Category: The Bangkok Post

A new terminal and fourth runway could double Suvarnabhumi airport’s annual passenger capacity to 120 million within the next seven years, according to Airports of Thailand’s (AOT) fifth development plan for the airport.

AOT president Paweena Jariyathitipong said on Monday that the airport’s existing annual capacity was about 60 million passengers in fiscal 2026, comprising 45 million at its main terminal and 15 million at the SAT-1 terminal.

Ms Paweena said AOT would soon propose the latest development plan for Suvarnabhumi airport to the cabinet, along with its East Expansion project.

The development plan includes construction of a southern terminal and the airport’s fourth runway, with both projects expected to be completed within six to seven years, she said.

For the East Expansion project, the terms of reference have been prepared, with procurement due to begin next year.

The project is expected to take four years to complete and will expand service areas, including check-in counters and baggage conveyor belts, to accommodate at least 10 million passengers annually.

Together, the projects are expected to increase the annual passenger capacity of the airport in Samut Prakan province to 120 million, Ms Paweena said.

AOT also plans to improve the airport’s duty-free area to accommodate item collection services in the arrivals area. The number of shops is expected to decrease as space is reallocated to these services, she said.

Thailand’s primary international aviation gateway has readied to introduce a premium service for very important persons (VIPs) this month to cater to businesspeople, celebrities and customers with special needs, in addition to a fast-track immigration lane.

The state enterprise has also prepared to submit a development plan for Don Mueang airport in Bangkok to the cabinet. Ms Paweena said the budget for its third-phase development plan would increase from 36 billion baht, set in fiscal 2022, to 69 billion baht. The plan is expected to raise the airport’s annual passenger capacity to 40 million.

The president said AOT’s investment plans had been designed to accommodate growing demand while minimising the need for additional borrowing, reducing the burden on public funds while maximising benefits to the country.

The Be One Foundation is facing scrutiny over allegations that about 1 million baht was transferred from its accounts to personal accounts belonging to its founder, Chalida Phalamat, and her family.

Boonyanuch Saengsri, who runs the Oilsri and Phong Phueak Facebook page, and Phuwakorn Srinian of the Human and Environmental Trust Alliance (HETA) raised the allegations at a press conference on Sunday, calling for an investigation into the foundation’s registration, fundraising and finances.

Ms Boonyanuch said financial records showed about 100 transfers totalling 1 million baht to accounts belonging to Ms Chalida, her husband, son and daughter-in-law. Some transfers allegedly went to former associates. She questioned whether the foundation kept its funds separate from personal accounts and demanded an explanation for the transactions.

She also alleged Ms Chalida forged another person’s signature on registration and banking documents when setting up the foundation in November 2024. Ms Boonyanuch said a complaint was filed with Bang Bua Thong police in October 2025. Ms Chalida subsequently admitted the forgery in court and was convicted of forgery and using forged documents, she said.

Mr Phuwakorn questioned whether the foundation had obtained permission to solicit donations, noting several donors had filed fraud complaints against Ms Chalida.

In a separate case, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) has accepted a complaint over alleged financial irregularities at the Goodness Foundation, chaired by former beauty queen Panadda “Boom” Wongphudee. Investigators said they had questioned complainants and were examining possible public fraud and money laundering.

The investigation is ongoing, with further details expected next week.

SET-listed Siam Cement Group (SCG), Thailand’s largest cement maker and industrial conglomerate, is aggressively expanding its footprint across Southeast Asia, capitalising on the region’s robust growth.

The company expects Asean to be a primary engine for future expansion, adapting its business model around a regional optimisation strategy that treats the bloc as a single, unified production base and market, said president and chief executive Thammasak Sethaudom.

“We are focusing on production bases in major economies such as Vietnam and Indonesia to meet domestic consumption and export to other regions,” he said.

SCG unveiled its strategic roadmap for 2027 in Southeast Asia to scale expansion designed to weather sweeping challenges.

The hurdles include the high level of energy prices, geopolitical conflicts, trade wars and the influx of low-cost imports into Thailand.

In the chemical sector, SCG is fast-tracking its ethane feedstock initiative at the Long Son Petrochemicals complex in Vietnam. By retrofitting the facility to maximise ethane as a raw material, the project is progressing ahead of schedule, on track for a mid-2027 completion.

The upgrade is expected to slash operating costs by more than US$250 million annually.

In the cement and building materials business, the company is rolling out plans to expand its low-carbon cement footprint across the region, tapping growth opportunities in Vietnam’s cement market and driving exports overseas, including in Australia.

SCG Décor, a subsidiary of SCG, is targeting the sanitaryware sector to fuel regional growth by forming a joint venture with Chinese partner Axent to establish a smart toilet production base in Thailand. This facility is to supply the regional market, scheduled to begin operations in April 2027.

