Category: The Bangkok Post

Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University invites interested persons to dive deep into the beauty of the ocean during The Body Painting And Costume Design Showcase 2025 at Em Skye, 14th floor of Emsphere, Sukhumvit Road, on Wednesday, from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Held under the concept of “Blue Symphony – The Rhythm Of The Ocean” by the university’s Department of Performing Arts and Creative Entrepreneurship, this is a special evening where creativity, performance and fashion blend harmoniously.

The show will transport audiences into the mesmerising underwater world, portraying the elegance and vitality of the marine ecosystem. These artistic interpretations are reimagined with creativity and depth by emerging student artists and guest performers including Jinjett “Jaonaay” Wattanasin, Yvonne Hsu, Aomam from The Voice Season 5 and Sombatsara Teerasaroch, aka Pa Tue.

Jaonaay is a talented and charismatic artist. He will share his artistic and fashion perspectives through a mesmerising performance that reflects the beauty and creativity of the human spirit in every dimension.

Hsu, meanwhile, is a celebrated singer and songwriter known as “The Graduation Song Goddess Of Taiwan”. She is reputed for her warm yet powerful voice rendered through many heartfelt compositions.

The event also highlights collaborations with creative fashion entrepreneurs and brands including Naphonk.Bangkok, Sunaphathai and Cherit, alongside numerous artists, celebrities, fashion influencers and beauty queens who will bring vibrant energy to the evening’s oceanic symphony of art.

More than just a fashion or art performance, the show represents a powerful fusion of art, performance, fashion and creative entrepreneurship, bridging classroom learning with real-world experience. It offers a stage where creativity, business and artistry converge to inspire the next generation of creative professionals.

This project marks another significant milestone for the university’s Performing Arts and Creative Entrepreneurship Programme, which continuously cultivates students’ artistic and entrepreneurial potential through hands-on learning and collaboration with the creative industry.

The initiative reinforces the programme’s commitment to developing young talent, fostering professional networks and transforming artistic creativity into sustainable career opportunities in the fields of art, design and fashion.

Tickets cost 400 baht and can be purchased from ticketmelon.com/ssru-theatre-space/BLUESYMPHONY. Seats are limited.

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has returned to lead the Democrat Party at one of the most difficult times in its history, with questions being raised as to whether the oldest political party can reclaim lost ground after years of decline and internal rifts before the next election.

In recent years, the Democrats’ traditional support base in the southern provinces and parts of Bangkok has shrunk while voters with liberal and centric leanings have turned to the People’s Party (PP), Bhumjaithai (BJT) and Pheu Thai.

The party’s new party executive committee, elected recently when Mr Abhisit also took on the leader’s mantle, comprises a mix of veteran politicians and younger members.

It represents a transparent bid to reconnect with voters in all walks of life.

The Bangkok Post spoke to political scientists and Democrat insiders to examine what Mr Abhisit’s return means for the party’s future.

The best option

Wanwichit Boonprong, a lecturer at Rangsit University’s faculty of political science, said no other figure possesses the same legitimacy or recognition as Mr Abhisit. The Democrats, he said, have been weakened by leadership crises and defections.

Mr Abhisit’s comeback has shifted the Democrats’ image from a baan yai (political family) network back towards a liberal democratic identity once again. Although his return has prompted the return of several veterans who previously left the party, that alone is unlikely to restore its former strength.

Part of the conservative voter base that turned to parties such as United Thai Nation (UTN) and even BJT may return to the Democrats, but not entirely. “Those who vote Democrat now are likely to do so out of personal admiration for Mr Abhisit rather than party loyalty or ideology,” he said.

The Democrats can no longer rely on being a regional powerhouse in the South, as their traditional stronghold has splintered among BJT, Klatham and other parties, he said, adding the party may see slight gains in party-list votes, but their constituency performance will require more groundwork.

Mr Wanwichit doubted that a new generation of members can help attract young voters as this group has “little positive memory” of Mr Abhisit’s premiership and some still associate his tenure with political unrest.

