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Fabricio Andrade will finally make his long-awaited return to ONE Championship when he defends his bantamweight MMA world title against Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu at ONE Fight Night 38 in Bangkok.

The December 7 event at Lumpinee Stadium marks the Brazilian’s second title defence – and his first fight in nearly 11 months.

Andrade, 27, last competed at ONE 170 inside Bangkok’s Impact Arena in January, when he stopped South Korea’s Kwon Won Il in just 42 seconds. That blistering TKO extended his record to 10-2 (1 NC) and reaffirmed his reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA.

But after another extended lay-off, the ‘Wonder Boy’ now faces a new challenge in Mongolia’s ‘Tormentor’, who has quietly put together a three-fight win streak to earn his first title shot.

The 36-year-old veteran has impressed with his relentless pace and durability, posting wins over Carlo Bumina-Ang, Aaron Canarte and Jeremy Pacatiw. His wrestling-heavy style has made him one of the division’s most underrated threats – and now, he steps into the biggest opportunity of his career.

Andrade, for his part, sent a simple message to fans on social media after the announcement: ‘#AndStill.’

The Brazilian champion has stayed patient despite inactivity in the bantamweight division, having waited nearly two years between his title-clinching win over John Lineker in February 2023 and his January defence.

He’ll aim to make a statement in December, and potentially set up a blockbuster 2026 campaign with fresh challengers such as Stephen Loman waiting in the wings.

The ONE Fight Night 38 card will also feature another world title bout.

Brazil’s Diogo ‘Baby Shark’ Reis, one of jiu-jitsu’s most exciting young stars, will meet Japan’s Daiki Yonekura for the vacant ONE flyweight submission grappling world championship.

Reis, a black belt under Melqui Galvao who made his ONE debut in March with a submission of Shoya Ishiguro via rolling kimura, now looks to cement himself as the new face of ONE’s flyweight division following the departure of former champ Mikey Musumeci.

Yonekura, 24, will make his ONE Championship debut, having earned acclaim in the Asian grappling scene for his aggressive, submission-first style.

The return of the legendary Liam Harrison was also confirmed for the event on Thursday. ‘The Hitman’ will face Japan’s Shinji Suzuki in a bantamweight kickboxing bout.

Foreign data centre operators eager to expand their businesses to Thailand can start buying clean power under the state’s direct power purchase agreement (PPA) scheme in December of this year, says the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Authorities are keen to launch a pilot direct PPA scheme because it facilitates trade between power companies and their clients, which is a key factor for investors considering development of data centres in Thailand.

Peer-to-peer power trade in the renewables category remains banned in the country, but under a direct PPA, power producers can directly sell electricity to buyers.

Later this month, data centre operators will be given details of the direct PPA, including electricity prices and trade regulations, before the scheme is approved by the Energy Policy Administration Committee next month for a launch in December, said Poonpat Leesombatpiboon, secretary-general of the ERC.

‘A public hearing is being held from Oct 3-10, with adjustments expected later for investment issues,’ he said.

Participants in the direct PPA must be data centre operators granted investment incentives from the Board of Investment (BoI).

Many investors have applied for the investment privileges. Between 2022 and 2024, up to 27 data centre and cloud services projects were submitted to the board for approval, according to the BoI.

Implementation of the direct PPA scheme, with power generation capacity of 2 gigawatts, will extend beyond the Eastern Economic Corridor, as officials seek locations with adequate renewable energy generation and transmission infrastructure to support the initiative, said Mr Poonpat.

Solar energy will be prioritised for the scheme due to its lower generation costs compared to other renewable sources, said ERC deputy secretary-general Kan Saengruang.

Clean electricity prices under the scheme should not be different from those under direct PPA schemes in Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, he said.

The Thai government plans to pilot the direct PPA scheme for a few years before expanding it to other industries, including printed circuit boards, electronics, and electric vehicles, all of which need clean energy to run their businesses.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has arrested a man operating under the online alias “Doctor for All Moods”, who allegedly sold methamphetamine (crystal meth) and offered on-site injection services to clients in hotel rooms. The suspect, Kom-anan “Dr Golf”, 39, was caught in Bangkok following a covert sting operation.

