Category: The Bangkok Post

OpenAI has launched its AI-powered video creation application, Sora, initially rolling out in three Asian countries – Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam – for iOS devices. The app is available for free download, with Android users asked to wait for a future release.

Sora, which made its debut in the United States and Canada at the beginning of October, empowers users to generate new videos or remix videos from the work of others that has been shared within the platform. It features a feed where users can share their creations and discover new ideas.

OpenAI said that initially, users can download Sora and log in immediately without needing an invitation code. However, as the user base grows and GPU capacity becomes strained, an invite code system may be needed. Encouragingly for Thai users, the application supports input prompts in the Thai language.

A noteworthy feature in Sora is Cameo, which allows users to upload their own photos or videos, or those of others with explicit consent, to be used as digital identities for AI video generation. Furthermore, every video generated by Sora will be embedded with an invisible digital watermark, alongside a visible watermark, to ensure the safety of users and viewers.

Free users will be able to create videos up to 15 seconds in length. Users subscribing to the Pro package will be permitted a maximum length of 25 seconds per clip and will gain access to advanced Storyboard creation tools.

In my personal assessment of Sora, I believe it will significantly simplify and enhance users’ ability to create video content and generate new material. However, a concern remains about Sora’s ability to remix others’ video content into a user’s own creation.

Despite OpenAI’s assurances that this only applies to content that others have explicitly agreed to share, I fear this system could stifle novel creativity and potentially lead to unintentional copyright or identity infringement issues.

It’s rare in Thai League 1 for a clash between two struggling sides to steal the limelight from the big guns, but sacked national team coach Masatada Ishii’s return will have fans firmly focused on Sunday’s game between BG Pathum United and Chonburi.

While defending champions Buriram United face Nakhon Ratchasima in a northeastern derby tonight, that fixture pales in comparison with the comeback of Ishii, the Japanese whose dismissal sparked a huge fan backlash.

Pathum wasted no time in securing his services, unveiling Ishii as their new coach this week.

His first assignment comes with added intrigue as the away clash pits him against Chonburi’s veteran caretaker coach Witthaya Laohakul.

The matchup has been billed as a battle of football professors. Witthaya, 71, is one of Thailand’s most respected coaching figures, while Ishii brings his own illustrious pedigree.

I am now enured to this ongoing nonsense. If I want to buy a few beers “after hours”, I visit our local corner store, which snorts at puffing bureaucrats. If I want something stronger, within the Thought Police’s aegis, I plan accordingly before visiting our local supermarket.

The sales staff know me well enough after so long and no longer point frantically to purchase imposition bans and times, prominently displayed in the booze section. Now, two minutes after 11am, they seductively suggest that maybe I should supplement my bounty with other highly expensive strong waters.

But, alas, they remain unsuccessful, unless I am in a Mexican or Japanese frame of mind.

Wake up, Thailand, your dwindling, lucrative, and thirsty tourist base will continue to move to Vietnam or elsewhere due to this anachronistic law and other reasons, because in the past, you could not control the extended lunchtime activities of your own well-oiled civil service.

Moreover, you largely turned a blind eye to this law after it was enacted in the 1970s until a sterner, unelected administration took charge in the mid-2000s, which empowered it and the holier-than-thou PostBag temperance movement that I admit makes a strong point in terms of intemperate alcohol use and subsequent fatal consequences on the roads and elsewhere.

Ellis O’Brien

Vegan remix

Re: “Mercy when eating”, “Absurd logic” and “Vegan future”, (PostBag, Oct 30, 25 and 23).

I read with interest various posters’ recent views on vegan food.

I discovered the other day that there is a variant in Thailand known as “Vegan J”, which apparently excludes “pungent” flavours like garlic and onion, which seems to me to make the stuff quite boring.

My local vegan eatery does a cracking pineapple soup akin to the flavour of a good curry soup, which I have discovered is greatly enhanced with the introduction of some chicken.

So I’ve decided to create a new variant called “Vegan C” (short for carnivore), for vegan food that works really well with meat.

Post readers are welcome to experiment with their own ideas.

Tarquin Chufflebottom

Northern integrity

Re: “Operators jittery over cyber scams”, (Business, Oct 21).

In a time when scams are all the news and nobody trusts purchases on the internet, I would like to mention some very positive activities with commercial deals I have conducted in my district.

With Marketplace and Chiang Mai Buy, Sell and Swap, I have successfully purchased several items, including watches, a telephone, a jacket and boots, by sending money via the ATM to the seller on trust that they will post the item to my address.

