Can Trump achieve eternal peace in Gaza?

Past wars in the Middle East have not only brought immense human suffering but also created new paths toward peace. The same holds for the war in and around Gaza. Israel and the United States have significantly, and perhaps decisively, weakened the so-called Axis of Resistance — led, financed, and armed by Iran — and Iran’s nuclear programme. The leaders of Hezbollah (in Lebanon) and Hamas (in Gaza) have been eliminated, and the Assad regime in Syria has been overthrown. The Middle East is now a different place, and Iran and its Axis of Resistance are among the biggest losers.

The war in Gaza is over, at least for now. All living hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7, 2023, have returned to Israel. Gaza may be almost completely destroyed, but for the moment, formal hostilities have ceased. Given the magnitude of the humanitarian tragedy there, that alone is a big achievement. US President Donald Trump and his negotiators deserve thanks and recognition for their achievement.

But the more difficult part of the journey, the project of establishing what Mr Trump calls “eternal” peace, still lies ahead. The situation demands bold political decisions on all sides — not just rhetorical gestures, but real changes on the ground — and these must come quickly. Moreover, a workable roadmap must be agreed if peace in the Middle East, or even conflict management, is to have any chance.

Peace will come only if the two peoples who each claim the same land are willing to reconcile. Are there majorities in Israel for that, or on the Palestinian side? Can Mr Trump force both sides to stay the course, and will the US have the endurance to see it through? Without all parties committing to a lasting renunciation of violence and a return to mutual recognition of each other’s right to exist — in other words, a return to the Oslo Accords — there can be no peace. Is that possible with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has rejected a two-state solution?

The most immediate need is for a political process with a timeline and agreed-upon steps. Without that, there will be no peace, nor any willingness on the part of the international community to finance Gaza’s reconstruction — which is another urgent priority.

What will become of the two million Palestinians in Gaza without housing or health care? It does not bode well for the future that an overwhelmingly young population has been deprived of jobs, education, and training. It is the perfect breeding ground for radical Islamists like Hamas or other terrorist groups that are antithetical to the cause of peace.

But who will govern and administer Gaza, or provide security and disarm Hamas? Who on the Palestinian side can turn the diplomatic fiction of a “State of Palestine” into the reality of a peaceful and secure neighbour of Israel? And to what extent would such a state need to be demilitarised? Arab governments are unlikely to commit themselves materially or politically to a roadmap that lacks a credible process for creating a Palestinian state — even though the war in Gaza has shown that an unresolved Palestinian question can have long-term, threatening consequences for them as well.

Then there is Israel. Is the current government prepared to agree to the partition of the historical Mandate territory of Palestine — including the West Bank and Gaza? What about the exceedingly difficult question of Jerusalem, and the even more complicated question of the Temple Mount? Precisely because this region, and Jerusalem in particular, has always been bound up with the three Abrahamic religions — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — representatives of each will always play a decisive role in political negotiations. Especially toward the end of possible peace talks, religious messages and promises from the highest authorities (and how they are interpreted) will be key.

If Mr Trump truly means what he says, he has assumed a tremendous burden. He campaigned on a promise to end America’s role as the world’s policeman, yet now he is taking on what is arguably the most difficult challenge in contemporary international politics. The US, with its immense power, is the only power that has a chance of succeeding. But does Mr Trump have the patience and stamina the task requires? Failure would plunge the Middle East into even deeper turmoil. Europe, the region’s neighbour, should always keep that in mind.

BDMS Advances Lifespan Care Through Precision Medicine

Amid rapid progress in medical science and the growing importance of personalised treatment, the BDMS Academic Annual Meeting 2025 will spotlight advances in healthcare across all stages of life – from prevention to precision-based care. The five-day event, organised by Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), will take place from 3-7 November 2025 at the BDMS Connect Center on Wireless Road, with both onsite and online participation available.

Now in its 20th year, the conference continues to serve as a vital platform for professional development and knowledge exchange among healthcare practitioners nationwide.

Dr Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth, Group CEO of BDMS and Chairperson of the conference, said the theme ‘Striving for Healthcare Excellence Across the Lifespan: From Prevention to Precision Medicine’ reflects the evolving landscape of modern healthcare, where personalised treatment based on genetics, environment and lifestyle is playing an increasingly significant role.

