Category: The Bangkok Post

Thailand is securing long-term public health resilience and vaccine security while fostering partnerships in South Korea’s biomedical sector, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says.

The premier yesterday held talks with Ahn Jaeyong, CEO of SK bioscience Co Ltd, and Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, at the Commodore Gyeongju Hotel, South Korea, said government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat.

During the meeting, Mr Anutin recalled that during his tenure as public health minister in 2022, he had begun discussing a collaboration between the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO), the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) and SK bioscience, Mr Siripong said.

Thailand is looking to reinforce vaccine security and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers by promoting the country’s self-sufficiency in vaccine production, particularly elevating the GPO’s manufacturing capacity and ensuring that locally produced vaccines are affordable and widely accessible, he said.

To prepare for future public health crises, Thailand is looking to develop key vaccines, he said.

The prime minister anticipated that the collaboration between the GPO and SK bioscience would allow Thailand to produce vaccines within 100 days of a disease outbreak, the government spokesman said.

This would help lower vaccine costs and give people, especially elderly people, those with underlying diseases and pregnant women, timely access to critical medicine, he said.

SK bioscience’s CEO, meanwhile, expressed confidence that a joint venture with the GPO would facilitate technology transfer and vaccine production knowledge, Mr Siripong said.

Mr Ahn said he believed it would help Thailand achieve its production goals, Mr Siripong added.

He also thanked Mr Anutin for his suggestion in expanding vaccine development to strengthen both national and regional vaccine security, Mr Siripong noted.

Founded in 2005, SK bioscience is headquartered in Seongnam-si city of Gyeonggi-do and operates two main facilities: the Pangyo R and D Centre and the Andong L-HOUSE vaccine plant, which meets EU-GMP international standards, Mr Siripong said.

The company produces key vaccines, certified by the World Health Organization, for influenza, chickenpox, shingles and typhoid, he said.

SK bioscience also serves as a contract development and manufacturing organisation and contract manufacturing organisation for other companies, he noted.

Julapun Amornvivat, a former deputy finance minister, has been elected as the new Pheu Thai Party leader, securing 354 out of 369 votes, with 15 abstentions.

The meeting, chaired by acting party leader Chusak Sirinil, was convened on Friday at Pheu Thai’s headquarters in Bangkok to elect a new executive committee and a candidate selection committee for future general elections.

Mr Julapun, a Chiang Mai MP, becomes the ninth leader of Pheu Thai, receiving 354 votes in his favour, with 15 abstentions.

He replaces former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin Shinawatra’s youngest daughter, who recently stepped down to pave the way for a major party shake-up aimed at restoring public confidence and boosting the party’s popularity ahead of the upcoming general election scheduled for March 29 next year.

Ms Paetongtarn also attended the party’s general assembly.

Mr Julapun, 50, thanked his party members for entrusting him and the new 29-member executive committee with the responsibility of steering the party forward. He described the appointment as the greatest honour of his political career.

‘I have been with Pheu Thai since the Thai Rak Thai era, and over the past 25 years, I’ve worked alongside this political movement through both triumphs and challenges,” Mr Julapun said. “It has never been a path paved with roses, but we have endured.’

He pledged to overhaul the party, starting with improving communication with the public and ensuring swift, transparent messaging. He also emphasised the importance of selecting high-quality MP candidates who reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.

‘Our policies must directly address the concerns of the public. It is not an easy task, but I believe that with the support of our members and the tens of millions of people who stand behind us, Pheu Thai can win the next election and return to government,’ said the new party leader.

Mr Julapun holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Chulalongkorn University and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Boston College, USA.

He previously served as deputy finance minister under the Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn administrations between 2023 and 2025. From 2021 to 2025, he also served as Pheu Thai deputy leader.

The new Pheu Thai leader, who is the son of veteran politician Sompong Amornvivat, has been elected as an MP for Chiang Mai for five consecutive terms since 2005, initially under the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, then the People Power Party and later Pheu Thai.

During the general assembly, veteran politician Prasert Jantararuangtong was appointed party secretary-general, while Suksit Srichomkwan was named party spokesperson.

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.

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 & 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.

Asset management companies (AMCs) expect roughly 50% of special mention (SM) loans to continue to deteriorate into non-performing loans (NPLs) over the next three years.

SM loans — defined as debt overdue for more than 60 days but not exceeding 90 days — amount to 1.25 trillion baht in the entire banking system. Of this amount, 849 billion baht comes from business loans, while the remaining 402 billion originates from the household sector, according to Rak Vorrakitpokatorn, chief executive of Bangkok Commercial Asset Management (BAM), the country’s largest AMC.

“If the Bank of Thailand’s debt relief measures expire, around 50% of SM loans could turn into NPLs,” he said.

“As a result, a substantial volume of bad debt may be transferred to AMCs over the next three years.”

Thailand has 86 AMCs managing a combined total of about 1 trillion baht in NPLs.

Commercial banks hold around 520 billion baht in NPLs, while specialised financial institutions account for 330 billion baht.

Suthirak Traichira-Aporn, chief executive of JMT Network Services, a debt collection and management company, said he projects around 10% of SM loans to reach NPL status next year.

“If debt assistance measures are withdrawn, the migration rate could exceed 10% and potentially reach 50%,” he said.

JMT specialises in consumer and unsecured loans, which account for 92% of the NPLs under its management. The remaining 8% consists of secured loans, mainly mortgage-related.

