Category: The Bangkok Post

Marriott International has unveiled its latest report, The Future of Food 2026, which explores how dining habits and preferences are changing across the Asia Pacific region. The comprehensive study spotlights major trends reshaping the culinary landscape, including a shift away from traditional fine dining toward casual luxury, comfort-driven menus, immersive dining experiences and a renewed reverence for local flavours. Diners are increasingly prioritising relaxed, personalised encounters where storytelling, entertainment, and thoughtful design are just as important as the food itself.

Drawing on insights from over 30 influential chefs, mixologists, industry insiders and regional food media, along with findings from Marriott’s inaugural regional survey of F and B teams in 270 properties across 20 Asia Pacific markets, the report explores how these emerging trends are redefining hospitality and guest expectations.

‘The Future of Food 2026 showcases how Asia Pacific continues to shape the future of global dining,’ says Petr Raba, Vice President of Food and Beverage, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. ‘From the rise of casual luxury to experience-focused dining, today’s guests are seeking emotional connection as much as culinary excellence. This report reflects our ongoing commitment to evolving with the industry and delivering dining experiences that are culturally relevant, rooted in place, and reimagined for a new generation of travellers.’

He added, ‘Across Asia, a new culinary language is emerging, one where quality meets comfort, luxury meets experience, and a meal is no longer just about eating, but about engaging all the senses. As our report shows, food is no longer just fuel; it’s a form of storytelling, identity, and cultural connection.’

In Thailand, to launch the Future of Food 2026 report, a panel discussion was held on 14 October 2025 at The House on Sathorn, W Bangkok, where key speakers shared their perspectives on Thailand’s culinary future. Eurblarp Sriphiromya, Executive Director of the Tourism Products Department at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), remarked, ‘Thailand’s native ingredients tell powerful stories of our culture and way of life. By promoting them globally, we invite travellers to discover the country in a deeper, more meaningful way.’ Brad Edman, Market Vice President – Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar, Marriott International, added, ‘The future of food is here in Thailand. With TAT, we’re proud to champion local sourcing-supporting communities, reducing our footprint, and showcasing Thailand as a world-class culinary destination.’

Key Trends Shaping the Future of Food

1. Comfort is the New Luxury

A new era of dining is emerging with the rise of “fine-casual” where comfort food meets creative refinement. From elevated takes on beloved classics, such as caviar-topped fried chicken, to à la carte menus offering more choice and personality, chefs from Singapore to Tokyo are embracing a more relaxed yet luxurious approach. As diners crave familiarity with a twist, high-profile chefs are reimagining everyday favourites with fine-dining finesse, creativity, and visual appeal. Traditional multi-course menus are giving way to faster, more flexible experiences. 59% of Marriott International properties surveyed across Asia Pacific said guests are opting for casual dining experiences over formal ones compared to last year.

2. Dining Becomes a Sensory Journey

Throughout Asia, dining is turning into a feast for all the senses, with guests choosing to dine in the dark or indulge in edible art. Nearly half (48%) of Marriott International F and B associates report an increase in guests seeking interactive dining experiences compared to the previous year. From omakase journeys to themed environments, restaurants are embracing interactivity and theatricality to create immersive, multisensory experiences. As the lines between retail, hospitality, and entertainment continue to blur, food is becoming a powerful vehicle for identity and creative expression.

3. Plating Up Native Ingredients

Chefs are embracing indigenous ingredients as integral components of their culinary identity, drawing on heritage and personal expression. There’s a growing emphasis on sourcing local, foraged and often forgotten ingredients to tell richer, more authentic food stories. Among the Marriott International properties surveyed in Asia Pacific, 85% now incorporate locally sourced ingredients or dishes into their offerings, signalling a growing appetite for seasonal food.

4. AI Takes a Byte of the Industry

As AI becomes more embedded into the hospitality industry, it promises greater efficiency and highly personalised dining experiences. Advancements in technology will drive AI-powered menu engineering, leveraging real-time feedback and to optimise dish combinations and pricing. Of the Marriott International properties surveyed across Asia Pacific, 76% are adopting booking management technologies, while 75% report that social media influences guest decisions around restaurant and bar bookings. While operators embrace these tools to automate tasks and enhance service, a key challenge remains in maintaining the human connection that defines true hospitality.