Meanwhile, SCG Packaging Plc is focusing on the Indonesian and Vietnamese markets to strengthen the recovery of its integrated packaging business in Indonesia, while expanding opportunities into such markets as India.

SCG recently reported its third-quarter performance, registering sales revenue of 123 billion baht, a year-on-year increase of 1%. Net profit was 2.38 billion baht, down 79%.

For the first nine months of 2026, the company recorded a resilient performance, posting total sales revenue of 382 billion baht, a year-on-year increase of 3%. Net profit tallied 20.1 billion baht, a gain of 13%.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Monday he was not worried about a planned thousand-vehicle protest over Thai economic hardship that will culminate near Government House later this week.

Mr Anutin, also interior minister, said in Nong Khai province on Monday that his government was open to hearing the demonstrators’ voice, provided they did not abuse other people’s constitutional rights.

Mr Anutin was responding to a plan announced by Mano Khrueakaeo, chief of tambon Krabi Noi in the southern province of Krabi – to lead demonstrators in a 1,000-vehicle convoy from Khuan Nong Hong intersection in Cha Uat district of Nakhon Si Thammarat to Government House in Bangkok on Thursday.

Mr Mano said it was a way for people to give voice to economic hardships resulting from many factors, including rising fuel prices and limited wages. His group planned to campaign along the way, with stopovers en route to Bangkok.

As of Sunday, he said, donations towards the procession totalled about 570,000 baht. Firebrand political activist Sondhi Limthongkul had said he would give 100,000 baht towards buying fuel.

On Monday Prime Minister Anutin said police and administrative officials were duty-bound to create understanding with demonstrators. He also said he was not worried about any rally that might be politically motivated, because his government was working hard and in the public interest.

Mr Mano has previously taken part in rallies against government policies, including the mega land bridge planned for the Kra Isthmus in the South.

The Thai Political Index fell slightly to 3.52 points out of 10 in October, down from 3.56 in September, with opposition performance receiving the highest rating and the government’s handling of drugs and influential figures scoring the lowest, according to a Suan Dusit Poll survey.

The poll, conducted by Suan Dusit University among 2,036 respondents nationwide from Oct 27-30 through online and field interviews, assessed 25 political indicators.

Opposition performance topped the rankings with an average score of 4.30, followed by public participation at 4.07, civil rights and liberties and national security at 4.03 each and educational development at 3.93.

The lowest-rated indicator was the government’s efforts to tackle drugs and influential figures, scoring 2.88, followed by anti-corruption and transparency at 3.08, unemployment at 3.14, product prices at 3.15 and poverty alleviation at 3.22.

Asked which government politician had performed most prominently, 33.18% of respondents said none stood out. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul came second with 20.12%, followed by Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat (18.87%), Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas (17.77%) and Energy Minister Akanat Promphan (10.06%).

Among opposition figures, People’s Party (PP) MP Rukchanok Srinork topped the list with 28.93%, followed by party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut (21.64%), Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (18.80%), PP MP Rangsiman Rome (17.91%) and PP MP Parit Wacharasindhu (12.72%).

The government’s most popular initiative was the Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme, favoured by 50.30% of respondents. For the opposition, scrutiny of government performance and budget spending was the most appreciated activity, cited by 39.32%.

The world’s largest sportswear brand is taking its iconic Swoosh beyond sneakers and apparel, venturing into the jewellery market with a new collection of demi-fine accessories for Holiday 2026.

Dubbed the Swoosh Jewelry Collection, the line translates Nike’s instantly recognisable branding into wearable pieces made from S925 sterling silver, with white rhodium plated pieces and gold vermeil finishes. The debut range includes necklaces, bracelets and earrings, offering a more understated way for brand enthusiasts to display their allegiance to the iconic brand.

The designs in this collection seem to favour minimalism, with Swoosh incorporated in the jewellery in a small way, rather than appearing as an oversized logo pendant.

Its 29mm hoop earrings feature the signature mark along the lower curve, while the necklace integrates a smaller Swoosh into a delicate curb chain. The adjustable necklace measures between 42.5cm and 52.5cm, allowing it to be worn alone or layered with other pieces.

The collection also draws on Nike’s familiar brand language, extending beyond its signature emblem to incorporate other visual references associated with the sportswear giant.

For those seeking something more conspicuous, Nike has also introduced a separate Pavé jewellery range. The more extravagant designs include diamond-encrusted Swoosh earrings, a pendant necklace and a miniature Air Force 1 sneaker necklace.

The two ranges occupy different ends of the jewellery spectrum. While the initial Swoosh collection offers relatively accessible entry points, the Pavé pieces move into considerably more expensive territory.

