Category: The Bangkok Post

Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zarum, as the newly appointed chairman of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), has pledged swift and decisive action to combat the rising use of e-cigarettes and narcotics among Thai youth despite the government’s short tenure.

Speaking after a ThaiHealth board meeting recently, Mr Sophon’s focus was on reports of the rapid spread of e-cigarette use that has been increasing tenfold among those aged 15-24 within a span of three years.

“I affirm that this government will not seek revenue from the vaping industry,” said Mr Sophon.

During the meeting, data was cited including how cigarette smoking remains a major global health threat, causing over 8 million deaths each year — among them, more than seven million deaths are caused by direct smoking and another 1.2 million by second-hand smoke.

Smoking increases the risk of heart disease two to four times and lung cancer up to 25 times.

In Thailand, smoking rates are steadily declining, with 9.8 million smokers, accounting for 16.5% of people aged 15 and over, down from 17.4% in 2021, according to 2024 figures from the National Statistical Office.

Men account for the vast majority of smokers.

Smoking is most prevalent in the South at 22.2%, followed by the Northeast (17.9%) and lowest in the Central Plains (14.2%).

But e-cigarette use has surged to around 900,500 users, including more than 251,600 youths aged 15-24. This sharp rise reflects how the tobacco industry has adapted its marketing strategies to attract younger users, the meeting concluded.

Other data on substance use was also discussed including the 1.9 million Thais who use kratom, 1.6 million who use narcotic substances and 1.5 million each who use cannabis and methamphetamine.

Among them, 330,000 people are in need of rehabilitation and 220,000 are suffering from mental health issues.

The meeting also noted a worrying trend that around 21,000 people, as of 2024, were using a mixture of illegal substances.

They are in need of specialised rehabilitation and are at risk of severe health complications as a result of multiple drug interactions.

The deputy PM also highlighted two major public health challenges: natural ageing and illness, which require heavy investment and advanced medical technology; and health problems arising from personal behaviour, such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), depression and drug abuse.

A new generation of regional golfers, including Thailand’s Pongsapak Laopakdee and Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat, is in Dubai this week, each with a dream in tow that was sparked by the heroics of Hideki Matsuyama.

The 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, set to begin from today, will bring together 120 of the brightest young talents such as Japan’s Rintaro Nakano and China’s Zhou Ziqin, all eager to make their mark. They’ll be walking a path first cleared by Matsuyama, whose teenage breakthrough at the same Championship some 15 years ago became the first steps towards a Masters Green Jacket.

The Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course, which is set against the gleaming Dubai skyline, will host the region’s premier amateur men’s Championship where at stake is not just the coveted silverware, but golf’s two golden tickets — an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament and an exemption into The Open Championship.

No figure looms larger over the Asia-Pacific Amateur than Matsuyama who is now arguably the greatest male golfer Asia has produced. A two-time Asia-Pacific Amateur champion, the 32-year-old parlayed his 2010 victory into a trophy-laden professional career that now boasts 11 PGA Tour victories and, most memorably, the 2021 Masters, where he became the first Asian man to slip on the prized Green Jacket.

“Winning the 2010 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship gave me the opportunity to play in the Masters Tournament,” Matsuyama recalled. “Making the cut that week helped me realise I could actually have a career playing golf,” said Matsuyama.

“I owe a great debt of gratitude to Augusta National and will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to play in the Masters and helping me reach my dream to play professional golf. Winning the 2010 AAC was life-changing for me.”

All eyes will be on the 18-year-old Ratchanon, known better as ‘TK’.

Three years ago, he won a professional tournament on the Asian Tour to signal his promise in the game, and he will be eager to challenge for the Championship, having finished T13 in his previous appearance at the 2022 edition in Thailand.

The Stanford University sophomore said: “This tournament is the biggest amateur event in the region and is very important because the champion earns invitations to play in two majors, The Masters and The Open, next year which is a dream for amateur golfers. I want to seize that opportunity, but I won’t put too much pressure on myself. I’ll stay focused on my game plan, take it one shot at a time, and enjoy the game as much as possible.”

