Category: The Bangkok Post

The two renowned brands received Health and Wellness Tourism and Sustainability Awards from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, underscoring their shared vision of positioning Thailand as a global wellness hub.

Recognising excellence in Thailand’s growing wellness tourism industry, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has presented two distinguished accolades to BDMS Wellness Clinic x Sri panwa at the 15th Thailand Tourism Awards 2025. The honours reaffirm their shared commitment to elevating Thailand’s reputation as a world-class destination for holistic health and sustainable wellness experiences.

The awards ceremony, presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi, was attended by leading figures from the tourism and wellness sectors. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, also joined in congratulating the award recipients at the Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, on September 27, 2025.

BDMS Wellness Clinic x Sri panwa, led by Songkran Issara, Chief Executive Officer of Charn Issara Development Public Company Limited; Tanupol Virunhagarun, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS); and Lalita Kongseeha, M.D., Assistant CEO – Group 6, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited, and Director of Bangkok Hospital Phuket, was recognised with two key distinctions:

1.Thailand Tourism Excellence Award for Health and Wellness Tourism in the Destination Spa and Wellness category – honouring outstanding service quality and international-level excellence.

2.Thailand Tourism Sustainability Award – newly introduced this year to commend enterprises demonstrating exemplary sustainable business practices.

Dr Tanupol highlighted that the Health and Wellness Tourism Award reflects the organisation’s unwavering dedication to advancing Thailand’s preventive healthcare services to global standards.

‘Receiving these award is both a great honour and a source of pride for BDMS Wellness Clinic and our entire team,’ said Dr Tanupol. ‘It recognises not only our service excellence but also our mission to position Thailand as a world-class health and wellness destination. The BDMS Wellness Clinic x Sri panwa Wellness Retreat represents a collaborative effort between BDMS Wellness Clinic, Sri panwa Phuket, and Bangkok Hospital Phuket. Together, we offer a holistic wellness experience that blends evidence-based medical science-what we call Scientific Wellness-with the art of relaxation for the body, mind and spirit. Our goal is to deliver truly personalised, sustainable health outcomes for guests from around the world.’

Dr Lalita added that Bangkok Hospital Phuket plays a crucial role as a regional medical partner, providing ongoing, in-depth health support to guests participating in BDMS Wellness programmes.

‘Our commitment is to offer world-class medical services with a holistic approach, backed by highly skilled specialists, advanced medical technology and a deep understanding of health tourism,’ she said. ‘Guests can be confident they will receive the highest level of care throughout their wellness journey.’

Meanwhile, Mr Songkran expressed pride in receiving the Thailand Tourism Sustainability Award, underscoring Sri panwa’s long-standing dedication to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.

‘At Sri panwa, sustainability is not just a concept-it’s a responsibility,’ said Mr Songkran. ‘We are deeply committed to promoting wellness tourism that cares for both people and the planet. Beyond offering world-class wellness experiences through modern medical innovation, our project strives to nurture a sustainable future by using resources responsibly, reducing plastic waste and protecting the natural environment. True wellness must go hand in hand with environmental and social wellbeing.’

The recognition of BDMS Wellness Clinic and Sri panwa with both Health and Wellness Tourism and Sustainability Awards underscores their shared vision of integrating health, environmental, social and economic sustainability. Their initiatives include efficient resource management, supporting local communities, sourcing local ingredients and designing responsible services aligned with Thailand’s long-term sustainable development goals.

Now in its 30th year, the Thailand Tourism Awards are held biennially by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to honour outstanding tourism businesses that exemplify quality, responsibility and sustainability. The 15th edition presented accolades across five main categories: Attractions, Accommodation, Health and Wellness Tourism, Tour Programmes and Tourism Support and Promotion Organisation.

The dual recognition of BDMS Wellness Clinic, Sri panwa Phuket and Bangkok Hospital Phuket reaffirms Thailand’s growing strength and readiness to position itself as the ‘Wellness Hub of the World.’

Reinforcing Thailand’s presence on the global academic stage, Krirk University has reached a significant international milestone with its official recognition as a Permanent Member of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), an organisation operating under the auspices of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The formal announcement took place on 8 October 2025, marking Krirk University as Thailand’s first university to attain this distinguished status.

