Category: The Bangkok Post

Central Retail Corporation Plc (CRC) is reinforcing its strategy of “Retail and Wholesale for All”, advancing sustainable growth through the “CRC Care 7 Dimension Philosophy”.

This business philosophy comprises: “Care for Governance” by conducting business with transparency and good corporate governance; “Care for the Customer” by placing customers at the heart of every business decision; “Care for Partners” by driving inclusive growth together with business partners; “Care for the Economy” by uplifting the local economy and promoting prosperity nationwide; “Care for the People” by creating a great place to work for all employees; “Care for the Community” by enhancing quality of life and reducing social inequality; and “Care for the Environment” by advancing its “ReNEW” strategy that seeks net-zero emissions by 2050.

Suthisarn Chirathivat, chief executive of CRC, said the company creates meaningful business growth that opens opportunities for every sector to thrive together.

“Retail and wholesale for all is about growth with purpose, not just in numbers, but in impact. We strive to open opportunities for customers, partners and communities to thrive together, while ensuring that our progress creates lasting value for the economy, society and the environment,” he said.

In line with this philosophy, 100% of CRC’s suppliers have signed on to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

The company employs more than 500 people with disabilities and seniors and generates over 814 million baht in sustainable income for local communities.

CRC continues to expand its ESG initiatives through a variety of ongoing projects, such as installing solar rooftop panels at more than 160 shopping malls, buildings and warehouses.

The project replaces up to 16% of total electricity consumption, reducing environmental impact and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by the equivalent of 86,612 tonnes.

Other projects related to reducing power consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and waste generation include the installation of innovative solar LED streetlights at Robinson Lifestyle Mall branches nationwide, as well as the use of efficient refrigerators at GO Wholesale and Central Food Retail, and a project aimed at reducing food waste.

Moreover, CRC has revitalised 5,000 rai of degraded land in Chaiyaphum into a model agroforestry site producing avocados and high-value fruit, generating 41 million baht and welcoming 10,000 visitors annually.

Similar projects in Chiang Mai and Sakon Nakhon foster organic farming, traditional crafts and community tourism, boosting local incomes and preserving cultural heritage.

Marking a new milestone in Thailand’s sporting history, the world-renowned obstacle race festival Spartan Race made its Bangkok debut with the ‘TOA SPARTAN BKK CHALLENGE 2025’ at Parc Paragon. Hosted by TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited (TOA) as the main sponsor in collaboration with Spartan Race Thailand, the event brought an exhilarating taste of the global competition to the capital with six intense obstacle challenges designed to test strength, agility, and determination.

The event drew overwhelming participation and enthusiasm from competitors, setting the stage for the upcoming full-scale Spartan race in Pattaya later this year.

As Thailand’s leading manufacturer of paints, surface protection materials, and construction chemicals, TOA partnered with Runrio (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the official licence holder of Spartan Race Thailand, to organise the Bangkok edition, the first time in history that the global Spartan festival has been brought from outdoor terrain right into the heart of the city. The event took place at Parc Paragon on 4-5 October 2025.

Mr Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon, CEO of TOA, stated, ‘This collaboration underscores TOA’s long-standing commitment to supporting creative activities and sports that enhance quality of life and promote good health. Spartan Race is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports, and its spirit of perseverance perfectly reflects the TOA brand, which has stood strong alongside Thai people for 61 years.’

Six simulated Spartan obstacles were constructed according to international standards to challenge participants’ physical and mental endurance:

4-Foot Wall – hurdle over a four-foot barrier

Monkey Bar – navigate hanging bars using upper body strength

Inverted Wall – scale a backward-leaning wall

Rope Climb – ascend a hanging rope to the top

Plate Drag – pull a weighted sandbag across the course

Bucket Carry – transport heavy buckets over a set distance

The two-day event created a vibrant atmosphere of unity and perseverance. For many participants, the true reward went beyond medals or podium finishes, it was about strength, resilience, and self-discovery, embodying the global Spartan spirit that continues to inspire athletes worldwide.

‘The success of bringing Spartan Race to the centre of Bangkok for the first time demonstrates the powerful collaboration between Spartan Race and TOA, along with TOA’s valued partners, Volt sportswear and Siam Paragon, in elevating brand image and creating a new fitness experience,’ Mr Jatuphat added.

This partnership also paves the way for the ‘2025 Pattaya Spartan Trifecta Weekend and HH 24HR Presented by TOA,’ to be held at Wisdom Valley, Pattaya, on 29-30 November 2025, expected to attract over 5,000 participants from Thailand and abroad.