Investigators discovered the suspect marketed his services through social media, targeting LGBTQ+ clients and offering a “double injection” package. Some encounters were secretly filmed and shared online, leading to the circulation of hundreds of explicit videos.

Police conducted a week-long undercover operation, deploying an officer disguised as a potential client.

The arrest took place at a motel in Khlong Tan, followed by a search of a residence in Soi Pridi Banomyong 40, where additional drugs and equipment were found.

Items seized include pre-filled syringes with methamphetamine, 7.2 grammes of crystal meth in sealed bags, eight packs of Viagra (six pills each), packaging materials prepared for drug delivery, and two mobile phones containing 283 explicit videos.

The suspect admitted to previous convictions for theft, facilitating underage prostitution, and drug offences. He admitted to targeting LGBTQ+ clients due to high demand and claimed that combining drug use with sexual activity increased his income. He also acknowledged filming and sharing videos to attract more customers.

A second suspect, Paveena “Na”, 40, denied all charges, claiming she was unaware of the drug activity and had only allowed Mr Kom-anan to stay temporarily. However, police found evidence suggesting her involvement. Both suspects were charged with possession and distribution of a Category 1 narcotic and were transferred to Khlong Tan police for further legal proceedings.

MPB deputy commissioner Pol Maj Gen Teeradet Thamsuthee said Metropolitan Police will intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking via social media, especially those that target the young. “This case highlights the dangers of online drug networks. We are committed to making Bangkok safer,” he said.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says it is a “nightmare” to see Thailand’s economy lagging behind Vietnam.

In his keynote speech at the Economic Reporters Association’s annual seminar, the premier said Thailand has fallen behind Vietnam, describing it as his worst nightmare and noting he never imagined Thailand would grow more slowly than other nations in Indochina.

“We need to work together as this is not beyond our capability. In the past we were leaders. With the strong foundations of the industrial and agricultural sectors, and Thai society as a whole, I am confident we can achieve renewed growth as the Thai economy remains resilient,” he said.

Mr Anutin said Thailand has many advantages, particularly its geographical position, which allows the country to serve as a land bridge for the region, and can result in it becoming the regional trade hub.

He emphasised the need to revive the Thai economy, increase employment, and promote domestic investment to build a stable tax base for the government, which is necessary to support the financial burdens of an “ageing” society.

The government is considering extending the retirement age for civil servants beyond the current 60 years, as people are living longer, said Mr Anutin.

On environmental policy, he said the government is accelerating its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions to 2050, 15 years earlier than targeted, helping Thai exports to become more accepted globally. To this end, the government plans to expedite enactment of the Clean Air Act and the Climate Change Act, said Mr Anutin.

“We must reset our way of thinking and review our actions — whether they are still necessary, effective, appropriate and aligned with global changes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said at the same event if the economy is not stimulated during this government’s term, it could result in a severe downturn.

He said the Thai economy grew by 3% in the first half, with third-quarter growth projected at 1.7% and the fourth quarter only 0.3%. The issue is the administration only has a four-month tenure to work with, said Mr Ekniti.

Thailand’s economy before 1997 grew at an average of 7%, then fell to 3% after 1997. From 2012 to the present, growth failed to reach an average of 2%, largely attributed to low investment. Before 1997, investment comprised 40% of GDP, but after 1997 it dropped to only 23%, he said.

“The government will try to implement stimulus measures every week, such as resolving individuals’ debt issues and improving liquidity for small businesses,” said Mr Ekniti.

In November, the Finance Ministry is slated to revise the medium-term fiscal framework, which has been a concern for credit ratings agencies and resulted in an adjustment of Thailand’s outlook. He said the revision will cover revenue, expenditure and public debt management in a transparent manner, in a nod to the ratings agencies.

“We may not be able to accomplish everything within four months, as some measures require amendments to laws,” said Mr Ekniti.

At The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 award ceremony, held in Hong Kong last night, Bar Leone in Hong Kong ranked No.1 on list, making it the first bar in Asia to be awarded the title. It also took home the title of The Best Bar in Asia 2025.

