Category: The Bangkok Post

Thai Airways International has pledged full cooperation with Australian authorities after a Thai air hostess was arrested and heroin seized from her bags at Melbourne airport.

The airline said in a Facebook post on Monday it would fully cooperate with Australian officials in their investigation.

The 26-year-old woman was arrested after a kilogramme of heroin was found concealed in her luggage after she arrived at Melbourne airport on Thursday. She was carrying 12 tote bags. The heroin was in the lining.

The carrier said it is working with officials in Thailand and Australia in establishing the facts of the case.

The arrest was disclosed by Australian Federal Police on Monday but the agency did not release the airline’s name, the woman’s name or job position other than Thai airline crew member.

THAI later posted online confirming the woman was an employee, a member of the flight cabin crew.

The airline said it has a strict prohibition on pilots or cabin crew possessing or trafficking in drugs or any other illegal items and regularly reminded them before they went on duty. Violators faced stern disciplinary action, in addition to any criminal action.

The Public Relations Department said the incident involved flight TG465 and the arrest came after a sniffer dog checked her luggage. A search found the kilogramme of heroin in her possession.

Reports said it was hidden in the tote bag linings and had an estimated street value of A$500,00 (11.5 million baht).

Flight TG465 left Suvarnabhumi airport at 7.40pm on Wednesday last week and landed at 7.04am Melbourne time the next day, according to the flight tracker Flight Aware.

With the election of a new Bangkok governor yesterday, several unfinished tasks to develop the nation’s capital await the administration during its four-year term.

Bangkok is home to at least 8.2-11 million people, including temporary workers and students, and served as a gateway for 30.3 million foreign arrivals last year, as well as a hub for businesses of all sizes.

With an enormous fiscal budget of 92.7 billion baht under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the capital has ample tools to maintain its competitiveness.

The business sector hopes the new governor will develop it into an “ideal capital” that will elevate the country’s economy.

LIVEABLE CITY FOR ALL

Business leaders say policies that can strengthen the capital’s appeal as a destination for both domestic migrants and foreign residents, as well as improve liveability, infrastructure and access to information, are key to successful development.

Kessara Thanyalakpark, managing director of SET-listed Sena Development, said Bangkok should position itself as a city where people want to live, work and build their future, regardless of whether they come from overseas or other provinces.

“Bangkok should have a ‘Welcome Resident Centre’ for newcomers, whether they are foreigners or Thais relocating from other provinces,” she said. “A centre would help people settle into the city more easily and make Bangkok a more attractive place to live.”

Ms Kessara, who served as a policy consultant for Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt during his first term, said similar initiatives were successfully adopted in several developed countries that actively attract migrants, skilled workers and international talent.

In Canada, which is recognised for its immigrant-friendly policies, government-funded welcome centres provide newcomers with a broad range of services, from language training and employment assistance to obtaining identification documents.

Germany established welcome centres in major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Stuttgart to assist skilled foreign workers and international students, helping them navigate administrative procedures and settle more efficiently.

Australia and New Zealand also introduced local welcome programmes that provide information on healthcare services, community benefits and waste management, helping new residents integrate into their communities more smoothly.

“For Thais who want to move abroad, we need to ask why they don’t want to stay in Bangkok,” Ms Kessara said. “For foreigners, we need to address issues such as dual pricing often pointed out by tourists. We need to create a more welcoming environment if we want Bangkok to compete with leading global cities.”

Greater transparency about public information would also support investment and urban development, she noted.

As a property developer and Bangkok resident, Ms Kessara said access to key information such as official land appraisal values and land ownership records should be made more accessible by the BMA.

Surachet Kongcheep, head of research at property consultancy Cushman and Wakefield Thailand, said many aspects of development are handled via normal municipal functions, but the governor could play a stronger coordinating role.

“Some issues may appear routine, but they have a direct impact on quality of life and investment confidence,” he said.

Mr Surachet cited recurring flooding after rainfall, traffic disruptions caused by construction projects, and the prolonged use of public space for construction materials as areas requiring stricter oversight.

He said the BMA should prioritise safety across the city, both during the day and at night, for pedestrians, public transport users and motorists.

“More effective CCTV coverage and enforcement can help deter crime and improve confidence among residents and visitors,” said Mr Surachet.

