Category: The Bangkok Post

Thirty years ago, 186 countries met in Copenhagen for the first Social Summit for Social Development. The gathering was the largest meeting of world leaders ever at the time. By the end of the summit, their agenda was clear: the challenges faced by our societies are global, and so are the solutions.

In response, governments vowed to put people at the centre of global development. They recognised that social justice must be the foundation for economic progress if progress is to be sustainable. This means ensuring that people, regardless of gender, nationality, background or place of birth, have the right to live in dignity, with equal opportunities to work, thrive and succeed. Societies built on fairness work better, trust more and grow stronger.

The consensus of the summit became the cornerstone for the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since 2015, the SDGs have been the blueprint for achieving a socially just, peaceful and sustainable world. The deadline for their realisation was set for 2030.

Since that first summit, our world has changed, in many ways for the better. A new ILO report, The State of Social Justice, shows that extreme poverty is down from 39% to 10% of the global population. Child labour for under-14-year-olds has been cut in half, and for the first time in history, more than half the world has some form of social protection, such as a pension or unemployment insurance.

But despite decades of efforts, the report makes clear that major disparities remain. A person’s place of birth still determines more than half of their lifetime earnings. Globally, over 800 million people survive on less than three dollars (97 baht) a day. That is why achieving the 2030 SDG targets is in jeopardy. For example, for SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, we lag well behind, having met only two-thirds — or 66% — of the indicators.

If we wish to improve living conditions for everyone and achieve social justice, accelerating the SDGs is crucial. Decent work is a key thread that helps to tie the SDGs together, because decent work is more than making a living: it is a barometer of how well we are doing in society as a whole, including health, education, equality, and responsible consumption and production. When work is productive, paid fairly, safe, equitable and inclusive, freely chosen and with rights, we have social justice.

But decent work does not just “happen”. History shows that, without strong institutions, productivity gains do not translate into better lives. Institutions strengthen basic human rights, such as the rights to education and to a healthy environment, and ensure equal opportunities, fair distribution, and a voice for both workers and employers. Social dialogue is the most effective way to balance the interests of workers and employers and help make growth equitable.

Right now, our institutions are being tested. Three massive transitions are reshaping the world of work everywhere: the impact of a hotter planet and the move to a greener economy, the digital revolution and demographic change. These transformations are creating new jobs and destroying old ones. They have the potential to bring fresh opportunities, but they also risk deepening existing divides. How these changes will play out depends largely on the choices that societies make today.

In November 2025, the second World Social Summit will be held in Doha. This global gathering will once again bring together government representatives, workers, employers and civil society, three and a half decades after the first summit. It represents a critical moment to turn past pledges into real change.

We must reaffirm the promise made in Copenhagen: that social justice and inclusive economic development are everyone’s business and in everyone’s interest. But above all, we must take decisive action.

The ILO-led Global Coalition for Social Justice offers a platform to help move us in the right direction. Already, it brings together governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations, and other partners to accelerate action and cooperation towards achieving social justice and decent work for all.

If we succeed, we can help ensure that economic productivity and social progress are linked. Because in the end, social justice is not an impossible ideal. It is the only route forward to a sustainable future for all of us.

Danone Thailand picked up four major honours at the HR Asia Best Company to Work for in Asia 2025 Awards, including “Best Company to Work for in Asia”, the “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” award, the “Most Caring Company” award, and the “Sustainable Workplace” award.

The awards reflect Danone’s deep commitment to its people, values, and ambition to foster a workplace culture that is inclusive, caring, and sustainable.

Selected from over 300 organisations across 20 industries, these awards underscore a growing expectation from employees and society for businesses to operate with empathy, inclusion, and responsibility.

“We believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we embrace diversity, and create space for everyone to grow. Ultimately, it’s our people who help us deliver health through food to as many people as possible and build a more sustainable Thailand,” said Danish Rahman, CEO for South East Asia and Thailand and Laos.

