Category: The Bangkok Post

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has denied reports that a Belarusian model who travelled to Bangkok for work was ‘forced’ to go to Myanmar, where she was reportedly killed by a scam gang who then sold her organs on the black market.

The incident was first reported by a Russian news outlet called Mash. It was subsequently picked up by international media and started circulating widely on social media last week.

The stories said that Vera Kravtsova, 26, had travelled from Belarus to Thailand in September for a modelling job interview in Bangkok. She was then forcefully made to go to Myanmar, where she was pressed into slavery in a scam centre.

When Kravtsova failed to meet her targets, she was tortured and killed and her organs were harvested and then sold, the reports said.

The gang allegedly demanded $500,000 from her family for the return of her remains, but later refused to cooperate and told her parents she had been cremated.

The killing took place somewhere in northern Myanmar, the reports said, without providing further details.

Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee, a spokesman for the Immigration Bureau, on Tuesday said its investigations determined that Kravtsova was not ‘forced’ to cross into Myanmar from Thailand.

She arrived at Suvarnabhumi airport on the morning of Sept 14 and later left the country on a flight to Yangon, Pol Maj Gen Choengron said.

She passed through Thai immigration via the automatic channel by herself, with CCTV footage showing no signs that she was being coerced or under any pressure from anyone.

‘The reported brutal incidents happened after the model flew to Myanmar,’ Pol Maj Gen Choengron said. ‘Thai police do not know what happened there as it is outside our authority.’

The parliamentary committee reviewing three charter amendment bills can propose changes during its scrutiny to avoid the final draft conflicting with the Constitutional Court’s ruling, said Prime Minister’s Office Minister Paradorn Prissanananthakul.

He was reacting yesterday to concerns after the People’s Party-sponsored bill was adopted as the main version for deliberation.

According to critics, the PP’s charter amendment bill lacks protection for Chapters 1 and 2 of the current constitution and risks violating the charter due to the proposed origin of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA).

Chapter 1 contains sections that define Thailand as a single, indivisible kingdom with a democratic regime and establishes the King as the head of state, while Chapter 2 outlines royal prerogatives.

The CDA model proposed by the PP comprises a 35-member panel responsible for drafting the new charter and a 100-member advisory council to collect public opinion. The 35 drafters are to be elected by parliament from a pool of 70 individuals elected by voters, while the advisers are directly elected by voters.

Mr Paradorn said even if the PP’s version is used as the main draft, as a committee member, he will raise these major concerns during the committee’s deliberation so the final draft is not in violation of the ruling and thus passes the third reading.

The Bhumjaithai minister also expressed confidence that the parliament committee can finish deliberation within the political timeline after the Referendum Act was royally endorsed.

Under the new Referendum Act already published in the Royal Gazette and set to take effect today, a referendum can be held on the same day as the general election or local elections to save on costs.

For a referendum to pass, it requires a simple majority, and at least 60-150 days are needed between the announcement of the referendum and the vote.

Mr Paradorn added that the political timeline is expected to proceed as planned, with the House dissolution expected on Jan 31.

Under a deal between Bhumjaithai and the PP in exchange for the latter’s support for Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul to become prime minister, Mr Anutin must dissolve the House within four months of delivering the government’s policy statement.

Ben Stiller tells the story of his parents, comedy icons Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, exploring their impact both on popular culture and at home, where the lines between creativity, family, life and art often blurred. In the process, Stiller turns the camera on himself and his family to examine Jerry and Anne’s enormous influence on their lives, and the generational lessons we all can learn from those we love.

PRIME VIDEO

Harlan Coben’s Lazarus

Premieres on Oct 22

A new psychological thriller based on an original idea and written by the New York Times best-selling author Danny Brocklehurst. We meet Joel Lazarus, a man who returns home after his father dies by suicide. Joel soon starts having unexplainable, disturbing experiences, and soon becomes entangled in a series of cold-case murders as he grapples with the mystery not only of his father’s death, but also of his sister’s murder 25 years prior.

Host

Premieres on Oct 23

Host follows Ing (Baipor), who is sent to an all-girls reform school on a remote island. Ing quickly learns that the school’s only rule is simple – total obedience to the school’s principal. The school operates under a strict hierarchy, with the principal’s favored student, Aim (Perth), at the top and Ing at the bottom. Shortly after her arrival, a series of disturbing incidents begin to unfold. As these unsettling events accumulate, Ing must confront a terrifying question: is she merely a victim of these supernatural occurrences, or could she herself be their source?

