Category: The Bangkok Post

Thai Beverage Plc (ThaiBev) continues to embed sustainability into its capital strategy through a 6.5-billion-baht sustainability-linked loan (SLL) from Bank of Ayudhya Plc (Krungsri).

Krungsri and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group acted as the joint sustainability structuring advisors.

The transaction marks the third consecutive SLL between ThaiBev and Krungsri, building on the company’s inaugural 10-billion-baht SLL in 2024 and a subsequent 5-billion-baht facility in 2025.

The arrangement reflects ThaiBev’s continued commitment to integrating sustainability into its capital strategy and strengthens its partnership with Krungsri to advance sustainable finance.

The third SLL directly links financing costs to ThaiBev’s performance against clearly defined sustainability performance targets (SPTs), with loan margins adjusted based on the achievement of those targets.

The SPTs include reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 from a 2023 baseline, and increasing renewable energy consumption to 50% of total energy use by the same year.

Established under the company’s sustainability-linked finance framework, the SPTs align with ThaiBev’s Science Based Targets initiative, a validated decarbonisation pathway that reinforces the credibility of the company’s sustainability commitments and underscores its science-based approach to climate action, the company said.

To provide independent validation of its sustainability-linked finance framework, ThaiBev appointed Morningstar Sustainalytics to issue a second-party opinion. The assessment confirmed the framework aligns with the SLL principles and that the company’s key performance indicators and SPTs are relevant, material and impactful within the context of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy.

Tongjai Thanachanan, executive vice-president and chief of sustainability and strategy at ThaiBev, said that as the company expands its SLL programme, it remains focused on delivering measurable environmental progress while strengthening business resilience and creating lasting value for all stakeholders.

Prakob Phiencharoen, head of corporate and investment banking at Krungsri, said the third SLL reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable finance and reaffirms Krungsri’s role in delivering tangible sustainable financing solutions that help clients integrate ESG into their business strategies and navigate evolving sustainability challenges.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is planning to propose three tourism stimulus projects worth 2.45 billion baht, aiming to generate 56 billion baht in economic value through a domestic travel co-payment scheme, domestic flight discounts and international flight subsidies.

At the ministry’s first dedicated public-private committee meeting held on Wednesday, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said stimulus measures were crucial to drive the industry amid global competition and the economic crisis.

He said the three schemes comprise: the “Thai Teaw Thai Plus” domestic co-payment scheme worth 1.75 billion baht; the “Fly Thai All the Feelings” domestic flight discount scheme valued at 200 million baht; and the “Thailand Air Connect” international flight subsidy scheme at a cost of 500 million baht.

The new phase of the domestic co-payment scheme subsidises 50% of accommodation costs.

Mr Surasak said the Tourism Authority of Thailand plans to allocate 500,000 privileges in the initial stage. The agency will monitor feedback and the remaining budget before deciding whether to increase the privileges, he noted. Each person is eligible for five privileges, capped at 3,000 baht per booking.

The scheme also offers a 500-baht coupon per booking for discounts at restaurants, attractions, local shops, car rentals and tour packages.

Transactions for the subsidy must be completed using the Pao Tang app. The scheme is expected to generate 32 billion baht in economic value and 1.66 billion baht in tax revenue.

Another campaign offers discounts on 400,000 domestic airline seats, with a 400-baht discount per flight to first-tier cities and a 600-baht reduction per flight to second-tier cities.

Each airline is to conduct its own marketing and promotional campaigns to attract passengers. The government is offering the subsidies directly to six local airlines on a first-come, first-served basis. The scheme is expected to generate 1.6 billion baht in economic impact.

The government also plans to provide subsidies for 600 charter flights carrying 87,000 inbound travellers, in parallel with co-marketing programmes among all commercial airlines with scheduled flights, aiming to attract at least 400,000 overseas travellers to Thailand.

The subsidy rate for each charter flight varies according to load factor, with a minimum requirement of 80%. The scheme is expected to generate 23.2 billion baht in tourism revenue, said Mr Surasak.