Democrat patriarch Chuan Leekpai, once a symbol of the party’s southern strength, is unlikely to help revive its appeal, said the analyst. Mr Chuan played a limited role during the years when the party was heavily influenced by local factions.

“Many now see him as staying on only to preserve principle, rather than to help with a broader direction,” Mr Wanwichit added.

An uphill battle

Mr Abhisit has returned to the helm at a time when the Democrat Party’s popularity was at one of its lowest points.

The party won only 25 seats in the 2023 general election, including three from the party list. Most of its constituency MPs relied on support from local political families rather than the party’s own popularity.

The Democrats’ party-list vote fell sharply from 3.9 million in 2019 to 900,000 in 2023, with about three million former supporters believed to have switched to the Move Forward Party, predecessor of the PP.

In the 2011 general election, the Democrats secured 11 million votes, but about 8 million out of these votes were believed to have gone to the Palang Pracharath Party which supported Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. Other liberal conservatives remained with the Democrats.

In the 2023 polls, many conservative voters drifted away from the UTN, which also featured Gen Prayut, resulting in a loss of more than four million votes for the UTN. The data suggested most of those votes moved to the PP, the only party to gain significantly.

Political scientist Phichai Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket of the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) said the Democrats will find it difficult to win back liberal voters, who now have a stronger alternative in the PP.

The Democrats’ best opportunity lies with ‘soft conservatives’ — voters and traditional conservatives who are reluctant to support BJT, a party often associated with patronage-based politics, he said.

Mr Phichai predicted the party could win about 20 seats in the next election from southern constituencies and the party-list system.

Asked whether the new faces introduced by the Democrat Party could help attract younger voters, Mr Phichai said polling data suggested otherwise.

According to a Nida Poll, support among younger voters for the Democrats is almost non-existent, at only 1-2%. “Winning over the youth vote will be nearly impossible. The party’s appeal is limited to working-age voters aged 45 and above,” he said.

Sathit: Reliable alternative

Sathit: Reliable alternative

Faith in Abhisit’s integrity

Democrat veteran Sathit Wongnongtoey said Mr Abhisit’s return represents a revival of the party’s ideology since the party was established in 1946, which emphasises clean politics free from financial influence.

When money becomes the main driver of elections, it inevitably leads to corruption, which has become a deep-rooted disease in society, he said.

The party leader prioritises sustainability over short-term success and the party’s strength lies in its combination of experienced figures and new-generation members who have ever faced corruption allegations, he said.

“I believe our three key strengths are clear ideology, clean politics with a strong anti-corruption stance and sustainable policy goals.

“The experience of senior members, combined with the fresh knowledge of the new generation, particularly in areas such as digital asset economics and international trade, will set the Democrats apart from other parties in the next election,” he said.

Thai politics remains divided between three major camps — the red camp (Pheu Thai), orange camp (PP) and blue camp (BJT) — each of which has their own weaknesses.

The Democrats aim to stand as a credible “fourth option” beyond the existing colour-based politics, Mr Sathit said. He stressed Mr Abhisit’s commitment to steer clear of political conflicts involving the monarchy and reject any exploitation of the military and his record of accountability.

Young team makes mark

Rudklao Intawong Suwankiri, a mid-generation member of the Democrat Party, said Mr Abhisit’s first major step after returning to the helm was to form a new executive board that includes younger members, breaking with the party’s long-standing traditions that only long-serving MPs could rise to leadership.

“The new generation is not defined by age only but by mindset and perspective… These members now have an opportunity to serve at the executive level and take part in actual policy work, unlike some other parties that claim to represent young people but still operate under a traditional top-down structure,” she said.

She said the party aims to craft policies that resonate with younger voters but are misunderstood by the state, such as the emerging video gaming industry.

She added the party has recruited professionals from outside politics to strengthen its expertise which will offer an alternative for voters who feel trapped. “The party’s new generation aims to combine passion with professionalism — compromise over confrontation… We’re ready to embrace differences and learn from diverse perspectives. We won’t be the kind that refuses to compromise and, in the end, fail to make real progress,” she said.

