Category: The Bangkok Post

A selection of 200 artists of various generations and art styles from around the world will showcase their works during “Bangkok Illustration Fair (BKKIF) 2025”, which kicks off today at 2pm and run daily from 11am to 8pm until Sunday. The venue is CentralWorld Pulse, 7th floor of CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road.

Organised by Happening magazine and What If, this fifth edition of the fair is a platform for 132 artists from Thailand and 68 artists from 16 countries, collectively called BKKIF Artists 2025, plus an artist who won the popular vote at last year’s event, to present their illustrations, share experiences with their fans and find opportunities to expand on what they love and are passionate about.

Experts in the creative circle from Thailand and abroad will act as BKKIF Reviewers. They will review the illustrations by the 201 artists and select their favourite artist(s) to receive reward(s). The rewards come in the form of opportunities in different formats.

Also displayed are the works by six guest artists from Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. They include Noma, Panatthorn “Skill” Fakthong, Pol Huiprasert, Urban Sketchers Thailand, Whosming and Veerachai Duangpla, aka The Duang.

Many activities have been arranged to support both artists and participants. They include a space for artists to interact and present their works through B2A (business-to-artist) matching, Portfolio Review in which all artists can bring artworks to receive comments and advice from professional artists, and Message To Artist which invites visitors to share positive messages with their favourite artists.

The works of all BKKIF 2025 applicants who submitted their creations via the website will be displayed at the BKKIF Candidate Showcase. Also expect to see the works of four illustrators and character creators — Cat Me Five, Cheesy Duck, ThisisBoringday and Switch Panda.

Another special activity is Central Tham Mascot Design Contest which is accepting entries under the theme “Illustrating Impact” from all artists, designers and creators until Nov 1.

Tickets cost 150 baht for one-day pass (200 baht at the door and free for children) and can be purchased from eventpop.me.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will visit Singapore on Nov 7 to strengthen bilateral cooperation, said Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who was in the city state on Wednesday to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Mr Sihasak, who met Singapore’s foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, on Tuesday, said both sides are preparing for the Thai prime minister’s official visit.

The main focus will be expanding cooperation in the green economy, food technology and food security.

Singapore, in particular, has shown interest in securing additional rice supplies from Thailand.

During their meeting, the ministers discussed supporting Singapore’s food security through trade agreements on rice and agricultural products, attracting Singaporean investment in target industries such as data centres and semiconductors and enhancing collaboration in public health, the digital economy and the green economy.

The two also exchanged views on regional issues, including reinforcing Asean unity, addressing the impact of US tariff measures and discussing the situation in Myanmar and Cambodia.

In this regard, Thailand emphasised the importance of resolving Cambodian-related issues peacefully through bilateral mechanisms and expressed hope that Cambodia would cooperate sincerely.

Mr Sihasak also said he co-chaired the 15th Civil Service Exchange Programme (CSEP) during his Oct 21-22 visit.

The programme, themed “Partners in Progress: Shaping a Green and Digital Future,” brought together senior officials from both countries to promote sustainable economic growth and human resource development.

Other key areas include Thailand aiming to attract further investment from Singapore, said Mr Sihasak.

Currently, Singapore has the largest investment value in Thailand, particularly in data centres, electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy.

Thailand aims to renew its existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on digital cooperation with Singapore to ensure continuity.

Thailand is Asean’s chair for digital cooperation framework negotiations.

The country is also looking to join the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement, which currently includes Singapore, South Korea, Chile, and New Zealand, said the minister.

Thailand’s PromptPay and Singapore’s PayNow digital payment systems could be integrated into a regional network under “Nexus Pay” to simplify cross-border payments, it was discussed.

Police seized nearly 14,000 substandard hair salon items after raiding nine locations in several provinces on Tuesday.

The raid followed the death of a 10-year-old girl electrocuted by a hairdryer in northeastern Thailand.

Officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) were prompted by the girl’s case, who died on Oct 10 in Buri Ram while using a hairdryer believed to be substandard and purchased online by her mother.