5. Asia’s Culinary Hotspots

Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Mainland China are gaining international recognition for their vibrant and diverse food cultures. The report explores how these destinations are stepping onto the global culinary stage with renewed confidence and creativity.

6. Third-Generation Asian Chefs Stir the Pot

Trained in Michelin-starred kitchens, a new wave of third-generation chefs is revolutionising Asian cuisines. Acting as cultural ambassadors, they employ modern cooking techniques and engage with native ingredients to elevate and refine the cuisine. They are not just cooking; they are preserving heritage while charting a new course, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously on the plate. This creative spirit extends to street vendors – or ‘hawkerpreneurs’ – who are adding luxe to laksa and sass to satays.

Additional Report Highlights:

The Flavour Spectrum: Survey results reveal a preference for both classic cocktails and modern, regionally-inspired mixes. The data also indicates a clear trend toward healthier eating. Across the Asia Pacific, Marriott International’s F and B associates are noticing guests increasingly seeking vegan (63%), vegetarian (64%), and gluten-free (54%) options. In addition, classic condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and soy sauce remain popular across most markets.

Raising the Bar: Bars throughout Asia are redefining the drinking experience, catering to a generation that values wellness, personalisation, and immersive environments. From low- or no-alcohol menus to omakase-style cocktails, venues are moving beyond traditional drink service and attracting kindred spirits. Cocktail bars are also shaking up the scene, spilling the tea and spicing up flavours with native ingredients or a dash of Dashi.

The Future Larder: Bold new ingredients and long-forgotten favourites are driving a new era in Asian cuisine. From fermented condiments to artisanal salts and heritage vinegars, chefs are diving into traditional ingredients to create bold, sustainable flavours with deep cultural significance.

Sustainability Pioneers: Local heroes are driving sustainable food movements in Asia by empowering local farmers and promoting biodiversity through social enterprises. Their grassroots campaign is inspiring a cultural shift in the hospitality industry and influencing the future of the region’s wider food ecosystem.

From original Mafia spouse to the romcom heroine and early 20th-century feminist author to late-20th-century modern woman navigating both the tumultuous Me Decade and the you-can-have-it-all 1980s — these roles may have been memorable in the hands of many actors, however, Diane Keaton made them iconic.

Keaton, who sadly passed away recently at the age of 79, consistently brought warmth and emotional complexity to every character she embodied. She could be amusing without being frivolous and eccentric without ever seeming contrived. Her characters reflected real women — flawed, resilient and unapologetically themselves. Here are five of our favourite films from the late actor that you can watch now on streaming services.

Annie Hall (1977)

Watch it on Prime Video

Annie Hall is not just Keaton’s most celebrated performance, but one of the most memorable performances in film history. Woody Allen wrote Annie Hall for her, even using her real surname, and only she could have captured Annie’s quirky magnetism — that mix of sweetness, insecurity and spontaneous wit — without turning her into a caricature or a prototype of the “manic pixie dream girl”. While Allen’s character Alvy Singer narrates the story and drives its neurotic energy, it’s Annie’s warmth that ultimately defines the film. Her laughter, her hesitations, her wide-eyed openness bring light to Alvy’s gloomy introspection — like a sunflower blooming through the cracks of New York cynicism. It’s impossible to imagine Annie Hall without her, because she is Annie Hall.

The Godfather Part II (1974)

Watch it on HBO Max

Most remember Keaton as Kay Adams, the fresh-faced girlfriend-turned-wife in The Godfather (1972). But it’s in Part II that she fully claims her place within the epic. As Michael Corleone’s (Al Pacino) moral compass, Kay becomes the emotional anchor in a world drowning in power and blood. Her now-iconic scene revealing that she didn’t miscarry but instead chose to abort their child to save him from “this Sicilian thing” is devastating in its moral clarity. It’s the moment the saga stops being about organised crime and becomes a tragedy of lost humanity. As much as Fredo’s death, Kay’s decision marks Michael’s final descent into darkness.

Baby Boom (1987)

Watch it on Prime Video

Keaton’s first collaboration with writer-producer Nancy Meyers resulted in one of her most beloved performances. Baby Boom follows J.C. Wiatt, a high-powered Manhattan executive whose life is upended when she unexpectedly inherits a baby girl. What follows is a sharp, funny exploration of female ambition, identity and the impossible balance between career and motherhood. Often dismissed as glossy fluff, Baby Boom is in fact one of the great feminist-lite comedies of its era. Keaton is sublime here — switching from corporate cool to maternal chaos with effortless timing. Her physical comedy still feels fresh nearly four decades later and her journey from burnout to self-reinvention remains surprisingly relevant.

Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

Watch it on HBO Max

In Nancy Meyers’ later classic, Keaton stars opposite Jack Nicholson as Erica Barry, a divorced playwright who finds herself unexpectedly hosting her daughter’s much older boyfriend after he suffers a heart attack in her Hamptons home. Cue the romantic chaos. Keaton is utterly magnetic — neurotic, luminous and heartbreakingly funny — as a woman rediscovering passion and purpose in her 50s. Her chemistry with Nicholson is electric, while her scenes opposite Keanu Reeves, who plays her younger suitor, are tender and full of quiet confidence. Keaton’s performance earned her an Oscar nomination and redefined what a romantic lead could look like beyond youth and perfection.

The First Wives Club (1996)

Watch it on HBO Max

Who wouldn’t want to watch Keaton, Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn unite to give their cheating ex-husbands a taste of revenge? Directed by Hugh Wilson, The First Wives Club is a fizzy, sharp and joyful revenge comedy that became an instant cult favourite. Keaton plays Annie, a gentle, neurotic woman whose husband takes her for granted until she finds the courage to stand up for herself — and team up with her equally wronged friends. It’s 9 To 5 for the 90s and while the ensemble sparkles, Keaton’s charm grounds the film with sincerity and warmth. Her signature turtlenecks and anxious energy are on full display, reminding audiences why she remained one of Hollywood’s most relatable stars.

A hospital in Krabi province registered a criminal complaint with police on Monday seeking legal action against a driver who obstructed an ambulance, possibly contributing to the death of the male patient being transported.

Lawyers for Plai Phraya Hospital in Plai Phraya district filed the police complaint.

They accused the man of obstructing hospital staff performing their duty, and offending officials, Thairath Online reported.

The name of the driver was not disclosed. He worked for Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc, until the company sacked him after the incident on Thursday night.

Plai Phraya police chief Pol Col Narong Laksanawimol said all medical staff on duty that night, including doctors, would be asked to give testimony so investigators could fully determine the circumstances surrounding the death of the patient, Somkhuan Panich.

The driver would later be summonsed to hear the charges against him.

On Thursday night, hospital staff could not promptly transfer Somkhuan, 69, who was in critical condition after an acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack, and respiratory failure, to Krabi Hospital in Muang district.

They could not manoeuvre him in through the rear door of the ambulance because the man’s pickup truck was parked so closely behind it outside the hospital entrance. The man was at first reluctant to move his vehicle, causing even greater delay.

Somkhuan was later pronounced dead. It was still unclear whether he died en route or at Krabi Hospital.

The dead man’s daughter, Pattaraporn, told Thairath Online she met with police again on Monday, as a witness, to give her account and thanked the hospital for filing legal action, on behalf of her family.

The accused pickup driver had not contacted her or her family since the incident, she said. Justice would be left in the hands of the police.

The driver could be fined up to 20,000 baht and/or imprisoned for 1 year on each of the two charges if found guilty.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has hired superstar Lisa — Lalisa Manobal — as a tourism ambassador for 12 months. The move clearly illustrates the country’s attempt to regain the tourist momentum, which has been lost in recent months.

Thailand has already been dethroned by Vietnam for the first time as the favourite destination for Chinese travellers to Southeast Asia. Neighbouring Malaysia is also emerging as a strong contender to attract more tourists.

The kingdom continues to struggle with a tourism hangover caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It has yet to reach the figures seen before the outbreak, when the nation welcomed nearly 40 million foreign arrivals — the largest proportion of them Chinese.

The struggle persists this year, although more Chinese tourists visited the kingdom during the recently concluded Golden Week than expected.

Thailand recorded 24 million foreign arrivals in the first nine months of this year, a 7.5% drop from the same period last year, says the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

“Collaborating with Lisa as Amazing Thailand Ambassador marks another significant milestone in presenting the charm, diversity and wonders of Thailand from a fresh perspective,” boasted TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.

“Lisa is one of Thailand’s greatest sources of pride,” the tourism chief added.

