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.

A 51-year-old man accused of committing multiple home burglaries while naked has been arrested in Chok Chai district.

Chaliaw Khramkrathok was stopped and taken into police custody while riding a motorcycle in tambon Tha Yiam of Chok Chai district on Tuesday afternoon.

He was named in arrest warrants for multiple burglaries in Chakkarat, Khon Buri and Nong Boon Mak districts since March this year.

According to police, the suspect has a house in Chok Chai district but tried to avoid arrest by living outside in paddy fields.

He had broken into several houses in Chakkarat and Nong Boon Mak districts in March, and into four houses in Khon Buri district last month, police said.

Mr Chaliaw stole personal valuables and cash and was often naked when he committed the thefts, and was filmed by security cameras.

He told police that he took off his clothes because he did not want to be recognised by his clothing. Sometimes he stripped off because his clothes were soaked by rain.

Thonburi Wellbeing Co, the residential development arm of SET-listed Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG), has relaunched the Jin Wellbeing County project with a new wellness-oriented branding and plans to develop the next phase with a new investor.

Peerapong Peerachotiwatra, chief executive of Thonburi Wellbeing, said the project launched in 2018 was initially positioned as a senior living community.

However, the concept created a misconception among potential buyers, as many in the target demographic did not identify themselves as elderly.

“Our project came a little ahead of its time,” he said. “We are rebranding it to align with the global megatrend of wellness, which is not limited to the elderly and is relevant to people of all ages.”

Completed in 2020 with a total investment of 3 billion baht, the project’s first phase comprises five seven-storey condo towers with 494 units in two configurations — one-bedroom units of 43 square metres and one-bedroom-plus units of 63 sq m.

The project utilises universal design, featuring wider entrances and walkways, ramps, and extra-large elevators that can accommodate a hospital bed.

Each unit also incorporates safety-focused components, including balcony railings and handrails in the bathroom.

All units are equipped with an emergency call system located by the bed and in the bathroom.

In the event of a resident having an accident or the symptoms of an illness, the system alerts the medical team at Thonburi Burana Hospital, located within the project, which can respond and reach the unit within four minutes on a 24-hour standby basis.

Operated by THG, the hospital, which has 55 beds, provides convalescent and geriatric care, holistic preventive services, advanced treatment, and rehabilitation for both its patients and the elderly.

Phase one occupies 20 rai of the 142-rai site on Phahon Yothin Road in Rangsit in Pathum Thani’s Khlong Luang district.

The remaining 122 rai will be used for future phases. Phase two, planned on 20 rai, will feature eight wellness condo towers targeting younger buyers, with the company seeking partners for joint development.

Some 20 rai near the main road is earmarked for Thonburi Rangsit Hospital, a specialty facility, though development plans have been slightly delayed. The remainder is reserved for wellbeing single-detached houses.

Roughly 60% of phase-one units have been sold, with half already occupied, mainly by active seniors over 60 living alone.

Fewer than 3% are passive seniors, while other units are held by investors renting to local white-collar workers, Chinese entrepreneurs, and American retirees.

The remaining buyers include overseas clients awaiting retirement.

“We completed construction of phase one just as the pandemic hit,” Mr Peerapong said. “We implemented a bubble-and-seal system and froze marketing activities. Now, we are resuming sales.”

The project offers discounts of 1 million baht for smaller units priced at 5 million baht, and 2 million baht for larger units priced at 7 million baht, with the aim of selling at least 20 units in the final quarter of this year.

In August and September 2025, THG informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand it had completed a capital increase totalling around 6.2 billion baht through a private placement with Ramkhamhaeng Hospital Plc and a rights offering to existing shareholders.

“Although Ramkhamhaeng Hospital was already THG’s largest shareholder, holding 24.59% last year, it decided to inject 5 billion baht, raising its stake to 49.99% to strengthen confidence in the THG brand,” Mr Peerapong said.

The move follows the indictment of THG founder Boon Vanasin earlier this year.

Mr Peerapong said Boon and his family now hold less than 10% of the company, with no board seats, staff positions, or voting rights in THG.