An investigation revealed the dryer was bought in January through an online platform for 89 baht, with a Chinese label and without approval from the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS), Pol Maj Gen Kongkrit Lertsitthikun, commander of the CPPD, said on Wednesday.

The raids took place in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Ratchaburi at warehouses, distribution centres and shops.

Authorities seized 13,929 illegal products, including hairdryers, hair irons and electric combs. The items are worth more than 10 million baht, Pol Maj Gen Kongkrit added.

According to investigators, the goods were imported from outside Thailand through online channels, priced from 100 to 1,000 baht per item. Some products were found to have TIS labels from other legal products to deceive customers.

The investigation was continuing to identify the importer, Pol Maj Gen Kongkrit said.

A former director of a tambon health promotion hospital in Nonthaburi was arrested yesterday on charges of forgery and embezzlement involving more than 650,000 baht from the national health insurance fund.

The arrest was carried out by the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), in coordination with the Anti-Corruption Police Division (ACPD).

The suspect, identified only as Thanayot, was caught under an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 1 on Jan 10.

While serving as acting director of a local health station in Nonthaburi, the suspect allegedly forged signatures on withdrawal slips from the Universal Health Coverage Fund, otherwise known as the gold card programme, and on requests for local health fund disbursements.

Investigators found the suspect had entered the monkhood at a temple in Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi. PACC officials, working with ACPD officers, tracked him down and placed him under arrest. He voluntarily disrobed to face legal proceedings.

One of the first rules we are taught when we venture onto the golf course is the rule of how we should behave, and a ‘clip around the ear’ by my father, when we first played together, made me understand how important this essential rule is. Etiquette includes repairing divots and ball marks, raking bunkers, and being mindful of other players by remaining quiet and still when they are playing. Also included in our game’s etiquette guidelines is to be mindful of maintaining a good pace of play and allowing faster groups to play through.

Allow me to mention that etiquette was missing from the recent Ryder Cup matches with many past players turning over in their graves at how many spectators (and several players) behaved. The bad taste left after the dust settled will last until the next 2027 match in Ireland. As we all know the hardest thing to learn in our game is to remain smiling and friendly after a triple bogey but this is one of the reasons golf is unique — as it teaches you very quickly to keep our emotions under control.

When your golf ball is in an unplayable lie, you can choose from three options, each with a one-stroke penalty. The options are: playing again from your previous spot (stroke and distance), dropping a ball on a line with the hole and where the ball lies back as far as you wish, or dropping within two club lengths of where your ball lies but no closer to the hole (lateral relief).

Out of Bounds: One of the funniest things that I, and my playing partners, witnessed one day was to see a miserable and unloved member, who was unfortunately paired in our group take a drop and lose his ball. This was in the day when you had to drop over your shoulder. He was wearing a jacket with an attached hood which was just hanging loose at the back. The ball fell into the hood and disappeared. When he turned around, he was astonished not to find his ball on the ground. Needless to say, we were all in hysterics watching him and delayed telling him what had happened for as long as we could.

Sasin School of Management’s Executive MBA programme has been ranked in the Financial Times 2025 Top 100 EMBA programmes globally (#89), making Sasin the first and only school in Thailand to reach this milestone. This achievement places Sasin among the Top 20 Schools in Asia, reinforcing Sasin’s global reputation and strong regional impact.

According to FT’s ranking methodology, Executive MBA programmes are assessed on a host of factors, including quality, impact, and global relevance. Sasin’s Executive MBA stands out for its strong ESG integration (Asia’s top 10), gender diversity (Asia’s top 15), as well as international faculty and students (Asia’s top 20), reflecting Sasin’s commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and developing globally minded leaders.

‘This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni,’ said Professor Ian Fenwick, Director of Sasin. ‘It is immensely gratifying to see Sasin’s Executive MBA programme recognised among the world’s best 100 EMBA programmes, and Sasin being among the top 20 management schools in Asia.’