Mr Manatase Annawat, President of the Thailand Privilege Card (TPC), provided an update on the company’s performance and future direction.

‘We currently have over 40,000 members – an increase of 28 per cent from 2023, with record annual revenue reaching 60 billion baht. We see significant potential to attract foreign high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), which will drive business growth and contribute to the expansion of the Thai economy.

‘Our goal is not simply to generate revenue from membership fees, but to play an integral role in stimulating Thailand’s economy through tourism by encouraging spending across related hospitality sectors – from hotels and restaurants to leisure activities and property investment. The Thailand Privilege Card also reinforces Thailand’s position as one of the world’s leading long-stay destinations.’

Bold New Marketing Direction

Mr Manatase outlined TPC’s 2025 marketing strategy:

‘This year we are taking bold steps to position Thailand as the ‘World’s Premier Residency Programme and Privileged Services Provider for Exclusive Individuals’. Alongside the introduction of our first Global Brand Ambassador, ‘Apo’ Nattawin Wattanagitiphat, we have launched a new commercial featuring Apo, who personifies the sophisticated lifestyle enjoyed by card members.

‘The campaign highlights a wide range of exclusive privileges offered by TPC and its business partners, including airport priority lanes and lounge facilities, discounts at five-star hotels and over 1,000 golf courses in Thailand and around the world, and access to leading hospitals and wellness clinics.’

He added, ‘Apo’s international profile as an actor and model, as well as his large fan base in several countries, makes him the perfect choice for this campaign. He will help to build brand awareness by fusing a sense of Thainess with a global standard of luxury.

‘This campaign, themed ‘The Ultimate Luxury’, emphasises how Thailand Privilege Card members can streamline their lifestyle and spend more meaningful moments with family, friends, and loved ones.

‘Our integrated marketing plan targets potential members worldwide through both online and offline channels – including airport advertising, in-flight media on Thai Airways International, mass transport systems, out-of-home media, and LED screens in Thailand and overseas at prime locations such as Times Square in New York, Nanjing Lu Road in Shanghai, and Singapore. This approach will strengthen our visibility in target markets while expanding into emerging markets such as India and the Middle East.’

Membership Privileges

The Thailand Privilege Card offers long-stay visas ranging from five to over twenty years, along with a suite of premium services such as:

Signature Airport Services – including Elite Personal Assistant (EPA), VIP lounge access, and electric cart transfers

Elite Personal Liaison (EPL) – personalised assistance throughout the member’s stay in Thailand

Lifestyle Privileges – special access to health and beauty services, luxury hotels, over 1,000 golf courses in Thailand and overseas, and fine-dining establishments across the country

Membership Tiers

The Thailand Privilege Card offers five membership levels:

BRONZE – 650,000 baht for 5 years

GOLD – 900,000 baht for 5 years + 20 points per year

PLATINUM – 1.5 million baht for 10 years + 35 points per year

DIAMOND – 2.5 million baht for 15 years + 55 points per year

RESERVE – 5 million baht for 20+ years (with optional 5-year extensions) + 120 points per year

This ultra-exclusive membership is reserved for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and offers the most comprehensive range of benefits.

Businesses interested in partnership opportunities may contact Vendor Relations at (+66) 2-353-4145 or email vendor_relations@thailandprivilege.co.th. For enquiries regarding General Sales and Service Agent opportunities, please call (+66) 2-353-4120 or email salesgroup@thailandprivilege.co.th.

The Ministry of Finance insists all of the new nominees for the board of directors of Thai Airways International are professionals.

According to Lavaron Sangsnit, the ministry’s permanent secretary, 17 people have been nominated as potential new directors of THAI, not including nominees from shareholders who hold at least 5%, who are entitled to propose candidates for consideration by the selection committee.

The selection committee is expected to choose eight qualified candidates by Oct 19: four to replace directors whose terms have ended, and four new ones. These names are to be submitted for approval by the THAI board, which is scheduled to meet on Oct 23.

The board will then propose the list to the shareholders’ meeting for final approval, slated for December.

‘Thai Airways must have a professional board of directors, and we affirm that all the nominees we have proposed are top-tier and highly professional,’ Mr Lavaron said on Friday.

In his capacity as chairman of the board, he said he guarantees all processes are conducted with transparency, and there is no intention to return the airline to a state enterprise, nor will it be managed as one, but rather as a listed company.

