Category: The Bangkok Post

Book lovers are invited to the world of literature and music during the 30th Book Expo Thailand, which kicks off today and runs daily from 10am to 9pm until Oct 19, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center’s Hall 5-7, LG floor, Ratchadaphisek Road.

Held under the theme “Melody Of Books – Have You Read? Have You Heard It?” by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (Pubat), this year’s event features special prices on more than 2 million books, including 2,000 newly-released titles, across over 900 exhibition booths representing 400 publishing houses.

They are divided into six zones — Fiction and Literature; General Books; Old Books; Children’s and Educational Books; Comics and Teen Books; and Non-Book Items and Board Games.

The event is elevated from a traditional book fair into a dynamic space where reading meets rhythm, offering a multi-sensory cultural experience through a line-up of over 100 curated programmes including exhibitions, seminars and engaging activities.

Among the highlights is the “View ’til Touch” exhibition that takes visitors to explore the connection between books that have become songs and songs that have inspired books. They are invited to listen to musical interpretations of written texts and compose music from books using the AI-based program Suno.

The highly popular Author’s Salon is back with a stage for meaningful and informal dialogue between writers and readers, while the “Read For The Blind” exhibition introduces mobile applications designed for the blind. Interested visitors can record their own voice as part of an audio-book production experience.

Presented for the first time at the book expo is Chao Khun Thong And Friends, a special performance that combines live music with puppet theatre. It will be staged on Saturdays and Sundays, and on Oct 13. There are also puppet-making workshops and voice acting lessons for aspiring young performers.

A reading zone called Hiroba: The Picture Book Playground, is also open to everyone to sit, read and enjoy picture books in a relaxed atmosphere. Children and families can enjoy storytelling sessions and simple crafts, free of charge.

Also, the event features the debut of three major national competitions designed to elevate the culture of reading. The National Debate Competition is open to secondary school students to show off their critical thinking and public speaking on Oct 13 at noon.

The National Storytelling Competition will see finalists from seven regional book fairs compete to be crowned as the country’s most outstanding storyteller on Oct 14 and 16 at 10am, while the Songwriting Contest will highlight the winning song used to promote this year’s expo.

The Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 5-2 on Wednesday to send the Yankees packing in the Major League Baseball playoffs, as the Cubs and Tigers stayed alive.

Toronto won the-best-of-five American League division series 3-1 to advance to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2016.

They’ll face either the Seattle Mariners or Detroit Tigers for a place in the World Series.

Detroit downed the Seattle Mariners 9-3 to level their American League series at two games apiece.

The Chicago Cubs edged the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 to pull within 2-1 in their National League division series.

The reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers were vying for a series sweep when they hosted the Phillies later Wednesday after taking the first two games of their National League series in Philadelphia.

The Yankees, winners of 27 World Series titles, had rallied from five runs down to fend off elimination on Tuesday, but they couldn’t find another win against the Blue Jays – who had pipped them to the American League East division title.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr singled in a run to put Toronto on the board in the first inning.

Ryan McMahon pulled New York level with a home run in the third, but the Blue Jays inched back in front with a run in the fifth on George Springer’s sacrifice fly after Ernie Clement and Andres Gimenez led off the inning with singles.

Nathan Lukes gave the Blue Jays a bit of breathing room with a two-run single up the middle off Yankees reliever Devin Williams with two outs in the seventh that pushed Toronto’s lead to 4-1.

The Blue Jays added one run in the eighth and survived a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the inning, the Yankees plating one run in the ninth before Toronto closed it out.

The Yankees, who fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series last year, haven’t lifted the crown since 2009.

‘We believe’

In Detroit, Riley Greene and Javier Baez both homered in a four-run sixth inning as the Tigers rallied to beat the Mariners.

Gleyber Torres added a home run in the seventh inning for the Tigers, who fended off elimination in a series that now heads to Seattle for a decisive game five on Friday.

‘We believe,’ Greene said. ‘We’re never out of the game no matter what and we always believe in ourselves.’

National League top seeds Milwaukee made a promising start in Chicago with a run in the top of the first.