On this occasion, Dr Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of ICESCO, paid an official visit to present the Certificate of Permanent Membership to the university. The delegation was warmly received by Professor Dr Krasae Chanawongse, President of Krirk University; Mr Wang Changming, Chairman of the University Council; and members of the executive team. Both parties engaged in discussions on advancing higher education within the Muslim world, promoting academic collaboration, and exploring potential joint projects for the future.

Professor Dr Krasae Chanawongse remarked, ‘Being recognised by FUIW marks a significant step for Krirk University in advancing towards internationalisation. It serves as a bridge for academic cooperation between Thailand and the Islamic world, expanding new opportunities for our students, researchers, and academic personnel at the global level.’

This achievement reflects Krirk University’s vision to deliver quality education while fostering international partnerships, positioning itself as a true centre of knowledge at the global level.

Professor Dr Jaran Maluleem, Vice President for International Affairs and Dean of the International Islamic College of Bangkok (IICB), Krirk University, emphasised that FUIW is a major international organisation headquartered in Rabat, Morocco. The federation’s mission is to promote cooperation among higher education institutions in the Muslim world to enhance the quality of education, science, and culture – particularly focusing on the development of higher education, scientific research, and the preservation of Islamic cultural heritage in alignment with global standards.

Dr Sarawut Laesan, Assistant to the Chairman for Strategy and Development, Assistant to the Vice President for International Affairs, and Vice Dean of the International Islamic College of Bangkok (IICB) for Administration and International Affairs, explained that this recognition is the result of continuous efforts since the establishment of the College in 2022. The IICB has actively built networks with higher education institutions in the Muslim world, beginning with its permanent membership in the Asian Islamic Universities Association (AIUA). The College has implemented academic exchange programmes, joint research projects, and professional development initiatives that have gained international recognition, ultimately leading to this prestigious honour – being named ‘Thailand’s First Permanent Member’ of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW). This milestone represents a proud progression from the national to the regional, and now global, levels.

Dr Chanidapha Nunualvuttiwong, Director of the International Affairs Office at Krirk University, added that the university truly embodies internationalism. It hosts students from diverse countries across all continents, reflecting openness to cultural and religious diversity. Within the university, academic programmes are offered in multiple languages – including Thai, English, Chinese, and Arabic – to support this diversity and foster an international academic atmosphere.

This multicultural environment not only stands as one of the university’s key strengths but also reflects Krirk University’s vision to promote intercultural understanding, peaceful coexistence, and the development of students into capable, globally minded citizens who contribute meaningfully to the world community.

Looking ahead, Krirk University remains committed to expanding academic cooperation with universities and international organisations worldwide. The university continues to create pathways for education and research that meet global standards, in response to the evolving challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

As Thailand’s first permanent member of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), Krirk University stands at the forefront of international collaboration in higher education. This milestone not only underscores the university’s dedication to global academic excellence but also reaffirms its mission to nurture intercultural understanding and foster future generations of globally competent leaders who contribute to knowledge, peace, and sustainable development worldwide.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) shared uplifting news that ‘Khao Tom,’ a baby wild elephant rescued in Kanchanaburi province, was showing encouraging signs of recovery as of Thursday after weeks of treatment at Bueng Chawak Wildlife Sanctuary in Suphan Buri.

However, veterinarians in Lampang province reported the death of another injured baby elephant on Wednesday.

Khao Tom was rescued on Sept 22 after falling into a pit in Huai Chani Forest, injuring its right hind leg.

Since then, the young elephant has received round-the-clock care from a veterinary team led by Dr Natthanon Panpetch, director of the Bueng Chawak Wildlife Sanctuary.

The team, supported by specialists from the National Elephant Institute, Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medical Technology and Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, has helped improve the calf’s strength and mobility.

Khao Tom has begun wearing leg splints and using a supportive frame to aid with balance and muscle training.

The treatment also included joint stretching, ultrasound therapy and peripheral magnetic stimulation-a technique using electromagnetic fields to stimulate muscle function.

The team reported that the elephant can now stand more steadily and move with better coordination.

The calf is drinking milk and water normally and has shown improvement in digestion after being given probiotics and intravenous fluids.

DNP director-general Atthapol Charoenchansa said on Thursday that the department remains committed to ensuring Khao Tom’s full recovery, adding that every effort is being made to give the young elephant the best possible quality of life.

