Category: The Bangkok Post

The chief physician of Police General Hospital has been transferred to an inactive post, effective from Oct 1, following a six-month suspension of his medical licence for his role in helping former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra avoid doing prison time.

National police chief Kittharath Punpetch signed the order transferring Dr Taweesilp Wechawitarn, who also holds the rank of police lieutenant-general, to the Royal Thai Police Operations Centre.

The transfer order noted a resolution passed by the Medical Council of Thailand on May 8, when it voted to suspend Dr Taweesilp’s medical licence for six months, effective from Oct 1.

The council said any violation of the suspension by continuing to practise medicine would constitute an offence under the Medical Profession Act.

The Royal Thai Police subsequently set up a fact-finding committee in July to investigate alleged misconduct involving Pol Lt Gen Taweesilp and another senior physician, Pol Lt Gen Sophonrat Singhajaru. The investigation is still under way.

The two have been accused of helping Thaksin receive privileged treatment in a luxury ward on the 14th floor of the hospital.

The Medical Council concluded that the doctors provided false or misleading medical documents or information regarding Thaksin’s health to facilitate his extended hospital stay.

It suspended Pol Lt Gen Sophonrat’s licence for three months and Pol Lt Gen Taweesilp’s licence for six months, starting Oct 1.

Given the suspension of his medical licence and the pending inquiry, police authorities deemed it inappropriate for Pol Lt Gen Taweesilp to continue in his current role, the order said.

The reassignment would ensure transparency, fairness and prevent potential damage to the force, it added.

Pol Lt Gen Paiboon Chiamanukulkit, a senior physician at Police General Hospital, has been named acting chief physician, effective from Oct 1 to March 31 next year. (Story continues below)

Behind bars

On Sept 9, the Supreme Court ordered Thaksin, 76, to actually serve the year’s imprisonment to which he was sentenced two years ago, rejecting his prolonged stay in hospital as part of his sentence.

The court said it considered as illegitimate the transfer of Thaksin from Bangkok Remand Prison shortly after his arrival there on Aug 22, 2023, after he complained of chest pain.

The billionaire and former Manchester City Football Club owner had returned to Thailand that same day after 15 years in self-imposed exile. He stayed at the police hospital instead of in prison until his parole in February 2024.

The former prime minister is now in the maximum-security Klong Prem Central Prison.

Thailand has achieved its highest-ever international ranking in efforts to combat the worst forms of child labour, earning a ‘Significant Advancement’ rating in the US Department of Labor’s 2024 report.

Labour Minister Trinuch Thianthong on Thursday attributed the success to coordinated efforts across government, the private sector and civil society.

According to the 2024 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor, Thailand was assessed at the ‘Significant Advancement’ level, marking the first time since 2017 that the country has moved up from a moderate to the top tier.

Key measures include Ministerial Regulation No.15 enforced in 2024, which extends labour protections to household domestic workers and prohibits employing children younger than 15 in domestic work, in alignment with international standards, she said.

Additionally, government initiatives have granted citizenship to 477,000 stateless individuals, including 142,000 children, thereby expanding access to education and economic protections and reducing their vulnerability to exploitative work.

Ms Trinuch said the recognition represents only the first step toward sustainable, safe, and fair labour management.

‘It ensures quality of life for all workers and enables Thai children and youth to grow safely and contribute to the country’s long-term development,’ she added.

Thailand is the sole Asean country among nine nations, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro and Panama, to reach the top rating in the 2024 TDA Report, she noted.

Saroj Komkay, director-general of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, said the report assesses 131 countries worldwide under the US Trade and Development Act (TDA), encouraging action against child labour, including commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking.

Thailand conducted inspections of formal and informal sectors, targeting 115 high-risk industries, including agriculture, fisheries and textiles, many of which appear on the US List of Goods Produced with Child Labour, Forced Labour, and Forced Child Labour.

