Category: The Bangkok Post

Thailand have been tipped to become overall medal champions at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games as men’s football gold remains the most coveted prize among voters in a recent sports poll.

The poll on “The 2025 SEA Games and the opportunities for Thai national athletes”, a collaboration between Kasem Bundit University’s Center of Innovation for Human Capital Development (CIHCD KBU) and the World Institute of Sports Development and Organization Management (Wisdom), was conducted among 1,209 participants, aged 18 years and over between Oct 1-3. Of these, 647 were male (35.51%), 402 were female (33.25%), and 160 were LGBTQIA++ (13.32%).

The survey found that 38.02% believed Thailand could become the overall medal champions, while 57.33% expected the national contingent to win more than 100 gold medals at the biennial tournament.

Football remains the most popular sport, receiving 29.60% of the votes, followed by volleyball (27.96%), sepak takraw (16.29%), badminton (13.50%) and taekwondo (9.66%).

The women’s volleyball was voted as the sport that the Thai team have the strongest chance to win gold with 26.80%. Sepak takraw came second with 24.10%, followed by muay (18.94%), futsal (13.35%) and athletics (12.08%).

The men’s football gold is the most wanted medal with 32.90% of the votes, followed by women’s volleyball at 30.88% and sepak takraw at 16.55%.

The 33rd SEA Games will take place from Dec 9-20 in Bangkok, Chon Buri and Songkhla, with 50 medal sports, three demonstration sports — air sports, flying discs and tug of war — and mixed martial arts featuring as a “value creation” event.

This will be the seventh time the Kingdom is hosting the event. The last time Thailand finished as overall champions was in 2015 in Singapore.

Sixteen Thais who were duped into working for a scam syndicate in Myawaddy, Myanmar, have been safely repatriated, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

Ministry spokesman, Nikorndej Balankura, said the group was brought back safely after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow to work closely with the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon, the Royal Thai Police and officials from the Naresuan Task Force to secure their repatriation.

The group – comprising 10 men and six women – crossed back into Thailand via the Mae Sot-Myawaddy permanent border checkpoint in Tak on Sunday.

The group said they were lured into working for the syndicate after responding to job advertisements on social media promising work in Myanmar casinos, he said.

Authorities are now working to verify their information under Thailand’s National Referral Mechanism.

Mercedes’ George Russell won the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, as McLaren clinched the Formula One constructors’ championship.

Oscar Piastri was fourth, meaning his lead over McLaren teammate Norris at the top of the drivers’ standings was cut to 22 points.

The 27 points scored by Piastri and Norris were more than enough for McLaren to equal the record set by Red Bull in 2023 by winning the team title with six races to spare.

It was McLaren’s second title in a row and 10th in the team’s history, and was won despite their two drivers clashing in the opening turns with sparks flying as Norris got the better of Piastri.

“They have driven brilliantly all season. You can’t win the constructors’ without two awesome racing drivers,” said McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

“As you can see, we are letting them race. They race hard, they race clean, they race to win.”

Russell was overjoyed to win the night race for the first time, saying it was payback for his final-lap crash two years ago while pushing for victory on the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

“It feels amazing, especially after what happened a couple of years ago. That was a bit of a missed opportunity, but we more than made up for it today,” said the Englishman, who started on pole.

“We don’t really know where this performance came from, but really, really happy.

“I mean, a one hour, 45-minute race here in Singapore, with the heat and humidity, is never smooth and straightforward.

“But pulling out a 10-second gap in 20 laps was really great. And from that moment on it was bring it home.”

Dutchman Verstappen was relieved to finish second for Red Bull.

“I think the whole race was quite difficult, more difficult than I hoped for, for a lot of different reasons,” said the four-time world champion, who remains third in the title race, 63 points behind Australia’s Piastri.

“There’s a few things that we need to understand why they went wrong today.

“But around here even if you have more pace, you can’t pass without anything crazy happening. So I think second was the maximum result.”

