Category: The Bangkok Post

Twelve Chinese nationals were arrested after allegedly crossing illegally into Thailand from Myanmar and attempting to hide in a cornfield in the Mae Sot district of Tak province.

The arrests followed a tip-off from residents of Mae Kon Ken village in tambon Maha Wan, who told authorities they saw a number of people jump from a pickup truck and flee into a banana grove beside the road linking Huai Phak La village in tambon Mae Ku with the Thai-Myanmar border near Mae Kon Ken village.

The locals immediately notified village leaders, who coordinated with territorial defence volunteers, border patrol police, soldiers and local police to search the area.

The suspects, who were later found to be Chinese nationals, were tracked to a cornfield near Pha Kwan village, close to Mae Kon Ken village.

Authorities said the location was opposite Dongmei Park on the Myanmar side of the Moei River, near the Thai border. The area is known for investments by the Dongmei Group and has been linked to scam syndicates operating in Myawaddy township in Myanmar.

Five Chinese nationals were found in the cornfield while others fled and scattered along the Moei River. Another suspect was later found walking along a road in tambon Mae Ku and additional search operations along the border led to the arrest of the remaining Chinese nationals. A total of 12 people were caught.

An inspection found that 11 of the detainees had no identification documents, while only one possessed travel documents.

During questioning, all 12 admitted they had illegally crossed the border from Myanmar into Thailand.

They were charged with illegal entry and crossing the border via an unauthorised checkpoint. All were handed over to Tak immigration officers for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Thailand faces growing risks of another surge in global oil prices as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East threaten energy supplies, highlighting the urgent need to accelerate the country’s transition to clean energy, vice-Finance Minister Santitarn Sathirathai said on Friday.

Addressing a conference on Capital Markets co-hosted by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Mr Santitarn said government measures such as the Oil Fuel Fund can help cushion the immediate impact on consumers, but relying on price subsidies is not a sustainable long-term strategy.

Instead, he sees an accelerated energy transition could permanently reduce costs for households and businesses while strengthening national energy security.

Mr Santitarn said uncertainty has become the new normal as conflicts in the Middle East continue to threaten critical energy supply routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

Global oil prices could climb again as factors that previously eased market pressure begin to fade. Strategic oil inventories are being depleted, while continued disruptions to Red Sea shipping are increasing transportation costs and tightening global energy supplies.

‘We are facing the risk that global oil prices could surge further as oil inventories decline and disruptions to Red Sea shipping continue,’ he said.

According to Mr Santitarn, a ‘three-wave’ economic cycle could re-emerge if oil prices continue rising. The first wave would be another oil price shock, followed by higher inflation driven by rising energy costs.

The third wave would be weaker purchasing power for households and businesses as higher prices weigh on consumption and investment.

He said policymakers had expected inflationary pressures to ease, but a new geopolitical shock could push the economy back into the earlier stages of the cycle.

Sustainable solution

While the Oil Fuel Fund remains an important short-term buffer, Mr Santitarn stressed that the lasting solution is to accelerate Thailand’s energy transition.

Greater adoption of renewable energy, solar power and electric vehicles (EVs) would lower long-term energy costs, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and improve resilience against future oil price shocks.

‘The real long-term solution is to accelerate the energy transition because energy risks will remain with us for years,’ he said.

Thailand should strengthen its green economy supply chain to capture rising foreign direct investment.

Investment in advanced electronics, sensors and high-tech manufacturing can be linked with clean-energy industries, helping modernise Thailand’s industrial base while supporting the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

The government will continue monitoring global developments and maintaining existing support measures to protect consumers.

However, Mr Santitarn emphasised that accelerating the energy transition remains the most sustainable way to reduce structural energy costs, enhance long-term competitiveness and strengthen Thailand’s energy security.

Authorities are preparing to broaden the pilot direct power purchase agreement (PPA) programme, initially designed for data centre operators, to include a wider range of industries seeking clean energy solutions.

