Category: The Bangkok Post

Robinhood, Thailand’s homegrown food delivery platform under Purple Ventures Co Ltd, expects to resume profitability next year after stepping up efforts to enhance customer loyalty and engagement through its new Robinhood Coin initiative.

Morakot Yipintsoi, chief executive of Purple Ventures, said when Robinhood announced a temporary suspension of its operations last year, the company’s losses reached 9 billion baht.

“But we have seen the business improving gradually and our losses have been declining,” she told the Bangkok Post, adding the company expects to turn things around and make a profit next year.

Formerly owned by SCB X Plc, the technology conglomerate and holding company of Siam Commercial Bank, Purple Ventures was sold to a group of investors led by Yip In Tsoi Group in September 2024 for 2 billion baht.

Regarding the company’s strategy, Ms Morakot said next year’s focus would be on launching campaigns to bring back merchants, especially small local vendors, to the platform as there are still “many potential partners in this segment”.

Free delivery codes and discount codes will remain available, though the company will ensure it does not distort the market, she said. The average order size on Robinhood is 250 baht.

Purple Ventures unveiled Robinhood Coin, a digital membership token aimed at creating the country’s first fan-based community in the food delivery industry. The scheme forms part of Robinhood’s mission to deepen user engagement and transform customer relationships beyond transactions.

Built on ApeChain, a blockchain known for transparency, speed and scalability, Robinhood Coin introduces a verifiable and secure participation ecosystem that allows users to “become part of the platform”, according to Ms Morakot.

Robinhood Coin is a mechanism designed to build a true fan community, one that goes beyond point collection, she said.

“We want users to feel ownership and belonging, to participate in shaping the future of Robinhood with us,” said Ms Morakot.

Under the programme, users earn Purple Points with every food order, with 10 points for every 100 baht spent. Once a user collects 2,000 points, they can redeem 1,000 Robinhood coins, which act as “keys” to unlock exclusive privileges.

These privileges include participation in campaign votes, members-only activities, and special events such as chef’s tables, the Food and Culture Festival, concerts, and cooking workshops.

“Robinhood is more than just a food delivery app. It’s a family of people who share the same spirit. Robinhood Coin represents membership in this journey, where every order and interaction brings us closer together,” she said.

Varit Bulakul, president of the digital asset division at Brooker Group Plc and an advisor to the project, said Robinhood Coin was inspired by Bitcoin’s principles of transparency and finite supply. Total issuance is capped at 21 million coins, with a halving mechanism that reduces new coin issuance over time — ensuring long-term sustainability and rewarding early participants.

The halving event occurs once total circulation reaches 10 million Robinhood Coins, a move designed to control new coin supply, stimulate user demand, and open opportunities for partnerships with other businesses both in Thailand and abroad.

The initiative aims to build a wider ecosystem with minimal capital outlay, positioning Robinhood Coin as a new business model that connects users, merchants, and partners through shared participation and value creation, said Mr Varit.

In the past, becoming a super-app required tens of billions of baht, but in the future the costs will be lower and the process safer, he said. Robinhood wants to pursue this goal once the community is strong enough, said Mr Varit.

The digital token aims to redefine the customer experience in Thailand’s food delivery — turning everyday transactions into meaningful community participation and paving the way for future innovations in digital engagement, he said.

Robinhood has not decided whether to list the coin on a digital asset exchange, with the current focus growing its customer base and enhancing engagement through community activities, said Ms Morakot.

User response and redemption behaviour will be evaluated 3-6 months after launch, she said.

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has intensified checks on foreigners on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan following the discovery of multiple legal violations, including nominee businesses, land encroachment and unauthorised work, 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. Attendees included Surat Thani deputy governor Bandarn Sathirachawal, head of the provincial task force on foreign law enforcement, and representatives from related agencies.

He said cracking down on crimes committed by foreigners that harm Thai citizens is a top priority for the government and the RTP. Offenders, collaborators and any complicit officials would face legal action, he vowed.

The National Police Chief has directed the task force to enforce the law strictly, transparently and continuously to restore public confidence among residents and visitors, Pol Gen Samran added.

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.

Immigration officers and Region 8 Provincial Police have been instructed to review visa renewal records and irregular registrations across the southern provinces. Inspections will target suspicious transactions rather than specific nationalities and will be coordinated with other provincial agencies.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing investigations and arrests of foreigners involved in unlicensed car rentals, unauthorised tour operations and other unlawful business activities on both islands.

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 (NED), 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.