Newly crowned world champion Banlung Tubtimdang returned home after his gold-winning performance at the World Taekwondo Championships in Wuxi, China, this week.

Accompanied by coach Choi Young-Seok, Banlung arrived back from the championships on Saturday following his victory in the men’s 68kg event, where he defeated Korea’s Seong Yuh-Yeon 2-0 in the final.

With the triumph, Banlung became the sixth Thai athlete to capture a world taekwondo title.

The past Thai world champions in taekwondo are Chatchawal Kaola-or (men’s 54kg) and Rangsiya Nisaisom (women’s 62kg) in 2011, Chanatip Sonkham (women’s 49kg) in 2013, Panipak Wongpattanakit (women’s 46kg) in 2015, and Panipak (women’s 49kg) together with Pannapa Harnsujitr (women’s 57kg) in 2019.

Reflecting on his victory in Wuxi 2025, Banlung said: “Two years ago [at the 2023 world championships in Baku] I was a runner-up, so this time my target was to win gold. I’m very happy I finally won it. This medal is for the Thai people. After this, I will focus on the SEA Games and try to win the gold medal again.”

Pimol Srivikorn, president of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand (TAT), hailed Banlung’s achievement, saying his victory at the Wuxi championships was even harder than winning an Olympic gold medal.

“The world championships is a very tough competition as it features top athletes from all over the world. Banlung competed in six rounds before winning the gold medal, while it takes only four rounds to win at the Olympic Games,” said Pimol, who is also president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT).

“There is a World Grand Prix tournament between Nov 20-23 in Thailand, but it is up to coach Choi Young-Seok to decide who will take part. Banlung needs to take a rest to maintain his physical condition before he starts training for the SEA Games,” he added.

Coach Choi said: “The men’s team did very well. The world championships have become a much tougher competition because athletes from other countries have improved a lot.

“The athletes will prepare for the upcoming World Grand Prix and then the SEA Games. We will send senior athletes to compete in all SEA Games events,” he added.

The People’s Party has emerged as the most popular political party in the Northeast, while Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul ranks as the region’s top preferred candidate for prime minister, according to the recent survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida Poll).

The poll, titled ‘Political Trends in Isan’, was conducted between Oct 27 and 30 among 2,000 eligible voters aged 18 and over across all provinces of the Northeast, representing various education, occupations and income groups. It aimed to gauge the current political mood in the region.

When asked who they would support for the post of prime minister if an election were held today, 32.40% of respondents said they had not yet found anyone suitable. 19.70% backed Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party, followed by 18.55% for Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People’s Party.

In fourth place was Chaikasem Nitisiri of the Pheu Thai Party with 8.80%, followed by Abhisit Vejjajiva of the Democrat Party (6.10%), Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan of the Thai Sang Thai Party (4.80%), and Gen Rangsee Kitiyantrapat of the Economy Party (2.80%).

Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, former prime minister, received 2.70%, followed by Pirapan Salirathavibhaga of the United Thai Nation Party (1.55%). The remaining 2.5% mentioned other figures such as Varawut Silpa-archa, Suchatvee Suwansawat, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, Pol Col Thawee Sodsong, Rangsiman Rome, Narumon Pinyosinwat, Chaturon Chaisang, Dech-it Khaothong, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, Wasawat Puangpornsri, and Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves. Only 0.10% did not answer or were not interested.

When asked which political party they would currently support, the People’s Party led with 26.05%, followed by ‘no suitable party’ (24.65%), Pheu Thai Party (16.85%), and Bhumjaithai Party (15.75%).

Trailing behind were the Democrat Party (5.55%), United Thai Nation Party (3.45%), Thai Sang Thai Party (2.75%), Economy Party (2.05%), and Palang Pracharath Party (1.50%).

Another 1.30% mentioned smaller parties, including Prachachart, Chartthaipattana, Thai Kao Mai, Thai Pakdee, Kla Tham, and Thai Liberal parties. Only 0.10% declined to answer.