Thai Union Group Plc has surpassed its 2025 blue finance target after securing a total of 24 billion baht in sustainable financing, underscoring strong investor confidence in its financial stability and long-term sustainability vision.

Blue finance refers to projects that benefit the oceans, support healthy marine and freshwater environments, and help to create a sustainable “blue economy”.

As a large seafood producer, blue finance is part of Thai Union’s corporate strategy.

Thai Union’s latest transaction in September combined Thailand’s first-ever issuance of blue bonds and sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs), worth 9 billion baht in total, alongside a package of sustainability-linked loans (SLLs) worth 10 billion baht.

The offering comprised blue bonds (2 billion baht, four-year tenor, 1.70% interest) and SLBs (2 billion baht, seven-year tenor at 2.20%, and 5 billion baht, 10-year tenor at 2.46%).

In parallel, Thai Union secured 10 billion baht in SLLs from a syndicate of leading banks, with a five-year maturity.

Yongyut Setthawiwat, managing director and group treasurer for treasury and finance shared services at Thai Union, said this fundraising enabled the company to exceed its 2025 goal for sustainability-linked funding sources.

Thai Union also surpassed its target of 75% long-term debt, reaching 80%, and plans to achieve 100% by 2030, he said.

According to the company, proceeds from the blue bonds will be allocated to the purchase of tuna certified by the Marine Stewardship Council or Fishery Improvement Project, in line with Thai Union’s blue and green finance framework.

Meanwhile, proceeds from SLBs will focus on purchasing shrimp certified and benchmarked by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative or a credible aquaculture improvement programme.

“We are in phase two of our blue finance strategy focused on aquaculture. These SLBs underscore Thai Union’s sustainability commitment through our ‘SeaChange 2030’ strategy, with key performance indicators emphasising greenhouse gas emissions reduction and responsible shrimp sourcing,” said Mr Yongyut.

He said this year has been challenging for the company, citing a strengthening baht, US tariffs and geopolitical conflicts, yet Thai Union still managed to achieve its blue finance targets, demonstrating market trust in the company’s creditworthiness.

Thai Union previously received a blue loan of 5 billion baht from Asian Development Bank, the first of its kind in Thailand’s seafood sector, aimed at supporting sustainable shrimp production and farmer certification.

The total of 24 billion baht in sustainable refinancing this year exceeded its target.

The financing instruments are linked to Thai Union’s SeaChange 2030 strategy, supporting objectives such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing responsible and sustainable aquaculture, and funding ocean-focused projects.

One Bangkok, the largest fully integrated district in the heart of the capital, reaffirmed its commitment to creating long-term value for society through a collaborative blood donation drive. The initiative, titled ‘Together We Give – Blood Donation at One Bangkok,’ was organised in partnership with the National Blood Centre of the Thai Red Cross Society, the Australian Embassy Thailand, the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, and Alliance Française Bangkok.

The campaign was launched by Mr Worawat Srisa-an (4th from left), Deputy Chief Executive Officer of One Bangkok, together with Ms Charintip Choomuenwai (2nd from left), Head of Strategic Branding and Creative Solutions and Head of Art and Culture. They were joined by Mrs. Sineenart Oota (3rd from left), Assistant Director for Blood Service, National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society; Mr John Francis (4th from right), Development Counsellor, Australian Embassy Thailand; Mr Tatsushi Nishioka (3rd from right), Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Thailand; and Mr Jean Bourdin (2nd from right), Director of Alliance Française Bangkok.

The collaboration reflects One Bangkok’s vision of being ‘The Heart of Bangkok,’ a district that grows hand in hand with the community and Thai society in a sustainable way. By strengthening the national blood reserve, the campaign aims to provide vital aid to patients in need nationwide. The donation drive took place at the National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, on the G Floor of The Storeys Gallery, One Bangkok.

