Category: The Bangkok Post

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.

The Supreme Court of Thailand on Thursday cut the fine imposed on a local unit of the tobacco multinational Philip Morris for evading tax on imported cigarettes from 130 million baht to 20 million baht.

The case, first filed in 2017, centred on accusations that Philip Morris Thailand under-declared prices for cigarettes imported from Indonesia in 2002 and 2003.

A lower court handed down the original 130-million-baht penalty in 2020 to the local unit of the company, which owns the Marlboro and L and M brands.

The Court of Appeal in 2023 ordered that the fine be reduced, and asked the Customs Department to calculate a new fine rate. At that point, Philip Morris said it would appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court on Thursday found Philip Morris Thailand guilty of avoiding tax, but reduced its fine to about 20 million baht, according to a court official.

The court also reaffirmed decisions by lower courts to drop charges against a former Philip Morris employee.

Nhu Ngoc Diep, the head of the Thai operations of Philip Morris, said in a statement that the company disagreed with aspects of the decision and maintained it had ‘consistently complied with local and international law’.

‘We look forward to putting this matter behind us,’ she added.

The company previously faced legal action over allegations that it evaded hundreds of millions of dollars in import tax on cigarettes from the Philippines between 2003 and 2006.

Rui Botelho says reputations do not matter in ONE Championship, and he’s ready to prove it against Prajanchai PK Saenchai.

The Portuguese striker, coming off a bloody split-decision victory over Zhang Peimian in a strawweight kickboxing bout at ONE Friday Fights 126, has thrown down the gauntlet to the Thai superstar.

‘Names don’t win fights,’ Botelho told the Bangkok Post. ‘In combat sports, nobody is unbeatable. You saw [Giorgio] Petrosyan get knocked out by Superbon – nobody expected that. It’s the same here.

‘Maybe in kickboxing I have more advantage against Prajanchai, maybe not. But I can beat him in both. When it was Joseph Lasiri vs Prajanchai in Muay Thai, nobody was expecting that too in the first fight.’

Prajanchai is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Jonathan Di Bella at ONE Fight Night 36 last week in Bangkok, where the Canadian-Italian reclaimed the undisputed strawweight kickboxing title. The rematch ended 15 months of frustration for Di Bella, who had lost a controversial decision to Prajanchai when the belt was on the line in June 2024.

Botelho was the man standing across from Di Bella just after that first meeting. He lost a unanimous decision to the now two-time champion in December 2024, but insists the performance did not reflect his real ability.

‘When I fought Di Bella, it wasn’t me in there,’ he said. ‘I wasn’t focused. I had things going on in my life. This year, I’ve dedicated myself to me and my career. When I saw Di Bella fight Sam-A [Gaiyanghadao] and Prajanchai, I thought – that could have been me. Inside my heart, I know the Rui Botelho that fought Di Bella wasn’t me. It was only my avatar.’

Di Bella went on to dominate former two-sport champion Sam-A in Tokyo at ONE 172 in March, claiming the interim title and setting up last week’s unification bout.

Prajanchai, who still holds the ONE strawweight Muay Thai crown, is expected to defend that belt next against Aliff Sor Dechapan in December – though Botelho would be happy to step in if needed, or wait in line if he must.

‘I wouldn’t mind fighting Prajanchai and then Di Bella, or Di Bella immediately,’ he said. ‘I just need eight weeks to get ready.’

The 30-year-old has faced world-class names before, including Superlek Kiatmookao, and says he’s never backed down from a challenge.

‘I fought Superlek and lost by points. At the beginning of the first round, he hit me with an elbow that broke my coconut,’ Botelho said, laughing. ‘[Referee] Olivier Coste told me he thought I wouldn’t get up. But I did – and I finished the fight. That’s who I am.’

His comeback win over Zhang in September showed that grit once again. The fight turned into a wild, bloody affair, but Botelho insists he was always in control.

‘If there wasn’t a knockdown in the second round, I think that they would have stopped the fight,’ he said. ‘The cut above his eye was so big, I could fit my finger inside. After 10 or 15 minutes I shook my head and there was still blood coming out of my hair – and it wasn’t mine. I could smell the iron.’

Now refocused, Botelho believes he’s entering his prime and determined to climb back to title contention.

‘My dream, like everyone’s, is to be a world champion,’ he said. ‘If it’s the next fight, perfect. If not, that’s OK too. This is a marathon, not a sprint. I know it will happen.’