‘Our goal is to strengthen capabilities in providing comprehensive healthcare throughout every stage of life, while also supporting the long-term sustainability of health systems,’ Dr Poramaporn said.

The event will bring together leading medical experts from Thailand and abroad, featuring sessions across multiple disciplines including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy and radiologic technology. Participants will also explore emerging innovations and medical technologies shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

Panel split over two border MoUs

People’s Party (PP) MP Piyarat Chongthep, spokesman for the extraordinary committee reviewing MoU 43 (2000) and MoU 44 (2001) concerning border demarcation with Cambodia, said the committee has yet to reach a conclusion on whether to cancel the agreements.

Opinions within the committee are split on MoU 43 — with one side favouring amendments, while the other supports cancellation. However, no consensus has been reached, Mr Piyarat said.

As for MoU 44, some members want to retain it while others call for its cancellation, he said, adding further meetings are required. Mr Piyarat said cancellation is a difficult choice, as any repeal would require clear public communication while certain information remains classified.

On whether the review of both documents could lead to a public referendum, Mr Piyarat said the possibility can be considered once the study of MoU 44 is complete. If a referendum is held, the main challenge will be how to provide the public with clear information without compromising national interests, so that voters can make an informed decision.

He said if it is agreed that the MoUs can serve as a negotiation framework, they could remain in place until a new and improved framework is established.

“For example, if we decide the 1:200,000-scale map mentioned in MoU 43 is not reliable, then what should the new proposal be?” Mr Piyarat said.

He added that allowing the use of alternative map scales could be part of an open negotiation framework.

Details from the Treaties Department, armed forces, and other state agencies will be compiled before the committee pens its full report, which is expected by early December.

“The committee must first clarify what damage cancellation might cause — or what benefits it might bring — before deciding how to communicate this to the public,” he said. “Our biggest concern is ensuring the public receives comprehensive information.”

Thamanat invited to clarify alleged scammer links

A House committee has invited Deputy Prime Minister Thamanat Prompow to clarify his alleged links to foreign businessman Benjamin Mauerberger, who has been implicated in one of the region’s largest online scam operations.

People’s Party MP Rangsiman Rome, chairman of the House Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy and National Reform, said several other high-profile figures had also been summoned to testify on Thursday.

In addition to Thamanat, they include Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, former deputy finance minister Vorapak Tanya­wong, and Varah Sucharitakul, vice-chairman of the board of Finansia X Plc.

Mr Vorapak resigned from the cabinet earlier this month after the investigative news site Whale Hunting documented cryptocurrency payments made to his wife in connection with an attempt to take over the SET-listed brokerage Finansia.

Mr Rangsiman said the committee is seeking clarification on their alleged connections with Mr Mauerberger, a South African fixer with close ties to senior Cambodian business and political figures linked to the scam industry.

‘No one else can speak on their behalf. Only those directly involved can clarify the nature of these relationships,’ Mr Rangsiman said.

‘They may think they’re beyond Thai law, but they cannot escape global justice.

He criticised state agencies for inaction on the threat posed by scam gangs, asking why they have not taken any action despite having copious infortmation on political figures allegedly linked to criminal networks.

‘Why must the opposition bear the burden of proof when the authorities already have the evidence?’ he asked.

Mr Rangsiman said he is willing to cooperate with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul if asked to provide information, while urging the government to work with his committee the same way.

He said he had also invited Mr Anutin to speak before the committee.

Turning critical minerals into real value

Thailand’s newly signed memorandum of understanding with the United States on critical minerals is more than a diplomatic milestone — it is a potential inflection point for our industrial future.

The agreement, which promotes cooperation and investment across the full value chain of critical minerals, comes at a time when global supply chains are being rewired for resilience, sustainability and geopolitical balance.

For Thailand, the opportunity is clear. The world’s transition to electric mobility, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing depends on secure supplies of key minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earths. At the same time, major economies are seeking reliable partners beyond the current centres of supply.

If we play our cards right, Thailand can position itself not as a mere exporter of raw resources but as a regional processing and manufacturing hub that captures the real value in the chain.

