Category: The Bangkok Post

A Chinese man was injured after accidentally falling from the third floor of a hotel early Sunday morning.

Rescue workers were alerted to the incident at a hotel near Balihai headland around 4.40am.

Upon arrival, they found a Chinese man with injuries to his leg, arm and body. He was given first aid at the scene before being taken to a local hospital.

Natthapol Khampard, 38, a hotel employee, said the Chinese man was not a guest. He appeared terrified, ran into the hotel, rushed to the third floor, climbed onto a balcony, tried to evade capture and then fell to the ground.

Hotel security guard Wichai Phuddee, 59, said the man had arrived in a white car with a Thai woman. According to her, the man had earlier been drinking with friends and there had been no argument between them.

The woman later left the hotel in the same car without checking on the injured man, the guard said. Pattaya police are investigating the incident.

Re: “Timor-Leste finally joins the Asean fold”, (Opinion, Oct 14).

Kavi Chongkittavorn’s article brings good news not only to Timor-Leste and Asean countries, but also to global multilateralism in crisis. The accession of Timor-Leste as Asean’s 11th member symbolises renewed confidence in enlarging regional cooperation and inclusive diplomacy.

It also highlights the role of education in Thailand, as many Timorese diplomats who have been trained at Assumption University in Bangkok will have now the chance to serve their homeland in multilateral diplomacy.

Ioan Voicu

Verbal ping-pong

I will not reference any particular letters, nor will I name the contributors who have turned PostBag into their own personal game of verbal ping pong with their tit-for-tats on climate change and global warming, drug use and abuse, and the efficacy of vaccines in fighting disease.

These are undoubtedly important issues, but these battles of words involving three or four serial letter writers does little to enlighten anyone. I was annoyed once by Eric Bahrt’s repetitive letters, but he has been dethroned by some of what we see now. May I add my voice calling on the editor of PostBag to apply more discipline. (Now I will sit back and wait to be called an advocate of censorship.)

David Brown

Cartoon therapy

Your regular syndicate cartoonist Matt Davies needs therapy. Never have I witnessed such one-sided derangement. Even the totality of your publication, unapologetically way left-leaning, appears balanced compared with Davies’ output.

I have zero confidence you will publish this, but here’s hoping.

Gary Fox

Clear as day

Re: “Puppetry ran amok”, (PostBag, Oct 12).

I would have to agree with Eric Bahrt that it is ridiculous, given all the images of starving and suffering Palestinians shown on television, to ask whether any people in Gaza have actually starved since the Israelis declared war on the Palestinians about two years ago!

I honestly don’t see how can people question what is so patently obvious to any neutral observer.

Paul

Wimping out

Re: “Army defends psych-ops”, (BP, Oct 13).

Given the other awful conflicts in the world today, the Cambodian response to Thailand’s bloodless psych-ops (which has been a tactic for hundreds of years) is very wimpy.

Get some ear plugs or turn up the boom box if you have one. Or respond in kind.The UN has much more important things to deal with.

In the digital era, a number of well-known chief executives are breaking free from the conference room to capitalise on social media, seeking to brand themselves, talk to customers and build fan communities to strengthen their businesses.

One advocate of the “CEO branding” approach is Komsan Lee, founder of Flash Group, Thailand’s first unicorn company.

He recently live-streamed for the first time to promote his new company Mad Unicorn and introduce its first product: “Jujub” dried jujube snack.

Mr Komsan said live-streaming brings him closer to his customers.

Another well-known CEO promoting his opinions via both offline and digital channels is CK Cheong, chief executive of Fastwork.co, an online freelance marketplace that recently registered 5 million users.

Mr Cheong is known for delivering messages promoting financial literacy. He collaborates with celebrities from time to time by inviting them to speak on podcasts, then edits clips that often go viral.

His frank speaking style and passionate personality attracts followers, which helps to raise consumer awareness of the Fastwork platform.

THE PASSIONATE CEO

Another business leader active in CEO branding is Peeradon Hemyakorn, the founder and chief executive of iHAVECPU, who is better known to his online fans as phi pao, or elder brother Pao.

Mr Peeradon transformed a 40,000-baht startup into a 3-billion-baht computer retailing empire by live-streaming and relentlessly connecting with his community.

