Category: The Bangkok Post

Heavy rain on Sunday night caused flash flooding in Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Pattaya.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported flood levels 5-20 centimetres deep on streets in Lak Si, Don Muang, Bang Sue, Lat Krabang, Sai Mai, Chatuchak, Din Daeng, Lat Phrao, Wang Thong Lang, Watthana, Huay Khwang, Bang Khen, Prawet, Bang Rak, Bang Kapi, Suan Luang and Khlong Toey district late Sunday night.

In Bang Sue, a flooded underpass was closed Monday morning.

In Samut Prakan province, there was flooding on sections of Sukhumvit, Pu Chao Saming Phrai, Thepharak, Srinagarindra and Phuttharaksa roads.

In Pattaya, waist-deep floodwater was reported on sections of Sukhumvit Road from North Pattaya to South Pattaya. Also flooded were low-lying sections of Pattaya 3 Road which became impassable to small vehicles.

The Meteorological Department said on Monday that rain would decline in upper regions of Thailand from Tuesday to Thursday and increase again on Friday and Saturday.

Elsewhere the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said flooding remained in parts of 12 provinces – Phitsanulok province, Phichit and Nakhon Sawan in the North; Uthai Thani, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Nakhon Pathom in the Central Plains; and Ubon Ratchathani in the Northeast.

A censure motion, feared as a potential death warrant for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government, could accelerate an early dissolution of the House of Representatives before the tentative deadline set under the memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the ruling Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) and the opposition People’s Party (PP).

With funding, personnel, and networks already in place, analysts believe BJT is the most election-ready party in the current political landscape.

The Bangkok Post talked to political scientists and veteran politicians to get their insights and perspectives about the possibility of Mr Anutin announcing an early dissolution of the House before his given deadline.

Political calculus

Under the MoA, the BJT-led minority government is required to initiate the process of drafting a new constitution and dissolve the House within four months.

Some observers now view early dissolution as a likely scenario — especially if the opposition Pheu Thai Party decides to file a censure motion during the next parliamentary session next month. Such a move could prompt Mr Anutin to pre-emptively dissolve parliament to avoid his potential embarrassment or political fallout.

Stithorn Thananithichot, a political scientist from Chulalongkorn University, said the atmosphere following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother has subdued partisan tensions, giving the government some breathing space.

“Political polarisation has eased somewhat due to the royal ceremonies and a revived nationalist sentiment,” he said.

“However, if Pheu Thai exposes serious weaknesses or scandals involving BJT — especially links to corruption or scam networks — the government might feel pressured to opt for House dissolution to avoid a damaging debate.”

He added that dissolving the House according to the MoA’s schedule would also allow Mr Anutin to claim he honoured his commitments. “That timing is the most elegant solution for BJT,” he said. “Delaying beyond the MoA would be difficult, while dissolving earlier would only happen if a censure motion poses a serious threat [to the BJT-led administration].”

Assessing readiness

Pheu Thai’s internal divisions complicate its decision-making. Some within the party advocate filing a censure motion to showcase government failures and regain momentum.

Others warn that such a move could backfire by triggering an early dissolution that catches the opposition unprepared.

Mr Stithorn observed that “Pheu Thai must weigh its timing carefully. If they push too hard, they might inadvertently help BJT gain an advantage. If they wait too long, they lose the narrative.”

Phichai Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket, director of the Politics and Development Strategy Programme at the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida), also sees the censure motion as the key variable.

“If Pheu Thai files or even signals a no-confidence motion in the upcoming session, Mr Anutin might decide to dissolve the House early to avoid it,” he said. “Once the motion is formally accepted, it puts the government in a dangerously vulnerable position.”

Mr Phichai identified two main factors influencing the timing of dissolution: the opposition’s moves and the government’s own assessment of its popularity.

“If the administration believes its popularity has peaked and will decline in coming months, it makes strategic sense to call an election while momentum is still high,” he said.

He believes BJT is already in peak readiness. “By this month [November], the party’s structure, financial resources, and network of local powerbrokers will be fully mobilised,” he said.

“They have built extensive patronage systems and established contacts with influential political families — the ‘big houses’ — in every region. With state machinery under their control, their organisational strength will be hard to match.”

Former Democrat Party MP Nipit Intharasombat echoed this assessment, saying BJT is the most prepared for an election — both financially and organisationally.

“They have the funding, the networks, and the confidence they can return as a leading party,” Mr Nipit said. “In fact, the reshuffling of senior civil servants — notably in the powerful Interior Ministry — suggests a strategic alignment ahead of the polls.”