That is how Thailand presents itself to tourists: come here and enjoy tom yum kung and other dishes, magnificent temples, stunning beaches and more. These messages have been repeated time and again, yet the number of holidaymakers has not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

The decline in popularity is not because Thai soup has lost its spicy kick, temples have become monotonous, or beaches have lost their allure.

The sharp drop in tourist numbers — especially among Chinese visitors — is largely due to concerns over personal safety in vehicles, at sea and on the streets.

Thailand is notorious for its high rate of road accidents; World Health Organization statistics bear this out. Maritime safety fares no better.

One of the most tragic incidents occurred in July 2018, when the Phoenix tour boat sank off Phuket, claiming the lives of 46 snorkellers. Accidents involving buses, vans and boats with tourists aboard happen regularly, often due to reckless driving and poor safety standards.

Perhaps the gravest concern is for the safety of life itself. The sharp decline in Chinese visitors this year was triggered by the abduction of actor Wang Xing in January, who was kidnapped and trafficked to an online scam centre in Myanmar.

The incident sent shockwaves through China, prompting many would-be tourists to reconsider travelling to Thailand. The fear is that they could be abducted and trafficked upon arrival at a Thai airport.

In August, two Malaysian tourists were set on fire by an unemployed security guard on a street in downtown Bangkok. While the incident may have been unpredictable, it underscored the perception that danger can strike anywhere, at any time.

Thailand has yet to implement serious measures to reassure tourists that their safety is a priority — whether walking the streets or travelling by boat or bus. Visitors also risk being overcharged by unscrupulous taxi or tuk-tuk drivers.

Official responses to such incidents are often limited to apologies and the occasional bouquet of flowers for hospitalised victims, accompanied by empty promises.

This lack of action is unsurprising, given the risks faced by citizens themselves. Travelling along Rama II Road is a case in point — drivers never know when a brick or part of a pedestrian bridge might fall onto their vehicles.

One day, this could happen to a bus full of tourists en route to the beaches of the central or southern provinces. Fortunately, it hasn’t happened yet.

The TAT is enthusiastic about using Lisa to restore Thailand’s top-tier tourism status and attract new visitors. But unless Thailand addresses its safety shortcomings, even a dozen Lisas won’t be enough.

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.”

The Southeast Asia region is undergoing one of the most profound demographic shifts in its history. By 2050, the proportion of people aged 60 years and above will nearly double — from 11.3% in 2024 to 20.9%. That means 441 million older people — one in five people — will call this region home. This transformation is both a triumph of public health and a test of our collective will and capacity to adapt.

Healthy ageing is not about adding years to life alone, but about adding life to years. It is defined as enabling older people to maintain the functional ability to do what they value — whether caring for grandchildren, participating in community life or contributing to the economy. When older people are supported to live well, they are not a burden, but a vital social and economic asset.

However, as more people live longer, noncommunicable diseases and mental disorders are contributing to increases in disability prevalence. We are committed to addressing the health and well-being challenges that NCDs bring to older people, including those related to declines in physical and mental capacities, nutrition and mental health.

Regional data from 2024 show a higher prevalence of insufficient physical activity in older people compared to younger age groups, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Body mass index trends show a complex landscape including the double burden of malnutrition. Undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies remain prevalent in some countries, while others are experiencing a growing shift towards overweight and obesity. Older women are more at risk of obesity and related NCDs in the region.

The prevalence of dementia is expected to rise sharply (about 9.6 million by 2030) in Southeast Asia, placing immense pressure on healthcare systems, caregivers and families. Reduced mental well-being, inequity, loneliness and social isolation, especially in older women, all impact healthy ageing. Each challenge also has social and economic consequences. For instance, the annual costs associated with dementia care in the Southeast Asia region have been estimated at about $7.3 billion, a figure that is expected to rise as the number of affected people increases.

Other drivers impacting the health and well-being of older people in the region are climate change, urbanisation, migration patterns and changing family structures.

The World Health Organization’s Southeast Asia Regional Strategy on Healthy Ageing (2024-2030), aligned with the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, offers clear pathways to help older people lead healthier lives. We are committed to combating ageism through policies, laws and inter-generational solidarity; fostering age-friendly environments by improving housing, transport and community infrastructure; delivering integrated primary health care that responds to evolving needs, including rehabilitation and palliative care; and ensuring access to long-term care that is equitable, sustainable and supportive of families and caregivers.

