Category: The Bangkok Post

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) staged the official draw for the 2025 SEA Games football competitions in Bangkok on Sunday — but the ceremony unfolded under a pall of controversy after Timor-Leste accused Thailand of shutting its men’s team out of the tournament.

The furious claim from Dili sparked public anger and even calls for protests against Timor-Leste’s own Olympic committee, with officials initially pointing the finger at Thailand for the missing entry.

However, Chaiyapak Siriwat, CEO of the SEA Games Federation and vice president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, insisted the error did not originate in Bangkok.

He explained that all nine eligible nations had been confirmed after the entry-by-name deadline, making it impossible for Thailand to have excluded Timor-Leste.

Late on Friday, Timor-Leste’s Olympic officials admitted the mistake was internal, caused by staff failing to key in the football team’s registration, and formally apologised to Thailand.

With Timor-Leste granted an entry into the men’s football competition, the official draw went ahead, pitting hosts Thailand against Cambodia and Timor-Leste for Group A first round battles.

The men’s competition, which will take place between Dec 3-18, will feature 10 teams. They have divided into two groups of three and one group of four, with group winners and the best second-placed team advancing to the semi-finals.

Thailand, the 16-time champions, will play their first round matches at Tinsulanonda Stadium in Songkhla.

Vietnam, the 2021 winners, Malaysia and Laos are in Group B while defending champions Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines and Singapore are in Group C, with matches taking place at Chiang Mai’s 700th Anniversary Stadium.

The semi-finals and the final will take place at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium.

Later, the FAT addressed concerns over the men’s football draw for the SEA Games, after Timor-Leste was unexpectedly added to the competition lineup just hours before the official ceremony.

Vice president Dr Charnwit Polcheewin said the late change came directly from the SEA Games organisers and the association had no choice but to follow the directive.

Thailand have also drawn bitter foes on and off the field Cambodia in their group for the women’s football competitions.

There are eight teams in the women’s competition, which will be played at Chonburi Stadium and the National Sports University Chonburi Campus.

Thailand are in Group A with Cambodia, Singapore and Indonesia while Group B includes Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines and Malaysia.

The group stage will start from Dec 4 to 11 while the semi-finals and the final will be played at Chonburi Stadium between Dec 14-17.

The six-team women’s event, which will take place at Bangkok Thonburi University from Dec 12-18, will feature two groups of three.

The men’s futsal competition will take place at Nonthaburi Stadium, with five-time champions Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Malaysia competing in a single round-robin format. The team with the most points will take home the gold medal.

Thailand, Malaysia and Philippines are in Group A while Group B consists of Vietnam, Myanmar and Indonesia. The top two teams will qualify for the semi-finals.

The country’s working-age demographics are a topic of widespread debate, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul floating the idea of raising the retirement age from 60 to 65.

His initiative contrasts with the private sector, which recently discussed younger retirement ages for employees to make room for a new generation of workers.

Even though the premier later said this idea remains a concept that still requires discussions with related agencies, this practice is not unusual as Thai courts and prosecutors pilot retirement age schemes of 65-70.

NEW BURDEN

Retirement age extension will add a financial burden for entrepreneurs who are struggling to deal with the sluggish economy, said Isares Rattanadilok Na Phuket, managing director of Altimate Packaging Co.

He said it was fine if the government responds to aged society demographics by applying the idea to state agencies, as the work experience of older officials can be valuable. But this does not mean it will work in the business sector, said Mr Isares.

Many businesses are reducing their financial burdens by offering early retirement packages to their employees. Others need to cut spending on workers’ welfare and unnecessary expenses.

Companies with sufficient funding are eager to replace human labour with artificial intelligence (AI) technology and automation systems.

All are crucial for the growth and survival of businesses, he said.

Some companies may continue to hire employees over 60 as consultants, but these decisions are usually made on a case-by-case basis and only a few capable workers with solid experience are offered these post-retirement jobs, said Mr Isares.

“Applying the retirement age extension proposal on a large scale will certainly affect companies,” he said, adding it raised doubts about the government’s motives.

“The aged society demographic may be an excuse. I believe the government wants to address lower tax revenue collection and birth rates, which is causing a decline in state revenue. This is a problem as the government needs to allocate part of its tax revenue to support welfare and pension programmes for old people.”

