Category: The Bangkok Post

Authorities temporarily closed two public parks in Muang district of this southern border province after eight bomb explosions on Wednesday night. No casualties were reported.

Seven bombs were apparently placed at an artificial waterfall in Khwan Mueang park and another went off on an islet at Sanam Chang Phueak park between 8.03pm and 10.51pm on Wednesday.

Yala deputy governor Kongsakul Chantharat told the Public Relations Department that the parks must be closed for safety checks after the incidents. They has been designated as venues for traditional ceremonies to mark the end of the Buddhist Lent.

The explosions followed three blasts at a youth centre in Muang district of the province on Tuesday night.

Bomb experts said timed pipe bombs weighing about one kilogramme each were used on Wednesday, like those in the explosions at the youth centre.

The incidents on Wednesday drew senior authorities to the scene. They included deputy national police chief Pol Gen Samran Nuanma and Lt Gen Noratip Poynok, the Fourth Army Area commander.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he planned to visit the far South to follow up on security measures there this weekend.

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has sounded the alarm over a sharp rise in influenza cases, which have now surpassed 700,000 nationwide, with 61 deaths reported.

As the country transitions into the cooler season, officials are urging vulnerable groups to get vaccinated immediately to curb further spread.

Dr Taweechai Visanuyothin, director of Disease Control Office 9 in Nakhon Ratchasima, said the situation is becoming increasingly worrisome. Between Jan 1 and Oct 8, a total of 702,238 flu cases were recorded across the country, with an incidence rate of 1,081.83 per 100,000 people. The death toll has reached 61, with most of the fatalities occurring among the elderly and young children.

Children aged 5 to 9 years old are the most affected group, followed by those aged under 4 and from 10 to 14. The highest mortality rates were found among people aged 60 and above, followed by those in the 50-59 and 40-49 age brackets, as well as children under four.

‘The changing weather during the end of the rainy season and the beginning of winter is a key factor,’ Dr Taweechai said. ‘It increases the risk of respiratory infections, especially influenza, which is spreading more easily this year.’

Influenza is transmitted through coughing, sneezing or contact with droplets from an infected person. Common symptoms include high fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, fatigue and muscle aches. The virus can affect people of all ages and often spreads rapidly in crowded environments such as schools, prisons, military camps and workplaces.

To reduce transmission, health officials recommend avoiding crowded places, wearing masks, and washing hands frequently. Vaccination is strongly advised for seven high-risk groups: pregnant women (from four months’ gestation), children aged six months to two years, individuals with chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and diabetes.

Also included in the high-risk category are people aged 65 and older, those with thalassaemia or weakened immune systems, individuals with obesity, and people with neurological disabilities who cannot care for themselves. These groups are urged to receive an annual flu shot to lower the risk of severe illness and death.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are working to ensure vaccine access across the country. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and take preventive measures seriously as flu season intensifies.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has responded to US President Donald Trump’s offer to act as a mediator in peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia, saying that while the gesture reflects goodwill, any negotiations must adhere to previously agreed principles.

Thailand has been the victim of aggression, and any talks must be based on four key conditions, Mr Anutin said on Wednesday. These were the complete withdrawal of all military personnel and weapons from disputed zones, the removal of all intruders from Thai sovereign territory, the clearance of hazardous materials that could endanger civilians, and reaffirmation of respect for Thailand’s sovereignty, he said.

Mr Anutin was speaking after the US news site Politico reported Mr Trump had said he was willing to attend the Asean Summit in Malaysia later this month — on condition that he could preside over the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. According to Politico, the White House made Mr Trump’s attendance at the Oct 26-28 meeting in Kuala Lumpur contingent on a signing ceremony being held on the sidelines of the summit. The report cited three sources familiar with the matter, who declined to be identified.

The White House also asked that summit organisers exclude Chinese officials from the event, the report said. “Keeping China out would help ensure the spotlight stays on Trump, while downplaying Beijing’s efforts to mediate between Bangkok and Phnom Penh,” Politico said. The White House has since denied that Mr Trump linked his attendance to a desire to sign the peace deal. Reports suggest he is angling for the Nobel Peace Prize.

