Category: The Bangkok Post

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana will go on a state visit to China from Nov 13 to 17 at the invitation of Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China.

The visit, which marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, aims to further strengthen the deep friendship and close cooperation between the two nations, said the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The year 2025 has been designated the “Golden Year of Friendship” between Thailand and China. This visit — the first by a reigning Thai monarch to the People’s Republic of China — underscores the enduring bond and mutual respect that continue to shape bilateral relations for the future, the ministry said.

During the visit, Their Majesties will attend a welcome ceremony and meet President Xi and his spouse at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Their Majesties will also have an audience with Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of China.

President Xi and his spouse will later host a state banquet in honour of Their Majesties at the Great Hall of the People. Their Majesties will visit cultural and religious landmarks, including paying homage to the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha at Lingguang Temple in the Chinese capital.

They will also visit key institutions reflecting China’s advancements in science, technology, innovation, and education, such as Beijing Aerospace City, the Centre for Educational Technology and Resource Development, and the Innovation Centre of Humanoid Robotics.

Before returning to Thailand, Their Majesties will visit “Golden Friendship, Shared Brilliance: A Special Exhibition Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Thai-Chinese Diplomatic Relations” at the Palace Museum in Beijing.

Thailand and China established diplomatic relations on July 1, 1975, when prime minister MR Kukrit Pramoj and Chinese premier Zhou Enlai signed a joint communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations.

Over five decades, both nations have maintained close, conflict-free relations, which was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership back in 2012.

In 1987, then-HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn represented HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great on an official visit to China.

Ratchaburi secured another three points after they hammered Eastern FC 7-0 in Group F of the AFC Champions League Two at the Mong Kok Stadium on Wednesday night.

All the goals came in the second half as the Thai League 1 side completed a double over the Hong Kong club to revive their hopes for a place in the knockout stage.

The Dragons are level with second-placed Nam Dinh on six points after the Vietnamese side lost 1-0 at home to leaders Gamba Osaka of Japan, who claimed their fourth successive win.

Ratchaburi, who defeated Eastern 5-1 two weeks ago, got their goals from Scott Allardice (52nd), Tana (56th, 72nd), Denilson (65th, 83rd) and Ikhsan Fandi (89th, 90th+5).

Sustained pressure from Ratchaburi paid off when Allardice scored from just outside the box after being teed up by Negueba.

Tana doubled the visitors’ advantage with a powerful drive four minutes later and the Dragons extended their lead in the 65th minute when Njiva set up Denilson to slot home.

Tana got his second of the night seven minutes later, while Denilson scored again in the 83rd minute. Fandi then netted twice in the dying minutes to complete an emphatic win.

Disaster mitigation authorities have warned people in Bangkok and 65 provinces of possible flooding from Friday to Sunday due to incoming Storm Kalmaegi.

Due to raised discharge rates at the Chao Phraya barrage in Chai Nat province to cope with the fast-flowing river, the level of the Chao Phraya downstream from the barrage will rise by 60-90 centimetres in low-lying areas without embankments, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said on Thursday.

Apart from Bangkok, the department issued flood warnings for Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Nonthaburi. The main focus will be on low-lying communities without embankment protection.

The Meteorological Department expects weakening Typhoon Kalmaegi to reach northeastern Thailand on Friday.

The flood warnings for 65 provinces cover the entirety of the North, Northeast, Central Plains and East, and some southern provinces on the west (Andaman) coast.

As of Thursday afternoon, Vietnam had been forced to shut down six airports as Typhoon Kalmaegi approached the country’s central regions.

Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn yesterday urged the swift deployment of an Asean observer team to ensure lasting peace along the Thailand-Cambodia border.

Speaking at the 9th Asean Media Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mr Kao said that Thailand, Cambodia, and Asean have been actively working to form and deploy the observer team.

He also said a special interim observer team has begun operations in the border area to monitor the situation.

“I sincerely hope that the Asean observer team will be established as soon as possible,” he said. “We should not wait for gunfire to resume or for the ceasefire to be violated.”