The move comes as authorities aim to accelerate the country’s energy transition and strengthen competitiveness in global trade.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Board of Investment are jointly considering the expansion following approval by the National Energy Policy Council.

Speaking at the 2026 Huawei Thailand Digital and AI Summit yesterday, ERC secretary-general Poonpat Leesombatpiboon said the direct PPA framework must be redesigned to accommodate diverse industries with varying cost structures and energy demands.

Under the pilot scheme, data centres were the first businesses allowed to bypass Thailand’s prohibition on peer-to-peer power trading, enabling them to purchase electricity directly from producers.

Mr Poonpat said new participants will be classified as “special electricity users” under Category 9, similar to data centres, with separate tariff calculations from those for general factories.

Industries under consideration include electric vehicles, steel, auto parts, electronics and central processing units. Service sectors such as healthcare and wellness are also being reviewed for suitability.

He said prioritisation is necessary, with data centres remaining the immediate focus to ensure completion within this year.

Mr Poonpat cautioned that businesses joining the scheme must bear additional costs linked to power demand, including ancillary services for transmission usage.

Thailand’s transmission network has limited transfer capacity, meaning further investment will be required, he said.

The expansion will likely be phased, depending on demand clarity.

Momentum for the push to adopt clean energy comes from the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which imposes non-tariff barriers on carbon-intensive imports.

“We must secure clean energy for industries to avoid trade obstacles,” Mr Poonpat said, stressing that direct PPAs address demand-side management and need not wait for the finalisation of the 2026 Power Development Plan.

Thailand is undergoing two parallel transitions: digitising its industries to become a regional digital hub and shifting its energy system from fossil fuels to renewables, he said.

A heated confrontation between a Thai woman and a group of foreign teenage tourists aboard a Bangkok BTS Skytrain on Friday has gone viral, triggering widespread debate on social media over public behaviour and cultural respect.

The incident came to light after a TikTok user shared a video showing the woman confronting the group, who were talking loudly and shouting inside the train carriage.

In the video, she gestures for the young Italians to lower their voices and asks, ‘Where are you from?’ before telling them that shouting on the train was inappropriate. ‘In Thailand we don’t scream.’

The situation then escalated as some members of the group responded with profanity and approached her to argue. The Thai woman briefly lost her composure and told them, in English, to ‘shut the f… up’.

One of the teenagers was seen making an obscene hand gesture, raising their middle finger, while another said, ‘Sorry for bringing money to your country.’

The woman continued to explain that, as visitors, they should respect local etiquette by keeping their voices down on public transport.

Towards the end of the clip, members of the group exchanged further insults with the person filming before cheering and applauding among themselves. They later disembarked from the train.

The video attracted significant attention online, with many Thai social media users criticising the tourists’ behaviour, particularly their loud conduct and use of offensive language.

Others questioned whether the remark, ‘Sorry for bringing money to your country’, could be interpreted as derogatory or patronising.

Many commenters urged members of the public to speak up when they witness inappropriate behaviour in shared spaces.

However, others argued that the confrontation was unnecessary, suggesting the group were simply teenagers talking loudly rather than deliberately causing disruption.

As the video gained traction online, Thai social media users turned to the Facebook page of the Italian Embassy in Bangkok to voice their opinions.

Many comments appeared beneath an unrelated embassy post, calling for accountability and reminding visitors that spending money in Thailand does not excuse disrespectful behaviour.

In recent days, one of the most widely discussed topics across online media has been the moment when Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul performed Tian Mi Mi (Sweet Honey), the iconic song made famous by Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng, in front of Chinese Premier Li Qiang during an official visit to China earlier this week.

What might otherwise have been seen as a light-hearted cultural gesture quickly captured public attention, generating extensive discussion on social media and in political circles. Supporters viewed Mr Anutin’s performance as an example of using musical diplomacy to build rapport. Critics, however, questioned his choice of song, calling it a diplomatic faux pas.

One of them is veteran diplomat Russ Jalichandra, a former deputy foreign minister under a recent Pheu Thai-led government.