The committee plans to submit the proposal for approval soon to the Joint Public-Private Consultative Committee for Economic Problem Solving. The government still needs to finalise the budget and determine whether funding will come from the central budget for fiscal 2026 or 2027.

Thailand’s veteran goalkeeper Chatchai Butprom has urged his teammates to take the forthcoming Hyundai Cup “one match at a time” as the War Elephants’ preparations intensify ahead of the regional tournament.

The 39-year-old Buriram United player, recalled to the national squad for the 2026 Asean Football Championship, spoke of his pride at being selected once more.

“From the first day my name was announced until now, I remain very happy,” he said before training on Wednesday.

“I told coach Hudson that I want to help the team. If younger players need advice, I am ready to support them. In this competition, relationships within the squad are very important.”

Chatchai acknowledged that Thailand face a race against time to gel as a unit.

“The key is timing. We don’t have much before the first game, but everyone is familiar with the system. We must adjust quickly,” he explained.

“Each opponent is different, so we must focus on details. First, we must qualify from the group stage. If we reach the semi-finals and the final, we will approach each match step by step. In Asean football, no team is a clear favourite. Success depends on preparation and readiness.”

He conceded that pressure is inevitable but believes Thailand’s planning will prove decisive. “Vietnam, for example, began training earlier, but we have our own plan. I trust the coach’s strategy,” he said.

Midfielder Picha Autra of Bangkok United echoed the emphasis on collective effort.

“My physical condition is perfect. I prepared during the break by training online,” he noted.

“Every league I’ve played in has given me experience. New players must adapt, and those already in the team must also adjust. With hard work, the time we have may be enough. My target is to give my best and keep the same focus as the team.”

Thailand will play a behind-closed- doors warm-up game against Port on Saturday before opening their Hyundai Cup campaign against Laos in Vientiane on July 25.

Thai authorities have arrested a Chinese woman in Chon Buri province for allegedly using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders in a company operating in violation of Thailand’s foreign business laws.

Pol Col Krit Masuk, chief of Ban Bueng police station, on Thursday led a joint operation with officers from Ban Bueng police, the Chon Buri Immigration Office, local officials and the Chon Buri Provincial Commerce Office to search a timber-processing and distribution firm on Ban Bueng-Klaeng Road in Ban Bueng district. The search was carried out under a warrant issued by the Chon Buri Provincial Court.

Officers seized computers, mobile phones, closed-circuit television (CCTV) equipment and key documents believed to be linked to the alleged offences as evidence.

Authorities detained Zheng Xiuying, who was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Chon Buri Provincial Court.

She is accused of allowing Thai nationals to hold company shares on her behalf to evade or contravene the Foreign Business Act and of operating the business in breach of Thai law.

The arrest team informed the suspect of the charges and legal rights before handing her over to investigators at Ban Bueng police station for further proceedings.

Dave Kendall, a former Bangkok Post sub-editor and Deeper Dive host, has died at the age of 63. He served on the Post’s editorial staff from 2017 to 2025.

During his years at the Post, he played a key role in the newsroom as a sub-editor, helping shape the newspaper’s editorial standards and mentoring younger journalists.

He later became the host of Deeper Dive, the Post’s podcast interview programme, where his thoughtful and well-prepared conversations with newsmakers, business leaders and public figures earned the respect of colleagues and viewers alike.

Before settling in Thailand, the British-born journalist who contributed to music publications including Melody Maker, built an international broadcasting career.

He was best known for his work at MTV in the United States, where he developed and later hosted 120 Minutes, a programme that introduced audiences to alternative and emerging music at a time when such artists received little exposure on mainstream television.

The programme became widely recognised for helping bring influential bands and independent music to a broader audience. As news of his passing spread, musicians and devoted viewers posted tributes on social media.

Following his time at MTV, he continued working as a television presenter, producer and club DJ, as well as on a number of online ventures in the early days of the internet.