The recent road collapse caused by a sinkhole in front of Vajira Hospital has drawn attention to insurance coverage for large-scale construction projects in Bangkok, with industry executives saying rising risks in the capital could push up premiums for large projects in the future.

The incident occurred near the future Vajira Hospital Station, prompting the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand to order a temporary halt to construction on the project, which is part of the new MRT Purple Line.

According to industry sources, the project was insured for a combined value of 19.4 billion baht by three major insurers: Bangkok Insurance (BKI) (40%), Dhipaya Insurance (40%), and Muang Thai Insurance (20%).

The policies cover assets under construction, machinery, third-party property damage, and accidents affecting external parties. The cause of the collapse, whether due to a water pipe leak or ongoing construction, remains under investigation.

If construction is found to have been the trigger, liability is covered by the project’s insurance policy.

BKI chief executive Apisit Anantanatarat said despite the recent incident, insurers expect more large projects to proceed under government stimulus measures, including high-speed and dual-track rail developments. They said rising risks mean “higher premiums are likely”.

Global reinsurers have reduced renewal premiums over the past 2-3 years, increasing insurers’ profitability.

“With disaster risks in Thailand rising, reinsurance costs, particularly for excess of loss coverage, are expected to climb,” said Mr Apisit.

For instance, BKI’s earthquake protection covers up to 5 billion baht per event, with reinsurers absorbing 4.9 billion baht and BKI 100 million. To strengthen resilience, he said BKI topped up its protection to 8 billion baht, though this added 400 million baht in costs this year, weighing on profits.

Flooding in October also poses a major concern, with forecasts pointing to water levels comparable to 2011. This could trigger a spike in auto claims, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs), which carry higher risks.

BKI is the only insurer to expand its catastrophe coverage to 8 billion baht this year, the highest level in the industry, said Mr Apisit.

GROWTH AMID HEADWINDS

Thailand’s insurance sector faces headwinds from the economic slowdown caused by sluggish exports, a high level of household debt, and the impact of cheaper Chinese imports on small local producers. GDP growth is projected at less than 2% this year.

Against this backdrop, the insurance industry grew 3% in the first half of the year, with full-year growth forecast at 1.5-2%. Government stimulus programmes such as the 60-billion-baht “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme are expected to provide a temporary boost.

Auto insurance remains a key driver, with total car sales estimated at 600,000 units. EV sales have surged nearly 40% year-on-year in 2025 to around 120,000 units, lifting the demand for insurance. However, BKI’s motor insurance portfolio contracted by 5% as the company avoided aggressive price competition in the high-risk EV segment.

Fire insurance is expected to expand by 1% in the second half, while large projects such as the 200-billion-baht high-speed rail linking three airports, dual-track railways, and new data centres are set to support premium growth.

BKI targets premium growth of 2.6-3% in 2025 and 5-6% by 2026, though the short government tenure (4-8 months) limits near-term economic recovery.

With exports and tourism, traditional growth engines, remaining weak, Thailand’s economy is likely to see subdued growth over the next 2-3 years, said Mr Apisit.

The US government shutdown is likely to have a minimal impact on the Thai stock market, which bounced back to surpass 1,300 points on Tuesday, unless the standoff in Washington is prolonged, according to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).

Soraphol Tulayasathien, senior executive vice-president of SET, said US legislators have shut down the government multiple times in the past and typically the event was short-lived. On average, shutdowns last 1-2 weeks, with the longest one taking 35 days to be resolved.

Mr Soraphol said investors remain largely unfazed by the situation, as the US stock market has not declined significantly since the shutdown began on Oct 1.

“The shutdown is expected to have a limited impact on the SET index, unless the situation is prolonged, as investors largely perceive it as a temporary external factor that may create short-term volatility in capital flow,” he told a briefing on Tuesday.

Mr Soraphol’s comments were made as the shutdown, the 15th since 1981, is on track to become the fourth-longest in US history, eclipsing the six-day shutdown in 1995. The longest shutdown lasted 35 days during President Donald Trump’s first term, from 2018-2019.

He said more significant factors are the new Thai government’s policy execution focused on “short-term stimulus, long-term gains, broad distribution” through its initiatives, alongside multi-stakeholder cooperation in economic and capital market reforms.