The MoU explicitly emphasises investment and domestic value-added industries — a crucial distinction. It signals that this partnership is not about digging and shipping ore; it’s about building capability.

Thailand already has comparative advantages: a solid industrial base, a skilled workforce, robust logistics and growing demand from our own electric vehicle (EV) and battery sectors. With the right policies, these strengths can translate into a new pillar of economic growth.

There are strong reasons for optimism. American and allied investors are seeking stable jurisdictions with transparent regulations and good infrastructure — qualities Thailand already offers.

Joint ventures in refining, battery materials processing and recycling could bring high-quality jobs and significant technology transfer. If linked strategically to the Eastern Economic Corridor and our national EV roadmap, these projects can anchor entire new industries.

But opportunity and execution are not the same thing. The real challenge will be governance. To ensure long-term benefits, Thailand must demand smart investment, not just fast investment. That means structuring fiscal incentives tied to real local value creation — processing capacity, skilled employment, technology sharing — rather than open-ended tax breaks.

It also means insisting on environmental and social safeguards that meet international standards, ensuring that we have a “green” minerals sector that truly supports a green economy.

Equally, we must think strategically about competitiveness. The global race for critical minerals is intensifying, and investors have choices across Asean and beyond. Thailand can distinguish itself through regulatory predictability, efficient permitting and an explicit national strategy that links minerals to manufacturing, not extraction alone.

The MoU also reinforces Thailand’s geopolitical value. In an era of supply-chain realignment, our ability to act as a trusted, neutral and capable production base enhances not only trade prospects but also strategic resilience.

Diversifying partnerships with the US, China, India, Japan, Korea and others reduces vulnerability and strengthens Thailand’s long-term bargaining position.

The bottom line is that this partnership can create high-value growth — if we approach it with foresight. Critical minerals are not just commodities; they are the foundation of 21st-century industries. Countries that control not only the resources but also the refining and recycling capabilities will control the future of clean energy, digital technology and electric transport.

Thailand has a window of opportunity to climb that value chain. The MoU with the United States opens the door — but the strategy we design at home will decide whether we walk through it as a supplier, or as a leader.

Work Life Festival 2025 Returns to Address Career and Financial Challenges

Future Trends and aomMONEY are organising Work Life Festival 2025, a comprehensive career and finance event covering work skills, wealth management, well-being and networking, on November 7-8 at Samyan Mitrtown Hall.

The festival is supported by Bank of Ayudhya, JobThai, OPPO Thailand, Binance TH, Bangkok Life Assurance PCL, FutureSkill, Aestheta Clinic, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Samyan Mitrtown, MedPark Hospital, ZipEvent, BeWell, and Salana.

Responding to Workforce Changes

Thanachot Wisuttismarn, chief executive of LikeMe and founder of Future Trends, said workers face unprecedented challenges, including AI displacement, rapid industry changes, and insufficient income from regular employment.

“The future of work requires multiple income streams, maintaining a portfolio as an employee, creator, investor or mentor, while working intelligently with AI as a tool,” Mr Thanachot said. “This year’s festival aims to provide growth opportunities in both career and finance.”

Programme Highlights

Work Life Festival 2025 Returns to Address Career and Financial Challenges

The festival features two main stages with over 40 sessions and 50 expert speakers:

SkillForce Stage – “Skill Roadmap Revolution” featuring CEOs, AI specialists, HR experts, and strategists, including Anontawong Marukpitak (SVP of People, LINE MAN Wongnai), Dr Permsit Lamprasitipon (psychologist and founder, Modular Consulting), and Sarun Kungbunpot (head of talent management at a leading financial institution) to help participants become irreplaceable in the AI era.

Make Rich Stage – “Riding the Next Wave to Riches” with investment icons, financial planners, new-generation finance creators, business leaders, and specialists, including Kasidis Satangmongkol (digital writer and data analyst, DataRockie), Wiwan Tharahirunchote (adviser, Thai Financial Planners Association), Kavee Chukitkasem (value investor), and Tiwa Shintadapong (Thai Investors Association).

Exhibition Zones

Work Life Festival 2025 Returns to Address Career and Financial Challenges

SkillForce Expo – Products and services for skills development

Future Jobs Expo – Over 40 high-growth companies offering positions with salaries starting from 25,000 baht.