But Michael Busch’s leadoff homer ignited a four-run Cubs first inning and Chicago held on.

‘I thought we were just locked in from the beginning,’ Busch said. ‘They happened to give us four runs to win it, but I thought right off the bat, all nine of us kind of gave really good at-bats.’

Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers drove in a run with a single in the fourth inning and homered in the seventh to make it a one-run game.

But the Brewers left the bases loaded in the eighth as Cubs pitcher Brad Keller struck out Bauers to end the inning.

Keller retired three straight in the ninth for the four-out save and the Cubs will host game four at Wrigley Field on Thursday aiming to level the series.

The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) has condemned the recent spate of violence in the southern border provinces, vowing justice for the perpetrators and any collaborators.

Isoc spokesman Maj Gen Thammanoon Maisonti said yesterday that coordinated attacks had taken place in several areas of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces.

The incidents involved bombings, arson targeting CCTV cameras, and the torching of a passenger van, acts that appeared aimed at spreading fear among local residents and undermining public confidence in regional stability. No casualties were reported.

Lt Gen Narathip Phoaynok, commander of the Fourth Army Region and director of Isoc Region 4 Forward Command, responded by ordering security forces — including police, military and civilian agencies — to tighten control, collect forensic evidence and track down the perpetrators. Security has been stepped up to protect communities and prevent further attacks.

The attacks were likely carried out by a small group of ill-intentioned individuals seeking to sow division and disrupt the area’s multi-ethnic harmony, said Maj Gen Thammanoon, adding the timing coincided with preparations for the traditional Chak Phra festival, an important Buddhist celebration that brings together diverse communities and stimulates the local economy.

Yadea Technology (Thailand), a subsidiary of Chinese electric two-wheeler producer Yadea Global, is expanding its investment in Thailand as it aims to become a hub of electric motorcycle production in Southeast Asia.

The move came after the company was granted investment incentives from the Board of Investment.

The board declined to unveil the investment budget of Yadea Technology (Thailand).

“We want Thailand to be an electric motorcycle hub in Southeast Asia, with annual production capacity of 500,000 units,” said chief executive Jack Yang.

The company aims to increase capacity to 600,000 units between 2025 and 2027.

“We produce electric motorcycles from a smart assembly plant, which is like our ‘super factory’ in China,” said Mr Yang, adding the facilities are equipped with technology to enhance production efficiency.

Yadea’s factory, which is located in Samut Prakan’s Bang Sao Thong district, employs more than 500 workers, mostly Thais.

The company believes its electric motorcycle business has good prospects in Thailand thanks to an adequate production facility and a network of motorcycle dealers in 70 areas countrywide, he said.

Last year, Yadea opened three flagship stores here, marking the company’s entry into the Thai electric two-wheeler market since its establishment in 2001 in China.

The three stores, two located in Pathum Thani’s commercial area and the other located in a shopping area in Chon Buri, play an important role in introducing the brand to prospective customers.

Bangkok’s well-heeled and wellness-inclined urban crowd are increasingly meeting up at padel courts and setting alarms for exclusive 4am-run clubs.

Instead of making post-work plans at the nearest rooftop bar, more millennials and Gen Z are heading to Padthai Padel, a ‘lifestyle destination’ in the heart of Bangkok where people go to play but also partake in some serious people-watching and showcase athleisure gear.

Sports are no longer just about playing sports. They have evolved into social scenes and communities that are interested in meeting people, buying merch and investing in the latest ‘fit’. You have to dress well to at least feel like you are playing well.

Sports like padel are the new happy hour and are quickly replacing espresso martinis on a Thursday evening. Courts get booked up quickly, much like we once fretted over dinner reservations.

For the uninitiated, padel is a racquet sport usually played as doubles on a small, closed court.

The sport caught on quickly. Having risen to meteoric popularity in cities such as Miami, New York City, Milan and Dubai, it was actually born in Mexico and popularized in Spain and Argentina. Within just a year, we started seeing friends and friends of friends pop up at padel courts across town, even those who claimed to be non-athletic and rarely participated in group sports.