“Meanwhile, concerns over the US economy and its monetary and fiscal policies led global investors to increase their holdings in safe-haven assets, particularly gold, the price of which surged to record highs in global markets,” said Mr Soraphol.

“The SET index is expected to continue its recovery through the remainder of 2025, supported by a resurgence in fundraising activities among listed companies in both debt and equity markets over the past two months, while strong first-day performance of newly listed securities reflects improving investor sentiment, and selling pressure from long-term equity funds has begun to subside.”

At the end of September, when the Anutin Charnvirakul government took office, the Thai benchmark index rose 3% from the previous month to finish at 1,274.17 points, narrowing the year-to-date decline to 9%, driven by investor expectations for government stimulus measures that bolster the Thai bourse.

Foreign investors were net sellers of 96.2 billion baht worth of Thai stocks during the first nine months of this year, including net sales of 11.9 billion baht last month.

Average daily trading value of the SET and Market for Alternative Investment dropped 31% year-on-year for the period to 43.2 billion baht (roughly US$1.34 billion).

The SET’s forward price-earnings (P/E) ratio was 13.9 times at the end of last month, below Asian stock markets’ average of 14.1 times. The historical P/E ratio was 14.7 times, lower than Asian markets’ average of 16.0 times. The dividend yield ratio was 3.86%, higher than Asian stock markets’ average of 3.02%.

Three bombs exploded at the entrance of a youth centre in Muang district of this southern border province on Tuesday night,, ahead of a traditional Buddhist ceremony there on Wednesday.

The three explosions occurred at the Yala municipal youth centre between 9.05pm and 9.40pm. One bomb detonated near a gate to a Tai Chi field, the second near Sirorot Road and the third bomb was in a garbage bin.

There were no casualties.

The attack occurred on the eve of a traditional ceremony at the centre on Wednsday marking the end of Buddhist Lent.

Advanced Info Service (AIS) is strengthening its entertainment and sports streaming platform AIS Play by teaming up with America’s National Basketball Association (NBA) to broadcast the 2025-26 game season to Thai fans.

Coverage of this year’s game season commences on Oct 22.

The NBA is a global sports and media organisation built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League. The group has established a major international presence, with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories.

Rungtip Jarusiripipat, head of entertainment at AIS, said the company has developed AIS Play into Thailand’s largest all-in-one entertainment hub, powered by the best network and curated global content.

The company aggregates core content creation and licensing, including major studios, independent filmmakers, content aggregators, sports rights holders and agents, leagues and federations.

She said bringing in world-class content such as the NBA marks another step in expanding the company’s audience base and enhancing the viewing experience.

“Basketball fans can now enjoy every key match on AIS Play, along with exclusive NBA access and premium entertainment from Prime Video — delivering excitement anytime, anywhere. This partnership plays a vital role in strengthening the basketball scene in Thailand,” said Ms Rungtip.

AIS customers can watch live NBA preseason games for free on Oct 4, 6, 10, 12 and 16, on AIS Play.

Somchai Lertsutiwong, chief executive of AIS, said recently that he expects AIS revenue from non-mobile and non-fixed broadband business to account for at least 20% of total revenue in three years, up from 10% at present.

The target calls for driving sustainable growth through new S-curve business areas, including digital finance, entertainment and retail services.

The NBA packages include NBA 2025-26 for 249 baht a month (excluding value-added tax [VAT]), offering every major NBA game live, including the regular season, playoffs, and All-Star Weekend, all via AIS Play.

This package also comes with Prime Video world-class entertainment, plus marquee regular-season matchups and key tentpole events, including the Emirates NBA Cup, Play-In Tournament, and NBA Finals.

Other packages include Play Sports for 599 baht a month (excluding VAT), which offers sports channels and major sporting events, including the Premier League, NFL and NBA, all via AIS Play. This package is available for subscription starting Oct 15.

Another package is called Play Ultimate+Sports for 1,499 baht a month for the first 12 months, then 1,799 baht a month (excluding VAT) thereafter. This package offers sports coverage from the Premier League, NFL and NBA via AIS Play, plus content from streaming platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar, Prime Video and others.

Pheu Thai is poised to sweep at least 200 MPs in the upcoming general election, according to Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the newly appointed party election director.