I have not once been cheated, a great credit to the honesty and decency of the northern people.

RayNeo has announced the launch of its newest augmented reality (AR) glasses, named RayNeo Air 4. They are touted as the world’s first AR glasses to incorporate an HDR10 display system, powered by the Vision 4000 processor, which was developed in collaboration with Pixelworks.

The HDR10 display system is an open standard for High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, designed to boost brightness, enhance image clarity and deliver more vivid and dimensional colours. The display technology has been widely adopted because it is a free-to-use standard, making it a popular choice for device manufacturers.

RayNeo’s custom AR processor supports both HDR10 and AI HDR display technologies. Furthermore, it is capable of processing AI video, which can convert standard two-dimensional video into three-dimensional video in a few simple steps.

The RayNeo Air 4 can also automatically convert video content to HDR10 for increased realism. It features a 5.5G OLEDoS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, and renders a precise and sharp colour palette of 1.07 billion colours.

For audio, the RayNeo Air 4 features enhancements to its quad-speaker system, driven by a digital to analogue converter (DAC) and an extra-large polymer diaphragm. RayNeo collaborated with the renowned Danish audio brand Bang and Olufsen (B and O) to fine-tune the sound performance, resulting in clearer and deeper audio while reportedly reducing sound loss by up to 80%.

The RayNeo Air 4 is now on sale in China, offered in two variants: the standard RayNeo Air 4, priced at 1,599 yuan (7,350 Thai baht), and the RayNeo Air 4 Pro, which retails for 1,699 yuan (7,800 baht).

The RayNeo Air 4 is priced significantly lower than previously released competitors, such as XREAL, which starts at 15,990 baht, or the Lenovo Legion Glasses 2 at 11,190 baht. How do AR glasses differ from Apple Vision or Galaxy XR? AR glasses do not have an internal operating system; they function only as a monitor and speakers.

Having personally tested the AR glasses from XREAL, I can attest that the advantages include their design, often resembling sunglasses, which makes them lightweight and portable. Users with nearsightedness or farsightedness can have an optician make lenses for improved visual clarity. Concerns over software update limitations are also mitigated as the glasses rely entirely on the OS of the connected device.

Conversely, a major drawback is the high price point given that the AR glasses serve only as a monitor and speakers. A comparable 14- or 16-inch portable monitor costs only between 2,645 and 3,760 baht. Crucially, AR glasses may not suit individuals prone to motion sickness.

Based on my trials, unlike a VR headset where the screen remains fixed relative to your head movement, the AR display tracks your head turns. This can cause the screen image to jump noticeably if viewing content, such as a film, while travelling over rough roads, as the image moves with your head; even simple head turning caused me slight dizziness.

The government has launched a new tourism stimulus programme called “Check-in Fin Wow: East X Northeast” to boost tourism and revitalise local economies in seven provinces situated along the Thai-Cambodian border.

The campaign, set to begin on Nov 15, offers travel and accommodation subsidies through tour operators, with an expected economic impact of more than 90 million baht.

Deputy government spokeswoman Aiyarin Phanrit said on Friday that the move followed economic disruptions caused by the recent border dispute.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed relevant agencies to use tourism as a key driver for strengthening the grassroots economy, encouraging collaboration between public and private sectors to promote group travel packages linking the seven border provinces — Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Under the programme, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will provide financial support to registered tour companies for cross-provincial trips that include at least one overnight stay within the target areas, Ms Aiyarin said.

The scheme aims to rebuild travel confidence among both Thai and foreign visitors while distributing income to local communities, she added.

Spending from the project is expected to benefit tour operators, hotels, restaurants, and community shops, thereby creating new jobs in the tourism and service sectors, the spokeswoman said.

The project will accept 10,000 participants, with details and registration available through the Tourism Council of Thailand or the TAT’s 1672 hotline.

Nan in the North and Songkhla in the South – have been recognised as new members of Unesco Creative Cities network (UCCN) of 2025.

Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised on Saturday announced the recognition by the United Nations Educational, Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and congratulated the two cities.

Unesco has added 58 cities from 41 countries around the world into the network this year, spanning eight creative fields-Crafts and Folk Art, Literature, Gastronomy, Music, Architecture, Design, Film and Media Arts.

Nan was designated in Crafts and Follk Art. Thailand had submitted the province under the theme ‘Artisan-Community-Nature,’ reinforcing its identity as a ‘living old city,’ Ms Sabeeda said.