– ‘Not fair’ –

Kimi Antonelli crossed the line fifth in a Mercedes, followed by the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

Fernando Alonso, Oliver Bearman and Carlos Sainz rounded out the top 10.

Hamilton struggled with failing brakes towards the end of the race, dropping from fifth to seventh.

He then was slapped with a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits multiple times, relegating him to eighth behind Alonso.

At the start, Russell got away cleanly from Verstappen, but the drama all happened behind the Mercedes.

Norris, from fifth on the grid, darted past Antonelli and dived up the inside of Piastri, who started third, at turn one.

Norris was flying and clipped the back of Verstappen on the way to barging his way into third place in a wheel-to-wheel clash with teammate Piastri.

The championship leader was not impressed. “So are we cool with Lando just barging me out of the way there? What’s the go there?” Piastri complained on team radio.

His anger was not appeased by the team saying they would discuss the incident after the race and not order Norris to swap places.

“That’s not fair. I’m sorry, that’s not fair,” Piastri said.

Norris disagreed. “It was good racing,” he said.

After pitting for hard tyres, the leading four emerged in the same order, though Verstappen was reporting downshift problems with his gearbox that felt “like a handbrake”.

By lap 41 of the 62 Norris had the ailing Verstappen in his sights but found it impossible to get close enough to pass on a circuit where overtaking is notoriously tricky.

“Max didn’t make any mistakes. I gave it my all today and got close,” said Norris.

The night race in tropical Singapore was declared the first official Formula One “Heat Hazard”.

That means all drivers had to have liquid-cooled vests available, though wearing them was not mandatory.

However, with the air temperature around 28C for the race, rather than the expected 31C, some opted not to use the new equipment, including Verstappen.

The Finance Ministry expects the “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme and increased allowances under the state welfare card programme to lift private consumption by 0.87 percentage points.

According to a ministry source who requested anonymity, additional allowances under the state welfare card scheme are estimated to add 0.35 percentage points to private consumption, while the co-payment scheme will contribute 0.52 percentage points.

Combined, these two measures are projected to lift GDP by around 0.3 percentage points, said the source.

The funds are expected to primarily flow into the grassroots economy, directly benefiting retail (especially small shops), food and beverage, and personal services, which cover a wide range of small and medium-sized enterprises.

In addition, the two schemes are expected to increase value-added tax (VAT) collection by the Revenue Department by around 6 billion baht, assuming private consumption of 10 trillion baht and a VAT rate of 7%.

According to the Fiscal Policy Office’s forecast at the end of July, private consumption is expected to grow by 3.1% per year, within a range of 2.6% to 3.6%.

Roughly 33 million people are expected to benefit under the co-payment scheme and uptick in state welfare card allowances:

1. State welfare cardholders: 13 million people are scheduled to receive a top-up of 1,700 baht each. Combined with the existing monthly 300 baht allowance, this totals 2,000 baht per person. The money can be spent at “Blue Flag” shops under the Commerce Ministry, either gradually or in a lump sum, but must be used by December.

2. People outside the tax system: 9 million people are slated to receive a quota of 2,000 baht each under the co-payment scheme, with the government subsidising 50% of spending, capped at 200 baht per day. Funds must be used by December.

3. Taxpayers: 11 million people are expected to receive a spending quota of 2,400 baht each under the co-payment scheme, with the government covering 50% of spending, capped at 200 baht per day. Funds must be used by December.

The combined budget for the Khon La Khrueng scheme and the state welfare card top-up amounts to 66 billion baht.

The cabinet approved the state welfare card top-up project on Sept 30.

The Finance Ministry said the co-payment scheme will be submitted to the cabinet on Tuesday, with public registration open from Oct 20-26.

Individuals should be able to start using the scheme on Oct 29, noted the ministry.

Shops wishing to participate can register from Oct 15 until the end of the project in December.

