Category: The Bangkok Post

The new leader of the Pheu Thai Party will be a party member but will not be related to the Shinawatra family, party election director Suriya Jungrungreangkit said on Wednesday.

He was speaking after party leader and former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced her resignation.

Mr Suriya said at the party’s headquarters that Pheu Thai had deep bonds with the Shinawatra family. Thaksin Shinawatra was its founder, back when it was named the Thai Rak Thai Party, which was later dissolved by the court.

‘However, everything changes. …. I have learned that the party will find a person who is not related to the family. That person will be a member of the party but not part of the Shinawatra family,’ Mr Suriya said.

He dismissed speculation that he might be the next leader. He said the new party leader should be from the younger generation and be able to effectively lead the party into the coming general election.

Mr Suriya also denied a report that his faction of 70 MPs had pressured Ms Paetongtarn to resign from the leadership, threatening to pull out if she did not.

He said he began his political career with the Thai Rak Thai Party led by Thaksin and had been party secretary-general. During Ms Paetongtarn’s administration he was transport minister and a deputy prime minister.

Ms Paetongtarn had been generous, he said, “it’s just not possible that I would lead MPs to another party.’

Mr Suriya said his faction would remain with Pheu Thai and he would recruit more members and increase the number of Pheu Thai MPs to 200, as he had said he would.

Chusak Sirinil was on Wednesday appointed acting party leader. Pheu Thai will elect its new leader and a new party executive board on Oct 31.

Police seized over 13,000 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 raid took place in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Ratchaburi, with the premises being warehouses, distribution centres and shops.

Authorities seized 13,929 illegal products, including hair dryers, flat and curling irons and electric combs, worth over 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 been tagged with TIS labels from other legal products to deceive customers.

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

The men’s football gold remains the most coveted medal for Thailand as the War Elephants look to end an eight-year title drought at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in December.

The Thai team have won the men’s football gold for a record 16 times. They also hold the record of winning it eight consecutive times from 1993-2007.

However, the last time Thailand won the men’s football gold was in 2017 at the 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur. The War Elephants lost 5-2 to Indonesia in the final of the 32nd edition in Cambodia two years ago.

Just as the public holds high hopes for the men’s football crown, the country’s athletes are also expected to top the medal standings, but Dr Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, has admitted it will be difficult for the Thai contingent to rule the medal haul in every sport.

“We expect our athletes to perform well in Olympic sports such as taekwondo, weightlifting, badminton, while in other sports like athletics and swimming, they should produce better results than the previous edition, although they may not win gold in some events,” said Dr Gongsak.

“Expectations will be high in popular sports such as football and volleyball. Football, especially, is easily the sport carrying the biggest gold medal hopes that Thai fans will want our team to win,” he added.

The men’s football team are in Group A along with Cambodia and Timor-Leste and will play the group stage at Songkhla’s Tinsulanonda Stadium.

“Every match in the SEA Games is very important. Our target is to win the gold medal because we are a host nation. If the preparation goes as well as is planned, it is a good opportunity for us to go all the way and win the title,” said head coach Thawatchai Dumrong-ongtrakul.

The 33rd SEA Games, which will feature 50 medal sports, will take place in three host cities — Bangkok, Chon Buri and Songkhla — between Dec 9-20.

This Sunday, when Timor-Leste finally joins Asean as its 11th member, it will mark a diplomatic triumph for one of Asia’s smallest states and a moral test for the region’s most enduring organisation. For Dili, this long-awaited step is not about prestige; it is about survival, legitimacy, and opportunity. For the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), welcoming Timor-Leste completes the Southeast Asian map but also exposes the limits of its inclusivity.

Timor-Leste’s path to Asean membership has been long, deliberate, and at times uncertain. The country applied in 2011, almost a decade after independence from Indonesia, and spent over a decade waiting for approval. The hesitation was rooted in practical concerns. Asean questioned whether a nation of just 1.3 million people, with limited administrative capacity and heavy dependence on oil revenues, could handle the bloc’s demanding institutional workload. Yet Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines championed its entry, arguing that the regional family was incomplete without it.

For Timor-Leste, Asean membership is a strategic necessity. The country’s location between Indonesia and Australia makes it inherently part of Southeast Asia, but geography alone has never guaranteed belonging. Politically and economically, Timor-Leste has often been on the margins, relying on Western donors like Australia and the United States for aid and governance assistance, while turning to China for infrastructure development. Membership in Asean offers something different, not a patron, but a platform. It gives Dili a seat at the table where regional rules are written, and a buffer against great power rivalry that increasingly shapes the Indo-Pacific.