In contrast, the Elephant Hospital in Lampang province announced that an 11-day-old calf, transferred from Chiang Mai after being attacked by its mother, died on Wednesday despite undergoing surgery to repair a broken leg.

Thailand’s data centre capacity is projected to more than double over the next few years, but the government must upgrade power transmission lines and substations as electricity shortages are emerging in key provinces such as Chon Buri and Rayong.

Norasak Suphakorntanakit, head of capital markets and investment at property consultancy Cushman and Wakefield Thailand, said the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand is holding discussions to identify sites and accelerate substation upgrades to increase power capacity.

“In the past, provincial electricity planning focused on serving local communities or industrial estates that required limited power,” he said. “But with the exponential growth of data centres, substation expansion has failed to keep pace with demand.”

Bangkok’s data centre market continues to grow rapidly, building on strong momentum from the second half of 2024.

Having moved beyond its initial development phase, the sector is now entering its early stage of maturity, noted Cushman and Wakefield.

In the first half of 2025, Thailand’s data centre projects tallied around 800 megawatts of capacity. There are 25 operators managing 53 data centres, with a combined capacity of 109MW in operation, 169MW under construction, and 515MW in planning.

Those under construction and planning also jumped from 46MW and 186MW previously planned, respectively.

In comparison, Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur accounted for 800MW, while Johor Bahru has 2,306MW, a combined 3,106MW.

This indicates that Thailand still has room to more than double its capacity, supported by available electricity reserves of 12-13 gigawatts.

Another factor driving investment to Thailand is that Johor Bahru and Singapore are facing shortages of both electricity and water, limiting new data centre development in those cities and shifting growth to Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor.

Of the 13 leading co-location providers active in Asia-Pacific, most have already established a presence in Malaysia and Singapore, while eight are currently operating or entering the Thai market, with half already running and half in the process of setting up.

“In the next few years, more global providers are likely to enter Thailand as the country is increasingly attractive for those seeking high-quality, high-standard facilities,” Mr Norasak said.

Although operational capacity growth remains modest, demand is robust, reflected in a sharp drop in colocation vacancy rates from 24% in the second half of 2024 to 16% by mid-2025.

“In the past, demand for Thailand was limited due to a lack of high-quality, high-standard providers,” Mr Norasak added. “But after global players entered the market, demand surged. Bangkok is now emerging as a key data centre hub in Asia-Pacific.”

He also said the government should promote green or renewable energy, which is increasingly required by leading international data centre providers.

An Indian visitor told local police that a woman and two transvestites stole cash worth nearly 25,000 baht from his hotel room late Wednesday night, and also hit a hotel employee.

The 47-year-old Indian man said he had invited a Thai woman aged about 25-30 to his hotel room and promised to give her 500 baht.

When she arrived, she demanded more money. The Indian man said he rejected the demand and the woman called two transvestites to the room.

The Indian man said the three people then attacked his group and stole 15,000 baht and 25,000 rupees (9,250 baht) in cash from them.

A hotel employee rushed to the room to investigate the commotion. He was also attacked by the trio before they fled the scene.

Thammasat University has hailed singer Ratchanok “Janey” Suwannaket’s record-breaking livestream commerce success as a marketing masterclass in using fun and collaboration to drive Thailand’s highest-ever sales.

Ms Ratchanok’s livestream marathon shattered records with combined sales of 400 million baht from last Thursday to Tuesday.

On Tuesday alone, sales soared to 148 million baht, setting a new record.

Nopporn Ruangwanit, assistant professor and director of the university’s Integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree (IBMP) Programme at Thammasat Business School, said on Wednesday that Thai consumers behave differently from their Western peers when it comes to online shopping.

Thais value fun, entertainment and direct engagement with sellers, whereas Western consumers tend to favour online shopping through platforms like Amazon or eBay without direct interaction with sellers.

Given this shopping tendency among Thais, the so-called “Janey Festival” phenomenon with its record-breaking e-commerce sales has emerged.

It is named after Ratchanok, a celebrity also known as Janey Dai Mod Tha Sod Chuen (Janey Can Take Anything As Long As It’s Refreshing) who has turned her live-streaming sessions into huge sales events.

