Category: The Bangkok Post

Thailand has proposed hosting an international conference to tighten cooperation in tackling cybercrime and online scams, with a view to enhancing regional collaboration and law enforcement efforts, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said.

Speaking after the Asean-Korea Summit and the Asean Plus Three Summit involving China, Japan and South Korea in in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday, Mr Anutin said that during the morning sessions, discussions were held and statements were made reaffirming Thailand’s commitment to collective problem-solving within the region. In particular, Thailand pledged to actively cooperate in addressing the growing issues of cybercrime and online scams.

To that end, Thailand has put itself forward as the host country for an international meeting dedicated to mobilising regional efforts to combat cybercrime and technology-related offences in a concrete and effective manner, Mr Anutin said, adding that the initiative represents a move towards broader international cooperation in this field.

Mr Anutin also met with the president of South Korea to exchange views on strategies for suppressing technology-related crimes.

He added that the Foreign Affairs Ministry has already been assigned to take the lead in organising the proposed cybercrime summit, and relevant agencies have been instructed to proceed accordingly.

Flooding remains in 15 provinces, with levels mostly decreasing, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation on Monday morning.

The department reported flooding in nine central provinces:

Uthai Thani in Muang district with lower floodwater.

Chai Nat in Sapphaya district with stable flood levels.

Sing Buri in In Buri, Phrom Buri and Muang districts with lower flood levels.

Ang Thong in Pa Mok, Wiset Chai Chan, Chai Yo and Muang districts with lower flood levels.

Suphan Buri in Muang, Bang Pla Ma, Song Phi Nong and U Thong districts with lower flood levels.

Ayutthaya in the districts of Sena, Phak Hai, Bang Ban, Bang Sai, Bang Pa-in, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Maha Rat, Bang Pahan and Ban Sa-ai with stable flood levels.

Pathum Thani in Sam Khok and Muang districts with lower flood levels.

Nonthaburi in Muang and Pak Kret districts with lower flood levels.

Nakhon Pathom in Bang Len, Sam Phran, and Nakhon Chai Si districts with stable flood levels.

Ayutthaya still had the most affected households, totalling 54,097, among the 15 inundated provinces nationwide.

In the North, flooding was reported in four provinces:

Phitsanulok in Bang Rakam district with lower floodwater.

Sukhothai in Muang, Kong Krailat and Khiri Mat districts with lower flood levels.

Phichit in Sam Ngam, Pho Thale, Pho Prathap Chang, Bung Narang, Bang Mun Nak, Muang, Taphan Hin and Wachira Barami districts with lower flood levels.

Nakhon Sawan in Chumsaeng, Muang, Phayuha Khiri, Krok Phra and Tha Tako districts with lower flood levels.

In the Northeast, flooding was reported in:

Ubon Ratchathani in Muang, Warin Chamrap, Phibun Mangsahan, Sawang Wirawong, Trakan Phuetphon and Don Mot Daeng districts with lower flood levels.

Udon Thani in Phibun Rak, Sang Khom and Nong Wua So districts with stable flood levels.

The Meteorological Department predicted that from Tuesday to Sunday rain would increase in upper regions of Thailand and decline in the South.

Bringing its heritage of artistry and innovation to life, the world’s largest jewellery brand has unveiled ‘The Pandora Story’ exhibition at Pandora Crafting and Supply in Bangkok, Thailand. The showcase invites visitors on an inspiring journey through Pandora’s evolution – from a humble jewellery shop in Copenhagen, Denmark, to a globally celebrated brand that unites exquisite craftsmanship with pioneering innovation and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.

The opening event marked a special occasion for the brand, graced by Mr Per Enevoldsen, Pandora’s Co-founder, alongside senior executives including Mr Alexander Lacik, Chief Executive Officer; Ms Berta de Pablo-Barbier, Chief Marketing Officer; Mr Byron Clayton, Chief HR Officer; and Mr Jeerasage Puranasamriddhi, Chief Supply Officer and Managing Director of Pandora Production Thailand. Also in attendance were Mr Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI), and Mr John Alexandersen, Commercial Counsellor and Head of Trade at the Royal Danish Embassy in Thailand, together with distinguished guests and partners.

