Category: The Bangkok Post

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has expressed full support for Thai police efforts to tackle cross-border scam operations, which could include having officers deployed to other countries including Cambodia.

He said his government is ready to provide the resources and funding necessary to ensure the crackdown’s success. He also brushed aside criticism from the opposition Pheu Thai Party, which accused the administration of acting too slowly.

Speaking at Government House on Tuesday, Mr Anutin said he welcomed the proposal by Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, the assistant national police chief, to send Thai police to countries where scam networks are based.

‘That’s good, because cooperation already exists. Today, the national police chief [Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch] is meeting Asean counterparts to discuss scams, human trafficking and the drug trade – issues that have become regional priorities,’ he said.

Asked whether Thai police could be deployed to Cambodia, he replied: ‘They must be. But you’ll have to ask the police chief.’

He emphasised that government policy is clear and that he cannot interfere in operational orders.

‘The government fully supports this effort – including budgets and resource integration. Our job is to enable; the police’s job is to act,’ he added.

Looking South for political links

In a related development, Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat also addressed reports linking seven politicians, including some in government, to online scam networks.

‘Our examination has not found evidence implicating these seven individuals. However, some cases under review have shown wrongdoing,’ he said.

He added that coordination was under way with the Songkhla Provincial Police commander and the Region 9 police chief in southern Thailand to verify related cases.

The minister confirmed that investigations into financial links involving the politician known only as ‘Mr Chor’ are ongoing.

The Department of Special Investigation has already seized more than 35 billion baht in crackdowns on online gambling to date, and Chinese authorities have expressed close interest in cooperation.

‘The Chinese ambassador met both the prime minister and me. We reaffirmed our commitment to suppressing scam networks,’ said Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon.

Chulalongkorn University, through CU Innovation Hub, cordially invites the general public, innovation enthusiasts, and professionals in the innovation business ecosystem to join the live streaming of the ‘President’s Distinguished Speaker #6’ event. The session aims to open new perspectives and share visionary ideas from two world-renowned leaders in innovation and intellectual property, who will discuss their experiences in developing international innovation ecosystems and managing intellectual property on a global scale.

The event is honoured to feature two distinguished international speakers: Ms Katharine Ku, currently serving as Senior Licensing Adviser at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati, and formerly Director of the Office of Technology Licensing at Stanford University. With over 27 years of experience in technology transfer, Ms Ku has played a pivotal role in driving innovations that have generated over US$1.8 billion in economic value. She is also recognised as an expert in transforming academic research into commercial innovations that make significant economic and social impacts worldwide.

Another distinguished guest speaker is Mr Marco M. Alemán, Assistant Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Mr Alemán leads WIPO’s mission to transform intellectual property (IP) into a driving force for innovation and sustainable economic growth. With more than 20 years of experience in policymaking and fostering national and international innovation and IP ecosystems, he has been instrumental in shaping global strategies that strengthen innovation-driven economies.

Participants will gain valuable insights from global experts on developing innovation ecosystems, managing intellectual property, and identifying global trends in leveraging innovation for economic value creation. The event offers a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange between academia, industry, and leading innovation organisations.

The ‘President’s Distinguished Speaker #6’ will take place on Thursday, 20 November 2025, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. The session will also be available via live streaming on the Facebook page: Chulalongkorn University.

Eleven people, mostly women, have been arrested in multiple raids for allegedly procuring schoolgirls for a sex service operating as a fake modelling agency.

Police arrested the suspects at several locations on Sunday after uncovering private LINE chat groups where high school students were being offered for sexual services.

Detectives gained access to the groups, which charged entry fees ranging from 1,500 to 20,000 baht, and found detailed information about numerous schoolgirls, including their names, body types, schools and photographs in school uniforms.

Most of the girls are studying in high school in the Greater Bangkok area and are aged between 16 and 17, police said.

According to police, the girls said they had initially applied for part-time jobs as PR staff or product presenters advertised online by a fake modelling agency. They were later persuaded to provide sexual services to clients who were members of the chat groups. Each encounter cost between 20,000 and 30,000 baht, with the girls receiving around 10,000 baht each.

Among the 11 suspects, two key figures confessed to the offence. The remaining suspects, mostly women aged 19 to 42, admitted to acting as procurers but claimed they were unaware of the schoolgirls’ exact ages.

During Sunday’s operation, police rescued nine schoolgirls.

Senator Nantana Nantavaropas has urged the House Speaker to establish a committee to investigate what she calls “abuse of power” in the Senate, after claiming that a ruling against her was politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent.

Sen Nantana submitted a formal petition to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha on Monday, calling for an inquiry into what she described as the Senate’s “governance failure” and “misuse of authority.”

She said the case reflects a broader crisis of integrity within the legislative branch.