Tax Expo – Investment and wealth-building insights with the Stock Exchange of Thailand

Work Syndrome Expo – Wellness activities for professionals

Wealth Zone by SET – Fund selection guidance tailored to individual lifestyles

Thailand studies commercial drones for air transport

Thai government agencies have joined forces to promote the commercial use of drones for air transport and delivery innovations.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob on Wednesday presided over the launch of “The New Era of Drone Delivery” event at National Telecom (NT) headquarters in Bangkok.

The two ministries are working with state-owned NT and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) on the initiative.

Mr Phiphat said the partnership is a milestone in modernising Thailand’s air transport system for the digital age.

“Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are becoming a new backbone of logistics, enabling faster delivery of parcels, medicines, and essential goods, particularly in remote areas where ground transport is limited,” he said.

He said technological development must progress alongside clear, up-to-date regulations to ensure safety, transparency and accountability.

The Transport Ministry called on the CAAT to establish safety and security standards before drones are allowed for commercial use in public spaces, with the aim of preventing illegal activities such as drug trafficking.

Mr Phiphat said drone technology will play a vital role in building a smart transport ecosystem, enhancing people’s quality of life, cutting business costs, and driving sustainable national growth under a transparent and secure framework.

He said the partnership marks the beginning of a “National Drone Ecosystem”, integrating cooperation from the government, state enterprises, and the private sector to set robust standards for safe, transparent, and beneficial use in healthcare, logistics, agriculture, and public services, fostering a sustainable digital economy.

Mr Chaichanok said the collaboration showcases the integration between digital and transport infrastructure that will pave the way for the transition to “smart mobility”.

He said NT has developed an Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) platform and a communication network on the 700 MHz band for real-time drone tracking.

Three teens held after young couple shot dead over bike

Police have arrested three teenagers aged 14-16 after a young couple were shot dead after refusing to hand over their motorcycle on a local beach in Muang district of this southern province.

The victims, a 22 year-old man and an 18-year-old woman, were found dead on Oct 29 at 2.30am at Narathat Beach in tambon Bang Nak. The man had been shot twice in the chest and head, and the woman once in the chest. Their Honda Giorno motorcycle was missing from the scene.

Officers initially detained the three teens at a checkpoint for having no documents and mismatched licence plates for the motorcycle they were riding, according to a deputy inspector at the Muang Narathiwat station.

CCTV footage and witness statements matched the description of the three teenagers, leading investigators to a house in Ra-ngae district. There they found the victims’ motorcycle with stickers and plates removed, along with a black Yamaha GT125 motorcycle and a 9mm pistol used in the shooting.

During questioning, the suspects admitted they had ridden two motorcycles from Ra-ngae district but were stopped at a checkpoint and had one vehicle seized due to lack of documentation and incorrect plates.

The three then rode together into Narathiwat town, where they spotted the couple relaxing in a hammock under pine trees near a naga statue. Police said the teenagers approached and asked for the motorcycle, saying they found it attractive. When the couple refused, the suspects shot the man, killing him instantly.

As the woman fled, the assailants pursued and shot her twice until she collapsed. They then stole the motorcycle and escaped.

All three suspects are in custody at the Muang Narathiwat police station.

Bangkok Music Society honours Queen Mother with Fauré’s Requiem

This coming Saturday at 4.30pm in Christ Church on Convent Road, the Bangkok Music Society Choir will perform Requiem In D Minor by Gabriel Fauré, known for its serene and gentle character, in gratitude for the life of HM Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who sadly passed away last Friday.

The work was first performed in 1888 in Paris where Fauré was an organist for many years. He wrote the music for the Catholic Mass of the Dead leaving out the parts that express fear and wrath of death, instead including only those words which see the departure of this life as a happy deliverance, an aspiration towards new happiness, rather than as a painful experience. He did this, also, by changing some of the texts to make the meaning more universal. The two final movements, Libera Me (Deliver Me) and In Paradisum (Into Paradise), are from the burial service and not the customary Requiem Mass. While mostly ignored during the composer’s lifetime, performances of this Requiem became widespread from the 1940s and has been a popular means of consolation for millions ever since.