Mr Nipit said the four-month MoA window is the maximum duration the government can maintain. “If they’ve already accomplished the key MoA, there’s no point in risking a no-confidence debate,” he said. “Once Pheu Thai files the motion, BJT’s best option is to dissolve the House immediately.”

“They won’t risk entering a censure debate,” Mr Nipit said. “The opposition will surely hand BJT a no confidence vote, and if PP abstains or sides against them, it could trigger a full-blown crisis. Dissolving early prevents that and allows BJT to dictate the electoral timing.”

Balancing act

Despite speculation, most analysts agree BJT will seek to time the dissolution for maximum political gain while maintaining the appearance of fulfilling its MoA commitments. A dissolution around late next month or early January would fit both criteria — appearing compliant while still catching rivals off guard.

Mr Stithorn, meanwhile, added that Mr Anutin will want to avoid appearing opportunistic. “If he dissolves too soon, it could leave the impression that he was running away from accountability,” he said. “But if he waits too long, the momentum could fade, and opponents could regroup.”

Another crucial consideration is the coalition dynamic. PP, which has maintained an uneasy alliance with BJT, might reconsider its support if public opinion turns or if allegations of corruption gain traction. “If damaging evidence emerges during the debate, PP could claim the full legitimacy to distance itself,” Mr Stithorn said. “That could seal the government’s fate.”

However, an early vote carries risks. Economic conditions generally remain fragile, despite the Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment scheme being warmly welcomed, unresolved controversies over call centre scams remain. Moreover, public scepticism toward elite-driven politics could blunt BJT’s popular appeal in the longer term.

November watch

All eyes are now on this month, labelled by analysts as the critical month for the government. Before November is out, the government will have completed key preparatory steps, while opposition parties finalise their strategies. If Pheu Thai moves ahead with a no-confidence motion, the countdown to House dissolution could begin almost immediately.

“Everything depends on whether Pheu Thai blinks first,” Mr Phichai summarised. “If they do so much as signal a censure move, Mr Anutin will most probably go ahead with disbanding the House. If not, he’ll wait until January and claim to have honoured the MoA. Either way, BJT wins by controlling the tempo.”

Mr Nipit, meanwhile, offered a more pragmatic view: “They [BJT] are ready. Once their internal polling and provincial networks confirm readiness, they’ll pull the trigger. It’s a simple political equation — go early when you’re strong.”

For BJT, early dissolution appears increasingly attractive as it neutralises parliamentary risks. Moreover, public scepticism toward elite-driven politics could blunt BJT’s populist messaging

Whether the premier chooses to act pre-emptively or wait until January, one thing is clear: the countdown to Thailand’s next election has begun, and the censure motion may be the spark that sets race in motion, the analysts said.

A photo of a spider with markings on its abdomen resembling a human face has gone viral in the Thai Facebook group ‘What Is This?’ after a user in Yasothon province posted it, asking what species it was. Commenters identified it as a crab spider (family Thomisidae) – a species harmless to humans.

Crab spiders get their name from their crab-like movements, being able to walk sideways and backwards. They are ambush predators that typically hide among flowers or leaves, waiting to catch insects.

The spider shown in the photo belongs to the Misumenini tribe, which often displays pale colours such as yellow or white to blend in with flowers. Some species can even change their body colour, seemingly to match their surroundings more effectively, although they and their prey have a different spectral range to humans. (continues below)

Crab spiders, especially those in the Misumenini tribe, are widely distributed and can be found in many regions around the world – including Thailand.

If you spot one, it’s best to simply leave it alone – these spiders are harmless to humans.

The Department of Disease Control is warning intending visitors to Laos that new cases of the acute viral disease poliomyelitis. which can lead to paralysis, are being reported there.

The department said in a statement released on Monday that it received a report on the outbreak of a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) in Savannakhet province of Laos.

The report was based on the detection of the disease in two children in the province who did not show any symptoms on Oct 7, and an earlier case of the virus infection in the same province in August.

‘This shows an outbreak of the disease in the area,’ the department said.

Dr Montien Kanasawat, director-general of the department, said the outbreak of poliovirus infections in Savannakhet was first noticed in August, when cVDPV1 was detected in an ill child who had weak limbs.

Subsequent investigation found the virus in the faeces of two other children out of 28 children tested. They did not have any symptom but were connected with the first case found in August, he said.

‘There are risks of the disease spreading to Thailand, especially in border areas with low vaccination,’ the director-general said.