RISKS FOR EMPLOYEES

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said extending the working age to 65 should not be compulsory for the private sector as labourers might be affected.

The hotel industry already offers options for those who are retired, such as extending temporary contracts on a yearly basis if those workers are still capable of working, he said.

If extending employment until 65 becomes mandatory, workers would instead face risks of being laid off if employers consider them to be surplus to requirements, said Mr Thienprasit.

The largest portion of workers in the Thai hotel industry are younger than 50 and mostly employed in housekeeping roles.

Due to the physical workload, those over 50 may no longer be suited for such tasks, unless they can use their experience in higher-level roles, such as supervising housekeeping operations, he said.

The hotel industry continues to attract young workers, but the turnover rate is generally higher than in other sectors, as experienced staff often move to other hotels for better pay, said Mr Thienprasit.

Some European countries have extended the retirement age to allow a longer period of contributions to pension funds, while employers are also required to shoulder the additional costs, he said.

With this approach, the government can postpone pension payments to retirees for a few more years.

However, Mr Thienprasit said the government should be reminded that not every retiree would welcome a later retirement age.

AVOIDING CONFLICTS

Extending the retirement age could help ageing employees feel more financially secure, but it should not cause conflict between different generations, said Buranin Rattanasombat, president of the Marketing Association of Thailand.

Allowing employees 60 and older to continue working may cause misunderstanding among younger generations, who might feel they have fewer job opportunities.

“They may think their jobs are being snatched by the older generation,” said Mr Buranin.

If authorities want to implement an older retirement age, they must clarify how it will benefit Thai society and not damage the labour market, he said.

Mr Buranin said he agrees with the proposed change because it helps the growing number of people in their 60s who are concerned about a sharp drop in their income after retirement.

“Many employees in their 60s have no physical problems, unlike old people in the past. They can carry on working,” he said.

However, these workers may need skills training to adapt to changes in technology and the work environment, allowing for better collaboration with younger colleagues, said Mr Buranin.

“In addition, it may not be necessary for older employees to come to the office every day and work from 9am to 5pm,” he said.

REASONABLE PROPOSAL

Thitima Chucherd, head of economic and financial market research at SCB EIC, a research centre under Siam Commercial Bank, said extending the retirement age to 65 is a reasonable proposal given Thailand’s rapidly ageing society.

She said several developed countries have already raised their retirement age beyond 60, in line with a shrinking workforce, ageing population and the adoption of AI technologies.

Extending the retirement age could also strengthen Thailand’s welfare systems, said Ms Thitima.

The main question is how the policy will be implemented, she said.

EIC recently released its Thailand Labour Market Report, noting the ageing population has become a structural challenge weakening the labour market. Thailand became an ageing society in 2005 and an aged society in 2024, defined as people 60 or older exceeding 20% of the total population.

The working-age population continues to decline over the long term. According to the Public Health Ministry’s 2024 Population Situation Report, Thailand’s population totalled 65,951,179, with only 462,240 births compared with 571,646 deaths, resulting in a negative natural growth rate of -0.17% per year.

The total fertility rate — the average number of children per woman of reproductive age — dropped to 1.0 in 2024, far below the replacement level of 2.1. This indicates Thailand’s population is ageing rapidly, with fewer children being born each year.

The report stated this demographic shift will directly affect the future labour force.

The labour force has been steadily declining, falling to 40.25 million people in the fourth quarter of 2023. Since then, it has continued to decline, contracting on a year-on-year basis.

A World Bank study in 2024 identified Thailand as one of the fastest-ageing countries in the world, with an old-age dependency ratio of 22%, projected to reach 50% by 2050.

EIC noted the old-age dependency ratio is rising due to the increased older population alongside a sharp decline in the working-age population.

As a result, the research house recommends Thailand adjust its workforce through three areas of development: skills, financial and global.

Workers need to acquire diverse new skills and learn to apply new technologies, particularly AI, to lift productivity, according to EIC.

Moreover, efforts should be made to enhance financial literacy on saving, borrowing and investing to help individuals manage their income and expenses more effectively, noted the report.

This would support greater financial stability among workers and within the household sector, according to EIC.

Employees need to adapt their work practices, learning approaches and career paths to meet the demands of the evolving global labour market, added the report.