NETFLIX

Attack 13

Premiering on October 22

After bullying leads to a tragic death, a vengeful spirit haunts a group of students, forcing them to uncover the identity of a secret summoner before more lives are claimed.

The Elixir

Premiering on October 23

An elixir unleashes the undead in a village. A family at odds with one another must unite and fight to survive as their hometown collapses.

The Possession Of Hannah Grace

Premiering on October 24

When a former cop lands a job at a morgue, her graveyard shift takes a terrifying turn with the delivery of a young girl’s haunted corpse.

A House Of Dynamite

Premiering on October 24

When a single, unattributed missile is launched at the United States, a race begins to determine who is responsible and how to respond.

The Dream Life Of Mr. Kim

Premiering on October 25

Depicts the story of Manager Kim, a middle-aged man who loses everything he once considered valuable in an instant. After a long journey, he finally discovers his true self, beyond his role as a department manager at a large corporation.

The Asset

Premiering on October 27

A young agent goes undercover to befriend a drug smuggler’s wife. But the closer she gets to her target, the more complicated her mission becomes.

Consecration

Premiering on October 27

The mysterious death of her priest brother leads Grace to a sacred convent, where dark secrets, shocking murders, and blasphemy force her to confront a terrifying truth about her own past.

A movement calling itself the People’s Amnesty Network has urged lawmakers to expand the scope of political amnesty bills currently being deliberated in the House to include offences under Sections 110 and 112 of the Criminal Code.

These laws concern physical harm and insults against the monarchy and members of the royal family.

The House on Sept 16 approved in principle three amnesty bills, proposed respectively by the United Thai Nation Party, the Thai Teachers for People Party, and the Bhumjaithai Party.

However, according to Natchanon Pairoj, the network’s representative who submitted a petition letter to parliament yesterday, offences under those sections have been excluded from all three drafts after nine rounds of vetting by the House committee.

Section 110 pertains to acts of physical harm or attempted violence against the Queen, the Heir-Apparent, or the Regent — offences regarded as severe crimes against the state.

Section 112, more widely known as the lese majeste law, prohibits defamation, insults, or threats against the King, Queen, Heir-Apparent or Regent. Although it involves no physical violence, it remains a serious criminal offence under Thai law.

Mr Natchanon himself was sentenced by the Appeal Court on Feb 17 to two years in prison for violating Section 112 in a case linked to the distribution of the so-called Red Book, which was deemed to contain content hostile to the royal institution. The lower court had previously acquitted him due to insufficient evidence.

“Despite its name, the ‘Social Peace Promotion Bill’ will never bring genuine reconciliation if it continues to carry double standards, granting amnesty only to selected groups of offenders while leaving others behind,” said Mr Natchanon, who is currently out on bail.

He added that several lawmakers have already submitted reserved opinions and proposed amendments to include offences under Sections 110 and 112, which could still be incorporated during the committee’s ongoing review process.

The network is calling on the three political parties with the largest number of MPs to support such proposals, he said.

Sasinan Thamnithinan, a Bangkok MP from the People’s Party (PP), who came to receive the letter, said both the PP and the Pheu Thai Party would take the group’s appeal into consideration during further deliberations of the matter.

A mountain of dead batteries is piling up. If Thailand does nothing, these seemingly innocuous yet toxic batteries will become a national crisis. Properly managed, they can fuel a new economic future.

The expansion of clean energy makes the problem even more acute. Around the world, electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS) are the future, driving the green revolution, and Thailand is racing to catch up. At the heart of it all are batteries.

But batteries don’t last forever. And when they die, they don’t just disappear. They become hazardous waste — dangerous to the environment, costly to the economy, and harmful to public health. Without a strong, sustainable system to handle them, Thailand could face a new national crisis.

This is no distant threat. It is a ticking time bomb. In the past five years between 2020-2024, more than 600,000 EVs have been registered in Thailand. With an average EV battery life of eight to 10 years, the country will face more than 38,000 tonnes of EV waste batteries by 2031. This will rise to 160,000 tonnes by 2035. By 2045, it will approach 900,000 tonnes.

The trend is accelerating. In the first eight months of this year alone, more than 180,000 passenger EVs with up to seven seats were registered, according to the Department of Land Transport. This makes 51.75% of new cars in this segment. 

Imports tell the same story. In the past eight years, from 2017-2024, Thailand brought in more than 700,000 fully (CBU) and semi-assembled EVs (SKD), along with over 3,200 tonnes of parts (CKD) for local assembly.