Pongsapak Laopakdee, 20, finished T5 in the 2022 edition and will be amongst the frontrunners in Emirates Golf Club. Ranked 53rd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, the Arizona State University junior plans to use his US collegiate experience to challenge for the Asia-Pacific Amateur crown this week and become the first golfer from Thailand to achieve the feat. The nation’s best finisher in the history of the Championship is a tied third finish by Tanapat Pichaikool in 2019.

“I’m ready to compete in this tournament,” said Pongsapak, who was an International Team member at the Junior Presidents Cup in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2022. “It will be my first time playing in the UAE, which is different from what I’ve experienced before. This is one of the biggest tournaments in the region, and the champion will earn invitations to the majors. I’ll use my past playing experience to improve and adapt, but even if I don’t win, it’s fine. I just want to give it my very best and I see this as a valuable experience in my golf journey.”

Japan’s Rintaro Nakano, who will make his third start in the Championship, will spearhead his country’s seven-man charge where they hope to follow in Matsuyama’s footsteps, and also of Takumi Kanaya and Keita Nakajima who won the Asia-Pacific Amateur in 2018 and 2021 respectively.

After finishing third at Taiheiyo Club in Gotemba last year and T28 at Royal Melbourne in 2023, the 21-year-old is fired up to win the prestigious Championship.

“I think this will be my last AAC, so I want to enjoy it. Of course, I have winning in mind, and I want to play with my full effort while appreciating this tournament that has helped me grow,” said Nakano, who was the 36-hole leader before finishing two strokes behind champion Ding Wenyi of China last year.

Note: The writer worked for the PGA Tour and Asian Tour for 25 years, leading their communications efforts in the region. He now runs his own PR consulting firm in Malaysia.

The Commerce Ministry, in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank), plans to offer loans worth over 239 million baht at a fixed rate of 3% to prospective franchise businesses.

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the collaboration aims to support prospective franchises in expanding their operations.

The pilot project includes seven participating brands: Manoi bubble milk tea; Bear Wash; Punjaros Boat Noodles; Laundrybar; Trendy Wash; 24 Wash; and Punthai Coffee.

The department estimated that this initiative will generate over 1.14 billion baht in economic circulation.

Moreover, the bank is offering a special loan programme with a fixed interest rate of 3% a year for up to three years to franchises of all sizes, with a total credit line exceeding 20 billion baht.

Mrs Suphajee said this initiative also focuses on minimising barriers for new entrepreneurs by facilitating easier access to funding, allowing inexperienced business operators to apply for loans.

The ministry and the bank will carefully screen potential entrepreneurs to ensure they are capable and possess growth potential.

She said the franchise business continues to thrive with a projected growth rate of about 10-15% this year.

She said Thai franchises have expanded their businesses to international markets, with over 40 franchises now operating in more than 30 countries.

Amorn Umpairungruang, chief executive Dou Means Bean Co Ltd, owner of the Dou Soy Milk franchise, said a rising number of layoffs had prompted many individuals to start their own businesses.

This trend would likely boost the franchise sector, particularly in segments requiring small investments of around 500,000-600,000 baht.

He said last year the franchise sector saw a surge of Chinese franchises such as snowball and bubble tea as well as ice cream brands, which achieve success due to their efficient systems.

However, this year Thai franchises are beginning to improve, supported by better logistics and supply chain systems for distributing products and raw materials, said Mr Amorn.

He said the Thai franchise sector, established for over three decades, has seen many businesses enter and exit the market, as the sector often aligns with trends.

Younger generations increasingly aspire to become entrepreneurs now, said Mr Amorn.

He suggested educational institutions should include the franchise business in their curriculum and urged the government to support the sector through low-interest financing and the establishment of franchise-related laws to provide proper oversight and development for the industry.