‘Tennis is hard to master, but with padel you feel very athletic very quickly,’ said a 33-year-old padel enthusiast who regularly holds court at Padthai Padel. ‘Amateurs are suddenly feeling like pros and taking it very seriously.’

While golf remains wildly popular and social, and even more so with the younger generation of Thais following the rise of night golf, it takes up significant amounts of time, requires a certain degree of commitment and demands a certain degree of skill, especially when playing together as a group. A typical game of casual padel is fast, and you can be on your way to dinner in just an hour.

‘Padel has taken off with those who missed the post-covid golf train,’ remarked another Bangkokian who frequently appears on the court. ‘It also gives Instagrammers a cultish wellness activity to post about; cute outfits and fancy courts.’

It’s a whole vibe, so to speak. Padel courts are making their way into wellness establishments and leisure destinations, and courts need to offer perks such as craft beer, natural wine and trendy collabs.

The aesthetics are right for this generation, too, and to join is to feel like you are a part of the movement. It leaves those on the sidelines thinking, ‘Wait, are all our friends playing without us?’ But beyond the hype, the glossy Instagram images and the Alo-sponsored events in Bangkok, there is a real appetite here for social communities, and the sleek facilities don’t hurt either.

We are seeing the same kind of appetite for run clubs. Before you chuckle at the cultish nature of it all, there is no denying that Bangkok’s urban set is determined to get fit and to expand their network while doing so. With the rise of highly coveted run clubs like Sabai Run Club and Cruise Control, more people are embracing the idea of putting on running shoes before the sun comes up. These clubs are attracting people with their sociable, relaxed atmosphere, free from strict gatekeeping.

Sabai’s tagline on Instagram is ‘We run a little and socialise a lot,’ which is the exact amount of athleticism that many people desire, especially with the added allure of coffee stops and the occasional sunrise rooftop party at 4.30am.

“To get hundreds of people to wake up at 3.30 a.m. to join a 4 a.m. run is incredible influence. I can barely get friends to go to coffee with me before 11!” Says a 30 year Thai entrepreneur.

All in all, there is a social shift in how the new generation is choosing to sweat. Several years ago, it may have been the high-adrenaline spin class or boutique boxing gyms. Whatever the activity, these new social sports highlight how interaction and community matter more than ever these days.

The Bank of Thailand claims it has not observed deflation in the Thai economy, even as it lowered its inflation forecast for this year to 0%, driven by declines in energy and fresh food prices.

Speaking after the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) meeting on Wednesday, committee secretary Sakkapop Panyanukul said the Thai economy shows no indication of entering a deflationary phase. He said deflationary risks remain low as most goods and services continue to see stable or rising prices.

“Price increases have not been broad-based, occurring mainly in energy and raw food items. Despite tighter financial conditions in the business sector due to slower bank loan growth, there are still no signs of deflationary risk,” he said.

Mr Sakkapop said the central bank will continue to monitor goods and services prices to assess potential deflation risks going forward.

The MPC lowered its headline inflation forecast on Wednesday to 0% for 2025, down from a previous outlook of 0.5%, and expects inflation of 0.5% in 2026. The inflation rate is projected to gradually return to the target range of 1-3% by early 2027.

The lower inflation outlook is mainly driven by supply-side factors, including falling global crude oil prices, government measures to reduce domestic retail fuel prices, and lower raw food prices following favourable weather conditions that increased supply, he said.

Meanwhile, core inflation is expected to remain steady at 0.9% in both 2025 and 2026, while medium-term inflation expectations among the private sector remain well-anchored within the central bank’s target range.

In addition, the MPC cut Thailand’s GDP growth forecast for this year to 2.2%, down from 2.3%, and lowered the 2026 projection to 1.6% from 1.7%, citing slower growth momentum in the third quarter and the impact of US tariffs on Thai exports.

However, Mr Sakkapop said the actual impact of US tariffs on Thai exports has been less severe than anticipated.

The MPC projects exports to grow by 10% this year before contracting by 1% in 2026. Under this scenario, the central bank plans to maintain an accommodative monetary policy stance throughout 2026.