PHASED IMPLEMENTATION

Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, said the private sector views the proposal to raise the retirement age to 65 as beneficial and appropriate, as Thailand has become an aged society with a declining birth rate.

However, the implementation must be done with care and flexibility, requiring supportive policies that ensure fairness and enhance effectiveness, he said.

The private sector recommends a phased approach, starting with industries that are ready, and setting different retirement ages based on job types, industry risks and employee capabilities, said Mr Dhanakorn.

To address employment conditions, he proposed offering flexible options, such as part-time roles, project-based employment, or reduced working hours depending on individual capacity.

Skills training programmes are crucial to help older workers maintain productivity and capabilities, said Mr Dhanakorn.

In terms of compensation and welfare, he suggested adjusting pay structures to match workloads and age, providing specialised health support, and offering tax benefits or incentives to employers who hire older workers.

Regarding the social security and pension system, Mr Dhanakorn proposed revising the contribution and payout criteria to align with the higher retirement age, expanding coverage to include informal and non-registered workers, and ensuring fund sustainability through efficient asset management.

Finally, he called for supportive laws and policies, including anti-age discrimination laws, clear employment standards for older workers, and the integration of data analysis and research for policy improvements.

These initiatives should create an environment where older workers can continue to work productively and support the government’s goal of achieving long-term national sustainability, said Mr Dhanakorn.

Arnupharp Kongmalai, vice-president of marketing for MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand), said despite the country’s rising elderly population, the company does not have a special programme to hire them.

He said such a policy could be considered for future employment opportunities.

The company employs around 10,000 individuals, and most of them are younger workers. MR. D.I.Y. also hires people with disabilities to work at its stores, said Mr Arnupharp.

The developer NTDev has launched an experimental download of “tiny11 25H2,” a highly stripped-down version of Windows 11 that enables installation on low-specification computers. By removing unnecessary apps and features, it requires significantly less hard drive space, and critically, eliminates the need for users to log in with a Microsoft Account during the Windows 11 setup process.

The move comes as Microsoft announced the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, forcing many users to consider upgrading to Windows 11. However, stringent hardware requirements have prevented numerous machines from making the leap.

The new Windows 11 tiny11 25H2 version, which strips away non-essential components, uses less hard drive space, and is faster, crucially unlocks all the original hardware limitations.

The tiny11 25H2 system is based on Windows 11 Version 25H2, with the primary goal of removing unnecessary programmes and features to significantly shrink the installation file size and reduce resource usage.

The result is a noticeably smoother and more responsive Windows 11 experience, which is particularly beneficial for older computers whose hardware falls short of the original Windows 11’s minimum requirements.

Key features that make tiny11 25H2 an appealing option include:

No Minimum Specifications: It can be installed without issue on older computers that do not meet the Windows 11 requirements for CPU, RAM, or TPM 2.0.

No Microsoft Account Login Required: tiny11 allows users to bypass the Microsoft Account login step during Windows 11 setup.

Lower Hard Drive Space Usage and Faster Performance: By removing non-essential programmes, tiny11 25H2 allows the overall system to run faster. This is ideal for lower-spec machines or even new ones seeking maximum performance.

A Clean Windows 11 Experience: Even users with compatible hardware may choose tiny11 for a cleaner Windows experience, free of unnecessary apps and features.

The developers have also created tiny11 core, an even more minimalist version that cuts the installation file size by nearly two-thirds. However, the critical trade-off is that the Core version cannot be updated through Windows Update.

This makes tiny11 core suitable only for specific scenarios, such as testing in a Virtual Machine, computers that do not require an internet connection, or system testing, and is not recommended for use on a primary computer.

While using a tiny11 version of Windows 11 inherently involves some risk, the developer states that all image files are created using the tiny11 builder tool, which only employs Microsoft programmes for customisation to minimise security risks.

Users who do not trust the readily available ISO files can use the same builder tool to create their own tiny11 file from an original Windows 11 installation file.

You can try downloading and using tiny11 25H2 from the Internet Archive via this link: [Download tiny11 25H2 at Internet Archive]

New Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiya led executive members into the party’s head office on Monday morning, and said he planned to invite three outsiders for their views on restoring the credibility of Thailand’s oldest political party.

Mr Abhisit and his team paid respect to the statue of the Earth Goddess Mae Thorani, the party’s emblem, before holding their first meeting, to map out the future direction of the party going into the promised general election next year.

