Category: The Bangkok Post

With just days to go before the start of the 15th National Games (NG), excitement is building among the co-host jurisdictions of Hong Kong, Guangdong, and Macao in anticipation of this monumental milestone for China’s Greater Bay Area. It will be the first time for the Games, the country’s highest-level and largest national multisport event, to span multiple hosting locations, with the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao staging events on home soil in an unprecedented joint venture.

Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao are united in the vision for a green, inclusive, open, and clean National Games, striving to organise a simple, safe and wonderful event. Preparations for the competitions to be held in Hong Kong are in full swing. Various test events and the mass participation event Bowling Finals have been completed successfully, ensuring all aspects meet the highest standards and provide the best experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Eight major competitions with half-day passes from RMB50

During the Games, elite athletes from across China will gather in Hong Kong to compete for top honours in eight disciplines, including fencing, golf, and rugby sevens.

Hong Kong will also co-host two cross-boundary events of the NG, namely the marathon and road cycling in November, as well as staging four competition events of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) in December.

Ticket for the events in Hong Kong will be sold in the form of half-day or full-day passes, with prices starting as low as RMB50 for the NG competitions, and a uniform price of RMB20 for all events of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG.

Hong Kong – International Sports Hub

As a lively and well-connected cosmopolitan metropolis with a strategic location in Asia and well-developed transport links, Hong Kong is an ideal international sports destination for both competitors and supporters from around the globe. Substantial investment in sports development and state-of-the-art facilities further reinforce Hong Kong’s status as an international sports hub.

By co-hosting the NG for the first time, Hong Kong is embracing this opportunity not only to display the city’s capability in organising major sports events, but also to demonstrate its commitment to the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Eight Routes to Roam Hong Kong

Hong Kong stands out as a top tourist hotspot in Asia and a premier hub for mega events. With its delightful climate in November and December, the city offers an ideal setting for visitors to explore and enjoy.

During the National Games, eight ‘pop-up’ NG Routes, which cover competition venues and surrounding distinctive landmarks, have been designed to invite visitors to immerse themselves in the excitement of the NG and explore the various arts, cultural and leisure destinations of the city.

Three highlight routes that showcase the city’s vibrant culture:

Experience the dynamic character of Hong Kong Island by exploring key spots such as Tamar Park, the Central and Western District Promenade, and Tai Kwun. This route features tranquil green spaces with impressive harbour views, a vibrant waterfront promenade and an iconic heritage and arts hub, offering an inspiring blend of urban relaxation, culture, and sightseeing.

Discover Kowloon’s transformation by visiting landmark destinations such as the brand-new Kai Tak Stadium and Kai Tak Gallery, the bustling Kai Tak Mall and Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, the tranquil Sung Wong Toi Garden, and the historic Kowloon Walled City Park. This route showcases the district’s fusion of sporting achievement, modern living, and rich local heritage.

Enjoy the charm of the New Territories ranging from the scenic Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier to the well-equipped Tsuen Wan Sports Centre, the Tsuen Wan West Promenade and its captivating sunset views, as well as the Sam Tung Uk Museum located at the site of a former Hakka walled village and home to the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre. This journey offers a refreshing combination of waterfront leisure, sports facilities, and a fascinating look into Hong Kong’s cultural heritage. To enrich the visits with fun and interaction, visitors can scan the WebAR QR code for an interactive AR experience that blends information with entertainment.

Beyond the excitement of the NG, visitors can also immerse themselves in the city’s world-class events and experience Hong Kong’s unique charm.

You are warmly invited to join us in Hong Kong this November and December to witness the excitement of the NG and discover the city’s distinctive allure. For the latest schedules, venue details, and ticketing information of the Games, please visit the official website.

An agreement with the United States on the joint development of a rare earth minerals supply chain could put Thailand at risk of straining its diplomatic ties with China, warns the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

Though the agreement is seen by Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas as a way of enhancing Thailand’s opportunity to negotiate on tariffs with the US, it raises concerns over the impact on geopolitics as well as the threat to the environment, say some critics.

‘Like many Thais, we never knew this deal was considered a priority,’ said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, the chairman of the FTI.

Thailand and the US on Oct 26 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation to ‘diversify the global critical minerals supply chain’ and promote investments, during the Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur.