The company sells everything from individual components to custom-built gaming and workstation PCs — both online and through 16 branches nationwide.

Mr Peeradon started the business 12 years ago, inspired by his love for building PCs. He began by importing and selling used computer parts online.

“In the beginning, I worked alone. No physical store, just online sales. The competition was fierce,” he recalled.

“I had to stand out. So instead of posting product photos and specs like everyone else, I went live on Facebook.”

Mr Peeradon started live-selling on Facebook eight years ago, just as social media in Thailand was starting to take off.

“I remember my first live-stream attracted more than 400 viewers. Customers could ask questions, watch me build systems, and see my work up close. Going live brought the CEO closer to users,” he said.

Driven by passion rather than money, Mr Peeradon has continued to live-stream regularly ever since.

“I’ve done more than 900 live sessions as of 2024,” he said.

Though naturally shy, Mr Peeradon said he overcame his nerves with a single bold move — hitting the “Go Live” button.

“I had no script, no creative team — just me being myself. Everything you see is authentic and unscripted,” he said.

His live-streams fall into two categories: PC performance testing and gaming streams, with viewership peaking at 4,000 during product testing, and up to 50,000 during gaming sessions.

“Live-streaming is a give-and-take experience. I share knowledge and keep it fun. That’s the formula,” said Mr Peeradon.

He said CEO branding should begin with dedication and the ability to seamlessly align your vision with a clear purpose. The practice must also incorporate authentic personal branding and the style of knowledgeable influencers for credible reviews.

PERFECT TIMING

Mr Peeradon said his form of CEO branding did not begin as a strategy, but rather a necessity.

“In the last two years, CEO branding has become a trend. But in my case, it wasn’t planned. I was pushed into it by the situation,” he said.

However, Mr Peeradon warned that CEO branding can be a double-edged sword.

“If the brand is tied too closely to the CEO, and that CEO disappears or has some negative issues or sentiments, the brand can vanish too,” he said.

The branding must be built on dedication, purpose and authenticity, supported by a deep knowledge of the business.

“You have to be yourself, be different, and be an expert in your field. When you have passion and knowledge, people respect you — customers and employees alike,” said Mr Peeradon, adding another important factor is consistency.

“To beat me, you’ll have to live-stream six hours a day, know your field inside and out, and show your true personality,” he said.

“A good live-stream isn’t just about talking. Tone, expression, pacing and presence all play a part.”

TRUST OVER PRICING

Mr Peeradon said the power of CEO branding lies in building trust, not a race to offer the lowest price.

“When people trust you, your brand stays top of mind. You don’t need to compete on price. With live-streaming, I create my own blue ocean. I’m not just a CEO — I’m a streamer who sells computers,” he said.

“Fun, informative and entertaining — that’s the vibe. Sometimes I even cosplay to match the character I’m playing. You need to truly understand your audience. I become whatever they need me to be.”

Mr Peeradon opened his first physical store five years ago. Currently iHAVECPU’s revenue is evenly split between online and offline channels.

He said the retail sector remains a brutal red ocean market where price comparison is constant and margins are thin. His strategy continues to be building community through live-streams and social media.

“Every day I ask myself: ‘Did I do well today?’ I once streamed for nine hours — I even had dinner live with more than 1,000 people watching,” said Mr Peeradon.

“In business, there are no permanent allies. If you don’t fight, you die.”

SOLVING PROBLEMS

Mr Cheong told the Bangkok Post when he first started creating content, he never intended to be famous or build a brand.

“I started because I wanted to solve a problem — an urgent one.”

In Thailand, he said the media has always been one-sided and lacking. It tells people to buy real estate even when supply far exceeds demand, pushing young generations into debt at an early age.

“The media promotes mutual funds as a safe and diversified investment without explaining that unless you outperform the S and P 500, you are not really getting ahead. Today most of Thailand knows about the S and P 500 because of me,” said Mr Cheong.

The S and P 500 refers to Standard and Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index, which tracks the share prices of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the US.

“I did not start making content to be famous. I did it because I wanted to change Thailand. Without a voice, Thailand cannot change. Change does not come from one man, it takes an army of dreamers who believe Thailand can be better and who can think with the same boldness as Americans,” he said.

“I am not driven by fame, fear or perception. I do not care about looking good, I care about doing good. As long as I know what I am doing is a net positive for society, I can live with a million haters and still sleep well at night.”