Regarding land development, he said the BMA could use land and building tax policies more actively to encourage productive land use.

“If the city wants to stimulate development, it should closely monitor land usage that is inconsistent with the current and future potential of specific locations,” said Mr Surachet.

Stronger enforcement of land taxation could encourage owners of underutilised plots to develop, redevelop or release land to the market, he noted.

Regarding Bangkok’s new city plan, Mr Surachet said the city should focus on expanding road networks and improving connectivity to unlock development opportunities in previously inaccessible areas.

“The BMA should study how new roads and extensions of existing roads can increase the potential of landlocked plots and open up new areas for long-term development,” he said.

Improved connectivity would not only support future property investment, but also help create a more balanced pattern of urban growth across the capital, noted Mr Surachet.

GRASSROOTS ECONOMY

Bangkok’s new governor should use the mandate and intimate knowledge of local communities to support micro-SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) amid a sluggish economy, said Sangchai Theerakulwanich, honorary president and strategic chairman of the Federation of Thai SMEs.

Although the government has introduced policies to stimulate the grassroots economy, referring to small-scale activity driven by retailers, street vendors and ordinary buyers, he said the measures are inadequate and require reinforcement from the BMA, which has solid experience in managing urban operations.

“Local officials work closely with small entrepreneurs, a connection the Bangkok governor must leverage to strengthen support for the city’s micro-businesses,” Mr Sangchai said.

A healthier grassroots economy is crucial for the government’s broader efforts to restore the Thai economy, he noted.

The Revenue Department classifies micro-SMEs nationwide into two groups: 3,000 with annual revenue of less than 1.8 million baht, and 2,000 with annual revenue of 1.8 million to 30 million baht.

Mr Sangchai said to enhance their revenue, a mix of measures is needed. To increase the competitiveness of small businesses, digital technologies, notably artificial intelligence, should be a key tool.

“These technologies are good for entrepreneurs who work in the capital,” he said.

SMEs have grown at a slow pace. These small entrepreneurs need a city governor who knows how to allocate budgets to support them, said Mr Sangchai.

He urged the Bhumjaithai Party-led coalition government to work closely with the Bangkok governor to develop the capital’s economy, which is propelled by both large corporations and micro-SMEs.

“This effort requires strategic thinking from both the Bangkok governor and city councillors,” Mr Sangchai said.

PUBLIC IMAGE

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said Bangkok attracts large numbers of international visitors and relies heavily on pedestrian access.

Even though the rail network is thorough, he said road traffic remains hazardous, while pavements are often obstructed by street vendors, which are issues the BMA must address.

A blanket ban on street vendors is unnecessary, but clear rules on designated areas, operating hours and hygiene are essential, noted Mr Thienprasit.

“A high-value image will never be achieved if basic infrastructure remains inadequate in Bangkok. Many pavements are deteriorating and difficult for pedestrians to walk on,” he said.

Greater attention is also needed for the urban environment. Areas beneath expressways are still blighted by litter, in stark contrast to better-managed cities such as Singapore, said Mr Thienprasit.

In addition, flooding remains a major concern, as heavy downpours can quickly cause inundation, damaging Thailand’s tourism image. The city often logs lower visitor numbers during the rainy season and needs improvements to enhance its appeal, he said.

Meanwhile, urban planning laws should better support business development. Converting old buildings into hotels requires legal adjustments and strict inspections, particularly as some ageing three-storey structures are being extended to five storeys despite safety risks highlighted by recent deadly incidents, noted Mr Thienprasit.

“Old buildings can be converted into hostels with reinforced structures, but excessive extensions are unacceptable,” he said. “If we aim for high-value tourism, the city must have recognised standards and regulations to ensure safety.”

However, rules should not deter owners from registering properties due to fear of non-compliance, noted Mr Thienprasit.

IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE

Typically restaurants in Bangkok record a 20-30% drop in sales in June compared with earlier months of the year.

This decline is attributed to the beginning of the rainy season, which brings fewer dine-in customers, and to families opting to save money after tuition payments and related expenses in May, said Chanon Koetcharoen, president of the Restaurant Association.

However, this month restaurants in Bangkok reported a 30-40% sales dip, resulting from the ongoing Middle East war, which has driven consumers to prioritise savings. Higher airfares, driven by elevated jet fuel prices, have also reduced the number of foreign arrivals, he said.