A source at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the matter would ultimately be decided by Malaysia, which holds the Asean chair this year. Mr Anutin added: “Thailand is always ready for dialogue once these conditions are fully met. We are neighbours, after all, while the mediator is from another continent. If President Trump can help persuade Cambodia to comply with these terms, that would be welcome — it would ensure Thailand faces no further encroachments.”

When asked about reports that the Cambodian government had nominated Mr Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize to highlight their political ties, he replied: “I only care about what benefits Thailand. If anyone receives a prize, good for them.” Mr Trump has made no secret of his obsession with winning the prize. In recent months, he has claimed credit for ending as many as seven international conflicts. The winner will be announced on Friday.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has arrested a man operating under the online alias “Doctor for All Moods”, who allegedly sold methamphetamine (crystal meth) and offered on-site injection services to clients in hotel rooms. The suspect, Kom-anan “Dr Golf”, 39, was caught in Bangkok following a covert sting operation.

Investigators discovered the suspect marketed his services through social media, targeting LGBTQ+ clients and offering a “double injection” package. Some encounters were secretly filmed and shared online, leading to the circulation of hundreds of explicit videos.

Police conducted a week-long undercover operation, deploying an officer disguised as a potential client.

The arrest took place at a motel in Khlong Tan, followed by a search of a residence in Soi Pridi Banomyong 40, where additional drugs and equipment were found.

Items seized include pre-filled syringes with methamphetamine, 7.2 grammes of crystal meth in sealed bags, eight packs of Viagra (six pills each), packaging materials prepared for drug delivery, and two mobile phones containing 283 explicit videos.

The suspect admitted to previous convictions for theft, facilitating underage prostitution, and drug offences. He admitted to targeting LGBTQ+ clients due to high demand and claimed that combining drug use with sexual activity increased his income. He also acknowledged filming and sharing videos to attract more customers.

A second suspect, Paveena “Na”, 40, denied all charges, claiming she was unaware of the drug activity and had only allowed Mr Kom-anan to stay temporarily. However, police found evidence suggesting her involvement. Both suspects were charged with possession and distribution of a Category 1 narcotic and were transferred to Khlong Tan police for further legal proceedings.

MPB deputy commissioner Pol Maj Gen Teeradet Thamsuthee said Metropolitan Police will intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking via social media, especially those that target the young. “This case highlights the dangers of online drug networks. We are committed to making Bangkok safer,” he said.

The government can revoke the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 43) signed with Cambodia without a referendum due to serious breaches by the Cambodians, said Panthep Puapongpan, chairman of the Thailand Watch Foundation.

He said such a move could be justified under Section 60 of the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which permits unilateral termination in the event of a grave violation by one party. He cited recent violent incidents — including alleged Cambodian use of military weapons and explosive devices on Thai soil — as evidence of a grave treaty breach that legitimises immediate action.

Mr Panthep said he opposed the government’s proposal to hold a public vote on the issue, arguing that conducting a referendum alongside a general election would burden the next government and yield non-binding results.

“If the government insists on a referendum, I will campaign to repeal MoU 43 to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and compel Cambodia into fair, modern negotiations,” he said.

Mr Panthep said Thai borders were already defined in the reign of King Rama V using natural watershed lines such as cliff ridges from Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani to the Chong Sangam area in Si Sa Ket.

“Thailand and Cambodia coexisted for more than a century without MoUs, but since MoU 43, Cambodia has repeatedly encroached on Thai territory, relying on a 1:200,000 French colonial map that disadvantages Thailand,” he said.

He dismissed concerns that cancelling MoU 43 would allow Cambodia to take Thailand to the International Court of Justice, pointing out that Thailand had withdrawn from the ICJ in 1960. Instead, he proposed using existing mechanisms — the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission, Regional Border Committee, and General Border Committee — for future negotiations.

Mr Panthep also rejected third-party mediation.

