Category: The Bangkok Post

Customs officials have seized thousands of cylinders of undeclared nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas and often used illegally as a party drug, found among a consignment of goods imported from China.

Director-general Phanthong Loykulnan told reporters on Monday the seizure was made on Oct 29 at Bangkok Port in Khlong Toey district.

He said 2,600 cylinders of laughing gas were found inside boxes among other goods imported from China. The gas was not declared on the cargo manifest.

Each tank weighed five kilogrammes, enough to inflate 160 balloons. A balloon of laughing gas sold for 100 baht on the illegal market, Mr Phanthong said. The estimated total value was 44 million baht.

Nitrous oxide is used as a sedative in healthcare, helping patients relax during medical procedures such as dentistry.

It is frequently abused, used illegally for recreational purposes by customers at nightspots. It makes people giggly and changes the pitch of their voice, often to the point of hilarity.

Police in the Chinese city of Shenzhen have reportedly busted a massive network involved in counterfeiting electronic chips, leading to a warning that consumers should be extremely cautious when purchasing parts for personal computers.

The operation uncovered a sophisticated scheme where discarded chips were recycled by being relabeled, restamped with new numbers and then fraudulently marketed as big-name brands and sold through companies posing as foreign distributors.

This revelation was first reported by the South China Morning Post, citing information from China’s Rule-of-Law Daily. The police investigation spanned four months before the raid, resulting in the arrest of at least one suspect. Authorities have begun coordinating with international chip manufacturers to assess the scope of potentially affected inventory.

The hardware suspected of being compromised by these counterfeit chips is primarily motherboards, graphic cards and power supply units (PSUs). The tampered components are largely Power ICs, such as MOSFETs and voltage regulators, which are crucial elements of the Voltage Regulator Modules (VRMs) on motherboards and GPUs.

While the counterfeit devices might not fail instantly, issues can be expected to surface under heavy computational load, such as during GPU Boost or intense video rendering.

Potential symptoms of a compromised system include random restarts when handling large file transfers, abnormal noises like coil whine from the cooling system after a period of use, and a noticeable decline in overall system performance and speed.

Diagnosing these issues can be challenging, as they present as subtle, creeping problems rather than an immediate failure like a PC failing to boot, potentially leading users to mistakenly blame software or a faulty PSU.

Part of the impetus for the proliferation of counterfeit chips is attributed to the ongoing technology conflict and US sanctions that restrict the export of certain high-end components to China. This scarcity has fuelled a booming grey market and an increased demand for counterfeit alternatives.

The situation is compounded by recent geopolitical friction. Last September, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced an anti-dumping investigation into US analogue chip companies operating in China, while the US simultaneously tightened export controls, reportedly embedding tracking devices in high-end chip shipments to prevent illicit diversion. This tense environment has created an opening for opportunists to exploit the high demand by supplying counterfeit goods.

In my assessment, the individuals most at risk of acquiring hardware with these fake chips are online shoppers. The core of the news story revolves around misrepresenting famous brand names, a practice frequently observed on numerous online marketplaces.

I have seen similar issues firsthand; a colleague once purchased a 512GB microSD card from an online platform for just 500 bath (when the typical price was around 1,590 bath). The card only functioned for a single use and could not be returned or claimed under warranty.

To ensure authenticity, the safest approach is to purchase directly from the brand’s official retail outlets. If online purchasing is necessary, consumers should rigorously vet the seller, confirm the availability of a warranty and look for official ‘MALL’ badges on the platform, which usually offer a higher degree of assurance.

Additionally, scrutinising the estimated delivery date, especially avoiding anything taking significantly longer than the standard 1-7 days, can indicate the product is being shipped from overseas, potentially increasing risk.

At 22, Panpittra Phutorn is more than a recent university graduate. She’s becoming a changemaker, seeking a way to help young Thais see everyday fashion as a climate issue.