Rare earth elements are crucial for manufacturing advanced technologies such as smartphones, electric vehicles and military equipment.

Mr Kriengkrai said he is worried the pact may drag Thailand into a trade war between the US and China, negatively affecting the Thai economy as the nation struggles to balance its diplomatic relationships with the two powers.

The signing comes as Washington remains at odds with Beijing over restrictions on rare earth exports, triggering trade tensions as the US defence sector depends on rare earth magnets for systems such as F-35 jets, according to media reports.

The deal with Thailand could pave the way for more critical mineral exports to serve US defence, automotive and high-tech industries.

The agreement follows an $8.5-billion agreement that America made with Australia to increase supplies of rare earths and other critical minerals, seen as a counter to China’s dominance of the market.

China accounts for about 80% of global mining for rare earth metals, a subcategory of critical minerals, and 90% of processing output.

Processing skills

Thailand is adept at processing minerals, mainly operated by three companies in Phangnga, Samut Sakhon and Prachuap Khiri Khan, said Aditad Vasinonta, director-general of the Department of Primary Industries and Mines.

Australia sends minerals to Thailand for processing, before exporting them to third countries.

According to World Bank/Comtrade data for 2023, Thailand exported 1,060 tonnes of processed scandium and yttrium worth $102 million.

As for rare earth minerals, the department has granted licences to seven companies to explore in provinces including Tak, Kanchanaburi and Nakhon Si Thammarat, said Mr Aditad, though many of the licences are expired.

‘The companies have not applied for permission to mine rare earths because it is not economically viable,’ he said.

Two types of rare earths – monazite and xenotime – were previously found in the northern, western and southern regions of the country.

Bangkok police commanders have ordered the dismissal of a senior officer from Don Muang police station after he was arrested for alleged involvement in a call-centre scam network that duped victims into investing in a fake online stock-trading platform.

On Tuesday, Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom and Pol Maj Gen Kiattikul Sonthinen, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, instructed the division to set up a disciplinary committee to investigate serious misconduct and to dismiss the officer — a police lieutenant colonel serving as deputy chief investigator at Don Muang station under Division 1 — from government service.

The action followed an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on Oct 6 at the request of investigators from the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD).

The warrant was issued for Phasinkhanokpharan Watcharaphetkakkaew on charges of public fraud, impersonation, computer crime involving falsified or misleading data, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and membership of a criminal organisation.

The case dates back to May, when victims reported seeing Facebook advertisements promoting an investment opportunity in stock trading through a platform called “FINNIXMAX”.

Initially, investors could withdraw funds normally, but later, when larger investments were made, withdrawals became impossible — leading victims to realise they had been defrauded. The total reported damages exceeded 1.2 million baht.

Police investigations led to the issuance of arrest warrants for 24 suspects, resulting in the apprehension of 16 individuals and one detainee already in prison. Officers also seized a large amount of assets, including nine vehicles, 48 branded bags and jewellery items, cash in various currencies worth 295,920 baht, 23 mobile phones and electronic devices, and 92 bank books and ATM cards — with a total estimated value exceeding 21 million baht.

Investigators later sought warrants for five additional suspects connected to the scam.

On Oct 7, TCSD officers, together with other police units, conducted coordinated raids at six locations in Bangkok and Udon Thani, leading to further arrests and the collection of evidence linked to the online fraud ring.

Global oil demand will not peak until 2032, two years later than earlier thought, according to the energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie, citing continued momentum in the use of hydrocarbons for transport and petrochemicals.

Rising dependence on fossil fuels due to increased power demand from artificial intelligence and geopolitical tensions have led to 2050 net zero goals becoming unattainable, Wood Mackenzie said in its Energy Transition Outlook report.

The report comes ahead of the COP30 meeting next month in Brazil, where countries are due to present updated national climate commitments and assess progress on renewable energy targets.

Demand for liquid hydrocarbons is expected to peak at 108 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2032, compared with about 104 million bpd now, with natural gas demand remaining resilient well into the 2040s, the report said.

In China, oil demand stood at 16 million bpd in 2025, but rising electric vehicle adoption could lead to demand falling by 35% by 2060, the report said. However, India, Southeast Asia and Africa remain key drivers of oil demand growth.