Nida Poll suggests 44.1% of the public do not understand the function of the two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed with Cambodia in 2000 and 2001.

The National Institute of Development Administration (Nida Poll) on Sunday released the results of a survey titled “A Referendum is Coming. Do You Understand MoU 43 and MoU 44 Yet?”

The survey was conducted on Oct 1-2, targeting Thais aged 18 and above across all regions, education levels, occupations and income groups.

A total of 1,310 respondents were sampled to assess understanding of MoU 43 (on land boundaries, signed in 2000) and MoU 44 (on overlapping maritime zones, signed in 2001) ahead of a proposed referendum on whether to cancel them after the recent border conflict with Cambodia.

When asked about their understanding of MoU 43, 44.1% said that they did not understand it at all, followed by 24.9% who said they understood it only slightly. Meanwhile, 23.1% said they somewhat understood it and only 7.7% said they understood it well.

As for MoU 44, 45.7% stated that they did not understand it at all, followed by 24.9% who said they understood it only slightly. In addition, 22.4% indicated they somewhat understood it, while just 6.8% reported a high level of understanding.

Regarding the public’s desire to gain a clearer understanding of both MoUs, the survey found that 65.5% expressed a wish to understand both MoUs, while 34% said they did not wish to understand either. A total of 0.23% indicated a desire to understand only MoU 43, and an equal percentage wished to understand only MoU 44.

When asked about holding a referendum on repealing both MoUs, 60.7% said they agreed with holding the referendum. This was followed by 20.9% who said they completely disagreed with such a referendum, 12.6% who declined to answer or were uninterested, 4.9% who said they were unsure, 0.46% who supported a referendum to repeal only MoU 43, and 0.3% who supported a referendum to repeal only MoU 44.

The previous government’s soft power initiatives are facing calls to be cancelled on grounds of a lack of clear, measurable outcomes and misinterpretation of the concept entirely.

Senator Alongkot Worakee, chair of the Senate Committee on Budget Oversight, called on the government to drop all soft power initiatives. The committee will summon agencies from nearly 12 ministries every Monday until Oct 30 to clarify their budget allocations under the soft power framework.

“Soft power isn’t just Lisa (Blackpink) eating grilled meatballs and posting about it — that’s marketing. What we’re seeing now is just event planning,” Sen Alongkot said, criticising the current approach as superficial and ineffective.

While procurement processes may be legally sound, the underlying concept is flawed.

“We’re spending hundreds of millions on events without any real evaluation. If you organise an OTOP (One Tambon One Product) fair, how do you measure its success? Why isn’t there a central system to assess impact, like a cashier in a department store?” he asked.

The government, Sen Alongkot said, should redirect the budget to more tangible infrastructure, such as building border fences along the Cambodian frontier.

Last year, the soft power scheme received a five-billion-baht budget and included plans to develop festivals and events, such as the Maha Songkran Water Festival.

Sen Alongkot said the failure lies with the previous administration’s misguided incentives. “The entire soft power budget allocation should be scrapped. It’s a waste of public funds,” he said.

As the global shift towards renewable energy accelerates, Thailand continues to emerge as a key player in the region’s clean energy transformation. Building on this momentum, SKYWORTH, a leading global technology group with more than 37 years of expertise in the electronics industry, has expanded beyond smart home appliances and intelligent systems into the renewable energy sector through the launch of SKYWORTH Photovoltaic (SKYWORTH PV). The company now delivers comprehensive solar energy solutions – from modules and inverters to energy storage systems, mounting structures, and EPC services – serving both residential and commercial customers.