Mr Suriya was speaking during an event at Pheu Thai headquarters, “Reinventing Pheu Thai, Reinventing Thailand”, in which key members expressed their readiness for the poll slated in the coming months while 193 MP candidates nationwide were unveiled.

Mr Suriya, a former deputy prime minister and transport minister, who was appointed to be in charge of the election race during the event, said he has been with the party since 2001, when it was named Thai Rak Thai.

He said he was confident the party could win at least 200 seats during the next election because the public support for the People’s Party (PP) had stumbled after it backed Anutin Charnvirakul as the new prime minister.

He pointed to PP’s social media posts that once drew around 80,000 likes, saying they now struggle to reach 10,000 and also said Pheu Thai’s candidates are direct rivals to the PP’s.

“With the PP’s popularity declining, we will gain more seats,” he said.

He estimated the PP would win just under 100 seats, while Bhumjaithai, recently boosted by defectors, could gain 120 from its current 70.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the party’s leader and former prime minister, also delivered a keynote speech at the event, reflecting on the recent setbacks, including the imprisonment of her father, Thaksin, and a by-election win.

“Every hardship teaches us to rise stronger,” she said. “The strong dose we are given today will transform us back to the greatness we once held during the Thai Rak Thai Period.”

“Many said Pheu Thai has come to an end. But we have not,” she said.

Ms Paetongtarn also said the list of the three prime ministerial candidates will be revealed at the proper time.

“Their names will be Thailand’s hope,” she said, adding that the three candidates are not associated with her family.

She pointed out that the party’s structural overhaul will create unity, transparency and real participation.

Ms Paetongtarn also referred to the Young Pheu Thai Platform and the Moonshot Forum, which brainstorm ideas from young people and experts, providing input into the drafting of the policy platform.

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

Local Department of Highways chief Apilak Tosaporn issued the warning on Wednesday, saying the culprits could face legal action.

The sign is on a tall gantry above highway 3272 and informs 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,” Mr Apilak said. “Tourists frequently stop there and take photos of the sign, which has become a sort of ‘check-in’ point.’

He said after passing the sign motorists must negotiate 399 curves over the next 63 kilometres of road to visit Ban E-Tong, where there is a popular ancient mine.

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

He said the sticker-fiends are effectively 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.

They also put themselves at risk and litter the area, Mr Apilak said.

In the face of climate change, the world must shift its mindset from viewing resilience as merely a defensive strategy to embracing it as a proactive approach to designing a sustainable future, argued Dr Youssef Nassef, Director of the Adaptation Division at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Speaking on ‘Shaping the Future of Resilience’ at the Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025), Dr Nassef explained that the terms ‘resilience’ and ‘adaptation’ are often used interchangeably. He noted that the global response to climate change comprises two main components: addressing the root causes of the problem and adapting to its impacts.

However, he observed that adaptation has historically been viewed with scepticism, amid concerns it might divert attention from mitigation. Another challenge, he said, lies in measurement-while emission reductions can be quantified, resilience is far more complex and difficult to express numerically.

‘We have to move away from a problem-solution mentality to a mentality of creating a design for the future-one that takes into account economic realities and technological change, rather than trying to solve tomorrow’s problems with today’s outdated mindset,’ he said.

The concept of adaptation, he added, is now seen as a more integrated, forward-looking approach aimed at building systems that are flexible and future-oriented. This shift is embodied in the ‘global goal on adaptation,’ which spans all sectors and redefines how the international community understands and applies resilience.

Designing for the future means responding not just to immediate challenges, but also anticipating future needs by leveraging emerging technologies and long-term thinking. While tools such as technology and finance are vital for building resilience, Dr Nassef emphasised the importance of combining them with indigenous wisdom to achieve large-scale adaptation and sustainable development.

When it comes to sustainable urban development, Dr Nassef highlighted the critical role of neighbourhood design and the integration of sustainability principles into architecture. Citing studies showing that 75% of health issues are linked to environmental factors, he underscored that incorporating nature into the built environment-through approaches such as biophilic design-can create healthier and more resilient communities.

‘This is the mega driving force for everyone to see a transition or transformation in mindset, because it starts from that built environment,’ he said.