Her TikTok channel, boasting over 19 million followers, attracts more than 400,000 viewers per stream.

“This marketing approach, so-called shoppertainment, aligns perfectly with Thai consumer behaviour,” said Mr Nopporn.

Ratchanok’s success also comes from the power of collaboration with celebrities, which heightens its appeal.

One session with superstar Patcharapa “Aum” Chaichua sold 180,000 perfume orders worth 60 million baht in just 10 minutes, while news anchor Kanchai “Noom” Kamnerdploy’s brand LYO reached 19 million baht in the same time frame.

This approach multiplied entertainment value while bringing together diverse fan bases, even fuelling TikTok’s algorithm and amplifying reach and visibility among consumers.

As such, Ratchanok’s strategy offers key lessons for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and online sellers, highlighting the value of brand collaboration and competitive pricing.

Mr Nopporn said Ratchanok often sets lower prices than brand owners, creating a sense of urgency through limited-time offers.

This triggers FOMO (fear of missing out), a psychological drive to buy.

He said her sales target of a billion baht this month is possible as many celebrities want to join her streams.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has ordered an urgent investigation after a first-year student was left in a coma after a beating during a freshman hazing.

On Tuesday, Khom, father of Pete (surname withheld), a 23-year-old student at Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok (RMUTTO), Uthenthawai Campus, filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) regarding his son’s beating at the university.

Accompanying Mr Khom, online petitioner Thamanan Taengtim, alias Ja King Saphan Mai, said Mr Pete is a freshman of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture.

On Oct 7, four senior students beat the freshman in the university’s warehouse, critically injuring him.

One of the seniors then sent Mr Pete to a hospital, where he was put in the intensive care unit (ICU) as his heart had stopped beating. Fortunately, doctors were able to revive him.

Yet Mr Pete remained unconscious. His health condition remains a concern as he was reported to have fluid draining from his lungs and injuries to his chest, arms and brain.

The university invited Khom to discuss what happened a day later.

The university told him Mr Pete may have been beaten by the senior students on two occasions that day, before class and later in the afternoon, after he failed to respond to their texts on the Line messaging app.

“MHESI has offered its deepest condolences to the victim’s family and pledged to create a safer learning space for every undergraduate student,” said Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) ordered MPB Division 6 and Pathum Wan station to work with the university’s lecturers in the investigation.

Pol Maj Gen Chaiyakrit Pho-ah said four students were apprehended for the assault.

Only one admitted what he had done, saying he kicked Mr Pete in the head.

The police plan to seek the highest penalty against the assailants.

The government kicked off retail shop registration yesterday for the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme, expecting participation from at least 900,000 stores and an estimated 88 billion baht in economic circulation.

According to Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the ministry wants to encourage small retailers to participate in the scheme to ensure funds are broadly distributed throughout the economy. Retail shop registration closes on Dec 19.

Registration for the public is scheduled from Oct 20-26 and targets 20 million participants. The estimate of 88 billion baht comprises 44 billion baht contributed by the government and 44 billion in consumer spending.

Participants can spend under the scheme from Oct 29 to Dec 31. The government believes the programme will help the economy evade a contraction in the fourth quarter.

For existing retail stores or those who previously participated in the Khon La Khrueng Phase 5 — around 900,000 stores — they can update the Thung Ngern app and accept the new terms and conditions to immediately join the co-payment scheme. Roughly 100,000 stores remain active on the platform.

New retail shops wishing to join the scheme must prepare their national ID card and photos of their actual store, then verify their identity at their district office or the Interior Ministry in their area.

Afterwards, they must bring the verified documents to Krungthai Bank (KTB) to confirm their identity and store authenticity.

Verification is estimated to take three days, then shops can access the Thung Ngern app.

Merchants can download application forms from www.?????????????.com, and KTB offers full assistance throughout the process.

“This scheme focuses on small and micro businesses, including market vendors and street sellers. It does not allow large enterprises or modern trade retailers to participate,” said Mr Ekniti.

“This time, the programme also opens opportunities for small juristic persons with annual income not exceeding 1.8 million baht to join — expanding the previous scheme that was limited to individual merchants.”

The government is also allowing public transport services, including licensed motorcycle taxi drivers, to participate. Their information must be verified through the Land Transport Department and the Transport Ministry.