This concert is the first of this season for BMS Choir and also their first with conductor Simon Green as new music director. Joining them in this moving and loving farewell for the late Queen Sirikit will be other singers who have responded to the “Come And Sing” invitation.

Registrations are open until noon on Saturday for those who already know the work or are competent sight readers. Rehearsals start at 1pm. A small chamber orchestra will accompany, together with the church pipe organ, played by Morakot Cherdchu-gnarm.

There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome. To join the show as singers, visit shorturl.at/VO0aO.

A lifelong volunteer

From the day Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother was crowned in 1950, she was the greatest supporter of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej as his reign began in the same year. The Queen Mother always accompanied His Majesty on royal duties in many provinces across Thailand, near and far.

Especially in 1956, when King Bhumibol entered the monkhood and Queen Sirikit was appointed Regent, she performed all royal duties on behalf of the King. Since then, she tirelessly devoted herself to the nation.

Upon their permanent return from Switzerland to Thailand in 1951, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit worked endlessly for their subjects, making royal visits to communities far and wide, addressing misery and hardship, and bringing a long period of peace to the country.

Queen Sirikit herself set up a number of royal initiatives, reaching into every nook and cranny of people’s lives. With compassion, devotion and self-sacrifice, she was truly a role model of volunteerism as seen from many of her projects.

Environment

Queen Sirikit expressed unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for Thai people. She notably contributed to environmental stewardship, dedicating efforts to forest restoration and the promotion of human-forest co-existence.

During an audience at Dusit Palace on Aug 12, 1979, Queen Sirikit said: “To be honest, my father’s words in childhood always encourage me to serve my country. The King also reminds me that we are indebted to our nation. As a result, contribute something as if in debt.”

Queen Sirikit observed that deforestation led to man-made disasters including drought, soil erosion and crop failure which caused a great deal of suffering to people in remote areas. Her royal projects Pa Rak Nam (Forests Love Water) and Ban Lek Nai Pa Yai (Small House In The Big Forest) were launched to promote environmental conservation and livelihood.

Pa Rak Nam started in Song Dao district, Sakon Nakorn, on Dec 20, 1982, later expanding across the Northeast. Under the project, villages were established for the destitute to live and, at the same time, look after forests. For example, Queen Sirikit donated her personal funds to villagers in Baan Nong Phai, Sawang Daen Din district, Sakon Nakorn, for their protection of nature.

Ban Lek Nai Pa Yai was initiated when Queen Sirikit made a visit to Baan Huai Mai Hok, Om Koi district, Chiang Mai, on March 4, 1992, out of concern that deforestation and hunting would cause irreparable damage to the flora and fauna. Her initiative sought to promote people’s livelihood, environmental conservation and forest restoration to bring about human-nature co-existence.

Queen Sirikit also initiated highland agricultural development centres in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Nan. The project covered forest restoration, wildfire prevention, land management, and soil and water conservation, among others. She also kicked off exemplary farms to provide jobs for the unemployed. Efforts begun at Baan Khun Tae, Chom Thong district, Chiang Mai, in 1997, later expanding across the country.

Culture

During royal visits, Her Majesty took note of craftsmanship in each region — local wisdom that was passed through generations — at the risk of vanishing. It would be a huge loss if it had not been supported.

At an audience in Dusit Palace on Aug 11, 1992, Queen Sirikit said: “I always accompany the King on royal visits to provide relief to disaster-hit areas, which he noted is only a short-term measure. Despite the government’s policies to expand access to education, farmers rely on their children as their household workforce, depriving them of educational opportunities. Many left school after Prathom Suksa 4 [4th Grade] to support family.”

The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand (Support Foundation) was established in 1976. Training programmes enabled villagers to earn a supplementary income without having to abandon farming. Queen Sirikit not only spearheaded the organisation, but also got involved in every stage of work, including interviewing trainees herself.

Headquartered at Chitralada Palace, the Support Foundation oversaw centres across the country, offering 26 training programmes ranging from weaving and carving to sculpture.