Ramayana Water Park in Chon Buri will transform into a world of spooky fun and thrilling adventures, allowing everyone in the family to celebrate Halloween with spectacular shows, exciting activities and magical moments, this month.

All the fun will be presented on three consecutive long weekends. The programme for Saturday to Oct 13 includes an EDM foam party with DJ at Monkey Beach Club, a fire show and a limbo dance at the Double Wave Pool and Halloween workshops for making bags and bracelets.

Adorable mascots will show up for a meet and greet with children on all three days, while delicious Halloween-themed treats and drinks will be available.

The weekends of Oct 23-26 and Oct 31 to Nov 2 will feature a ghost dance show, a Kids Kingdom Game Zone and, of course, a haunted house.

There will also be a Haunted House Mini Challenge offering exclusive Hanuman and Mermaid keychains as prizes, while sweet treats will be given away to kids in the Game Zone.

Ramayana Water Park is located around 20 minutes from South Pattaya and 90 minutes from Bangkok. It is open daily from 11am to 6pm, except Wednesdays.

Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai has won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature, the award-giving body said on Thursday.

‘The Nobel Prize in Literature for 2025 is awarded to the Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art,’ said Mats Malm, permanent secretary at the Swedish Academy.

Krasznahorkai, 71, is just the second Hungarian to win the prize, after Imre Kertesz, who won in 2002 for his semi-autobiographical novel Fatelessness about surviving the Holocaust.

His novels, short stories and essays are best known in Germany – where he lived for long periods – and Hungary, where he is considered by many as the country’s most important living author.

Critically difficult and demanding, his style was described once by Krasznahorkai himself as ‘reality examined to the point of madness’.

His penchant for long sentences and few paragraph breaks have also seen the writer labelled as ‘obsessive’.

Exploring themes of postmodern dystopia and melancholy, his first novel Satantango (1985) brought him to prominence in Hungary and remains his best-known work.

Recounting life in a decaying village in communist-era Hungary, its uncompromising style (12 chapters each consisting of a single paragraph) was called by its translator as ‘a slow lava-flow of narrative’.

The book was for people who ‘want something other than entertainment. who have a preference for the painfully beautiful,’ Krasznahorkai said in a interview.

Last year’s prize was won by South Korean author Han Kang who became the 18th woman – the first was Swedish author Selma Lagerlof in 1909 – and the first South Korean to receive the award.

The Nobel prize is awarded by the Swedish Academy and is worth 11 million crowns ($1.2 million).

Established in the will of Swedish dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel, the prizes for achievements in literature, science and peace have been awarded since 1901.

Over the years, the choices made by the Swedish Academy have drawn as much ire as applause.

In 2016, the award to American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan sparked criticism that his work was not proper literature.

Prizegivers have also been accused of being snobbish, of having an anti-American bias and of ignoring some of the giants of literature, including Russia’s Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, France’s Emile Zola and Ireland’s James Joyce.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says it is a “nightmare” to see Thailand’s economy lagging behind Vietnam.

In his keynote speech at the Economic Reporters Association’s annual seminar, the premier said Thailand has fallen behind Vietnam, describing it as his worst nightmare and noting he never imagined Thailand would grow more slowly than other nations in Indochina.

“We need to work together as this is not beyond our capability. In the past we were leaders. With the strong foundations of the industrial and agricultural sectors, and Thai society as a whole, I am confident we can achieve renewed growth as the Thai economy remains resilient,” he said.

Mr Anutin said Thailand has many advantages, particularly its geographical position, which allows the country to serve as a land bridge for the region, and can result in it becoming the regional trade hub.

He emphasised the need to revive the Thai economy, increase employment, and promote domestic investment to build a stable tax base for the government, which is necessary to support the financial burdens of an “ageing” society.

The government is considering extending the retirement age for civil servants beyond the current 60 years, as people are living longer, said Mr Anutin.

On environmental policy, he said the government is accelerating its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions to 2050, 15 years earlier than targeted, helping Thai exports to become more accepted globally. To this end, the government plans to expedite enactment of the Clean Air Act and the Climate Change Act, said Mr Anutin.