He said the Asean Secretary-General’s office does not participate in negotiations or the drafting of agreements related to the team’s establishment.

He emphasised the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement marks a crucial step toward restoring stability between Thailand and Cambodia.

“I hope the sound of gunfire will fall silent, and that the ceasefire will be fully upheld by both sides,” he said. “This will create a peaceful space for both countries to return to reason, negotiation, and diplomacy.”

He also expressed confidence that the Philippines, which will assume the Asean chairmanship next year following Malaysia, would continue to advance peacebuilding efforts in the region.

“We will rely on the wisdom and leadership of the Asean chair, as well as Cambodia and Thailand, to guide and make the most of this ceasefire,” he said. “This is crucial not only for the two countries but for the people of the entire Asean region.”

The media conference, jointly organised by the Asean Secretariat and the German Agency for International Cooperation, brought together media experts from across the region to discuss key issues and strengthen understanding of Asean’s role under each rotating chairmanship.

Fourteen suspects, including Taiwanese nationals, have been arrested during a police-led crackdown operation on an online scam and gambling syndicate in Muang district of Si Sa Ket province.

A combined team of police and local officials arrested three Taiwanese men and 11 Thais – including four minors aged between 17 and 19 – during the raid in Muang district on Wednesday evening, Si Sa Ket police commander Pol Maj Gen Supachai Sakkarinpanitchakun told a press conference on Thursday.

The operation targeted two rented houses at a housing estate in tambon Pho which were allegedly used as control centres for bank accounts and payment gateways linked to online gambling websites, said the provincial police chief.

The Taiwanese men were identified only as Chen, Wu, and Jheng. The 11 Thai suspects, aged between 17 and 23, included four minors aged 17-19. They were facing various charges under the Royal Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Technology-Related Crimes.

Four suspects – the three Taiwanese nationals and one Thai – were charged with procuring, advertising, or disseminating information to facilitate the sale, rental, or lending of bank accounts, electronic cards, or e-wallets for use in committing technology-related or other criminal offences in violation of Section 10 of the decree.

The remaining suspects were charged with allowing others to use their bank accounts, electronic cards, or mobile phone numbers, knowing or having reasons to believe they would be used for criminal purposes, in violation of Section 9 of the same decree.

Additional charges were filed against a 21-year-old suspect for illegal possession of a firearm and carrying it in public without a sound reason. A 19-year-old suspect was charged with possession of a Category 2 narcotic (ketamine) for personal use. All 10 Thai suspects also tested positive for drug use and faced further charges

The arresting team seized many items of evidence, including 110 mobile phones, 90 bank account books, multiple SIM cards, one homemade firearm, a sachet of ketamine, two motorcycles, three cars and a gold necklace.

All suspects and confiscated items have been handed over to police investigators at Si Sa Ket’s Muang police station for legal action.

Amid rapid modernisation, major Chinese cities are confronting widening digital disparities. And in Changsha, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is stirring concern across generations.

To address the growing digital transformation, China has launched a national plan to enhance digital literacy and skills by 2025, aiming to strengthen its digital workforce and economy.

Its state agencies are developing systems to cultivate digital talent, expand the digital economy, and build a more inclusive digital society — with the potential to create cross-border digital opportunities with other countries in the region, including Thailand.

Bridging digital borders

China has also initiated a positive cycle of digital economic development to help bridge the global digital divide with Thailand, establishing collaborations in education, e-commerce, fintech, and cloud-based ecosystems.

The initiatives outlined in the partnership focus on several key areas. These include joint programmes and digital skills training aimed at Thai students and professionals, enabling them to engage with China’s emerging tech ecosystem.

Additionally, the partnership seeks to facilitate cross-border e-commerce, allowing Thai SMEs to reach Chinese consumers. Another aspect of the collaboration is the exploration of fintech partnerships, particularly in mobile payment integration.

Furthermore, the two countries are developing smart cities and cloud-powered logistics projects to strengthen their digital economies and enhance connectivity.