Mr Chanon said he hopes the new governor will revitalise Bangkok restaurants.

Regarding infrastructure, he called on the governor to address the city’s drainage problems, as flooding continues to disrupt business activity across the city.

Given Thailand’s reputation for vibrant street food, Mr Chanon urged the new governor to improve waste disposal practices among street food vendors. Some vendors discharge liquid waste directly into Bangkok’s drainage system, which can lead to blockages. He suggested the city introduce portable grease traps for vendors.

In addition, Mr Chanon urged the BMA to simplify the process for obtaining restaurant licences from local district offices.

He also encouraged the administration to develop travel routes connecting tourist destinations across Bangkok, leveraging its extensive knowledge of the city. This approach would promote a broader range of neighbourhoods, rather than focusing on a single area. By promoting different routes, the initiative could help revitalise activity in various parts of the city and support eateries in those neighbourhoods, said Mr Chanon.

The governor can also promote Bangkok’s nightlife, which would benefit street food vendors, which are most active at night, he noted.

The opposition-core People’s Party (PP) won 22 of the 50 district seats on the Bangkok city council at Sunday’s election.

According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, PP council candidates won the districts of Thawi Watthana, Bang Khae, Taling Chan, Rat Burana, Dusit, Phranakhon, Bang Sue, Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Laksi, Chatuchak, Din Daeng, Sathon, Don Mueang, Lat Phrao, Huai Khwang, Yannawa, Watthana, Phra Khanong, Bang Na, Klong Sam Wa and Nong Chok.

The Bangkok Squad team captured 11 seats – Phasicharoen, Bang Bon, Bang Khunthian, Thon Buri, Bang Rak, Bang Kholaem, Bung Kum, Bang Kapi, Kannayao, Saphan Sung and Suang Luang districts.

Democrat Party candidates won eight seats – Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Yai, Klong San, Pomprap Sattruphai, Samphanthawong, Wang Thonglang, Klong Toey and Prawet districts.

The Pheu Thai Life group won four council seats – Chom Thong, Thung Khru, Sai Mai and Min Buri districts.

Independent candidates won in Nong Khaem, Bang Phlat and Bang Khen districts and the Better Bangkok group won Pathumwan and Lat Krabang.

Two PT service stations in Pattani province and another in Yala province were set on fire by what appeared to be coordinated bombings on Sunday night. One man was injured.

The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) reported the explosions all occurred around 11pm on Sunday.

They each targeted a PT station – one in Muang district of Yala and the two others in Sai Buri and Yaring districts of neighbouring Pattani. The blasts started fires at all three stations, Isoc’s southern forward command said.

A man was injured by the bomb explosion in Sai Buri and was taken to Sai Buri Crown Prince Hospital, Isoc reported.

Security authorities set up blockades as investigators searched the bomb scenes and vicinity for evidence and more explosives. Several shops near the pumping station in Yala remained shut on Monday morning.

Microsoft has officially announced it will terminate support for Office 2021 on Oct 13, 2026. While users will still be able to operate the software normally, the tech giant will no longer provide security patches, bug fixes or technical assistance.

According to a statement on Microsoft’s official website, although the program will remain functional, users could face severe security risks from unpatched vulnerabilities that emerge after the end-of-support deadline.

Official customer support channels, including chat assistance, will be discontinued for this version.

Users seeking continuous updates, new features, bug fixes and robust security defences are advised to transition to Microsoft 365, the company’s cloud-based subscription service.

Alternatively, consumers and enterprise clients looking to avoid recurring subscription fees can opt for Office 2024. This version is available as a one-time, perpetual purchase, making it an ideal choice for businesses and individuals preferring traditional software licensing.

The announcement reflects Microsoft’s broader strategy of encouraging users to migrate towards cloud-connected and subscription-based productivity services.

Bangkokians were advised to cast their ballots early on Sunday, with the likelihood of rain in the afternoon, as polling opened in the election of a new city governor and city council.

Polling booths opened at 8am and voters have until 5pm to cast their ballots.

The unofficial results are expected by 10pm.

About 74,000 staff were deployed at 6,628 polling stations across the capital. The poll organising office expected 70% of more than 4 million registered voters to turn out.