Kunlavut Vitidsarn and mixed doubles pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran advanced to the second round of the US$950,000 BWF French Open on Tuesday.

Men’s third seed Kunlavut survived a three-game test against Wang Tzu-wei of Taiwan, fighting back from a game down to win 14-21, 21-7, 21-15 in 55 minutes.

Kunlavut will face either Kodai Naraoka of Japan or Victor Lai of Canada in the last 16 of the World Tour Super 750 event on Thursday.

Mixed pair Dechapol and Supissara had a much easier opening match, defeating Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien of Malaysia in two games, 21-17, 21-17, to earn their berth in the last 16 round.

Dechapol and Supissara will play Jafar Hidayatullah and Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu of Indonesia on Thursday.

However, Busanan Ongbamrung­- phan made an early exit fter being forced to retire due to injury at 2-11 in the second game against Chinese fifth seed Chen Yufei. Busanan dropped the opening game 9-21.

Chen goes on to face Neslihan Arin of Turkey in the second round.

Another mixed pair, Phuwanat Horbanluekit and Benyapa Aimsaard, also exited the tournament after losing to Marvin Seidel and Nguyen Thuc Phuong of Germany 15-21, 12-21.

Dechapol was due to play his men’s doubles opener with Kittinupong Kedren later on Tuesday.

Ratchanok Intanon will face Natsuki Nidaira of Japan in her opening match on Wednesday.

The Commerce Ministry wants to finalise the upgraded free trade agreement (FTA) between Thailand and Peru by the end of this year.

On Monday, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun met with Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazán, Peru’s ambassador to Thailand, to discuss enhancing economic, trade and investment collaboration between the two nations.

She said both sides are committed to expediting the negotiations for the upgraded FTA, aiming to conclude significant details by year-end.

Mrs Suphajee said modernising the existing FTA, which has been effective for more than 20 years, will unlock new trade and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs in sectors such as agricultural products, processed food, automotive, machinery and the creative industry.

The upgraded agreement is expected to bolster supply chain connections and enhance the movement of goods between Asia and South America.

The ambassador noted Peru’s readiness for foreign investment, citing the opening of Chancay Port in November 2024, which is expected to become a logistics hub along the Pacific Ocean for South America, supporting increased trade between Asia and South America.

Ms Bazán said this development will facilitate Thai entrepreneurs’ market expansion into South America.

Both sides have agreed to extend their collaborations through trade and investment promotion activities, which include participation in major international fairs in Thailand such as Bangkok Gems and Jewelry, Thaifex-Anuga Asia, Thaifex-Horec Asia and other business matching activities.

Furthermore, Mrs Suphajee said Thailand intends to promote tourism, culture, food and fashion, aiming to create closer ties between people of both countries.

From January to August, bilateral trade reached US$362 million, with Thailand’s exports to Peru totalling $276 million.

Key exports are automotive, peripherals and auto parts; canned seafood and processed seafood; and washing machines and parts.

Imports were valued at $86.3 million, with key products including fresh, chilled, frozen, processed and semi-finished seafood; metal ore and scrap metal; and vegetable and fruit products.

Half of Asia-Pacific businesses have been forced to urgently re-evaluate their tech infrastructure following a wave of high-profile IT outages, according to Expereo, a multinational provider of managed networks as a service.

Network instability is taking a serious toll on businesses in the region, with over 50% reporting revenue losses of $5 million or more due to network outages or poor performance. The findings come from an IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Expereo, titled “Enterprise Horizons 2025: Technology Leaders Priorities: Achieving Digital Agility”.

In light of the challenges seen over the past year, ranging from cybersecurity breaches to connectivity failures, 40% of tech leaders in the region now report that networking and connectivity have risen higher on the C-suite agenda.

The broader impact is that networking/connectivity and cybersecurity now top the list of investment priorities for Asia-Pacific businesses over the next 12 months: 48% for networking/connectivity, 46% for cybersecurity, followed by AI at 38%.

Last year, AI took the top spot in the survey at 43%, followed by cybersecurity (39%) and networking/connectivity (37%). This highlights that AI is no longer the most urgent technology priority.

The urgency is well-founded. More than one in four Asia-Pacific organisations (30.7%) say that inadequate network and connectivity performance is actively threatening their growth plans for the coming year.

At the same time, 44% report that network limitations are holding back their ability to support large-scale data and AI initiatives. Alarmingly, just 8% of businesses in the region believe their networks are fully prepared to support AI without any barriers.

