Category: The Bangkok Post

Coursera, an online learning platform, is introducing a regionally localised pricing model that lowers course prices in Thailand by up to 40%.

This initiative makes its online learning courses more accessible, helps to stimulate artificial intelligence (AI) skill development to meet urgent demand, and supports Thailand’s ambition to become an AI hub, said Ashutosh Gupta, managing director for Asia-Pacific at Coursera.

Thailand stands to gain 2.6 trillion baht from an AI-led economy, accounting for 15% of Southeast Asia’s total AI potential.

“The world is going through a lot of change, disruption and displacement, presenting challenges and opportunities,” Mr Gupta said.

According to the World Economic Forum, 35% of key skills in Thailand will change in five years.

“If the Thai workforce were 100 people, 56 would need retraining by 2030, while nine are unlikely to be retrained. This highlights the urgent need for upskilling to prepare for the future of work,” said Mr Gupta.

“Learners must scale to meet urgent demand. We need to rethink training and learning.”

He said Thailand is advancing its AI skills through key initiatives like the National AI Strategy (2022-2027). These efforts focus on training 30,000 AI professionals, stimulating 100 AI innovations, and expanding adoption in over 600 organisations.

Investments target digital infrastructure, industry-aligned education, and flexible university programmes like the Higher Education Sandbox. The goal is to reach a top-50 global AI readiness ranking by 2025, supported by expanded degree programmes and scholarships, said Mr Gupta.

He cited Unesco data that found that access to higher education is limited, as 40% of people entering the global workforce had college-level education, while in Thailand the rate is 44%.

“To reduce this challenge, it needs to provide world-class courses with affordable prices,” said Mr Gupta.

Affordable prices

Coursera has introduced a regional geographic approach based on affordability that lowers the average course price by 40% in Thailand.

The company is partnering with OpenAI to become the first online learning platform embedded in ChatGPT, which can suggest the Coursera app to ChatGPT users and suggest appropriate content to Coursera’s learners.

This partnership allows Coursera to offer the most widely used AI tool in the world, and reflects OpenAI’s commitment to expand access to education, Mr Gupta said.

As of June 2025, Coursera recorded significant growth with 1.1 million registered learners, a fivefold increase since 2019.

The typical learner is 33 years old, and enrolment is split equally between men and women, with a focus on job-relevant, digital, and business skills, in a hands-on learning experience.

The most popular courses from January to September 2025 were “Introduction to AI” from Google, “Maximize Productivity with AI Tools” from Google, and “Discover the Art of Prompting” from Google.

The company has 30 enterprise customers and seven campus customers in Thailand.

There is huge demand for generative AI (GenAI) skills, with 250,000 enrolments for GenAI courses in Thailand.

“We see one enrolment every three minutes, up from one every 16 minutes last year,” said Mr Gupta.

There are more than 1,000 GenAI courses and projects on Coursera.

Of the top 10 popular courses in Thailand, nine are related to AI which reflect Thais’ focus on AI.

In Thailand, GenAI adoption varies significantly across generations, with millennials leading the way in reskilling efforts at 56%, followed by Gen X at 31%, Gen Z at 9%, and Boomers at 4%.

When it comes to the gender gap in GenAI skills, men comprise 62% of enrolments, while women account for 38%. However, enrolment growth is faster amongst women, rising by 370% compared with 190% for men.

Residents of Chumphon’s Phato district opposing the government’s Land Bridge megaproject say it brings no clear benefits to locals while endangering their livelihoods, the environment, and community ties.

At a public forum held on Tuesday in Phato, opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and a team of People’s Party (PP) MPs met with around 200 villagers to discuss the controversial Chumphon-Ranong Land Bridge.

Participants overwhelmingly rejected the project, citing concerns that it would harm the district’s agricultural economy and disrupt the region’s ecological balance.

Benjawan Thapthimthong, leader of the Rak Phato Network, said that 97% of Phato’s population depends on agriculture, generating over eight billion baht annually.

Yet, only a quarter of local farmland has proper land titles, leaving many vulnerable to expropriation.

She warned that the project would turn landowners into wage labourers while devastating farmland, forests, and waterways across Phato, Lang Suan, Thung Tako, and Lamae districts.

Covering more than 18,000 rai, she said, the planned industrial zones, transport routes, and deep-sea ports could dry up rivers and pollute the environment.