He said polio is a severe disease which may inflame the spinal cord and consequently paralyse muscles. Patients have weak arms and legs and can be disabled permanently, or die. The disease can be transmitted from human to human through the consumption of contaminated food or water. There is no known cure for polio, but vaccination can prevent it.

Dr Direk Khampaen, deputy director-general of the department, said disease control officials implemented surveillance measures including screening travellers at crossings along the border with Laos.

He recommended vaccination for Thai children aged one to five and foreign children aged under 15 in at-risk provinces – Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani and Nakhon Phanom.

Intending visitors to Laos should get booster shots if they had no polio vaccination record, or were inadequately vaccinated, Dr Direk said.

A motorist was left frustrated after being slapped with a 330-baht fine for paying his 30-baht M-Flow toll too promptly.

The driver shared his experience on the Facebook group ‘??????????????????’ (We Are Consumers) on Oct 31.

He said he travelled to Ayutthaya on July 12-13 and passed through four M-Flow toll gates.

Worried he might forget to pay, he settled what appeared to be the full 90-baht charge just five minutes after exiting the final toll booth.

M-Flow is a barrier-free automatic toll collection system that allows vehicles to pass through without stopping, with payment made after use through a post-paid system.

Nearly four months later, after seeing warnings about M-Flow penalties, he discovered an outstanding balance and paid it immediately, only to then realise he had already settled all the tolls in July.

The Department of Highways call centre explained his original payment had only covered three gates. The fourth gate’s 30-baht charge had not yet appeared in the system when he paid so promptly. Transactions required approximately 30 minutes to process.

The delayed processing caused the 30-baht toll to balloon to 330 baht in penalties.

The motorist questioned whether he was truly at fault. He urged other users to wait at least a day before making any payment and to double-check for any outstanding charges.

The response was mixed. Many social media users sympathise with the motorist. Others asked why he did not notice paying only 90 baht for four gates that should have cost 120 baht. One said they, personally, waited several hours before making payment.

Another suggested the driver bore partial responsibility for not knowing the individual toll charges at each gate.

A slip of the tongue has put Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in hot water. Here is what he was quoted to have said that provoked the emotions of anti-Cambodia, ultra-nationalist groups.

“For the sake of fairness, both sides [Thailand and Cambodia] must be fair [with each other] and we could reach an agreement. There are those of us who encroached [on Cambodian land], we must pull them back and the Thai government will have to find a land for those who had encroached on Cambodian soil. Likewise, Cambodia must do the same.”

Had Thailand and Cambodia been on friendly terms, such a remark by Mr Anutin would have been treated as reasonable and ignored. But because the two countries are still reeling from the limited but bloody war that took place over five days in late July, the remark by our prime minister was tantamount to pouring fuel into fire among the hardline nationalists. It also amounted to an admission that Thailand has trespassed on Cambodian soil.

It was not surprising that the hardliners are fuming at the prime minister, with some accusing him of selling off Thai territory to Cambodia. Anyone with common sense would be concerned the remark could be exploited by Cambodian media for Cambodia’s benefit in future talks on disputed land between the two countries, specifically Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaew border villages in Sa Kaeo’s Khok Sung district.

Upon his return from the Apec summit on Saturday, the prime minister offered a public apology for his comments regarding the border conflict. This unfortunate incident should serve a reminder to him and other senior government officials to be cautious about making statements on territorial issues pertaining to Cambodia.

Ultra-nationalist groups already felt betrayed by the Anutin administration, who ignored their calls to scrap the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting with Cambodia before the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 25-28. They said attending the meeting may constitute recognition of MoU 43 and will deprive Thailand of the right to terminate the agreement.

The hush-hush manner with which Cambodia sued for a peace deal with Thailand at the Asean Summit with the intervention of US President Donald Trump, was intended to save the regime led by the Hun family, rather than the genuine desire for peace and friendly relations with Thailand.

The regime is crumbling under the weight of economic hardships which may, eventually, lead to the country’s economic collapse — especially in light of closures of their border with Thailand, the regime’s own short-sighted policy to urge almost one million Cambodian workers in Thailand to return home with promises of non-existing decent jobs, and the boycott of Thai products.

International pressure on Cambodia over the regime’s cozy relationship with Chinese scam tycoons and its decision to turn a blind eye on the hundreds of scam centres across the country, particularly in Sihanoukville and Poipet, have made it impossible for the Hun Sen-Hun Manet regime to sit idly by.

Nonetheless, its response seems to be half-hearted as although some scam victims were rescued, only the small fry were caught while the big fish remain free. Recently, 80 South Korean nationals were rescued after the government in Seoul took decisive action against Cambodia following the death of a South Korean student who was tortured by scammers.