This move reflects the growing potential of fashion and sportswear brands to turn their visual identities into products that extend beyond their original categories. For Nike, the Swoosh is already more than a logo: it is a cultural symbol associated with sport, streetwear and personal identity. Recasting it in precious-metal finishes allows consumers to carry that association into another aspect of everyday dressing.

Jewellery also offers a different kind of brand visibility. Unlike footwear and apparel, which are often dictated by outfit choices and occasions, smaller accessories can become everyday personal signatures. By placing its emblem on pieces designed for regular wear, Nike creates another way for consumers to engage with the brand, notably acting like free marketing at each neck.

This choice to turn their logo into demi-fine jewelry is particularly unique. As the price point of the jewellery is higher than costume jewellery but distinctively more accessible compared to fine jewellery, the release of the ‘Swoosh Jewelry Collection’ opens up a new line for Nike to endeavour.

The first pieces are now released through Nike’s US SNKRS platform, with prices ranging from US$165 to upwards of $575 for the Air Force 1 necklace. The more elaborate Pavé designs, are expected in subsequent releases.

The Thai Political Index fell slightly to 3.52 points out of 10 in October, down from 3.56 in September, with opposition performance receiving the highest rating and the government’s handling of drugs and influential figures scoring the lowest, according to a Suan Dusit Poll survey.

The poll, conducted by Suan Dusit University among 2,036 respondents nationwide from Oct 27-30 through online and field interviews, assessed 25 political indicators.

Opposition performance topped the rankings with an average score of 4.30, followed by public participation at 4.07, civil rights and liberties and national security at 4.03 each and educational development at 3.93.

The lowest-rated indicator was the government’s efforts to tackle drugs and influential figures, scoring 2.88, followed by anti-corruption and transparency at 3.08, unemployment at 3.14, product prices at 3.15 and poverty alleviation at 3.22.

Asked which government politician had performed most prominently, 33.18% of respondents said none stood out. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul came second with 20.12%, followed by Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat (18.87%), Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas (17.77%) and Energy Minister Akanat Promphan (10.06%).

Among opposition figures, People’s Party (PP) MP Rukchanok Srinork topped the list with 28.93%, followed by party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut (21.64%), Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (18.80%), PP MP Rangsiman Rome (17.91%) and PP MP Parit Wacharasindhu (12.72%).

The government’s most popular initiative was the Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme, favoured by 50.30% of respondents. For the opposition, scrutiny of government performance and budget spending was the most appreciated activity, cited by 39.32%.

An independent review has unanimously ruled Jonathan Haggerty’s disputed knee against Hiroki Akimoto legal, the Bangkok Post understands, leaving his ONE Championship bantamweight kickboxing title victory intact.

A 12-member commission voted 12-0 in favour of the strike’s legality, and Akimoto’s team has been informed of the outcome, a source close to the situation said.

The commission is understood to have based its unanimous verdict primarily on a finding that Haggerty did not have both hands on Akimoto during the disputed sequence.

Central to that assessment was the interpretation of a clinch as involving both hands around an opponent’s head and neck.

The finding follows a protest from the Japanese challenger’s camp over the finishing sequence at ONE Samurai 4 on Oct 17, when Haggerty retained his title with a third-round stoppage at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.

Had the finish been ruled illegal and Haggerty’s victory changed to a disqualification loss, he could have lost the belt to Akimoto. ONE titles have changed hands by disqualification, including Joshua Pacio’s strawweight MMA win over Jarred Brooks after an illegal slam in Qatar in March 2024, although that ruling was made on the night.

An adverse finding would also have raised questions over whether Haggerty would have to return his US$100,000 performance bonus. ONE had not publicly clarified what an illegal-strike ruling would mean for the result, title or bonus.

Akimoto’s camp alleged that Haggerty held and pulled Akimoto into knee strikes, breaching restrictions it said were explained during the pre-fight rules briefing.

‘Under ONE Championship’s kickboxing rules, holding an opponent, pulling them in and delivering knee strikes is prohibited,’ Akimoto’s manager wrote in the English version of the team’s initial Instagram statement.

The camp subsequently questioned referee Olivier Coste’s handling of two incidents, saying no warning was given after the knee that caused the first knockdown, or after a similar action shortly afterwards.

In an Oct 21 update, Akimoto’s management said ONE had agreed to a formal video review involving a third party, with an answer expected within a week.

The commission’s membership and detailed reasoning were not available to the Bangkok Post.

ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong had publicly defended the finish during a Facebook Live broadcast last week on the promotion’s Thailand page, without announcing the review’s findings.

‘There was no foul,’ he said in Thai.

Chatri argued that Haggerty had used one hand and had not pulled Akimoto into the strike.

‘If you watch the slow motion, when the knee hits Akimoto’s face, Haggerty’s hand has already slipped free,’ he said.

‘It is near his head, but it isn’t in contact.’