Mr Russ argued that Mr Anutin seemed oblivious to the fact that Tian Mi Mi was written by Taiwanese songwriter Zhuang Nu and made famous by Teresa Teng, whose music was once banned in mainland China during the Cultural Revolution. Indeed, Tian Mi Mi is believed to be an adaptation of the 1940s Indonesian folk song Dayung Sampan, whose lyrics are about the lives of fishermen and were popular in Indonesia and Singapore.

Leaving that background aside, Mr Russ argued that performing Tian Mi Mi at a state function in Beijing could have been poorly received by Chinese leaders, who often keep their emotions in check out of politeness. At the time, Teresa Teng was regarded as a symbol of anti-communism. The former ambassador also rebuked the prime minister’s aides for failing to properly research the song’s political and historical background.

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek publicly clarified that Tian Mi Mi was included on a list of songs provided by the Chinese government for Mr Anutin to choose from. Ms Rachada also urged critics to remember that Beijing lifted restrictions on the song in the 1980s.

Indeed, Tian Mi Mi is a timeless classic that has been performed and enjoyed at countless concerts, cultural events and, of course, karaoke bars. Its lyrics celebrate romantic love, comparing the smile of a loved one to the sweetness of honey. By the 1990s, Tian Mi Mi had become one of the most beloved Chinese-language songs in the world.

For that reason, I do not believe we need to view every issue through a political lens or let prejudice cloud our judgment. Not every word, move, or gesture has to be turned into a political controversy that discredits those in a different political camp. Doing so risks overlooking the broader cultural and human significance of such moments.

If I were to compare it to a Thai song, I would say it is much like Ram Wong Loy Krathong. In Thailand, it is a song that everyone knows and sings during the annual Loy Krathong festival, regardless of age, background, or nationality. In a similar vein, Tian Mi Mi has become part of a shared cultural heritage that extends far beyond its origins, making it a song that people of many nationalities and languages can appreciate and sing together.

Critics, therefore, should refrain from commenting based solely on political bias. Regardless of what others may say, I prefer to judge the matter on its own merits and on what the prime minister was actually trying to achieve. From that perspective, I support what he did. To me, his performance was a gesture of goodwill rather than a political statement. If the intention was to foster friendship, create a warm atmosphere and strengthen ties through cultural exchange, then I see it as a positive example of diplomacy in action.

This approach is rooted in the idea that music transcends language, ideology and political divides. It can create shared emotional experiences that soften tensions and open channels of communication. I believe it can help build bridges between nations, ease political tensions, and foster goodwill and understanding on the international stage. Cultural gestures and musical performances can certainly help create a positive atmosphere and strengthen personal connections between leaders. Yet diplomacy must ultimately be measured not only by symbolic moments but also by concrete policy outcomes.

In particular, the prime minister should remain focused on his pledge to strengthen Thailand’s role on the global stage. His government has committed itself to pursuing a multidimensional foreign policy that goes “Beyond Thailand”, one that emphasises a more proactive and constructive role in international affairs.

Last but not least, Mr Anutin also needs to accelerate economic diplomacy through a “Team Thailand” approach, integrating efforts across domestic and overseas agencies to create greater opportunities for Thai businesses and citizens.

Your spot-on weekly horoscope for work, money and relationship from Guru by the Bangkok Post’s famously accurate fortune teller. Let’s see how you will fare this week and beyond.

? is for work, ? is for money, ?? is for coupled life and ? is for single life

Previous ones: www.bangkokpost.com/shr/9b6b72ef

? Aries

Mar 21 – Apr 19

? Beware of snakes in the office, figuratively speaking, of course. Fortunately, you’ll outsmart their cheap politics and shady moves. Let your results do the talking while their jealousy burns them. A competing organisation or your boss’s rival may try to recruit you. If you work for the government, kickbacks and sweeteners could trigger a shakedown later.