The former prime minister was reinstated as Democrat leader on Saturday after Chalermchai Sri-on stepped down amid the party’s declining popularity and internal chaos after some members broke the alliance with the Pheu Thai Party and supported the Bhumjaithai Party-led coalition.

He said he had invited academic and former minister Suvit Mesinsee, KKP Bank Director Banyong Pongpanich and WHA Corp Group chief executive Jareeporn Jarukornsakul to a ameeting on Oct 28 to offer their views on the party and the future of the country.

“I am confident they will have valuable opinions for us. Their views will give us all some good homework to do,” Mr Abhisit said.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnviraku promised to call a general election in four months when he recently took office at the head of his fragile coalition. No date has been announced, but the government has suggested March 29.

Many roads on this southern tourist island were left flooded after heavy rain on Monday morning.

Flooding was reported in front of Wichitsongkram School and in Kata area in Muang district.

In Kathu district, floods hit intersections at Patong Hospital, Patong Hill estate and Patong police station as well as Sai Nam Yen intersection and Kathu-Sam Kong road.

Local traffic police said the drain-off would take time, slowed by a high tide.

Thailand is embarking on an ambitious effort to raise the performance of its students in the global education rankings by integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms. The reform aims to reverse years of academic decline and prepare students for a rapidly changing digital world.

In the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to test the reading literacy, mathematics, and science skills of 15-year-olds in over 65 countries, students in Thailand scored less than the OECD average.

The national results, also lower than those from the last assessment in 2018, underscored weaknesses in the education system and the urgent need for new, technology-driven learning models, critics said.

The next four years will be critical, authorities say, as Thailand prepares for the generation born in 2025, who are expected to grow up with AI-supported learning from an early age.

The Bureau of Academic Affairs and Educational Standards (BAAES), under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec), is leading the effort to bring AI into classrooms nationwide.

Bangkok in pole position

Bangkok deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have been transforming digitally for more than three years.

Speaking to the Bangkok Post recently, Mr Sanon said the work requires not just funding but clear policies on responsible technology use and long-term planning.

By the end of this year, he said, every Prathom 6 (Grade 4) student across 437 BMA schools will have access to their own computer for the first time.

He said pilot projects in six schools using AI-powered learning showed a marked improvement in student engagement, with many of the students arriving at the school early and staying late to continue lessons.

To improve English proficiency, seen as essential for global competitiveness, the BMA has launched a citywide strategy combining technology, teacher training, and student development.

In partnership with education startup Edsy and SVOA Public Co Ltd, the BMA introduced Edsy AI Coach, an intelligent platform that helps students practice English pronunciation and grammar.

“Hiring native English teachers is costly and not always possible,” Mr Sanon said, adding that AI helps enable personalised learning in large classes.

Last year’s report from pilot schools found that students improved fluency by 10%, language accuracy by 14%, and pronunciation by 12% within two months, he said.

Encouraged by the results, the project has now been expanded to 136 schools in its first phase and will soon cover all BMA schools.

Smarter learning

At the national level, BAAES has developed AI-based teaching materials and handbooks for teachers and students.

More than 60,000 students and 700 pilot schools have taken part in training programmes, helping build early AI literacy among young learners. “Teaching with AI reduces teacher workload and personalises instruction,” said Eakasit Piyasangtong, director of BAAES.

“We’ve partnered with Google, Microsoft, and other global organisations to use tools such as Gemini, Chattivity, Deepseek, and Leonardo. More than two million educators have already participated in AI-related training.”

The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) is also promoting digital ethics through its Digital Citizen Plus curriculum. The programme helps teachers develop “digital intelligence”, ensuring that students learn to use technology safely, responsibly, and creatively.

Globally, 97% of students are exposed to AI in some form, but more than half pursue AI learning independently. Mr Eakasit said Thailand’s strategy aims to close this gap through structured classroom programmes and comprehensive teacher training.

The World Bank has observed that Thailand’s investment in innovation and future skills remains lower than that of countries like South Korea or Vietnam. “Thailand has begun moving toward innovation and creativity, even developing its own innovation index — one of the few countries to do so,” said Melinda Good, the World Bank’s Division Director for Thailand and Myanmar.

