Category: The Bangkok Post

On Nov 1, some 1000 activists from around the world will gather in Bangkok for “International Civil Society Week 2025 (ICSW)”, which will be held until Nov 5.

The world’s largest civil society gathering begins Saturday 1 November in Bangkok, Thailand, co-hosted by global civil society alliance Civicus and the Asia Democracy Network (ADN). The five-day event includes more than 120 sessions and cultural events led by more than 75 organisations from around the world.

ICSW 2025 takes place at a time when civic freedoms are being curtailed in most countries, with civil society under severe attack in 116 of 198 countries and territories and significant attacks on freedoms of expression, association and assembly. Under the theme “Celebrating citizen action: reimagining democracy, rights and inclusion for today’s world”, ICSW 2025 will provide an open space for civil society organisations, activists, human rights defenders, journalists, academics, labour organisers and allies for discussion, collaboration, innovation and action.

Participants in the week’s events include some of the world’s largest international civil society organisations like Oxfam and Amnesty International, as well as many grassroots organisations from across the globe. Topics for discussion range from climate justice to disability rights to artificial intelligence to protecting democracy, protest and freedom of expression.

This year’s events are the first to take place in Thailand. Sessions will take place at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan Campus, while Bangkok’s Mahidol University will host the Youth Assembly. To highlight the vital role of free, independent journalism in safeguarding civic space, this year, Civicus and ADN have launched a new Journalism Fellowship bringing journalists from 16 countries to Bangkok.

Political activist Sonthiya Sawasdee is pressing for a money-laundering investigation into the Gun Jompalang Chuai Su Foundation and its alleged involvement with a government lottery quota of 200,000 tickets.

In a petition filed on Friday with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), Mr Sonthiya argued that the arrangement may constitute money laundering and unfairly benefit the wealthy at the expense of ordinary citizens.

He said the foundation was registered on Feb 5, and the public has been led to believe that social activist Guntouch ‘Gun Jompalang’ Pongpaiboonwet, who has more than 9 million followers on Facebook, holds an executive role in it.

Though his name has been used for fundraising and promotional activities, Mr Guntouch has admitted he was not a chairman or board member of the foundation.

Mr Sonthiya also pointed to Article 39 of the foundation’s charter, which stated that if it is dissolved, its assets would be transferred to the Thamanat Prompow Foundation, run by Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow.

Thamanat and Mr Guntouch have collaborated frequently on relief projects and the activist even had access to a government helicopter used by the ministry.

Mr Guntouch and members of his foundation last week held a news conference to clarify its status, saying the decision to name the Thamanat foundation as a beneficiary was made in haste and had been rescinded. A new foundation has been named as a beneficiary but its name was not disclosed.

The activist also pledged to ensure more transparency in the accounting of the foundation, which has taken in more than 200 million baht in public donations.

Mr Sonthiya urged the Amlo to find out if donations from citizens are transparently managed.

He further questioned reports that the foundation receives a special lottery quota of 200,000 tickets per draw, a privilege far exceeding the allocations given to small vendors and disabled individuals.

Many poor and disabled sellers cannot even access quotas of 2,000 tickets, he said, while some wealthy influential figures make profits by reselling tickets at inflated prices.

He demanded that the Amlo summon both the director of the Government Lottery Office (GLO) and the chairperson of the Thamanat Prompow Foundation for questioning.

Mr Sonthiya said he would also ask the police Central Investigation Bureau to conduct a parallel criminal investigation.

As financial literacy becomes an increasingly vital life skill for Thailand’s younger generations, a new collaboration is setting out to make learning about money both engaging and accessible. The Money Coach, led by renowned financial educator Mr Jakkapong Mespan, also known as ‘Coach Noom’, has partnered with Sea (Thailand)-a leading internet platform provider encompassing Shopee, Garena, and Monee-to launch Money for Teen, a free online financial course designed for secondary-level students and above. Tailored to today’s digital-native learners, the programme features eight practical and comprehensive modules that help students, parents, and educators nationwide build essential money management skills while laying the groundwork for integration into Thailand’s compulsory education system.