A decade ago, Myanmar reached what many viewed as a historic milestone on Oct 15, 2015. The signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) between the government and several ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) brought renewed hope. After more than seven decades of internal conflict, the country seemed to be stepping towards a peaceful and inclusive future.

The NCA was more than a ceasefire. It embodied a shared political vision — building trust, reducing armed conflict, and preparing for inclusive political dialogue. It was witnessed by international observers, including the United Nations and neighbouring countries, and welcomed as a significant step in Myanmar’s modern history.

Ten years later, that optimism has been severely tested. Following political developments since February 2021, Myanmar’s situation has deteriorated. Widespread resistance, renewed fighting, and the collapse of political dialogue have placed serious pressure on the NCA’s foundations. Several original signatories have withdrawn recognition or declared the agreement void, citing violations by military authorities.

The Karen National Union, one of the NCA’s leading signatories, declared in 2023 that the military had undermined the agreement’s core, especially Chapter 1, which commits all parties to political dialogue and federal democracy.

In October, the KNU, All Burma Students’ Democratic Front, and the Chin National Front jointly announced that the NCA had lost its legitimacy in the current political environment. They urged the international community to reject any peace process lacking meaningful political reform. Taking a more moderate stance, the Restoration Council of Shan State called for renewed trust-building between the military and EAOs, grounded in federalism and supported by international witnesses. These varied responses reflect deepening mistrust and a lack of confidence in the peace process.

Meanwhile, Myanmar’s military continues to treat the NCA as a valid legal framework. During the 10th anniversary ceremony held in Nay Pyi Taw on Oct 15, military leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement. However, ongoing hostilities and the absence of inclusive dialogue paint a different picture on the ground.

The anniversary event — attended by representatives from several countries, including Thailand — served both as a commemoration and a reminder of unfulfilled promises. While the ceremony emphasised peace and federal unity, conditions across the country highlight a widening gap between official narratives and lived realities.

Although general elections are being planned, the military has acknowledged that voting will not take place in many areas due to continued conflict and limited administrative control. This raises concerns about the legitimacy of the process and the exclusion of key ethnic voices.

While elections are a vital component of democracy, they cannot substitute for inclusive political dialogue. Without trust, broad representation, and a shared national vision, elections alone cannot heal deep-rooted grievances. The elections must instead be viewed as “part and parcel” of a wider peace process — one that prioritises dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual respect.

Thailand, as Myanmar’s immediate neighbour and long-standing friend, has a deep interest in the country’s peace and stability. With over 2,000 kilometres of shared border and close people-to-people ties, Thailand’s stake in Myanmar’s future is both diplomatic and humanitarian. Refugee flows, cross-border trade, and regional security are all affected by the situation in Myanmar.

Thailand has consistently supported peace efforts in Myanmar, including through informal dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and its role within Asean. At the NCA’s 10th anniversary, Thailand’s message was clear: peace cannot be achieved by procedure alone. It requires trust-building, inclusion, and the active participation of various stakeholders.

The key lesson from the past decade is this: peace is not a document or a ceremony. It is a long, fragile process that must be continuously nurtured. The NCA was, and still can be, a foundation for lasting peace, but only if adapted to today’s realities and revitalised through genuine political will.

Myanmar’s future must be determined by its people, supported by neighbours and international partners who respect its sovereignty while encouraging its democratic aspirations. As the country approaches another crossroads, the spirit of 2015 can still be renewed not by looking back, but by creating a new, inclusive path together forward.

Hope may waver, but it does not have to fade. The experiences of the past decade — both achievements and disappointments — should guide Myanmar on its continued journey towards sustainable peace and reconciliation.

Everyone is invited to immerse themselves in a world of thrills and chills with a wide array of festive Halloween activities during “Em District Haunted Halloween 2025”, which is running at Emporium, EmQuartier and Emsphere until Nov 2.