Featured in Unicef Thailand’s #CountMeIn campaign, Panpittra speaks not with the loudest voice, but with lived experience. Her journey from a small rice-farming village in Roi Et province to national advocacy began with a simple insight — our clothing choices impact the climate.

A native of Roi Et, in Thailand’s hot and drought-prone Northeast, Panpittra grew up witnessing firsthand how unpredictable weather threatened her family’s livelihood. Like many in the region, Panpittra’s family relies on a single annual rice harvest, dependent on natural rainfall.

When the rain comes too late or too hard, the consequences are immediate — some years the crops rot; in others, yields are so low they barely break even. For their family of five, survival means constant adaptation. Her mother juggles farming with selling life insurance, while her older sister works in the eastern region to help support them. Everyone has to adjust. Climate change isn’t just about heat or floods — it’s about livelihoods.

Panpittra’s deeper climate awareness came through fashion. As a teen, she loved second-hand clothes for their style and affordability. But in university, she began to understand the environmental cost of the fashion industry.

“Every small choice we make, especially as consumers, adds up,” she says. Now, she’s weaving that message into climate action.

A cultural exchange in Arizona in 2024 deepened that connection. There, she saw people donating clothes to the homeless, an act that inspired her to turn her wardrobe into a tool for awareness. Returning home, she began sharing her second-hand outfits with friends, sparking conversations about overconsumption and sustainability.

Her advocacy soon grew beyond her campus. Selected for the Isan Youth Leaders programme, she began speaking publicly at youth events and environmental forums. Her talks, ranging from “Fast Fashion: W.E.A.R. Solutions” to “From Water Bottles To Eco-Friendly Clothes” encourage audiences to rethink their habits.

One of her most memorable presentations asked, mischievously: “If we stopped wearing clothes, would the world be better?”

It wasn’t really a call for nudity, but a challenge to reflect on excess and waste. Fast fashion, she argues, is more than just an industry problem; it’s a mindset.

“It’s about trends, not needs,” she explains. “Clothes are made quickly, sold cheaply, and thrown away just as fast. The workers are underpaid, and the planet pays the price; synthetic fibres, toxic dyes and massive energy use.”

The fashion industry is responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions — surpassing the combined emissions from all international flights and maritime shipping, according to a 2024 report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Additionally, industry estimates indicate that less than 1% of discarded clothing is recycled into new garments, with the vast majority ending up in landfills or being incinerated, further contributing to environmental waste and emissions. For Panpittra, the solution is refreshingly simple: buy less, reuse more and upcycle what you already own.

“The clothes we already have are enough,” she insists. “If you need something new, choose second-hand or support sustainable brands — those using recycled materials, leftover fabric or low-impact dyes.”

But she knows individuals can only do so much when systems fail to support sustainable choices. A street vendor may want to reduce plastic waste, but customers expect quick service in disposable containers.

“Our systems don’t help people make eco-friendly decisions,” she says.

If she could redesign the system, she’d make sustainability the norm. “I’d require all brands to produce clothing from recycled materials,” she says with conviction. “We should also give visibility and funding to small, creative businesses. When celebrities or influencers wear sustainable fashion, it changes what people value and companies have to follow.” That belief, that individual actions can spark systemic change, lies at the heart of a movement she’s part of. Launched in September to amplify youth-led climate action, Unicef Thailand’s #CountMeIn campaign echoes Panpittra’s message: that young people deserve a seat at the table and the means to drive change in their communities.

Grounded in Unicef’s report Between Generations, One Planet, the campaign highlights how children and youth, especially in marginalised areas, bear the brunt of climate change yet remain excluded from decision-making. It calls for greater investment in youth leadership and stronger protection for young activists.

“Children need to be part of the conversation,” says Panpittra. “It’s our future that’s at stake.”

While her voice has grown louder, her mission remains personal and grounded. “Clothing feels so ordinary that people don’t see it as a problem,” she says. “But those forgotten clothes, when burned or dumped, release toxins, microplastics and greenhouse gases. Eventually, it all comes back to us in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat.”