‘Traditional crafts of Nan are not merely for museums, but they tell stories of local life,’ she said. Some highly recognised are such as Tai Lue woven textiles, Iu Mien silverwork, bamboo handicrafts, ancient Bo Suak klins and the iconic ‘Whisper of Love’ mural at Wat Phumin. As for Songkhla, the southern border province was honoured in the Gastronomy. It was submitted with its character of being the city of two seas-the Songkhla Lake and the Gulf of Thailand.

The landscape creates a rich ecology combining palm trees, rice field and sea together, celebrated as an ingredient hub which defines the province’s culinary heritage.

‘The recognition was a milestone that affirms the strength and uniqueness of Thailand’s cultures, aligning with the nation’s creative economy policy,’ the minister said.

She also extended congratulations to other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) cities recognised in the list. They are Dumaguete and Quezon from the Philippines; Ho Chi Minh from Vietnam; Malang and Ponorogo from Indonesia; and Kuala Lumpur from Malaysia.

The Unesco Creative Cities Network, launched in 2004, now includes 408 cities across more than 100 countries.

Thai marines have deployed to the border area near the ‘Three Houses’ in Ban Nong Ree due to ongoing encroachment by Cambodia, which has refused to withdraw despite diplomatic efforts, heightening tensions over territorial sovereignty.

Capt Thammanoon Wanna, commander of the Royal Thai Marine Task Force in Trat, said Saturday that the ‘Three Houses’ area in tambon Chamrak of Muang district has been encroached upon by Cambodia since 1986 and does not fall under the current bilateral agreement on phased troop and weapon withdrawal along the border.

He said the land has long been recognised by Cambodian authorities as part of Thailand. Despite diplomatic efforts, Cambodia has refused to withdraw, citing instructions from Phnom Penh to wait for formal border demarcation.

‘I have briefed the Marine commander after his inspection. Our forces remain stationed and fully prepared, awaiting further orders. We will not allow Cambodia to dictate terms,’ said Capt Thammanoon. ‘We will apply military pressure to ensure compliance. The Thai marines will not fall behind Cambodia in this matter. We are here to defend our land.’ VAdm Apichart Supprasert, commander of the Royal Thai Marine Corps, inspected the area Friday and instructed the unit to act cautiously, in line with official directives to protect Thailand’s image, said Capt Thammanoon.

According to recent reports, a new access route to the ‘Three Houses’ has been completed with support from local marines, the private sector and residents. The three houses there have been demolished, leaving small shelters nearby.

Capt Thammanoon said the next step is to clear landmines from the surrounding area for safety.

Once secured, Thai marines will reclaim the territory and raise the national flag, symbolising the restoration of Thai sovereignty after nearly four decades of encroachment. Thailand has protested this occupation since 1986 but has not received cooperation from Cambodia, he added.

Kanchanaburi is seeing an uptick in tourism with hotel occupancy reaching 67.3% in the first nine months of this year, and at least 11 million local and foreign visitors generating 28 billion baht in revenue, according to governor Athisan Intra.

The improvement in tourism is helping to offset a slowdown in trade at the Thai-Myanmar border because of an increase in armed skirmishes in the neighbouring country. This has affected activity at the Phu Namron permanent border checkpoint as well as the Three Pagodas Pass crossing, he said.

Most of the foreign tourists to the western province come from China, followed by India, South Korea, Russia and Malaysia, thanks to a new public relations initiative that targets sports enthusiasts, wellness-focused visitors and travel influencers.

Mr Athisan delivered the update when he hosted a recent meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking to discuss border trade control and economic management.

Economic activity in Kanchanaburi in August was markedly slower compared to the same period last year, he told the panel.

He updated members on exports of fuel, necessities and industrial goods via the Thai-Myanmar border, along with imports of manufacturing raw materials, minerals and agricultural products from Myanmar.

The meeting also discussed the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s ‘Trusted Thailand’ certification for local operators of hotels, restaurants, department stores and tourism sites.

The certification is part of the TAT’s Thailand Safe Travel Stamp scheme, which aims to boost confidence in the tourism industry. The initiative focuses on general safety measures, payment safety, international communication ability and communication safety among operators and businesses.

Mr Athisan encouraged local operators to apply for the Trusted Thailand sign to help create trust among visitors to Kanchanaburi.

Brunei has officially adopted China’s civil aviation certification standards, easing access for Chinese-built aircraft such as the narrowbody C919 jet into the wealthy Southeast Asian market while serving as a potential model for how the planes could expand their international reach.

