Director of the Policy Assessment Bureau, Office of the NBTC. The discussion focused on how Thai telecom operators are advancing sustainability through ESG and green technology, aligning with the UN SDGs and fostering an environmentally responsible telecom sector.

Critical Infrastructure and Digital Resilience: Securing What Matters MostPanellists included Ms Aurora Unnanuntana, Senior Director, Bank of Thailand; Mr Pitch Muenrak, Head of Public Policy, Amazon Web Services (Thailand); and Mr Waruth Voraprachaya, Head of Digital Operations, B.Grimm Power. The session was moderated by Mr Pratompong Srinuan, Executive Director of the Telecommunication Policy and Resources Management Bureau, Office of the NBTC. The discussion addressed resilience in financial, energy, and communications infrastructure, sharing insights on cyber threats, natural disasters, and collaborative strategies to safeguard national digital stability.

4. Special Keynote on IMT-NTN and Future Communications

Assoc Prof Dr Sompop Purivigraipong, NBTC Commissioner, delivered a keynote titled ‘Envisioning the Future of the IMT-NTN Landscape.’ He highlighted Thailand’s role in the global shift towards 6G and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), emphasising the need to bridge the connectivity gap for unserved populations. He underscored NBTC’s ongoing efforts in developing GSO/NGSO satellite regulatory frameworks and NTN studies, with strategic focuses on data-centric, spectrum-centric, regulatory-centric, AI-centric, and people-centric development to enhance citizens’ quality of life.

Mr Eiji Ishida, Director of the International Digital Infrastructure Promotion Division, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan, presented ‘Envisioning the Future of the IMT-NTN Landscape in Japan – Supporting the Beyond 5G Era from Space.’ He shared Japan’s national strategy on space communications, describing space as humanity’s ‘fifth frontier’ and a key enabler for national security, the economy, and society. The multi-layered network approach – integrating terrestrial and satellite systems – supports advanced R and D such as quantum communications, LEO satellites, and direct-to-cell systems to eliminate coverage gaps. Japan also addresses space-weather resilience through NICT’s forecasting and alerting mechanisms to protect critical digital infrastructure.

Mr Eric Edora, Associate General Counsel, Regulatory Affairs, TELUS (Canada), presented ‘Allowing Direct-to-Device (D2D) Communications: Canada’s Policy and Regulatory Pathway.’ He explained Canada’s Supplemental Mobile Coverage by Satellite (SMCS) framework, which enables D2D communication to bridge gaps in sparsely populated regions, enhance public safety, and promote sustainable connectivity.

5. Panel: From Sky to Street – The New Era of IMT-NTN-Enabled Global Communications

Mr Saneh Saiwong, Principal Engineer Expert, Office of the NBTC, joined global satellite providers to explore the future of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). The session was moderated by Mr Chatchai Kongaut, Director of the Spectrum Allocation Policy and Infrastructure Development Division, Office of the NBTC. Mr Saneh likened NBTC’s regulatory mission to ‘assembling a jigsaw puzzle’ to ensure seamless integration between space, air, and terrestrial systems.

Mr Cristian Gomez, Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs, APAC, Viasat, highlighted the need for multi-orbit coordination and pre-emptive regulation to prevent monopolisation. Mr Bala Balamurali, Vice President, Southeast and East Asia, Eutelsat OneWeb, stressed the complementary roles of NTN and terrestrial networks. Mr Peter Huang, General Manager, International Business Development, Galaxy Space, presented innovations to enhance satellite service coverage and reliability.

6. Presentations on ‘Space Economy on the Rise – Global Lessons from the Frontier’

Speakers included Mr Takehiro Nakamura, Director, International Relations and Research Department, JAXA Bangkok Office; Ms Liu Huan, Senior Engineer, Radio Research, CAICT; and Mr Hernan Merino Choque, Deputy Director-General, Department of Programme Management and Data Service, APSCO.They shared global perspectives and case studies on the rapidly growing space economy, covering national strategies, regional cooperation, and policy frameworks from Japan, China, and multilateral organisations – suggesting directions for Thailand’s strategic planning in developing its own space economy.

7. Panel: Thailand’s Space Economy and Satellite Development

Moderated by Mr Suebsak Suebpakdee, Commissioner and Secretary-General of the Telecommunications Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, the session brought together experts from the government and private sectors to explore ways to strengthen Thailand’s space ecosystem.