City clerk Narong Ruangsri, the Bangkok election director, said on Sunday all preparations went smoothly and advised voters to come out before anticipated rain in the afternoon.

“Voters should show up before the afternoon. If you plan on afternoon voting, please bring an umbrella because it could rain,” Mr Narong said during a media briefing.

Election Commission chairman Narong Klanwarin said rain would not delay counting of votes after the polls close and expected the unofficial results by 10pm, as earlier planned.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said there was a 60% chance of rain from 4pm, possibly in northern districts and part of the eastern suburbs including Don Muang and Bang Khen.

The Election Commission (EC) is on track to complete its review of the high-profile Senate election collusion case within the legal timeframe, EC chairman Narong Klanwarin said, rejecting allegations the agency is delaying proceedings.

Mr Narong said the commission deliberates every Monday, with three of the 12 scheduled meetings already completed and the fourth due next week.

“We are confident the process will be completed within the legal timeframe,” he said.

He acknowledged mounting calls for the EC to forward the case to the court but said the commission is required to investigate and rule on every complaint before deciding whether to dismiss it or refer it for judicial consideration.

“The EC is not a post office that simply forwards whatever is submitted to us. We cannot do that because it would be against the law. We must issue a ruling on every case,” Mr Narong said. He also denied the EC was deliberately prolonging the process, saying the commission remains committed to completing the review within the 12 scheduled meetings.

The EC cannot meet solely on the Senate case because it must also handle complaints arising from local and Bangkok elections, he added.

Mr Narong said commissioners are reviewing the entire case file independently rather than relying on the conclusions of any investigative subcommittee.

Responding to questions about new evidence released by People’s Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu, Mr Narong said all evidence contained in the investigation dossier would be considered.

He also denied feeling pressure despite persistent criticism from opposition parties.

“I am simply performing my duties under the law. If I could not withstand the pressure, I would have resigned,” he said.

The Senate election collusion case has become one of the most closely watched political investigations since the nationwide Senate election on June 26, 2024.

Investigators allege an organised network coordinated Senate candidates across all 20 occupational groups, with senior politicians, cabinet members and influential provincial political families accused of supporting the operation.

Under the EC investigation, 229 people have been formally accused, including 138 senators and 91 political figures.

The case has been jointly investigated by the EC and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). While the EC’s original panel recommended referring the case to the Supreme Court, a later subcommittee concluded by a 5-2 vote that no offences had been committed, creating conflicting recommendations.

From toddlers watching cartoons on tablets to teenagers scrolling through social media, screens have become an integral part of childhood in Thailand, raising questions about how a generation growing up with them will develop, learn and interact with the world.

The issue has climbed the policy agenda as evidence accumulates that excessive screen time and unrestricted social media use are affecting children’s wellbeing.

Experts warn the risks extend far beyond addiction, encompassing cognitive development, mental health, online exploitation and the erosion of social skills.

Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) data show that 93.1% of Thais use the internet and spend an average of seven hours and 54 minutes online each day.

Particularly alarming for child-development specialists is the finding that 72.6% of children aged up to two years spend more than one hour a day in front of screens.

For many experts, these figures represent a warning about the future quality of Thailand’s human capital.

Concern has reached the highest levels of government.

Last Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri, chairman of ThaiHealth, instructed the organisation to prepare proposals on reducing screen time among children and young people and assess whether further regulation may be required.

Warning signs

Danaya Wasuwat, Senior Project Management Specialist at the Thai Media Fund and a former university lecturer currently completing her second master’s degree at the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, said excessive screen time and unrestricted social media use are affecting children’s cognitive development.

Teachers across the country have raised developmental concerns about children who spend excessive time on screens and social media. Children are arriving at school with shorter attention spans, weaker emotional regulation, delayed language development and declining social skills, they say.

Most concerning is that such problems are appearing among kindergarten-age children. She said Thailand had underestimated the long-term significance of the issue.

“We have not invested enough in protecting our future human capital,” she said.

The problem is not limited to development. Children also face a rapidly expanding range of online threats, including cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, scams and gambling platforms.

She cited data shared by the Cyber Crime Police indicating large numbers of children are targeted by online scams and exploitation each year, while only a small proportion of cases are successfully resolved.

The fund has previously engaged with Google on online child safety.