The panel also voted 5-2 at the meeting to maintain the policy rate at 1.50%. Two members voted to reduce the rate by 0.25 percentage points to 1.25%, arguing a more accommodative policy would better support economic recovery, ensure favourable financial conditions, and ease debt burdens for small and medium-sized enterprises and vulnerable households.

The Bank of Thailand’s policy rate remains the third-lowest in the world, behind only Switzerland and Japan.

AS EXPECTED

Nuttaporn Triratanasirikul, deputy managing director of Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research), said the MPC’s decision aligned with its forecast as economic conditions have not significantly diverged from the central bank’s earlier assessment.

She said the new government’s stimulus measures are expected to bolster economic growth in the final quarter, which was previously forecast to remain relatively flat year-on-year with exports contracting following the US tariff measures.

“Considering the impact of the government’s stimulus, the likelihood of a technical recession in the last quarter is very low,” Ms Nuttaporn told the Bangkok Post.

She said Kasikornbank maintains its projection for a Thai policy rate trim in December, down to 1.25% by year-end.

“However, if the stimulus package substantially lifts GDP growth in the final quarter, the MPC may opt to keep the rate unchanged at its December meeting,” said Ms Nuttaporn.

K-Research projects another Thai interest rate reduction in the first half of 2026, as overseas shipments are expected to feel the full-year impact of US tariffs, including sector-specific duties on products such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, she said.

Veeravat Virochpoka, head of research at FSS International Investment Advisory Securities, said after three consecutive rate cuts, the Bank of Thailand likely believes it can manage economic conditions at the existing rate.

Given the expected slowdown in the global economy in the fourth quarter and early 2026, the central bank may be reserving its policy space for a potential rate cut in December, said Mr Veeravat.

SET-listed Central Pattana Plc (CPN), a leading Thai real estate developer, has announced the launch of “The Central Phaholyothin” — a 21-billion-baht flagship megaproject.

Positioned as “The Landmark of Northern Bangkok”, the project is situated between Vibhavadi Rangsit Road and Phahon Yothin Road and can be accessed from both roads.

It will span 49 rai and feature a total gross building area of 457,409 square metres.

The project includes a world-class Convention Hall measuring 6,700 sq m, designed to host international concerts and global-scale events. The project is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026, according to CPN.

Chanavat Uahwatanasakul, president of retail and development at CPN, said the Ladprao-Phahon Yothin area has grown rapidly, and this project will unlock the full potential of the area and elevate it into becoming Bangkok’s next central business district.

Mr Chanavat said the company is also considering further development of the project, such as hotel or residential components.

Prospects for expansion

Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, CPN’s chief marketing officer, pointed to the business potential of the area and its surroundings.

The nearby Phahon Yothin station of the MRT Blue Line attracts an average of 15,600 passengers a day, while the Ha Yaek Lat Phrao and Phahon Yothin 24 stations of the BTS Green Line carry around 35,100 passengers a day, CPN notes.

The area connects directly to Don Mueang International Airport, which handles about 30 million passengers a year, drawing both Thai and international visitors into the Ladprao-Phahon Yothin zone, Mr Nattakit said.

He added that the catchment area of the zone exceeds 2.5 million. CPN discovered that the local wealth segment’s purchasing power is 2.3 times higher than the Bangkok average; sales per GLA outperforms other city malls by 45%, and visitor frequency is 2.19 times higher than the Bangkok average.

Isareit Chirathivat, CPN’s head of leasing – fashion and luxury, said the area is surrounded by mid-to high-end residences, offices, hotels and educational institutions.

He added that there are currently 472 residential projects surrounding the site. There are 52 office buildings nearby, including 15 Grade A office buildings, reflecting the area’s strong positioning as Bangkok’s future workplace hub. The quality neighbourhood also features 51 schools, including six international schools, nine universities, and 41 hotels, underscoring its premium quality of life.

Dramatic design and features

Juthatham Chirathivat, head of business development at CPN, said the project’s design will be a curated community for new-generation urbanites and multi-generation families.

The landscape design, inspired by the idea of a ‘hug’, evokes warmth and a sense of closeness to nature.

