Category: The Bangkok Post

As the global business landscape pivots towards sustainability, The Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG), one of ASEAN’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, is placing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles at the heart of its corporate strategy. With operations spanning Thailand and nearly every major ASEAN market, SCG is setting an ambitious course to achieve sustainable growth while positioning itself as a regional ESG leader.

Against a backdrop of mounting economic uncertainty, climate volatility and shifting geopolitical dynamics, SCG convened the ESG Symposium 2025, which has emerged as a pivotal platform uniting government, business and civil society to accelerate Thailand’s transition towards a low-carbon economy. Under the theme ‘Green Breakthrough Amid the Perfect Storm: Accelerating with Green, Surviving Together’, the symposium presented a bold agenda designed to be competitive, inclusive and actionable.

The forum gathered more than 300 participants from government, the private sector and civil society, both in Thailand and abroad, to exchange perspectives and solutions on accelerating the green transition.

The 13th edition of the symposium focused on three key agendas:

Accelerating the transition to clean energy.

Enabling SMEs to move towards a just and inclusive low-carbon business model.

Preparing to cope with climate uncertainty while enhancing national competitiveness.

On 2 October 2025, at the Talk Stage, Hall 4, Ground Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), SCG presented the updated outcomes of the ESG Symposium 2025.

SCG Calls for Urgent Energy Reform

Delivering opening remarks, Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG, emphasised that structural shifts such as energy transition must be initiated as early as possible. He unveiled SCG’s Future Bangkok simulation, which illustrates the risks of land subsidence, rising sea levels and tectonic shifts affecting the capital.

‘ESG Symposium is more than dialogue; it is a platform to design and drive solutions that keep Thailand competitive and sustainable. We want to be a platform where people come together, share knowledge and mobilise ideas to co-create solutions,’ said Mr Thammasak.

He also underlined the urgent need for structural reforms to unlock liberalised energy markets, promote clean energy at affordable costs and strengthen infrastructure against climate risks.

Key proposals included implementing the Third Party Access (TPA) Code to open the electricity market, expanding Direct PPA contracts to encourage renewable investment, and leveraging advanced technologies such as energy storage and hydrogen to support grid stability.

Thailand’s vulnerability to droughts, floods and climate-driven resource disruptions has made climate adaptation a national priority. The symposium underscored the need for integrated action, linking policy, technology and community knowledge to build long-term resilience.

Despite Thailand’s climate ambitions, experts voiced concerns over the pace of change. ‘Thailand’s energy system faces mounting pressure from Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 commitments, the EU’s CBAM and the need to raise its Energy Transition Index. We must pursue a clear, agile and actionable roadmap,’ said Dr Areeporn Asawinpongphan, Research Fellow – Energy Policy at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).

She also stressed that Thailand still lacks a 2030 renewable energy generation target, with the current goal only set for 2037. At present, clean energy accounts for about 15% of national energy consumption.

She added that while Thailand’s Net Zero goal is currently set for 2065, ten years behind neighbouring countries, the new government has indicated plans to advance the target to 2055. Achieving this, she noted, would require clean energy adoption to reach 40% by 2030.

To accelerate the transition, TDRI proposed a three-phase roadmap. In the short term, it recommended reviewing electricity tariffs to reflect actual costs, expanding grid connectivity rights, promoting renewable electricity trading, establishing ‘green fast-track’ channels and reducing unnecessary regulations. In the medium term, the focus should be on announcing and implementing an updated Power Development Plan while strengthening energy security. In the long term, the clean energy roadmap should be aligned with national economic and social development strategies, with policies tested and refined in real-world contexts.

Dr Areeporn highlighted that a faster transition would reduce industrial costs, minimise cross-border carbon adjustment taxes and sustain Thailand’s economic competitiveness, while also enhancing investment attractiveness. She stressed the importance of transparent renewable energy markets, modernised tariff structures and skill-building for a green workforce.

SMEs Central to Thailand’s Green Competitiveness

SMEs remain the backbone of Thailand’s economy, representing 99.5% of enterprises and employing more than 13 million people. However, they continue to face challenges in financing, market access, regulatory complexity and skills development.

Another focal point of the symposium was supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in their green transition journey. Dr Noppong Teeravorn, President of the Federation of Thai SME, emphasised that Thailand hosts more than 2.7 million micro-enterprises employing 5.5 million people, yet most lack access to finance, future skills and new market opportunities.

‘Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are central to Thailand’s future competitiveness, but they need real support to thrive,’ he said.