The Money for Teen was conceptualised and developed by The Money Coach with the support of Sea (Thailand). The course is designed for students, parents, and teachers to learn and use as a practical tool for teaching financial literacy in a structured way, helping learners understand key concepts in money management and financial planning for the future. The course covers eight core financial concepts, namely, Money Mindsets, Money Spending, Money Budgeting, Money Earning, Money Saving, Money Investing, Money Protection, and Money Goals.

Mr Jakkapong Mespan, also known as ‘Coach Noom’ or The Money Coach, said, ‘Through years of providing financial advice to Thai people, we found the main challenges still revolve around cash flow problems and debt burdens. This reflects a ‘repairing’ approach, which focuses on fixing issues only after they arise but doesn’t lead to lasting solutions. That insight inspired us to shift toward a ‘building’ approach instead, which focuses on creating sustainable financial immunity for Thais from the start. This led to the development of the ‘Money for Teen’ online course, designed to instil financial literacy among secondary school students who begin to form their own perspectives and are ready to learn practical money management skills. The Money for Teen course is also designed to connect with real-life experiences and to help learners set clear financial goals through a 3C learning process: Case, Content, and Challenge – starting with real-life case studies, leading into key learning materials, and concluding with activities or quizzes that encourage learners to think, analyse, and make their own financial decisions, which are considered the foundation of financial literacy.’

Since its launch on 22 August 2025, more than 5,700 learners have enrolled in the Money for Teen course via www.moneycoach.co.th, reflecting the growing demand for financial education among Thailand’s younger generations. The course will also be available on www.SeaAcademy.co to further expand accessibility.

Mrs Puttawan Suphataranant, Corporate Communications Director, Sea (Thailand) emphasised, ‘Financial literacy is a vital life skill that should be nurtured from an early age, forming a crucial foundation for future financial stability. Sea (Thailand) remains committed to promoting financial literacy through accessible and engaging learning tools. Previously, the company introduced the Wishlist Financial Board Game to help young people explore personal finance in a creative and effective way. Building on that success, Sea has collaborated with The Money Coach to launch Money for Teen – a course that makes financial education fun, easy to understand, and practical, with applications both in classrooms and at home. The programme also encourages financial conversations within families while equipping young people with critical thinking, decision-making skills, and a strong financial foundation essential for thriving in a resilient society.’

Money for Teen is not only designed as a learning tool for teenagers but also serves as a vital bridge connecting young people with parents and teachers. It can be effectively utilised for instruction both at home and in schools, helping to instil essential financial literacy and life skills in the next generation. At the same time, it creates valuable opportunities for families to learn and discuss money matters openly, while providing schools with a safe and constructive space for creative and sustainable financial education.”

The launch event of Money for Teen also featured a panel discussion titled ‘Financial Lessons Start Young’, which brought together experts from various sectors to exchange insights on promoting financial literacy within families and expanding the course’s reach to educational institutions nationwide. The panel included Mr Jakkapong Mespan, ‘Coach Noom’; Mrs Puttawan Suphataranant, Corporate Communications Director at Sea (Thailand); Dr Ketthip Suphavanich, Director-General of the Department of Learning Encouragement; Miss Jaroonsri Jabthaisong, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Academic Affairs and Educational Standards, Office of the Basic Education Commission; and special guest influencer Belle – Yupaporn Littiyarn (popularly known as Chujai’s mother), who shared her personal experiences in teaching children about financial concepts.

Dr Ketthip Suphavanich, Director-General of the Department of Learning Encouragement, said, ‘Learning personal financial management from a young age forms a crucial foundation for a quality life. Children who understand the value of money will grow into responsible adults capable of planning and making sound financial decisions. Promoting the Money for Teen course therefore goes beyond simply teaching children about saving and spending; it is about developing financial intelligence as a lifelong skill, enabling them to thrive confidently in the modern world and live happily within a society grounded in moral principles.’

