Category: The Bangkok Post

Apple has released the iOS 26.1 update, focusing on practical usability improvements, system stability enhancements, increased user interface (UI) flexibility, stronger privacy features and extended battery life, specifically for the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro Max models.

While Apple has not formally quantified the exact percentage of battery savings achieved, the update clearly prioritises efficiency gains for these devices.

A significant highlight in iOS 26.1 is the new user control over the Liquid Glass display’s transparency. This feature addresses user feedback that certain screen areas remained too difficult to read under specific conditions. The enhancement is intended to improve text legibility and provide a better viewing experience under both bright and low-light themes.

Users gain greater system control by being able to disable the swipe-to-launch camera gesture on the Lock Screen, a feature that previously caused accidental activation.

iOS 26.1 also expands language support for Apple Intelligence, adding Traditional Chinese, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese (Portugal), Norwegian, Swedish, Turkish and Vietnamese, but Thai remains unsupported at this time. The Live Translation feature on AirPods has also gained support for more languages, including Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Korean.

The Local Capture feature, previously exclusive to iPadOS, is now available on the iPhone. For video call recording, users can now select the destination folder for the saved files. A minor but useful addition to Apple Music allows users to swipe sideways to change tracks, and the method for dismissing alarms has been changed to a swipe gesture to reduce accidental shutdowns during early morning attempts to silence the alarm.

The likely cause for the observed improvement in battery longevity post-update is attributed to several underlying optimisations. These include adjustments to the power-saving system, better calibration of the Liquid Glass rendering, faster background processing tasks like indexing, and more efficient operation of the Machine Learning systems. However, individual user experience regarding battery performance will naturally vary based on usage patterns.

Users preparing to install iOS 26.1 are advised to take precautions. It is critical to back up data via iCloud or a computer and ensure at least 10 gigabytes of free storage is available. Immediately following the update, the device may experience heavy background processing, leading to initial, temporary battery drain.

Users should maintain a Wi-Fi connection and keep the device plugged in for a stable installation process. Crucially, users should verify the functionality of essential applications, such as banking and enterprise apps, before proceeding with the upgrade.

Anatoly Malykhin has promised to punish ‘thief’ Oumar Kane when they meet again for the ONE Championship heavyweight MMA world title at ONE 173.

The 37-year-old Russian lost his belt to Reug Reug via a controversial split decision in the Lumpinee Stadium ring a year ago. The rematch on November 16 in Tokyo will be held in a cage at Ariake Arena – a setting Malykhin believes will favour hi,.

‘We don’t like thieves. We’re going to come back and punish them,’ Malykhin, who also holds the ONE light heavyweight and middleweight MMA titles, told the Bangkok Post. ‘Training and camp have been going really well. I feel recovered and ready, so ‘three-belt time’ – I’m gonna smash him.’

The original fight was marred by constant grappling breaks and rope entanglements, with both men falling through multiple times. Malykhin was also shown a yellow card for repeatedly grabbing the ropes to stop takedowns, while Reug Reug was warned for holding the gloves.

The scrappy contest was privately attributed to the awkward dynamics of fighting two heavy wrestlers in a ring rather than a cage. A late flash knockdown for Reug Reug in the corner, after Malykhin had boxed him in, appeared to sway one of the scorecards.

‘He won’t have any corners to go and hide in,’ Malykhin said. ‘Usually he likes to go and do that – he runs away to the corner and hides.’

Malykhin has refused to study the first fight in detail.

‘I haven’t had a chance to even watch through that fight because every time I start watching I fall asleep in the first round,’ he joked. ‘Hopefully this fight is going to be more entertaining.’

Asked for a final message to the Senegalese champion, he added: ‘He should stop dancing, because he clearly likes to waltz.’

The rematch will act as the co-main event in Tokyo, with five other title fights featuring on a card described as the ‘biggest in ONE history’ by CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Despite the global economic slowdown, Bangkok’s ultra-luxury condo market continues to grow, fuelled by sustained demand from Thailand’s wealthy elite and foreign investors, according to property consultancy Colliers Thailand.