Further complicating the issue was the signing of a MoU between Thailand and the United States on critical minerals or rare earths on the sidelines of the Asean Summit. Nationalist and environmental groups did not hesitate to point an accusing finger at the Anutin administration for “selling out” Thailand’s critical minerals to the US, although their reactions seem to be based on nationalistic sentiments, as opposed to scientific approaches.

According to the Department of Primary Industries and Mines, Thailand’s critical mineral deposits are scattered across the country and are not concentrated in specific areas, making their extraction not commercially feasible. Lack of modern technology in extraction and processing of rare earths is also a problem and requires foreign cooperation.

It is sad that many Cambodians are suffering and lack the freedom to air their dissent against the ruling regime. Yet it is important for Thailand not to take any steps which may legitimise the Hun Sen-Hun Manet regime, such as reopening of the borders with Cambodia. Seen in this context, the actions of ultra-nationalist figures, such as activist Veera Somkwamkid who rallied Thai protesters to evict illegal Cambodian settlers from Bang Nong Chan, could be seen as too radical and may escalate border tensions. They should leave the matter to troops and officials on the ground, even though it may take some time.

Nonetheless, their actions serve as warning to the government not to rush into embracing Cambodia and to hope that relations will remain the same before the armed conflict.

Thai-Cambodian relations will never be the same as long as the Hun Sen-Hun Mant regime remains in power. How can we trust a regime that lets criminals use its territory as a haven for transnational scam syndicates who are enslaving tens of thousands of people of various nationalities and robbing victims throughout the world with impunity, in exchange for a sizeable cut of the filthy money to enrich their family and the Cambodian elites?

Eleven people, mostly women, have been arrested in multiple raids for allegedly procuring schoolgirls for a sex service operating under the guise of a modelling agency.

Pol Maj Gen Withaya Sriprasertparp, commander of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, said officers detained 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,’ Pol Maj Gen Withaya 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 were identified as Weerapol, 49, and Natrika, 28, both of whom 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, who have been designated as victims under anti-trafficking laws.

The recent controversial rare earths memorandum of understanding (MoU) has forced Thailand to give US investors an edge over other countries in investing in critical minerals projects in the kingdom, an independent analyst said on Monday.

Kasemsant Weerakun, an expert on Asean issues, said in an interview on Good Morning Asean, an Mcot radio programme, that the MoU compelled Thailand to give US companies ‘first opportunity’ with rare earth business deals.

‘Participants expect to have first opportunity to invest, in accordance with domestic laws, in critical minerals assets that may be sold in Thailand or by a company headquartered or incorporated in Thailand,’ he said, citing a clause in the deal.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the MoU with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

The US president also inked a similar deal with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the same day.

Mr Kasemsant said the two agreements were almost identical, suggesting that the United States had drafted them before submitting them to Thailand and Malaysia for consideration. However, he noted that the wording in the Malaysian version allowed greater flexibility for Kuala Lumpur on certain issues.

‘Participants will work in good faith to prioritize investment from the United States in critical mineral assets that may be sold in Malaysia or by a company headquartered or incorporated in Malaysia,’ the Malaysian-US MoU states.

The Thai-US deal, however, requires Bangkok to inform Washington about potential investors and projects ‘at the earliest practicable moment’, or at least no later than other countries, to ensure that US firms are not placed at a disadvantage. A similar clause was not included in the Malaysian version, the analyst said.

‘(The US) could not compel Malaysia to promptly notify Washington. The entire clause was dropped from the Malaysian MoU,’ he added.

Rare earths are essential minerals used in the production of high-tech products ranging from cars to computers. The agreements separately signed by Thailand and Malaysia are seen as part of Washington’s strategy to integrate both countries into its supply chain amid growing competition with China.

The government is facing a barrage of criticism for rushing into the agreement with the United States, which appeared to have been concluded without any prior public disclosure before the signing ceremony. Critics voiced concerns about the benefits Thailand would actually receive from it.

The government approved the MoU draft in a special cabinet meeting on Oct 23, despite the day being a public holiday. The agreement was later endorsed by the cabinet on Tuesday, following the signing ceremony between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and US President Donald Trump on Sunday.

Neither cabinet meeting – on Oct 23 and Tuesday – produced a summary of their proceedings. However, details of the MoU were published on the White House website.

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthamphan Suthumpun told Thairath on Oct 27 that the MoU had been forwarded by the Foreign Ministry to the Industry Ministry and then to the cabinet for approval.