Kendall relocated to Thailand in 2005, where he produced the weekly travel programme Destination Thailand. Upon joining the Post in 2017, he shifted away from entertainment, covering fields that ranged from politics to technology, the environment, climate change and social issues.

He will be remembered for his calm sensibility and passion for journalism.

The Department of Local Administration (DLA) has submitted a list of 5,814 candidates whose examination scores were found to be irregular to the Central Examination Committee, which will consider whether to revoke their appointments.

A decision is expected at a meeting next Thursday as authorities widen their investigation into alleged fraud in last year’s local government recruitment examinations.

Speaking after a meeting of the Central Committee for Local Government Personnel Examinations at the Department of Local Administration on Wednesday, Interior Minister permanent secretary Unsit Sampuntharat said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had instructed all agencies to pursue the investigation to its conclusion and ensure the public received a clear explanation.

Mr Anutin is also the interior minister.

The committee reviewed the findings of a comparison between raw examination scores and the officially announced results conducted by the DLA in cooperation with the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission and the Department of Special Investigation. The review identified 5,814 candidates with irregular scores.

Mr Unsit said the candidates were classified into three groups. More than 3,000 recorded significant increases in their scores, while over 1,000 others, who had already achieved high marks, were found to have received unusually large score increases. A further 400 had discrepancies of only one mark, although their answer sheets were unclear.

‘The committee agreed to forward the names of all 5,814 candidates to the central committee, which has the legal authority to decide whether appointments should be revoked,’ he said.

The exam scandal first came to light following the arrest of 11 people, mostly civil servants, at a house in Nonthaburi last month. They were found tampering with about 3,000 answer sheets to make them match the announced scores of selected exam candidates who had passed the nationwide recruitment process.

About 400,000 people sat the exams that the DLA organised late last year to fill 6,700 positions. Hundreds of candidates reportedly paid bribes ranging from 350,000 to 800,000 baht, depending on the desired positions, to ensure they got a passing grade.

Three local government personnel commissions, representing provincial, municipal and tambon administrative organisations, on July 23 will consider the evidence before making a decision, Mr Unsit said, adding that any final revocation orders would be issued by the heads of the local authorities that appointed the candidates.

He said authorities must first recount all examination scores before reserve candidates could be promoted to fill any vacancies because the answer sheets remain in the custody of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

‘If further irregularities emerge during the recount, additional legal action could follow,’ he said.

Candidates who have not yet been appointed would not be affected immediately, but any vacancies created by revoked appointments would be filled according to the revised merit list.

Asked whether the salaries paid to officials whose appointments were revoked would be reclaimed, Mr Unsit said the DLA would consider the matter separately.

He went on to say investigators had not ruled out expanding the inquiry to previous recruitment exercises if evidence linked additional individuals or agencies to the alleged fraud.

Three people considered key suspects have been arrested in connection with the examination fraud case.

They face multiple charges, including criminal association, conspiracy, forging official documents, concealing or destroying official documents, dishonestly entering false computer data into a computer system and unlawfully disclosing official secrets.

The best hair-care routine can and should be simple. That’s true not only for busy, calendar-packed people but also for older adults who increasingly prefer low-effort styling.

To get to the essentials, we spoke with Wiput “Tate”Jaruthamakorn, co-founder of Roof Hair Salon, about the foundation of healthy hair, small daily details for hair care, such as the right way to wash, how to choose the right style for older adults and how to deal with hair loss and thinning. (Story continues below)

The foundation of healthy hair

Health starts from the inside. Good food. Proper sleep. Adequate exercises. These are also the foundation for hair health from the inside. From the outside, extra care or treatments depend on each person’s hair and lifestyle.

Hair health also depends on the scalp and the roots. Treat the scalp like facial skin by keeping it hydrated. For the roots, this is where our hair grows from. The roots, as we age, might naturally deteriorate, producing finer, less lustrous hair.

What is healthy hair anyway?