Phattarachai Taweewong, research and communication director at Colliers Thailand, said top-end condos serve as both investment assets and status symbols, offering wealth preservation and long-term capital appreciation.

“Ultra-luxury units are concentrated in prime zones, such as Thong Lor-Phrom Phong-Ekkamai, Wireless-Lang Suan-Lumpini, Sathorn and the Chao Phraya River area, where demand from both local and international buyers remains strong,” he said.

GLOBAL BRANDS RAISE THE BAR

New developments increasingly feature partnerships with global hospitality and design names, such as Aman and Porsche Design, redefining Bangkok’s upper tier.

Large units, often ranging from 300 to over 1,000 square metres, cater to end-users and multi-generational living.

This focus on genuine buyers has helped to maintain stability despite volatile global conditions, said Mr Phattarachai.

The Porsche Design Tower Bangkok set a record last year at 1 million baht per sq m, with penthouses fetching more than 1.4 billion baht each, standing among Asia’s highest prices.

While the mainstream condo sector remains soft, the top segment continues to attract deep-pocketed buyers from Thailand and abroad.

Many view Bangkok as a safe haven comparable with Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai.

MORE PLAYERS JOIN THE RACE

Mr Phattarachai said Bangkok’s luxury market is evolving into a regional hub. Units priced between 500 million and 1 billion baht continue to sell steadily, supported by both end-user and investment demand.

Listed developers including Sansiri, SC Asset Corporation, Noble Development, Quality Houses, Proud Real Estate and Ananda Development are increasing their presence in the segment. Several new projects are planned for 2026.

Among them are Sansiri’s project on Sarasin Road, Ananda’s luxury tower on Rama IV Road, and an 11-unit condo on Sukhumvit Road.

A joint venture between City Realty and Hong Kong’s Swire Properties also reflects long-term confidence.

Private and family-owned firms are entering the ultra-luxury market, introducing greater design diversity.

New players include CG Capital of the Chirathivat family, 1.6 Development of the Chearavanont family, Nailert Group, and Swiss-backed Helvetic Thai.

“Their boutique projects emphasise architectural identity, privacy and craftsmanship, adding variety to a sector long dominated by listed developers,” Mr Phattarachai said.

STEADY MOMENTUM

Units priced above 300,000 baht per sq m remain limited in supply but resilient in performance. Only 6,600 units, worth about 205 billion baht, have been launched in the past decade.

After the pandemic slump, this segment saw a rebound in 2024 with nearly 1,000 new units. Colliers expects momentum to continue, with more than 1,000 units forecast in 2025-26, mainly from large developers.

Three projects will headline in late 2025: Still Sukhumvit by SC and Tokyo Tatemono; InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke by CG Capital; and Upper House and The Wireless Residences by City Dynamic.

CORE LOCATIONS DOMINATE

Over 80% of ultra-luxury supply sits in central districts, including Sukhumvit, Thong Lor, Chidlom and Sathorn, where proximity to mass transit, dining, retail and healthcare sustains strong prices.

Riverside projects such as Banyan Tree Riverside and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok cater to buyers seeking privacy and scenic value.

Emerging areas like Ekkamai and Phrom Phong offer more affordable entry points.

However, the Wireless-Chidlom-Ploenchit corridor remains Bangkok’s “golden mile,” anchored by projects like 98 Wireless and Sindhorn Residence.

Land prices have surpassed 4 million baht per sq wah, underscoring scarcity and sustained investor demand.

Postal voting could render the planned referendum on the constitution invalid, as it could be interpreted as early voting, which is not permitted under current regulations, according to the Election Commission (EC).

According to EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee, the government must seek a court’s clarification on whether conducting a referendum by mail-in ballots would violate existing rules that prohibit advance voting.