Most recently, SKYWORTH PV announced a strategic partnership with Solve System (Thailand), a provider of innovation-driven energy solutions. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a 120MW solar project and a 30MW Solar Home strategic cooperation, reinforcing renewable energy development across the ASEAN region with Thailand as the central hub of operations. This collaboration reflects not only confidence in Thailand’s potential but also the enduring friendship between Thailand and China as both nations work together towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Strengthening Bilateral Energy Cooperation

Ms Wanfei Qu, Chief Investment Officer of SKYWORTH Group, Director and CEO of SKYWORTH PV, and President of SKYWORTH Renewable Energy (Thailand) Co., Ltd., highlighted the significance of the partnership: ‘It is my great honour to be here today at this important moment, as China and Thailand celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over the past five decades, our two countries have built a deep friendship and robust cooperation. I firmly believe that clean energy will be one of the most promising areas for us to move forward together. This partnership is more than a signing – it is a symbol of trust, shared values, and a shared vision. Together with our Thai partners, we will write a new chapter in clean energy cooperation between China and Thailand.’

Through this partnership, SKYWORTH PV will supply solar products, services, and technical support, while Solve System will drive local operations across the region. The collaboration aims to deliver maximum benefits to Thailand by offering clean, affordable, and reliable energy supported by local expertise and efficient installation. It is also expected to boost brand awareness, encourage wider adoption of solar technology, and empower Thai consumers to embrace sustainable living – reducing reliance on the grid, lowering costs, and promoting energy independence.

Expansion and Future Goals

Looking ahead, Ms Qu outlined SKYWORTH PV’s future plans: ‘Over the next three to five years, we plan to expand into larger-scale commercial and industrial projects, integrating advanced energy storage and digital monitoring systems. We are also seeking to strengthen R and D collaboration and extend our presence into neighbouring ASEAN markets. Within the next one to two years, we will pursue additional strategic partnerships and enhance brand awareness through seminars, workshops, and training, enabling households and businesses to embark on their green energy journey with SKYWORTH solar solutions.’

Local Expertise and Long-Term Impact

On behalf of Solve System, Mr Tan Pinthanon, Managing Director of Solve System Group, emphasised the company’s strategic role: ‘Our strength lies in our deep understanding of local and regional markets, supported by well-established distribution channels. With extensive experience in the solar energy sector, we are committed to helping customers access clean energy and achieve true energy independence. Partnering with SKYWORTH – a company with over 37 years of experience, a strong reputation in Asia, and a robust supply chain – creates the perfect synergy to drive Thailand’s solar industry forward.’

Since establishing its Thailand subsidiary earlier this year, SKYWORTH PV has made significant progress in the local market. In July, the company formed strategic partnerships with ICBC (Thailand) and Olympus Capital, supporting cross-border green finance and clean energy investment. The new cooperation with Solve System and Hermis Property marks another milestone in SKYWORTH PV’s efforts to deepen its presence in Thailand and accelerate its localisation and large-scale development strategy – solidifying the company’s continued expansion in the Southeast Asian market.

‘The 120MW project and 30MW Solar Home initiative represent more than just business,’ Mr Tan added. ‘They embody our shared mission to accelerate Thailand’s transition to clean energy. By combining advanced technology with local expertise, we aim to make renewable energy more accessible, reliable, and affordable for all – strengthening energy independence, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting Thailand’s long-term sustainability goals.’

An assistant teacher accused of assaulting a first-grade student with a metal ruler will be reassigned to an inactive post while the investigation continues, authorities said on Sunday.

The transfer was ordered by the director of Lampang Primary Educational Service Area Office 1, following outrage over the incident which left the child with bruises on his face and neck.

Deputy director of Lampang Primary Educational Service Area Office 1, Thanayut Kamphira, along with the principal of Ban Mae Chang School, and social welfare and child protection officials, visited the home of the victim in Mae Mo district to extend their support and gather information about the incident.

The boy, identified as Pot, 7, was struck in the face by the 23-year-old assistant teacher for taking his snacks without permission.

Mr Thanayut said the teacher will be reassigned to Lampang Primary Educational Service Area Office 1, effective on Oct 6. A committee will determine if the teacher’s actions warrant serious administrative sanctions, he added.