Healthy hair, by Wiput’s definition, is not the ultra-smooth, silkly look shown in commercials. ‘That’s a misconception. There was a time where everyone wanted straight and shiny hair and ended up doing hair straightening,’ he said.

Instead, healthy hair is hair that suits your personality and makes you feel good. It should be manageable, not hinder daily life and not accelerate thinning or balding.

Everyday habits that are damaging hair

Hair accumulates wear every day, and what matters is how we treat it afterward. When washing, Wiput advised applying shampoo to the scalp rather than the strands, since oil build-up on the scalp is what needs removing most. The shampoo will naturally run down to the strands as we rinse.

The conditioner should follow every wash. It helps neutralise the scalp’s pH, which turns mildly alkaline during washing as the cuticles open to release built-up residue. Skipping conditioner leaves the cuticles open, causing long-term damage many people mistake for volume. “Everyone should use and understand the different types of conditioner,” he said, noting that particle size varies to suit different hair types.

Hair is most vulnerable when wet. It should be handled gently. Squeezed with a towel rather than rubbed, with rubbing reserved only for the roots if needed.

Air-drying, even in Thailand’s climate, is not advisable, as a damp scalp can lead to bacteria build-up. Blow-drying should focus on the scalp rather than the ends, and heat should be kept moderate. A lower-power dryer can be used closer to the head instead.

Beyond these basics, care is largely down to the individual. Those who bleach frequently may need a soothing serum, while those with thinning or loss should consider targeted treatments.

Should you be concerned about hair dyeing as you age?

‘Not saying this to get a customer or anything. If colouring helps you feel confident when you wake and look in the mirror, go for it,’ the stylist said.

In terms of chemical risk, nowadays there are products with natural ingredients and they try to minimise risks. Doing testing also helps the customer to know which ingredient to avoid and choose the products accordingly.

For those who don’t want to constantly reapply to the roots every two to three weeks, he added that there are also alternative ways like highlighting. This method can blend grays rather than fully cover them, though bleaching still damages the strand.

Do different environments, outdoor and indoor, require different approaches to hair care?

Working outdoors requires constant hair washing due to pollution, best to use a shampoo that is suitable for using everyday. The ultraviolet (UV) ray increases the deterioration speed of the roots and dyed colours. For protection, wearing a hat or a headscarf can help. There are also leave-on serums that help protect against UV.

Working indoors, on the other hand, requires only two to three times of hair washing per week. The natural oil that our body produces helps moisturise our hair and scalp. Therefore, indoor people do not need to shampoo everyday. Even for people who exercise indoors. If it feels too sticky, washing with water will do.

Dealing with hair loss and thinning

Hair loss often comes with age. This is especially true for men who have high testosterone levels, which drive hair loss. For those whose hair loss just started, Wiput recommended treating it early on. While those who are too late, he said hair transplants, which have improved in terms of efficiency and also become cheaper compared to ten years ago, is an option.

Fortunately, thinning can be reversible. Consuming nutritious food will support the roots to create strong and thicker hair. Ultimately, if thinning begins, it is advised to consult a doctor. In terms of hairstyle, shorter styles tend to make the hair look fuller. If the top is thinning, keeping the side short helps create balance. In the end, a stylist can decide which one suits the customer the best.

The most suitable hairstyles for older adults

‘We tend to let go more when we age. There are no trends to follow. And we don’t need to feel we must belong to a certain group nor do we feel the need to keep it professional anymore. In terms of hairstyle, there are no specific rules, but they must be easy to maintain,’ the salon founder said.

For hairstyles, they must be easy-to-maintain for elderly. This is why older adults tend to pot for shorter or lighter styles as they are low maintenance in terms of daily care and frequency to visit salons.

Gunkul Engineering Plc, a renewable energy developer and operator, has announced plans to forge new business partnerships aimed at supplying clean power to overseas investors in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry.

The initiative underscores Thailand’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for AI and its supporting infrastructure.

Chief executive Naruechon Dhumrongpiyawut said the company’s strategy builds on its core expertise in renewable energy, equipment trading, construction services and power plant operations.