Mr Sawaeng was responding to a proposal by Parit Watcharasindhu, an MP from the People’s Party, who suggested allowing citizens to vote in the referendum in advance via mail.

He noted that the EC’s primary responsibility is to ensure that both the election and the referendum are completed properly and lawfully.

“If both the general election and a national referendum are to be held simultaneously, it will inevitably be complicated,” he said.

“The EC must find ways to make the process as convenient as possible for voters, while staying within legal limits. We are not afraid of challenges, but we must ensure that both the election and its results are legitimate and orderly.”

He emphasised that while certain administrative conveniences can be implemented beyond what is explicitly written in the law, any action that exceeds legal boundaries could jeopardise the results of the vote.

“We will not take even the slightest risk that could compromise the electoral process or its results,” he said. “Now that such a proposal has been raised, we will revisit the legal framework to see what can and cannot be done.”

Mr Sawaeng clarified that administrative management is not the main issue — legality is.

“The question is whether the law allows it,” he explained. “If postal registration is interpreted as advance voting, then it is not permitted by law.

“We must distinguish between ‘postal voting in advance’ and ‘postal voting on the official referendum day’ — these are two different things,” he added.

He further explained that postal referenda are legally permissible only if conducted on the officially designated day of the referendum, not in advance.

“Counting postal ballots won’t be a problem,” he said. “What matters is whether the law authorises such action. We must examine whether advance postal voting is legally allowed, as it is not the same as casting a ballot on the referendum day.”

Raising the bar for surgical precision and patient recovery, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital has offered the latest-generation Mako SmartRobotics system for knee and hip replacement procedures. This robotic-assisted technology enables surgeons to plan and perform operations with sub-millimetre accuracy, significantly reducing trauma to bone and soft tissue.

‘The robot enhances what we can do; it doesn’t replace us,’ said Dr Kriskamol Sithitool, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Samitivej’s Sports and Orthopaedic Centre.

Moreover, the ability to perform bone cutting with such precise and accurate angles enables the application of new surgical theories – such as aligning the prosthetic joint to match the patient’s natural anatomy before degeneration occurs. This advancement allows for more natural post-operative outcomes, potentially leading to improved results and greater patient satisfaction.

Knee and hip replacements are complex procedures, particularly among ageing populations and patients suffering from sports injuries or accidents. Traditionally, outcomes depend heavily on surgical expertise, as joint angles vary from person to person.

‘Surgical experience is crucial to deliver accurate results. For over 13 years, case analysis and angle precision have driven successful outcomes,’ Dr Kriskamol added.

Advanced Robotic Technology for Superior Surgical Precision

The defining identity of Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital lies in its meticulous attention to every aspect of medical care, ensuring that every patient receives the highest level of satisfaction.

While robotic-assisted surgery is available elsewhere, Samitivej’s latest-generation Mako SmartRobotics system offers distinct advantages for knee and hip replacement procedures by combining robotic precision with advanced imaging and surgical planning.

‘Indeed, this model is currently the only one on the market capable of creating a highly realistic 3D virtual image of the patient’s knee or hip. This precision is achieved through simulations based on the patient’s actual CT scan data, allowing for a surgical plan that closely matches their unique anatomy,’ confirmed Dr Kriskamol.

The model selected by Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital is among the most advanced and premium versions available. It is capable of performing both knee and hip replacement surgeries. For knee operations, Mako SmartRobotics supports both total and partial knee replacements, making it one of the most comprehensive and versatile robotic systems currently available for surgical procedures.

Key capabilities include:

Precision and accuracy: Provides highly accurate cuts and implant positioning, increasing surgical efficiency and reducing complications.

Bone registry validation (0.5 mm): Minimises injury to bones and soft tissues, resulting in less post-operative pain and faster recovery.

AccuStop Haptic Technology: Restricts surgical instruments to safe zones, reducing the risk of tissue damage and enhancing patient safety.