Shares of Thai Airways resumed trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in August after a four-year business rehabilitation period. The Ministry of Finance is still the major shareholder, with 38.9% of the company’s shares, down from 47.9% in December 2024, according to SET records.

THAI lost its state enterprise status during the rehabilitation period when the total shareholding of the ministry and other state entities fell below 51%. The change was sought by creditors and shareholders as a way to reduce the bureaucratic inefficiency and political interference that used to plague the carrier.

Banyong Pongpanich, a former THAI board member, recently called on the government to sell all its shares in the airline, arguing that it would be the best way to ensure business efficiency.

Mr Lavaron maintains that the current board is working in the best interests of the business, its shareholders and customers.

‘The board members are true professionals who work for the genuine benefit of Thai Airways,’ he said. ‘Of course, during board meetings not everyone will agree on every issue, but all are professionals. What is discussed in the boardroom should not be disclosed outside.

‘As long as I remain chairman, there will be no corruption – everything must be transparent in every aspect.’

Bigger board

Mr Lavaron also explained the necessity of increasing the number of board members to 15.

‘There are 11 directors, which creates some operational limitations. Certain committees cannot be established because the board is incomplete. For example, the risk management committee is essential, but it cannot be formed at present,’ he said.

‘Only two committees exist: audit as well as nomination and remuneration, as required by the stock exchange regulations.

‘Under Thai Airways’ rules, all audit committee members must be independent directors. As three independent directors already serve on the audit committee, they cannot serve on any other, reducing the total by three. Another three are assigned to the nomination committee, making six in total that are ineligible for other committees.

‘The chairman should not serve on any committee, leaving seven. This leaves only four directors available, which makes it impossible to form the risk management committee. This is why it’s necessary to increase the number of board members to 15.’

Travellers to Thailand from long-haul markets are poised to help offset sluggish Asian arrivals this year, with seat bookings through the end of March already up more than 10% from the same period a year earlier, say tourism officials.

Total long-haul arrivals this year are expected to reach 11.9 million, after achieving a record of 9.7 million with 28% growth in 2024, said Chiravadee Khunsub, deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

As of Sept 30, long-haul arrivals totalled 7.5 million, up 31.2% year-on-year.

Although high demand during the peak season has driven up hotel prices by 15-20%, bookings from these markets remain strong for the next six months, said Mrs Chiravadee.

She attributed the 10% growth in forward bookings partly to the addition of direct flights to and from North America. Direct flights between Thailand and the United States will resume on Oct 26 for the first time since 2015, after Thailand passed an airport safety audit.

Starting on Oct 26, United Airlines is scheduled to operate daily flights from Los Angeles to Bangkok. Air Canada offers five flights a week on its Vancouver-Bangkok route, and will increase the frequency to daily from Dec 1 to March 26.

She said the new routes are expected to stimulate growth in potential markets along the US west coast, as Los Angeles could serve as a gateway for travellers from San Francisco, Seattle and Portland.

Other carriers are preparing to launch new routes to Thailand, which could increase capacity in this segment, said Mrs Chiravadee.

For connecting flights, the TAT plans to resume partnerships with EVA Air, which has an extensive network to more US cities, such as Dallas – a promising market with a large young population and several universities.

She said forward bookings from Europe in the fourth quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2026 increased by 5% and 13%, respectively, while those from African markets are by by 17% and 4.7%, respectively.

Although some price-sensitive European travellers have shifted to countries such as Vietnam, Thailand remains attractive to high-potential markets, particularly those focused on sustainability, which is a key direction for Thai tourism moving forward, said Mrs Chiravadee.

From January to March 2026, forward bookings from Germany led among peers with 156,297 seats, up 7% year-on-year, followed by the UK with 117,489 seats, rising 11%.

The withdrawal of Cambodia’s heavy weapons and civilians from disputed areas has been set as among the key conditions by Thailand in response to a letter from US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says.

Speaking during his visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deliver policy guidance yesterday, Mr Anutin said the meeting was held to prepare for upcoming negotiations with the Cambodian side, as well as to formulate a response to Mr Trump’s letter addressed to him.

Mr Anutin said Mr Trump sent him a letter saying he wanted to see the country and neighbouring Cambodia resolve simmering border tensions.

The remark came a day after Mr Anutin appeared to brush off a continued role for Mr Trump — who is chasing a Nobel Peace Prize — in any further negotiations between the two nations aimed at solving their border dispute.