Miss Jaroonsri Jabthaisong, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Academic Affairs and Educational Standards, Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), added, ‘Financial skills not only empower young people to manage their lives effectively but also contribute to long-term economic stability. The Money for Teen course serves as a seed of financial knowledge, helping students learn about money from an early age and build a stable, sustainable financial plan for the future. OBEC plans to expand this course to schools nationwide, encouraging teachers to integrate it into existing subjects or develop it as part of life skills activities, depending on each school’s focus and interests. This approach aims to help students think critically, analyse situations, and apply their knowledge in real life. We believe that instilling financial literacy from an early age is key to building sustainable financial immunity and laying the foundation for a financially disciplined Thai society in the future.’

Sea (Thailand) and The Money Coach also plan to collaborate with the government sector to expand the Money for Teen curriculum nationwide, beginning with a pilot programme in 10 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Discussions are currently under way with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) to extend the programme to schools across all regions of Thailand. Furthermore, an advanced financial course is set to launch in March 2026 for high school students, covering five key topics – credit and loans, investment fundamentals, entrepreneurship, income tax, and risk management – to further deepen their financial knowledge.

Money for Teen not only strengthens the financial capabilities of the next generation but also plays a vital role in building a stable foundation for the future, contributing positively to Thailand’s long-term economic resilience.

Tensions flared on Friday in a sensitive border area of Sa Kaeo province, after ultra-nationalist activist Veera Somkwamkid led a group of people to demand the removal of Cambodian settlers from Thai territory.

Supporters from outside the eastern province, including a busload of veterans from Ang Thong, arrived to join the demonstration at Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district. A backhoe was also on hand.

The Burapha Task Force deployed a company of territorial defence volunteers to seal off access routes about 800 metres from the Cambodian settlement, a source at the border said.

A second company of riot control police was stationed further inside, equipped with anti-riot gear. Behind layers of barbed-wire fencing, Thai army troops were deployed to prevent any potential incursion from either side.

Mr Veera arrived with one backhoe and four tractors, reportedly to be used to demolish houses within the disputed area.

He told supporters he would personally lead the march empty-handed and unarmed, while the heavy machinery would be held back but could be moved in once he gave the order.

The protest escalated around 1pm when Mr Veera and his supporters breached a security barrier near the village of Kamnan Lee, an area within Thai territory that remains hazardous due to the presence of unexploded landmines and reports of Cambodian snipers monitoring developments.

‘If the government won’t act, the people will,’ Mr Veera declared. ‘Don’t blame people for doing what the government has failed to do. How could they let Cambodians stay for 40 years?’

He warned that if martial law were invoked, it should apply to Cambodians first, not to him. ‘If officials try to harm me, I have the right to defend myself,’ he added.

Lt-Gen Adul Bunthamcharoen, the deputy defence minister, warned that any attempt at forced eviction could complicate the situation and impede the military’s efforts to implement the peace agreement, particularly regarding the management of disputed areas and joint demining operations

He stressed that the military must handle the sensitive issue of encroachment through existing mechanisms agreed on by both governments.

Despite repeated warnings from Thai security forces, Mr Veera’s group advanced into the zone, prompting officials to intervene and prevent further movement into the danger area.

Around 100 officers from the Internal Security Operations Command and crowd control units were deployed to maintain order and ensure public safety. Authorities urged protesters to stay on designated paths.

Officials subsequently invited Mr Veera and his group for talks, after which he reportedly said he was satisfied with their explanations.

Six women. One room. Choices that bind them together-yet drive them apart. This is the emotional core of Pride and Prejudice: In Her Room, the latest creation from Aim-ei Polpitak, the visionary director and playwright behind AORTA’s acclaimed Before 2475. As the world celebrates the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth in 2025, Aim-ei returns with a bold reinterpretation of one of literature’s most beloved works-this time, refracted through a distinctly modern lens.