The architecture follows a ‘Collective Rhythms’ concept, embracing diverse design expressions that bring vibrancy and character to every space, with smiles subtly embedded in each design element.

The project features highlights such as the Central Stage, connecting international cuisine on the upper floor with street food below; the Market Hall, a dynamic zone hosting pop-up food events; and the Fashion Playlist, featuring curated fashion houses and street remixes showcasing new-age sports fashion.

The Ascott Limited Thailand, the wholly owned lodging business unit of Singapore-based CapitaLand Investment, expects revenue, occupancy and room rates to recover in 2026, with plans to diversify into resort destinations such as Phuket and secure a management contract in Hat Yai.

Kanit Sangmookda, Ascott’s country general manager for Thailand and Laos, said the company is targeting 7% revenue growth, 5% occupancy growth, and a 1% gain in the average daily rate (ADR) next year.

“This year has been challenging as the hotel sector in Thailand remains weak, affected by slower arrivals,” he said. “Our 2025 performance may dip from 2024, which was a peak year for the tourism industry, but we expect a rebound to 2024 levels next year.”

In the first nine months of 2025, the company recorded an average occupancy rate of around 70%, led by Vientiane with 80%, followed by Pattaya and Si Racha, which both achieved 70%, and Bangkok with 68%.

While Somerset Vientiane was supported by long-stay guests, occupancy rates in Thailand declined significantly as demand softened, making it difficult for the company and other hotels to raise their ADR.

“Currency has affected demand, making Thailand less affordable compared with destinations such as Vietnam,” Mr Kanit said.

“However, we have seen a strong rebound this month, with performance matching or even exceeding 2024 levels. This momentum is expected to continue into the first quarter of 2026.”

He said although Chinese tourist arrivals have slowed this year, the nation remains a key contributor, ranking as Ascott’s second-largest source market for the first nine months, accounting for 17%, behind Japan at 20%.

Thailand ranked third at 9%, followed by South Korea, the US, Taiwan and Australia, with each of these markets accounting for 4%.

Corporate long-stay guests remain a core segment, representing 23%, while corporate short-stay accounted for 11%.

Online travel agencies contributed 36% and Ascott’s own reservation channels accounted for 6%.

To achieve growth next year, Ascott plans to diversify its portfolio by expanding into resort destinations, moving beyond its traditional focus on city locations. Phuket is the company’s first resort destination.

Ascott expects to manage Abov Patong Phuket Resort, a new 200-room hotel and branded residence project scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2027.

The company is also considering expansion to the beachfront in Pattaya, Samui and Hua Hin.

“Our properties are mainly located in cities — even in Chon Buri, they are in Si Racha near business hubs, while in Pattaya they are not on the beachfront as most of our guests are business travellers,” said Mr Kanit.

“However, we are expanding into leisure destinations to offer our members more variety.”

This month, Ascott is scheduled to sign a management contract for a new hotel in Hat Yai under the Oakwood brand, slated to begin next year.

The teenager was at a new school for the new school year. But as it turned out, he was not ready: His bangs were too long.

Having failed a much-feared rite of the Thai public school system – the hair inspection – he was subjected to another: His teacher grabbed a pair of scissors and clumsily chopped his hair.

‘My classmates were all staring at me, I felt so embarrassed,’ the 15-year-old from southern Thailand said. The incident in May, he added, remains ‘a scar in my heart’. He asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal from his teachers.

For decades, public schools in Thailand have policed not only students’ manners but also their looks. In addition to uniforms, students are required to either wear crew cuts or trim their hair at their ears. Dyed hair is not allowed. Running afoul of these rules can mean an unwanted haircut in class, a humiliating experience many Thais vividly remember into adulthood.

Students have long campaigned for loosening the rules, which were introduced by a military government in 1972. It was a key demand when they took to the streets in 2020 to protest the military-backed government in power then.

Finally, in March, the Supreme Administrative Court overturned the hairstyle directive, which had been enforced by the Ministry of Education. Now schools set their own policies. But students say these rules remain oppressive, especially in rural areas.