Mr Anutin expressed appreciation for the goodwill shown by the US president, who conveyed his desire to see peace prevail in the region, particularly in relation to the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute.

Mr Anutin affirmed Thailand’s unwavering commitment to peace and its intention to ensure that all efforts contribute to long-term regional stability and harmony.

He emphasised that prior agreements between Thailand and Cambodia must be upheld, including the withdrawal of heavy weaponry, demining efforts along the border, addressing online scam operations, and ensuring the lawful administration of areas within Thai territory.

“These are the official positions of the Thai government,” Mr Anutin said, noting that these terms had also been clearly communicated to those offering to mediate in the dispute. However, he stressed that both parties directly involved — Thailand and Cambodia — must take responsibility for resolving the matter.

When asked about the statement from the Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, who expressed Beijing’s readiness to support Cambodia in resolving the issue, Mr Anutin responded that the Chinese ambassador to Thailand had given similar assurances.

“Nevertheless, I wish to emphasise that this is a matter between Thailand and Cambodia. I believe other countries have good intentions and wish to see the de-escalation of the conflict,” Mr Anutin said.

Regarding Thailand’s management of the Ban Nong Chan area in Sa Kaeo, and how this will be communicated to the international community, Mr Anutin said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would first issue a formal letter to Cambodia clarifying that Thailand must act to safeguard its sovereignty and that all actions would be taken in accordance with the law.

In response to an article published by the Khmer Times, which claimed the prime minister had set an Oct 10 deadline for Cambodians to leave the Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo areas in Sa Kaeo, Mr Anutin denied the report. “The word ‘deadline’ has never been used by this government,” he said.

The prime minister also expressed confidence that the security agencies already have measures in place. He reiterated that, from his very first day in office, he had affirmed that diplomacy and negotiations fall under the full authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is empowered to pursue the best possible outcomes.

As for the defence and protection of national sovereignty, that responsibility lies entirely with the armed forces. He added that the government’s role is to provide full support to both the military and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in fulfilling their respective missions.

At least 100 Cambodian villagers gathered at the border opposite two villages in Sa Kaeo province on Friday to protest as Thai soldiers prepared to clear landmines ahead of an operation to push back encroachers.

The Royal Thai Army said on Facebook that Cambodian villagers and reporters assembled near Ban Nong Ya Kaeo and Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district around 9.30am, shortly before Thai soldiers arrived to begin mine-sweeping operations. The effort is part of a plan to remove Cambodian settlers from areas inside the two Thai villages.

Authorities said 135 Cambodian households have illegally occupied parts of Ban Nong Chan, with another 35 in Ban Nong Ya Kaeo. They have been ordered to leave immediately.

Ban Nong Ya Kaeo faces Cambodia’s Prey Chan village, while Ban Nong Chan lies across from Chouk Chey village, both in Banteay Meanchey province.

Officials are awaiting approval from the National Security Council (NSC), which met Friday morning to decide whether to proceed with the army’s plan targeting the Cambodian settlers in the two villages and another at Ban Ta Phraya in Ta Phraya district. The number of Cambodians living in Ban Ta Phraya remains unclear.

Tensions along the eastern border have risen since Oct 1, when Thailand’s First Army Region informed Cambodia’s Fifth Army Region of the mine-clearing plan to be conducted by the Burapha Task Force. Cambodia has objected, saying the move violates a peace pledge made by the two countries’ defence ministers during last month’s General Border Committee meeting.

Meanwhile, a convoy of trucks carrying shipping containers – sponsored by social activist ‘Gun Jompalang’ as part of a controversial initiative to reinforce border security – has arrived at the Thai-Cambodian border at the Thai-Cambodian border in Ban Nong Chan, Khok Sung distict of Sa Kaeo.

The first batch, consisting of 20 trucks transporting 40 containers, reached the parking area of the Aranyaprathet district customs office before 10am on Friday after departing from Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri early this morning. An additional 20 containers are expected to arrive on Saturday.

Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet, also known as Gun Jompalang, said he took pride in contributing to national security. The initiative had been planned long in advance and was awaiting the right moment for deployment, he added.

The containers would be installed in a classified military zone and are intended to serve as a temporary barrier following operations to push back Cambodian nationals from disputed areas.

Mr Guntouch said that waiting for a permanent fence would take too long, and claimed the containers were a million percent stronger than concrete walls.

Two unlicensed schools were raided in Samut Sakhon province on Thursday, uncovering more than 900 migrant students and teachers.

The operation, involving police, education and administrative officials, targeted two school buildings in Krathum Baen district.