He added that the HR Asia Awards are more than just a form of recognition as they reaffirm Danone Thailand’s mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, while preserving nature and empowering both communities and the company’s employees.

The company creates a culture of care where its employees feel seen, supported and empowered, and it implements practical policies that support the work-life balance of its employees. For instance, its “Work From Anywhere” policy allows remote work every Monday and Friday, and its “Parental Policy” offers extended paid leave for birth parents and adoptive parents beyond what is legally required while maintaining their full salary.

For career growth, the company encourages employees to step beyond their routines and discover new possibilities through bold, structured programmes designed to meet both personal aspirations and business needs.

As sustainability is crucial for business, through the Danone Impact Journey, its employees contribute to both business and social impact. For example, the Danone Day allows employees take part in community outreach activities as part of the company’s campaign to raise awareness about iron deficiency anaemia and promote early, non-invasive screening for young children.

This commitment is also reflected in its operations at its Bangplee manufacturing site, where Danone has implemented solar rooftops, water reuse systems, zero-discharge practices, and has achieved carbon neutrality.

The Administrative Court has ruled that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Krung Thep Thanakom Co Ltd must pay 11 billion baht to Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Co Ltd (BTS) for operating and maintaining the extended sections of the Green Line electric skytrain.

The ruling, issued on Monday, relates to unpaid operations and maintenance (O and M) fees for two extensions of the Green Line project between June 2021 and October 2022, totalling 11 billion baht, plus interest. The court ordered the payment to be made within 180 days from the final ruling date.

The BMA and Krung Thep Thanakom representatives stated they would consult with BMA executives on whether to appeal because doing so may result in higher interest payments.

Deputy Bangkok governor, Wisanu Subsompon, said the BMA respects the court’s decision. To settle the debt, it is seeking approval for a supplementary budget for the 2026 fiscal year, using part of its 51.66 billion baht in reserve funds. The total payment owed to the BTS is expected to be 32.62 billion baht, including accrued interest through November next year.

The budget allocation process involves several steps before the Bangkok governor gives his final approval, and the payment is expected to be made on Nov 18.

The debt includes 12.2 billion baht from the second lawsuit period (June 2021-October 2022), and another 17.1 billion baht accrued from November 2022 to December 2024. An additional 8.3 billion baht is expected for 2025 operations.

Once the debt is paid, the BMA will have approximately 19 billion baht left in reserve funds.

Nintendo has announced that Thai subtitles will be added to Donkey Kong Bananza for the Nintendo Switch 2, with players able to try out the feature at Nintendo’s booth during the upcoming Gamescom Asia × Thailand Games Show in October. The update will be free for existing owners of the game.

The move comes shortly after Nintendo revealed plans to expand its presence in Thailand with a new local subsidiary. While the company has not yet provided a specific download date for the subtitle update, it confirmed that players will eventually be able to download it at no extra cost.

At the Gamescom Asia × Thailand Games Show, taking place from October 17-19, visitors to the Nintendo booth will be able to try the Thai-language version of Donkey Kong Bananza on the Switch 2.

Nintendo stressed, however, that the addition of Thai subtitles to Donkey Kong Bananza does not mean that all of its other titles will support the language. The company said announcements will be made in advance if other games are confirmed to include Thai localisation.

The Association of Investment Management Companies (AIMC) is set to meet with the Ministry of Finance soon to propose an extension to the Super Savings Fund (SSF) tax-deduction scheme beyond its scheduled expiry later this year.

AIMC chairwoman Chavinda Hanratanakool said the SSF has played a dual role in providing tax benefits and promoting long-term savings.

“From a tax perspective, SSF deductions do not significantly impact government revenue. Therefore, the AIMC intends to push for clarity on whether an extension is possible,” she said.

“If the ministry confirms the extension, it will provide certainty for investors. If there is silence, we can assume the scheme will not be renewed.”