During 2022-2024, Thailand also imported more than 1.7 million packs of lithium-ion batteries for EVs, along with over 100,000 nickel-metal hydride batteries.

These will start reaching the end of their lives after 2032. And it’s not just cars. Thailand also imports a huge number of electric bicycles, scooters, and mobile phones, all powered by batteries destined one day to be waste.

Overall, Thailand has imported over 3,900 tonnes of imported e-bikes, more than 21,000 e-scooters, and more than 120 million mobile phones.

Altogether, Thailand has spent more than 1.3 trillion baht importing batteries of all kinds. Yet the country still does not have a clear plan for what happens when these batteries reach the end of their lives.

What will happen if there are no viable measures to dispose of this toxic waste?

The risks are severe. Toxic metals and chemicals would seep into the soil and water, damaging ecosystems and human health. The economy would also suffer, as valuable raw materials would be contaminated and go to waste. The government would have to spend heavily to get rid of hazardous waste or send it to other countries for disposal.

Thailand would also remain at the mercy of volatile raw material prices, shaped by geopolitics in raw material supplies. But every coin has two sides. From a liability, battery waste could be turned into “treasure”. If properly harnessed, it could be a new economic resource for the country. 

Batteries contain valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese that can be processed and retrieved for use by new industries. Recycling them not only helps the environment, but it also means new jobs, stronger GDP, and a healthier circular economy.

The question now is whether Thailand will allow battery waste to grow into a crisis or turn it into an advantage that strengthens the economy and industry.

To avoid ending up with “mountains of dead batteries”, Thailand must act fast. We recommend six steps.

First, the country needs clear-cut legislation to regulate the safe storage, reuse, and recycling of all types of batteries.

Secondly, producers and importers must be held responsible for end-of-life batteries through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle in waste management instead of leaving the burden to the public.

Third is that a “battery passport” mechanism must be created to trace each battery throughout its life.  

The fourth step is about more effective regulation. The government and responsible ministries must be vigilant in monitoring and regulating recycling plants, create a quality market for recycled materials, and require new batteries to contain a minimum level of recycled content.

Fifth is about better knowledge of recycling rare earth materials. The Thai government needs to invest in research and the development of technologies to inspect, sort, and recycle batteries at low cost to accommodate Thailand’s needs.

Last but not least is conducive legislation. Thailand must have updated and relevant legislation to deal with EV and electronic device batteries. The law must determine which parties are responsible for paying disposal fees.

In addition, there are many questions and challenges that the government needs to address. Socially, there must be a mechanism to persuade people to return used batteries rather than reuse or repurpose them in ways that endanger leaks and contamination. Environmentally, should Thailand build its own recycling facilities or work with neighbours on a regional basis?

And perhaps the biggest question is this: should Thailand allow the import of waste batteries to make the recycling industry more cost-effective? If the government wants to push ahead, strict rules and safeguards will be crucial to prevent Thailand from becoming a dumping ground.

The choice is obvious. Mismanaged, dead batteries will poison soil, water, and lives, draining the economy along the way. Managed wisely, they could become a new power source to electrify jobs, industry, and Thailand’s long-term competitiveness.

Green batteries sound like good news for the environment. Yet, these batteries will die. What Thailand does with them could decide whether the country will have to face a toxic legacy or will turn waste into the fuel of economic power.

As Thailand’s paint industry embraces a new era of innovation, TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited, the country’s leading manufacturer of paints and construction chemicals, has unveiled the ‘TOA EXPERT SERIES,’ the nation’s first ready-to-use 2-in-1 topcoat and primer. The launch marks a major transformation in how painting is approached, combining convenience, durability, and sustainability for both professionals and homeowners.

The new range comprises three models, including TOA ULTRASHIELD EXPERT, TOA SHIELD EXPERT, and TOA PRO EXPERT, each designed to suit varying needs and budgets. With durability of up to 15 years, the series promises smoother application, cost savings, and professional results without the need for mixing.

TOA is partnering with leading property developers and modern trade retailers to reach painters and homeowners nationwide, reinforcing its leadership in product innovation and customer accessibility.

Mr. Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon, Chief Executive Officer of TOA Paint (Thailand) PCL, said Thailand’s decorative paint market is undergoing a major ‘market transformation,’ driven by evolving consumer expectations and environmental awareness.

‘This 2-in-1 topcoat and primer innovation addresses the core pain points of painters and homeowners,’ said Mr. Jatuphat. ‘It reduces work steps, saves time and labour, and ensures quality control. Its superior film coverage allows for smooth application and complete coverage in just two coats.’