Ms Benjawan questioned the rationale for promoting industrialisation that might contaminate local produce. “If our durians become tainted and rejected abroad, who will buy them?” she asked.

She also criticised the drafted Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bills, arguing that they give sweeping privileges to foreign investors and allow unrestricted foreign labour, even in jobs reserved for Thais.

Somchok Jungjaturant of the Chumphon-Ranong Land Protection Network added that many villagers lack formal land rights, making it easier for authorities to suppress opposition.

He called for a comprehensive land survey, the repeal of outdated land laws, and stronger protection of community rights.

Mr Natthaphong reaffirmed the PP’s opposition to the drafted SEC bills, saying they lack strategic environmental assessment, fair public participation, and could violate constitutional rights.

He warned that the governments, under the Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties, are prioritising investors over people, deepening inequality and damaging the South’s natural and cultural heritage.

Local residents urged the government to invest in sustainable agriculture, tourism, and fisheries — industries that are rooted in the region’s strengths and traditions. They said true progress should build prosperity without sacrificing land, water, and community values.

A 51-year-old man accused of committing multiple home burglaries while naked has been arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Chaliaw Khramkrathok was arrested while riding a motorcycle in Chok Chai district on Tuesday afternoon.

He was named in arrest warrants for multiple burglaries in the area since March this year.

According to police, the suspect has a house in Chok Chai district but tried to avoid arrest by living outside in paddy fields.

He had broken into several houses in March and four in September, police said.

Mr Chaliaw stole personal valuables and cash and was often naked when he committed the thefts. He was filmed by security cameras.

He told police that he took off his clothes because he did not want to be recognised by his clothing. Sometimes he stripped off because his clothes were soaked by rain.

Prime Minister’s Office Minister Paradorn Prissanananthakul has pledged to hold public forums on the two contentious Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) 43 and 44 with Cambodia, stating that the people deserve a clear understanding of the bilateral accords.

Mr Paradorn made the statement after receiving a letter on behalf of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul from protestors with the Network of Students and People for Thai Reform and the Dhammayut Army, calling for a clearer explanation of the two contentious agreements.

The move followed the latest National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) poll, which found 44% of the public does not understand the function of the two MoUs.

MoU 43 — officially the Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand and Cambodia on the Survey and Demarcation of [the] Land Boundary — was signed on June 14, 2000, during the government of then-prime minister Chuan Leekpai.

MoU 44 — the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia Concerning the Area of Their Overlapping Maritime Claims to the Continental Shelf — was signed on June 18, 2001, under the government of Thaksin Shinawatra.

On Tuesday, the protesters staged a demonstration at Chamai Maruchet Bridge in front of Government House.

Led by Pichit Chaimongkol, the groups gathered to press nine urgent demands, including a call for the government to cancel MoUs 43 and 44 rather than hold a referendum.

Police deployed personnel to maintain order and closed traffic at the base of the bridge during the demonstration.

Earlier, the government said it planned to organise a referendum on the MoUs alongside a general election expected early next year.

The protesters called on the government to cancel MoUs 43 and 44 and avoid a referendum they view as offloading responsibility to citizens while permitting open public debate.

They also want the government to take decisive action to protect Thai sovereignty, especially at Ban Nong Chan in Sa Kaeo on the border with Cambodia, with a deadline of Oct 10; and they are calling to demolish casino structures that encroach on Thai territory in Sa Kaeo.

A new version of “The Sans”, the official mascots for the 2025 SEA Games and Asean Para Games, has been unveiled.

The updated mascots retain the name “The Sans” but have been simplified to more clearly reflect Thai uniqueness, said Dr Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT). He added that the redesign is aligned with the policy of Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilattayakorn, who has emphasised that the mascots should be easy to recognise, approachable for all audiences, and a true reflection of Thai identity.

Originally, “The Sans” consisted of seven characters — five assigned to the SEA Games and two representing the Asean Para Games — under the concept of “Seven Days, Seven Colours.” The designs were inspired by traditional Thai weaving patterns, which represent Thai wisdom and identity.

The minister suggested that the mascots be streamlined into a single character for the SEA Games and a single character for the Asean Para Games, making them easy to recognise and underscoring the theme of Asean unity.

The colours of the Thai national flag have been integrated into the new design, symbolising national pride. This approach has been endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow.