Bone analysis: Evaluates bone alignment, tissue density and joint angles for optimal planning and implant positioning.

3D CT-based simulation: Creates a detailed, patient-specific model for precise surgical execution.

Comprehensive procedure support: Enables total and partial knee replacements, as well as total hip replacements.

This precision also enables new surgical theories – such as restoring the natural alignment of joints before degeneration – to be put into practice, improving long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction.

By integrating these features, the system ensures maximal surgical precision, safety and patient-centred outcomes, setting Samitivej apart from other hospitals utilising robotic-assisted surgery.

Patient-Centred Benefits: Faster Recovery, Less Pain

The surgical robot, Mako SmartRobotics represents a groundbreaking innovation that elevates the standards of medical treatment by enhancing safety and precision in advanced surgical procedures. In keeping with the hospital’s core commitment to providing the highest quality of care, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital has invested in this cutting-edge technology to deliver superior outcomes for its patients.

Robotic-assisted procedures offer significant advantages over traditional surgery, including:

Reduced pain: Post-operative discomfort is considerably lower, with reductions of up to 55.4%.

Faster mobility: Patients are often able to begin walking within one to two days after surgery.

Shorter hospital stays: Accelerated recovery enables patients to resume their daily activities sooner.

Reduced medication needs and lower risk of repeat surgery: Pain management is simpler, while partial knee replacements show up to a 30% reduction in repeat procedures.

Improved joint function: Precise implant alignment promotes better long-term mobility.

High survivorship rate: Partial knee replacements demonstrate a 95.6% survival rate over five years (Australian Orthopaedic Association, 2024).

Remarks : Achievement rates are referenced from Stryker, a global leader in medical technologies.

Although further long-term studies are needed to assess every aspect of patient outcomes, both international and local data confirm that robotic-assisted procedures deliver results that are at least equivalent to – and often superior to – conventional surgical methods.

Comparison: Traditional vs Robotic Surgery

The advantages of robotic-assisted surgery become even clearer when compared to conventional methods. The following table illustrates the key differences in precision, recovery, and overall outcomes between traditional and robotic-assisted joint replacement:

‘I believe that in the future, AI and robotic-assisted surgical technologies will lead us towards personalised surgery – procedures that are tailored precisely to each individual patient. These advancements will allow operations to be performed with even greater accuracy and minimal margin for error,’ added Dr Kriskamol.

Pain Control and Anaesthesia Strategy

A specialised anaesthesiologist administers a spinal and nerve block on the leg undergoing surgery using a Combined Spinal-Epidural Block and Nerve Block (Adductor Canal Block) technique. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and works by numbing the spinal nerves responsible for movement and the epidural nerves that control pain sensation.

During the operation, the patient is unable to move the lower body or feel any sensation in the surgical area until the procedure is complete. After surgery, the anaesthesiologist continues to monitor the patient closely to ensure they remain free from post-operative pain. Pain relief through the epidural is maintained, while the medication affecting movement from the spinal block is gradually discontinued.

‘This approach allows patients to regain normal movement without pain, promoting smoother recovery and readiness for rehabilitation. Such procedures require a high level of experience and expertise from the anaesthesiologist,’ said Dr Usanee Sermdamrongsak, Anaesthesiologist, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Optimal Outcomes

During the recovery period, the anaesthesiologist continues to monitor pain control to ensure the patient does not experience post-operative discomfort, allowing for a faster and more comfortable recovery. Once the patient is ready to begin physical therapy, most no longer feel pain at the surgical site. At this stage, the anaesthesiologist discontinues pain management monitoring and proceeds with the standard referral for rehabilitation.

However, in some cases where mild pain persists but physiotherapy must begin for clinical reasons, the anaesthesiologist can selectively block the specific nerves responsible for pain sensation. This is carried out in coordination with a rehabilitation medicine specialist, enabling the patient to undergo physical therapy comfortably and without pain.