Nestled in Hong Kong’s Central district, Bar Leone is the brainchild of Lorenzo Antinori, whose storied resume encompasses some of Europe and Asia’s most beloved hotel bars, including London’s American Bar at The Savoy and the now-defunct Dandelyan. Built on the philosophy of “cocktail popolari” or “cocktails for the people”, Bar Leone pays tribute to the neighbourhood bars of Rome, where locals gather for coffee, aperitivi and casual conversation. The interior is a love letter to the city in the 80s and 90s and is designed to be approachable, unpretentious and deeply rooted in Italian culture and hospitality.

The 2025 list features bars from 29 cities with eight new entries spread across Athens, Bratislava, Guangzhou, Lima, New York, Oslo, Tirana and Tokyo. In Bangkok, Bar Us rose a remarkable 26 places to No.15 and BKK Social Club is at No.49.

Of the 23 bars in Europe, London reigned supreme as the region’s cocktail capital with four bars: Tayer + Elementary at No.5, Connaught Bar at No.6, Satan’s Whiskers at No.21 and Scarfes Bar at No.31. They were joined by Edinburgh’s Panda and Sons at No.34.

The title of The Best Bar in Europe was retained for the third time by Barcelona’s Sips at No.3 as co-founder Simone Caporale was awarded the Industry Icon Award. Paradiso in Barcelona came No.4 with Madrid’s Salmon Guru at No.37. Athens continues its ascendancy, with Line at No.8 alongside Baba au Rum, this year’s Legend Of The List, at No.27 and new entry The Bar In Front Of The Bar at No.47.

Milan’s Moebius Milano was the Highest Climber, having risen an impressive 31 places to No.7. It was joined by 1930 in Milan at No.43, with Florence’s Locale Firenze at No.22 and Rome’s Drink Kong at No.40. Paris was represented by Bar Nouveau, rising 22 places to No.17, The Cambridge Public House (No.20) and Danico (No.30).

For the first time, bars from Eastern Europe were ranked in the list, with new entries Mirror Bar in Bratislava at No.25 and Nouvelle Vague in Tirana at No.28. In Scandinavia, Oslo’s Himkok (No.14) was joined by another new entry, Svanen at No.32, with Röda Huset in Stockholm at No.35.

New York City reaffirmed its status as North America’s cocktail powerhouse, with four bars making this year’s list: Superbueno (rising 15 places to No.12), who was joined by newcomer Sip and Guzzle (No.39), named this year’s Three Cents Best New Opening, alongside Double Chicken Please (No.41) and Overstory (No.46). In New Orleans, Jewel Of The South is No.44.

In Mexico City, The Best Bar in North America is Handshake Speakeasy at No.2, with Tlecan, a new entry in 2024, at No.23. Bar Mauro, which placed at No.54 on the extended list of bars ranked 51-100, is the recipient of the One To Watch Award. The Best Bar in South America is once again Buenos Aires’ Tres Monos at No.10, with neighbour CoChinChina at No.26. Lima’s Lady Bee is No.13 and the recipient of this year’s Art Of Hospitality Award, alongside new entry Sastrería Martinez at No.33. Alquímico in Cartagena is No.11 while São Paulo’s Tan Tanis No.24.

With three bars on the list, stalwart Bar Benfiddich (No.18) was joined by Virtù at No.45 and new entry The Bellwood at No.48. Host city Hong Kong also had Coa at No.38 on the list. Singapore’s Jigger and Pony is No.9, with creative director and partner Uno Jang being the recipient of this year’s Bartenders’ Bartender Award, while Nutmeg and Clove is No.50. Seoul’s Zest is No.16 with new entry Hope and Sesame, the first bar from Guangzhou to feature at No.29. The winner of the Best Cocktail Menu Award is Penang’s Backdoor Bodega.

Mimi Kakushi in Dubai (No.36) was named The Best Bar in the Middle East, while Nairobi’s Hero Bar was crowned The Best Bar in Africa after ranking No.69 on the extended list. This is the first time either accolade has been awarded as part of The World’s 50 Best Bars, having previously been presented as The Best Bar in the Middle East and Africa.

At No.19, Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage retains its title as The Best Bar in Australasia, at No.19, with Sydney’s Maybe Sammy at No.42. The Best Bar Design Award is bestowed upon Sydney’s Tigra + Disco Pantera.