The new mascots will be used for the medal ceremony and other main activities during the tournament while the old designs will still be produced as the Games’ merchandise. The 2025 SEA Games will take place from Dec 9-20 in Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Songkhla while the Asean Para Games from Jan 20-26, 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Labour Minister Treenuch Thienthong has dismissed speculation that she is set to succeed Gen Prawit Wongsuwon as leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) following a series of MP defections.

“As of now, Gen Prawit remains the party leader and continues to perform his duties as usual,” she told the media on Tuesday.

The speculation intensified after a string of defections from the PPRP, including former secretary-general Santi Promphat, who resigned from the party and joined the ruling Bhumjaithai Party along with his son, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat. Their departure dealt another major blow to the PPRP, which now has only seven MPs left.

The remaining PPRP members are Gen Prawit, Ms Treenuch, Kwanruen Thienthong, Chotiwut Thanakamanusorn, Chaimongkhon Chairop, Krasae Trakoonpornpong and Wiriya Tongpa. The rest of the 21 MPs, once allied with Gen Prawit, have defected to the Klatham, Bhumjaithai, and Pheu Thai parties, among others.

In response to the exodus, Ms Treenuch reaffirmed her commitment to staying with the PPRP, saying the party remains united and is preparing for the next general election. “The number of seats we win is less important than our shared ideology and commitment to serving the public,” she said.

She also rejected rumours suggesting she might follow Mr Santi to Bhumjaithai.

“I am already working in the same team under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s leadership,” she said, implying that there is no need to switch parties just to remain in the coalition.

Regarding the vacant post of secretary-general, Ms Treenuch said the PPRP’s executive committee would soon meet to select a replacement.

The new appointee, she said, should be someone capable of working cooperatively with other parties that share similar political goals.

Reports of suicide incidents in Thailand have become more frequent, especially across various news outlets. Over the past few months, five cases of individuals falling to their deaths inside shopping malls in Bangkok have been reported.

The similarities between these cases have sparked public concern and debate. Are they linked to Thailand’s deep-rooted mental health crisis, or could they be examples of copycat suicide triggered by the way the media reports them?

1) Rising suicide rates in Thailand

According to data from the Department of Mental Health, Thailand recorded 5,216 deaths by suicide and 33,926 attempted suicides in 2024. These figures paint a troubling picture of the nation’s mental well-being.

The causes of suicide are multifaceted – ranging from mental health factors such as depression, anxiety or substance addiction to economic hardship, social isolation and relationship breakdowns.

In some cases, immediate crises such as scams, online fraud or gambling debts have also played a role.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Thailand’s suicide rate increased by 32% between 2017 and 2022, marking a statistically significant rise and suggesting the problem continues to worsen amid complex social and economic pressures.

2) Media coverage and its link to copycat suicide

Several studies on suicide reporting in Thailand have found that many news outlets still fail to follow some guidelines from WHO on responsible reporting. Common issues include giving explicit details about the method used or using emotional headlines and graphic imagery that sensationalise the tragedy.

Such coverage can heighten the risk of imitative behaviour, particularly among vulnerable groups such as young people or those already struggling with depression. News stories that use shocking visuals, dramatic headlines or detailed descriptions tend to gain wide attention – but they also risk normalising suicide or even giving at-risk individuals ideas about how to act.

In the age of social media, tragic news spreads faster than ever, often without context or caution. Viral clips and comments can unintentionally glorify or romanticise suicide, deepening the copycat effect.

This is not merely a theoretical concern. Both Thai and international studies have established a clear link between irresponsible media coverage and the copycat suicide effect.

3) Are the recent cases in Thailand copycat suicides?

Whether a case qualifies as a copycat suicide depends on several factors – including the victim’s age, method, timing, location and possible motivation.

While recent Thai cases do not appear to be directly connected, the patterns are strikingly similar.

Many involved jumping from high places inside well-known shopping malls, often occurring within weeks of one another.

The first widely publicised incident drew significant media attention – and was followed by several more within the same month, with over five similar cases reported in just a few weeks.

This sequence strongly suggests the characteristics of a copycat suicide phenomenon.

A string of high-rise falls in such a short period may indicate self-harm behaviour influenced by imitation, especially when details such as location and method are shared widely through social and social media channels.