“To drive a sustainable competitive advantage, connectivity is no longer an IT concern — it is a strategic business imperative,” said Ben Elms, CEO of Amsterdam-headquartered Expereo.

“The research confirms what many technology leaders are already experiencing firsthand: connectivity is now the backbone of business. As organisations race to adopt new AI solutions, the C-suite must treat network performance with the same urgency as cybersecurity and AI itself, because without it, businesses simply cannot succeed.”

Eric Wong, Expereo president for Asia Pacific, said there is now a direct correlation between network performance and bottom-line success.

With nearly a third (28.7%) of businesses in Asia Pacific experiencing revenue losses exceeding $5 million from network outages, the financial stakes are higher than ever — and it is no surprise that businesses are now prioritising investment in networking and cybersecurity more than anything else.

“This strategic shift is critical for building the robust digital foundation needed to not only support large-scale data and AI initiatives but also to drive resilient, sustainable growth across the region,” said Mr Wong.

Having the right talent in place is also critical for building and maintaining the robust network and connectivity infrastructure that businesses need to thrive. However, the research suggests this may be easier said than done.

Networking tops the list of areas where organisations in Asia Pacific struggle to find or retain skilled professionals (37.5%), closely followed by cybersecurity (31.6%).

One in four (23%) Asia Pacific businesses say they plan to increase their reliance on external partners, such as vendors or managed service providers, to help bridge this skills gap, the survey found.

As the festive season returns, Dusit Thani Hua Hin one of Thailand’s most beloved beachfront resorts invites guests to celebrate the Season of Joyful Celebrations, where timeless elegance meets contemporary festivity.

This December, families, couples, and friends are welcomed to the Gulf of Thailand to share in the joy of togetherness, from Christmas Eve dinners under the stars and New Year’s masquerade galas to wellness rituals designed to begin 2026 with balance and grace.

Reflecting Dusit’s hallmark of gracious Thai hospitality, Pipat Patthananusorn, General Manager of Dusit Thani Hua Hin, said:

‘This season is about joy, warmth, and meaningful experiences. Every celebration has been thoughtfully curated with sustainability in mind allowing guests to enjoy the festivities responsibly and memorably.’

Festive Highlights

Jingle Under the Star – Christmas Eve Dinner

Lagoon Lawn | 24 Dec 2025 | THB 2,999 net

Celebrate under the stars with sizzling seafood, festive décor, live music, lucky draws, and Santa’s cheerful visit.

Dusit Gold early bird: 15% off food before 30 Nov.

Nómada Beach Club – Seaside Sparkle Christmas Eve

24 Dec 2025 | THB 2,500 net

A coastal Christmas crafted by Peruvian Chef Andre Josef Nweh Severino with a four-course menu blending flame-grilled artistry and South American flair.

Sea, Sand and Santa Brunch

Nómada Beach Club | 25 Dec 2025 | THB 3,199 net (with free flow)

A lively beachfront brunch of seafood, oysters, and flame-grilled favourites with DJ beats and saxophone rhythms.

San Marco – Joyful Italian Set Menu

25 Dec 2025 | THB 1,700 net

An elegant Italian evening of festive flavours and fine wines overlooking the lagoon.

The Restaurant – Festive Flavours Feast

27 Dec 2025 | THB 1,999 net

An international buffet of global classics and seafood indulgence in a relaxed seaside ambience.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

The Moonlight Masquerade Gala Dinner

Lagoon Lawn | 31 Dec 2025 | THB 5,888 net

Bid farewell to 2025 with a glamorous night of gourmet dining, fireworks, and live entertainment beneath the stars.

Nómada Beach Bonanza Party

31 Dec 2025 | THB 4,100 net

Ring in 2026 with flame-grilled feasts, crafted cocktails, and fireworks over the sea – where rhythm meets revelry.

Nómada Hangover Brunch

1 Jan 2026 | THB 1,888 net

Ease into the new year with a rejuvenating beachfront brunch and wholesome tropical delights.

Wellness and New Beginnings

New Year Merit Making

Poolside | 1 Jan 2026 | THB 250 net per set

Begin the year with blessings and unity through a serene Tuk Bart ceremony beside the pool.

Tai Chi and Sound Healing

6:30 Tai Chi | 10:00 Sound Healing Meditation

Awaken body and mind with morning Tai Chi followed by soothing sound healing at Devarana Wellness.

Stay and Celebrate in Style

Welcome 2026 in lagoon-side elegance with two nights’ accommodation, breakfast, gala dinner, pre-gala reception, and daily wellness and kids’ activities.