Although platforms such as YouTube Kids offer additional safeguards, she noted these protections depend on parents actively choosing to use them, while many children continue to access content through standard platforms.

Asst Prof Weerachat Soopunyo of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Education said the roots of the problem often begin at home.

“When we look closely at the causes, young children simply need care and attention,” he said.

“Many are given mobile phones because adults are busy or want to keep them occupied.”

Over time, what begins as a practical solution can harden into an ingrained habit.

“It may not amount to addiction in the clinical sense, but it develops into a behavioural pattern that is difficult to change,” he said.

Behind the introduction of social media restrictions in several countries, extensive consultation with parents, educators and experts has played an important role in shaping policy.

Whether Thailand eventually follows the growing number of countries considering similar measures, experts argue that parents must also reflect on their own technology habits.

It has become increasingly common for families to sit together while each person is absorbed in a different screen.

While public debate often focuses on “screen addiction”, Asst Prof Weerachat argues that habitual dependence on digital devices can be equally damaging because it gradually replaces activities essential to children’s development.

As social interaction shifts online, some experts worry children are losing chances to develop communication, empathy and relationship-building skills.

Beyond bans

While international attention has focused on social media bans, Thai experts caution against viewing legislation as a silver bullet.

Australia’s law barring children under 16 from social media has become a closely watched example.

Companies that fail to prevent underage access face penalties of up to A$49.5 million, or roughly 1.13 billion baht.

Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, manager of ThaiHealth, said the organisation is studying such measures and their potential in Thailand.

“Many countries have implemented such measures. We need to study them before deciding what is appropriate for Thailand,” he said, though he said regulation is only one part of the solution.

ThaiHealth has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to strengthen online child protection, built around four priorities: improving digital literacy, developing educational tools for schools and communities, promoting healthier online behaviour through public campaigns, and strengthening cooperation among government agencies, businesses and civil society.

Ms Danaya said the Thai Media Fund has worked with Google on child online safety initiatives, including YouTube Kids, but noted such safeguards depend on parents actively choosing to use them.

Many children still access content through standard platforms where protections are weaker.

Structural challenges

Assoc Prof Dr Suriyadeo Tripathi, director of the Centre for Moral Development, said excessive screen use is partly a symptom of broader structural problems.

Thailand lacks space for kids to enjoy out-of-curriculum activity.

The education system also focuses on competition with excessive demands for homework and exams that are often set beyond a student’s age level.

He called on local administrations, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, to improve parks, community libraries and local learning centres to draw children away from screens.

“We should not wait for the law as it might take longer than three years,” he said. “This could be done immediately with less cost of investment.”

Dr Suriyadeo said he and allied organisations would submit an open letter to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urging the government to treat children’s digital wellbeing as a national priority — not simply a welfare issue, but an economic one affecting the future quality of Thailand’s workforce.

The Cambodian government has banned Discord, Patreon and 29 other websites, claiming the platforms are linked to illegal gambling and illicit activities that threaten national progress and growth, sparking widespread public outcry and calls to reconsider the decision.

The Patreon app is a membership and crowdfunding platform where fans can financially support their favourite creators. Discord is a free communication platform where users can interact using text, audio, video and screen sharing.

On June 17, Cambodian media reported that the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) ordered the blocks, stating the 31 websites violate national laws. Officials argued that the platforms host illicit content and gambling operations, which could negatively impact education and the country’s developing economy.

According to official data, 23 of the banned websites were categorised as online gambling platforms. The remaining eight were flagged as unauthorised trading and service platforms, a category that surprisingly included the popular creator subscription site Patreon.

Meanwhile, communication giant Discord saw two of its primary domains blocked – discord.com and discord.gg. The sudden restriction has caused deep concern among Cambodian users who rely heavily on the platform for daily communication, education, gaming, and community engagement. (continues below)

The ban has met with strong resistance from locals, who argue that Discord and Patreon are legitimate global platforms that should not be lumped together with illegal gambling syndicates. Many pointed out the inconsistency in the policy, noting that similar communication apps like Telegram remain fully operational.

Critics have also questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the decision, expressing frustration over the absence of any prior public consultation before the sweeping blocks were enforced.

Ngeth Moses, a digital security adviser, said authorities may have uncovered evidence linking both platforms to illegal activities during recent raids on scam compounds operated by fraud syndicates.