He said all data within the co-payment system will be kept in a closed and secure system to protect user privacy. No transaction data will be shared externally, not even with the Revenue Department.

However, Mr Ekniti reminded people that paying taxes is the duty of every Thai once income is earned.

The controversial high-level Interior Ministry shake-up has sparked allegations of political retaliation by the ruling Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party ahead of an expected general election.

The Interior Ministry’s transfer of more than 45 senior officials, including several provincial governors, has sparked criticism over whether the reshuffle was based on merit or the BJT’s attempt to consolidate political power ahead of next year’s elections.

Academics and opposition figures say the shake-up, approved by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, reflects political patronage rather than administrative reform. They warn it could disrupt local governance and deepen central control.

Pornamarin Promkerd, of Khon Kaen University, said the reshuffle was “more about political retaliation than solving problems”.

He said several governors, installed by the previous Pheu Thai Party-led administration, were transferred after less than two weeks in office, calling the move proof that “appointments serve political ends rather than local needs”.

He urged reforms allowing citizens to elect their provincial governors for the sake of accountability and policy continuity.

In Chiang Mai, professor emeritus Thanet Charoenmuang of Chiang Mai University said the transfers were clearly politically motivated.

With the government’s four-month working timeline and the expectation of a House dissolution, he said, “It’s normal they’d position loyal officials in key provinces ahead of polls.”

Chiang Mai, once a Pheu Thai stronghold, has become a major battleground after the People’s Party (PP) gained seven House seats there.

He said frequent governor changes — sometimes after just months — undermine continuity and morale, calling it “a system designed for politics, not governance”.

The reshuffle has also revived public debate about direct gubernatorial elections, particularly in Chiang Mai, where civic groups argue that elected governors would work for long-term development free from political interference.

Three PP MPs from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Phuket condemned the reshuffle as disruptive and politically driven. Phetcharat Maichomphu, Chiang Mai MP, said it came just as the province was preparing to address the PM2.5 haze crisis.

“How can a new governor unfamiliar with local issues continue the effort?” she asked.

Chulalak Khansutham, Chiang Rai MP, criticised the transfer amid a toxic spill affecting four major rivers, saying it forced the province to restart its response plan.

In Phuket, MP Thitikan Thitiphrutthikul said the reshuffle derailed major infrastructure and tourism management projects. “This is a hallmark of central interference. We need decentralisation so appointments serve people, not power networks,” he said.

Somkid Cheuakong, former Pheu Thai MP, accused Mr Anutin of using the reshuffle to strengthen his party’s influence in the bureaucracy. “Some governors hadn’t even started work before being transferred. This is political retaliation between blue and red camps,” he said.

He warned the move would force civil servants to take sides politically.

Lifeguards at Patong Beach on this southern resort island have reported a significant increase in jellyfish stings among tourists, with several cases requiring hospital treatment.

Many swimmers have been stung by box jellyfish, experiencing red rashes, burning sensations and allergic reactions upon leaving the water, Patong Municipality lifeguards say.

Lifeguards administer first aid using vinegar to arrest the spread of venom and reduce stinging sensations. But several severe cases have required transfers to nearby hospitals for further treatment.

About Box Jellyfish

Box jellyfish have transparent, cube-shaped bell bodies, with venom contained in their tentacles, which contain numerous stinging cells. Swimmers may not see the jellyfish itself but can be stung by detached tentacles floating in the water.

Jellyfish venom varies in severity. Most species cause burning pain and skin inflammation, though some, particularly box jellyfish, can be fatal within minutes for those with allergies.

First Aid Guidance

Authorities recommend the following steps if stung:

Exit the water immediately. Do not continue swimming as symptoms may worsen and could lead to drowning in severe allergic reactions

For severe cases involving unconsciousness or breathing difficulties, call for help and begin CPR immediately

Pour vinegar on the wound quickly to prevent further venom release from stinging cells

Do not rub or touch the wound with bare hands as stinging cells may remain. Remove any tentacles carefully using tweezers

If vinegar is unavailable, rinse with seawater only. Do not use fresh water, urine or oils

Seek medical attention for severe reactions

Even for mild cases, observe the patient for at least one hour. Some species, particularly Irukandji jellyfish, initially cause mild symptoms that can become severe later.