The economic rationale is equally clear. Timor-Leste’s petroleum reserves, which fund most of its budget, are dwindling. Without diversification, fiscal sustainability will soon be at risk. Asean membership offers access to a regional market of more than 650 million people and a network of development programmes that can support tourism, agriculture, and digital transformation. Investors often view Asean membership as a seal of stability, a signal that a country plays by predictable rules. For Dili, that credibility is as valuable as capital.

But Asean’s value to Timor-Leste extends beyond economics. It represents a political homecoming and a declaration of identity. For decades, Timor-Leste has balanced between its Portuguese heritage and its Southeast Asian geography. Joining Asean ends that ambiguity. It anchors the young democracy within a community of nations that share similar histories of colonialism, struggle, and reconstruction. For leaders like José Ramos-Horta and Xanana Gusmão, this moment fulfils a long-held aspiration to return Timor-Leste to its regional roots.

Yet both sides face real challenges. For Timor-Leste, joining Asean is only the first step. The hard work begins with integration, building the bureaucratic capacity to attend hundreds of Asean meetings, harmonising domestic laws with regional agreements, and contributing to common initiatives. Its civil service remains thin, its private sector small, and its infrastructure underdeveloped. Without sustained support, Timor-Leste risks becoming a symbolic rather than functional member.

For Asean, Dili’s admission is a test of flexibility and principle. The bloc prides itself on unity and consensus, but its members differ vastly in wealth, governance, and institutional capacity. Integrating a low-income democracy will require creative approaches, what some call “differentiated integration”, to prevent slowing the bloc’s decision-making machinery. Yet this challenge also offers Asean a chance to reaffirm its founding promise that the region’s strength lies in inclusion, not exclusion.

Timor-Leste could also bring new moral clarity to Asean’s politics. As one of Asia’s most resilient democracies, its stance on issues like Myanmar or human rights may challenge the bloc’s tradition of quiet diplomacy. Dili’s independent voice could enrich Asean’s discourse, reminding members that consensus need not mean silence. That, too, is part of Asean’s evolution, from a club of governments to a community of nations.

Economically, Timor-Leste adds little weight to Asean’s combined GDP, but symbolically, its inclusion matters deeply. It completes the map of Southeast Asia, stretching the bloc’s presence across the Timor Sea and strengthening its claim to represent the entire region. It also sends a signal to the world that Asean remains open, relevant, and confident enough to expand even amid global uncertainty.

The success of this new chapter depends on sustained cooperation. If Asean provides targeted assistance, helping Timor-Leste improve governance, logistics, and connectivity, then the partnership could become a model for how regionalism uplifts small states. But if Dili is left to navigate the complexities of membership alone, frustration could build quickly, and the promise of unity would ring hollow.

Timor-Leste’s journey to Asean has been defined by patience and persistence. Its membership now challenges the bloc to match that determination with tangible support. For both sides, this is not merely a ceremonial milestone; it is a test of whether Southeast Asia’s spirit of cooperation can turn aspiration into reality.

If Asean can integrate Timor-Leste with empathy and purpose, it will prove that its idea of”community” remains more than a slogan. And if Timor-Leste can transform inclusion into progress, it will show that even the smallest nation can help shape the future of a region in flux.

This Friday will mark one month since the under-construction MRT station at Vajira Hospital suffered a massive sinkhole on Samsen Road. The public has since been left in the dark, not knowing how a well-designed and costly subway tunnel collapsed so easily.

The public has been told that soil subsidence, underground water, or even a burst water pipe may have caused the collapse. Yet such explanations merely fuel concerns.

How could an expensive, supposedly state-of-the-art underground system be so vulnerable to routine and natural risks such as soil shifts, water leaks, or heavy rainfall?

If those were the real causes, other ongoing subway projects in the area could face similar risks. After all, the underground water level in Bangkok is constantly changing.

In terms of soil, it is an open secret that contractors dealing with projects beneath ground level often use construction technology to stabilise the condition of the soil.

The problem is that the government has not revealed many details.

Media reports focus on how contractors are providing remedies to damaged parties.

However, last week, Pheu Thai list-MP Plodprasop Suraswadi — chair of the Lower-House’s sub-committee on improving public safety and standards on civil construction — warned the public that the collapsed surface at the construction site extended for about 25 metres.

A few days later, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt openly brushed aside Mr Plodprasop’s warning, confirming the area as being already safe again.

The big question is why the MRT and the associated contractors have not come forward to clarify Mr Plodprasop’s warning.

Just this month, the Ministry of Transport quietly formed a fact-finding committee to look into the cause of the huge sinkhole.

This 11-person panel only contains a few neutral experts. The majority are officials from the Ministry of Transport, the Metropolitan Rapid Transit — the owner of the subway project — and contractors from the CKST-PL Joint Venture.