The controversy stems from an ethics complaint accusing Sen Nantana of insulting and belittling a pork seller during a public discussion.

The Senate’s ethics committee investigated the matter and concluded on Oct 28 that her remarks violated ethical standards outlined in the constitution. Subsequently, 130 senators found her guilty of a serious ethical breach, forwarding the case to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for further action.

Sen Nantana condemned the move, calling it a politically driven vendetta, saying it was payback for her efforts to expose alleged collusion among senators.

She had earlier called for a group of accused senators to be suspended from approving appointments to independent bodies. According to her, 15 members of the ethics committee have been named in the collusion scandal.

She argued that their participation in judging her case undermines the Senate’s credibility and adherence to the rule of law.

Sen Nantana urged the House Speaker to ensure transparency, accountability, and neutrality within the legislative system. “The Senate must not become a political tool,” she warned. “Abuse of power will only erode public trust in the parliamentary system.”

Senator Premsak Piayura voiced support for Ms Nantana’s call, claiming that during his visits to local communities, “99.99% of residents opposed the ruling”.

He questioned how the Senate can maintain its dignity if the majority ignore public sentiment. “If minority senators are silenced, can we still call this the Upper House?” he asked.

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.

This year marks the first for energy conglomerate Banpu Plc’s “symphony” of businesses seeking to accelerate the company’s transition to clean energy.

Under its six-year “Energy Symphonics” strategy from 2025 to 2030 the company intends to deal with key energy challenges to achieve business sustainability.

Energy Symphonics refers to a synchronised approach to creating new and sustainable energy solutions to address the world’s surging energy demand, while also looking after the planet, according to chief executive Sinon Vongkusolkit, who unveiled this strategy late last year.

“We are passionate about tackling the energy trilemma head-on,” he said, referring to Banpu’s ongoing efforts to balance energy security, equity and sustainability.

This strategy replaced the “Greener and Smarter” strategy implemented during the previous five years, paving the way for more serious efforts to combat climate change.

Banpu has pledged to achieve a net-zero target, meaning a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and absorption, by 2050, 15 years ahead of the government’s goal of 2065.

PURSUING SUSTAINABILITY

The company continues to adjust its businesses to be less dependent on fossil fuels and focus more on new sources of energy.

Banpu wants to be part of global efforts to ensure energy needs are met and, through improved environmental protection, maintain the ability of future generations to meet theirs, said Mr Sinon.

Over the next two years, the company plans to seriously reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions from its businesses, said Jirameth Achcha, head of Banpu’s corporate services and activities.

The company mines coal and produces natural gas, as well as operates power generation facilities using fossil fuels and renewable energy. Banpu also offers smart energy solutions, focusing on new energy technologies that support the transition towards clean energy.

“The company is trying to avoid injecting a large portion of money into businesses that emit a high level of greenhouse gases,” said Mr Jirameth.

Banpu plans to reduce investments in coal businesses, with the aim of cutting the share of coal earnings to less than half of total revenue in a shift towards sustainable energy development, he said.

Revenue from the coal trade, which comprised 65% of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation last year, should be reduced to less than 50% by 2030, according to Mr Sinon.

The company operates coal businesses in Australia, China and Indonesia.

Banpu is making its coal mines more environmentally friendly by replacing oil-powered vehicles used at its mines with electric vehicles (EVs), said Mr Jirameth. The company is also less reliant on coal by using more biomass fuel at its power plants, he said.

A shift towards other natural resources supports Banpu’s campaign to promote clean energy. For example, the company is pursuing a new opportunity related to nickel mining in Indonesia.

Nickel is a key component in batteries used to power EVs, helping to reduce tailpipe emissions from oil powered-vehicles. The element can also be recovered from old batteries for reuse.

PT Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk, a subsidiary of Banpu, invested in the nickel mining business by acquiring in July this year a 9.62% stake in PT Adhi Kartiko Pratama Tbk (AKP), which is listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange.

AKP operates a nickel mine in North Konawe in Southeast Sulawesi province.

This investment in nickel mining accounts for 20% of the company’s five-year investment budget of US$3 billion, said Mr Sinon.

The spending plan is scheduled to be implemented from 2025 to 2030 under the Energy Symphonics strategy.

Some 60% of the budget is to support natural gas and power businesses, while the remaining 20% funds the company’s renewable energy business.

ENERGY RELIABILITY

Banpu is addressing concerns over unsteady electricity supply from renewable energy sources by adopting battery energy storage systems (BESS).

This stationary form of battery serves as back-up power for users to ensure electricity from renewable power generation facilities is always available for use.

The sun and wind are intermittent sources of energy generation making them dependent on weather conditions and seasons. These renewable energies cannot produce electricity all the time, so a BESS can ensure a more reliable supply.

A BESS can be developed by using a battery farm, ensuring a stable supply of clean energy.