However, Mr Moses warned that restricting access to the platforms could negatively affect legitimate users, including content creators, podcasters and gaming communities. He added that blocking platforms alone would not eliminate online fraud or gambling, as offenders could easily bypass restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs).

Instead, he said Cambodian authorities should strengthen cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to improve investigations and more effectively combat cross-border cybercrime.

Inclusion is being recognised as a driver of economic growth, investment and competitiveness, with speakers at a forum highlighting its role in strengthening productivity and long-term national development.

The issue was discussed at the Bangkok Post Pride Dialogue 2026: Where Diversity, Culture and Economy Meet, co-organised by the Bangkok Post and the Australian Embassy in Bangkok at Emsphere on Friday.

The event brought together diplomats, business leaders and advocates to examine how diversity and inclusion policies influence economic outcomes and corporate performance.

Speaking on the topic of “Beyond Pride: Inclusion as a Driver of Economic and Social Progress”, Lisa Davidson, Acting Counsellor (Economic) and Pride Champion at the Australian Embassy, said governments are viewing inclusion not only as a matter of rights but also as an economic strategy with measurable benefits.

She referred to research from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which indicates more inclusive societies tend to be more stable and better governed, while also attracting stronger foreign direct investment and achieving improved long-term economic performance.

“Inclusion ensures every member of society feels respected, belongs and is able to contribute fully,” she said, adding that Australia has embedded inclusion across legislation, public health systems and foreign policy frameworks.

She highlighted Australia’s workplace anti-discrimination laws, marriage equality legislation and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals across all six states and two territories as part of its approach.

Beyond domestic policy, she pointed to the Equality Collaboration Fund, a AU$20.6 million (about 474 million baht) initiative supporting civil society organisations across Asia and the Pacific, as an example of Australia’s international engagement on inclusion.

Ms Davidson said inclusion is also increasingly embedded in Australia’s national identity and governance, reinforcing both social cohesion and economic resilience.

While inclusion is associated with stronger economic outcomes, exclusion carries significant measurable costs, according to Numan Afifi, Programme and Advocacy Lead at APCOM Foundation.

Drawing on World Bank research, he said discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals can negatively affect economic performance through reduced productivity, increased poverty levels and higher public health expenditure.

He cited estimates suggesting that exclusion of LGBTQ+ people could cost some countries between 0.1% and 1.7% of gross domestic product, depending on the scale of discrimination and labour market barriers.

“No nation wants any of its citizens left behind,” he said, adding economies perform better when all individuals are able to participate fully in the workforce and contribute to development.

He noted that highly skilled professionals are more likely to relocate to countries where they can live openly and safely, while businesses that fail to create inclusive environments risk losing talent to competitors.

Mr Numan said inclusion must go beyond symbolic gestures. Workplace culture is defined by action rather than intention. He said organisations must implement clear policies and practices to ensure equality is embedded in day-to-day operations.

“Culture doesn’t exist in the mind. It exists through action,” he said, adding that meaningful inclusion requires consistent implementation within workplaces.

The discussion also examined regional developments, noting shifting attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights in parts of Asia-Pacific. Participants highlighted Thailand’s marriage equality law as a domestic milestone, alongside a recent ruling by Nepal’s Supreme Court supporting recognition of same-sex marriage rights.

These developments reflect gradual progress in parts of the region, although disparities remain. In several countries, same-sex relationships remain criminalised and LGBTQ+ communities continue to face discrimination, stigma and limited legal protection.

Mr Numan warned that human rights conditions in one country can have wider implications beyond its borders, particularly in an interconnected global economy.

He encouraged governments to make greater use of international mechanisms such as the United Nations Universal Periodic Review process and Asean human rights frameworks to address concerns collectively. He acknowledged, however, the effectiveness of such mechanisms depends on political will and cooperation among member states.

The role of multinational corporations was also highlighted as important in advancing inclusion. Mr Numan urged companies to maintain inclusive workplace policies even when operating in jurisdictions where LGBTQ+ identities remain stigmatised or criminalised.

Rather than lowering standards to match local constraints, he said businesses should use their influence to promote equality and protect employee rights. “My advice is don’t be afraid to apply all these inclusive policies in your workplace because business and human rights go hand in hand,” he said.