Sasin’s achievement reflects its vision of Global Reputation, Regional Expertise, combining international standards of excellence with a deep understanding of the region’s dynamic business environment.

‘This ranking reaffirms career success and the strong return on investment for our graduates,’ added Professor Fenwick. ‘They are capable, inspiring, and conscientious leaders who drive positive transformation across industries, cultures, and geographies.’

Over four decades, Sasin has continually set new benchmarks-launching Thailand’s first international MBA programme, becoming the first Thai business school to earn international accreditations from AACSB and EQUIS, achieving the country’s first BSIS (Business School Impact System) designation from EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development), and most recently becoming the first school in Thailand to enter the Financial Times 2025 EMBA Top 100.

Many renowned restaurants at Emporium, EmQuartier and Emsphere are presenting more than 50 special vegetarian dishes during “Emdining J Vegetarian Food Fest 2025”, until Oct 29.

This is the opportunity of the year for health enthusiasts and those observing the annual vegetarian festival to embrace the cherished Chinese-Thai tradition through a truly fulfilling and meaningful dining experience.

Each of the participating dining establishments will serve their signature creations — savoury, sweet and refreshing beverages — made with fresh, premium-quality and wholesome ingredients rich in nutrients and vitality.

They include authentic Cantonese vegetarian delicacies at Hong Bao (3rd floor of Emporium); the Kanori x Plantiful collaboration menu at Kanori Hand Roll Bar (ground floor of EmQuartier); spaghetti with truffle sauce and organic shiitake mushroom at Patio (2nd floor of EmQuartier); and wholesome plant-based dishes full of fresh fruits, vegetables and grains at Audrey Cafe des Fleurs (8th floor of EmQuartier).

Also expect to indulge with hearty mains and delightful snacks at Ikea Sukhumvit (3rd floor of Emsphere); contemporary vegetarian creations at Napha Chefs (GM floor of Emsphere); as well as an exclusive Karun x Paweenee’s collaboration drink menu at Karun (M floor of EmQuartier).

Building on the findings of its earlier survey on public perceptions of platform work, Kantar Insights Thailand, with support from Bolt, has released the second phase of its nationwide survey. The new findings highlight that platform work is not only widely respected, but also serves as a vital source of financial stability, skill development, and life progress for thousands of Thai drivers.

According to the data, 93% of drivers say platform work has improved their household’s financial stability, allowing them to achieve tangible milestones such as purchasing vehicles or funding education.

44% have bought a motorcycle,

43% have purchased a car, and

30% have paid for education for themselves or family members.

Most drivers work 21-30 hours per week, with around 29% earning between ?20,001 and ?40,000 per month, roughly 154% higher than Thailand’s average monthly wage of ?15,738 (Q4 2024). This underscores the strong earning potential and flexibility that platform work offers.

‘Platform work is not just a job. It’s an enabler of financial freedom and personal growth,’ said Nathadon Suksiritarnan, General Manager, Bolt Thailand. ‘The survey clearly shows that drivers are building better lives for themselves and their families through flexible, independent work that fits their lifestyles and ambitions.’

Earlier findings from Bolt and Kantar revealed that 97% of drivers feel respected by society, challenging outdated stereotypes that platform work is ‘only for the young’ or ‘for the unskilled.’ The new results reinforce this shift in perception, showing that drivers not only value flexibility but also gain professional and financial empowerment. Drivers consistently cite flexibility as the top reason for partnering with digital platforms.

99% say platform work helps them better manage personal and family responsibilities.

88% report having full or significant control over their schedules. The ability to ‘be your own boss’ and earn on one’s own terms remains central to why people choose this work.

Beyond income, the survey reveals platform work as a source of professional development.

63% of drivers say they have improved their time management and customer service skills.

53% have gained new digital and communication skills.

Nearly half report improvements in navigation, logistics, and financial literacy.

‘Drivers today are digital entrepreneurs,’ added Nathadon. ‘They’re gaining real-world experience that translates into valuable professional skills, from managing time and budgets to building customer relationships.’