Highlights at a glance:

Bar Leone in Hong Kong ranks No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, the first time this has been awarded to a bar in Asia.

Simone Caporale of Barcelona’s Sips was awarded the Roku Industry Icon Award.

Bar Mauro in Mexico City received the One To Watch Award.

The Cambridge Public House in Paris won the Sustainable Bar Award.

Entering the list at No.25 and winner of the Highest New Entry Award was Bratislava’s Mirror Bar.

Moebius Milano in Milan moved up 31 places to No.7 and claimed the Highest Climber Award.

Baba au Rum in Athens is named Legend Of The List.

New York’s Sip and Guzzle won this year’s Best New Opening Award.

Backdoor Bodega in Penang won the Best Cocktail Menu Award.

The Best Bar Design Award was presented to Tigra + Disco Pantera in Sydney.

Mimi Kakushi is The Best Bar in the Middle East.

Hero Bar is The Best Bar in Africa.

Yadea Technology (Thailand), a subsidiary of Chinese electric two-wheeler producer Yadea Global, is expanding its investment in Thailand as it aims to become a hub of electric motorcycle production in Southeast Asia.

The move came after the company was granted investment incentives from the Board of Investment.

The board declined to unveil the investment budget of Yadea Technology (Thailand).

“We want Thailand to be an electric motorcycle hub in Southeast Asia, with annual production capacity of 500,000 units,” said chief executive Jack Yang.

The company aims to increase capacity to 600,000 units between 2025 and 2027.

“We produce electric motorcycles from a smart assembly plant, which is like our ‘super factory’ in China,” said Mr Yang, adding the facilities are equipped with technology to enhance production efficiency.

Yadea’s factory, which is located in Samut Prakan’s Bang Sao Thong district, employs more than 500 workers, mostly Thais.

The company believes its electric motorcycle business has good prospects in Thailand thanks to an adequate production facility and a network of motorcycle dealers in 70 areas countrywide, he said.

Last year, Yadea opened three flagship stores here, marking the company’s entry into the Thai electric two-wheeler market since its establishment in 2001 in China.

The three stores, two located in Pathum Thani’s commercial area and the other located in a shopping area in Chon Buri, play an important role in introducing the brand to prospective customers.

The Ascott Limited Thailand, the wholly owned lodging business unit of Singapore-based CapitaLand Investment, expects revenue, occupancy and room rates to recover in 2026, with plans to diversify into resort destinations such as Phuket and secure a management contract in Hat Yai.

Kanit Sangmookda, Ascott’s country general manager for Thailand and Laos, said the company is targeting 7% revenue growth, 5% occupancy growth, and a 1% gain in the average daily rate (ADR) next year.

“This year has been challenging as the hotel sector in Thailand remains weak, affected by slower arrivals,” he said. “Our 2025 performance may dip from 2024, which was a peak year for the tourism industry, but we expect a rebound to 2024 levels next year.”

In the first nine months of 2025, the company recorded an average occupancy rate of around 70%, led by Vientiane with 80%, followed by Pattaya and Si Racha, which both achieved 70%, and Bangkok with 68%.

While Somerset Vientiane was supported by long-stay guests, occupancy rates in Thailand declined significantly as demand softened, making it difficult for the company and other hotels to raise their ADR.

“Currency has affected demand, making Thailand less affordable compared with destinations such as Vietnam,” Mr Kanit said.

“However, we have seen a strong rebound this month, with performance matching or even exceeding 2024 levels. This momentum is expected to continue into the first quarter of 2026.”

He said although Chinese tourist arrivals have slowed this year, the nation remains a key contributor, ranking as Ascott’s second-largest source market for the first nine months, accounting for 17%, behind Japan at 20%.

Thailand ranked third at 9%, followed by South Korea, the US, Taiwan and Australia, with each of these markets accounting for 4%.

Corporate long-stay guests remain a core segment, representing 23%, while corporate short-stay accounted for 11%.

Online travel agencies contributed 36% and Ascott’s own reservation channels accounted for 6%.

To achieve growth next year, Ascott plans to diversify its portfolio by expanding into resort destinations, moving beyond its traditional focus on city locations. Phuket is the company’s first resort destination.