From her small-town roots to national advocacy, Panpittra’s journey shows that climate action doesn’t always begin in boardrooms or at global summits. Sometimes, it starts in the most everyday of places; with a young person, a second-hand dress, and the quiet determination to change the world, one choice at a time.

This is the second of a three-part Count Me In 2025 series that tells stories of local heroes and their moves to solve environmental issues. The series also marks the coming of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) which starts on Nov 10 in Belém, Brazil.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has apologised for suggesting that ‘Thailand has also encroached upon Cambodia,’ admitting shortcomings in communication and pledging that such a mistake will not happen again.

He added that any decision by the government to reopen border checkpoints would be made only after consulting the public. Mr Anutin said Thailand would use every available measure from security operations to diplomatic dialogue, including the General Border Committee (GBC), the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and the Regional Border Committee (RBC) to ensure peace and stability along the border.

‘With regard to my comment about border incursions, I sincerely apologise to all Thai people,’ he said. ‘I blame myself for my mistake and for failing to communicate clearly. I will be more careful to prevent any future errors.

‘I apologise for causing concern and misunderstanding. I would like to assure everyone that there is no possibility that Thailand will lose any territory, sovereignty, honour, or dignity.

‘The safety of all Thai citizens will be fully protected amid any disputes between the two countries. I will not allow any further losses under any circumstances,’ he said on Saturday night upon his return to Thailand after attending the 32nd Apec Summit in Korea.

Mr Anutin gave a media interview during the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he said: ‘There are areas where Cambodia has encroached upon us, and we must also acknowledge that there are areas where Thailand has encroached upon their territory.’

Thais have criticised him for suggesting Thais were equally to blame for the border stand-off. Asked about the prospect of reopening border checkpoints, and whether he had discussed the matter with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Mr Anutin replied there had been no talks.

He said the Thai government would only consider reopening border checkpoints after consulting the public. ‘This should settle the matter once and for all.’

He also said he had never heard of the military going out to solicit donations for military equipment, pointing out that defence is among the biggest items in the budget.

On Saturday, Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, the army’s spokesman, said the army is not lacking in basic necessities, following public debate over recent donations sent to soldiers along the Thai-Cambodian border. He was speaking after attending a meeting of the House committee on military affairs.

The phrase ‘the army is not lacking’ referred specifically to essential military equipment and basic supplies. It did not mean the army was disregarding acts of generosity from the public or other sectors, he said.

Re: “Thailand now ‘the sick man of Asean'”, (Opinion, Oct 30).

While Economist/columnist Chartchai Parasuk’s analysis offers a sobering view of Thailand’s economic outlook, it would not be correct for society to accept a fatalist vision of its future.

Calculations and forecasts made by the IMF measure growth rates and debt ratios, but not the resilience, creativity or spirit of the Thai people.

If Thais can revitalise traditional community support — qualities beyond the reach of economic models — the industrious population of Thailand can transform today’s relative pessimism into renewed confidence. By the end of 2026, the Thai nation may have upset the experts’ gloomy forecasts.

Ioan Voicu

No free lunches

Re: “Andrew bows out” and “Credit where it’s due”, (PostBag, Nov 2).

Just the two letters today, but both well worthy of comment.

The first tells us about a naughty royal, formerly known as Prince Andrew. I’m sure this sort of behaviour does happen elsewhere ad nauseam around the world, especially when your spoons are made of silver.

He also wrote that Andy’s teammate Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide, though I beg to disagree with this assertion.

The second one was from law professor Ajarn Vitit Muntarbhorn.

He cites the “unspoken aberration” of non-remuneration for any kind folk who give up their free time to help out at various embassies, international agencies or the UN.

So local people here are asked to help out for free, paying their own travel costs getting to the conference and somehow aiding the process with their local knowledge pro bono.

Recounting a recent seminar where he was to give a one-hour talk, we’re told his request for a car to travel to the venue was denied and subsequently advised to take a taxi instead with costs reimbursed upon receipt.