The results highlight a shifting political sentiment in Isan – a region traditionally dominated by Pheu Thai – as newer players like the People’s Party and Bhumjaithai continue to gain momentum among voters.

Overnight leader Tom McKibbin kept his hopes of a wire-to-wire victory alive at the Hong Kong Open but the Northern Irishman is being pushed all the way with the American duo of MJ Maguire and Peter Uihlein breathing down his neck at the top of a busy leaderboard.

A second successive 65 kept McKibbin in front on 20-under 190, after Maguire had roared into life with a nine-under 61 to move to 19-under. Two late bogeys from playing partner Uihlein (65) left the American a shot further behind on 18-under.

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat (66), starting in the final group with McKibbin and Uihlein, is three behind in T4 alongside Australia’s Scott Hend (64).

LIV players Charles Howell III of America and Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa are T6 on 16-under, following four-under rounds of 66.

McKibbin’s bogey-free run ended abruptly with a dropped shot on three, although he was back in credit after bouncing back with two straight birdies on four and five.

Three more birdies followed on six, nine and 12, before a second bogey on 15, but another two birdies on 16 and 17 got him back in front of Maguire after the American had roared into the race with seven birdies and an eagle in an impressive display.

That shot could prove crucial going into the final day with places on next year’s Open Championship and Masters at stake, as well as points on The International Series Rankings race.

“It was pretty good overall. I felt the course was playing a little tougher. The pins seemed harder but I played some very nice golf. I holed a few good putts, and everything felt solid.”

Choi holds big advantage

Korea’s Choi Hye-Jin takes a four-stroke advantage into the final round of the LPGA Maybank Championship after shooting a five-under-par 67 yesterday.

Choi, who played on the South Korea team in last week’s International Crown, had a 54-hole total of 19-under 197 on the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country club course. She started the day with a five-stroke lead.

China’s Liu Yan (65) was in second place, four strokes behind Choi while Hannah Green, a member of the winning Australia team at the International Crown last weekend, was third after a 67, five off the pace.

Korea’s Kim A-Lim was the biggest mover with an eight-under 64 that left her in a three-way tie for fourth place with Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul and Japan’s Ayaka Furue on 13-under 203.

World No.1 Jeeno, a runner-up in Malaysia the last two years, birdied her last three holes for a 65 while Furue shot 67.

Breakthrough win for Xu

China’s Xu Ying captured her first professional title after winning the Fila Golf Women’s Classic while Thai star Nanthikarn Raksachat finished tied fourth in Beijing yesterday.

The 16-year-old Zhuhai native, who turned professional two weeks ago at the Women’s China Open, closed with a round of one-under 71 at Bayhood No.9 International Golf Club for a 54-hole score of three-under 213.

China’s Li Jieni finished runner-up after a 73, one stroke ahead of Huang Ching (71) of Taiwan. Tianjin teenager An Zining closed with 71 to finish low amateur, tied for equal fourth with Chinese pros Shi Yuli (67), Xue Zixuan (72), Sui Xiang (72) and Nanthikarn (74) at four shots back.

The Royal Thai Army’s (RTA) Naresuan Force is monitoring the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sot district as over 1,500 foreign nationals have fled from KK Park to Thailand, a military source said on Saturday.

The move followed reports that Myanmar military forces have taken control of the KK Park special economic zone, in Myawaddy in Myanmar’s Kayin State, prompting panic among investors, gambling-linked workers, and foreign nationals based in the area. Since Oct 22, many have fled back across the border into Thailand.

The Naresuan Force’s Ratchamanu Task Force has intensified patrols and surveillance along the border. It has also lodged a protest through the Thai-Myanmar Township Border Committee (TBC), urging Myanmar authorities to exercise caution in demolishing buildings within KK Park to prevent harm to residents along both sides of the border, the source said.

According to the Thai-Myanmar Border Command Centre in Tak, a total of 1,595 individuals have crossed into Thailand from KK Park. Of these, 1,330 were men and 265 were women, he said.