Despite China’s international outreach, domestically it is facing the pressing issue of a growing digital divide.

Under socialist governance, equal access to training in new technologies has been prioritised through labour “retraining” schemes and “vocational skills improvement” initiatives. These offer free or subsidised programmes in intelligent manufacturing, the industrial internet, and other emerging fields, helping workers transition smoothly and avoid structural unemployment.

Similar programmes are offered in Changsha.

“The city promotes ‘order-based’ talent training through close university-enterprise cooperation, ensuring that students’ skills align seamlessly with market needs — enabling employment upon graduation,” according to a statement released by Changsha Municipal People’s Government.

The private sector has also become a vital force in Changsha’s digital transformation. Companies are driving the adoption of AI, robotics, and smart education technologies through a national high-tech enterprise network. These initiatives now reach more than 20 provinces and over 100 universities across China.

While uncertainties about the future remain, Yijia Zhang, a 22-year-old master’s student in English Interpretation at Hunan University and a tour guide intern, believes AI, when applied responsibly, can help redefine professional boundaries.

Changsha’s AI rise

For non-Chinese speakers, navigating Changsha’s cultural and historical landmarks — or even daily life such as shopping — can be challenging. Yet with a growing number of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates, English majors like Ms Yijia play an essential role in enhancing the city’s global appeal for both tourism and investment.

As part of a generation that has witnessed China’s evolving governance, Ms Yijia expressed deep admiration for the country’s socialist philosophy.

“I think the CPC has done a great job transforming China from a traditional country into a modern and advanced one in a short time. I love my country and am happy living here. I plan to stay in China for my whole life.”

Despite her patriotic views, she acknowledges some limitations shared by many of her peers.

“It’s a bit inconvenient that we can’t access some foreign apps like Facebook and YouTube. This restriction might be due to ideological reasons or concerns about offensive opinions from other countries,” she added.

China maintains one of the world’s most comprehensive systems for managing online information. Access to many Western news websites and social media platforms — including Google, Wikipedia, and Meta — is restricted on the mainland.

Within what is often called the “Great Firewall”, online content is regulated through government oversight and private-sector compliance with national laws. These measures ensure that digital information aligns with domestic regulations and public communication standards, particularly on sensitive topics.

Changsha continues to attract students and young professionals drawn by affordable housing and its deep-rooted academic tradition. The thousand-year-old Yuelu Academy, now Hunan University, has been a cornerstone of Chinese scholarship since 976 AD.

It was here that Mao Zedong studied and lived before joining the Chinese Communist Party in the 1920s. Renamed in 1903, the university maintains active partnerships with leading global institutions including Harvard, Cornell, Hamburg, Heidelberg, the University of London, and the École Pratique des Hautes Études in Paris.

Among other social groups, senior citizens are among the most affected by China’s digital transition.

“It is difficult for elderly people like my grandmother to adapt because they are not familiar with electronic devices, which can make them feel lonely,” said Ms Yijia, who is originally from Jiangxi Province.

The demographic challenge is particularly significant across Asia. Thailand is now an aged society, with more than 20% of its population aged 60 or older. In China, those aged 65 and above already account for around 15% of the population — over 366 million people. By 2035, that figure in China is projected to surpass 400 million, or more than 30% of the total.

This demographic shift highlights a growing digital divide among older citizens who often struggle with digital banking, online government services, or health apps. While senior internet users are expected to reach 161 million by mid-2025, or about half of the age group, many still find it difficult to fully integrate into the digital era.

In response, Changsha has rolled out social support programmes that promote community connection, health education, and volunteer activities to prevent social isolation among the elderly.

Inclusive digital progress

On the healthcare front, Changsha is pioneering digital innovation with China’s first large-model reasoning chain for traditional Chinese medicine diagnostics. This system supports early screening for conditions such as stroke and cognitive impairment.

The city’s “Smart Medical Brain” further helps alleviate the strain of an ageing population and healthcare shortages, particularly in rural areas.