“But greater investment in innovation and education beyond the basics is essential,” she said.

Mr Eakasit noted that Thailand’s cultural diversity and creative traditions give it an edge in developing AI learning models suited to local needs. “AI can support not only STEM education but also arts and problem-solving,” he said. “Students can combine technology with traditional skills to create original, high-quality work.”

AI learning now begins as early as kindergarten and continues through secondary school, teaching students to use AI tools, recognise their influence, and think critically about ethical implications.

With nearly 60,000 students and 700 schools already engaged, Thailand’s foundation in AI literacy is growing steadily. The next phase, Mr Eakasit said, will focus on building a full AI ecosystem, from access to devices and local data centres to research hubs and ethics education.

“Thailand’s long-term goal,” he concluded, “is to move beyond being an AI consumer and become an AI innovator”.

Thailand is quietly establishing itself as a global epicentre of longevity. With around 45,000 citizens aged 100 or over, the country ranks fifth worldwide for its centenarian population, after Japan, the United States, China and India — a testament to improved healthcare, better nutrition, and rising public awareness of healthy ageing.

Yet beneath this positive statistic lies a growing welfare dilemma. While today’s centenarians thrive thanks to traditional extended families, future generations face isolation and financial insecurity.

The core concern, says Asst Prof Nattapat Sarobol of Thammasat University’s Faculty of Social Administration, is the widening gap between the lived experience of the oldest generation and the demographic reality awaiting their children.

“This makes us think that we should be concerned about how centenarians in the future will be able to live alone,” she said.

The shift is prompting a national re-evaluation of retirement, self-reliance and social defence mechanisms.

Family support fades

Her team conducted research among 101 centenarians to explore their living conditions, lifestyles and sources of happiness. The study found that being surrounded by family was a key contributor to their long lives.

“Most centenarians described happiness as deriving from simple pleasures — spending time with children and grandchildren, living in modest but comfortable homes, and feeling useful to their communities.

“Importantly, a sense of pride was a consistent theme: participants valued being able to care for themselves and contribute to society, even in small ways,” she said.

However, she warned strong family support systems may not endure much longer.

“Thai families are changing,” she said. “Where people once lived together and supported one another, we are now seeing increasing isolation. The question is: how will future generations of 100-year-olds live when family support declines?”

The implications extend beyond emotional well- being.

Without family support, older adults may struggle with basic daily tasks, from cooking and cleaning to accessing healthcare and managing finances. This could lead to increased dependence on state services, which are already under pressure.

Shifting structures

The research paints a sobering picture of what lies ahead. Japan’s number of centenarians is expected to surpass 100,000 soon, and Thailand is following a similar path, she said.

Children born after 2016 are projected to live well into their 80s or 90s, with many reaching 100. Yet the social conditions that support older people are fading fast.

Elderly Thais have often relied on large families for care. Today, smaller families and lower birth rates mean that many older adults may have no children to depend on.

“The study shows our centenarians generally have no debt or savings,” she said. “They survived not because of financial planning but because of family support. That system is breaking down.”

She said the traditional life pattern — 20 years of study, 40 years of work, and 15 years of retirement — is now obsolete.

Modern life expectancy has shifted the pattern to 20-40-30, meaning people could live 30 years or more after retirement, and in many cases up to 40 years.

This longer lifespan has prompted debates about extending the retirement age. But as Asst Prof Nattapat said, the issue goes beyond economics.

“It’s not just about money or keeping people employed longer,” she said. “It’s about redefining what life after 60 means. We must encourage people to stay active, capable and self-reliant for as long as possible.”

The economic burden

Nonarit Bisonyabut, Senior Research Fellow at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), said the phenomenon was part of a global trend.

“Advances in medicine have made people live longer, but with fewer children being born, the proportion of elderly is growing rapidly,” he said. “It creates what I call ‘the burden gap’ — fewer working-age people supporting more elderly dependents.”

He said that, in the past, several siblings would share the responsibility of caring for ageing parents.

“Today, one child may have to care for both parents and even in-laws — four people in total,” he said. “This is a heavy financial and emotional load.”

A concerning number of older people are already living alone. Millions of Thai households now consist solely of elderly residents with no younger relatives to support them. For these individuals, the risk of poverty, loneliness and health problems increases sharply.