Those remarks offered a more detailed defence than his initial assessment at the post-event press conference, when he acknowledged he had not yet reviewed the footage.

The finishing sequence began with a right hand from Haggerty before a knee dropped Akimoto. The challenger beat the count, but further punches and another knee prompted his corner to throw in the towel after 42 seconds of the third round.

The 29-year-old British champion received a US$100,000 performance bonus for the victory, his third successful kickboxing title defence after wins over Wei Rui and Yuki Yoza.

Akimoto’s manager reported that the 34-year-old had suffered a nasal fracture and a cut to the bridge of his nose. The Oct 21 update said he was undergoing detailed examinations and preparing for surgery.

The defeat ended his three-fight winning streak against John Lineker, Wei and Taimu Hisai, which had earned him another opportunity to reclaim the title he lost to Petchtanong Petchfergus in November 2022.

Haggerty has described the use of his knees as a tactical adjustment, explaining in an interview published by ONE how he discussed bringing them into the fight with coach Christian Knowles.

‘My knees are my new elbows,’ he said.

A return to Muay Thai remains among his ambitions. Haggerty has not competed under that ruleset since losing his bantamweight title to Superlek Kiatmoo9 in September 2024.

During last week’s Facebook Live, Chatri indicated Haggerty was expected to return in 2027 and expressed interest in a fight with current Muay Thai champion Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri.

Yod-IQ’s foot injury has been affecting his training, however, and the match-up has not been confirmed.

Climate change is emerging as a growing health and financial risk, with rising temperatures, air pollution and extreme weather threatening not only public health but also household incomes and long-term financial security, says insurance and asset management company Prudential.

Bundit Jiamanukoonkit, chief executive and managing director of Prudential Thailand, said climate change was no longer simply an environmental challenge, as its effects extend to healthcare expenses, income stability and the financial resilience of vulnerable households.

Higher temperatures and air pollution can increase health risks, while climate-related disruptions can affect people’s ability to earn a living.

“When medical expenses rise simultaneously as income becomes less secure, families may struggle to maintain adequate savings and insurance coverage, widening the protection gap,” said Mr Bundit.

Life insurance should not be limited to paying benefits when an incident occurs. It must also help people build awareness, prepare for risks and mitigate their impact before losses happen, he noted.

According to Prudential, Asia accounted for about 30% of global economic losses from natural disasters in 2025, but only around 5% of those losses were insured.

To strengthen resilience, the company established its “Financing the Transition” framework, targeting US$6 billion in investment by 2030.

The group has committed $1.5 billion since 2024 to areas including renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, water management, and health and ecosystem adaptation.

Prudential also identified public-private partnerships, better risk assessment data and risk-sharing mechanisms as important tools for mobilising long-term investment and helping communities prepare for climate-related threats.

In Thailand, Prudential is focusing on research to understand how climate risks translate into health and financial consequences.

The firm’s ongoing collaboration with Mahidol University examines the effects of climate change on the health of the Thai population, with the aim of developing evidence to assess risks, identify protection gaps, and inform future policies and insurance solutions.

The Climate Care project studies how climate-related risks affect the health, incomes and coping behaviour of vulnerable groups. A separate collaboration with Urban Studies Lab seeks to use community-level data to develop practical approaches to risk prevention and preparedness.

Financial education is another part of the strategy, helping people build resilience before unexpected expenses or income disruptions occur.

Prudential is also seeking to extend direct protection to groups that may face barriers to accessing insurance. The firm’s “Give the Future” initiative, now in the fourth year of implementation, has provided more than 200,000 insurance policies to vulnerable groups.

Mr Bundit said sustainability requires coordinated efforts to help people understand risks, prepare financially and access appropriate protection before a crisis occurs.

By combining research, prevention and insurance, Prudential aims to strengthen the ability of Thai households to withstand interconnected climate, health and financial shocks.

Thailand aims to become a high-income economy by 2037, with a new five-year science and innovation strategy targeting annual GDP growth of 5%.

Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat announced the goal after chairing a meeting of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council on Oct 26.

The council reviewed three draft plans for 2028-2032 covering higher education, workforce development, and science, research and innovation. They aim to align education and research with industrial needs, develop skilled workers and create new sources of growth to help Thailand escape the middle-income trap.

It also approved the “Thailand²: Nation of Master” initiative, which will develop three high-value sectors: semiconductors, medical and wellness products, and future foods and bio-based products.

The Siam Silica programme aims to bring Thailand into the semiconductor supply chain, focusing on chip design, photonics and advanced packaging. It targets eight Thai and international chip-design start-ups and multinational design centres by 2030.

Siam Medica will promote health and wellness industries, including herbal products, biotechnology, medical devices and precision medicine, while Siam Terra aims to upgrade agriculture through smart farming, high-value food production and biomanufacturing.