And if it takes going through both Prajanchai and Di Bella to get there, he’s happy to fight his way the long way round.

‘I don’t care who has the belt,’ he said. ‘When I get my title shot, it’ll be the real Rui Botelho this time.’

As we approach the end of 2025, the global economic outlook is characterised by slowing growth, with the US economy losing steam due to consumer fatigue and China continuing to struggle due to weak domestic demand. In contrast, Europe sits in a sweet spot of growth, inflation and monetary policy, although in our view, the effective implementation of various fiscal initiatives will be critical.

The US economy is facing challenges, including softer job growth, the impact of tariffs, and policy uncertainty, which are weighing on consumer spending. US consumers are responsible for about 70% of US GDP growth.

This backdrop, together with the growing confidence that any tariff-induced inflation spike will remain transitory, will potentially allow the Federal Reserve to respond with several interest rate cuts into the year-end and first quarter of 2026. As the yield advantage shrinks, the US dollar would thus be likely to resume its downward trend again.

Although we are likely in the later stages of the current equity bull market, we remain optimistic about the prospects for equities and believe investors should stay invested. While valuations are no longer cheap, market sentiment and investor positioning have yet to reach excessively optimistic levels.

As leadership differs across global markets, it is important to build an internationally diversified portfolio.

Within the US, the top performers are still a small group of exceptional companies with robust earnings growth, particularly those in the artificial intelligence space. Notably, the Magnificent 7 tech stocks continue to outpace the broader S and P 500 index in terms of capital expenditure growth.

We would focus on unique segments in the US that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Meanwhile, after any short-term rallies in US equities, we would use the opportunity to rebalance and diversify further into equities elsewhere with more compelling valuations and more attractive growth prospects than their US counterparts.

EUROPE IN SPOTLIGHT

Increasing exposure to Europe is one way investors can enhance portfolio diversification.

We believe European equities stand to benefit from a brighter economic outlook for the continent, supported by additional fiscal stimulus measures. We favour value- and domestically-oriented cyclical sectors, which are well positioned to gain from improving local growth prospects and are less exposed to tariff and currency risks.

German equities are particularly attractive due to their cyclical tilt, with mid-caps offering more compelling valuations and greater potential to benefit from fiscal support. Pro-growth policies from Germany’s new government further support the outlook for German share prices.

Our outlook for Japanese equities remains positive, supported by continued progress with regard to corporate reforms and heightened corporate activity this year. The gradual return to normality with interest rate hikes also supports this positive view.

Dividend growth is set to accelerate, alongside a record pace of share repurchases. While we favour high-quality Japanese stocks, some of these — particularly exporters — may face short-term headwinds due to trade tensions. We highlight three key opportunities: information technology leaders, domestic champions, and businesses undergoing significant structural transformation.

Although ongoing trade talks may cause volatility in Chinese markets, more supportive domestic policies should partly mitigate this. We remain constructive on Chinese equities, as fundamentals such as profitability, shareholders’ returns, and liquidity conditions are improving.

We continue to like high-dividend Chinese stocks and now expect A shares to catch up with H shares, as the A-share premium nears a new low and onshore market liquidity improves.

On the other hand, the new 50% tariff on imports of Indian goods to the US threatens to significantly erode the country’s export competitiveness. However, despite the near-term uncertainty regarding tariffs, equity fundamentals as well as structural drivers and resilience of the Indian economy suggest a positive long-term outlook for Indian stocks. We see tailwinds from double-digit earnings growth, monetary policy easing and consumption tax cuts.

CURRENCY PICKS

Regarding foreign exchange, we believe the beneficiaries of a weakening dollar are the euro followed by the yen due to further policy normalisation.

The British pound may also strengthen, driven by its high carry potential versus European peers. Driven by safe-haven demand, central bank buying and a weaker dollar, gold is expected to reach new highs going into 2026.

In summary, despite cyclical clouds on the horizon, our investment stance remains constructive. Momentum in global stock markets is strong and favours investors who shift gears into active participation.

Going forward, we expect any episode of weak macroeconomic data that triggers a broader sell-off will be seen as an entry point rather than an exit signal.

Ultimately, a diversified portfolio that takes into account the complexity of the global economic outlook is likely to be the best approach.

Tourists are being warned to stop putting stickers over a big road sign in Kanchanaburi’s Thong Pha Phum district that has become an unofficial ‘check-in’ point for visitors travelling the highway.