Mr Nonarit also warned that while extending retirement might ease the pressure, it cannot solve everything.

“The key is not merely to push retirement later but to create policies that help older adults work as long as they wish and are able,” he said. “We need to match older workers with roles that suit their experience and physical capacity.”

He added that rising household debt and competing government priorities compound the problem.

“The state budget is already stretched thin — covering infrastructure, defence, education and healthcare. There’s simply not enough to guarantee comprehensive welfare for all elderly citizens,” he said.

Preparing for the future

The Department of Provincial Administration says Thailand now has about 45,561 people aged over 100, a big increase from 36,402 just a year earlier.

This rapid rise highlights Thailand’s transformation into one of the world’s leading longevity nations — but also underscores a growing welfare challenge.

Experts warn that if current trends continue, Thailand could soon mirror Japan, where the elderly often live alone and die unnoticed.

However, Thailand faces an even greater risk: while Japan’s elderly may lack companionship, they generally have financial security. Thailand’s older citizens may face both loneliness and poverty.

“Japan is about 30 years ahead of us in this ageing trajectory,” said Mr Nonarit. “We are heading in the same direction, but with fewer safety nets.”

Both scholars stressed the need for long-term care systems that combine family, community and government support.

They also want policies that allow retirees to remain economically active, such as flexible hours, and incentives for businesses to hire and retrain them.

“Active ageing should become the new norm,” said Asst Prof Nattapat.

“Even if one lives to 80 or 100, the goal is not just to live longer, but to live better. Society must adapt to keep older people engaged, valued and self-sufficient.”

Many traditional performances have lost popularity because they fail to adapt with the times. Molam is an excellent example of an Isan performing art that has incorporated modern features with traditional characteristics and remains popular today.

The vibe of molam performances, including lighting, music and staging, was recreated in a for an art exhibition titled “Mor Thee Dee Kue Molam [The Movement Of Molam]” at MMAD – MunMun Art Destination, Seacon Srinakarin. Pitsawat Wannafoo, the exhibition curator, revealed the reason he organised this exhibition is because there has never been an art show about molam before.

“I am from Lampang and first heard of molam when I was a university student in Bangkok. I had many Isan friends who often listened to molam which gradually led me to become more familiar with it and enjoy it,” explained Pitsawat.

“MMAD – MunMun Art Destination briefed me that they wanted an art exhibition that had never been created before. The exhibition was supposed to be fun and accessible to everyone, so I chose to work on content that I like and it became this.

“The exhibition does not focus on research or informative content. It presents the culture of molam from the perspective of outsiders. It focuses only on elements of molam performance, such as light and sound. The audience will not see a molam stage at the exhibition, but feel the mood, melody and lights of molam through various shapes and movements which create interaction with the audience.”

There are three parts to the exhibition. The first displays the kinetic sculpture titled Fawn created by artist Wit Pimkanchanapong. The second part is a stage design exhibition featuring steel scaffolding with LED lights and background music performed by Paradise Bangkok and Plern Vern. The final part displays photos taken by photographers Kanyarat Mongkol, Sarunthorn Chatulaksameepat and Mok Lachantra.

Wit’s first kinetic sculpture titled Myyarab was displayed in the hall of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre in 2008. The exhibition space at MMAD reminded Wit of that hall, so he decided to remaster Myyarab to Fawn, or Myyarab v3. Unlike Myyarab, Fawn, which refers to specific dance postures, conveys the message of cultural movement through the lights, colours and lines of the sculpture that sway and twist to reflect the story of molam as a performing art that is constantly evolving.

“Myyarab is entirely electric and programmable. Without electronic motion control, Fawn has switched to a pulley system with a single motor in the centre that pulls a rope, which then continues to pull in a spiral loop. Using the mechanism is something I had wanted to work on for a long time. The pulley system is a very basic mechanism, but it takes a lot of time to practice and learn,” explained Wit.

“The moving parts of Myyarab were painted wooden panels, but Fawn has fluorescent lights instead. These fluorescent lights are considered local products since they are easy to purchase on digital shopping platforms.

“My colleague who is a university lecturer in textiles told me that Fawn’s rope control system resembles a loom. This made me want to explore more about weaving to learn more techniques. Fawn was like my technical breakthrough. I will create works with more techniques like this in the future.”