The release of these findings comes at a pivotal moment as Thailand advances its Digital Platform Economy policy-led by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) and its agency, the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA). Both bodies play a central role in shaping an inclusive and innovation-friendly digital ecosystem that supports fair competition and sustainable digital economy growth.

MDES’s Digital Economy and Society Development Plan outlines national goals to expand digital infrastructure, strengthen digital literacy, and promote inclusive participation in the digital economy. ETDA, meanwhile, oversees implementation of the Royal Decree on the Supervision of Digital Platform Services (B.E. 2565), which enhances transparency, user protection, and responsible platform operations.

‘Platform work has become a vital part of Thailand’s economy,’ said Nathadon. ‘As Thailand’s digital platform policies evolve, regulation should empower this workforce-supporting innovation, flexibility, and the well-being of hundreds of thousands of Thais who choose this profession.’

In this context, the Kantar survey provides valuable, data-driven insights to support evidence-based policymaking-helping regulators understand how platform work contributes to economic inclusion, upskilling, and household resilience across Thailand.

Thailand’s winter starts officially on Oct 23 this year. Unfortunately, the perennial PM2.5 dust and smog problem usually acompanies the cooler weather. Here are some tips and cool gadgets to help deal with it.

PM2.5 dust pollution is a lingering problem that has plagued Thailand since at least 2019. It is well documented and is caused by, among other things, the burning of crop trash, vehicle exhaust fumes, electricity generation and industrial processes. But we are not here for a discussion about what causes it, or how to fix it. We are here for tips and to explore cool gadgets to help deal with the smog on a day-to-day basis in the land of smiles.

General tips

Check air quality on websites like www.iqair.com, or apps like Air4Thai and AirVisual.

On bad-air days, limit your outdoor activity, especially outdoor exercise such as jogging, biking and hiking.

Close your windows or mosquito screens to limit dirty outdoor air.

Wear proper PM2.5-ready masks outdoors

Wear glasses outdoors.

Stay hydrated, eat well, exercise.

Rinse your nose every now and then.

Clean your house: cat fur, dog hair, book dust, cooking fumes easily accumulate and will affect your respiratory system.

Sensitive people should consider using an air purifier in the house.

Plant trees and other greenery.

Cool gadgets

Air purifier of choice, depending on your room or health condition.

Portable ionizers can be great for people who go out often.

Any popular Thai inhaler can make your breathing easier.

Indoor exercise video games, such as Ring Fit adventure () or Fitness Boxing (), or Nintendo SwitchS Sports will keep you fit without the need to expose yourself to the dust outside.

I hope that even though days of dust and smog loom over Bangkok city, these tips and gadgets make it easier to cope with.

Kuehne+Nagel has announced a strategic investment in a new fleet of prime movers in Thailand to meet the rising demand for reliable and scalable cross-border transportation across Southeast Asia. This initiative builds on the successful 2024 acquisition of City Zone Express, a well-established logistics provider operating across Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and China.

The fleet will be deployed in three phases: the first batch is already operational, while the second and third batches are scheduled for rollout in January and April 2026 respectively. Once fully deployed, the expanded fleet will include nearly 40 prime movers and 100 containers, giving customers greater capacity and flexibility to move goods efficiently across Southeast Asia.

David Roussiere, Managing Director of Kuehne+Nagel Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar said: ‘Customers in fast-growing sectors like e-commerce and high-tech can benefit from customised road logistics solutions, including add-ons like real-time visibility and multimodal options. As supply chains evolve, we are committed to helping businesses build resilience, optimise costs and meet their sustainability goals.’

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport has committed over USD 64 billion to infrastructure development since 2022, including major investments in highway construction and logistics connectivity. The ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) continues to streamline operations across Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, playing a key role in ASEAN’s efforts to boost intra-regional trade and reduce transaction costs.

With this fleet expansion in Thailand, customers will benefit from faster response times and more reliable transport options to keep their supply chains moving smoothly.