In the event the SSF is not extended, investors could still gain tax incentives through the upcoming Thailand Individual Savings Account (TISA) programme.

Unlike the SSF, which is limited to mutual funds, TISA is expected to cover a broader range of investment vehicles, including equities, tax-saving funds and potentially life insurance.

“TISA would allow a long-term framework for tax-deductible investment without fixed expiration dates, unlike long-term equity funds [LTFs] or SSF,” Mrs Chavinda noted.

She also confirmed that the ThaiESG fund series would be included under TISA, reinforcing its role in sustainable investment promotion.

The SSF is a tax-saving fund introduced in early 2020, following the expiration of the LTF in 2019. The fund itself is set to expire this year, with an estimated total asset under management (AUM) of 50-60 billion baht.

The SSF, according to Mrs Chavinda, has attracted long-term savings into the capital market by offering tax benefits as an incentive for retail investors.

“If the government extends the programme, it will strengthen the confidence in long-term funds.”

The challenge, however, includes the risk that investors may withdraw if the fund is not extended or if there is no policy clarity.

In comparison, the TISA scheme has greater potential than the traditional SSF because it has no expiration date, reducing policy uncertainty relative to the SSF and LTF, whose fixed-term structure encourages investors to hold them for longer periods.

Other notable advantages of the TISA include broader asset coverage because it can be designed to invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds, tax-saving funds and potentially certain life insurance products. That makes the TISA suitable for portfolio diversification.

The TISA also promotes systematic savings through mechanisms such as dollar-cost averaging, helping to shift investor behaviour from short-term deposits to long-term investment.

Besides, the TISA can provide tax incentives aligned with long-term goals. If designed with clear benefits, such as sufficiently high contribution limits and defined tax deductions, it can attract a large number of account holders.

A father who parked illegally outside a popular Bangkok school to pick up his child and reacted violently when police clamped his car has been fined and given a suspended jail sentence

The case drew wide attention after a video showed him hurling abuse at officers and toppling a police motorcycle while his young child watched from the car.

He loudly declared he had stopped ‘just five minutes’ to pick up his child.

According to the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the incident occurred about 2.25pm on Sept 26, when traffic police from Samsen station found the car stopped in a no-parking zone in front of the school.

The driver refused to move and instead angrily pushed over a police motorcycle, causing damage, before being taken into custody.

He was initially charged with failing to pay annual road tax and obstructing traffic. After confessing, the case was forwarded to the Dusit District Court, which found him guilty under Sections 91, 358 and 368 of the Criminal Code for disobeying a lawful order and causing property damage.

The court sentenced him to two months in jail, fined him 12,000 baht, and ordered he pay 10,000 baht compensation. The jail term was suspended for one year.

The partnership between the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Etihad Airways marks a significant milestone in combining elite sport with global connectivity.

Under this collaboration, Etihad serves as the Official Global Airline Partner of the BWF, providing seamless travel and premium experiences for players, officials and fans, while amplifying badminton’s global reach. The alliance reflects both organisations’ shared mission to unite people across continents through sport, culture and shared values.

Since January 2025, the airline has connected badminton’s worldwide fan base of 744 million people, most of whom are in Asia, with its expanding network and services.

At the recent TotalEnergies BWF World Championships in Paris, BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul met with Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, to celebrate the role the airline has played in elevating the sport this year.

‘To align ourselves with a global leader in air travel such as Etihad Airways signals the sport’s expanding footprint,’ Khunying Patama said. ‘Etihad’s dedication to fostering connections through sport mirrors our mission of uniting people through badminton’s universal appeal

‘We are proud to partner with a sponsor that shares our vision to elevate badminton to world-class status, and for Etihad to take an active role in developing the sport globally. Together, we aim to enhance the fan experience, elevate the sport’s visibility and deliver unforgettable experiences at our premier tournaments.’