I must agree that the taxi option is a lot more economical and practical but alas a written “check bin” is rarely available from a cabbie.

After contacting the embassy’s ambassador for assistance, he managed to ruffle a few feathers below deck, leading to a menacing verbal response.

My advice is to give the whole shebang the elbow or pick your potential collaborative bodies more carefully if desiring to enlighten the enlightened.

Ian Dann

Driving in their cars

Re: “Open for trial: Motorists test out the Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi motorway”, (BP, Oct 31).

On seeing the photo of the M81 motorway, I am moved to pen this. We all know Thais love their cars — years ago, a property agent drove me to a potential Bangkok office one stop away on the skytrain.

Of course, it took me 15 mins longer to get there in their car (“it’s all part of our service”).

Other countries have invested and are investing in rail transport, for people and freight, using integrated connections, thus reducing accidents (on the road and during construction), pollution and environmental damage.

Anyone got an answer to what is stopping Thailand making this move toward a “developed, safer and cleaner country?”

And please, please change your old diesel engines to electric.

JezzaNong

Three Thai women have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a romance scam network run by a group of Nigerians that defrauded victims of more than six billion baht.

The suspects, identified only as Jutharat, Janjira and Jiraphan, were apprehended on Sunday in Chachoengsao, Nonthaburi and Yala provinces on charges of involvement in transnational crime and money laundering, said Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak Bupphasuwan, commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division, on Monday.

Their arrests followed an investigation into a scam network believed to have been operated by a group of Nigerians since 2019, Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak said.

The gang allegedly lured Thai victims into fake online relationships before concocting stories to persuade them to transfer money through various digital channels. Police said the total losses amounted to more than six billion baht.

According to investigators, the three arrested women were allegedly responsible for recruiting people to open mule bank accounts used to receive money from victims. They also made cash withdrawals and reportedly earned commissions of between 2% and 10% of the total amount each time.

The suspects have denied the charges. Police said the investigation is ongoing.

The bodies of two Thais, an adult and a child, who drowned after being swept out to sea at Bang Tao Beach in Thalang district on Saturday were found early Monday morning.

The two victims were relatives and lived in tambon Thepkrasattri, rescuers said without giving further details.

They disappeared about 2.30pm on Saturday while swimming in rough seas off the beach in Moo 2, tambon Cherngtalay.

Thalang district chief Siwat Rawangkul organised a huge search involving village headmen, tambon officials, local police, rescue units, the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation and lifeguards.

The search continued on Sunday, with teams using jet skis and drones from the Thepkrasattri village security unit to scour the coastline from 9.30am until 3.45pm, when the search was temporarily suspended due to dangerous seas.

The search resumed early Monday morning, when both bodies were found and recovered. Relatives had been contacted and were arranging religious ceremonies.

People visiting the beach are advised to exercise extreme caution when contemplating going swimming during periods of strong winds and rough surf, for their own safety.

The revised medium-term fiscal framework should focus on strengthening revenue generation and rationalising government expenditure to reinforce fiscal credibility with ratings agencies, says the chief of the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO).

According to Vinit Visessuvanapoom, director-general of the FPO, government revenue generation must consider three main areas.

First, revenue collection depends on overall economic conditions and the efficiency of tax collection, particularly by major departments such as the Revenue Department.

Regardless of which government is in office, the Revenue Department must perform its duties to the fullest, he said.

Second, enhancing tax collection instruments, which may require legal amendments and is usually a lengthy process.

Third, restructuring of the national tax system, which is the most difficult task because it may require amending primary legislation that must be approved by parliament, as well as secondary legislation such as ministerial regulations on tax exemption provisions. These details are currently under review.

Mr Vinit said such reforms cannot be carried out in isolation, as it is necessary to consider the overall impact, such as who will be affected and how the government will provide compensation or support to those affected.

As the current government has a limited term in office, amendments to laws at the statutory (Act) level will only be planned, leaving implementation to the next administration, he said.