Dr Phornphan Tannukit, Executive Director, National Space Affairs Division, National Board of Digital Economy and Society Office (BDE), discussed Thailand’s current and planned satellites and stressed the importance of maximising national satellite resources and human capacity development.Mr Patompob Suwansiri, CEO of Thaicom, emphasised that developing the space economy requires not only investment but also government policies that foster fair competition and innovation, balancing technology imports with domestic development.Mr Samathorn Teankingkaeo, COO of muSpace, highlighted global LEO satellite growth and the opportunities for Thailand through investment in reusable rockets, mass production, and miniaturisation technologies.Dr Pakorn Apaphant, Executive Director of GISTDA, underscored the need for ‘Team Thailand’ collaboration across sectors, encompassing satellite development, space object surveillance, international cooperation, and the feasibility of establishing a spaceport.Dr Wiphu Rujopakarn, Executive Director of NARIT, discussed the importance of classifying technologies into Tech, Hi-Tech, Deep-Tech, and Frontier-Tech for targeted support and human capital development, linking astronomy research with next-generation satellite optical communication technologies.

The NBTC Symposium 2025 was organised by the International Issues and Engagement Bureau under the Academic Cluster of the Office of the NBTC.

Re: “Solving the conflict in Myanmar”, (Opinion, Sept 15). The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar presents a complex and deeply troubling challenge for the international community.

While international organisations like embassies, NGOs, and UN agencies are committed to providing aid, their efforts are hampered by the restrictions imposed by the ruling military junta.

This situation has led to a critical question: Can leveraging control over aid delivery be used as a pressure tactic against the Myanmar junta? Specifically, could a unified international stance threatening to reroute aid to areas beyond the junta’s direct reach be effective?

The premise is that if the junta cannot guarantee access for aid to all those in need, and if international organisations, acting with one voice, were to state their intention to find alternative channels to deliver aid to underserved areas, this could create pressure on the military regime. Such a strategy would aim to highlight the junta’s failure to protect its population and its obstruction of humanitarian efforts, potentially undermining its legitimacy and forcing concessions.

Potentially shift the balance of power by demonstrating that humanitarian access is not solely at the whim of the military regime. A decision to threaten aid diversion must be meticulously planned, with robust contingency measures to protect civilian lives and ensure aid reaches those most in need, regardless of who controls the territory.

It requires a deep understanding of the junta’s motivations and a commitment to sustained international cooperation. Without these, such a tactic could do more harm than good.

The international community must continue to explore all avenues to alleviate the suffering in Myanmar, but any strategy involving the redirection of aid must be approached with extreme caution and a clear understanding of the potential outcome.

Nathan Soe

Victimhood’s perils

Re: “Healthy minds”, (PostBag, Oct 13) and “Tackling mental health woes”, (Editorial, Oct 5).

This letter says psychologists and counsellors addressed common mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression, emphasising the need to seek help without hesitation. Unfortunately, if one has a mental health problem and follows this advice, they will probably be given drugs, often dangerous drugs.

Yet applying prescription drugs to this problem is a confession that the problem originates from a physiological source, yet only remedies which provide temporary relief are prescribed. Year after year, perhaps for a lifetime. If one is alive, one is not a victim.

Yet psychologists continually convince people that their anxiety and depression derive from victimhood status. Gautama Buddha teaches that “there is suffering” and provides a means to understand how to transcend the self that is under stress. Stress is what we are experiencing; unhappiness is entirely our own responsibility.

As to the medical problems that contribute to depression and anxiety, they are often caused by dysbiosis of the microbiome, exposure to plastics, toxic chemicals in our food and the environment, use of drugs and pharmaceuticals, smoking, alcohol, caffeine, lack of exercise, little exposure to the sun, and poor dietary choices. Today, people suffer most of the above, which is the primary root cause of our mental health crisis.

When the body is not constantly gnawing on your sensory nervous system and brain, it is far easier not to dramatise stress, fear, sorrow, and anger, and thereby consciously transcend the habit of being unhappy to become a functional and balanced human.

A foreign man was beaten by angry locals in Pattaya after allegedly attacking a disabled Thai man and spitting at police officers during a drunken outburst in a busy nightlife district.

The incident unfolded just before midnight on Wednesday in Soi Buakhao, a popular entertainment strip in central Pattaya, Chon Buri province. The shirtless man, believed to be between 30 and 40 years old, was seen stumbling along the street in a highly intoxicated state, shouting at bystanders and causing panic among tourists and residents.

Security guards from nearby venues attempted to restrain him, but the situation quickly escalated when a group of locals, enraged by his behaviour, joined in and began physically assaulting him. The chaotic scene was captured on mobile phones by onlookers and quickly spread on social media.

Police arrived at the scene within minutes. The local police said the man became aggressive upon seeing officers and spat at them while resisting arrest. He was subdued and taken to the local police station to calm down.