The ministry has not spelt out the framework of the fact-finding mission or when the results of the probe will be released.

Last week, members of the same Lower-House sub-committee sent a letter to the ministry urging the fact-finding committee to invite more neutral experts to join.

In countries with strong public safety records, professional probes are often conducted by third-party experts, with the results publicised. But in Thailand, most fact-finding committees feature stakeholders like contractors and only a few neutral experts. In many cases, the government publicises only some of the results.

Such is the case with the State Audit Office that collapsed early this year — only the conclusion of the report has been publicised. The names of the experts involved have not been revealed. The simulation model they used to test the structural strength and materials of the buildings remains “classified”.

The ministry must improve public safety standards — starting by making its fact-finding inclusive and transparent; then, by telling the public what the fact-finding mission will do and when the truth will be known.

Deputy Finance Minister Vorapak Tanyawong announced his resignation on Wednesday, insisting he had no connection with transnational scam networks and vowing legal action against those spreading false information.

Speaking at the Ministry of Finance, Mr Vorapak said the accusations linking him to illegal financial groups, particularly those operating in Cambodia, were distorted and malicious.

‘I have over 30 years of experience in banking and finance, both domestically and internationally. I have never sought political power. My only intention was to serve the country using my expertise,’ he said.

He dismissed claims that he was tied to a scam syndicate in Cambodia, saying he had never been involved in any fraudulent operations, either in Cambodia or elsewhere.

‘Some are trying to link my name with BIC Group and BIC Bank, but I have never had any dealings with them. Whatever legal matters they face are entirely unrelated to me,’ said Mr Vorapak.

He admitted to having met BIC chairman Yim Leak, a close associate of former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen, but denied serving as an executive or adviser to his companies. He said he was unaware that his name and photo had been used, identifying him as an adviser, on the group’s website.

He also clarified that his acquaintance with Ben Smith, also known as Benjamin Mauerberger, stemmed from their children attending the same school, not from a business relationship.

Mr Mauerberger is alleged to be at the centre of a complex financial web involving prominent Cambodian and Thai figures, some of them linked to the call centre scam industry. His activities have been the subject of a months-long investigative reporting project, updated regularly in the Whale Hunting newsletter.

Finansia deal

The same reports have alleged that Mr Vorapak acted as a nominee in a takeover bid for the Thai investment bank and brokerage Finansia Syrus Securities.

Mr Vorapak on Wednesday denied those claims, explaining that he and colleague Chuangchai Nawongs launched a management buyout bid for Finansia Syrus in 2021.

He said his investment company, Pilgrim Finansa Co, had acquired 29% of Finansia Syrus and later made a tender offer for the remaining shares.

‘It was a legitimate investment opportunity,’ he said. ‘I borrowed several hundred million baht through proper financial channels to acquire the shares, with the support of banks that assessed the risk as acceptable.’

Funding arrangements involved Capital Asia Investment, overseen by the Singapore government, and BIC Bank Laos, managed by Laotian investors, though ultimately no loans were drawn down as no further shares were sold, he said.

He clarified that he had no connection whatsoever with BIC Cambodia, which is owned 99% by Apsara Holding and 1% by Yim Leak.

After the share acquisition, he hired the consultancy McKinsey as an adviser to restructure and digitise Finansia Syrus, but as progress was slow, he sold his stake in 2024 and resigned from all executive positions.

‘Anyone who tries to use my name to suggest ties to scammers is not true,’ he said. ‘The claim that my wife received millions of dollars in cryptocurrency is entirely false. She has no crypto accounts and has never received such payments.’

Mr Vorapak insisted on his transparency, saying he has used the same mobile number and credit card for years, and primarily banks with Krungthai Bank.

‘I welcome any investigation. I have nothing to hide,’ he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the truth and protect his reputation and the dignity of his political office.

‘I have never been part of any transnational crime network,’ he said. ‘My three-decade career has always been grounded in integrity and transparency. From now on, I will focus on legal proceedings against those who have defamed me.’

PM sought answers

Mr Vorapak’s resignation came a day after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul asked him for a written response to allegations that he is linked to scam networks in the region.

Mr Vorapak, 61, was earlier named by Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas to lead a task force to follow the money trail left by such centres.

In a Facebook post just hours before Wednesday’s briefing, Mr Vorapak called the allegations ‘false and politically motivated’ and ‘part of an organised smear campaign’.

The former chief executive of Krungthai Bank said his focus on policy work had been disrupted by the need to respond to these allegations.

‘It’s unfortunate that some of those involved are people I once respected,’ he said in the post. ‘But political bias seems to have clouded their judgement. I’ve tried to respond with compassion, but perhaps I’ll need to recite the Buddha’s verse for overcoming evil.’