Regarding the government’s interest payments, Mr Vinit said this burden increased in recent years as the pandemic caused the government to borrow funds to support economic recovery, thereby raising public debt levels.

The interest payment-to-revenue ratio in fiscal 2024 was 9.59%.

However, Thailand’s strength lies in its relatively low interest rates compared with other countries, he said. The 10-year government bond yield is less than 2%, which is considered very low, said Mr Vinit.

Moreover, foreign currency-denominated government debt accounts for only 1% of total public debt.

According to the medium-term fiscal framework approved by the previous administration, which covers fiscal 2026-2029, the key objective is to reduce the fiscal deficit to an appropriate level over the medium term to restore fiscal strength and sustainability.

Fiscal deficit reduction has already begun, as in fiscal 2026 the government expects a fiscal deficit of 4.3% of GDP, followed by 3.6% in 2027, 3.3% in 2028, and 3.1% in 2029.

Meanwhile, the ratio of government revenue to GDP does not appear to have increased. According to estimates from the Finance Ministry, from 2027 to 2029 the government’s revenue-to-GDP ratio is expected to remain at 14.8-14.9%.

As for the level of public debt, it is projected to approach the upper limit set by the Finance Ministry of 70% of GDP. In fiscal 2025, the public debt-to-GDP ratio is estimated at 65.6%, rising to 69.3% by 2029.

A major source of fiscal pressure comes from expenditure categories that are difficult to reduce, such as welfare spending for citizens and civil servants, as well as debt repayment obligations.

In fiscal 2024, these categories accounted for up to 66% of total government expenditure, and this share is expected to continue rising as the country transitions to an aged society.

Police arrested an Israeli man accused of the armed robbery of a house in Israel as he was boarding a flight at Koh Samui international airport.

Osher Farhi, 22, was apprehended on Sunday, Pol Col Naruwat Phuttawiro, superintendent of Surat Thani Immigration Office, said on Monday. He did not reveal where the flight the suspect was boarding was headed.

He said an assistant to the security attaché at the Israeli embassy gave information to Thai police on Sept 15 and asked that they track down and arrest a fugitive.

Mr Farhi and two other Israelis allegedly robbed a house in Israel, threatening the owner with guns. They took jewellery, a passport and a laptop from the house, according to the charges. Mr Farhi had a prior criminal record, including selling drugs and violence, Pol Col Naruwat said.

Investigators tracked a signal from the stolen laptop, which led them to the suspect on Koh Samui.

The suspect had checked in to a hotel at Chaweng beach in tambon Bo Put of Koh Samui district, but a police search revealed he was not actually staying there.

On Oct 27, police learnt that Mr Farhi had booked a seat on a flight departing Koh Samui on Sunday, leading to his arrest at the airport.

Police cancelled his visa and he will be deported to Israel where he will face prosecution. Mr Farhi has also been blacklisted, banned from re-entering Thailand, Pol Col Naruwat said.

The Ministries of Finance and Interior has been urged to ensure that vulnerable and marginalised groups can access the Phase 2 of the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme.

Speaking during the 3rd meeting of the Economic Policy Committee at Government House in Bangkok, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic revitalisation and inclusive policy implementation.

He praised the success of the co-payment scheme, noting that citizens have responded positively to the initiative.

He also thanked Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas for leading the rollout and emphasised the need to ensure that vulnerable and marginalised groups can access Phase 2 of the programme.

He said he acknowledged concerns about unequal access caused by the programme’s first-come, first-served registration system.

‘I’ve emphasised the need to fix this,’ he said. ‘Those who missed out in the first phase must be included in the next phase, so that government support reaches everyone.’

He urged the ministries to identify and assist those who missed initial registration, especially those unfamiliar with digital banking systems.

He also called on local officials to help bridge the gap in access. ‘People are happy and eager to participate. The programme has really stimulated local economies and significantly increased cash flow at the grassroots.”