The largest group comprised Indians (465 individuals) followed by Filipinos (220), Chinese (185), Vietnamese (151), and Ethiopians (130).

Others came from over 20 additional countries including Kenya, Pakistan, Nepal, Ukraine, Indonesia, Laos, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Screening and legal processing have taken place at the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge and Mae Sot police station, where 860 people and 712 people were screened respectively, he said.

Authorities reported that 680 foreign nationals have been prosecuted, and 439 of them were fined and deported, while 241 were jailed without paying fines. In addition, 32 Thai nationals were fined for related offences.

Meanwhile, a total of 23 people were referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to identify potential victims of trafficking, with 18 of them entering the NRM process, one sent to a protection centre in Phitsanulok, and four transferred to a centre in Chiang Rai.

The border command centre said all individuals were screened under national security and public health protocols to ensure the safety of residents. They remain under close supervision by immigration officers, the Ratchamanu Task Force, and security units stationed along the border in Tak.

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has introduced a pilot programme at Phra Ajarn Fan Acharo Hospital in Sakon Nakhon to integrate two traditional Thai herbal formulas into holistic treatments for sexual dysfunction.

The initiative seeks to improve sexual health among both men and women, issues often linked to family stress, relationship problems and increasing divorce rates.

Dr Kanyapak Silarak, hospital director and assistant director-general of DTAM, said sexual dysfunction is frequently associated with hormonal imbalances, poor blood circulation, stress and unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

“In Thai traditional medicine, these conditions are viewed as imbalances in the body’s wind and fire elements,” she said. “Treatment focuses on restoring balance through herbal remedies and holistic therapies.”

DTAM data dating back to 2004 shows erectile dysfunction affects up to 43% of Thai men aged 40 to 70, a trend that has continued to rise in recent years.

Phra Ajarn Fan Acharo Hospital, a GMP-certified facility, is using two herbal formulas as part of its treatment programme.

The first formula is specifically designed for women, aiming to rejuvenate the body after childbirth, nourish the blood, and alleviate fatigue. It contains medicinal herbs such as Javanese turmeric (Wan Chak Modluk) and Pueraria Mirifica (Kwao Khrua Khao). However, the formula is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with estrogen-sensitive cancers.

The second formula targets men and contains warming herbs, such as long pepper, wild betel leaves, chilli and ginger, to enhance circulation and energy. It is not suitable for individuals with psychiatric conditions or those taking blood-thinning medications. Complementing the herbal treatments are holistic therapies, including acupuncture, yoga and traditional massage.

Dr Kanyapak said these treatments must be administered under the supervision of licensed Thai traditional medicine practitioners. She said Thai traditional medicine approaches sexual dysfunction not by treating a single organ, but by restoring harmony to the body and mind while encouraging healthier lifestyle habits.

For consultations and treatment, the public can contact the Thai Traditional Medicine Clinic at Phra Ajarn Fan Acharo Hospital at 042-779105, or visit public health facilities nationwide.

The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) has seized additional assets worth more than 350 million baht from an alleged transnational scam network connected to Cambodian senator Phat Supapha, also known as Ly Yong Phat, and his associates.

The latest seizure brings the total value of confiscated assets in this case to over 650 million baht. Wittaya Neetitham, assistant secretary-general and spokesman of Amlo, said the move comes after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared suppression of cybercrime as a national priority.

The PM formed a committee on technology crime prevention and suppression, whose two sub-committees, one on suppression efforts and another on prevention measures, are chaired by Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat and Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob, respectively. Before the crackdown, investigations were carried out which found the suspects allegedly used call centre scams to deceive Thai citizens into parting with their money.

Amlo secretary-general Thepsu Bawornchotdara invoked his authority under Section 48 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act to order the seizure and freezing of 11 additional assets linked to the offence, including condo units, land plots and bank accounts, worth about 350 million baht in total.