“We will be fair to all parties,” he said, acknowledging the emotional toll on the child’s family and pledging stricter oversight to prevent future incidents.

Regarding the assistant teacher’s licence, Mr Thanayut said the matter falls under the Teachers’ Council of Thailand (TCT).

Amonwan Weerathammo, secretary- general of the TCT, said Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat expressed concern and instructed the council to act swiftly.

“Violence in schools is unacceptable. Teachers are meant to nurture, not harm,” Ms Narumon said.

The assistant teacher holds a provisional teaching licence issued in May 2023, which is valid until May 2028. The case has been submitted to the Professional Standards Committee for review under the 2025 Code of Ethics.

Ms Amonwan added the committee may suspend the licence pending the results of the investigation. If the school’s administration recommends dismissal, it can proceed without awaiting the committee’s final decision which will follow in due course.

Travel is more than a pastime-it is a way of life for those who see each journey as an opportunity to learn, connect and create lasting memories. This spirit is captured by The 1 to The World, a programme offering members exclusive privileges and seamless convenience worldwide.

Travel is more than a pastime-it is a way of life for those who see each journey as an opportunity to learn, connect and create lasting memories. This spirit is captured by The 1 to The World, a programme offering members exclusive privileges and seamless convenience worldwide.

Among those who embody this global mindset are historian and TV host Dr Wit Sittivaekin, better known as Hia Wit, and his wife, news anchor and foreign affairs expert Veenarat ‘Pei’ Laohapakakul. Together, they are not only partners in life but also ‘partners in thought,’ inspiring others through their shared passion for travel and discovery.

For them, travelling is never just about relaxation-it is a way to create meaningful experiences. Along every journey, The 1 to The World serves as a trusted companion, providing convenience and elevated privileges for members across the globe.

Perfect harmony through global privileges

For Wit and Pei, every trip is a balance of contrasts. ‘Wit loves immersing himself in civilisations and history, while I’m drawn to adventure and nature, though I also enjoy cultural journeys with him. No matter where we go, every trip always ends with shopping, and with The 1 privileges abroad, our experiences become even more special,’ Pei shared.

Wit added: ‘Italy is the perfect example. You can hike in the Dolomites, explore Florence and Venice for culture, and finish in Milan for shopping at Rinascente. What made it even better was the exclusive discounts, earning The 1 points like back home in Thailand, plus extra VIP services. It gave us peace of mind, comfort and made every travel hour truly meaningful.’

Pei recalled their travels in Asia, with Japan as a standout destination: ‘Japan impressed us deeply, with its rich history, breathtaking nature and refined culture. And with The 1 privileges at Daimaru in Osaka, we enjoyed full benefits-discounts, points and VIP services. Whether in Europe or Asia, The 1 makes shopping abroad just as rewarding as at home.’

Shopping as an art of travel

For the couple, shopping is more than a transaction; it is part of the cultural experience. ‘Department stores reflect lifestyles. Rinascente in Milan is stunning with its architecture, KaDeWe in Berlin carries a Northern European flair, and Daimaru in Japan shows meticulous service. Even if they sell similar products, each offers unique experiences and hospitality. As a The 1 Exclusive member, I feel even more taken care of, with extra cashback when spending via Central The 1 Credit Card, plus access to airport lounges worldwide. These privileges make being a The 1 member truly valuable everywhere we go,’ Wit explained.

Pei agreed, highlighting Rinascente’s open ambience and gourmet food floor, as well as Daimaru’s VIP Lounge: ‘Just by showing The 1 Exclusive status, we received discounts, souvenirs and tax refund services without long queues. It was seamless and enjoyable.’

A must-have for every journey

For Wit and Pei, travel is about savouring each moment along the way. Having The 1 to The World privileges has become indispensable, making every trip more convenient, secure and memorable. ‘The first time a staff member abroad asked for my The 1 membership number, it felt like planting the Thai flag overseas,’ Wit recalled with pride. ‘One privilege I never miss is Hotel Delivery-perfect when buying luxury or bulky items. Instead of carrying them, they’re delivered straight to the hotel safely. It saves time and stress.’