The Pandora Story celebrates the brand’s remarkable evolution, highlighting what makes Pandora much more than jewellery – the seamless fusion of traditional craftsmanship, modern technology, and sustainable innovation.

Exhibition Highlights

Origins and Evolution: Journey back to Pandora’s early goldsmith workshop, where its first creations took shape, and discover how the brand grew into a global leader in contemporary jewellery.

Craftsmanship and Innovation: Explore the artistry behind each piece, from meticulous design at Pandora’s creative studio in Copenhagen to expert handcrafting by Thai artisans, enhanced by advanced technologies that ensure exceptional quality and sustainability.

Path to Sustainability: Learn about Pandora’s commitment to environmental responsibility, including its milestone achievement of using 100% recycled silver and gold, ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, and community initiatives that make a positive impact.

Tree of Loves Installation: Experience ‘Tree of Loves’, a sculptural metal tree symbolising Pandora’s global family. Each leaf bears a heartfelt message from employees, reflecting the brand’s spirit and purpose – ‘We give a voice to people’s loves.’

Offering a rare glimpse into the brand’s universe, The Pandora Story reaffirms Pandora’s dedication to creating jewellery that is not only beautiful and meaningful but also sustainable, while underscoring Thailand’s vital role in its global journey.

‘Over the past 36 years, Pandora has created employment opportunities and elevated jewellery-making skills for tens of thousands of Thai artisans,’ said Mr Jeerasage Puranasamriddhi, Chief Supply Officer and Managing Director of Pandora Production Thailand. ‘We hope every visitor to The Pandora Story will be inspired by our journey and see the value that emerges when traditional craftsmanship meets world-class innovation.’

Today, Pandora operates two main crafting facilities in Thailand – in Gemopolis Industrial Estate, Bangkok, and Lamphun province – employing more than 10,000 skilled artisans and producing over 100 million pieces of jewellery annually.

The brand is now entering an exciting new chapter with the establishment of a new crafting facility in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This site will create up to 7,000 local jobs and add an additional 60 million pieces in annual production capacity – a milestone that further strengthens Pandora’s global leadership in sustainable jewellery manufacturing.

About Pandora

Pandora is the world’s largest jewellery brand, specialising in the design, crafting and marketing of accessible luxury jewellery made from high-quality materials. Each piece is designed to inspire self-expression, allowing people to share their stories and passions through meaningful jewellery.

Pandora jewellery is sold in more than 100 countries through 6,800 points of sale, including over 2,700 concept stores. Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Pandora employs 37,000 people worldwide and crafts its jewellery using only recycled silver and gold. The company is committed to leadership in sustainability and aims to halve greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2030.

Pandora is listed on the Nasdaq Copenhagen stock exchange and generated revenue of DKK 31.7 billion (EUR 4.2 billion) in 2024.

The always popular all-you-can-eat dim sum experience at InterContinental Bangkok’s Summer Palace combines good taste with value for money, whether you’re in the mood for lunch or dinner.

The Chinese restaurant, located on the mezzanine level of InterContinental Bangkok, provides an elegantly sophisticated but relaxed setting, perfect for both business lunches and leisurely dining with friends and family. Ten richly appointed private dining rooms, the largest accommodating 20 guests, make it a top choice for special occasions.

The indulgent experience is prepared by executive Chinese chef Shui Wing Yau and dim sum chef Pui Kwan Chan, both Hong Kong natives. They have brought flavourful explosions from the streets of Hong Kong to the heart of Bangkok.

Their famous selection of delicious handmade dim sum is prepared using the time-honoured techniques of steaming, baking, stir-frying and deep-frying. Steamed delights in the selection include classic Ha gao prawn dumplings and sophisticated Black truffle dumplings with vegetables and fresh mushrooms.

Wok-fried turnip cake served with chef’s special XO sauce, and a baked fresh milk and egg white tart offer delightful taste and textural sensations, as do crispy deep-fried offerings such as King crab meat and avocado spring rolls and Mini pancakes of shrimp.