These strengths will enable Gunkul to support foreign investors seeking sustainable infrastructure in Thailand’s growing AI sector, she said.

“Power supply from renewable resources is a crucial piece of the jigsaw in building the AI industry,” said Ms Naruechon.

The announcement comes amid a surge in investment applications to the Board of Investment. In the first quarter of 2026, proposals exceeded 1 trillion baht, marking a 2.4-fold increase year-on-year.

The bulk of this growth was driven by mega-projects in the digital and electronics industries, with data centres and cloud services accounting for 86% of the total investment value, reflecting the rapid expansion of the digital economy and rising demand for AI processing capacity.

Gunkul’s clean energy push aligns with its expansion in the Philippines, where the liberalised energy market allows the direct supply of renewable power to companies.

Ms Naruechon said this overseas venture is partly a hedge against potential delays in Thailand’s domestic energy market.

The company operates clean power plants in Japan and the Philippines, with plans to maintain two-thirds of its total generation capacity in Thailand and one-third overseas.

“We intend to draw on lessons from our operations in the Philippines and adapt them to Thailand, where the country is preparing to launch its first pilot direct PPA [power purchase agreement] scheme for data centres,” she said.

The direct PPA scheme for data centres enables renewable energy companies to sell electricity directly to corporate buyers, bypassing restrictions on peer-to-peer renewable power trading.

The Energy Regulatory Commission has outlined a 2-gigawatt capacity for the programme, which will eventually extend beyond the Eastern Economic Corridor to areas with sufficient renewable generation and transmission infrastructure.

The scheme initially targets foreign data centre investors before expanding to industries such as electronics, printed circuit boards and electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, Gunkul is preparing to increase its domestic renewable energy capacity by an additional 1,000 megawatts from wind and solar projects.

The company has secured land plots nationwide in line with the Energy Ministry’s draft power development plan, which prioritises clean energy expansion.

Advanced Info Service (AIS) has partnered with Bangkok Land to transform the Muang Thong Thani area into Thailand’s next smart economic district.

The two companies forged a strategic partnership to build an intelligent digital infrastructure across more than 4,000 rai of Muang Thong Thani, positioning one of Thailand’s largest mixed-use developments as a next-generation smart, connected city and a future economic hub powered by advanced connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven urban management.

The collaboration reflects a growing trend among property developers and telecom operators to integrate digital technologies into large-scale urban developments as Thailand seeks to strengthen its digital economy and improve the competitiveness of its cities.

Pratthana Leelapanang, chief executive of AIS, said the initiative aims to transform Muang Thong Thani from Thailand’s premier venue for exhibitions, conventions and entertainment into a fully integrated urban area where residential communities, commercial districts, educational institutions, public services and business facilities are seamlessly connected through digital infrastructure.

AIS will deploy its next-generation communications infrastructure throughout the development, anchored by a comprehensive 5G advanced network that uses carrier aggregation technology to provide higher speeds, lower latency and greater network capacity, he said.

The upgraded network is designed to accommodate tens of thousands of concurrent users, particularly at the Impact exhibition and convention facilities, while supporting bandwidth-intensive applications, including live-streaming, extended reality, holographic communications and real-time broadcasting.

The telecom operator is also expanding AIS 3BB Fibre3 broadband services with WiFi 7 technology across residential areas, enabling future digital lifestyles through smart home applications, remote working, telemedicine and connected healthcare services, said Mr Pratthana.

For enterprises, AIS is introducing a suite of digital transformation services built around hyper-connectivity, sovereign cloud, data centre and AI solutions, enabling businesses to accelerate AI adoption, connect with global cloud platforms, leverage data analytics and access managed digital services.

The partnership also seeks to enhance the visitor experience at Impact by deploying high-capacity WiFi networks and advanced connectivity solutions capable of supporting large-scale exhibitions, concerts and international events.