In July, at a school in Ratchaburi province, teachers cut the hair of 50 girls. The offenders were wearing their hair past the name tags on their uniforms. Once the incident became public, the school issued an apology and vowed to review its disciplinary rules. (Story continues below)

To many, the issue is about nothing less than democracy.

‘Those in power want to turn us into citizens who are easy to rule,’ said Laponpat Wangpaisit, who started a group called Bad Student, where children can report what they consider rights violations suffered at the hands of teachers.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy that holds regular elections. But the will of voters is often rejected by an unelected establishment. Critics of the hair policy say it is a way to make citizens compliant from an early age.

‘To them, happy citizens are not worth more than people who obey,’ said Laponpat, 22.

The Ministry of Education declined to comment.

Despite the court decision, Laponpat’s group receives at least one complaint a day, most of them about hair, he said. He shares some of them online, but most students choose to remain anonymous, fearing a backlash from teachers.

Watcharin Keawtankham, a hairdresser in the western town of Mae Sot, said that he regularly fixes botched haircuts administered at school. Chopping the hair of students, he said, is a way to humiliate them.

Last year, Watcharin posted a photo on Facebook that showed a big bald spot under the otherwise full head of hair of a young boy. It was punishment from a teacher.

‘I felt sorry for the kid,’ the barber said. ‘The only way to fix it was to give him a really short buzz cut.’

The Supreme Administrative Court said that hair regulations were harming the mental health of children. Acknowledging Thailand’s openness to LGBTQ+ people, it explicitly mentioned those with diverse gender identities.

But that did not help Auto, a 15-year-old transgender girl, who asked to be identified only by her nickname.

She used to wear a short wig to school to hide her long hair. On the monthly hair inspection day in May, teachers were measuring students’ hair with a ruler. One of them discovered her wig and threatened to burn it. Intimidated by her teachers, she went to a salon that evening for a haircut.

‘I felt lost,’ Auto said, sitting on the floor of her parents’ living room on the outskirts of Bangkok.

There are some schools, like Wat That Thong High School in the upscale Ekkamai neighbourhood of Bangkok, that are more liberal about students’ hairdos.

‘It is their head, nobody should dictate what they want to do with it,’ said Kaokorn Suksangiamkul, a teacher who was sporting a buzz cut after recently ditching his man bun.

The mullet, he said, has become a fairly popular hairstyle among students. (Story continues below)

Phatit Kalaphakdee, 16, goes by Rin and wears a middle part, curtain bangs and a pony tail. She transferred to Wat That Thong High this year because her previous school threatened to punish her if she didn’t cut her hair.

‘Hair can give you confidence, or it can ruin your day,’ said Rin, who is transgender.

On a recent Friday morning, students were crowding at the main gate of her school, where a teacher was inspecting their fingernails. Those with long or dirty nails were sent back to the end of the line and told to use clippers hanging nearby on a string.

Rin was among those told to cut their nails. She shrugged it off and complied. It is her hair, not her nails, that she wants to keep long.

On the occasion of ‘World Sight Day,’ a leading ophthalmologist is highlighting two major but often overlooked eye conditions: age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). These conditions pose a serious risk to vision, particularly among individuals aged 50 and older and those living with diabetes. With new treatments that make care more convenient and less frequent, early diagnosis remains the best defence against preventable blindness.

To raise awareness, Bayer Thai Co., Ltd. hosted a seminar titled ‘Understanding Eye Diseases: Preserving Vision for a Better Quality of Life,’ featuring Dr Thanapong Somkijrungroj, retina specialist at Chulalongkorn Hospital.

‘The retina lets us see clearly and recognise details. When it’s damaged by diseases like nAMD or DME, central vision loss can severely affect daily life,’ said Dr Thanapong.

The Situation of Eye Diseases in Thailand

Thailand’s ageing population and rising diabetes rates are driving an increase in retinal diseases. A study involving more than 10,788 participants estimates that approximately 25,500 cases of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) affect individuals aged 50 and older. The overall prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the elderly is 3.0%, with wet AMD accounting for 74.1% of late-stage cases. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is also a growing concern, with an estimated 750,000 cases nationwide. This figure is based on findings that approximately 34.78% of diabetic retinopathy patients are affected by DME, combined with Thailand’s estimated 6.4 million diabetes patients (1,2,3).