He outlined solutions such as low-interest microfunds (3-4% per annum), digital and green skills training, and the creation of One Stop Service centres to connect SMEs with funding, innovation and global markets. These measures, combined with policy reform, aim to transform SMEs into a powerful driver of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

‘MSMEs face constraints in funding, capacity building and regulatory barriers. Without targeted support, many risk being left behind in the green economy,’ said Dr Noppong.

The symposium proposed three phases of MSME development support. In the short term, it called for expanding access to funding, raising product standards and enhancing differentiation. In the medium term, the focus should be on building knowledge and skills aligned with the energy transition while encouraging business clustering. In the long term, reforms are needed to remove regulations that hinder fair competition for MSMEs.

SCG pledged to leverage its role as an industry leader to share knowledge and data resources, creating opportunities for smaller enterprises to benefit from its scale and experience.

As a concrete step forward, SCG also announced plans to advance Public-Private Partnership pilot projects, beginning with the Saraburi Sandbox, which integrates low-carbon industrial practices, renewable energy and circular economy models.

‘SCG alone cannot drive transformation. It requires collective effort across sectors. Our role is to open the platform, share what we know and help mobilise every stakeholder,’ Mr Thammasak reiterated.

The Senate yesterday set up a committee to probe the background, conduct and ethics of the 15 nominees to be selected as new members of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

The nominees, who must assume their duties within 60 days pending Senate approval, are Pol Col Kob Ajanakitti, Kiattichai Maitriwong, Noraset Pratchayakon, Nirat Yuphakdi, Niwet Phancharoenworakul, Prapas Pintoptaeng, Prayat Jatupornphithakkul, Soot Rattanawong, Phaibul Nabutchom, Wirat Rakphan, Wiwat Rungkaeo, Wirayut Sroithong, Wutthichai Kalayanamit, Gen Sawas Thatsana, and Anek Wiraphotchananan. The NACC consists of nine members, including one chairman, each serving a seven-year term.

During yesterday’s Senate session, Senator Tewarit Maneechai proposed extending the deadline for considering the nominations by 30 days, to 90 days.

He said the extension was necessary because a petition signed by 105 Senators had just been submitted to the NACC, accusing former justice minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong and Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam, director-general of the Department of Special Investigation, of unfair treatment toward 138 Senators allegedly involved in the Senate election collusion case.

If a probe was to proceed now, he said, it could raise concerns about conflicts of interest.

The Senate committee is also being accused of partiality by Senator Nantana Nantavaropas, leader of a Senate minority group calling itself “independent”.

Ms Nantana reiterated her group’s opposition to the Senate’s involvement in reviewing and approving appointments to key positions in independent bodies, especially amid allegations that many senators were implicated in vote-rigging during the 2024 Senate election.

She added that since the majority dominate the Upper House, membership in such scrutiny committees has always been limited to their allies, leaving no opportunity for members of her group to participate.

Senator Seranee Anilbol, a member of the independent Senate group, said the 21 Senators who filed a petition concerning the qualifications of the 138 Senators allegedly involved in vote rigging, are now being sidelined in the Upper House, and given a seat in any committee.

Tsu Japanese Restaurant at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok invites guests to an exceptional evening of Japanese-inspired cuisine at its Four-Hands Dinner on Friday, 17 October 2025, from 6.00 pm onwards. The event features a special collaboration between Chef Photchaman ‘Aom’ Arnupapdecha from Big Fish and Bar, Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa, and Chef Atsushi Yoshida, Japanese Head Chef at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok.

This exclusive dining experience showcases a thoughtfully curated menu that blends the chefs’ distinctive culinary styles, rooted in a shared respect for precision and ingredient integrity. Each course reflects a seamless harmony of land and sea, traditional and modern, East and West.

Chef Atsushi Yoshida oversees the culinary direction of Tsu Japanese Restaurant, Nami Teppanyaki Steakhouse, and Chisana Nami at Erawan Bangkok. With over 26 years of experience in Japan, Hong Kong, the UK, and the Philippines-including roles at Michelin-starred restaurants Ginza Iwa and Umu-Chef Yoshida is known for his refined interpretations of Japanese cuisine grounded in tradition.

Chef Aom Arnupapdecha brings over 15 years of fine dining experience, including time in Australia at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, where she developed her produce-driven approach. As Chef de Cuisine at Big Fish and Bar, she merges Western techniques with local ingredients, crafting Mediterranean-inspired menus infused with Asian and Thai sensibilities.