According to JMT, SM loans in the consumer segment have risen steadily, from 383 billion baht in the first quarter of 2024 to 416 billion in the fourth quarter.

However, in 2025 SMs have declined slightly, dropping from 414 billion baht in the first quarter to 403 billion in the second quarter, noted the company.

With the continued rise in consumer NPLs, JMT allocated 2 billion baht in fresh capital for bad debt acquisitions next year.

The company expects auto loan NPL sales to increase, reflecting the growing fragility of that business segment.

In addition, Mr Suthirak revealed JMT is in discussions with several major local banks about establishing new joint venture AMCs (JV-AMCs).

However, he said the company is awaiting the central bank’s revised regulations on JV-AMC conditions before making any commitments.

JMT operates JK AMC, a joint venture with Kasikornbank (KBank), which manages individual bad debts from KBank’s portfolio.

In the second quarter of 2025, JK AMC reported increased cash collections to 865 million baht, up from 835 million the previous quarter, according to JMT’s financial statement filed with the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

In a celebration of ambition and educational vision, Brighton College Bangkok officially opened its newly completed Sixth Form Centre, a dynamic space created to inspire independent thinking and academic excellence among senior pupils. The launch drew an impressive gathering of distinguished guests, parents, staff and pupils who came together to mark this significant milestone in the College’s journey. More than just a new building, the Sixth Form Centre represents Brighton’s continued investment in the future – a place where young people are encouraged to think boldly, lead with kindness and prepare for success at the world’s top universities.

The opening ceremony highlighted Brighton College’s vision to provide an environment where pupils can develop the Curiosity, Confidence and Kindness that define the Brighton ethos. Guests were given an exclusive tour of the Centre, featuring modern collaborative learning spaces, study lounges and guidance areas that mirror the design philosophy of Brighton College.

Empowering pupils for global success

The Sixth Form at Brighton College Bangkok offers far more than academic preparation. Pupils receive individualised university guidance through a joint team of UK and Thailand counsellors, ensuring that every student benefits from the expertise of both local and international advisors. This dual approach helps each pupil identify the best-fit university and prepare competitive applications for leading institutions worldwide.

As part of the Brighton experience, Sixth Form pupils also participate in an exclusive UK University Guidance Trip, where they visit Brighton College in the UK, meet their peers and explore top university campuses such as Cambridge, Imperial College and King’s College London. This journey deepens their understanding of the Brighton DNA – a philosophy rooted in intellectual curiosity, creativity, and compassion.

Developing leadership and purpose

Brighton’s Sixth Form experience is designed to nurture leadership and independence. Pupils have the opportunity to serve as Head Pupils and House Captains, leading initiatives that shape the school community. They also gain exposure to global issues through participation in the Model United Nations (MUN), Medical Conferences, developing their own community outreach initiatives and other academic enrichment programmes that foster critical thinking and collaboration.

Excellent exam results

This academic year, Brighton College Bangkok celebrated record-breaking examination results at both A Level and IGCSE, reaffirming its position as one of Thailand’s leading international schools. Pupils achieved an exceptional proportion of top-band grades, with a significant number earning A* and A results across multiple subjects. Many of the College’s Sixth Form graduates have taken up places at some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, King’s College London, the University of Warwick, the University of Durham, Emory University, Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University and Thammasat University. These results highlight not only the academic strength of Brighton pupils but also the College’s unwavering commitment to nurturing ambition, resilience, and global-minded excellence.

Upcoming opportunities to discover more

Brighton College Bangkok welcomes families to experience its distinctive Sixth Form education through upcoming events:

A Chinese man has been arrested on charges of selling contraband cigarettes from China after police seized 65,000 packs in raids on a secret room at his residence and a deserted building in Bangkok.

The untaxed goods worth 6 million baht were the biggest lot of smuggled Chinese cigarettes that Thai police had ever seized, Pol Maj Gen Thatphum Jarupat, commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division, said on Thursday.

The suspect, identified as Fang Weixin, 34, was apprehended on Wednesday when officers raided two locations in Bangkok.

The first location was a house in Ratchadaphisek Soi 10 in Huai Khwang district, where officers found 20,000 cigarette packs in 40 boxes. The goods had been hidden in an underground room, Pol Maj Gen Thatphum said. Computers and mobile phones were also found there.

The second location was a deserted commercial building in Lat Phrao Soi 23 in Chatuchak district. Police found another 45,000 packs in 90 boxes. (Story continues below)

The police investigation, coordinated by the Excise Department and the Tobacco Authority of Thailand, revealed that Mr Fang was an administrator of a Telegram group that had over 4,000 members.

The suspect admitted he had been selling the goods through the Telegram group and TikTok platform, advertising quality shipping services, Pol Maj Gen Thatphum said. Police monitoring the Ratchadaphisek residence reported many delivery riders arriving daily to pick up items there.

The suspect reportedly told police that he had a Chinese boss who lives in Cambodia and has a company in Phnom Penh, engaged in advertising and shipping as well as smuggling.

Mr Fang claimed he earned a salary of 50,000 baht a month plus commission for selling the contraband cigarettes, and he had been doing the job for a year, Pol Maj Gen Thatphum said.

The Excise Department estimated the tax losses from the smuggling at 4 million baht. Under the Excise Act, it can fine offenders anywhere from 5 to 20 times the amount lost. In this case, it would propose a fine of 60 million baht, police said.

The investigation is continuing to determine if the case is linked to any scam gangs in Cambodia, Pol Maj Gen Thatphum said.