Presented by RCB Experimental Art Lab in collaboration with AORTA, the play transforms Austen’s Pride and Prejudice into an intimate, contemporary experience set entirely within a single room. The confined space becomes both a sanctuary and a battleground, where love, pride, desire, and social expectation collide.

From Regency England to the World of 2025

In Aim-ei’s adaptation, the six Bennet women are no longer figures of the past, but women of today-navigating the pressures, freedoms, and contradictions of modern life. The room they inhabit becomes a living metaphor for the spaces women must negotiate: between independence and duty, hope and disillusionment, love and self-worth.

Pride and Prejudice: In Her Room breathes with the rhythm of contemporary womanhood, yet retains Austen’s sharp humour, emotional candour, and romantic tension. Audiences are invited not merely to observe, but to inhabit the same air as the six characters-to feel their laughter, heartbreak, and longing.

An Immersive Theatrical Experience

The stage design, created by NORSE with furniture by HAY, blends minimalism with a quiet elegance that echoes Austen’s world. Classical undertones meet modern aesthetics, crafting a setting that feels timeless yet unmistakably of the present. Within this minimalist frame, Aim-ei’s direction heightens every gesture and silence, transforming a single room into a world of imagination and intimacy.

The ensemble cast-Jarusri Sukrajun (Jane), Marilyn Kate Gardner (Liz), Orlaneed Hiranpornthanon (Mary), Morakot Liu (Lydia), Natnaree Rerkkriangkrai (Kitty), and Kanthika Uearatanapong (Char)-deliver performances that are heartfelt, humorous, and deeply human. Together, they illuminate the enduring relevance of Austen’s themes through a distinctly Thai sensibility.

Performance Details

Venue: RCB Forum, 2nd Floor, River City Bangkok

Dates: October 24 – November 16, 2025

Showtimes: Fridays 7:00 PM | Saturdays and Sundays 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Tickets: THB 900 | Duration: Approx. 2 hours

Language: Thai (No English subtitles)

Remaining show dates: October 31 – November 16 (Fridays to Sundays). Tickets available at Ticketmelon.

A Celebration of Austen’s Enduring Spirit

Pride and Prejudice: In Her Room is more than an adaptation-it is a conversation across centuries. Through its humour, elegance, and emotional depth, it celebrates not only Jane Austen’s literary genius but also the universal truth of her insight into women’s hearts.

Step into this room, where laughter meets longing, and where love, in all its imperfect forms, still dares to hope.

Authorities have shut down a major online gambling operation, which had around 367 million baht in transactions, and arrested three suspects in the Thai beach town of Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

Led by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), the operation targeted a network linked to the online gambling website Lavabet555, said Pol Maj Gen Chomchawin Purathananon, deputy commander of Provincial Police Region 7, said during a press briefing on Friday.

On Thursday, police executed a search warrant approved by the Hua Hin Provincial Court at a residence in Hua Hin district. They arrested two suspects, identified only as 25-year-old Supachai and 24-year-old Khemana, and seized a personal computer, a laptop, three mobile phones and two bank passbooks.

During questioning, Mr Supachai and Ms Khemana confessed to managing the website, police said.

Further investigation led to the arrest of site administrator Chirapong, 26, at a residence in Pran Buri district, where police seized two computers, five mobile phones, three bank passbooks and five ATM cards.

Investigators said the Lavabet555 platform had been operational since Jan 25, 2022, with total funds in circulation reaching 367.4 million baht.

Authorities are expanding the investigation to pursue additional charges, including money laundering, illegal gambling networks and conspiracy to conduct online betting.

A volunteer has launched his 20th mobile coffee truck project, selling coffee at customer-determined prices to raise funds for schools in remote areas.

Theeradet Nawaphatcharapongsiri, 40, is operating a mobile coffee truck in Nakhon Sawan, Mueang district, aiming to raise 30,000 baht within 30 days for a school in Tha Li district, Loei province.