Beyond delicious all-you-can-eat dim sum, the decadent menu includes flavourful choices of appetisers, zesty soups, hearty main courses and toothsome desserts. The starter assortment features Cantonese mainstays such as Barbecued pork ribs with honey sauce and Jellyfish with chilli and cucumber.

Soups include a hot and sour Sichuan broth with shrimp, while, for mains, diners can choose from classics such as Chicken fried rice with salted fish and Wok-fried egg noodle with roasted duck and XO sauce. Capping off the meal on a sweet note are popular desserts like Black sesame dumplings with ginger tea and refreshing Chilled sago with pomelo.

The all-you-can-eat dim sum experience is available daily at Summer Palace for lunch from 11.30am to 2.30pm and dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm for an affordable price of B1,150++ per person. For more details, please email dining.bkkhb@ihg.com or call 02-656-0444.

Student events and activities can be organised as planned during mourning for the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, but provincial events should be toned down, Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat said on Monday.

Ms Narumon clarified her Oct 25 order for all organisations and schools under the jurisdiction of the Education Ministry to suspend all celebrations and entertainment-related events for one year.

The order went viral on social media and drew opposition from parents who want useful activities that benefit students to continue.

The education minister said she meant informal parties and entertainment events, such as alumni parties and congratulatory events, should be suspended.

The activities that benefit students and education personnel could continue, including sports days, scouting activities and normal sports events, Ms Narumon said.

However, the atmosphere should be appropriate, showing discipline, good manners and respect, the minister said.

The Interior Ministry said interior permanent secretary Unsit Sampuntharat had not banned any activities at provincial level, but advised organisers to ensure they remained appropriate to the mourning atmosphere following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

On Monday some municipal offices cancelled their Loy Krathong fairs planned for Wednesday next week. They included tambon Pa Bon municipal office in Phatthalung province and tambon Erawan municipal office in Kanchanaburi province.

The famous Loy Krathong celebration in Sukhothai province will go ahead as scheduled on Oct 27-Nov 5. However, the event’s usual Loy Krathong beauty pageant is cancelled and there will be a daily lighting of candle-lanterns in mourning, according to the Public Relations Department.

Tourism officials were still reviewing plans for other events.

Malaysia’s public broadcaster has apologised for giving the wrong names for the Thai, Singaporean and Indonesian leaders attending the opening ceremony of the Asean Summit on Sunday.

Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) referred to the Thai prime minister as Srettha Thavisin and not by his correct name, Anutin Charnvirakul. Mr Srettha was prime minister before Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was subsequently replaced by Mr Anutin.

Mr Anutin was not alone in being misnamed by the RTM commentator. Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong was wrongly called Lee Hsien Loong, who is senior minister, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was refferred to as Joko Widodo, his predecessor.

The Asean summit, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, was held in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, followed by other high-level meetings with leaders of the group’s partners until Tuesday.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations now has 11 nations after accepting East Timor on Sunday as a new member.

“The commentator also mentioned Thailand’s prime minister as Srettha Thavisin, instead of Anutin Charnvirakul, who currently holds the position,” Malaysian Department of Broadcasting said in a statement reported by Bernama news agency.

RTM took errors seriously and would take action over the mistake, the agency said.

The First Army Region dismissed reports which claimed border checkpoints in Sa Kaeo will reopen on Nov 1, saying crossings in the province will remain closed until an order to the contrary is issued.

In a statement issued on Monday, the First Army said online reports which claimed that troops have been instructed to prepare for the reopening of the permanent border crossing at Ban Khao Din in Khlong Hat district were false.

‘The First Army Region confirms that no directive has been given to reopen the Thai-Cambodian border in areas under the responsibility of the Burapa Task Force in Sa Kaeo,’ the statement said.

‘All operations continue to comply with the government’s current policy to keep the border closed.’

The online reports began circulating after Thailand and Cambodia formally signed an agreement to manage the border dispute. The deal was signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet at a ceremony in Malaysia earlier this week.