Ascott expects to manage Abov Patong Phuket Resort, a new 200-room hotel and branded residence project scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2027.

The company is also considering expansion to the beachfront in Pattaya, Samui and Hua Hin.

“Our properties are mainly located in cities — even in Chon Buri, they are in Si Racha near business hubs, while in Pattaya they are not on the beachfront as most of our guests are business travellers,” said Mr Kanit.

“However, we are expanding into leisure destinations to offer our members more variety.”

This month, Ascott is scheduled to sign a management contract for a new hotel in Hat Yai under the Oakwood brand, slated to begin next year.

Rui Botelho says reputations do not matter in ONE Championship, and he’s ready to prove it against Prajanchai PK Saenchai.

The Portuguese striker, coming off a bloody split-decision victory over Zhang Peimian in a strawweight kickboxing bout at ONE Friday Fights 126, has thrown down the gauntlet to the Thai superstar.

‘Names don’t win fights,’ Botelho told the Bangkok Post. ‘In combat sports, nobody is unbeatable. You saw [Giorgio] Petrosyan get knocked out by Superbon – nobody expected that. It’s the same here.

‘Maybe in kickboxing I have more advantage against Prajanchai, maybe not. But I can beat him in both. When it was Joseph Lasiri vs Prajanchai in Muay Thai, nobody was expecting that too in the first fight.’

Prajanchai is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Jonathan Di Bella at ONE Fight Night 36 last week in Bangkok, where the Canadian-Italian reclaimed the undisputed strawweight kickboxing title. The rematch ended 15 months of frustration for Di Bella, who had lost a controversial decision to Prajanchai when the belt was on the line in June 2024.

Botelho was the man standing across from Di Bella just after that first meeting. He lost a unanimous decision to the now two-time champion in December 2024, but insists the performance did not reflect his real ability.

‘When I fought Di Bella, it wasn’t me in there,’ he said. ‘I wasn’t focused. I had things going on in my life. This year, I’ve dedicated myself to me and my career. When I saw Di Bella fight Sam-A [Gaiyanghadao] and Prajanchai, I thought – that could have been me. Inside my heart, I know the Rui Botelho that fought Di Bella wasn’t me. It was only my avatar.’

Di Bella went on to dominate former two-sport champion Sam-A in Tokyo at ONE 172 in March, claiming the interim title and setting up last week’s unification bout.

Prajanchai, who still holds the ONE strawweight Muay Thai crown, is expected to defend that belt next against Aliff Sor Dechapan in December – though Botelho would be happy to step in if needed, or wait in line if he must.

‘I wouldn’t mind fighting Prajanchai and then Di Bella, or Di Bella immediately,’ he said. ‘I just need eight weeks to get ready.’

The 30-year-old has faced world-class names before, including Superlek Kiatmookao, and says he’s never backed down from a challenge.

‘I fought Superlek and lost by points. At the beginning of the first round, he hit me with an elbow that broke my coconut,’ Botelho said, laughing. ‘[Referee] Olivier Coste told me he thought I wouldn’t get up. But I did – and I finished the fight. That’s who I am.’

His comeback win over Zhang in September showed that grit once again. The fight turned into a wild, bloody affair, but Botelho insists he was always in control.

‘If there wasn’t a knockdown in the second round, I think that they would have stopped the fight,’ he said. ‘The cut above his eye was so big, I could fit my finger inside. After 10 or 15 minutes I shook my head and there was still blood coming out of my hair – and it wasn’t mine. I could smell the iron.’

Now refocused, Botelho believes he’s entering his prime and determined to climb back to title contention.

‘My dream, like everyone’s, is to be a world champion,’ he said. ‘If it’s the next fight, perfect. If not, that’s OK too. This is a marathon, not a sprint. I know it will happen.’

And if it takes going through both Prajanchai and Di Bella to get there, he’s happy to fight his way the long way round.

‘I don’t care who has the belt,’ he said. ‘When I get my title shot, it’ll be the real Rui Botelho this time.’

Despite the change in government, the Phu Kradueng cable car project is expected to proceed as scheduled and be completed by late 2027 or early 2028, as construction design firms have already been contracted, according to the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta).