A Wood Mackenzie analysis suggests that limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius would require $4.3 trillion in annual investment between 2025 and 2060 – an increase of 30% from current levels – to reach net zero emissions by around 2060.

Energy sector investment would therefore need to grow from 2.5% of global GDP today to 3.35% within the next decade.

‘Fossil fuels are no longer uncontested; they are being squeezed into narrower roles, but their decline is proving more gradual than expected,’ the report said.

Displacing fossil fuels with renewable power is a pillar of the energy transition that seeks to meet the Paris Agreement target to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C (2.7F) above preindustrial levels.

The slower pace of energy transition and stronger-than-expected crude demand are making this shift harder.

SCG Packaging Plc (SCGP) is sharpening its focus on Southeast Asia as a key growth market, supported by resilient regional demand and improved operations in Indonesia and Vietnam.

“Vietnam and Indonesia are our rising stars, driving SCGP’s future growth. Vietnam, in particular, offers strong ease of doing business,” said chief executive Wichan Jitpukdee.

“Demand for packaging in Southeast Asia is set to keep rising, especially in the food, beverage, and consumer goods segments.”

The company posted a third-quarter net profit of 953 million baht, up 65% year-on-year, driven by lower raw material and energy costs, efficient cost management and stronger performance from its Indonesian subsidiary, PT Fajar Surya Wisesa Tbk.

Total revenue for the quarter stood at 30.4 billion baht, down slightly from the previous year due to lower average selling prices, though profitability was bolstered by cost savings and regional contributions.

He said the company’s operations remained steady despite weak global demand.

“The decline in energy and raw material prices has supported our profitability, while contributions from our Indonesian business have strengthened overall performance,” said Mr Wichan.

In the packaging paper segment in Indonesia, local producers expanded output to replace Chinese imports, creating competition. Nonetheless, Fajar maintained positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation through disciplined cost control.

He said exports to China have dropped, with India emerging as a promising new market.

Mr Wichan said the positive outlook is supported by government stimulus measures aimed at spurring consumption, as well as robust GDP growth in key markets including Vietnam and Indonesia.

“Inventory replenishment towards the year-end is also expected to drive stronger sales in the second half,” he said, adding SCGP is expanding exports to promising new markets such as India.

For the fourth quarter, SCGP expects to finalise a merger and partnership deal with Indonesia’s MYPAK by December to strengthen its consumer packaging portfolio and integration with Fajar.

“Seasonal demand should improve in the final quarter, supported by inventory restocking, government stimulus, and tourism,” Mr Wichan said.

He said SCGP’s rigid packaging expansion plan in the US remains on hold due to labour shortages.

Heavy rainfall and floods continue to plague Thailand’s cities. A trifecta of heavier-than-usual rainfall exacerbated by the La Niña weather pattern, unsafe overcapacities at major dams, and unusually high sea tides is a stern reminder of how vulnerable Thailand’s urban centres are amid the world’s changing climate.

There have been improvements in disaster preparedness and relief efforts when compared to the 2011 mega floods, but lives have nevertheless been disrupted. It is also happening throughout the country, in the capital region of the Bangkok metropolitan area and various other provinces, making disaster management even more challenging.

While government efforts to relieve the pressure are laudable, like the approval of a 6.1-billion-baht relief package, such efforts are more reactionary due to limited national and local government resources to fund more effective prevention efforts. Even if more funds can be allocated, climate change is raising questions about whether previous types of activities will be enough in the long term.

There needs to be an ecosystem shift from looking at addressing disasters from “disaster prevention” to “climate adaptation”. This is especially since water management is just one issue caused by climate change, which Thailand’s cities are facing, excluding worsening air quality, land subsidence, and heat stress, among others.

However, moving that needle requires more action beyond the public sector alone.

Finding the Way Forward

According to research by the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research (PIER), based on International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates, Thailand will need 192 billion baht annually in adaptation finance for public and private infrastructure.

But getting there seems a monumental task. According to the Thailand Climate Finance Tracker by Climate Finance Network Thailand (CFNT), only 148 billion baht has been channelled to climate adaptation financing between 2020 and 2024, with the majority of funding coming from the national government. At the local level, the problem is even more stark, with local governments only receiving 1% of that total government support at 1.46 billion baht.