? A long-overdue payment or money you already gave up on may arrive. Fomo-Yolo vibes, dopamine buys and a few fun splurges will take the lead. Brace for a little buyer’s remorse.

?? More time together means more friction, pet peeves and old dramas crawling back. You two will talk things through, roll your eyes, then somehow end up cuddling again. If you’re hiding a side piece, watch your step. One tiny slip-up and your partner will connect dots faster than a true-crime detective.

? Your crush is into someone else, or someone you’re seeing is suddenly going official with another person. Ouch? Not really. You’ll skip the pity party and upgrade your filters instead. New conversations will come, including one with someone already in your circle that goes deeper than small talk.

? Taurus

Apr 20 – May 20

? A fresh start is coming your way, whether that’s a new role, team or industry. Learning the ropes and meeting new faces will challenge you, but you’ll adjust effortlessly. What you’re worried about won’t play out the way you think. You may get the chance to master skills AI and robots can’t replicate. Job hunting? An opportunity in a different time zone or city may pop up.

? Socialising costs will spike, but you’ll gain valuable connections, insider info and a secret side hustle. Success is on the horizon if you’re seeking financial backing, selling assets or brokering a deal. You radiate such a rich, kind-hearted aura that a friend or two might ask for a loan.

?? Money talks with your honey might feel tricky, but a sweet compromise is well within reach. Expect peaceful moments together and warm family time, where a well-meaning elder might gently nudge you two about tying the knot or baby plans.

? Seeing someone? Boredom or friction could kick in, making you want to ghost them without a word. You’re too lazy to look for love, but networking, work or friends will bring you someone, who finds your reluctant self absolutely irresistible.

? Gemini

May 21 – Jun 20

? Workplace snakes are serving drama with zero days off. Luckily, your paper trail is ironclad and your nerves are ice-cold. You’ll outsmart their shady politics and dodge every backstabbing attempt and effort to throw you under the bus. Your sharp instincts and fast decisions will lead to visible, measurable results. A tough situation could turn into a money-making opportunity.

? The current planetary alignments will help you connect the dots and spot smarter ways to earn. A new income stream might open up. A delayed payment or money you already wrote off finally arrives. Reward points and discount coupons will come in handy. Unexpected costs won’t wreck your financial plan.

?? A stranger might shoot their shot at you or your partner right in plain sight. Unresolved issues and petty, recycled arguments could come back. Instead of a full-blown meltdown, you two will say what actually needs to be said. Expect fresh adventures, quality romance and more bedroom activities.

? Someone intriguing may catch feelings for you and honestly, you’re not going to mind it one bit. But hurdles, like language barriers, social status or some single-parent/divorcee stigma, could complicate things. Tricky? Maybe. But since you’re fearless, you’ll probably dive right in anyway.

? Cancer

Jun 21 – Jul 22

? The current planetary alignments sharpen your radar. You’ll read the room better, anticipate people’s needs and expectations before they speak and navigate conflicts and politics with calm composure. Expect to power through deadlines and clear your backlog. Your ideas may be ahead of the curve but higher-ups won’t buy them yet. Job hunting? Challenging roles in health, wellness or education could appear.

? Watch your back for income poachers and devious tactics. Keep a buffer if you have kids or pets. Sudden and urgent expenses could pop up. Stay cautious with investments. Fake news and disinformation could find their way to you. DYOR always.

?? Clearing the air with your partner feels surprisingly effortless. Any shared challenges will wrap up smoothly with a breakthrough solution. Expect to travel somewhere new and share experiences that will deepen your connection and rekindle your romance. Cross-cultural couples discuss relocating or settling down together.

? Travel, a change of scenery or a new social scene leads you to someone interesting. You’ll vibe instantly, keep the conversation flowing and swap socials to keep talking. Meanwhile, a charming romance scammer may slide into your DMs, shower you with affection, then hit you with a sob story and loan request.