Any surplus or funds raised ahead of schedule will support an additional underfunded school in Nakhon Sawan. Mr Theeradet said he began volunteer work after his restaurant in Nakhon Sawan was affected by the pandemic. He decided to travel across provinces, helping schools using the pay-what-you-want coffee model.

Customer contributions vary by location, with some paying as little as one or two baht per cup. Mr Theeradet said he has never been upset by small payments, viewing all contributions as valuable regardless of amount. The difference, he said, lies only in how long it takes to reach the fundraising target.

The coffee beans are medium roast from Doi Mae Salong, purchased directly from farmers to support community income, he said.

The coffee cart operates daily from 6am to 2pm at Khlong Yuan in Mueang district of Nakhon Sawan. The project does not accept direct donations; all proceeds come from coffee sales.

Former Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii has returned to club football less than two weeks after being controversially dismissed by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).

The Japanese tactician has been appointed coach of Thai League 1 side BG Pathum United, making the Rabbits his third club in Thailand after successful spells at Samut Prakan City and Buriram United.

Ishii, 58, brings with him plenty of experience in coaching in the J-League with clubs such as Kashima Antlers and Omiya Ardija. He achieved excellent results with Antlers, winning the J-League YBC Levain Cup in 2015, and following that up with the J-League and the Emperor’s Cup in 2016. He also led Kashima to a runners-up finish in the Fifa Club World Cup in 2016.

Ishii began his coaching career in Thailand in 2019 and led Samut Prakan to a sixth-place finish in Thai League 1. He was named Buriram coach in the second leg of the 2021-2022 season and guided the Thunder Castle to two Thai League 1 titles, two FA Cups, and two League Cups in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons.

Ishii took on the role of head coach for the Thai national team in 2023, leading the War Elephants to the last 16 of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 finals in Qatar. He also guided Thailand to the 2024 King’s Cup title and a runners-up spot at this year’s edition.

Ishii’s appointment came at a challenging period for the Rabbits, who have been struggling for consistency this season.

The Rabbits are fifth in the T1 standings after nine games, having already lost three times this season. They are also struggling in the AFC Champions League Two, fighting to make it through the group stage after just three points from three games in Group H.

His first match in charge will be against Chonburi in Thai League 1 on Sunday.

Ishii’s shock dismissal as Thailand coach came just days after he guided the War Elephants to back-to-back victories over Taiwan that revived the team’s hopes of reaching the 2027 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.

Englishman Anthony Hudson, the U23 technical director, was named as his replacement.

Venue change

The 33rd Southeast Asian Games men’s football Group A matches will be played at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium instead of Tinsulanonda Stadium in Songkhla due to security reasons.

The programme has also been reshuffled, with Group A matches now taking place on Dec 4, 7 and 11 to avoid clashing with the opening ceremony, which will take place at the stadium on Dec 9. Group A games were previously scheduled to take place on Dec 1, 5 and 9.

Thailand are in Group A along with Cambodia and Timor-Leste.

All Black attire

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has sent a letter to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Asean Football Federation (AFF) asking for permission to change the national team kit to all black as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

The FAT also requested a minute’s silence to be observed before all domestic league games and Thailand’s matches.

The national team will return to action during the Nov 10-18 Fifa Day, with a warm-up match against Singapore on Nov 13 and an Asian Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Nov 18.

It appears that Thai authorities are under a serious misconception about negotiations with the US on rare earths if they think they will get tariff relief from those negotiations. Instead, it is more likely that the US will threaten to hike tariffs to 30%, 50% or even more if Thailand does not agree to Trump’s demands on rare earths.

Realistically, Thailand has virtually no leverage on the issue, largely because Thailand has almost no alternatives to acceding to Trump’s terms. Neither China nor Russia has any need for Thailand’s rare earths, and the market for rare earths in Western Europe and elsewhere is not very large.