On the same day, Mr Anutin sought to allay public concerns, stressing that the MoU was not legally binding between the two countries and merely reflected American interest in investing in Thailand’s rare earths sector. His statement was echoed by at least two other ministers – Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Industry Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana.

Rare Earth Exchanges, a US-based platform, said the MoU would facilitate American investors’ engagement in the field. ‘If Thailand’s resources – for instance, tin, tungsten, or potential rare earth deposits – attract investment and processing, the country could become part of a US-led supply chain pivot,’ the platform stated on its website.

Mr Ekniti said on Tuesday that the rare earth MoU could give Thailand leverage in negotiations with Washington over reciprocal tariffs. The US currently imposes a 19% tariff on Thai exports.

However, former finance minister Pichai Chunhavajira disputed Mr Ekniti’s claim, saying rare earths were not part of Washington’s agenda during tariff discussions with Thailand.

Mr Pichai also warned that the government should be aware of geopolitical sensitivity on the issue, without referring to China.

Thai social media users have reported finding their names listed as members of political parties without their consent.

Personal details, including ID numbers, were allegedly used to register them as party members, prompting calls for the Election Commission (EC).

Initial reports appeared in posts on Oct 31. Many users commented that they had experienced similar misuse of their identity, raising concerns about potential problems and legal consequences.

Reports continue to surface of individuals falsely listed as members of both active and defunct political parties.

In response, People’s Party MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt advised citizens to urgently check if they or members of their family were registered without their consent.

On Monday, EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee, said an investigation was needed, to ensure fairness for both citizens and political parties.

Anyone who found their name wrongly registered as a member of a party could file a complaint with the EC, he said.

Mr Sawaeng warned political parties that falsifying membership registrations could lead to criminal penalties for party registrars of up to three years in prison and fines for party leaders.

Renewed US-China trade tensions sparked a massive sell-off in the crypto market last month, with Bitcoin plunging from US$122,000 to $107,000 at one point, but analysts are referring to it as a “deep but temporary” reset, adding the bull cycle is not over yet.

Global crypto markets were rocked in October as renewed US-China trade tensions caused a sell-off that wiped out more than $19 billion in leveraged positions within hours. Along with a drop in the Bitcoin price, several altcoins also lost more than half their value overnight.

The turmoil began after China imposed new export controls on rare earth minerals, prompting US President Donald Trump to retaliate with plans for a 100% tariff on Chinese goods. Although equity markets treated the move as a short-term correction, the highly leveraged crypto market reacted violently, triggering one of the largest liquidation waves in its history.

Thanalop Preedamanoch, fund manager at Merkle Capital, said the sell-off, though sharp, should be viewed as “a deep but temporary reset, rather than a systemic collapse”.

The shock was largely confined to overleveraged traders, with no signs of contagion across major exchanges or institutions, said Mr Thanalop.

“The pain was deep but isolated,” he said, adding that it served as a necessary shakeout after months of speculative excess.

The cascade began when traders betting on “Uptober”, a historically bullish month for crypto, were blindsided by the geopolitical shock. Forced liquidations rippled across major exchanges, while some platforms suffered technical glitches that prevented stop-loss orders from executing, amplifying the market rout.

Although the sell-off erased much of the momentum expected to fuel a fourth-quarter “altseason”, analysts believe the fallout is largely contained.

Unlike the Luna, 3AC and FTX collapses in 2022, this event was primarily driven by leveraged traders rather than structural failures in the crypto ecosystem, said Mr Thanalop.

Despite the chaos, analysts remain cautiously optimistic. The damage appears to be contained and several upcoming catalysts could stabilise sentiment heading into the latter end of the fourth quarter. For example, at the Apec 2025 Summit Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping seemed to ease trade tensions and lift investor confidence.

Another factor is the US Federal Reserve’s policy shift. Possible signs of monetary easing and an end to quantitative tightening could restore liquidity. Meanwhile, anticipated approval of new digital asset exchange-traded funds beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum may attract fresh institutional inflows.

Finally, continued corporate accumulation from Digital Asset Treasury firms adding Bitcoin and Ethereum to their balance sheets signalled long-term confidence.

While the market remains fragile, many analysts view this episode as a temporary reset rather than the end of the cycle.

If liquidity stabilises and macro conditions improve, a late-quarter rebound could mark the start of a healthier, more sustainable uptrend for digital assets, he said.

“Crypto markets have faced shocks before,” said Mr Thanalop. “Each time, the ecosystem emerges leaner, smarter, and more resilient. This could be another one of those turning points.”