Sansiri Public Company Limited (SIRI) reaffirmed its leadership in the Thai property market, reporting nine-month sales of THB 39 billion-equivalent to 74% of its full-year sales target and a 5% year-on-year increase, despite ongoing challenges in the real estate sector.

During the first nine months of 2025, Sansiri recorded 19 project sell-outs worth THB 21 billion and built a strong backlog of THB 23 billion, securing about 50% of this year’s revenue recognition. With more than 10 additional projects nearing sell-out, the company signals a stable growth trajectory.

Mr. Wicharn Wiriyapushit, Chief Financial Officer, said the sales momentum was driven largely by condominiums, with strong demand for new launches including Vallez House, Wydden by Sansiri, and Self by Sansiri, which together generated THB 3.4 billion. In Phuket, Setthasiri Koh Kaew Retreat achieved a robust VVIP pre-sale, with over 30% of units sold prior to launch, while show-house sales alone contributed more than THB 1 billion.

The company also reported a solid pipeline of seven ready-to-move-in condominium projects, valued at THB 9.6 billion-including The Base Urban Rama 9, FLO by Sansiri, Dcondo Calm Ramkhamhaeng 40, The Muve Paw Bangkae, Canvas Cherngtalay Phuket, Maken House Chiang Mai, and Dcondo Campus Khon Kaen-which will support revenue in the final quarter.

Sansiri continues to navigate a sluggish property market with prudent yet flexible strategies, focusing on effective cash-flow management, portfolio diversification, and partnerships for future development. Leveraging its strong brand, design innovation, and after-sales service, the company remains confident of sustaining growth.

In the last quarter of 2025, Sansiri will launch seven new projects worth THB 18 billion, including Setthasiri Koh Kaew Retreat, Burasiri Chatuchot, Saransiri Chatuchot, and a new condominium in Kathu, Phuket. The firm will also debut its new Sansiri Community at Chatuchot on 185 rai, featuring the first two projects Burasiri Chatuchot and Saransiri Chatuchot, with pre-sales set for 4-5 October 2025.

As Thai businesses look to scale beyond borders, the question is no longer if they should go global – but where to begin. In today’s competitive landscape, choosing the right launchpad can make all the difference. More and more Thai founders are turning to Hong Kong – not just as a market, but as a launchpad for regional and worldwide success.

A Destination Thai Companies Are Already Choosing

This isn’t just a theory – it’s already happening. This is illustrated by brands such as RAVIPA, a Thai jewellery brand known for its celebrity endorsements by figures like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Jackson Wang, opened its second store in the city within a six-month period to tap into the Hong Kong’s international retail scene. Similarly, PAÑPURI has debuted its Thai luxury wellness concept in a prominent Hong Kong shopping mall and plans to further expand with two new locations in 2026, entering both prestigious department store and vibrant street-level site in Hong Kong. Alongside PAÑPURI, Big C is also bringing beloved Thai products to overseas consumers. These brands are already tapping into Hong Kong not just as a market, but as a strategic base to access consumers across Greater China and beyond.

What makes Hong Kong so attractive isn’t just its location. It’s the ease of doing business, the access to capital, and the international infrastructure that supports fast growth. Entrepreneurs can set up quickly, maintain full ownership, and benefit from one of Asia’s most efficient tax systems. With a robust legal framework and a deep pool of professional services, Hong Kong offers a solid foundation for scaling a business.

Where Culture, Capital and Connectivity Intersect

Hong Kong isn’t just business-friendly – it’s culturally familiar. The ties between the two places run deep, from tourism and food festivals to wellness and lifestyle trends. Thai brands already feel at home in the city, and local consumers are receptive to Thai products, culture, and design. This cultural connection reduces the learning curve and helps Thai businesses connect with customers more naturally and quickly.

On the capital side, Hong Kong offers one of the world’s most sophisticated financial markets – with access to funding, banking, and professional services that are essential for scaling internationally. The strength of economic ties between the two economies is clear: bilateral trade between Thailand and Hong Kong reached USD 20 billion in 2024, reflecting robust demand and growing cooperation across industries.