‘This method of patient care ensures that recovery progresses smoothly and that the patient can return to normal life free from post-surgical pain,’ explained Dr Paiyada Wongpakorn, Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital.

Samitivej integrates robotic surgery with advanced rehabilitation and exercise services to maximise recovery outcomes:

Isokinetic Testing and Training: Measures muscle strength and range of motion to guide personalised rehabilitation plans. For patients seeking to regain greater physical capacity or return to intensive physical activity, training under the supervision of a sports specialist, combined with the use of an isokinetic machine, provides an enhanced recovery option.

Advanced Rehabilitation Programme: Helps post-operative patients enhance physical performance and achieve higher levels of activity than before surgery, serving as a premium service for those pursuing advanced rehabilitation.

Medical Exercise Service: Led by PhD-level sports medicine specialists, this programme delivers patient-specific exercise regimens to optimise recovery and prevent future injuries.

This seamless integration of robotic surgery, rehabilitation, and personalised exercise programmes distinguishes Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital from other healthcare providers in Thailand.

‘Recovery doesn’t end when surgery is over. By integrating robotic surgery with specialised rehabilitation and personalised exercise programmes, we can optimise outcomes for every patient,’ added Dr Kriskamol.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Surgeons at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital continually refine their skills to integrate the latest robotic technologies with clinical expertise, ensuring that patients receive the highest standards of care.

‘Every patient’s anatomy and recovery needs are unique. Robotics and specialised rehabilitation allow us to tailor surgery and recovery for the best possible outcomes,’ said Dr Kriskamol Sithitool, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Samitivej’s Sports and Orthopaedic Centre.

Through this ongoing commitment to innovation and professional development, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital reaffirms its position as a leader in advanced, patient-centred orthopaedic care.

Former deputy Bangkok governor Samart Ratchapolsitte has criticised authorities for failing to provide a clear explanation on what caused the collapse of a section of Samsen Road, despite it being over a month since the incident.

Mr Samart on Monday posted on Facebook, asking why there has still been no official statement or technical report explaining the cause of the sinkhole in the heart of the capital since it occurred on Sept 24.

According to him, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), which oversees the underground electric train project in the area, initially suggested that the collapse might have been caused by soil and groundwater conditions that altered the soil’s structure.

Mr Samart described the explanation as vague and unsupported by engineering data or soil analysis. He warned that such general statements could lead the public to view the collapse as an “unavoidable accident”, allowing those responsible to evade accountability.

He raised three more questions for the MRTA. First, he asked whether jet grouting — a soil-strengthening and waterproofing technique — had been conducted correctly in the area. Second, he questioned whether nearby buildings have been inspected for structural risks. Third, he asked whether other underground railway stations were constructed safely.

An industry poll conducted by the global analytics software firm FICO has revealed the challenges banks in Asia Pacific face in delivering real-time, tailored customer experiences.

Nearly nine in ten banks (88%) said they are already using predictive analytics to anticipate customer needs to some degree but only a tiny fraction (11%) described their hyper-personalisation strategies as highly advanced.

“Consumers now expect the same level of personalisation from their banks as they do from Netflix and Amazon,” said Dattu Kompella, managing director in Asia Pacific for FICO.

“With most banks still struggling to meet these expectations, those that succeed will gain a decisive edge in a market where customer experience is the ultimate differentiator.”

The poll highlights key barriers to achieving “segment of one” customer experiences. Almost three-quarters (72%) of respondents acknowledged their banks’ communication channels remain siloed or only partially integrated, preventing seamless customer engagement.

Meanwhile, automation adoption remains uneven. Half of the executives said their organisations had automated no more than half of their customer-facing decisions, including credit approvals, fraud alerts and personalised offers, hindering personalisation efforts.

The findings also revealed that banks’ use of real-time data and advanced analytics is still in its early stages. While 43% of executives said they use real-time data significantly or fully for customer insights in areas such as fraud detection and service, most remain at minimal or moderate adoption.