Besides “Under The Castle”, a world-renowned attraction that has brought an immersive haunted experience at Emsphere every day until Nov 2, visitors are invited to embark on a culinary adventure to discover frightfully delicious dishes across participating restaurants throughout Em District until Oct 31.

Alternatively, stop by top dining and nightlife venues at Em Wonder, 5th floor of Emsphere, that present live performances by famous artists and DJs and exclusive Halloween menus and promotions. Among the hotspots are Kaiwa, Mami Rose, Raze Arcade and Tokyo Highball.

For kids, there are “Spooky Playtivities” workshops at Emjoy, 2nd floor of EmQuartier, where they will learn to make cookies and spooky claywork, on Saturday and Sunday. Also, prepare to have fun with adorable little ghosts at the spooky parade and the trick-or-treat adventure on Saturday.

A highlight will be “Haunted Twilight”, the first-ever skyline Halloween festival in Bangkok where devils dance and spirits awaken under a crimson glow. Scheduled for Nov 1 from 5pm to late at Em Tower, 14th floor of Emsphere, the night will take everyone to immerse in mesmerising visuals, surreal decor and world-class DJ performances by three international acts.

They include Flight Facilities, a boundary-breaking electronic duo known for their euphoric energy; Hunee, a DJ who weaves deep spiritual rhythms and cosmic mystery; and The Illustrious Blacks, an Afrofuturistic duo of unstoppable beats, fashion and joy.

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has broken its silence, unveiling the reasons behind the shock dismissal of Japanese head coach Masatada Ishii — a sensational move that has left Thai football fans stunned and furious.

The surprise decision came just days after Ishii guided the War Elephants to back-to-back victories over Taiwan that revived Thailand’s hopes of reaching the 2027 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.

Unconfirmed reports from the FAT headquarters yesterday said Englishman Anthony Hudson will take over the national team’s reins as interim coach.

According to the FAT, Thailand’s early exit from the World Cup second round qualifiers, the team’s failure to defend their Asean Championship title after losing both home and away to Vietnam, and a first-ever defeat to the Philippines in 52 years were among the main factors behind the sacking.

The Japanese tactician was also blamed for Thailand’s inability to retain their King’s Cup crown this year and for a 3-1 away defeat to Turkmenistan, which has jeopardised the country’s Asian Cup campaign.

The FAT further alleged that Ishii overlooked in-form domestic players in favour of those struggling for game time at their clubs.

The decision has ignited a firestorm across Thai football. Media reports say social media has erupted with outrage, with furious fans flooding the Facebook page of FAT president Nualphan Lamsam.

Nualphan, in a social media post on Wednesday, attempted to appease the angry fans and sought their understanding in the matter.

Also under fire are two senior FAT figures — vice president Dr Charnwit Polcheewin and board member “The Tuk” Piyapong Pue-on — accused of orchestrating Ishii’s ouster in what supporters are calling a “cold-blooded ambush.”

Fans argue Ishii was the best thing to happen to Thai football in years. Under his leadership, Thailand’s Fifa ranking climbed from outside the top 100 to 96, and his win rate of over 50 percent was the second-best of any Thai national team coach in history.

Ishii himself said he was blindsided. In a bombshell Instagram post, he revealed he had been summoned for what was supposed to be a routine performance review — only to be abruptly dismissed.

“They weren’t sincere,” he wrote, a remark that resonated deeply with fans already seething over the decision.

Attention now turns to Ishii’s succes- ­sor as the fulltime national team coach.

The frontrunner is Hudson, the Englishman who previously managed BG Pathum United and now serves as FAT’s technical director. Hudson brings international pedigree, having coached Bahrain and New Zealand.

Another name in the frame is Shin Tae-Yong, the South Korean tactician who famously guided his country to the 2018 World Cup and masterminded a shock victory over Germany.