The TOA EXPERT SERIES combines high-quality acrylic, water-based formulations with eco-conscious design, ensuring durability and reduced environmental impact. The products are available nationwide through leading modern trade outlets such as Grand Homemart, Global House, Komeri, Dohome, Thai Watsadu, Boonthavorn, Mega Home and HomePro.

Three Models for Every Need

TOA ULTRASHIELD EXPERT – Ultra-premium 2-in-1 paint offering the highest durability of over 15 years, featuring heat-reflective technology and TOA Green Certified standards.

TOA SHIELD EXPERT – Premium 2-in-1 paint with Super Bonding 2X technology for superior adhesion and weather resistance, lasting up to 12 years.

TOA PRO EXPERT – A value-for-money option combining performance, convenience, and affordability for mass consumers.

Endorsed by Leading Developers

The new line has been adopted by SC Asset Corporation PCL and Frasers Property (Thailand) PCL, both of which have praised its quality, durability, and environmental benefits.

Mr. Pisanu Dechsong, Assistant Managing Director – Cost Strategy and Supply Chain at SC Asset, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to sustainability.

‘For over five years, SC Asset and TOA have partnered to develop green paint innovations that enhance living quality while reducing environmental impact,’ he said.

Mr. Wirat Monjaroenporn, Senior Executive Vice President of Frasers Property (Thailand), added that the series aligns perfectly with the company’s QCDESG framework, focusing on quality, cost, delivery, environment, social, and governance principles.

‘We choose TOA paints for their heat-reflective and low-VOC features, supporting green building standards such as LEED, TREES, and Energy-Saving House Label No.5,’ he said. ‘Paint, like a home, is a long-term investment. Using a trusted, high-quality brand like TOA gives homeowners lasting confidence.’

TOA Launches Thailand’s First 2-in-1 Expert Paint

Innovation with Environmental Responsibility

Beyond performance, TOA EXPERT SERIES carries the Carbon Footprint Reduction Label (CFR), recognising reduced greenhouse gas emissions throughout its life cycle. This achievement supports TOA’s 7 Green Mission strategies and long-term ESG goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050.

‘TOA EXPERT SERIES is more than just paint,’ Mr. Jatuphat concluded. ‘It’s a sustainable innovation that enhances living quality while caring for the planet, the easiest, most valuable, and best paint for every Thai home.’

Business operators have renewed calls for the Bank of Thailand to address the baht’s strength, saying an exchange rate of 34-35 baht per US dollar would be more favourable for exports.

Speaking after a meeting between the central bank and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) held on Tuesday, Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the trade group, said continued baht appreciation against the dollar has weakened Thailand’s competitiveness in both exports and tourism — the country’s two key economic drivers — compared with regional peers.

Exports and tourism typically contribute around 60% and 10% of Thailand’s total revenue, respectively.

Against this backdrop, the industrial sector also presented several proposals on baht management to central bank governor Vitai Ratanakorn.

This year the baht has appreciated by as much as 8% against the US dollar, before easing to around 5% at present. In contrast, the Vietnamese dong and the Indonesian rupiah have depreciated by around 3% and 2%, respectively.

Thai exports to the US account for about 18% of total export value, compared with 32% for Vietnam, according to FTI data.

“Exporters would like the baht to weaken by about 2 baht per US dollar, moving within a range of 34-35 baht per dollar, to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness,” said Mr Kriengkrai.

The FTI acknowledges in addition to a weaker dollar, other factors are contributing to the baht’s appreciation, including rising gold prices. Money laundering through gold and cryptocurrency trading — possibly linked to cross-border scams — may also be influencing the baht’s strength against the dollar, he said.

Given these concerns, the private sector urged relevant regulatory agencies to investigate such transactions, trace money flows and identify the true factors behind the baht’s appreciation.

Although Thailand’s correlation between its currency and gold prices is higher than in many other countries, gold exports have also surged significantly, particularly to Cambodia. Cambodia is now Thailand’s second-largest gold export market after Switzerland.

During the first seven months of this year, Thailand’s gold shipments to Cambodia tallied 71.3 billion baht, up from 59.9 billion year-on-year and compared with 106 billion baht for all of 2024.

Mr Kriengkrai said the meeting also covered the impact of US tariffs on the Thai economy. The FTI estimates US tariffs could affect Thai GDP growth by between 0.01 and 0.77 percentage points, depending on how effectively the government responds to the challenge.

In separate news, Mr Vitai confirmed after the meeting the central bank stands ready to work with relevant agencies to ensure effective coordination between monetary and fiscal policy to maintain economic stability.