Meanwhile, the Burapa Task Force deployed heavy machinery to demolish several houses that were built by Cambodians in Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district on Monday. Following the demolition, explosive ordnance disposal units moved in to clear the area of remaining mines and unexploded ordnance.

Specialised mine-clearing vehicles, including a large white GSC-200 demining vehicle, a smaller BearCat support vehicle, and an armoured bulldozer, were used to clear the 7-rai area known as ‘Zone B’, where several Type-59 anti-tank mines have been found, according to the taskforce.

Structures illegally erected by Cambodian nationals were also dismantled during the operation.

Thailand has agreed to the removal of barriers on US food, farm, medical, digital and film products, and to make a huge aircraft procurement and annual purchases of energy and farm products with preset minimal values, according to the United States government.

Long-term purchases incude 80 US planes costing US$18.8 billion.

In a statement, issued by the White House on Sunday night, the US said the ‘Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade’.’will provide both countries’ exporters unprecedented access to each other’s markets”.

According to the statement, the US requires Thailand to ‘eliminate tariff barriers on approximately 99 percent of goods, covering a full range of US industrial and food and agricultural products”.

The US ‘will maintain at 19 percent the reciprocal tariffs, as set forth in Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, as amended, on originating goods of Thailand, and will identify products from the list set out in Annex III to Executive Order 14346 of September 5, 2025, Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners, to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff rate.’

The statement cited key terms which cover requirements for Thailand’s compliance concerning trade in a wide range of US-made products including vehicles, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, energy products, food and agricultural products.

According to the terms, Thailand will accept ‘US manufactured vehicles manufactured to comply with US federal motor vehicle safety and emissions standards’ and ‘US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certificates and prior marketing authorisations for medical devices and pharmaceuticals as sufficient to meet Thailand’s requirements.

Thailand will issue ‘import permits for US ethanol for fuel’, amend ‘customs laws to remove the customs reward system related to customs breaches and penalties’ and adopt and implement ‘good regulatory practices”.

The US also requires Thailand to ‘address and prevent barriers to US food and agricultural products in the Thai market, including expediting access for US Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)-certified meat and poultry products’.

In addition, Thailand will ‘address barriers impacting digital trade, services, and investment. Thailand commits to refrain from imposing digital services taxes or measures that discriminate against US digital services or digital products”.

Thailand will ‘refrain from imposing screen quotas for film’, ‘ease foreign ownership restrictions for US investment in Thailand’s telecommunications sector’ and ‘remove in-country processing requirements for all domestic retail electronic payment transactions for debit cards issued in Thailand.’

Under the trade framework, ‘the United States and Thailand take note of the forthcoming commercial deals between US and Thai companies in the agriculture, energy, and aviation sectors”, including:

Purchases of agriculture products, including feed corn, soybean meal, and dried distiller grains with solubles with an estimated value of $2.6 billion per year

Purchases of energy products, including liquefied natural gas, crude oil, and ethane, with an estimated value of $5.4 billion per year; and

Procurement of 80 US aircraft, totalling $18.8 billion, the statement said.

‘In the coming weeks, the United States and Thailand will negotiate and finalise the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, prepare the Agreement for signature, and undertake domestic formalities in advance of the Agreement entering into force,’ the White House said.

Jonathan Haggerty is leaving nothing to chance as he prepares to reclaim the ONE Championship bantamweight Muay Thai world title in Tokyo next month – and he’s getting some help from one of the UFC’s most feared strikers.

The 28-year-old Brit has joined forces with Khalil Rountree, the UFC light heavyweight contender, ahead of his showdown with Nabil Anane at ONE 173 on November 16 at Ariake Arena.

‘It was just great to be around him in Vegas – just super motivating,’ Haggerty told the Bangkok Post from Koh Samui, where he is completing the second half of his camp at Lamai Muaythai Camp.

‘To see the champion mindset he has was amazing. A different style of training. I’ve teamed up with his strength coach as well, so I’ll be bringing him along into camp with me. It’s been great. He’s [Rountree] coming out to Samui [this] week, so it will be good to have him around again.’

Haggerty had spent a month in Las Vegas training with Rountree, who was preparing for his fight with former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka earlier in October.