Dasta director Siripakorn Cheawsamoot said the long-awaited cable car project is proceeding as planned.

Tesco Limited and Chulalongkorn University signed the contract for construction design with a 20-million-baht budget on Sept 30, covering Oct 1, 2025 to June 27, 2026.

Mr Siripakorn said more than five contractors proposed bids.

Tesco was selected because of its expertise in laying high-voltage poles and experience in working with both the public and private sectors, he said.

Chulalongkorn University is set to supervise the government regulations and is studying the project’s potential impact.

The study and design masterplan should be ready to propose to the cabinet for approving the construction by late 2026.

The construction cost is estimated at 1 billion baht, handling 32 cabins with eight people per car along the 4.4-kilometre route.

The cable car project will help improve waste and tourism management at Phu Kradueng National Park, while the limit of daily visitors would still be restricted to no more than 5,000, he said.

At present, there are 80,000 annual visitors or an average of 200 visitors a day at the park.

Phu Kradueng National Park welcomed 64,687 visitors in 2025, earning 5.38 million baht in revenue.

Over 83% of visitors were under 40 and most of them chose to stay overnight.

Mr Siripakorn said the cable car could help increase tourist spending in Loei to over 3,600 baht per trip, from 2,500 baht today.

The Loei Chamber of Commerce urged related authorities to plan ahead for the post-opening, such as hiring experts to manage the cable car, and increasing the budget for national park officers.

It needs to improve transport from other districts to Phu Kradueng.

TOP 100 DESTINATION

Dasta is also drafting plans to enhance tourism in Chiang Khan, as the community was listed among 10 Thai destinations in the “Green Destinations Top 100 Stories Awards 2025”.

Channarong Wongla, secretary of Hug Chiang Khan community, said the group aims to promote its fishery and agricultural activities as well as raise awareness about environmental impact on the Mekong River.

For a decade, the Mekong River has withered due to dam constructions in China and Laos.

Fish species were reduced to fewer than 50 from more than 115, affecting fishery jobs in Chiang Khan.

Fishermen have adapted by pivoting to tourism as an alternative revenue source, offering boat tours and learning activities. Dasta helped them by building the riverfront area and learning space for tourists.

In fiscal 2024, the community welcomed over 3,700 tourists, generating 447,209 baht revenue.

In fiscal 2025, which ended in September, it served only 2,401 visitors, but earned higher revenue of 521,780 baht.

Chiang Khan fishery community is among the 11 designated tourism communities in Loei under the supervision of the Dasta.

In 2025, all destinations posted a total of 10.5 million baht revenue, a 27.1% increase year-on-year, from 46,527 visitors.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn yesterday inspected Surat Thani Airport and outlined policies aimed at transforming the province into a tourism gateway to the Gulf of Thailand.

The policies focus on improving transport infrastructure, expanding international flight connections, and addressing traffic congestion and flood problems.

Mr Phiphat toured the passenger terminal, public transport facilities, and CIQ (Customs-Immigration-Quarantine) area to assess the airport’s readiness to take the growing number of domestic and international travellers. The Department of Airports briefed him on plans to upgrade the facility.

He highlighted Surat Thani’s strategic importance as a major southern hub on the Gulf coast, home to world-renowned islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao. “Tourism in Surat Thani is expanding rapidly, particularly with the increasing number of foreign visitors,” he said.

“Upgrading Surat Thani Airport will create seamless connectivity between air, land, and local public transport systems, enabling smoother, safer, and faster travel for both residents and tourists.”

The minister instructed the Department of Airports to coordinate with foreign airlines, particularly those from China, to attract direct flights to Surat Thani.

He said the ministry is promoting “quality tourism” rather than mass “zero-dollar tours”, to ensure tourism benefits are distributed to local communities and support a sustainable grassroots economy.

“I want Surat Thani to serve as the main tourism gateway to the Gulf of Thailand — welcoming visitors from around the world, not merely as an alternative to Phuket, but as a destination in its own right where both Thais and foreigners can travel conveniently,” Mr Phiphat said.

He also addressed measures to tackle flood and traffic issues during his visit.