BLUE OCEAN

Jirayut “Topp” Srupsrisopa, founder and chief executive of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings, a Thai digital assets and blockchain technology firm, told the Bangkok Post he sees CEO branding through two perspectives.

“From the perspective of Bitkub, I think back to when we started and how the entire landscape was different. Most startups were born into a red ocean, fighting ferociously over the same territory, trying to differentiate themselves just to survive,” he said.

Bitkub started in a blue ocean, which means a new market that nobody knew, trusted or understood.

Being in that position was like being in a small, calm blue bay surrounded by a massive, stormy red ocean, said Mr Jirayut.

However, if Bitkub did not branch out from the bay, it risked being swallowed up by the waves, he said.

One of the most critical strategies to grow the company’s blue ocean was branding, said Mr Jirayut.

“I don’t separate personal branding from branding because, for me, they aren’t separate. The brand of the person and the organisation are two sides of the same coin. Everything we communicate, whether as Topp Jirayut or as Bitkub, reflects our core identity, our goals, and our ‘why’,” he said.

Mr Jirayut said this identity is critical because it’s the one asset nobody can copy.

“This is the essence of a blue ocean strategy and the reason people choose your product over countless similar options. This is why they forgive you when mistakes are made — why they remain loyal,” he said.

“When you clearly communicate your identity, people who share your beliefs will join your mission. That is the foundation of a truly resilient organisation.”

The other perspective pertains to his personal role. When he founded Bitkub, Mr Jirayut said Thailand had almost no knowledge of cryptocurrency.

“I saw this as a massive opportunity cost for the country, one that was increasing every day,” he said.

“This wasn’t something I could afford to ignore. Educating society about this new financial world became my mission.”

At that time social media was the most powerful tool available to communicate this mission quickly to Thais, and his image became inseparable from Bitcoin.

“But looking deeper, I never set out to build a personal brand. My focus was always on the mission,” said Mr Jirayut.

“If you have a clear objective and dedicate yourself completely to it, you will naturally become the embodiment of that mission without ever having to fake it.”

He said branding isn’t about superficial appearances — it’s communicating your identity and mission.

“The goals I anticipated from building the brand were to create greater stability and security for the organisation, and pushing Thailand to understand the financial system of the future, helping us keep pace with the rest of the world. These were the foundational targets,” said Mr Jirayut.

LONGEVITY HUB

He said he never takes for granted the privilege of using his brand to drive other issues that are meaningful to society.

“A key example is health. I only began to take my own health and wellness seriously about a year ago,” said Mr Jirayut.

As he shared his journey and what he was learning on social media, people in his network and many new followers started telling him his posts inspired them to focus on their own health and start exercising.

After researching Thai healthcare, Mr Jirayut said the country is facing a major health crisis that will create a domino effect, impacting everything from its demographic structure and national productivity to its ability to compete on the global stage.

“I believe we can turn this crisis into a massive opportunity. We can transform the aged society problem into a new S-curve for our country,” he said.

“My next goal is to build Thailand into a global longevity hub. This is the next great mission, and I intend to use my brand as a tool to make it happen.”

STRATEGIC ASSET

Pawat Ruangdejworachai, president and chief executive of Media Intelligence Group, said in many organisations CEO branding is much more than just a personal image — it is a strategic asset that reflects the organisation’s leadership, credibility and unique market position.

“Over time, it cultivates a strong fanbase and positions the CEO — and by extension, the company — as a trusted authority,” he said.

A professional, owner of a company or a startup can adopt the CEO branding approach, but it requires them to develop their own unique style, said Mr Pawat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

China’s biggest airlines have started offering free Wi-fi to passengers on a growing number of domestic flights, as they vie to win back business travellers who now often prefer to shuttle between cities on high-speed trains.

China Eastern Airlines on Oct 11 launched a free “basic” Wi-fi service on all its widebody aircraft operating on domestic routes, said a company representative who spoke anonymously per company rules.

The planes cover a total of 37 routes serving major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunming and Wuhan, the representative said.

Air China and China Southern Airlines, two of the company’s main competitors, already provide free Wi-fi on smaller percentages of their domestic flights, the source added.