For the second part, steel scaffolding is used because it is part of contemporary molam stage design. LED light effects were designed to sync with musical rhythms. When entering the area, visitors will hear music recorded by Paradise Bangkok and Plern Vern.

Paradise Bangkok is a molam international band which combines traditional Thai music with modern influences. The group has gained international recognition and performed at international music festivals including Glastonbury in the UK, Fuji Rock in Japan and Fusion Festival in Germany.

Plern Vern consists of two multimedia artists who have a special interest in the sounds of Isan culture, media art and electronic music.

“The background music of the exhibition are six songs chosen from Paradise Bangkok’s debut album 21st Century Molam. I personally like Paradise Bangkok; I have listened to their music since their debut. 21st Century Molam was their most successful album which played a crucial role in helping the group to perform at international music festivals,” explained Pitsawat.

The two members of Plern Vern are friends who grew up with Isan culture, so they use khaen, an Isan mouth organ, or other Isan instruments to compose their music. They created a special song for this exhibition.

The final section showcases photographs taken by Kanyarat Mongkol, Sarunthorn Chatulaksameepat and Mok Lachantra.

Kanyarat is a documentary photographer who showcases the collection Na Han (In Front Of The Performance Stage), which conveys the beauty and realities of molam bands. Photographs reveal both front and backstage scenes.

Sarunthorn displays the collection Mor Lam And The Tootsies which follows the life of an LGBTI singer in a molam band. It shows that the band is a workplace with gender diversity and an LGBTI individual brings colour to performances.

Mok presents his collection Muan Juat (Totally Fun) which focuses on concertgoers. Mok captured audiences’ reactions to a performance of Rabieb Watasilp, a well-known molam group. Though it was raining, nobody left; concertgoers waited until the rain stopped to enjoy the performance. Mok said the atmosphere was fun and relaxing. It was the first time that he saw a concertgoer bring fresh vegetables to eat with sausage and dip.

When asked how molam maintains its popularity with the changing times, Pitsawat said it adapts with cultural development.

“Molam music does not have a limited format. Musicians can take the sound of Isan instruments and mix them with contemporary music. For example, when Paradise Bangkok performed at various festivals, they took the sound of the khaen and the phin and mixed it with contemporary sounds. Moreover, Plern Vern creates art pieces by taking Isan melodies and mixing them with electronic sounds.”

As exhibition curator, Pitsawat hopes that visitors will feel and move along to the rhythms of molam.

“I do not expect people to understand the concept or meaning of each artwork. I hope they enjoy molam music, the rhythm of rotating and blinking lights. I hope that when they hear molam, they move their hands, feet or sway along with the rhythm.”

After five years of operation, Line BK, a pioneering digital banking platform in Thailand, continues to post solid business momentum and remains confident in its competitiveness as virtual banks prepare their functions.

Rapid expansion

Line BK is a social banking platform collaboration between Kasikornbank (KBank) and Line Corporation, launched in October 2020 with an initial focus on digital lending under a personal loan licence.

Despite launching during the pandemic, when Thailand’s GDP contracted by 6.1%, Line BK achieved 1 million users just two months after its debut.

The company serves a broad customer base, including salaried employees, freelancers, and underbanked or underserved segments who often lack formal financial statements.

“Even during the pandemic, we continued to grow our business cautiously,” said Tana Pothikamjorn, chief executive at Kasikorn Line, which operates Line BK.

By October 2021, Line BK celebrated its first anniversary with 3.4 million users. Innovative financial products and strategic partnerships have played a crucial role in fuelling Line BK’s business growth.

During its third and fourth years of operation, in 2023 and 2024, the company expanded its user base to 6 million and 7 million, respectively.

However, this growth came amid Thailand’s economic slowdown and rising household debt, posing challenges to business operations.

“Many customers had to leave our platform due to weakened debt repayment capacity,” said Mr Tana.

“We also saw a significant increase in non-performing loans [NPLs], which required more time and effort to manage.”

Keys to success

In October 2025, as Line BK marks its fifth anniversary, the platform has grown its user base to 8 million despite ongoing economic headwinds.

The majority of users are Millennials (aged 29-44), accounting for 66% of total users, followed by Gen Z (aged 13-28) at 20%, Gen X (aged 45-60) 12%, and Baby Boomers (over 60) 2%.