Although still at an early stage, Changsha’s healthcare industry shows strong potential to expand from domestic growth to a global presence, with opportunities to collaborate digitally with Thailand in areas such as telemedicine, health AI, and medical data exchange.

With rich local resources and a skilled workforce, the city’s medical technology and manufacturing sectors could develop cost-effective healthcare solutions accessible to populations worldwide.

Similarly, Changsha’s high-tech enterprises are earning global recognition. Zoomlion, one of the world’s top 50 construction equipment manufacturers, has been acknowledged by Swedish automotive powerhouse Scania for its record-setting truck-mounted crane — with one unit produced every 18 minutes.

China’s technological prowess is also reflected in its rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry, which continues to gain traction internationally.

With strong growth prospects across both industrial and tourism sectors, Changsha’s continued commitment to improving quality, innovation, and social responsibility is set to further consolidate the foundations of its future development.

Scrutiny of the constitutional amendment bill in its second reading should be completed by the end of November, paving the way for a final vote once the parliamentary session opens next month, says House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha.

He said he expects the entire process to be concluded before the New Year.

Mr Wan said a special parliamentary session to hasten the amendment process could be called under two conditions: the government must first coordinate with parliament, and the ad hoc constitutional amendment committee must have completed its work. However, he expressed concern the committee may not finish its deliberations by middle of this month as earlier hoped, with the timeline likely extending to late this month or early next month.

He cautioned that if a special session were held, it could run into a quorum issue because some committee members who are MPs are scheduled to travel abroad on official duties. “At the very least, I would like this parliament to complete the third reading of the charter amendment bill so it can proceed to a national referendum during the next general election,” Mr Wan said.

“The key issue is whether parliament can pass the amendment — that depends on both formal and informal discussions among the committee members,” he said.

Regarding remarks by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul that he might dissolve the House if a no-confidence debate is initiated, Mr Wan said the dissolution power rests solely with the prime minister and can be exercised at any time — except after a no-confidence motion has been formally placed on the House agenda.

He said that even if the opposition submits a motion to the House Speaker, the prime minister still retains the authority to dissolve the House until the motion is listed for debate. “For example, if the motion lacks the required number of MP signatures, it would be considered invalid,” Mr Wan explained.

“Personally, I believe that if there is no substantial issue to justify a no-confidence debate, such a move would not carry enough weight,” he added.

On Wednesday, Rangsiman Rome, list-MP and deputy leader of the opposition People’s Party, commented on Mr Anutin’s statement on a House dissolution, which was widely interpreted as designed to pre-empt a censure. He said while such a move is legally permissible, public perception would be another matter.

On Tuesday, Chaturon Chaisang, a Pheu Thai Party list-MP, posted on social media urging the premier not to dissolve the House to avoid a no-confidence debate, stressing the opposition’s role is to scrutinise the government — not to seek revenge.

“Committees from various parties are now working to finalise the amendment process as quickly as possible so time remains for a no-confidence debate before dissolution,” Mr Chaturon said, adding parties agree on the need to convene a special parliamentary session to expedite the change — a move that can be initiated with the support of a third of all MPs and senators.

Thailand will not return 18 Cambodian soldiers captured during deadly border clashes until Phnom Penh meets agreed conditions, Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit said on Friday.

Gen Nattaphon said no specific date had been set for the release, though Nov 12 was a possible target if Cambodia withdrew heavy weapons from the frontier and allowed Thailand to conduct landmine clearance in five designated areas.

The minister did not specify the five locations earmarked for clearance but confirmed earlier that the area surrounding Prasat Ta Kwai was not among them.

He added that Cambodia had approached Thailand regarding efforts to meet the two conditions by next week – earlier than the Nov 21 deadline.

‘The quicker Cambodia fulfils the conditions, the quicker their soldiers will be released,’ Gen Nattaphon said at Government House.

Reports on Thursday suggested the prisoners of war would be freed on Nov 12 at the Ban Phak Kad checkpoint in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi.

The 18 soldiers were detained in the early hours of July 29 in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket province, following a clash between Thai and Cambodian troops over disputed border zones, despite an agreed ceasefire after July 28.