The menu opens with a Rosette Waffle with Tuna Tartare, followed by a trio of Sustainable Hamachi, Salmon, and Kihada Maguro, served with homemade soy sauce and olive oil. The third course-Seabass and Prawns Aguachile-combines citrus, avocado, cucumber, and green chili for a refreshing coastal profile.

Next is a comforting Deep-Fried Eggplant with Duck Jibuni, followed by the main course: Glazed Pork Loin with shimeji mushrooms, sweet white onions, spinach, and kabayaki-pork sauce, accompanied by mashed potatoes and crispy garlic. The evening concludes with a seasonal dessert: Kasama Chestnut Mousse with Red Bean and Caramelised Chestnuts, evoking the flavours of a Japanese autumn. Each course is paired with carefully selected wines to enhance the experience.

The Four-Hands Dinner is priced at THB 3,531 net per person.

Tsu Japanese Restaurant is open for lunch from 11.30 am – 2.30 pm (Monday to Friday) and 11.30 am – 3.30 pm (Saturday and Sunday), and for dinner from 5.30 pm – 10.00 pm daily.

Melchie Dumornay scored twice as Lyon got revenge on Arsenal to open their Women’s Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory in London, while Barcelona thrashed Bayern Munich 7-1 on Tuesday.

Arsenal came back from losing the first leg at home to beat the French giants 4-1 away in their semi-final tie last season before also stunning Barca in the final to become the first English winners of the competition for 18 years.

However, the Gunners have made a poor start to the Women’s Super League season and suffered a damaging defeat to their hopes of a top-four finish that would secure direct passage to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Arsenal made the perfect start thanks to Alessia Russo’s cool finish on seven minutes.

Lyon were gifted a route back into the game when Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar’s mishit pass went straight to Dumornay, who fired in at the second attempt after her first effort was saved.

The Haiti international then pounced on more slack Arsenal defending to fire into the top corner for a second goal in five minutes midway through the first half.

Barcelona kicked off their quest to reclaim the trophy with a demolition of Bayern.

Pere Romeu said his team, who have reached five consecutive Champions League finals, would “compete like animals” and three goals in the first 27 minutes to set up an emphatic victory.

Alexia Putellas opened the scoring after just four minutes, curling into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Three-time winners Barca extended their lead through Ewa Pajor and Esmee Brugts, before Klara Buhl pulled one back for the beleaguered visitors.

Salma Paralluelo restored Barca’s three-goal advantage before half-time, and Pajor netted again after the break.

Claudia Pina capped the victory with a late double and with recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati pulling the strings in midfield, Barca showed why they remain favourites for the competition despite last year’s disappointment.

Juventus beat Benfica 2-1 thanks to Cecilia Salvai’s double, while Paris FC were held 2-2 by Leuven in the day’s other matches.

English champions Chelsea travel to FC Twente and Wolfsburg host Paris Saint-Germain in the pick of Wednesday’s action.

For the first time this season, the women’s Champions League has 18 participating teams, playing six games each against different opponents in a league phase.

Only the top four qualify directly for the quarter-finals, with sides ranked fifth to 12th involved in a play-off to join them in the last eight.

Coursera, an online learning platform, is introducing a regionally localised pricing model that lowers course prices in Thailand by up to 40%.

This initiative makes its online learning courses more accessible, helps to stimulate artificial intelligence (AI) skill development to meet urgent demand, and supports Thailand’s ambition to become an AI hub, said Ashutosh Gupta, managing director for Asia-Pacific at Coursera.

Thailand stands to gain 2.6 trillion baht from an AI-led economy, accounting for 15% of Southeast Asia’s total AI potential.

“The world is going through a lot of change, disruption and displacement, presenting challenges and opportunities,” Mr Gupta said.

According to the World Economic Forum, 35% of key skills in Thailand will change in five years.

“If the Thai workforce were 100 people, 56 would need retraining by 2030, while nine are unlikely to be retrained. This highlights the urgent need for upskilling to prepare for the future of work,” said Mr Gupta.

“Learners must scale to meet urgent demand. We need to rethink training and learning.”

He said Thailand is advancing its AI skills through key initiatives like the National AI Strategy (2022-2027). These efforts focus on training 30,000 AI professionals, stimulating 100 AI innovations, and expanding adoption in over 600 organisations.

Investments target digital infrastructure, industry-aligned education, and flexible university programmes like the Higher Education Sandbox. The goal is to reach a top-50 global AI readiness ranking by 2025, supported by expanded degree programmes and scholarships, said Mr Gupta.