Thus, all the leverage is on Trump’s side. By now, everyone should realise that he is determined to maximise the use of his power as part of his commitment to put the interests of America first, even if that results in harming long-time friends such as Thailand.

George Rothschild

Feeling unwelcome

Re: “Former tourism boss touts measures for 2026 comeback”, (Business, Oct 22).

The media is full of stories about the economic impact of the lack of tourists. Allow me to share mine.

I have had a retirement visa for 20 years. My wife and I have lived well, eating and drinking, and spending money in the local economy during the rainy and low seasons.

Recently, Immigration is turning on us regarding bank accounts. After 20 years of living in the same house, we are still treated like this. Other countries are now welcoming, and so many friends have gone to Vietnam who welcome them.

Clif Snow

Govt lacks vision

Re: “Data centre dangers”, (Opinion, Oct 29).

This editorial brings up important considerations for Thailand. We were just informed that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) is shuttering and postponing electricity-generating capacity due to weak demand. If Thailand is also considering becoming a data centre hub in Southeast Asia, one can assume this is a case of poor government coordination of policy planning among stakeholders.

This is not surprising for a newbie PM. Unfortunately, PM Anutin Charnvirakul succeeded six newbie prime ministers, and among them, the longest-serving prime minister lasted just over a year (Paetongtarn Shinawatra). Some were in office for a few days as acting prime minister, or for a couple of months for those few who got the boot.

Prior to that, Thailand had a military man in office who, frankly, was not abreast of the times, lacked vision, and led a rather moribund government that accomplished little.

To walk into the future and meet challenges, it is abundantly clear that a new charter needs to be established, created by forward-thinking individuals that will allow younger generations to participate enthusiastically and fairly. The concepts of permanent secretaries and an appointed senate need to be rethought, and the government needs a better structural system of checks and balances. If Anutin accomplishes nothing else, he should prepare the country to vote on a new constitution.

Three real estate associations have asked the next government to extend the lease period for residential properties from 30 years to 60 years, as a new generation of potential homebuyers can no longer afford to purchase them.

Prasert Taedullayasatit, president of the Thai Condominium Association, said extending the leasehold period would enable tenants to obtain mortgages covering up to 100% of the property value, compared with the current 60-70%.

“For many people who cannot afford to buy a home, long-term leasing is a practical alternative,” he said.

“However, most do not have sufficient savings to secure financing for long leases.”

Mr Prasert said the current 30-year lease term, which typically can be renewed for another 30 years, does not qualify for mortgages as easily as a single 60-year lease. A 60-year lease offers security comparable to freehold ownership, he said.

This proposal is in addition to several others already submitted to the current government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

As the Anutin administration is focusing on cost-of-living issues and is expected to dissolve parliament early next year, the associations plan to submit this request to the next government, said Mr Prasert.

“The proposal to extend the lease period could be considered controversial and politically sensitive. It may affect voter sentiment, so the current government is unlikely to act on it before the election,” he said.

“This proposal would be more appropriate for the next, more stable administration to consider.”

Other proposals previously submitted to the government include expanding the eligibility for reduced transfer and mortgage fees beyond residential units priced up to 7 million baht, allowing all price levels but with the fee waiver capped at the first 7 million baht of the property’s value, said Sunthorn Sathaporn, president of the Housing Business Association.

The associations also urged policymakers to cut the policy interest rate by 0.25-0.5 percentage points, extending the reduction to real lending rates in order to strengthen purchasing power.

In addition, the groups recommended the government provide mortgage guarantees to help homebuyers access financing and reduce rejection rates.

To ease the financial burden on the public, the associations also advised a 50% reduction in land and building taxes for 1-2 years.

The two associations and the Thai Real Estate Association are holding the House and Condo Expo at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center until Nov 2, featuring more than 1,000 projects nationwide worth over 700 billion baht from 150 developers. The organisers expect 4 billion baht in sales from the four-day event.