Similarly, just 37% reported extensively or fully predictive use of analytics, underscoring that while adoption is broad, maturity remains limited.

CLOSING THE GAP

Banks can only achieve hyper-personalisation by unifying data and decision-making across the customer life cycle.

“Every interaction — whether it’s a declined offer, a payment pattern or a service request — contains valuable insight,” said Mr Kompella.

“By consolidating activities, behaviours and preferences into a single decision-making platform, banks can act on insights in real-time, driving deeper engagement and loyalty.”

Using applied intelligence can harness these signals, enabling banks to anticipate customer needs and deliver the right action to the right person at the right moment.

A 28-year-old Thai woman has been found dead in a hotel room in Poipet, only a week after another Thai woman fell to her death in the Cambodian border scam hub.

The IMF Centre Coordinating Assistance to Thais Abroad confirmed the second woman’s death on Monday morning.

She was identified through social media as Suthatip, nicknamed ‘Mint’, and was found hanged in her hotel room in Poipet. It was believed she died on Sunday.

She was found with a cord around her neck and the other end tied to the window frame. Investigators have yet to determine whether her death was self-inflicted or a homicide.

Five days before her death, the woman posted a selfie from her hotel room, along with the message, “Because, in the end, our hearts want to feel safe more than endure.”

The victim’s relatives travelled from Bang Nam Priao district in Chachoengsao province to coordinate with IMF officials for the repatriation of her body through the border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province.

She was the second Thai woman to die in Poipet in a week. On Oct 29, Kanokwan Chaluaysaeng, 27, was found dead after reportedly falling from the third floor of a building in Poipet. Her aunt questioned the circumstances, noting that her body was swollen with no blood found at the scene.

Poipet is known for its casinos and call-centre complexes, many believed linked to transnational scam operations. Several suspicious deaths of Thai nationals in the border town have raised concerns about worker safety in the area.

The body of a Russian man who went missing after being swept out to sea by strong waves off Nai Thon Beach on Monday was found on Tuesday evening.

Police received a report of a foreign tourist drowning at the beach in tambon Sakhu of Thalang district at 10.14am on Monday, said Pol Lt Col Akkaraphon Siwilai, an investigator at the Sakhu police station.

Police rushed to the scene and found a Russian woman, identified only as Elizaveta, a friend of the missing man.

She told police that Dmitri Zakutskii, 31, was swimming with friends at around 9am on Monday when a large wave suddenly struck, pulling him out to sea.

Rescue workers, divers and lifeguards were deployed to conduct an urgent search using jet skis. However, they were unable to locate the missing man.

The search resumed on Tuesday and the body was recovered at 5.30pm. It was handed over to the relevant authorities for post-mortem procedures.

Thalang district chief Siwat Rawangkul expressed his deepest condolences to the victim’s family, urging all tourists to heed lifeguards’ safety warnings and avoid swimming during rough sea conditions to prevent further tragedies.

The Bank of Thailand will enhance due diligence monitoring and prioritise the investigation of suspicious transactions, including at commercial lenders, its governor said on Tuesday, as the country struggles to curb online scams.

The central bank will also strengthen the supervision and inspection of financial service providers, including money transfer agents and currency exchanges, and probe certain gold transactions, Vitai Ratanakorn said.

‘Any irregularities must be reported to the BoT,’ Mr Vitai said in a statement.

‘This will enable comprehensive monitoring and investigation of financial trails that may be involved in fraud.’

Border areas between Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia have become hubs for online fraud since the Covid-19 pandemic, with criminal networks operating sprawling multibillion-dollar cyberscam compounds.

Last month, former banker Vorapak Tanyawong resigned as deputy finance minister following allegations linking him to a transnational scam operation operating out of Cambodia.

Despite multinational crackdowns, scam compounds that house tens of thousands of people, including trafficking victims, continue to operate in the region and are expanding globally, according to the United Nations.