Local officials issued the warning on Wednesday, saying the culprits could face legal action.

The sign is on a tall frame above highway 3272 and tells motorists they are approaching Ban Pilok.

Tourists have attached stickers to the poles and also climbed up to attach more on the Ban Pilok sign itself, officials said.

After passing the sign motorists must drive 399 curves over the next 63 kilometres of road to visit Ban E-Tong, where there is a popular old mine.

The local highway office will put up signs prohibiting attaching stickers and climbing up to the sign.

Officials said the tourists are damaging government property, obscuring the sign and breaking the highway law. Offenders were liable to up to six months in prison and/or a fine of 10,000 baht.

Crystal Home unveiled two world-renowned brands at The Craft of Living Salon – An Unveiling of Design You Can Feel. The event marked the debut of THG Paris, the French luxury brand celebrated for its iconic taps and collaborations with Baccarat, Lalique, Daum, and Christofle. Alongside it, Composit introduced its made-in-Italy kitchens and wardrobes to Thailand, showcasing over 50 years of craftsmanship and limitless customisation.

Mrs Suthipa Svasti-Xuto, Executive Director of Crystal Home, shared: ‘At Crystal Home, we believe kitchens, bathrooms, and wardrobes should go beyond function to reflect how people truly live – shaping spaces filled with joy and meaning. This philosophy is why we chose THG Paris and Composit. Both brands share our values of craftsmanship, limitless customisation, and artistic expression, making them the perfect partners to help homeowners transform everyday spaces into personal reflections of lifestyle and individuality.’

The Craft of Living Salon was honoured by the presence of H.E. Mr Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of the French Republic to Thailand, and H.E. Mr Paolo Dionisi, Ambassador of Italy to Thailand. Their attendance underscored the strong cultural and creative ties between Europe and Thailand, highlighting that design is not only about products but about people, heritage, and collaboration across borders. For Thai designers, it offered a rare opportunity to experience European craftsmanship first-hand, while reinterpreting these influences through their own creative lens.

To enrich the occasion, Crystal Home curated a multi-sensory exhibition where guests engaged with design through layers of sensation – sight, sound, scent, taste, and touch. Each experience unveiled the inspirations behind THG Paris and Composit, transforming the Crystal Home Concept Store into an immersive journey of craftsmanship and creativity.

THG Paris – French Icons for Design-Led Living

THG Paris embodies the elegance and refinement of French artistry, inviting clients to take part in the creative process – personalising materials and finishes to transform every tap into an individual expression. Mr Eric Boulin, THG Paris Executive, remarked: ‘We constantly ask ourselves how every element of the bathroom can become a true piece of functional art. This is why we place such importance on fine craftsmanship and the use of precious materials – from glass and crystals to marbles – ensuring that each creation speaks not only to refined taste but also to the emotions of its user.’

ZOOM Collection: Inspired by the camera lens, ZOOM is expressed through a dual-ring tap design that contrasts polished and matte surfaces, creating a dialogue between stillness and movement. The concept came to life in a photo exhibition by Leica Ambassador Chatchawan Janthachotibutr, whose work emphasised emotion over aesthetics.

ICON-X Collection: A collaboration with Studio F. A. Porsche, ICON-X embodies poise, precision, and power, earning international recognition for product design, including the Red Dot Design Award 2021. Guests experienced the collection through the sound of a car engine, followed by an art talk with Ten-Sihabutr Xoomsai Na Ayudhya, who shared his passion as a car collector and how that lifestyle resonates with the spirit of ICON-X.

Yoko Collection: Yoko offers a contemporary take on personalisation, inviting clients to combine materials such as glass, marble, and metal. At the Yoko Design and Material Bar, visitors experimented with textures and pairings first-hand, discovering how subtle shifts in material could transform the mood of an entire room.

Club Saint-Germain Collection: Evoking the timeless spirit of Saint-Germain-des-Prés – the world of jazz, cafés, and poetry – this collection brings retro Parisian charm into the bathroom with classic lines and refined details. A bespoke fragrance collaboration with perfumer First-Architapon Parntong of Ashram Scent completed the experience, enveloping guests in ‘Parisian elegance.’

Mille Nuits Showcase: Presented as a radiant centrepiece, Mille Nuits extends Baccarat’s crystal design language – first seen in chandeliers, glasses, and vases – into taps through its collaboration with THG Paris. Baccarat crystal taps in Clear, Brume, and Champagne shades were unveiled exclusively in Thailand at this event, following their international debut at Milan Design Week 2025.