This has led to renewed calls for ethical and constructive reporting, which prioritises public understanding and empathy rather than emotional stimulation or sensationalism.

4) Suicide cannot be ignored

The growing number of suicides in Thailand cannot simply be observed, reported and forgotten. It reflects a deep structural issue within Thai society – a crisis of mental health that is becoming more complex and pervasive.

The challenge lies in how society can foster greater understanding and compassion, so that no one must face mental health struggles alone.

Every life is worth living. As a society, we must work together – at every level – to convey the message that those facing mental health difficulties are not the problem, but people who deserve care, understanding and a chance to recover and reintegrate into everyday life.

Where to seek help

For those who are struggling, pause – and talk to someone trustworthy or reach out for professional help. Support is available 24 hours a day from trained counsellors and organisations that listen without judgment:

Mental Health Hotline 1323 (Department of Mental Health) – available around the clock, offering immediate counselling and follow-up psychological support.

The Samaritans of Thailand (Bangkok office: 02-113-6789 Press 2 for English Line) – provides confidential emotional support and suicide prevention in both Thai and English (hours vary by language).

If individuals ever feel lonely, depressed or overwhelmed, they are encouraged to reach out for help – there is always someone ready to listen.

The government’s “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme, worth 44 billion baht, is expected to bolster GDP in the fourth quarter, said Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

The cabinet on Tuesday approved the budget for the scheme, which will be effective from Oct 29 until the end of this year, with the aim of preventing the economy from becoming trapped in contraction in the current quarter, the minister said.

Mr Ekniti, also a deputy prime minister, said the cabinet’s approval of the scheme reflects the government’s policy as declared to parliament, and recognises the urgent need to stimulate the economy.

The scheme is intended to increase household income and reduce expenditures, thereby enhancing people’s purchasing power for everyday consumption, he said.

This is especially important as the Thai economy faces a risk of contraction and slowdown in the fourth quarter.

The Khon La Khrueng Plus initiative is positioned as a flagship measure, complementing the recent top-up in welfare card balances that the cabinet also approved last week, to promote a more distributed and lasting economic recovery.

According to Mr Ekniti, Khon La Khrueng Plus will provide 20 million entitlements, under which the government will contribute half of the spending.

The aim is to aid small and micro businesses by stimulating consumer demand. Over the medium to long term, the programme also targets tax-registered citizens, who will receive 2,400 baht each, as well as support for local vendors via technology and training to reduce costs and modernise trade.

“The government emphasises that this scheme is intended to act as the engine to drive Thailand’s economy and prevent a negative trajectory,” he said.

Unlike the previous version [for persons aged 18 and above], eligibility in this round is extended to all persons 16 and above, recognising that younger generations have purchasing power and engage in online commerce.

“The government will also raise its daily subsidy contribution from 150 to 200 baht, thereby increasing purchasing power and driving short-term economic stimulus.

“Meanwhile, subsidies for those in the tax system will rise to  2,400 baht, in contrast to the general subsidy of 2,000 baht. The scheme will run from Oct 29-Dec 31, and those who have registered but not yet used their entitlement must make their first transaction by Nov 11 to retain their eligibility,” Mr Ekniti said.

He said the purpose of the scheme is to help ease living expenses for 20 million people, requiring citizens to also contribute 44 billion themselves — thereby injecting a total of 88 billion into the economy.

Furthermore, at the previous cabinet meeting, the government also approved top-ups for 13.4 million welfare card holders, 1,700 baht each, funded by another 23 billion baht budget allocation, Mr Ekniti said.

This means that by year’s end, more than 100 billion baht will have been mobilised to stimulate the economy, which is expected to raise GDP by an additional 0.3-0.4%, he said.

While economic growth was forecast at 0.3 % for the quarter, these measures could see it double that target, he said.

“The government will sequentially roll out stimulus measures each week to push the Q4 GDP to expand by at least 1%,” he said.

Vero Nika says she wants to continue the legacy of her hero Aung La N Sang in ONE Championship – and become the new face of Myanmar martial arts on the world stage.

The 29-year-old striker returns to the ring next month at ONE Fight Night 37, where she will face kickboxing legend Anissa Meksen at Lumpinee Stadium. It will mark Vero’s first appearance on ONE’s US primetime series on Prime Video, following two outings under the ONE Friday Fights banner this year.