For its digital loan services, he said Line BK serves 855,000 borrowers with an average monthly income of between 15,000 and 30,000 baht.

The average credit line per borrower is 43,000 baht, and this segment’s risk profile is typically higher than that of traditional bank customers, said Mr Tana.

As of the first half of 2025, Line BK’s total loans outstanding tallied 24.4 billion baht, up from 17.6 billion at the end of 2024.

The company aims to expand its loan portfolio to 30 billion baht by the end of this year while keeping NPLs below 3%, despite the sluggish economy and high household debt.

“On average, we receive around 10,000 loan applications a day, reflecting strong demand amid the economic slowdown,” he said.

“We only approve about 1,000 applications or 10% daily, in line with our small scale of operations and focus on maintaining asset quality.”

Although the company has continued to expand its business and manage bad debt effectively, Mr Tana said Line BK recognises the need to strengthen its capabilities and operations in all areas — particularly in risk management, including debt collection and NPL control — to ensure long-term business sustainability.

He said the company is planning to introduce new innovative features to enhance user convenience in 2026.

The platform offers a range of financial products and services, including loans, debit cards, insurance, payments and fund transfers. Line BK also integrates with Line and KBank, delivering a more seamless and connected financial experience to users.

Ready to face new rivals

Mr Tana said Line BK has operated as a virtual bank for five years, gaining valuable experience through both favourable and challenging periods, particularly in terms of NPL management.

The company’s operations have stabilised and are expected to continue growing next year, he said.

With support from KBank, Line BK is not required to acquire deposits in the same way as the first batch of virtual banks. As a result, the company holds a competitive advantage because the cost of deposit acquisition is relatively high.

With registered capital of 10 billion baht, Line BK is well-positioned to sustain its business operations over several years, said Mr Tana.

“We are confident in our capabilities and competitiveness when new virtual banks start operations next year, even amid intensifying competition and a weaker economy,” he said.

On June 19, the Bank of Thailand announced the three successful applicants for the country’s first batch of virtual banks.

The winners are required to commence business operations within one year from the date of the Finance Ministry’s approval, which was June 19. Each licence requires initial registered capital of 5 billion baht.

The winners are: ACM Holding Co (TrueMoney), backed by the Charoen Pokphand Group; Krungthai Bank, collaborating with Advanced Info Service Plc and PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc; and the SCB X consortium, comprising SCB X (the holding company of Siam Commercial Bank), KakaoBank (South Korea’s largest digital bank), and WeBank (a global digital bank known for its advanced technology).

Microsoft has acknowledged a bug in the October Windows 11 update (KB5066835) that renders USB-connected mice and keyboards unusable within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), preventing users from accessing critical repair tools.

The company confirmed the issue and stated it is working to resolve the problem swiftly.

Following the release of the October Windows 11 patch (KB5066835), numerous users reported that their USB-connected mice and keyboards ceased functioning in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Microsoft has officially admitted the existence of the problem and stated that developers are working on a fix patch.

While this may not affect general users immediately, the WinRE is a vital system necessary when a computer encounters problems, as it aggregates the tools used to rescue a user’s machine. The inability to use the mouse and keyboard in this environment means users cannot access essential troubleshooting tools, such as:

Startup Repair: Fixes issues that prevent Windows from booting.

System Restore: Reverts system settings back to a previously working state.

Uninstall Updates: Removes recent updates that might be the cause of system problems.

Command Prompt: Allows for advanced commands to diagnose and fix system files.

Crucially, if a computer fails to boot three consecutive times, it automatically enters the WinRE screen. Without a functional mouse and keyboard, users will be unable to proceed with any recovery actions, leaving their computer stuck.

While waiting for the official fix from Microsoft, users who encounter this issue can try the following temporary workarounds:

Switch to PS/2 Keyboards and Mice: If an older keyboard or mouse with the round PS/2 port (purple/green) is available, it can be used in the WinRE screen, as the problem only affects USB ports.

Create a Windows 11 Bootable USB: Users can create a Windows 11 installation drive via USB on another computer. Booting from this drive provides a “Repair your computer” option during the setup process, which leads to a fully functional Recovery Environment because it runs from the USB, not the damaged system.

Microsoft has confirmed the bug, stating it “is working to release a resolution in the coming days” but has not yet provided a precise timeline for the fix.