Composit – Crafted in Italy, Built Around You

With over 50 years of Italian expertise, Composit is celebrated for its 100% made-in-Italy kitchens and wardrobes and limitless customisation. At the launch, the charm of Italian kitchens – beautiful yet highly functional – came alive through an Aperitivo Experience by Chef Marco Avesani of La Bottega, who prepared fresh dishes within a Composit kitchen, showcasing the seamless balance of elegance and everyday use.

Composit’s portfolio spans diverse styles, from the timeless LINEA and CÉLINE ranges – blending wood, stone, and metal-framed glass in serene yet powerful palettes – to the modern TOUCH series, defined by monobloc forms, push-to-open systems, and modular storage.

Mr Andrea Sorgente, Composit Executive, noted: ‘Every Composit kitchen and wardrobe is designed around real life, harmonising inspiring aesthetics with functional practicality. Each piece is not merely furniture, but an essential part of daily living – reflecting the owner’s style and taste with authenticity.’

Mrs Suthipa Svasti-Xuto concluded: ‘Our goal with The Craft of Living Salon is to create an immersive space where visitors can not only view design objects – but truly feel what it means to live with them. From French taps by THG Paris to Italian kitchens and wardrobes by Composit, true luxury lies in choosing what resonates personally and bringing elegance and meaning into daily living.’

Guests can experience The Craft of Living Salon at the Crystal Home Concept Store, CDC Building D, from 19 September to 19 October 2025. To book an appointment, call 02-101-5123.

Despite the change in government, the Phu Kradueng cable car project is expected to proceed as scheduled and be completed by late 2027 or early 2028, as construction design firms have already been contracted, according to the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta).

Dasta director Siripakorn Cheawsamoot said the long-awaited cable car project is proceeding as planned.

Tesco Limited and Chulalongkorn University signed the contract for construction design with a 20-million-baht budget on Sept 30, covering Oct 1, 2025 to June 27, 2026.

Mr Siripakorn said more than five contractors proposed bids.

Tesco was selected because of its expertise in laying high-voltage poles and experience in working with both the public and private sectors, he said.

Chulalongkorn University is set to supervise the government regulations and is studying the project’s potential impact.

The study and design masterplan should be ready to propose to the cabinet for approving the construction by late 2026.

The construction cost is estimated at 1 billion baht, handling 32 cabins with eight people per car along the 4.4-kilometre route.

The cable car project will help improve waste and tourism management at Phu Kradueng National Park, while the limit of daily visitors would still be restricted to no more than 5,000, he said.

At present, there are 80,000 annual visitors or an average of 200 visitors a day at the park.

Phu Kradueng National Park welcomed 64,687 visitors in 2025, earning 5.38 million baht in revenue.

Over 83% of visitors were under 40 and most of them chose to stay overnight.

Mr Siripakorn said the cable car could help increase tourist spending in Loei to over 3,600 baht per trip, from 2,500 baht today.

The Loei Chamber of Commerce urged related authorities to plan ahead for the post-opening, such as hiring experts to manage the cable car, and increasing the budget for national park officers.

It needs to improve transport from other districts to Phu Kradueng.

TOP 100 DESTINATION

Dasta is also drafting plans to enhance tourism in Chiang Khan, as the community was listed among 10 Thai destinations in the “Green Destinations Top 100 Stories Awards 2025”.

Channarong Wongla, secretary of Hug Chiang Khan community, said the group aims to promote its fishery and agricultural activities as well as raise awareness about environmental impact on the Mekong River.

For a decade, the Mekong River has withered due to dam constructions in China and Laos.

Fish species were reduced to fewer than 50 from more than 115, affecting fishery jobs in Chiang Khan.

Fishermen have adapted by pivoting to tourism as an alternative revenue source, offering boat tours and learning activities. Dasta helped them by building the riverfront area and learning space for tourists.

In fiscal 2024, the community welcomed over 3,700 tourists, generating 447,209 baht revenue.

In fiscal 2025, which ended in September, it served only 2,401 visitors, but earned higher revenue of 521,780 baht.

Chiang Khan fishery community is among the 11 designated tourism communities in Loei under the supervision of the Dasta.

In 2025, all destinations posted a total of 10.5 million baht revenue, a 27.1% increase year-on-year, from 46,527 visitors.