One of the locations was a three-storey building in tambon Tha Mai. Although its licence had been revoked, it reportedly continued operating, providing education to 900 migrant children and employing 27 migrants as staff.

The Thai national in charge claimed it was a youth camp with an approved licence, but officials confirmed the site was unapproved for education or camp activities.

It was also noted that the 27 staff members held blue-collar labour permits which did not allow them to teach.

Provincial deputy governor Pol Lt Col Khetrat Chansin said on Friday that the migrant children will be transferred to authorised educational institutions, and those operating the illegal camp will face legal action.

According to estimates from 2021-2022, Samut Sakhon was home to about 660,000 migrant workers, with around 60% listed as undocumented. Of these migrant workers, approximately 400,000 came from Myanmar.

Foreigners working legally in Thailand face tighter tax regulations as the Thai government moves to align its tax system with international standards.

With over 3.3 million foreign workers registered as of August 2024, Thai authorities are stepping up enforcement to ensure all individuals, foreign workers included, earning income comply with personal income tax obligations.

Under Thai tax law, a foreigner who resides in the country for 180 days or more in a calendar year is considered a tax resident. This means they are liable to pay tax on all income, whether earned in Thailand or abroad. Non-residents, by contrast, are taxed only on income sourced within Thailand. The personal income tax system is progressive, with rates ranging from 5% to 35% depending on net income after deductions.

Personal income tax rates

Thailand uses a progressive personal income tax system, where the tax rate increases with the amount of net income (after deductions and allowances). The current tax brackets are as follows:

Net income 0 – 150,000 baht: Exempt from tax (must still report to the Revenue Department)

Net income 150,001 – 300,000 baht: Taxed at 5%

Net income 300,001 – 500,000 baht: Taxed at 10%

Net income 500,001 – 750,000 baht: Taxed at 15%

Net income 750,001 – 1,000,000 baht: Taxed at 20%

Net income 1,000,001 – 2,000,000 baht: Taxed at 25%

Net income 2,000,001 – 5,000,000 baht: Taxed at 30%

Net income over 5,000,000 baht: Taxed at 35%

Foreign nationals are entitled to many of the same tax deductions as Thais. These include a personal allowance of 60,000 baht, spousal (for married people, maximum of 60,000 baht) and child deductions (maximum of 30,000 baht per child but no more than 3), and deductions for investments such as provident funds and life insurance. Annual tax returns must be filed using form PND 90 or 91 by 31 March of the following year.

Thailand has signed double taxation agreements (DTAs) with more than 60 countries. These treaties help prevent foreigners from being taxed twice on the same income.

Foreign employees must also contribute to Thailand’s social security system, with a 5% deduction from their salary, capped at 750 baht per month.

Those operating businesses in Thailand must register for VAT if their annual revenue exceeds 1.8 million baht.

Since January 2024, tax residents must pay income tax on any foreign income brought into Thailand, regardless of when it was earned. This marks a significant shift from the previous rule, which taxed only income remitted in the same year it was earned. Authorities are also considering broader reforms that could see Thailand adopt a full worldwide income taxation model.

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has issued a clarification regarding its two anti-drone system procurement projects, worth a combined 997.93 million baht, aimed at enhancing defence readiness against emerging drone threats.

RTAF spokesman AM Jackkrit Thammavichai said the RTAF has been focusing on two Anti-Drone System projects, totalling 13 systems worth 997.93 million baht. The acquisition was conducted under the principles of transparency and good governance to strengthen the nation’s capacity to counter unmanned aerial systems, he said.

He said that, amid the ongoing conflict along the Thai-Cambodian border, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been detected violating Thai sovereignty, a threat to national security that threatens the safety of the public and property.

Consequently, the government approved a special central budget allocation under an emergency framework for the RTAF to enhance its counter-drone capabilities.

Given the urgency of the situation, the government has approved a special central budget allocation and allowed an exemption from the 2017 Public Procurement and Supplies Administration Act to ensure timely action.

At the same time, the air force invited qualified private operators to present anti-drone systems for evaluation.

The RTAF established an integrated working group on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) to test and assess system performance under simulated conditions.

Following the evaluation of operational effectiveness and maintenance concepts for long-term sustainability, the Air Force proceeded to request a standard reference price and issued an invitation to the Aviation Industry Co Ltd to submit its proposal for the anti-drone system.

This is part of efforts to upgrade the nation’s defence capability against UAV threats, AM Jackkrit said.