‘I was in the arena, it was pretty heartbreaking just to see him win the first two rounds and seeing all the hard work that he put in behind the scenes,’ Haggerty said. ‘He’s very dedicated to his craft. Just that last round, it’s heartbreaking.

‘But it’s the fight game. He knows, everybody knows. Just one shot and it can all be over. It is what it is, and we come back from our losses. It’s character building – and a few stitches.’

Haggerty knows all too well the sting of defeat after months of preparation.

Indeed, his fight with Nabil is more than just another title shot.

It’s a chance to regain the belt he lost to Superlek Kiatmuu9 in Denver last September after just 49 seconds – and to prove he remains the most complete striker in the division.

‘Yeah, it still stings. It does sting, obviously,’ said Haggerty, who still holds the promotion’s bantamweight kickboxing belt. ‘But I’ve overcome that. It’s made me a better fighter and person. I’ve learned from the mistakes. It’s up to me to get in there, put things right, and get the belt back.’

Nabil was eventually promoted to undisputed champion earlier this year after Superlek failed hydration for their fight in Tokyo and was stripped of the title. The 6-foot-4 Thai-Algerian prodigy beat Superlek by unanimous decision.

‘He’s grown into his body and the weight category,’ Haggerty said. ‘He’s definitely improved, hence why he’s been beating all these top fighters. But we’re ready to get on top.

‘I’ve never fought someone that tall, to be honest. It is a mental and physical challenge, but one we’re willing to overcome. I want to be the champion, so I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do.’

Now back in Thailand, Haggerty is in the final stretch of preparations for what he calls one of the biggest cards of his career.

‘Everything is going smoothly. I’m enjoying this camp – that’s the main thing,’ he said, hinting again at some lingering regrets from a gruelling time out at high altitude in Denver. ‘Sometimes I’ve had camps where I’ve not enjoyed it and it’s just dragging, but I’m enjoying the process.’

He is joined in Samui by fellow Englishman George Jarvis, who himself is set to return to ONE action soon.

‘George is here, training’s been going well, we’ve been bonding,’ he said. ‘It’s good to have another champion like himself in camp.’

Speaking from a nearby café with Jarvis at the next table, Haggerty was getting ready to head across the road to the gym for one of his usual two daily sessions as he ramps up his preparations.

As for his mindset heading into fight week, the Londoner said the Koh Samui environment has kept him grounded and laser-focused.

‘I tend to lose track of time out here,’ he said with a grin, apologising for missing the originally scheduled slot for this interview.

‘Time and date – I have no clue what time or day it is. I’m dialled in.’

Bangkok Community Theatre will bring the world’s ultimate feel-good musical Mamma Mia! to Bangkok, with six performances scheduled every Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm from Nov 7-15, plus a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday. The venue is St Andrew’s International School’s auditorium on Sukhumvit 107.

The global smash hit tells the story of bride-to-be Sophie (performed by Thanyathorn “Sea” Thaicharoen), who dreams of a perfect wedding on a sun-soaked Greek island; one that includes her father giving her away.

As she prepares to marry Sky (Parriyme), she secretly tries to uncover her father’s identity. After inviting three men from her mother Donna’s (Jessica Richter) past — Sam (Nicholas Irvine), Bill (Derek Chan) and Harry (Chris Knight) — the stage is set for a heart-warming and hilarious tale of love, laughter and friendship.

Donna’s lifelong best mates Tanya (Samantha Aria) and Rosie (Kate Prior) bring their trademark humour and support as the story unfolds to ABBA’s biggest hits including Dancing Queen, Super Trouper and, of course, Mamma Mia!.

Directed by Severin Herbert, with musical direction by Tony Newman and choreography by Alexandra Cooper, the BCT’s production promises an evening of high-energy music, dazzling dance and feel-good fun. It is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Lasting around 2 hours and 35 minutes including a 15-minute interval, the show contains mild language, romantic scenes, suggestive content and flashing lights. It is recommended for ages five and above.

Tickets cost 1,200 baht (700 baht for children) and can be purchased from ticketmelon.com. Seating is unreserved and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.