In addition, the project lays the foundation for a fully integrated smart city platform that combines AI-powered CCTV, intelligent access control, smart traffic management, Internet of Things devices, digital payment systems, smart meters, digital signage, virtual classrooms, digital libraries and cybersecurity solutions.

Mr Pratthana said data generated from residential communities, commercial buildings, educational institutions, retail outlets, convention centres and public infrastructure will be consolidated into a Smart City Data Platform and Digital Twin, enabling city administrators to monitor urban conditions in real time and make more informed decisions on traffic management, energy consumption, public safety and space utilisation.

Paul Kanjanapas, chief executive of Bangkok Land, said the initiative extends beyond deploying technology to creating an urban environment where digital capabilities improve quality of life and business efficiency.

“A smart and connected city is not simply about introducing technology into urban management. It is about enabling every part of the city to operate more intelligently, efficiently and seamlessly together,” Mr Paul said.

The project reinforces AIS’s strategic evolution from a telecom operator into a national intelligent infrastructure provider, noted Mr Pratthana.

Win Thanaphatcharaphokin built a reputation as a self-made success story, rising from humble beginnings to influential positions across government agencies, state enterprises and academia.

Today, however, he is best known as one of the alleged masterminds behind the country’s largest local government recruitment examination fraud scandal.

Police arrested Mr Win in Laos on July 12 before transferring him to Thailand to face charges linked to an alleged scheme that manipulated recruitment examinations conducted by the Department of Local Administration (DLA).

Investigators believe he played a central role in a network accused of helping candidates secure government jobs in exchange for large payments.

The Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Win, his younger sister Sataporn Thanaphatcharaphokin and Sgt Maj Pichit Thangphrom, director of the Strategy and Budget Division of Wichian Buri municipality in Phetchabun.

They face allegations including participation in a criminal association, damaging documents and importing false information into a computer system.

Mr Win, who also used the name Assawin Chotipanang, was known as an adviser to the director of the Office of Promotion and Training at Kasetsart University.

He cultivated an image of academic achievement and professional success, holding a PhD from the University of Northern Philippines, a master’s degree from the National Institute of Development Administration and bachelor’s degrees from Suan Dusit Rajabhat University and Ramkhamhaeng University.

His career included a wide range of public and private sector appointments.

A 2023 annual report by the Wastewater Management Authority listed him as a board member. He also served as an executive director of Bangkok Quality Development Co Ltd, sat on policy-monitoring committees at the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority and the Fish Marketing Organisation, and was appointed a subcommittee member of the Election Commission.

Mr Win steadily expanded his influence through connections with politicians, local administrators and participants in executive training programmes. His links in Phetchabun and Songkhla to local politicians helped establish him as a well-connected figure within local government circles.

In October 2025, he was appointed head of the working group for Pattana Promphat, then public health minister under the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) quota. Mr Pattana later denied knowing Mr Win in person.

Mr Win also secured a seat on the board of the Civil Aviation Training Institute, an appointment under the purview of Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who formally nominated him to the cabinet. Mr Win resigned from the post on June 25.

To critics, his rise reflected a system in which political connections opened doors to prestigious appointments, blurring the lines between political patronage and outright corruption.

That image began to unravel when investigators turned their attention to alleged irregularities in the nationwide recruitment examination of the DLA.

The probe gained momentum after a raid in Nonthaburi uncovered evidence showing that about 3,000 answer sheets may have been altered to match published scores.

Investigators allege the syndicate collected bribes ranging from 350,000 to 800,000 baht per candidate, with fees scaled according to the prestige of the desired local government post.

Subsequent reviews uncovered discrepancies involving thousands of successful applicants. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has identified 6,014 people for further investigation, while the Interior Ministry is reviewing evidence that could lead to the revocation of appointments obtained through the disputed examination.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insists justice will be served without exception, regardless of whether suspects had links to his own BJT.

While the courts will determine Mr Win’s guilt or innocence, his dramatic fall from influential adviser to key suspect has raised fresh questions about patronage, influence, and integrity in the public-sector recruitment system.