The peace accord, signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26, stipulates that prisoners of war will be released once both nations demonstrate ‘effective implementation’ of measures to de-escalate border tensions.

‘Further, as a demonstration of Thailand’s desire to promote mutual confidence and trust, Thailand undertakes to promptly release the prisoners of war,’ the joint declaration states.

Vietjet Thailand has become the first low-cost Thai carrier to operate flights with a 1% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), while it awaits the delivery of more fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 jets delayed due to the US government shutdown.

Woranate Laprabang, chief executive of Vietjet Thailand, said the Bangkok-Phu Quoc route started using the SAF blend yesterday, with usage expected to expand to other routes next year, such as from Bangkok to Cam Ranh and Danang.

He said SAF could reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared with the commonly used A-1 jet fuel.

Following the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standard, the airline aims to use SAF blending of 5% across all routes by 2030, helping to reduce carbon emissions by 153,000 tonnes over the next six years.

The airline plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc to ensure sufficient supply in the future.

Even though SAF costs more than twice the price of Jet A-1, it should not significantly impact passenger airfares as the blending portion is only 1%, he said.

With its entire fleet expected to change to Boeing B737-8s, he said the new aircraft model would cut fuel consumption by more than 15% compared to existing Airbus A320s.

However, the first delivery has been postponed four times this year, with the latest obstacle stemming from the US government shutdown, which is now the longest in American history.

Mr Woranate said the airline has been told that the first two planes would be delivered this month.

These planes will take 2-3 weeks for registration and should be ready to operate before Christmas this year.

The airline hopes to receive another five aircraft in December, and another two in January, a month behind schedule.

For the whole of next year, the airline should receive 13 new planes, followed by more than 10 jets in 2027 to fulfil its goal of having 50 aircraft by 2028.

As thousands of passengers were impacted by rescheduled flights due to delayed delivery, including direct routes from Bangkok to Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka, Mr Woranate said the airline would ensure that those tickets were fully refunded or rerouted to other connecting flights on Vietjet networks.

Vietjet Thailand will also launch new flights in the next few months, such as from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat in December.

For India, the airline is planning services to Ahmedabad and Kolkata, and adding Cam Ranh in Vietnam in January next year.

The commerce minister has directed Thai trade offices in China to adjust their strategies in response to the latter’s economic development plan, in a bid to increase exports.

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the strategies must align with China’s 15th National Economic and Social Development Plan, announced by Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025. The Chinese government is focusing on promoting a green economy, innovation and technology, while also increasing middle-class income.

“We must analyse the five-year development plan to identify specific areas where Thailand can serve the Chinese market, such as agricultural products, consumer goods, animal feed, health foods, games and digital products. This is critical as China aims to double its middle-income population from 400 million to 800 million, which could be a massive market for Thailand to explore,” said Mrs Suphajee.

Chinese consumers now prioritise innovation, quality and sustainability over low prices, she said. Therefore, the commercial attachés must assess the unique opportunities and challenges in each province in China and design effective market-entry strategies.

During the meeting, the commercial attachés in China presented insights about regional trade opportunities, challenges and target product categories for Thai exports in five key groups.

First, agricultural and food products, which include rice, tropical fruits like durian, mango, and mangosteen, as well as processed and ready-to-eat foods and condiments.

Second is pet-related products, in response to the rise of urban pet culture in China, with items such as pet food and care items.

There are also opportunities for health and beauty items such as bird’s nest products, plant-based protein, coconut water, spa products, and health services, noted the trade liaisons.

Another potential category is eco-friendly and sustainable products, including biodegradable packaging, organic cosmetics, recycled clothing, natural home décor and ecotourism.

The final group is innovation and digital content, such as intellectual property products, films, games and animation.

In addition, Mrs Suphajee presided over a networking event celebrating five decades of Thai-Chinese relations hosted by the Department of International Trade Promotion.

The event aims to enhance business opportunities between Thai entrepreneurs participating in CIIE 2025 and Chinese buyers and importers.