Queen Sirikit said: “Accompany the King on royal visits, I realised that Thais are of high artistic calibre, no matter how far from the capital. All the colours and intricate patterns are created by local people. I truly admire them for inheriting national art, even those who do not have any knowledge of handicrafts. In fact, they have artistic blood. Despite having a short training, they could produce art miraculously. Thais are the reservoir of heritage. Just give them a chance to shine.”

Through the Support Foundation, Queen Sirikit’s tireless devotion enabled farmers to enjoy a better quality of life, and, at the same time, preserve Thai culture for good.

Public health

At Chitralada Palace in 1988, Queen Sirikit was quoted as saying: “Health matters because it is the foundation of all living things. As the saying goes, a healthy mind in a healthy body. Healthy citizens have the ability to study, work and contribute to national progress. It is not wrong to say that they will build a strong nation.”

Queen Sirikit was compassionate and caring. During her royal visits, she asked doctors in attendance to check the health of citizens who were waiting to receive her, and forward those who were unwell to provincial hospitals. In some cases, people were hospitalised in Bangkok.

In 1969, the royal medical unit project was launched to support those in remote areas. For those receiving treatment in Bangkok, Queen Sirikit also sent volunteers to offer encouragement. For those with an incurable condition, she offered scholarship or handicrafts training to support their livelihood.

In 1967, while at Klai Kangwon Palace in the Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Their Majesties arranged for doctors to provide medical support for people in Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. In other regions, similar efforts were launched to offer health services to people near their residences.

Queen Sirikit initiated the volunteer surgeon project in 1977 to support local doctors. It started in Sakon Nakhon, later expanding to other regions. She also set up the village doctor project, whereby skilled local residents received further training to share health knowledge in their communities.

During Covid-19, Queen Sirikit donated personal funds and medical equipment to operating rooms in support of medical staff.

Education

Queen Sirikit knew education is the most important foundation for people’s quality of life and she dedicated herself to improving children’s learning opportunities, both on a personal and larger scale.

Many times Queen Sirikit volunteered to teach impoverished children wherever she went. For example, back in 1978, when Her Majesty stayed in Klai Kangwon Palace, she usually provided schooling sessions for people who came for an audience. Sometimes it was a one-on-one session, sometimes in groups. All student data was recorded for close monitoring.

It offered children opportunities to read and write, while giving them knowledge about Buddhism, morality, health and sanitation as well as a love for the country.

Whenever she visited her arts and crafts projects, Queen Sirikit would always check through the nursery centres and offer to teach the children of project members.

Local learning centres called Sala Ruam Jai were initiated by Queen Sirikit as a self-learning community where local people could exchange knowledge. Her Majesty graciously provided books for each Sala Ruam Jai on Thai history, literature, religion, culture, morality and agriculture, as well as photobooks, magazines, calendars and other interesting materials so that people could have a wide variety of know-how on different topics.

Altogether there are seven Sala Ruam Jais across Thailand, including in Chiang Mai, Sakon Nakhon, Narathiwat and Pattani.

In 1962, Queen Sirikit graciously offered a founding budget of 13,500 baht for the construction of a school dedicated to the education of the Yao hilltribe in Fang district of Chiang Mai province. The school was named Jaomaeluang Uppathum 1 and opened in the following year. At first, there were 100 students, all from the Yao hilltribe. Then under supervision of the Border Patrol Police, the school was later transferred to the Ministry of Education and currently teaches students up to secondary level.

In 1967, Jaomaeluang Uppathum 2 School was established in the Mae Rim district of Chiang Mai, providing education for Hmong children. The construction was made possible by Queen Sirikit’s personal contribution of 20,000 baht. The school was transferred to the Ministry of Education in 1980.

Queen Sirikit also provided scholarships to impoverished students nationwide while also monitoring their living conditions, financial status, grades and behaviour to ensure they fully benefited from the grants.

Queen Sirikit also provided royal scholarships for students with special needs, such as those at the Bangkok School for the Blind, the Northern Region School for the Blind in Chiang Mai and the Songkhla School for the Deaf.

Children with intellectual disabilities were supported at the Kawila Anukul School in Chiang Mai and Ubonpanyanukun School in Ubon Ratchathani, while children with limb impairments received royal scholarships to attend Srisangwal School in Nonthaburi.