? Leo

Jul 23 – Aug 22

? Curveballs will work in your favour, giving you a chance to flex your skills and forge ties with government agencies and foreign firms while others spiral. Your rival will be drowning in their own drama while you grab the popcorn and enjoy the show from afar. You’ll slay deadlines, clear backlogs and catch the higher-ups’ attention.

? No sudden windfalls or lottery luck. Delayed payments or money may find their way to you. Watch your spending. Careless slips, clumsy mistakes or sudden fines might happen. Being involved with shady money? Brace yourself for lawsuits. Lawyer up now.

?? More time together will expose a few pet peeves and spark minor friction, but you two will handle it like adults with decent Wi-Fi and emotional range. You’ll find creative compromises that work for both of you. Any lingering issues will be resolved. A shared financial goal or money plan may come into focus.

? You’ve got money, time and a skincare routine that slaps. You’re not rushing to hunt for love, but the universe isn’t done with you yet. Fresh faces are popping up both online and IRL. They’re interested, but your VIP velvet rope is staying up.

? Virgo

Aug 23 – Sept 22

? Projects and professional ties may end on a bitter note. You’ll be pushed straight out of your comfort zone. Combative, manipulative colleagues and demanding clients will keep you on edge, and wherever you work from, drama has a way of finding you. Business owners and job seekers, stay sharp. Unfair terms, hidden catches or exploitative deals may be headed your way.

? Income’s moving slow. Expect to revisit tax, insurance or shared debt paperwork and clear up missing details. You’ll try loud budgeting, but entertainment cravings and fandom Fomo may inspire a splurge. Heading abroad? Watch your wallet and valuables closely.

?? Your partner might get extra possessive or micromanage your space, making you feel boxed in. Family pressure hyping you two as the ideal couple could quietly take a toll on you. Sneaking around? Your side fling’s real partner may show up and try to blackmail you.

? Seeing someone? Their real spouse could show up, threatening legal action against you. You may feel burned out or emotionally drained by the modern dating scene. Bed-hoppers and hit-it-and-quit-it types will slide into your DMs or cross your path while travelling.

? Libra

Sept 23 – Oct 22

? Paperwork delays and resource crunches will slow down your momentum. An uncooperative colleague or one sudden resignation could leave you scrambling. Hitting your target is still possible. Expect a mini-celebration once the dust settles. A former colleague may reach out with an intriguing offer or a long-forgotten application might suddenly resurface with good news.

? Income will take its time reaching you. Saving will take a backseat while retail therapy, dopamine shopping and treat culture take the wheel. Strangely, no financial hangover follows. If you’ve had cosmetic work done, an emergency revision is on the cards. Investing with friends? One ugly truth could surface, burn the bridge and leave the investment dead in the water.

?? The “agree to disagree” era will be over. Compromises you’ve comfortably lived with will collapse. Old wounds will be ripped wide open. Secrets tied to money or infidelity may come to light, making tensions even worse. Expect a major turning point in your relationship.

? Seeing someone? A third party or worse, their spouse, could suddenly surface and kill the vibe. The truth will sting and leave you in tears. You’ll cut the cord, nurse your wounds and pick up the pieces. A hook-up hunter or two may slide into your DMs or show up while you’re out and about.

? Scorpio

Oct 23 – Nov 21

? Sudden shake-ups or a colleague’s abrupt exit will mean more responsibilities to drain your energy. Stepping into unfamiliar territory will teach you something entirely new and broaden your perspective. A light brownout and tiny bore-out may creep in. Business owners, expect a quick pivot or strategic abandonment. It’s time to cut dead weight instead of sinking deeper into sunk-cost traps.

? More hustle but your income stays mostly the same. A windfall or inherited asset might land in your lap, but it will come with hefty maintenance costs or tax bills. Watch your wallet for sudden expenses involving your kid, your pet or a must-have device. Skip gambling and risky trades. Lady Luck is on vacation.

?? Lingering tension with your partner will ease up, leading to a peaceful resolution. You two may explore new places and share meaningful experiences. Expect quality moments, rekindled romance, and yes, some extra sweet alone time. Pillow talk may revolve around baby names, shared finances or other big commitments.