Further probes showed multiple fraud cases were interconnected through complex financial transactions tied to Chinese nationals holding Cambodian passports. Large sums were found in related bank accounts, with transactions tracing back to Mr Phat and his family — individuals whose Thai citizenship had previously been revoked.

Since 2017, four separate asset seizure orders have been issued in relation to this case, covering assets worth roughly 300 million baht. The Civil Court later ordered that all confiscated assets be returned or used as compensation to 559 victims. The restitution process is now being handled by the Amlo.

The Amlo is preparing to file money laundering charges against a suspect identified as Taweesak Sujaritwattananont and his associates, who are allegedly connected to Mr Phat’s scam network.

U-Tapao International Aviation Co Ltd (UTA) has extended its project timeline for a concession agreement at U-Tapao Airport till next month in order to finalise key investment incentives and other details, said Keeree Kanjanapas, chairman of the company’s executive board.

Although UTA signed the agreement for the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City Development Project more than five years ago, it has yet to gain full access to the project site.

This is largely due to unresolved infrastructure issues, most notably delays in the high-speed rail link connecting Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao airports, he said.

Mr Keeree reaffirmed UTA’s commitment to working closely with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office, its contractual partner, stressing U-Tapao’s strategic role as a driver of regional growth.

However, he acknowledged that progress has been hampered by slow advancement in related infrastructure projects.

The EEC recently requested an additional extension, moving the deadline from June to December, to resolve these complications.

To accelerate progress, UTA has signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the EEC, granting more time to finalise investment privileges, particularly tax incentives within the planned free trade zone.

Mr Keeree noted that investment incentives have become the most critical issue amid a sluggish global economy and cautious investor sentiment.

While admitting that Thailand’s incentive packages may not match those offered by neighbouring countries, he urged policymakers to provide clear and competitive terms to boost investor confidence.

‘Once we have a clear framework for tax rates, free zones, and other benefits, we’ll begin our investor roadshow,’ he said. ‘The EEC is supportive, but right now there’s nothing strong enough to attract investors.’

Despite these challenges, UTA remains determined to move forward, he said.

Mr Keeree said the company expects a clear roadmap by December, after which infrastructure development will begin and the aviation city project will open to both domestic and international investors.

When asked about Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn’s proposal to extend the rail line to Trat province, Mr Keeree, whose BTS Group Holdings is part of the BSR Joint Venture which, in 2018, participated in the high-speed rail project bidding (and failed), responded briefly: ‘They can do what they wish.’

Former Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit has called on the opposition People’s Party (PP) to move beyond rhetoric and join Pheu Thai in filing a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul when parliament reconvenes next month.

He said such a move would reveal whether PP’s criticism of the government was sincere or simply political theatre. Mr Prompong said PP had recently stepped up its attacks on the government and its ministers, seemingly to rally support.

“I hope it’s not just talk to please the fan base,” he said. “Let’s see if, when parliament opens next month, PP joins Pheu Thai in immediately submitting a censure motion against Mr Anutin.”

He said PP MPs had previously voted to elect Mr Anutin as prime minister, yet declined to join his coalition government. Despite this, they helped maintain a parliamentary quorum throughout the session.

Mr Prompong added PP had exposed numerous flaws in government policy during debates and likely held enough information to challenge the entire cabinet. “They should press on to the end — file petitions with various agencies, take action that convinces the public that their oversight efforts are real, not just for political ratings or soundbites,” he said.

Commenting on the broader political landscape, Mr Prompong said some analysts believed the Bhumjaithai-led coalition might dissolve the House earlier than the four-month tenure outlined in the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed with PP, which secured the latter’s support for Mr Anutin’s premiership.

Some observers predict the government could dissolve the House before the next parliamentary session begins on Dec 12. If opposition parties submit a no-confidence motion to the House speaker, the government would be barred from dissolving parliament. So, the prime minister would need to act before then if he intends to dissolve the House, Mr Prompong said. Although the government pledged to support PP’s push for charter changes, December will be a critical period due to the third reading of the amendment bill.