“We’ve had ‘work from home’, and now a lot of business travellers are changing the phrase to ‘work from the air’,” he said, noting that a test of the free Wi-fi on one plane in August had met with positive customer feedback.

The offer comes as China’s air travel industry faces growing competition from the country’s high-speed rail network, especially in the lucrative business travel market where passengers often prefer the comfort and convenience of bullet trains.

On busy routes such as Beijing-Shanghai, travellers have switched from air to rail in such large numbers that the China Air Transport Association warned in April that its passenger base was being “eroded”.

Air China, China Eastern and China Southern all made losses in the first half of the year, with the companies citing intense competition, supply imbalances and the impact of high-speed rail, domestic media outlet Yicai Global reported.

A lack of on-board Wi-fi has long been a “significant competitive disadvantage” for Chinese airlines relative to bullet trains, said Peng Peng, executive chairman of the Guangdong Society of Reform think tank.

Business travellers on Chinese high-speed trains have benefited from on-board Wi-fi for the past nine years. They can also access 5G data via their phones, except in remote areas.

“Passengers who need to stay connected online are likely to choose high-speed rail,” Peng said. “This includes those investing in financial sectors like the stock market, those maintaining uninterrupted control of businesses, and those who need to hold online meetings or reviews at specific times.”

In China, flights and high-speed train journeys now compare closely in terms of travel times and price. A train ticket from Beijing to Shanghai, for example, costs about 500-600 yuan (2,300-2,700 baht) for a one-way trip, which takes about 4.5 hours.

Max Modesti, an Italian restaurateur based in Shanghai, said he had only taken the train to Beijing over the past 10 years, as it was “more efficient and without stress” compared with catching a plane.

Unlike flights, the trains are rarely late or cancelled, and they drop passengers off near city centres rather than at a far-flung airport, according to Modesti. He could usually get a stable Wi-fi connection on the train, and if it cut out he could simply use 5G, he added.

But Jerry Li, a Shanghai-based venture capital fund manager, said he only got spotty Wi-fi on trains to Beijing and that he preferred to take flights because they kept running later at night than the trains.

China Eastern’s new economy-class Wi-fi service can be accessed without needing to download an app, preregister or sign up for membership, the company representative said. Passengers can use it for email and web browsing, but not for video streaming.

If the roll-out on widebody planes goes smoothly, China Eastern will consider making free Wi-fi available on its narrowbody jets, the source said.

But he said that China Eastern was not expressly competing with China’s fast trains. Some passengers take the train to reach airports such as Hongqiao in Shanghai, where they catch flights, he pointed out.

“High-speed rail’s relationship with airlines is more complex,” the representative said. “They are competing but also cooperating.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has confirmed the recovery of another deceased Thai national from Gaza, one of the last two Thai citizens whose remains had yet to be found following the Hamas attacks on Oct 7, 2023.

Identity verification is currently underway before the repatriation of the body to Thailand. The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Israeli authorities to secure the return of the final remaining Thai national’s body.

MFA spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said on Monday that Hamas had handed over one of the hostage bodies from Gaza following the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas on Oct 13.

On Sunday morning, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv received an initial report from Israeli authorities confirming the discovery of the body of a Thai worker, who had been missing since the October 2023 attacks. Later that day, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced via Facebook that one of the two unrecovered Thai workers had been identified as Sonthaya Oakkharasri, 30, an agricultural worker at Kibbutz Be’eri.

According to Israeli officials, Sonthaya was murdered by Hamas terrorists during their brutal attack on southern Israel. His body was subsequently taken to the Gaza Strip and held in Hamas captivity for over two years before his death was confirmed on May 16, 2024.

‘Sonthaya came to Israel to work and build a better future for his family. He was known for his kindness, dedication, and gentle spirit,’ read the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s statement.

The Embassy of Israel in Thailand also issued a statement on Monday confirming that Sonthaya’s body had been transferred back to Israeli territory.

“Israel profoundly appreciates the dedication of Thai workers, who play a vital role in the country’s agriculture sector. The entire nation of Israel empathises deeply and mourns together with the family of Khun Sonthaya. He will always be remembered.

“The State of Israel remains committed to bringing the body of Mr Sudthisak Rinthalak, the last Thai hostage, back to his homeland,’ the statement read.