Flooding remains in 15 provinces, with levels remaining stable or decreasing, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation on Wednesday morning.

The department reported flooding in nine central provinces:

Uthai Thani in Muang district with lower floodwater.

Chai Nat in Sapphaya district with stable flood levels.

Sing Buri in In Buri, Phrom Buri and Muang districts with stable flood levels.

Ang Thong in Pa Mok, Wiset Chai Chan, Chai Yo and Muang districts with stable flood levels.

Suphan Buri in Muang, Bang Pla Ma, Song Phi Nong and U Thong districts with stable flood levels.

Ayutthaya in the districts of Sena, Phak Hai, Bang Ban, Bang Sai, Bang Pa-in, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Maha Rat, Bang Pahan, Ban Phraek, Tha Rua, Nakhon Luang and Ban Sa-ai with stable flood levels.

Pathum Thani in Sam Khok and Muang districts with lower flood levels.

Nonthaburi in Muang and Pak Kret districts with lower flood levels.

Nakhon Pathom in Bang Len, Sam Phran, and Nakhon Chai Si districts with stable flood levels.

Ayutthaya still had the most affected households, totalling 53,787, among the 15 inundated provinces nationwide.

In the North, flooding was reported in four provinces:

Phitsanulok in Wang Thong and Bang Rakam districts with lower floodwater.

Sukhothai in Muang, Kong Krailat and Khiri Mat districts with lower flood levels.

Phichit in Sam Ngam, Pho Thale, Pho Prathap Chang, Bung Narang, Bang Mun Nak, Thap Khlo, Muang, Dong Charoen, Sak Lek, Wang Sai Phun, Taphan Hin and Wachira Barami districts with lower flood levels.

Nakhon Sawan in Chumsaeng, Muang, Phayuha Khiri, Krok Phra and Tha Tako districts with stable flood levels.

In the Northeast, flooding was reported in:

Ubon Ratchathani in Muang, Warin Chamrap, Phibun Mangsahan, Sawang Wirawong, Trakan Phuetphon and Don Mot Daeng with lower flood levels.

Udon Thani in Phibun Rak, Sang Khom and Nong Wua So districts with lower flood levels.

The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry will amend the second version of the emergency decree on the prevention and suppression of technology crime to allow Thai authorities to act against suspected sources of cross-border online scams by using white-hat hackers and proactive measures to address scam activities targeting Thailand.

Meanwhile, the country will closely collaborate with Unesco and the European Union to oversee digital platforms in terms of tax collection, sales transaction fees, and misinformation.

The second version of the law took effect on April this year, while the first version was enacted in 2023.

DES Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said the new decree is expected to come into force within the next four months.

“The revision is aimed at allowing us to conduct cyberwarfare against criminals in other countries,” Mr Chaichanok said after presiding over the opening of the Asean-Unesco Multistakeholder Forum on the Governance of Digital Platforms.

The event, which got underway in Bangkok on Monday and ends later on Wednesday, is being co-hosted by the DES Ministry, in collaboration with the Asean Secretariat, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), and the Global Initiative on the Future of the Internet under the European University Institute.

Mr Chaichanok said several countries, including Japan, have rolled out cyberdefence acts that allow them to proactively deal with cross- border crime.

“We will take aggressive action in coordinating with relevant authorities such as telecom regulators, mobile operators, banks, and the police to trace IP addresses and suspicious accounts, share data across agencies to identify scam compounds, and authorise white-hat hackers to counter attack the scammers,” he said.

Mr Chaichanok said the ministry will also take proactive measures to suppress online scams through the recently established Technology Crime Prevention Suppression Committee chaired by the prime minister.

He said the cabinet has endorsed the anti-online scam efforts as a national agenda item.

Later this month, Thailand will sign the UN Convention Against Cybercrime in Hanoi, Vietnam. The convention will come into force once 40 member states ratify it.

This convention is the first global treaty concerning cybercrime, and it is designed to strengthen cooperation, harmonise legal standards, and aid cross-border efforts against cyberthreats.

Mr Chaichanok said the rapid expansion of digital platforms brings growing risks driven by fast-moving technologies, algorithms operating as “black boxes”, the harvesting of user data, and the widespread diffusion of scams, misinformation and abuse.

Governments face threats that cross national borders, emphasising that no single country or sector can tackle these issues independently.

Cybercrime has been underestimated and has taken root quite deeply, affecting the livelihoods and well-being of the people, Mr Chaichanok noted.