Understanding DME and nAMD

Diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) are two leading causes of central vision loss, especially among older adults and people with diabetes. DME results from fluid leaking into the macula due to damaged retinal blood vessels-a complication of diabetic retinopathy. nAMD, common in those over 50, involves abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina, leading to rapid and severe vision loss if untreated.

Dr Thanapong advises patients to watch for four key symptoms: distorted vision (e.g. straight lines appearing wavy), dark spots obscuring central vision, reduced clarity requiring more light or difficulty seeing colours, and sudden vision deterioration.

‘Some patients may not notice symptoms early on or may mistake them for normal ageing. Without timely screening and treatment, patients face a high risk of permanent vision loss.’

Advanced Diagnostics and Longer-Acting Treatments Ease Burden and Protect Vision

Advanced tools such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), and AI-powered retinal imaging now enable earlier and more precise detection of retinal diseases, supporting timely intervention and better patient outcomes. These technologies not only support timely diagnosis but also help patients better understand their condition and the importance of prompt treatment to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Standard care involves intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents to reduce macular swelling and preserve vision. For diabetic patients, managing underlying health conditions such as blood sugar and blood pressure is also essential for long-term treatment success.

‘The key to treatment is long-term disease control, but frequent hospital visits for injections can be a major burden,’ said Dr Thanapong. ‘Previously, patients needed injections every one to two months, which was challenging for many.’

Today, new therapeutic innovations allow ophthalmologists to extend treatment intervals significantly, reducing the frequency of injections while maintaining effective disease control. This means fewer hospital visits, less disruption to daily life, and improved overall patient experience. Clinical data shows that treatment intervals can now be extended by nearly 50%, with some patients receiving injections only every four to five months.

A new generation of anti-VEGF therapy with extended intraocular durability is transforming retinal care. This innovation enables retina specialists to significantly lengthen treatment intervals while maintaining disease control comparable to more frequent injections. It offers greater convenience for patients, especially those who must travel from other provinces, and allows more time for family and daily life.

‘This advancement helps reduce the burden of ongoing treatment,’ said Dr Thanapong. ‘Patients no longer need to visit the hospital as frequently, and many can maintain stable vision with injections spaced up to four or five months apart. Recent data shows that approximately 47% of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and 53% of those with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) are able to extend their treatment intervals to 20 weeks or longer.’

Dr Thanapong also emphasised the importance of early detection, recommending annual eye exams for individuals over 50 and diabetic patients-even if they do not have any abnormal symptoms. Diabetic patients are at the highest risk for developing diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, so they should undergo detailed retinal examinations at least once a year, alongside maintaining good blood sugar control.

Bayer Thai’s Commitment to Eye Health

Ms Chatchaya Chatratanarak, Head of Focus Brand in the Pharmaceuticals Division at Bayer Thai Co., Ltd., said ‘Bayer is committed to addressing major health challenges that impact quality of life. We are proud to support the World Sight Day campaign and raise awareness about retinal diseases, especially among at-risk groups. New treatment options that allow for extended intervals between injections represent a meaningful advancement in retinal care. They help reduce the burden of frequent hospital visits and support better long-term disease management. We encourage individuals to prioritise regular eye screenings and consult with ophthalmologists to explore appropriate treatment plans. Preserving vision is essential to maintaining independence and overall well-being.’

References:

Jenchitr W, Ruamviboonsuk P, Sanmee A, Pokawattana N. Prevalence of age-related macular degeneration in Thailand. Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 2011 Feb;18(1):48-52. doi: 10.3109/09286586.2010.545502. PMID: 21275595.

Boonsaen T, Choksakunwong S, Lertwattanarak R. Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus at Siriraj Hospital – Thailand’s Largest National Tertiary Referral Center. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2021 Dec 29;14(null):4945-57.

Surawongsin A. Prevalence and Risk factors affecting centre involved diabetic macular edema in patients with diabetic retinopathy Mahasarakham Hospital. Mahasarakham Hospital Journal. 2023;20(3):23-33.