Primary health care is central to this vision. This requires reorienting systems to serve as the first point of contact for older people, expanding community-based care and coordinating health, well-being and social support. Evidence shows that investing in healthy longevity brings enormous economic and social returns, with benefits far outstripping those of tackling single diseases in isolation. The region must seize the opportunity and invest now in healthy ageing, to be ahead of the game, before we are defined as an “ageing society”.

But governments cannot do this alone; a whole-of-society approach is essential. Armed with evidence and data, we need to engage with finance, transport, housing and labour sectors to implement needed actions.

We must empower civil society, academia and the private sector to be part of the solution. And most important of all, older people themselves must be given a leading role to drive this change, as they often face intersecting forms of discrimination that lead to exclusion from services, decision-making and protection systems. This is especially so for older women, many of whom live alone for extended periods, which affects their physical health, psychological well-being and economic security.

Collectively, our region needs to adopt an integrated, human-centred approach to address the needs of older people. Older people should not be merely recipients of care but be active agents in shaping the policies and services that affect their lives.

As ministers of health of the Southeast Asia countries gathered in Colombo for the 78th session of the WHO Regional Committee, the stakes could not be higher. This is the moment to commit to age-responsive, integrated primary health care systems that uphold dignity, equity and resilience.

The demographic shift ahead is an immense opportunity. By embracing healthy ageing as a priority, Southeast Asia can lead the way in showing that societies which invest in older people reap dividends that benefit all generations.

We stand in solidarity with our older people in the region and the world writ large.

A man who parked his pickup truck behind an ambulance is accused of disrupting the emergency transfer of a critically ill patient at Plaipraya Hospital in Krabi province.

The patient later died from respiratory failure.

The hospital issued a statement on Saturday to explain the incident, which took place on Thursday, Oct 16.

At 11.10pm, staff were preparing to transfer a male patient suffering from acute myocardial infarction and respiratory failure to Krabi Hospital.

At 11.15pm, a brown Toyota pickup truck was parked closely behind the designated ambulance, blocking its rear door.

The truck was transporting a 69-year-old woman patient. The hospital said the head nurse explained the critical situation to the relatives and asked them to wait, providing a bed for their mother. However, the family complained loudly about the lack of immediate attention.

When staff were ready to load the critical patient into the ambulance, the truck was still blocking the way. Staff and the family of the critical patient pleaded with the driver to move the vehicle, but he continued to argue angrily for some time before eventually complying.

The critical patient, who was the father of the family, died later that night.

The hospital said the actions of the truck owner ‘obstructed urgent duties of the medical team’.

According to Thairath Online, a daughter of the deceased, Pattaraporn Panich, 29, said she believed a faster transfer might have saved her father.

Plaipraya Hospital director Dr Natthapong Doo-Ngam told Thairath the hospital has assigned its legal team to gather evidence and consider reporting to police on Monday.

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.

Macau: Dominic Foos bagged the Macao Open title yesterday to become the first German to win on the Asian Tour since his illustrious compatriot Bernhard Langer 29 years ago.

He defeated Taiwan’s Wang Wei-hsuan on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff on the iconic par-five 18th at Macau Golf and Country Club.

Foos drained a 10-foot birdie putt to win after Wang missed his attempt for a four — in what was sixth playoff in the history of the event.

The pair had finished tied on 17-under 263, with Foos — who started the day six behind overnight leader Sarit Suwannarut from Thailand — shooting a seven-under-par 63, while Wang closed with a 62.

China’s Wenyi Ding carded a 67 to finish solo third, one stroke back, with Sarit shooting a disappointing 73 to finish alone in fourth, four short of the playoff.

The win will be a huge relieve for Foos who made it through the past two Asian Tour Qualifying Schools. He was also battling to keep his Tour card for next year, sitting in 62nd place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit prior to this week. He has now leapt into 15th position.

The 28-year-old was in the fourth from last group out and like Wang was bogey free. He made seven birdies, crucially on the last two holes of regulation play.

“I gotta say, I didn’t really look at the leaderboard all day,” said Foos.

“Just wanted to play shot by shot, but as I was walking up 18, I obviously had to have a look at the score, and then I noticed I had to make birdie. I was just past the green there. And yeah, knew what I had to do, and I’m glad I did it.”