He cited Unesco data that found that access to higher education is limited, as 40% of people entering the global workforce had college-level education, while in Thailand the rate is 44%.

“To reduce this challenge, it needs to provide world-class courses with affordable prices,” said Mr Gupta.

Affordable prices

Coursera has introduced a regional geographic approach based on affordability that lowers the average course price by 40% in Thailand.

The company is partnering with OpenAI to become the first online learning platform embedded in ChatGPT, which can suggest the Coursera app to ChatGPT users and suggest appropriate content to Coursera’s learners.

This partnership allows Coursera to offer the most widely used AI tool in the world, and reflects OpenAI’s commitment to expand access to education, Mr Gupta said.

As of June 2025, Coursera recorded significant growth with 1.1 million registered learners, a fivefold increase since 2019.

The typical learner is 33 years old, and enrolment is split equally between men and women, with a focus on job-relevant, digital, and business skills, in a hands-on learning experience.

The most popular courses from January to September 2025 were “Introduction to AI” from Google, “Maximize Productivity with AI Tools” from Google, and “Discover the Art of Prompting” from Google.

The company has 30 enterprise customers and seven campus customers in Thailand.

There is huge demand for generative AI (GenAI) skills, with 250,000 enrolments for GenAI courses in Thailand.

“We see one enrolment every three minutes, up from one every 16 minutes last year,” said Mr Gupta.

There are more than 1,000 GenAI courses and projects on Coursera.

Of the top 10 popular courses in Thailand, nine are related to AI which reflect Thais’ focus on AI.

In Thailand, GenAI adoption varies significantly across generations, with millennials leading the way in reskilling efforts at 56%, followed by Gen X at 31%, Gen Z at 9%, and Boomers at 4%.

When it comes to the gender gap in GenAI skills, men comprise 62% of enrolments, while women account for 38%. However, enrolment growth is faster amongst women, rising by 370% compared with 190% for men.

Residents of Chumphon’s Phato district opposing the government’s Land Bridge megaproject say it brings no clear benefits to locals while endangering their livelihoods, the environment, and community ties.

At a public forum held on Tuesday in Phato, opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and a team of People’s Party (PP) MPs met with around 200 villagers to discuss the controversial Chumphon-Ranong Land Bridge.

Participants overwhelmingly rejected the project, citing concerns that it would harm the district’s agricultural economy and disrupt the region’s ecological balance.

Benjawan Thapthimthong, leader of the Rak Phato Network, said that 97% of Phato’s population depends on agriculture, generating over eight billion baht annually.

Yet, only a quarter of local farmland has proper land titles, leaving many vulnerable to expropriation.

She warned that the project would turn landowners into wage labourers while devastating farmland, forests, and waterways across Phato, Lang Suan, Thung Tako, and Lamae districts.

Covering more than 18,000 rai, she said, the planned industrial zones, transport routes, and deep-sea ports could dry up rivers and pollute the environment.

Ms Benjawan questioned the rationale for promoting industrialisation that might contaminate local produce. “If our durians become tainted and rejected abroad, who will buy them?” she asked.

She also criticised the drafted Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bills, arguing that they give sweeping privileges to foreign investors and allow unrestricted foreign labour, even in jobs reserved for Thais.

Somchok Jungjaturant of the Chumphon-Ranong Land Protection Network added that many villagers lack formal land rights, making it easier for authorities to suppress opposition.

He called for a comprehensive land survey, the repeal of outdated land laws, and stronger protection of community rights.

Mr Natthaphong reaffirmed the PP’s opposition to the drafted SEC bills, saying they lack strategic environmental assessment, fair public participation, and could violate constitutional rights.

He warned that the governments, under the Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties, are prioritising investors over people, deepening inequality and damaging the South’s natural and cultural heritage.

Local residents urged the government to invest in sustainable agriculture, tourism, and fisheries — industries that are rooted in the region’s strengths and traditions. They said true progress should build prosperity without sacrificing land, water, and community values.

A 51-year-old man accused of committing multiple home burglaries while naked has been arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Chaliaw Khramkrathok was arrested while riding a motorcycle in Chok Chai district on Tuesday afternoon.

He was named in arrest warrants for multiple burglaries in the area since March this year.

According to police, the suspect has a house in Chok Chai district but tried to avoid arrest by living outside in paddy fields.

He had broken into several houses in March and four in September, police said.

Mr Chaliaw stole personal valuables and cash and was often naked when he committed the thefts. He was filmed by security cameras.