According to the MFA, the Israeli forensic agency will conduct official verification to confirm Sonthaya’s identity. Once confirmed, the Thai Embassy will coordinate the repatriation process immediately.

Mr Nikorndej extended the ministry’s deepest condolences to Sonthaya’s family, adding that officials have maintained close contact and will provide full assistance after a wait of more than two years.

He reaffirmed that Thailand will continue working closely with Israel to ensure every affected Thai national is identified, honoured, and brought home with dignity.

As this year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, AORTA theatre troupe in collaboration with RCB Experimental Art Lab is staging Pride And Prejudice: In Her Room, a romcom adaptation of the English author’s Pride And Prejudice.

This work unfolds within the experimental arts space at RCB Forum, 2nd floor of River City Bangkok, Charoen Krung 24, every Friday to Sunday, starting this Friday and running until to Nov 16. Showtime is 7pm, plus a 1pm matinee on Saturdays and Sundays.

Austen was a celebrated author renowned for her sharp wit and singular voice. Her timeless novel Pride And Prejudice captures the lives, loves and aspirations of women in 19th-century English society with humour, irony and enduring romance. The beloved masterpiece has been reimagined time and again through films, series and countless creative interpretations across the globe.

This time, AORTA’s director and playwright Aim-ei Polpitak reimagines the story of the six Bennet women, placing them within the world of 2025. Their lives unfold within the intimate setting of a single room — a space that becomes a mirror of negotiation, longing and struggle in a world that remains beyond their control — whether in the past or the present.

The play invites audiences to breathe alongside these six characters in an atmosphere of warmth laced with Austen’s signature wit for almost two hours. Experience their love, hopes and choices — moments that will make you laugh, move your heart and perhaps bring tears to your eyes.

The stage design, crafted by Norse with furniture by Hay, evokes a contemporary aesthetic intertwined with the classical spirit of Austen, bridging timeless sensibilities with the truths of today’s world.

The performance is presented in Thai, with no English surtitles provided. Tickets cost 900 baht.

A Cambodian man was arrested in the eastern province of Chanthaburi on Sunday morning for allegedly robbing a gold shop of gold ornaments worth about 1.6 million baht in Samut Prakan province on Saturday.

According to police, immigration police arrested Ouch Yong, 31, at the Ban Laem market in Pong Nam Ron district near the Thai-Cambodian border at 9am on Sunday. Police suspected him of planning to cross the border from Chanthaburi to his homeland.

The Cambodian man is a native of Banteay Meanchey province. Police identified him as the suspected robber who used a ping-pong bomb at Lotus’s City Park shopping centre and robbed a gold shop there in Bang Sao Thong district, Samut Prakan, on Saturday afternoon.

However, while escaping the mall the man reportedly dropped all the gold necklaces – worth about 1.6 million baht – that he had stolen.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed an order establishing a committee to drive policy on electric train fare reform, aimed at easing the cost of living. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has been appointed chair.

The directive, signed by the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday, tasks the committee with devising strategies for fare structures. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas will serve as vice-chair.

Members include the permanent secretaries of the transport, finance, and interior ministries; the secretaries-general of the Council of State and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC); the Budget Bureau director; the attorney-general; and the heads of key state transport agencies including the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The Department of Rail Transport will serve as secretariat.

The committee’s formation follows the government’s policy declaration to parliament on Sept 29, which prioritised reducing daily expenses such as public transport and toll fees to boost household purchasing power. The cabinet subsequently resolved on 30 September to have the Transport Ministry establish a working body.

The panel will study the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the 20-baht flat fare policy across all electric train lines. It will also develop long-term frameworks to ensure sustainability and minimise fiscal burdens.

Responsibilities include drafting policy frameworks and fare structures, considering the integrated management of electric train systems under a single ownership model to improve coordination, and reviewing concession and joint-investment contracts.

The first meeting is due on Oct 29, when members will discuss strategies for policy rollout and long-term system management under the single ownership framework.

Mr Phiphat stated the panel aims to finalise a clear direction for new fare structures early next year.

“We aim to conclude the study by the end of January so the public can benefit as soon as possible,” Mr Phiphat said, adding that similar principles will be applied to bus fare reform.

The current 20-baht flat fare scheme for the Red and Purple Line trains is due to expire on Nov 30. Mr Phiphat confirmed the policy will be extended, and revised to improve efficiency.