‘I’m so excited,’ she told the Bangkok Post backstage during ONE Fight Night 36, where she came to support Aung La in his final fight. ‘If he doesn’t fight anymore, I want to be like him. One day I will try to be like him – a good fighter for Myanmar.’

The pair embraced at the fighter hotel on the morning of his emotional farewell win over Zebaztian Kadestam, as thousands of Burmese fans filled Lumpinee for one last glimpse of their national hero.

‘He’s so sad also,’ Nika said. ‘All Myanmar people, all the fans, me also – we want to see him again in Myanmar because everybody loves him. He respects everyone in Myanmar. I hope so.’

Aung La, 40, retired last weekend after a storied career that made him a ONE Championship two-division world champion and the country’s most beloved athlete. He later told the Bangkok Post he sees Vero as part of the next generation who will carry Myanmar’s banner into the future.

And Vero, who lives and trains in Pattaya at the Tiger Muay Thai gym, is determined to follow his example.

‘Before, we didn’t know how to come here,’ she said. ‘We didn’t dream about ONE Championship. We just knew fighting in Myanmar. After we saw Aung La fighting, then we had a big dream – to come fight outside.

‘Now we know ONE Championship, we know Muay Thai. So we are so happy. I want to say thank you for that.’

Vero signed with ONE in January, committing to compete in both Muay Thai and kickboxing across Friday Fights, Fight Nights, and numbered events.

After losing a thrilling split decision to ‘Miss Scarface’ Francisca Vera in February, she posted a TKO of Junior Fairtex in May, to mark herself out as one of the promotion’s most promising new prospects.

Her upcoming bout against Meksen, a multiple-time world champion with more than 100 career wins, will be her kickboxing debut. But the challenge doesn’t intimidate her.

‘She’s so good, and she has more experience than me,’ Vero said. ‘She fights kickboxing her whole life – me, kickboxing, I never fought before.

‘This is my first fight. But I’m not scared about this fight because I love it. I want to fight good people. I want to show what I can do.’

Vero, who smiled as she greeted fans in Burmese at Lumpinee, said she feels their support every time she steps into the ring.

‘They love me – I know that,’ she said. ‘So I have to keep going, train hard, more than everyone else. I think I can do it.’

And while she admits a gold statue like Aung La’s in Myanmar might be a long way off, she’s already daring to dream.

‘I hope so,’ she said with a laugh. ‘I’m trying.’

Former K-1 super welterweight champion joins Takeru, Noiri and Yoza as ONE Championship expands its Japan roster ahead of ONE 173 in Tokyo

Hiromi Wajima has signed an exclusive multi-fight contract with ONE Championship, becoming the latest star from Japan’s kickboxing scene to join the promotion’s growing roster.

The former K-1 super welterweight champion announced the news this week, ending speculation about his next move after his K-1 contract expired in July.

‘I have signed with ONE Championship!’ Wajima said in a social media post on Tuesday. ‘Thank you for your support. I aim to be the best in the world! I can’t wait to fight!’

The 30-year-old last competed in December 2024, and his arrival adds further depth to ONE’s stacked striking divisions as the organisation continues its push into the Japanese market.

Wajima joins an elite list of fellow Japanese kickboxing stars who have crossed over from K-1 in recent years – including Takeru Segawa, Masaaki Noiri, and Yuki Yoza, all from the renowned VASILEUS Gym stable.

Former K-1 and Rizin standout Rukiya Anpo has also signed a multi-fight deal and will make his debut at ONE 173 on November 16 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, where he faces Marat Grigorian in a blockbuster lightweight clash.

Another former K-1 star, Kana Morimoto, will face Thai icon Stamp Fairtex in an atomweight kickboxing bout on the card.

The move underlines ONE’s aggressive expansion in Japan, with the upcoming ONE 173 shaping up as one of the biggest martial arts events in the country’s history. The show will feature at least seven title fights, split into two sessions with a two-hour intermission between cards.

Doors will open at midday, with the ten-hour spectacle scheduled to conclude at 10pm, the Bangkok Post was told by CEO and chairman Chatri Sityodtong.

It follows the success of ONE 172 in March at Saitama Super Arena, which drew more than 10,000 fans and generated a US$2 million gate, setting a benchmark for the promotion’s return to Japan.