Banpu Power Plc, the power generation arm of Banpu, announced earlier it is preparing to venture into the BESS business in the US.

The company already pursued a similar opportunity in Japan, where it developed a battery farm.

Banpu Power proposed the second BESS project to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which oversees and manages the electrical grid in most of the southern US state, said Issara Niropas, chief executive of Banpu Power.

He stressed the need to catch the growing trend in utilising BESS as demand for renewable power is rapidly growing.

Electricity demand in the US is rising, driven by the development of data centres and greater use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, according to the company.

In Japan, Banpu Next, Banpu’s energy technology arm, operates a 58-megawatt-hour BESS farm in the city of Tono. The facility is designed to supply electricity to 5,800 houses.

The company plans to expand its BESS business to other Asia-Pacific nations, said Mr Issara.

GREATER AFFORDABILITY

To make energy prices more affordable, Banpu devised various approaches to control its expenses, diversify energy sources and adopt technologies to enhance productivity.

Despite the challenges of a volatile energy market, Banpu is confident its Energy Symphonics strategy will drive growth and create long-term value for shareholders, said Mr Sinon.

Regarding mining, the company plans to adopt AI and smart mining technology to reduce operating costs and enhance productivity, he said.

According to Banpu, the company does not depend on a single energy source to avoid price volatility.

The company’s businesses use both traditional and cleaner forms of energy.

In the US, Banpu is focusing on gas production as an alternative to coal and because it allows the company to better manage costs from the source, said Mr Sinon.

The company is also expanding its renewable energy portfolio by investing in solar and wind power businesses to benefit from decreasing renewable energy costs.

The investments should help the company reduce the total cost of energy generation in the long term, he said.

Banpu also utilises high efficiency, low emissions (HELE) technology to reduce power generation costs.

The technology is applied to its Temple I combined-cycle power plant with electricity generation capacity of 768 megawatts.

HELE increases the facility’s thermal efficiency through the use of both a gas turbine and steam turbine, allowing the plant to produce more electricity from the same fuel input, thus reducing fuel costs per megawatt-hour.

Marking a decade of local innovation and growth, a major milestone has been reached in Thailand’s medical manufacturing sector with the completion of a THB 170 million expansion project at the Rayong facility of Vantive, a vital organ therapy company with a 70-year legacy of kidney care innovation. The expansion coincides with the 10th anniversary of the company’s dialysis manufacturing operations in Thailand, underscoring its long-term commitment to advancing home dialysis solutions and strengthening the nation’s role as a regional hub for healthcare innovation. Vantive operates with a strong patient-centric focus, ensuring that its innovations and local investments directly enhance patient care and quality of life.

Vantive, a leading vital organ therapy company with a 70-year legacy of kidney care innovation, has completed a THB 170 million expansion project at its medical manufacturing facility in Rayong as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of its dialysis manufacturing operations in Thailand.

To commemorate the milestone, Vantive welcomed members of the media and key stakeholders to its advanced Rayong facility, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how it produces world-class home dialysis therapies locally-supporting both Thai patients and Thailand’s growing reputation as a regional centre for healthcare innovation.

Located in the Amata industrial estate, Vantive’s Rayong facility manufactures home dialysis products for patients across Thailand, from major cities to rural communities. The plant supports more than 3,200 direct and indirect jobs and contributes over THB 2.1 billion annually to the Thai economy, according to third-party analysis.

The recent investment expands the site’s production capacity and automation systems, adding new product lines beyond dialysis solutions to include medical devices. This will enable increased production for both local use and export across Asia, further strengthening Thailand’s role as a hub of medical excellence in the Asia-Pacific region.

‘Our continued investment in local manufacturing underscores our commitment to Thai patients and local innovation,’ said Mr Paul Uthaichalanond, General Manager of Vantive (Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar). ‘Our mission to extend lives and expand possibilities includes delivering world-class home dialysis therapies produced through advanced manufacturing processes. After a decade of supporting Thai patients, we remain focused on empowering patients and their care teams.’

Since opening, the Rayong facility has consistently produced critical home dialysis products while creating high-value employment opportunities for engineers, scientists, and skilled production staff. Working closely with partners such as the Thai FDA, Amata, and local healthcare institutions, Vantive contributes to a vibrant innovation ecosystem helping to position Thailand as a regional leader in healthcare technology.

‘Our operations in Rayong are proud to shape a more sustainable future for patients, the Thai manufacturing sector, and our local community,’ said Mr Lim Chau Eang, Plant Manager of Vantive Manufacturing. ‘We adhere to world-class manufacturing and energy efficiency standards supported by highly trained professionals. Every product we make reflects the dedication of our workforce and our commitment to delivering high-quality care.’