Authorities later charged the man with two offences: public intoxication leading to disorderly conduct, and insulting a public official while on duty. His nationality has not yet been confirmed. Initial investigations suggest the man had been arguing with a Thai woman over missing money shortly before the incident. Witnesses said the altercation turned violent when he allegedly shoved a disabled man to the ground, triggering outrage among nearby residents.

Police said the man was already being restrained by locals when they arrived. Officers are now reviewing video footage and speaking with witnesses to determine whether additional charges will be filed.

The incident has sparked renewed concerns over tourist behaviour in Pattaya, a city that draws millions of visitors each year but frequently makes headlines for alcohol-fuelled disturbances.

Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat has launched a campaign to promote free dialysis treatment while emphasising the importance of public education and lifestyle changes to prevent chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The initiative comes amid growing concern over the kidney health crisis.

Mr Pattana said that in 2024, Thailand recorded 1.12 million CKD patients. Among them, around 500,000 were in stage 3; 120,000 in stage 4; and about 75,000 in stage 5 (end-stage kidney failure).

The number continues to rise, with many unaware of their condition until the later stages, as early CKD often shows no symptoms.

Once the disease progresses to 3-5 stages, treatment expenses such as dialysis, peritoneal dialysis or kidney transplantation will be expensive, posing a heavy burden on families and the national healthcare budget, he said.

So, the ministry is advancing a CKD care policy — from prevention and screening to treatment and rehabilitation — to promote equitable access to services nationwide.

Dr Amporn Benjaponpitak, the Health Department’s director-general, said Thais ingest an average of 4,351 milligrammes of sodium per day, more than double the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 2,000 mg, equal to one teaspoon of salt. Excessive sodium intake, dehydration and overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac can accelerate kidney damage.

She added unregulated herbal remedies, physical inactivity and neglecting regular check-ups also heighten CKD risks.

The Department of Health is intensifying screening among at-risk groups and promoting healthier habits — less salt, fewer processed foods, sufficient water intake, regular exercise and annual check-ups. Those with diabetes or hypertension are urged to maintain strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure levels, she said.

Dr Pakorn Tungkasereerak, the department’s deputy director-general and nephrologist, said the ministry is running the “7.2 Million Thais Know Their Kidney Risk” campaign, honouring Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 72nd birthday in 2027.

People are encouraged to visit hospitals or local health centres for early screening and blood tests for estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine tests for protein leakage and blood pressure and glucose monitoring.

Small lifestyle adjustments can prolong kidney function for years and significantly reduce future dialysis dependency, he said.

The First Army Region has pledged to act on the initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana by building a “Thai-Cambodian border wall” and accelerating the construction of safety shelters.

The projects are proceeding under the “Hataitip Fund” initiated by the Chulabhorn Foundation.

The move follows an audience granted by the princess on Tuesday to army chief Gen Pana Klaoplodthuk, during which the army reported on projects under the Hataitip Fund to improve the safety of soldiers and civilians living in border areas.

The princess expressed deep concern over the current security conditions and ordered the army to expedite the construction of defensive posts for soldiers and emergency shelters for local residents.

Gen Pana has assigned First Army Region Commander Lt Gen Worayos Lueangsuwan, who also directs the First Army Operations Centre, to conduct field surveys and collect data.

On Wednesday, Lt Gen Worayos inspected border areas in Sa Kaeo alongside Maj Gen Benjaphon Dechatiwong, commander of the Burapha Task Force, provincial officials and local residents to identify suitable and safe construction sites.

Under the initial phase, the Burapha Task Force will construct and improve 72 military bunkers within its operational bases and six civilian shelters capable of accommodating up to 40 people each.

Ten bunkers and two shelters will be prioritised for immediate construction.

The First Army Region reaffirmed its commitment, as the army of the Royal Guards, to uphold the princess’s wish to “prevent and resolve security and safety crises affecting the people and the nation”.

Somporn Phetjit, head of Nong Ya Kaeo village in Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo, said discussions with the army indicated plans to add five more bunkers to the three in her area.

Each can shelter between 40 and 100 people. “Our district has 254 households and 663 residents. With the new bunkers, all villagers will have a safe refuge if emergencies occur,” she said.

On Tuesday, Gen Anupap Sirimonton, head of the army’s general staff team overseeing the Hataitip Fund project, presented detailed implementation plans to the princess.

The army reported that surveys of the Thai-Cambodian border — under the responsibility of the Suranaree and Burapha task forces — showed an urgent need to build or upgrade 799 protective bunkers (727 under the Suranaree Task Force and 72 under the Burapha Task Force) and 173 civilian shelters (167 and six, respectively).

Officials said significant funding will still be required to complete the construction and ensure long-term safety for both military personnel and border residents. The Hataitip Fund invites contributions from government agencies, the private sector and the general public to promote participation in supporting national security.