There is also speculation that a Thai coach could be handed the reins. Former national team boss Kiatisuk “Zico” Senamuang, along with domestic stalwarts Sasom Pobpasert (PT Prachuap) and Totchtawan Sripan (Bangkok United), have all been mentioned as possible candidates.

Whoever takes charge will debut in November’s Fifa international window, with Thailand scheduled to face Singapore in a friendly on Nov 13 before travelling to Sri Lanka for their fifth Asian Cup qualifier.

A selection of 200 artists of various generations and art styles from around the world will showcase their works during “Bangkok Illustration Fair (BKKIF) 2025”, which kicks off today at 2pm and run daily from 11am to 8pm until Sunday. The venue is CentralWorld Pulse, 7th floor of CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road.

Organised by Happening magazine and What If, this fifth edition of the fair is a platform for 132 artists from Thailand and 68 artists from 16 countries, collectively called BKKIF Artists 2025, plus an artist who won the popular vote at last year’s event, to present their illustrations, share experiences with their fans and find opportunities to expand on what they love and are passionate about.

Experts in the creative circle from Thailand and abroad will act as BKKIF Reviewers. They will review the illustrations by the 201 artists and select their favourite artist(s) to receive reward(s). The rewards come in the form of opportunities in different formats.

Also displayed are the works by six guest artists from Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. They include Noma, Panatthorn “Skill” Fakthong, Pol Huiprasert, Urban Sketchers Thailand, Whosming and Veerachai Duangpla, aka The Duang.

Many activities have been arranged to support both artists and participants. They include a space for artists to interact and present their works through B2A (business-to-artist) matching, Portfolio Review in which all artists can bring artworks to receive comments and advice from professional artists, and Message To Artist which invites visitors to share positive messages with their favourite artists.

The works of all BKKIF 2025 applicants who submitted their creations via the website will be displayed at the BKKIF Candidate Showcase. Also expect to see the works of four illustrators and character creators — Cat Me Five, Cheesy Duck, ThisisBoringday and Switch Panda.

Another special activity is Central Tham Mascot Design Contest which is accepting entries under the theme “Illustrating Impact” from all artists, designers and creators until Nov 1.

Tickets cost 150 baht for one-day pass (200 baht at the door and free for children) and can be purchased from eventpop.me.

Former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced her resignation from the post of leader of the Pheu Thai Party on Wednesday morning, to facilitate a revamp of the party.

Ms Paetongtarn said in a written statement her resignation would initiate an overhaul in line with her announcement on Oct 7.

‘Today I decided to resign as the leader of the Pheu Thai Party with the intention of starting the overhaul of the Pheu Thai Party, as I announced on Oct 7, 2025, with a new vision and courage for change truly for the sake of the people,’ said the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

‘The Pheu Thai Party, one of the nation’s major political parties, must be revamped. Change in the Pheu Thai Party must begin as soon as possible. Therefore, I choose to resign as the party leader to let the party be revamped freely and perfectly rebuilt.’

Despite her resignation as party leader, Ms Paetongtarn said, she remained ‘a member of the Pheu Thai Party, (and) the head of the Pheu Thai family and will together with all of us build a new era for the Pheu Thai Party.’

Sorawong Thienthong, former Pheu Thai secretary-general, told reporters at the party headquarters that Ms Paetongtarn called a meeting of all Pheu Thai members and MPs to voice the reasons behind her resignation.

Ms Paetongtarn ‘made a sacrifice’ with her resignation to “save the party” and prevent her story from being used as a ‘political tool’ in the future, Mr Sorawong said.

He said that after Ms Paetongtarn was removed as prime minister by the Constitutional Court, there were petitions for the disbandment of Pheu Thai. Her resignation would prevent other parties from using her as an issue to encourage defections from Pheu Thai.

He also said the resignation was part of the party’s revamp and party members were prepared to compete in the coming general election, scheduled to take place in March 2026.

Ms Paetongtarn would remain the ‘head of the Pheu Thai family’ and thus a pillar of the party, Mr Sorawong said.