Pei added with a smile: ‘The 1 benefits make shopping complete and more enjoyable, from earning points and receiving discounts to special cashback. It adds even more value to every trip.’

Both agree that privileges from The 1, The 1 Exclusive and CENFINITY are not ‘extras’ but essential parts of their international travel.

Dream trips ahead

When asked about dream destinations, Pei said: ‘Italy remains at the top of our list. With its perfect mix of culture, nature and world-class shopping where we can earn points, enjoy benefits and receive VIP treatment, every trip feels rewarding and seamless.’

Wit shared his wish to revisit Germany and Switzerland: ‘The landscapes are breathtaking and the cities unique. I always plan my shopping in advance, whether at KaDeWe, Oberpollinger and Alsterhaus in Germany or Globus in Switzerland. And Hotel Delivery is a must-it makes every journey easier and more special.’

For both, travel is not only about reaching destinations but about treasuring every moment. The 1 to The World is more than a membership; it is a travel companion that brings comfort, confidence and exceptional privileges anywhere in the world.

Elevated Privileges with The 1 to The World

Members of The 1 enjoy exclusive international privileges across Europe and Asia, with point accumulation, discounts and VIP services at world-class department stores such as Rinascente (Italy), KaDeWe (Germany), Globus (Switzerland), Illum (Denmark), Oberpollinger (Germany), Alsterhaus (Germany), de Bijenkorf (Netherlands), Daimaru (Japan), Lotte Duty Free (Korea), The Shilla Duty Free (Korea) and Marina Bay Sands (Singapore).

· The 1 Members: Earn points on every purchase and enjoy 10% discounts on participating items. (e.g., pound 1 = 1 The 1 Point at Rinascente, KaDeWe, Oberpollinger and Alsterhaus; CHF1 = 1 The 1 Point at Globus; DKK8 = 1 The 1 Point at Illum).

· The 1 Exclusive: Receive enhanced benefits including discounts of up to 20%, fast-track tax refunds, hotel delivery, gift wrapping, personal shopping assistants and access to VIP lounges.

· CENFINITY Members: Experience the highest tier of privileges such as private transfers, welcome drinks, tailoring services and beauty treatments.

· Central The 1 Credit Card Members (Black, Black Plus, Luxe): Enjoy up to 15% cashback at participating department stores and access to more than 1,600 premium airport lounges worldwide.

Former prime minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh is gravely ill, bedridden and unable to speak, according to a close aide.

Chawalit Wichayasut, deputy leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party and former MP for Nakhon Phanom, disclosed on his Facebook page that the 93-year-old retired general is currently being treated at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Mr Chawalit said the former premier’s family expressed deep gratitude to His Majesty the King for placing Gen Chavalit under royal patronage.

‘I visited Gen Chavalit last week. He is bedridden, has undergone a tracheotomy, is on dialysis and is being fed through a feeding tube. He remains under the close care of doctors,’ Mr Chawalit wrote.

Gen Chavalit served as the country’s 22nd prime minister from November 1996 to November 1997.

The former MP also addressed reports in the media about internal disputes within Gen Chavalit’s family, describing them as a ‘sensitive matter.’ He did not elaborate.

Mr Chawalit urged all sides to cease legal confrontations.

‘I would like to appeal to everyone to stop the conflict and show compassion,” Mr Chawalit said.

Mr Chawalit further responded to commentary on social and broadcast media portraying Gen Chavalit as the prime minister responsible for the 1997 Asian financial meltdown, widely known as the ‘Tom Yum Kung crisis’.

He argued the crisis did not originate during Gen Chavalit’s administration but had been building over several years under preceding governments due to financial liberalisation policies, particularly the Bangkok International Banking Facility (BIBF), which lacked sufficient regulatory oversight.