Mr Vorapak said he floated the idea of resigning with Mr Anutin before the briefing and that he was not pressured into quitting.

In today’s digital era, organisations are inundated with unstructured data-from customer reviews and surveys to social media conversations and emails. Hidden within this data are powerful insights into what customers truly think and feel. Yet, many businesses continue to face challenges in unlocking their full potential, often due to the lack of advanced analytical tools and systems.

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SURAT THANI: The Royal Thai Police has intensified checks on foreigners on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan following the discovery of multiple legal violations, deputy national police chief Pol Gen Samran Nuanma has announced.

Pol Gen Samran chaired a high-level meeting focused on preventing and suppressing illegal foreign activities in Surat Thani on Monday.

He said cracking down on crimes committed by foreigners that harm Thai citizens is a top priority for officials. Discovered violations have included nominee businesses, land encroachment and unauthorised work.

Responding to concerns from the private sector about negative media coverage affecting tourism, he stressed that preventive and enforcement operations must be clearly communicated. Law-abiding foreigners and tourists would be treated fairly and not subjected to harassment or illicit demands, he said.

Authorities will expand inspections into land ownership, nominee structures and misuse of state land, and verify building permits, construction projects and demolitions.

Pol Col Apisan Chairat, Superintendent of Division 5 under the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, reported that investigations are underway against several foreigners, including Israeli nationals, accused of altering land, removing rock formations and constructing villas within protected forest zones.

Authorities are also examining complaints about private parties allegedly held on leased land inside Than Sadet Waterfall National Park.

Pol Col Apisan said prosecutions are being advanced under the “Samui Model” initiative, which targets land encroachment and environmental violations.

Bangkok Commercial Asset Management is holding “BAM Symposium: New Era Of AMC 2025”, its flagship annual event for Thailand’s asset management companies, at Dusit Thani Bangkok’s Napalai Grand Ballroom, Rama IV Road, on Oct 28 from 9am to 5pm.

The symposium will convene the nation’s foremost asset management companies (AMC), the National Credit Bureau and real estate enterprises to address critical challenges and innovations in non-performing loans (NPLs) management and non-performing assets (NPAs) investment strategies, highlighting BAM’s role in shaping the future of Thailand’s AMC industry.

Held with the aim to advance collaborative solutions that strengthen Thailand’s financial stability and economic resilience, the symposium will be officially opened by Vitai Ratanakorn, governor of the Bank of Thailand, underscoring the event’s significance to Thailand’s financial ecosystem.

It will feature comprehensive discussions on

“The Strategic Role Of AMCs In Thailand’s Economic Recovery”, examining how AMCs serve as critical infrastructure for financial system stability;

“Strategic Approaches To Systemic Debt Management – Innovative approaches”, addressing Thailand’s debt challenges at scale;

“The National Credit Bureau: Transforming Data Into Opportunity”;

“Real Estate Investment Decision-Making – Strategies For Navigating The Property Market”;

Maximising NPAs Value Creation – Methodologies” for unlocking potential in distressed assets; and

“Fengshui: Turning Around Non-Performing Assets”.

The event is conducted in Thai and open to industry professionals, investors and stakeholders. There is no admission fee but seats are limited.

Persistent heavy rain caused flash floods and toppled trees and power poles on Wednesday, and caused a landslide on Patong hill that will close the road for three days.

The stormy weather also affected air travel through Phuket airport, with many flights diverted.

Non-stop heavy rain that began in the early hours did not let up until around 7am. Flooding was reported in many areas on the tourist island, including Choeng Thale, Kathu and Muang districts.

A falling tree blocked a section of Kathu-Koh Kaew Road, closing it to traffic for a while, and a power pole fell on top of a parked vehicle. There were no reported injuries.

A section of Pisitkoranee Road on the hill in Patong, between an intersection locally known as Yaek Kha Luang and Patong Bay Hill hotel, was blocked by a landslide and is expected to be closed for three days.

A house was at risk of collapsing, Phuket officials said. Work crews were already at the scene working to clear the road. People are advised to use Pethgood Road instead.

Scattered rain was persisting throughout the province and water levels in Khlong Bang Yai were rising. Nearby residents were advised to closely monitor and follow updates on the situation.

Thirty-seven domestic and international flights scheduled to arrive at Phuket airport between 8.15am and 1pm were diverted, airport director Monchai Tanod said.

They landed at alternative airports including Bangkok, Krabi and Rayong, and Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia. All affected passengers had since resumed their trips to Phuket, Mr Monchai said.

Intending air travellers were advised to keep checking for flight updates. Roads to the airport were reported to be unaffected, Mr Monchai said.