The governance of digital platforms must be rooted in shared principles, multi-stakeholder participation, and collective action, he said.

Governance requires engagement from industry, civil society, and citizens to reflect Asean’s aspiration for transparency, fairness, accountability and online safety, said Mr Chaichanok.

The forum in Bangkok is timely for making digital platforms safe spaces and fostering digital resilience and efficiency, he said.

Mr Chaichanok said Thailand, working alongside Asean, Unesco, and the EU, is advancing a joint programme on digital platform governance, beginning with a focus on combatting online scams.

Scams are destructive, as they not only cause damage but also erode inclusion and imperil the digital economy.

The Asean Working Group on anti-online scams was established in 2024 and the Bangkok digital declaration was endorsed at the fifth Asean Digital Ministers’ meeting in January 2025.

These milestones signalled Asean’s recognition of the need for dialogue followed by action.

The future goal, linked to the draft Asean digital economy framework and Asean digital master plan 2030, is to see a digital ecosystem that is registered and accountable.

Prabhat Agarwal, acting director for online platforms: society at the European Commission’s directorate-general for communications networks, content and technology, said the EU had experience in regulating the online platform economy through the Digital Services Act, and had invested pound 14 million in the European Center for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT) to recruit top data scientists and analyse platform algorithms that included preventing the sale of non-compliant goods in online marketplaces.

“The EU will learn and work with Unesco and Asean and deepen shared understanding of digital regulations while advocating for global collaboration to build centres like ECAT,” he said.

Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd. has won two Gold Awards at the International Conference on Quality (ICQ) Japan 2025, a world-class competition recognising excellence in production quality management. The winning projects were presented by two subsidiaries – Khon Kaen Brewery Co., Ltd. and Boonrawd Asia Beverage Co., Ltd. – reflecting the company’s strong commitment to achieving the highest production standards.

Mr Piti Bhirombhakdi, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Production Officer of Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd., said, ‘Winning two global awards from the ICQ is the result of the dedication of all our employees, who have continuously improved and optimised production processes while upholding social and environmental responsibility. Our success comes from blending innovation with a people-centred corporate culture – the true heart of long-term success.’

Both winning subsidiaries stood out for their creative ideas, methodologies, and employee engagement, earning their place among over 110 teams in the Thailand QC Convention and representing the nation on the ICQ World stage. Their achievement underscores Boon Rawd’s excellence in quality management at an international level.

The ICQ is an internationally recognised platform certified by Japan’s Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE) – a leading organisation in quality management that gathers experts from around the world to exchange knowledge. Khon Kaen Brewery and Boonrawd Asia Beverage play key roles in producing Boon Rawd’s signature beverages, including Singha, Leo, Singha Soda Water, Singha Drinking Water, and Purra Mineral Water.

A former Senate candidate has filed a legal complaint against all seven members of the Election Commission (EC), accusing them of intentionally stalling an investigation into alleged collusion among Senate candidates — a move he claims undermines democracy and breaches the law.

Akkarawat Phongthanachalitkul, a reserve candidate, arrived at the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Taling Chan on Tuesday with his legal team to formally lodge the complaint. The seven commissioners named include EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee.

The case centres on the long-pending “Senate collusion” probe currently under review by EC subcommittee No.36. Mr Akkarawat accused the commissioners of malfeasance under Sections 83, 91 and 157 of the Criminal Code, as well as Section 172 of the 2018 Organic Act on Anti-Corruption.

He said he decided to take legal action after more than a year of inaction. “It has been one year and three months, and there has been no progress. The public has waited for justice, but the EC has ignored calls for transparency,” he said. “This delay only worsens the situation.”

He alleged that the creation of subcommittee No. 36 was a tactic to stall the case and possibly benefit certain individuals. He warned that the delay could damage the democratic system under the constitutional monarchy.

Mr Akkarawat said he had earlier filed a complaint with Thung Song Hong police station on Oct 3 to demonstrate his determination to pursue the matter.

“I’m acting on behalf of all Senate candidates who want fairness and transparency. I’m confident the court will deliver justice,” he said.

He added that the EC commissioners must now prove in court that their actions did not violate the law, calling it unacceptable for such a high-profile case to drag on for over a year.

Mr Akkarawat, the sole plaintiff, vowed to see the legal process through.

“I will pursue this to the end. Those affected by the EC’s misconduct deserve justice,” he said.

The court has accepted the case for preliminary review and scheduled a hearing for Nov 4 to determine whether it will proceed to trial.