? You may unexpectedly click with a foreigner or meet an instant spark while travelling. Sounds like a rom-com, right? Too bad real life has distance and language barriers. Google Translate may end up working overtime. Romantic, yes. Easy, no. Still, your heart knows it’s worth the hassle.

? Sagittarius

Nov 22 – Dec 21

? Higher-ups or clients will have Champagne expectations on a canned-beer budget, but you’ll pull off a smart, workable solution. You and a colleague won’t see eye to eye, but the debate will push things in the right direction and lead to positive outcomes. An international opportunity may appear, but the competition is steep.

? Legal headaches around inheritance or debt may surface. A well-connected friend could pull strings and show you the way out. You might earn a little extra cash from a freelance gig or an online part-time job. Your bank account will survive your spending habits but don’t push your luck.

?? Your love life is a cocktail of sweet romance, mind-numbing boredom and a dash of family drama. No explosive fights, though. You’ll survive by compromising or, more realistically, through the art of being silent. Expect peaceful moments and a sudden surge in sexy time. Yes, more bedroom cardio.

? Romance may sneak up on you while you’re not hunting for it. Fresh faces wander in, chats turn interesting and a little sexploring for research purposes may happen. You’re window-shopping, not buying. Nobody’s getting the keys to your heart yet.

? Capricorn

Dec 22 – Jan 19

? Projects and professional ties may end on a bitter note. A team switch or career pivot is coming. You’ll be starting from zero, and yes, it’ll be intense. Expect a tough, no-nonsense mentor to push your stress levels to the max. But this person will rewire how you think, break your old habits and sharpen your skills. Trust the process; it’s a glow-up in disguise.

? An irresistible opportunity to monetise your craft or productise your expertise will pop up. You may discover a new source of income, but it could take several weeks or months of learning before it starts generating real money. Watch your wallet. Carelessness or klutz tax could hit unexpectedly.

?? More time to be together, but love may get rocky. Old issues you two have been avoiding are reaching a tipping point, demanding a real conversation. Secrets tied to money or infidelity may come to light, stirring serious tension. Expect a major turning point in your relationship. Not for the better.

? You’ll meet someone who ticks every box, but they play hard-to-get. They’ll stay elusive and leave you on read just enough to reel you in. You’re not their only option, obviously. Already seeing someone? You may put them on the back burner, but they see right through you.

? Aquarius

Jan 20 – Feb 18

? A miscommunication could delay or complicate the resources you’re counting on. Critical client issues or drama with nightmare clients may stretch your diplomacy skills thin. You may land a “quiet promotion” while covering for a colleague who suddenly quits. More responsibility, zero extra pay. Your nemesis might just be the person holding the key you need.

? Money you’ve been expecting will show up fashionably late. Gambling and speculation could backfire and turn into a pricey lesson. A generous big-bro or father figure will likely treat you to free meals, cover some expenses or bankroll something worthwhile for you.

?? Annoyed by your partner? Good news: that friction is fading. Bad news: sudden family drama or something worse arrives to take its place. You’ll be too busy tackling this mess together to argue. Honestly, your petty relationship gripes will feel hilarious compared to this. The universe is serving a major teamwork lesson. Nothing bonds two people faster than surviving chaos together.

? Love crosses your mind, but you’re not exactly pining for it. You might shoot your shot at someone and instantly get rejected. Still, your rizz and aura could catch the eye of someone older but beware of age gaps, different mindsets and lifestyle clashes.

? Pisces

Feb 19 – Mar 20

? The current planetary alignments will make it easier for you to connect the dots, combine data with your gut feeling and expand your network. You’ll crack tough hurdles with fresh thinking and turn complex problems into concrete, high-impact results. You’ll win over decision-makers, nailing every pitch, interview and negotiation. Any campaign or event you launch will win hearts, wallets and screen time like nobody else.