Brunei accepted the airworthiness code of the Civil Aviation Administration of China earlier this month, the Chinese embassy in Brunei said on Monday on its website, citing the equatorial country’s Department of Civil Aviation.

Previously, Brunei had recognised only aircraft certificates issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency, the US Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada Civil Aviation, the embassy said.

“Through this revision, Brunei becomes another country to explicitly recognise China’s standards on large aircraft,” the embassy said.

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) is trying to expand its market for the C919 – China’s first domestically made narrowbody aircraft – overseas and challenge the duopoly of Airbus and Boeing. Comac has already secured orders for hundreds of C919 units from Chinese airlines.

Brunei’s adoption of the Chinese standards follows a US$2 billion order by start-up carrier GallopAir in 2023 for 30 Comac aircraft, including the smaller C909 regional jet formerly known as the ARJ21.

On its website, the Brunei-based airline called the order Comac’s largest international sale, and likely the first overseas C919 purchase. The airline has a seven-year plan to connect four countries in Southeast Asia with China.

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Malaysian carrier AirAsia, also said the airline was in “active discussions” to place an order with Comac during the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong last month.

Brunei’s recognition of the Chinese airworthiness codes marks one step in a longer approval process for Comac planes, said YK Leung, managing director of Hong Kong-based Linken Capital Aviation Services. He said the C919 would need separate “validation” from Brunei to operate there.

Brunei, despite its wealth from oil and gas, has a population of just 462,000 and no domestic flights, only international routes. This means that the C919 would need not only validation from Brunei, but also air-service agreements from the destination countries, Leung said.

Agreements related to scheduled and charter flights depend partly on the airworthiness of an aircraft type, he said.

While Leung said he did not think getting air-service agreements around Southeast Asia would be difficult, he added other countries must determine whether evaluating the planes is worth the time and cost.

“Brunei is a small user, so it will take a while,” said Ibrahim Suffian, programme director with the Merdeka Centre polling group in Malaysia. Comac would need to train local engineers and maintenance staff to supplement the many who already service Airbus and Boeing jets, he said.

Based on its specifications, the C919 is most directly comparable to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families of aircraft and largely matches those airliners on maximum flight distances and passenger loads.

But the competition will be stiff, Suffian said.

“It’s quite ingrained – the use of Western aircraft. It’s just tradition. The supply chains have been built around Western aircraft.”

ONE Championship’s blockbuster return to Japan has seen another late shake-up – with Indian star Ritu Phogat forced to withdraw from ONE 173 through injury.

Phogat was set to face Itsuki Hirata in an atomweight MMA bout at Ariake Arena on November 16, but will now be replaced by Chihiro Sawada in an all-Japanese showdown.

The 27-year-old Sawada (9-1-1) has emerged as one of Japan’s brightest female prospects, winning four of her five fights under the ONE banner since debuting in 2023 – including two submissions.

She told the Bangkok Post after tapping out Macarena Aragon in July that she was eager to slide onto the Tokyo card, and her wish has now been granted.

‘I’ll be taking part! I want to put on an incredibly exciting fight and help fire up the Japan event,’ Sawada posted on social media on Saturday.

There had been speculation that Sawada could face Ayaka Miura in a possible interim title fight after reigning atomweight world champion Denice Zamboanga withdrew from their scheduled title defence in Tokyo.

Instead, she’ll square off against Hirata – a popular figure in Japan who recently returned to form with a decision win over Arti Khatri in August after a three-fight skid.

Phogat, who came back from a two-and-a-half year layoff in February in Qatar where she lost to Miura, confirmed her injury to the Bangkok Post.

‘Unfortunately, I injured my knee during camp, and the doctor advised 4-6 weeks of rehab,’ she said. ‘It’s really tough for me because I was so ready for November 16, but I want to recover properly and come back stronger.’

The reshuffle marks the second major change to ONE 173 in recent days, following Jonathan Haggerty’s withdrawal from his bantamweight Muay Thai world title fight against Nabil Anane.

Anane will now move up to featherweight kickboxing to face Hiromi Wajima, while six world title fights remain confirmed for the Tokyo event.

ONE 173 will begin at midday local time and run through until 10pm, with a two-hour intermission scheduled around 4-6pm. Doors open at 11am.

Despite the changes, the card still promises to be one of the most stacked in ONE history – featuring Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, and Superbon vs Masaaki Noiri among others.