We’ve entered a critical period. Given that climate-related disasters will stymie the growth prospects of Thailand and similar developing economies across the greater region, CFNT brought together climate finance experts from the World Bank, the Singapore Green Finance Centre, and the Beijing-based Greenovation Hub to deliberate on how we can mobilise more climate financing during the inaugural Bangkok Climate Action Week, jointly organised by the Just Transitions Incubator (JUTI) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

Here are some of my key takeaways about some of the levers we can use to get there:

Leveraging New Capital Sources

According to the World Bank, developed countries by 2030 will need three times more climate finance to meet their adaptation and mitigation needs. To scale up the funding required, a key strategy would be to further Green Finance, particularly by strengthening the capacity of financial institutions to identify, manage, and assess climate-related risks. Simultaneously, funds must flow towards projects, technologies, and innovations that engender climate-positive outcomes.

To enhance such measures, new sources of capital must be unlocked. Alongside domestic and international investment sources, more innovative financial instruments such as carbon credits and blended finance (referring to the strategic use of development finance for the mobilisation of additional finance towards sustainable development, according to the OECD).

Understanding Local Nuances

The Climate Policy Initiative estimates that Asia’s needs US$431 billion in climate adaptation finance, but only US$34 billion, or less than 10%, has been invested. While significantly more funds are required, it must be emphasised that the adaptation needs of each country in Asia, as well as their urban centres, are different.

As such, adaptation policies are inherently local. For example, Bangkok doesn’t face exactly the same climate challenges as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Jakarta. This means that climate adaptation strategies, along with the supporting financial mechanisms and knowledge systems, must be locally driven — particularly by the local communities that directly experience their respective climate change impacts.

Closer International Cooperation

Especially in developing countries, green finance policies and related taxonomies remain nascent. Although sustainable finance taxonomies across Asean and Thailand have recently taken effect and signify important initial steps, they are still not as rigorous when compared to more advanced economic regions such as the EU, and hence local governments face challenges in their effective implementation.

It is here where international cooperation — particularly via the South-South dynamic — in advancing climate adaptation projects can support this nascent drive. Such collaborative efforts, especially when between local governments, may include direct financial support, technical assistance, such as early warning systems design, and knowledge-sharing, like tools to assess physical climate risks.

We’re All in This Together

Although Thailand and its urban centres are facing the brunt of climate change, the adverse effects, while inherently local, are not isolated to just one place.

It’s a race against time for many cities across the developing world, in Asia and beyond. But it is through the shared experiences — while understanding each other’s nuances — that we can improve the cooperation of climate adaptation policy best practices. When supplemented by continued engagements between diverse key stakeholders, institutions, and governments, as exemplified by Bangkok Climate Action Week, this would create a more conducive environment for financial ecosystems to realign their strategies to reduce the widening climate finance gap.

A house explodes in a quiet Oxford suburb and a girl disappears in the aftermath, causing neighbour Sarah Tucker to become obsessed with finding her, enlisting the help of private investigator Zoë Boehm. Zoë and Sarah suddenly find themselves in a complex conspiracy that reveals that people long believed dead are still among the living, while the living are fast joining the dead.

PRIME VIDEO

Hedda

Premieres on Oct 29

A ‘provocative and modern reimagining’ of one of playwright Henrik Ibsen’s most well-known works: ‘Hedda Gabler’. The new release introduces us to newlywed Hedda, who is an outwardly composed but hiding a simmering discontent that threatens to explode when the brilliant and charismatic Eileen Lovberg reenters her life. What follows is a ruthless game of manipulation, where lust, jealousy and betrayal collide.

NETFLIX

Ha Gom: The Darkness Of The Soul

Premiering on October 29

After the brutal deaths of his father and friend, a young man starts to believe a local woman possessed by an evil spirit is responsible for the murders.

Ballad Of A Small Player

Premiering on October 29

Amid the glittering casinos of Macau, a gambler running from his past – and his debts – becomes fascinated by an enigmatic woman at the baccarat table.

The Witcher: Season 4

Premiering on October 30

Scattered to fates unknown, Geralt, Yennefer and Ciri traverse the war-torn Continent and its countless enemies in the hope of finding each other again.

Zomvivor

Premiering on October 31

When an apocalyptic virus that turns people into zombies ravages a city, a group of students take shelter in a school and fight to survive.

Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd., and its partner, Mitsui Energy Development Co., Ltd. recently donated an offshore platform crane to the Technical Petroleum Training Institute (TPTI) to support petroleum workforce development. Pannawat Nilkitsaranont (right), Vice President of Facilities Engineering, Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd., represented the company in handing over the crane, previously used on an offshore platform, valued at 368,500 baht, to Puangthip Silpasart (left), Executive Director of TPTI. The crane will be used to support TPTI’s training programs that help personnel gain knowledge and readiness to work safely in the petroleum industry. This activity was also supported by STP and I Public Company Limited, who helped dismantle and prepare for equipment relocation. This handover represents a collaboration among companies in the energy industry to support the sustainable development and capacity building of personnel for the sector.

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan paid solemn tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Wednesday.

The Bhutanese king, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck also signed a tribute for the late queen. They joined the daily merit-making ceremony at the Throne Hall later that evening.

King Jigme Khesar enjoyed close ties with the Queen Mother, illustrating the enduring friendship between the two kingdoms, according to a statement from Government House.

Government House will host a seventh day of merit-making on Thursday in tribute to the Queen Mother. Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn will lead the cabinet at a related alms-giving ceremony attended by 10 monks.

The Queen Mother’s portrait is installed in front of the Thai Khu Fah building inside Government House, with a set of speakers nearby.

Discussing plans for the cremation ceremony, PM’s Office Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi led a meeting on Wednesday, which included a committee on public relations.

Four subcommittees were assigned to supervise media production and broadcasting on both online and offline platforms concerning the event.

Ms Supamas encouraged more online campaigns to promote the royal cremation to make it the most dignified and respectful event possible.

She also suggested more sectors propose creative activities to pay tribute to the Queen Mother.

The Finance Ministry plans to call for a new individual savings account (ISA) as a tax-deductible savings instrument to replace the retirement mutual fund (RMF) and long-term equity fund (LTF) schemes.

Speaking during a keynote speech titled “The Next New Economy” hosted by Thai Rath newspaper, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the ministry will introduce a new savings mechanism to replace LTFs.

The proposed ISA is meant to be an investment vehicle that does not distort the market structure.

Under the current tax-deductible savings schemes, the main beneficiaries are high-income earners in the 30-35% tax brackets, said Mr Ekniti.

The Revenue Department loses roughly 20 billion baht a year in tax revenue from deductions related to LTF investments, of which around 16 billion baht benefits taxpayers in the highest income brackets.

In addition, requiring savings that qualify for tax deductions without allowing individuals to make their own investment choices, such as with LTFs, has sometimes resulted in losses and distorted market mechanisms, he said.

An ISA allows individuals to make their own investment choices within a set ceiling, covering specific stocks or bonds as they create a personalised investment framework. This eliminates the need to constantly introduce new products such as LTFs, RMFs or ESG funds, which often overlap.

All these investments would be consolidated under a single umbrella, giving people greater flexibility, as some may prefer to invest in government bonds, while others may want higher risk such as equities or overseas investments.

The ISA gives individuals full freedom to choose their own investment products, said Mr Ekniti.

“When LTFs were introduced, everyone rushed to buy them just for tax benefits, but later the fund performance turned negative,” he said.

“If people can choose where to invest by themselves, the outcomes would better reflect their risk appetite and interests.”

Mr Ekniti said a new savings option offering investment in government bonds would create a mechanism allowing monthly purchases.

This would provide a secure savings option, especially for retirees, many of whom keep their money in low-interest savings accounts that yield only 0.25%, he said.

Although the returns from government bonds may be only slightly higher than those from bank savings accounts, they offer a much higher level of security and stability, said Mr Ekniti.

Regarding the Thai economy, he said the government plans to implement stimulus measures to prevent the economy from “falling off a cliff”, as growth has begun to lose momentum.

In the first quarter this year, the Thai economy expanded by 3.2%, followed by 2.8% in the second quarter, with projections for 1.7% growth in the third quarter.

For the final quarter, economic growth is estimated to slow sharply to merely 0.3%, said Mr Ekniti.

“We must act to stop the Thai economy from slowing further, because if this contraction continues, it will become increasingly difficult to revive the economy in the future,” he said.