“We must reset our way of thinking and review our actions — whether they are still necessary, effective, appropriate and aligned with global changes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said at the same event if the economy is not stimulated during this government’s term, it could result in a severe downturn.

He said the Thai economy grew by 3% in the first half, with third-quarter growth projected at 1.7% and the fourth quarter only 0.3%. The issue is the administration only has a four-month tenure to work with, said Mr Ekniti.

Thailand’s economy before 1997 grew at an average of 7%, then fell to 3% after 1997. From 2012 to the present, growth failed to reach an average of 2%, largely attributed to low investment. Before 1997, investment comprised 40% of GDP, but after 1997 it dropped to only 23%, he said.

“The government will try to implement stimulus measures every week, such as resolving individuals’ debt issues and improving liquidity for small businesses,” said Mr Ekniti.

In November, the Finance Ministry is slated to revise the medium-term fiscal framework, which has been a concern for credit ratings agencies and resulted in an adjustment of Thailand’s outlook. He said the revision will cover revenue, expenditure and public debt management in a transparent manner, in a nod to the ratings agencies.

“We may not be able to accomplish everything within four months, as some measures require amendments to laws,” said Mr Ekniti.

A fire broke out in a 38-storey condominium building on Somdet Phra Pin Klao Road in Bangkok Noi district of the capital on Thursday, with multiple occupants still trapped inside.

According to initial reports, dense smoke was first seen emerging from the 16th floor of the building, located opposite Pata department store.

Fire crews and rescue teams arrived at the scene at 2pm, with rescuers were deployed inside the building to assist and evacuate people trapped on various floors.

As of 2.20pm, authorities reported multiple individuals remaining inside, mainly on the 17th and 24th floors as well as the balcony of the 33rd floor, a particularly challenging area for rescue operations.

38-storey condo fire in Bangkok, multiple occupants trapped

By 2.40pm, two residents trapped in an elevator were rescued without injury, and a foreign man trapped on the 15th floor was safely guided to the ground floor.

At 3pm, officials reported that the fire was now under control. Smoke was being ventilated, and rescue personnel continued to check for anyone remaining inside the premises.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Kunlavut Vitidsarn eased into the second round of the US$475,000 (approx 15.2 million baht) BWF Arctic Open in Finland on Wednesday.

The Thai top seed cruised past Ayush Shetty of India 21-15, 21-16 in his opening match of the World Tour Super 500 event on Wednesday.

Kunlavut will face Yushi Tanaka of Japan in the last 16 on Thursday.

Women’s doubles pair Benyapa Aimsaard and Sabrina Sophita Wedler made an early exit after losing to eighth seeds Hsu Yin-Hui and Lin Jhih-yun of Taiwan 12-21, 13-21.

Women’s singles hopes Ratchanok Intanon and Busanan Ongbamrungphan both reached the last 16 after winning their first round matches on Tuesday.

Second seed Ratchanok defeated Romane Cloteaux-Foucault of France 21-5, 21-12 and will play Tanya Hemanth of India in the last 16.

Fourth seed Busanan defeated Polina Buhrova of Ukraine 21-15, 21-13 in the first round and will next meet Line Christophersen of Denmark.

The two could face each other in the semi-finals.

Mixed doubles world No.3 pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran also came through their opener on Tuesday, beating Dutch players Andy Buijk and Meerte Loos 21-7, 21-12 in only 23 minutes.

The third seeds will play Czech pair Ondrej Kral and Tereza Svabikova in the last 16.

Dechapol and Supissara won the China Masters last month, their fourth title this year and sixth overall.

Another mixed pair, Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai, ended a string of first-round exits after an upset win over fourth seeds Guo Xinwa and Chen Fanghui of China 21-7, 21-15 on Tuesday.

They will play Mads Vestergaard and Christine Busch of Denmark in the last 16 on Thursday.

Also, men’s third seed Christo Popov of France, fifth seed Kodai Naraoka of Japan and Lee Chia-hao of Taiwan all won their opening matches on Wednesday.