And when it comes to connectivity, few cities offer the same level of infrastructure – from integrated logistics and transport to high-speed data networks and IP protection – all within a highly efficient, English-friendly environment.

Support for Thai Entrepreneurs on the Ground

Expanding internationally can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Invest Hong Kong’s Bangkok office provides personalised, on-the-ground support to help Thai entrepreneurs enter the Hong Kong market with confidence. From business setup and licensing to partner introductions and access to international capital markets, their team is ready to guide you through every step of the journey.

A Launchpad for Global Dreams

As Thai enterprises seek new markets and regional growth opportunities, Hong Kong continues to stand out as a strategic and accessible destination. For many, it represents not just a gateway to Greater China, but a practical first step toward broader international engagement.

Thai League 1 champions Buriram United’s unbeaten run this season came to a grinding halt on Tuesday when they were thrashed 3-0 by South Korean giants FC Seoul in an AFC Champions League Elite battle at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Choi Jun put his side ahead in the 38th minute before Jeong Seung-Won doubled the advantage in first-half injury time.

Lucas Silva added the third in the 67th minute for the hosts and FC Seoul added a win to their opening day draw with Machida Zelvia in Japan last month.

The Korean outfit sit on four points while Buriram United remain on three from two games, having won their opener against Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim.

After the match, Buriram United head coach Osmar Loss reflected on a frustrating evening which was compounded by injuries.

“Football is special. If you look back at the first half, until the opening goal, the game was under control. Both teams were on an even keel but after the first goal we had three injuries, forcing us into making three substitutions — something very unusual,” said the Brazilian coach.

“In the second half, we tried to be more aggressive and attack because we were two goals down. We pushed players forward, but Seoul were clever in exploiting the spaces we left.”

FC Seoul head coach Kim Gi-Dong praised his players for overcoming a slow start to secure a convincing victory.

“Buriram are a really great team, so I’m pleased with the three points today,” said Kim.

“In the first half, we struggled a little and did not play our football. We were a bit fortunate at times but in the second half, we started to play our game and then we dominated.”

Meanwhile, in AFC Champions League Two matches tonight, hosts Ratchaburi face a tough Group F match against Japan’s Gamba Osaka and BG Pathum United visit Singapore’s Tampines Rovers for a Group H game.

Thai export prices retreated further this week and hovered near nine-year lows, hurt by ample supplies and meagre demand, while Indian prices edged up from three-year lows, supported by a slight improvement in demand.

Thailand’s 5% broken rice was quoted at US$345 per metric tonne on Thursday, its lowest since November 2016, down from the $350 quoted last week.

Traders attributed the price drop to flat demand.

Orders for Thai rice are mostly in small amounts and from regular buyers, a Bangkok-based trader said. Another said supply had been ample due to the ongoing harvest towards the tail end of the rainy season this month.

Thailand is keeping its export target at 7.5 million tonnes this year, a commerce ministry official said on Monday.

India

India’s 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted this week at $358 to $365 per tonne, up from last week’s $354-362.

Indian 5% broken white rice was priced at $369-375.

Prices had hit three-year lows around mid-September, due to weak export demand and higher supplies.

“Demand is a bit better than last week, as buyers seem to realise that prices have bottomed out and probably won’t drop any further,” said a New Delhi-based trader.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s 5% broken rice was offered at $440-$465 per tonne on Thursday, unchanged from a week ago, according to the Vietnam Food Association.

“Trading activity remains slow due to weak global demand,” said a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City.

Traders said prices are under downward pressure after the Philippines, one of the largest importers, decided to extend an import suspension beyond 60 days.

Bangladesh

Domestic rice prices in Bangladesh remained elevated despite healthy reserves and strong harvests.

The price of coarse rice – the benchmark variety for tracking market trends – is trading between 55 and 60 taka ($0.4538-0.4950) per kilogramme, around 15-20% higher than a year ago, according to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh.