He told police that he took off his clothes because he did not want to be recognised by his clothing. Sometimes he stripped off because his clothes were soaked by rain.

Prime Minister’s Office Minister Paradorn Prissanananthakul has pledged to hold public forums on the two contentious Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) 43 and 44 with Cambodia, stating that the people deserve a clear understanding of the bilateral accords.

Mr Paradorn made the statement after receiving a letter on behalf of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul from protestors with the Network of Students and People for Thai Reform and the Dhammayut Army, calling for a clearer explanation of the two contentious agreements.

The move followed the latest National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) poll, which found 44% of the public does not understand the function of the two MoUs.

MoU 43 — officially the Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand and Cambodia on the Survey and Demarcation of [the] Land Boundary — was signed on June 14, 2000, during the government of then-prime minister Chuan Leekpai.

MoU 44 — the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia Concerning the Area of Their Overlapping Maritime Claims to the Continental Shelf — was signed on June 18, 2001, under the government of Thaksin Shinawatra.

On Tuesday, the protesters staged a demonstration at Chamai Maruchet Bridge in front of Government House.

Led by Pichit Chaimongkol, the groups gathered to press nine urgent demands, including a call for the government to cancel MoUs 43 and 44 rather than hold a referendum.

Police deployed personnel to maintain order and closed traffic at the base of the bridge during the demonstration.

Earlier, the government said it planned to organise a referendum on the MoUs alongside a general election expected early next year.

The protesters called on the government to cancel MoUs 43 and 44 and avoid a referendum they view as offloading responsibility to citizens while permitting open public debate.

They also want the government to take decisive action to protect Thai sovereignty, especially at Ban Nong Chan in Sa Kaeo on the border with Cambodia, with a deadline of Oct 10; and they are calling to demolish casino structures that encroach on Thai territory in Sa Kaeo.

A new version of “The Sans”, the official mascots for the 2025 SEA Games and Asean Para Games, has been unveiled.

The updated mascots retain the name “The Sans” but have been simplified to more clearly reflect Thai uniqueness, said Dr Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT). He added that the redesign is aligned with the policy of Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilattayakorn, who has emphasised that the mascots should be easy to recognise, approachable for all audiences, and a true reflection of Thai identity.

Originally, “The Sans” consisted of seven characters — five assigned to the SEA Games and two representing the Asean Para Games — under the concept of “Seven Days, Seven Colours.” The designs were inspired by traditional Thai weaving patterns, which represent Thai wisdom and identity.

The minister suggested that the mascots be streamlined into a single character for the SEA Games and a single character for the Asean Para Games, making them easy to recognise and underscoring the theme of Asean unity.

The colours of the Thai national flag have been integrated into the new design, symbolising national pride. This approach has been endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow.

The new mascots will be used for the medal ceremony and other main activities during the tournament while the old designs will still be produced as the Games’ merchandise. The 2025 SEA Games will take place from Dec 9-20 in Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Songkhla while the Asean Para Games from Jan 20-26, 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Labour Minister Treenuch Thienthong has dismissed speculation that she is set to succeed Gen Prawit Wongsuwon as leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) following a series of MP defections.

“As of now, Gen Prawit remains the party leader and continues to perform his duties as usual,” she told the media on Tuesday.

The speculation intensified after a string of defections from the PPRP, including former secretary-general Santi Promphat, who resigned from the party and joined the ruling Bhumjaithai Party along with his son, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat. Their departure dealt another major blow to the PPRP, which now has only seven MPs left.

The remaining PPRP members are Gen Prawit, Ms Treenuch, Kwanruen Thienthong, Chotiwut Thanakamanusorn, Chaimongkhon Chairop, Krasae Trakoonpornpong and Wiriya Tongpa. The rest of the 21 MPs, once allied with Gen Prawit, have defected to the Klatham, Bhumjaithai, and Pheu Thai parties, among others.

In response to the exodus, Ms Treenuch reaffirmed her commitment to staying with the PPRP, saying the party remains united and is preparing for the next general election. “The number of seats we win is less important than our shared ideology and commitment to serving the public,” she said.

She also rejected rumours suggesting she might follow Mr Santi to Bhumjaithai.

“I am already working in the same team under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s leadership,” she said, implying that there is no need to switch parties just to remain in the coalition.

Regarding the vacant post of secretary-general, Ms Treenuch said the PPRP’s executive committee would soon meet to select a replacement.

The new appointee, she said, should be someone capable of working cooperatively with other parties that share similar political goals.