De underlined the synergy between the two organisations. ‘Our partnership with the BWF reflects Etihad’s commitment to connecting people through sport, culture and travel,’ he said.

‘Badminton is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, uniting millions of fans across Asia and beyond. As we expand our network across Southeast Asia, we are proud to engage with badminton fans everywhere and support a sport that is so deeply loved in the region.’

Beyond celebrating the partnership, Khunying Patama herself embodies the global aspirations of the sport. A billionaire entrepreneur turned philanthropist, she has channelled her resources into sport, youth development, art, music and culture.

She became Thailand’s first female member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2017, the fourth Thai overall to hold the post. Earlier this year, she was elected by 206 national member associations as president of the BWF for the 2025-2029 term, making her not only the first Thai but also the second woman ever to lead the world body.

In Thailand, she serves as President of the Badminton Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, where she has spearheaded grassroots development, talent-building initiatives and the hosting of world-class events.

Her influence extends well beyond sport. She is active in numerous charities supporting education, health and social development, while also serving as patron of cultural, art and music organisations.

With business interests ranging from steel and property to hospitality and logistics, Khunying Patama has long been recognised as a leading figure in both corporate and philanthropic circles. In 2024, she was honoured by the Thai Sports Journalists’ Association with the title ‘Olympic Queen’ for her contributions to Thai and international sport.

Through her leadership, generosity and vision, Khunying Patama has not only shaped the trajectory of badminton worldwide but has also inspired countless young people in Asia and beyond.

Dear Doctors: My 22-year-old son is severely bipolar, which impacts his life terribly. I have kept up with the studies that have shown success in treating bipolar with a faecal transplant. Do you know of any open studies right now that might take my son? We would travel anywhere to get it done.

Dear Reader: Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is marked by extreme swings in mood, energy, thoughts and behaviours. These repeated shifts from intense elation to crushing depression can disrupt sleep, impede judgement and interfere with the ability to think clearly. As with many conditions that affect mental health, bipolar disorder exists on a spectrum. That means each case is unique, and symptoms vary in severity, frequency and presentation. But even in its milder forms, bipolar disorder can significantly impair quality of life.

It is common for the first indications of bipolar disorder to emerge in late adolescence and early adulthood. Diagnosis includes a mental health assessment, medical history and physical exam. Once diagnosed, treatment typically combines medications, such as mood stabilisers and perhaps antidepressants, with individual, group or family-focused psychotherapy. Due to the unpleasant side effects of some of the medications, treatment can be challenging.

The cause of bipolar disorder is not yet clearly understood. Previous research has suggested links to a mix of heredity, mental health and environmental factors. More recently, though, growing awareness of a connection between the gut microbiome and the brain is leading researchers in an intriguing new direction.

This connection, known as the gut-brain axis, is a bidirectional communication system between the trillions of microbes in the gut and the brain. An imbalance in the gut microbiome has been found to contribute to inflammation, immune system dysfunction and the production of harmful metabolites.

This imbalance, known as gut dysbiosis, has been linked to a range of neurodegenerative diseases. These include Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

As you have pointed out, there is evidence that gut dysbiosis may play a role in bipolar disorder as well. It is not suggested that gut dysbiosis is the sole cause of these diseases. However, some researchers believe modulating the gut microbiome may have therapeutic benefits. This may be done through diet, the use of specific prebiotics and probiotics, and faecal transplants.

This is when a person’s colon is infused with a solution containing faecal matter from a healthy donor. A few small studies have reported success in lessening the symptoms of severe bipolar disorder through fecal transplants.

We searched at clinicaltrials.gov, the United States National Institutes of Health’s clinical trials database. At this time, there do not appear to be any new or ongoing investigations into the use of fecal transplants to manage bipolar disorder. However, several bipolar studies are exploring probiotics. You may find it useful to browse all of the studies listed on the site associated with bipolar disorder. Even if none are right for your son, they are an excellent way to keep abreast of new directions in research. Universal Features Syndicate