The government has approved a central budget of 864 million baht for the Royal Thai Army to enhance border security amid rising tensions along the Thai-Cambodian frontier, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed on Wednesday.

The funds were approved during the cabinet meeting held immediately after his policy address to parliament on Tuesday, a move which underscores the urgency in addressing border issues and ensuring national sovereignty, Mr Anutin said. The premier said the approval had not been delayed and emphasised that the budget is designed to enhance the army’s readiness to respond to emerging security situations at the Thai-Cambodian border.

He declined to confirm whether the funds would be used for constructing border fencing, citing security concerns. However, he said the financial support would enable the armed forces to better protect the country’s sovereignty during this sensitive period. The matter will also be discussed at today’s meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), where several related issues, including the appointment of a new chair of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), are on the agenda. The current chairman’s term ends on the same day.

Responding to Cambodia’s recent petition to the International Court of Justice to rule on the ownership of the disputed Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temples, Mr Anutin said Thailand has a clear stance on this matter and would firmly uphold its national interests. “Cambodia has the right to file the case, but Thailand will continue to follow its established protocols,” he said.

New Second Army Region Commander Lt Gen Weerayut Raksin, who oversees the northeastern border area, said yesterday that Thai troops remain fully prepared and vigilant. “While Cambodia has at times employed military provocations, Thai forces are exercising restraint and avoiding escalation,” he said. Lt Gen Weerayut assumed the role of commander following Lt Gen Boonsin’s mandatory retirement.

The number of arrivals and revenue from the Malaysian tourism market can increase by 20-30% if bribery at the border is resolved and the new government extends the operating hours of border checkpoints, according to Hat Yai tourism operators.

To enhance the economy, the cabinet on Tuesday proposed extending the opening hours at Thailand-Malaysia border checkpoints in response to a request from the tourism and sports minister.

Songchai Mungprasitthichai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, said the move should ease congestion at the border, particularly at the Sadao checkpoint.

He said during Malaysia’s national holiday last month, tourist cars and buses faced queues of 3-4 hours to pass through the Sadao checkpoint when entering and leaving Thailand.

As the checkpoint closed around midnight, hundreds of Malaysian tourists were unable to return in time and had to stay in hotels or sleep in their cars.

This situation created an opportunity for some border officials to extort 500-1,000 baht per car from Malaysian tourists who wanted to cross during closing hours, said Mr Songchai.

If the opening hours were extended, this leverage for bribery would be eliminated, he said.

Mr Songchai said the government should consider opening the Sadao checkpoint 24 hours a day, similar to the Malaysia-Singapore border.

The government could implement a six-month trial period for all Thailand-Malaysia checkpoints, he said.

A 24-hour operation should ease late-night traffic congestion and allow tourists to plan their trips more flexibly.

There are roughly 4,000-5,000 Malaysian arrivals daily on weekdays via the Sadao checkpoint, and 20,000 on weekends and holidays.

The number could increase by 20-30% if the opening hours were extended, he said.

Regarding concerns over increased security breaches and drug trafficking from extended border hours, Mr Songchai said the government should deploy more officers to patrol the area.

Suspicious vehicles involved in drug trafficking are often trucks, not tourist buses, and can be targeted with stricter inspection measures, he said.

According to the Tourism Ministry, during the first eight months, Songkhla welcomed over 5 million Thai and foreign visitors, a 0.67% year-on-year decrease, generating 35.2 billion baht in revenue.

As of Sept 28, Thailand had welcomed over 23.9 million foreign tourists, a 7.52% year-on-year drop.

Malaysia was the largest inbound market with 3.46 million arrivals, surpassing China, which recorded 3.38 million arrivals.

Mr Songchai said the tourism outlook for Hat Yai and Songkhla in the fourth quarter should remain on par with last year.

He said the government’s “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme should at least help stimulate sluggish domestic spending in the coming months.