? Your income will match your hustle and side gigs or fast-moving opportunities could bring extra cash your way. Still, surprise expenses tied to travel, vehicle repairs or health may come up. Splurging now might sting later. Going abroad? Keep a close eye on your wallet and valuables.

?? A sudden shared challenge or crisis will pull you two closer. You’ll handle it with calm, quick thinking that leaves your partner deeply impressed or reminds them why they fell for you. What starts as stress may turn into a major bonding moment. Expect a new healthy hobby or routine together.

? Your crush isn’t into you. Their romantic focus is on someone else. Someone from work or travel may come on to you, acting way too thirsty and aggressive. Too eager, too much, too soon. Their energy screams desperation, not desire, and may instantly annoy you.

AI and Robots Ventures Co (ARV), a subsidiary of PTT Exploration and Production Plc, says the government should consistently upgrade its regulations on unmanned aerial vehicles to remain up to date with the latest technology and services.

Kunachat Witoonsoontorn, technology solution team lead of Skyller Solutions, a business unit under ARV, said that although Thailand has legislation regulating unmanned aircraft such as drones, the legal framework may be unable to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology.

For instance, dangerous goods such as blood and organs can only be transported by airlines, as there are no regulations allowing drones to be used for such purposes. Current rules require these deliveries to be accompanied by medical personnel, a criterion that drones cannot meet. Improving the regulatory framework would create new business and service opportunities, he said.

Skyller is one of ARV’s five major business units, specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven autonomous aerial drone technology.

The company provides drone inspections for energy infrastructure, including flares, storage tanks and pressure vessels, as well as other critical assets such as telecom towers, power grids, wind turbines and solar farms.

The data collected is analysed through the Skyller AI Platform to improve operational efficiency.

The company also offers drone-based gas emission monitoring services that detect gas leaks in real time, helping to enhance sustainable operations.

In addition, Skyller provides drone delivery services with real-time tracking for applications such as medical transport, offshore equipment delivery and access to remote or hard-to-reach areas.

The company already supports the transport of medical supplies to an island in Trat province and delivered food and essential supplies to residents during the severe floods in Hat Yai last year.

At the ARV and Skyller Open House 2026, it demonstrated drone capabilities at Reignwood Park, one of its partners and customers, by inspecting the project’s solar panels and showcasing its surveillance services.

Mr Kunachat said the global drone market is expanding, particularly in advanced applications such as sensor-based inspection services and logistics.

He said most of Skyller’s revenue was derived from its two core services: advanced drone inspections and smart emission solutions.

Around 80% of the company’s revenue was generated from private-sector clients, particularly those in the petrochemical and energy industries.

Thasaphich Thavornsuk, head of commercial at ARV, said there are both profitable and non-profitable units across the company’s business portfolio. While their growth rates vary, all have strong potential to scale.

He said Skyller is a self-sustaining business. The company also operates other business units, including Rovula, which provides unmanned robotic technology and data analytics for marine, offshore and underwater assets, and Varuna, which offers nature-based carbon credit and climate technology solutions. The company allocates roughly US$1 million in investment annually.

Thailand’s national football team departed for Laos on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s opening Group B fixture against the hosts in the Asean Football Championship, also known as the Hyundai Cup.

Head coach Anthony Hudson began preparations with his 24-man squad 10 days ago, working to integrate a number of new faces while managing problems with players’ fitness levels.

“We have many new players in the camp and our main target is to make the players understand how we play together,” Hudson said.

“The physical condition of each player differs depending on their club’s pre-season plan, and we are trying to help their fitness development as much as possible. Before this first match against Laos, I don’t foresee problems, and I believe we are ready.”

Hudson acknowledged his squad had started training later than several rivals who had already staged warm-up fixtures, but said the group’s dedication in training had eased his concerns. He added that his priority throughout the competition would be for players to sharpen their match fitness with each game.

Midfielder Sarach Yooyen echoed his coach’s assessment, describing conditioning as the squad’s principal challenge given the compressed preparation period.