The popularity of the Pheu Thai Party, which led the previous coalition government, has plummet since Ms Paetongtarn’s controversial phone call with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen was made public.

The Constitutional Court dismissed her from premiership in late August for a serious violation of ethics during the phone call, in which she appeared to favour Hun Sen’s opinions despite the growing tension at the time along their mutual border.

Her downfall and the Pheu Thai Party’s loss of government after her dismissal led to the resignation of many key party politicians and MPs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow on Tuesday denied the People’s Party (PP) allegations that he was linked to scam gangs and call-centre operations.

Capt Thamanat said that the sources of his assets were questioned by some media outlets, but stressed that he had been involved in a wide range of businesses before entering politics.

He said that he had declared his wealth to the anti-corruption agency upon assuming office.

“I’ve never been involved in any grey business, and I’ve defended myself against those allegations in the justice system. I won’t use lawsuits to silence critics, but if the allegations are false, I’ll bring them to court to prove they aren’t true,” Capt Thamanat said.

He also urged the public not to jump to a conclusion about foreign businessman Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, who is allegedly linked to scam operations.

The minister shrugged off PP MP Rangsiman Rome’s call for his ouster, saying only the prime minister can remove him.

He insisted that any dispute about his suitability to hold the cabinet post, if any, would be settled in court.

Earlier, Thanadon Suwannarit, a lawyer representing Mr Mauerberger, filed a 100-million-baht defamation lawsuit against Mr Rangsiman, who alleged he was linked to scam gangs and call-centre operations during a Sept 30 speech in parliament.

Mr Thanadon also said Capt Thammanat and Mr Mauerberger knew each other via former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and that Mr Mauerberger had investments in Dubai.

According to the lawyer, Mr Mauerberger’s role as an adviser to Cambodia’s former prime minister Hun Sen was purely consultative, with no salary or official position attached.

Meanwhile, social media influencer Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet, also known as Gun Chompalang, denied that he secured public relations projects from the Ministry of Agriculture due to his connections with Capt Thamanat.

He said that he had a large following, and he also secured public relations projects from other state agencies, including the Justice Ministry, not only from the Ministry of Agriculture.

He was responding to PP MP Rukchanok Srinok’s questions about his s ties with Capt Thamanat.

Thailand has scored a diplomatic success at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, where a motion proposed by the Thai delegation on combating transnational organised crime, cybercrime and hybrid threats to democracy won overwhelming support from member countries.

The assembly voted to include the Thai-led proposal as an ’emergency item’ after it gained more than two-thirds of the votes cast by over 100 member parliaments.

The outcome marked a historic achievement for the kingdom, as it was the first time a motion initiated by the Thai parliament had been adopted for urgent discussion at the global legislative forum.

The motion was spearheaded by House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and the Thai delegation of MPs and senators, with support from partners including Argentina, Chile, Poland and Sweden.

Behind the scenes, ‘Team Thailand’ worked tirelessly to lobby support from every regional group, holding late-night discussions and adjusting wording to reflect a broader consensus.

What began as a proposal focusing solely on cross-border cyber scams evolved to cover organised crime networks that undermine democracy and human security.

Among the two proposed emergency items this year – one concerning Madagascar and another on transnational crime – the Thai motion prevailed, winning 850 votes in favour and 200 against, far exceeding the two-thirds threshold of 601.

The Madagascar motion received 743 votes in favour and 158 against.

‘Securing two-thirds of the vote was extremely difficult,’ said Rangsiman Rome, the People’s Party MP who presented the motion before the IPU. Regional blocs such as Europe, Latin America and Africa held substantial voting power, he noted.

‘We had to engage in intensive talks with these groups. Australia was particularly helpful in connecting us with European countries like Poland and Sweden, and also with Latin American partners,’ he said.

The key breakthrough, he said, came when Thailand agreed to merge its cybercrime focus with Latin America’s call to address organised criminal networks and drug trafficking.