Beyond manufacturing, Vantive also plays an active role in community engagement and sustainability. Its initiatives include the annual Vantive Charity Run, which raises funds for kidney patients in Thailand, and the Home Dialysis Upcycling programme-developed in partnership with local suppliers and hospitals-which transforms used plastic dialysis bags into new, high-quality materials. These efforts underscore the company’s long-term commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship in Thailand.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Chinese President Xi Jinping was pleased with Thailand’s stance against legalising casinos, and the Chinese government will encourage more Chinese tourists to visit the country.

Mr Anutin shared the update upon his return from China on Saturday night, after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meetings in South Korea.

The prime minister said he had held a meeting with President Xi, during which he reaffirmed that Thailand had no plan to legalise gambling or casinos.

‘President Xi appeared satisfied with the confirmation,’ Mr Anutin said.

President Xi noted that China could advise its citizens to avoid visiting countries whose policies differ from China’s principles.

‘The talks went well and were full of mutual understanding. President Xi appeared more at ease when he learned that the current Thai government has no policy to legalise casinos. This means the Chinese government will support its citizens in visiting Thailand with confidence,’ Mr Anutin said.

Early this year, President Xi reportedly warned former Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra against the casino legalisation policy of her government. In mid-year, Ms Paetongtarn said that Chinese tourists were concerned about safety, not the casino policy.

Chinese arrivals in Thailand dropped sharply in the first half of this year to 2.26 million, a 34% year-on-year decline.

Global goals set for carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability are causing technological changes in mobility, with Yamaha Motor stepping up efforts to develop new products in line with the trend.

The company is adopting multiple pathways via differing technologies, ranging from electric mobility to hydrogen-powered engines, to achieve a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

“We are launching new products that can strike a balance between fun and eco-friendly performance,” said president and representative director Motofumi Shitara.

Among them are battery and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, series-parallel hybrid powertrains, which combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with electric motors, as well as hydrogen-powered commuter vehicles.

As it shifts to technologies that are kind to the environment, the Shizuoka-based Japanese company maintains its mission to make “Kawakami’s vision” a reality, said Mr Shitara.

The vision refers to Genichi Kawakami, who founded Yamaha Motor 70 years ago with the aim of enriching people’s lives by creating products that inspire joy, emotion and a sense of adventure.

Yamaha is participating in the Japan Mobility Show 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight. The event started on Oct 29 and continues through Nov 9.

Roughly 500 companies are participating in the event, which offers a unique opportunity to explore the future of mobility. The event was grounded in the belief that shared excitement and collaborative thinking are going to shape the future.

Yamaha unveiled six new models among the 16 on display, including mid-development prototypes, various electric and hybrid motorcycles, e-bikes and concept models of electric wheelchairs, said Panupol Kittikamron, chief commercial officer at Thai Yamaha Motor.

The company is evolving its technology development to support a wide range of industrial sectors, including land and marine vehicles, industrial robotics and unmanned helicopters.

Yamaha is developing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for power engines because it believes these innovations will help the company achieve its carbon neutrality goal, said Mr Shitara.

A hydrogen engine maintains the exciting feel of a regular ICE engine, but does not produce carbon emissions, said Maruta Kana, Yamaha Motor’s general manager of Southeast and East Asia, and of its Land Mobilities Business Operation.

The company has been developing this technology in collaboration with other Japanese companies, she said.

Yamaha plans to expand its market opportunities in Brazil, Russia, India and China, recognising their large populations and strong purchasing power, said Ms Kana.

Investor confidence in Thailand’s capital market has once again been demonstrated through the resounding success of Tidlor Holdings Public Company Limited (TIDLOR)’s latest three-year debenture issuance. The company announced full subscription for its THB 3 billion offering, expressing sincere appreciation to investors for their trust and continued support in its long-term growth journey.

The offering, carrying a fixed annual interest rate of 2.70%, drew overwhelming demand within a short period-underscoring confidence in TIDLOR’s financial strength and consistent ability to deliver sustainable, high-quality growth.

Guaranteed by Ngern Tid Lor Public Company Limited, the debentures were offered to general investors from 28-30 October 2025 through six Joint Lead Arrangers. The issuance successfully raised THB 3 billion, meeting the company’s target fundraising amount in full.

Proceeds from the issuance will be used to refinance maturing debt instruments of the company’s subsidiary and support future business expansion following TIDLOR’s recent restructuring in May 2025. This first post-restructuring issuance highlights investor confidence in the company’s strong business potential and disciplined financial management.

The debentures were assigned an ‘A+’ rating with a ‘Stable’ outlook by TRIS Rating on 21 August 2025, reaffirming TIDLOR’s investment-grade status. The rating reflects the company’s strategic affiliation with Bank of Ayudhya, robust market position, and strong capital base-further solidifying its reputation as a leading and trusted player in Thailand’s financial sector.