He said the coaching staff had placed heavy emphasis on stamina work, and warned that the Asean Championship carries its own unique pressures, from travel demands to the weight of national prestige attached to each fixture. Thailand’s immediate focus, he said, was securing victory over Laos in the opening match.

Defender Manuel Tom Bihr said representing the national team remained an honour regardless of the tournament, and called on Thai supporters to back the War Elephants.

He that added the squad had trained through difficult conditions, including intense heat and rains, but insisted there could be no excuses once the competition began.

Thailand’s opening match kicks off at 8pm at the Laos National Stadium, with live coverage on the True Visions Now application.

Asian Games draw

Thailand’s men’s football team have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Japan, Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong for the 20th Asian Games, following yesterday’s draw ceremony staged by the Olympic Council of Asia in Nagoya.

For the women’s football competition of the Games, Thailand were drawn in Group E, once again with Japan. The other two countries in the pool are Taiwan and Vietnam.

The men’s tournament, featuring 15 nations, will run from Sept 15 to Oct 3 this year, while the women’s competition, involving 12 countries, begins a day earlier on Sept 14 and concludes on Oct 2.

The Thai passport went slightly down in the global ranking this year, as Singapore still underlined its most powerful travel document in the ratings.

Passports from Thailand were rated 63rd in the recently released Henley Passport Index for 2026, dropping two notches from last year.

Holders of the Thai passport can travel to 77 destinations with no visa requirement, less than half of their Singapore peers, who can freely enter 192 destinations.

The Thai document was placed fifth among passport holders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations members. Malaysia was ranked second, Brunei ranked third and East Timor ranked fourth in the Asean region.

Indonesian passports stayed at 68th, followed by the Philippines 72nd, Vietnam 87th, Cambodia 88th, Laos 89th and Myanmar 91st.

The Asean passports in ranking orders:

Singapore 192 visa-free destinations

Malaysia 183

Brunei 163

East Timor 93

Thailand 77

Indonesia 70

Philippines 65

Vietnam 48

Cambodia 47

Laos 47

Myanmar 43

The annual Henley Passport Index calculates and ranks all 199 passports based on global access scores to 227 travel destinations.

The Singapore passport has topped the world since 2004, the year the island state shared the crown with Japan. The Japanese passport dropped to the second best in the last two years.

The US passport was ranked 10th and its war rival Iran at 96th, while Afghanistan was at the bottom at 104th.

Stricter security measures allowed under martial law have been imposed across Narathiwat amid efforts to track down militants responsible for an attack that killed five paramilitary rangers earlier in the week.

The Narathiwat Task Force said military personnel are now authorised to set up checkpoints, search suspicious vehicles and properties and detain individuals suspected of involvement in unrest under provisions of the Martial Law Act.

The enhanced measures took effect on July 22 under an order signed by Maj Gen Yod-arwut Puengpakdee, commander of the Narathiwat Task Force, and have been set to remain in force until further notice.

Officials said the move aims to pressure those behind an attack on Wednesday at the Bukeh Sami checkpoint in Rangae district as well as strengthen protection for local residents.

According to the Internal Security Operations Command’s Region 4 Forward Command, six gunmen travelling in a pickup truck opened fire and threw pipe bombs at the checkpoint, killing five rangers and injuring six civilians, including two children.

The attackers escaped and remain at large.

National Security Council secretary-general Chatchai Bangchuad said the latest violence was regrettable but should not derail efforts to revive peace talks for the southern border provinces.

He said the government remained committed to negotiations led by Thailand’s new chief negotiator, Thanut Suvarnananda, while continuing to take stern legal action against groups responsible for attacks.

Mr Chatchai said many groups involved in the conflict were willing to engage in dialogue and return to civil society, and warned that abandoning the peace process in favour of a security-only response would risk worsening tensions.

He also stressed the importance of cooperation with Malaysia, which has been facilitating peace talks. Mr Chatchai said he believed Malaysia could engage with insurgent groups based in the country and help coordinate efforts to curb violence.