Amid both external and domestic headwinds, the regulator downgraded its GDP growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 to 2.2% and 1.6%, respectively, from previous estimates of 2.3% and 1.7%.

Outrigger Hospitality Group is set to unveil its newest beachfront escape – Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort, a five-star sanctuary where southern Thailand’s natural beauty and culture converge.

Opening in early 2026, the reimagined resort marks a defining new chapter for one of the world’s most celebrated island destinations. Set on the northern tip of Thailand’s famed Phi Phi Island, the resort overlooks a secluded white-sand beach framed by swaying palms and the emerald Andaman Sea.

Here, guests will discover an authentic sense of place – where island rhythms meet Outrigger’s signature warmth, sustainability and hospitality. Accessible only by boat, the resort feels like a secret world – a place to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience Southern Thai traditions.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a RubKwan ceremony and a handcrafted bead bracelet, symbolising well-being and good fortune that threads through the resort experience.With just 63 suites and villas, the resort embodies refined simplicity: airy, sun-washed spaces that breathe with the rhythm of the sea. Design inspiration draws from the Thai concept of ‘nit thra’ (the soul of rest), reflecting balance, calm and restoration. Interiors are adorned with handcrafted furnishings, natural textures and woven motifs that honour the Urak Lawoi sea community, creating an atmosphere that feels both grounded and graceful.

Step from a Beachfront Pool Suite directly onto the powder-soft sands of Laem Tong Beach, retreat to a Hilltop Pool Villa with a private infinity pool and sweeping views or unwind in a Family Garden Suite surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Immerse in the spirit of Phi Phi through experiences that celebrate local life and craftsmanship from private Thai cooking classes by the sea to bead-making inspired by the island’s ancient trade routes and long-tail boat picnics through Phi Phi’s tranquil mangrove channels.

At Mala Kitchen, the flavours and fragrances of southern Thailand take centre stage, guided by the traditional culinary philosophy of “samrub Thai”, the art of balance in taste, texture and meaning. The Edgewater Bar and Grill reflects this harmony through woven bamboo panels, red fishing nets and open-air architecture that pay tribute to southern Thai craftsmanship. Indulge in freshly-grilled seafood, aromatic curries and tropical cocktails while watching the colours of the Andaman shift with the setting sun.

Wellness unfolds at Zeavola Spa, where the southern Thai expression ‘Aayu man kwan yeun (a blessing for life) inspires rituals of balance and renewal. Hues of amber, jade, carnelian and obsidian echo through the serene treatment spaces, each representing healing, vitality and harmony. Younger explorers can discover the island’s wonders through the kids’ retreat and teen zone, while adventurers can dive deeper with eco-conscious island-hopping, Padi-certified dive trips and non-motorised water sports in the protected Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort joins a growing portfolio of award-winning Outrigger destinations in Koh Samui, Khao Lak and Phuket.

IRPC Public Company Limited (IRPC), led by Narisa Tumma-upakorn, Executive Vice President, Corporate People and Organisation Effectiveness, has donated funds to the Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Foundation of Thailand under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, represented by Admiral Suwin Jaengyodsuk, Vice President of the Foundation.

The contribution supports ongoing efforts to conserve and restore Thailand’s marine ecosystems while raising environmental awareness across the nation. The initiative includes programmes such as reef nurseries, waste management projects, educational exhibitions, and conservation training, all in line with Her Royal Highness’s royal commitment to foster cooperation and long-term sustainability in marine life preservation.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in his capacity as interior minister, has banned poker, reversing his Pheu Thai predecessor’s decision to decriminalise it just over two months ago.

The ministerial order signed by Mr Anutin was in line with the government’s policy platform announced on Sept 29 to suppress all forms of gambling, including those disguised as sports, according to the Department of Provincial Administration.

Mr Anutin also rescinded the order allowing poker tournaments, signed by Phumtham Wechayachai on July 30, according to the Department of Provincial Administration.

Mr Phumtham took over the interior minister’s post from Mr Anutin when the Bhumjaithai Party left the former Pheu Thai-led coalition government.

Bhumjaithjai pointed out at the time that the order signed by Mr Phumtham just happened to coincide with a poker tournament that went ahead a day after it was signed.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports subsequently clarified that poker would be played only as a sport, with oversight from an authorised association.

Sorawong Thienthong, the minister at the time, said the lifting of the 67-year-old ban was not the legalisation of gambling in general.

The Pheu Thai Party had also pushed hard to legalise casino gambling, another policy that Bhumjaithai opposed.