Langer’s victory was recorded at the Alfred Dunhill Masters in Hong Kong in 1996.

Pang makes a big bang

Chinese teenager Pang Runzhi reinforced her growing reputation as a rising star by winning the Women’s China Open by one stroke yesterday following a tense battle against defending champion Ji Yuai and Wang Zixuan.

The 18-year-old Pang, who was the co-overnight leader with Wang, was the last golfer standing at Enhance Anting Golf Club after battling to a one-under 71 in windy conditions at the CLPG Tour flagship tournament.

With a three-day aggregate of 5-under 211, Pang lifted her second career title following a maiden triumph at the Singapore Ladies Masters last season.

“This tournament [win] feels different for me. It’s a completely different experience,” said a jubilant Pang. “This just feels unbelievable … I guess I was really lucky.”

Thailand’s Sherman Santiwiwattanaphong, who held the lead briefly on the front nine, finished solo fourth following a closing 72 to end the week two shots behind the champion.

A disappointed Sherman said: “It’s been tough. I had some bad luck on the 10th hole for my bogey and then hit bad shots on 11 and 12 due to the conditions. I couldn’t quite control the ball.”

Global investors appear to be in a “fear of missing out” (FOMO) mode, with strong buying momentum continuing to flow into gold and trendy equities worldwide, despite heightened risks from renewed US-China trade tensions and political uncertainty in the US.

According to Asia Plus Securities (ASPS), global markets remain volatile as trade hostilities between the US and China intensify.

US President Donald Trump recently declared America is now in a full-scale trade war with China, threatening to impose an additional 100% tariff and even cancel the upcoming Apec Summit scheduled for South Korea later this month.

Trump also signalled plans to suspend vegetable oil trade with China, further escalating market concerns.

Adding to the uncertainty, the possibility of a prolonged US government shutdown — potentially lasting more than 25 days — has deepened market caution.

Sentiment remains somewhat buoyed by expectations that US-China trade negotiations could resume, as the US treasury secretary is reportedly preparing to propose a 90-day tariff suspension in exchange for China lifting export restrictions on rare earth minerals.

Markets are pricing in two additional Federal Reserve rate cuts before year-end, while strong third-quarter earnings in multiple sectors provides further support to risk assets.

Among global highlights, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (MC FP) surged more than 12.2% after reporting hefty revenue recently, with Asian sales returning to growth for the first time in six quarters.

Estée Lauder Companies Inc (EL US) showed clear recovery momentum as sales in China rebounded, driven by online channels such as Tmall, Taobao and Douyin, making it the only foreign beauty brand still expanding in the Chinese market. ASPS recommends short-term speculative positions in ESTEE80 depositary receipts.

Domestically, the Bank of Thailand signalled a “cautious policy stance”, prioritising long-term stability over short-term stimulus. As a result, expectations for a December rate cut have eased, while the 10-year Thai government bond yield rose above 1.50%.

Meanwhile, the Thai government is preparing to propose a year-end tourism stimulus package worth up to 20 billion baht in personal tax deductions, including a 1.5-times deduction for travel to secondary cities between Oct 29 and Dec 15. Stocks likely to benefit include The Erawan Group (ERW), Minor International (MINT) and Central Plaza Hotel (CENTEL), according to ASPS.

In terms of market sentiment, global equity sentiment remains firmly in FOMO territory. US margin debt in September surged 6.3% month-on-month to a record high, while volatility as measured by average true range for both US and Thai equities has doubled from the three-month average, noted the brokerage.

Fund inflows have concentrated in hot themes such as gold, silver, mining, semiconductors, renewable energy and healthcare.

Gold prices year-to-date have climbed nearly 60%, the S and P 500 index has gained 15-20%, while the SET index remains down about 8%, recovering from a contraction of 20% earlier in the year.

Monrat Phadungsit, managing director of Land and Houses Fund Management Co, suggested focusing on big trends that will shape the next phase of global growth, especially artificial intelligence, highlighting the space economy, quantum computing, and nuclear energy as standout investment themes.

Meanwhile, Gcap Company Ltd noted gold retains strong bullish momentum, supported by three drivers: escalating trade tensions, US government shutdown risks, and expectations of further Fed rate cuts. The firm recommends maintaining long positions and adding on price dips, with major resistance at US$4,250 an ounce, provided prices hold above $4,000.