Category: The Bangkok Post

Three Myanmar air force planes were seen dropping bombs on a village in Myanmar close to the Ban Phu Nam Ron permanent border checkpoint in Muang district on Wednesday.

About 10am, two twin turbo-prop Y-12s dropped about 30 bombs on the Ban Ticki community, no more than two kilometres from the checkpoint in tambon Ban Kao, about 10am, according to local officials.

The Chinese-built aircraft circled the area for about an hour, they said.

About 2.13pm, a Myanmar air force K-8 light attack jet aircraft was seen dropping two large bombs on Ban Ticki, followed by the sound of machinegun fire, before leaving. The bombs were said to be 1,000 pounders.

There was confirmed damage to the community. The Karen National Liberation Army’s 4th Brigade was still assessing the full impact, and any casualties.

Officials said Thai communities along the border were not affected.

However, at least 300 Myanmar people had already gathered at Mai Kadok on the Myanmar side of the border, near the checkpoint, hoping to take shelter in Thailand. None had been allowed in at last report.

Thai officials provided them with meals and drinking water.

Thai security forces were maintaining peace and order in the area.

Muang district authorities issued instructions for the preparation of temporary shelters for use in the event of a refugee influx. Volunteer defence units and local security forces were setting up checkpoints near the customs gate to prevent unauthorised entry and maintain public order.

The situation remained tense and was being closely monitored.

The House committee will summon Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob and relevant agencies on Thursday over allegations of a 40-million-baht bribery offer tied to online criminal activity.

Siam Hathasongkroh, chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy and Society, and a Pheu Thai MP for Nong Bua Lam Phu, said on Tuesday that Thursday’s committee meeting will focus on the alleged bribery attempt that Mr Chaichanok revealed during the government’s policy statement a week ago.

At that time, Mr Chaichanok claimed someone had approached him through an MP to pay 40 million baht per month to overlook crackdowns on call centre scams, online fraud, and illegal gambling websites.

Mr Siam said the case must not be swept aside. “The minister is obliged to pursue legal action against those involved,” he said.

He added that the committee is increasingly concerned about the resurgence of cybercrime, noting that scam-related losses have exceeded 90 million baht per day — equivalent to at least one billion baht a month.

Without clear policies from the new administration, he warned, the damage to Thailand’s economy could deepen.

Mr Siam said the committee would also question the ministry about its cybercrime suppression strategy, noting that the previous administration under Paetongtarn Shinawatra treated the issue as a national priority, successfully preventing tens of billions of baht in public losses each year.

“If this government lacks genuine intent to address the problem, cybercriminal groups will return and harm the Thai economy again,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Phattarapong Supakson, known as “Lawyer Aun Buri Ram”, submitted a petition to the DES Ministry’s permanent secretary urging faster progress in the internal inquiry.

US President Donald Trump has said he is willing to attend the Asean summit in Malaysia later this month – as long as he can preside over the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, according to the US news site Politico.

The White House has made Trump’s attendance at the Oct 26-28 meeting in Kuala Lumpur conditional on the staging of a signing ceremony on the summit sidelines, Politico quoted three people familiar with the plans as saying

The sources declined to be identified due the sensitivity of the topic.

The White House has also specifically requested that summit organisers exclude Chinese officials from the ceremonial event, the sources said.

‘Keeping China out would help ensure the spotlight stays on Trump, while also downplaying Beijing’s efforts to mediate between Bangkok and Phnom Penh,’ Politico noted.

Trump has made no secret of the fact that he is obsessed with winning the Nobel Peace Prize. In recent months he has claimed credit for ending as many as seven international conflicts. That includes nudging the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to agree on a ceasefire after a five-day clash in July.

The winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Price will be announced on Friday.

The White House denied that Trump was linking his presence at the summit to a peace deal ceremony.

‘The president is negotiating this peace agreement, but this was not identified as a condition to attend the summit,’ a senior administration official granted anonymity told Politico.

But the White House also said that China wasn’t relevant to the ongoing peace negotiations.

‘The president negotiated this deal. . China hasn’t played a role in these negotiations,’ the administration official added.

The Chinese embassy did not respond to a request for comment.

‘Talks are ongoing, but the Malaysian government is in a difficult position,’ one of the other three sources told Politico.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his role as the Asean chair, said in July that Trump would be attending the summit. If he accedes to a specific request, Anwar could appear to be appeasing an American president who is deeply unpopular in Malaysia.

In any case, the likelihood that a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia could be finalised in the next two or three weeks is very slim.

Thai and Cambodian forces briefly exchanged gunfire last month, and Thailand’s refusal to reopen border crossings underscores a level of ongoing distrust between the two countries.

Thai League 1 leaders Buriram United have parted ways with their Brazilian coach Osmar Loss Vieira, the defending champions announced on Tuesday.

Osmar became the third coach in the top flight to lose his job only seven weeks into the new season. Dusit Chalermsan (Kanchanaburi Power) and Supachai Komsilp (BG Pathum United) were the first two coaches to be dismissed this season.

The Brazilian joined Buriram United last season and helped the Thunder Castle lift the Thai League 1, FA Cup, League Cup, and Shopee Cup trophies.

A short statement by the club on Tuesday said: “Buriram United Football Club would like to express its gratitude to Osmar Loss Vieira, the head coach who led the team to success and created memorable moments with the club.

“For the management of the team moving forward, the club has appointed Emerson Pereira da Silva as the acting head coach on a temporary basis.”

While Buriram lead the Thai League 1 table, their performances in the regional Shopee Cup and the AFC Champions League Elite group stage have been lacklustre.

Buriram drew 1-1 with Malaysia’s Selangor in their opening Group A match of the Shopee Cup at home, and the defending champions were then held 2-2 by hosts BG Pathum United, leaving them winless in the Asean club championship.

The northeastern giants are currently in fifth place with two points in Group A.

Buriram’s unbeaten run since the start of the season was halted on the night of Sept 30, when the Thai League 1 holders suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to FC Seoul in their AFC Champions League Elite clash at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

This was followed by a 2-2 draw against BG Pathum United at home in a pulsating encounter that kept the hosts atop the Thai League 1 table but cut their lead to three points.

It marked the first time the Thunder Castle have dropped points in seven league games this season.

‘Thailand has comparative advantages where it makes sense to move now. Those comparative advantages also exist in the water sector. That’s why we’re combining this with the Water 2030 platform and agenda. This report will show how climate and water futures are critical to the overall sustainable development trajectory,’ said Melinda Good, World Bank Country Director for Thailand and Myanmar, during the ‘Climate and Water Futures’ forum at Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025) in Bangkok.

While the Bangkok metropolitan area is home to around 25% of Thailand’s population, it contributes more than 30% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Yet, according to Statista, Thailand ranks just behind Vietnam, Egypt, and Bangladesh in terms of population exposure to annual flood risk. The statistic underscores the urgency for Bangkok to focus on climate resilience and water management.

One sign of worsening climate challenges is the city’s increasing number of ‘rain bombs’ – powerful downdrafts produced by thunderstorms, not cyclones, capable of causing severe localised flooding and damage.

Climate and Development Report

At the forum, the World Bank launched Thailand’s Climate and Development Report – a timely release as Thailand prepares to host the World Economic Forum in exactly one year’s time.

‘We’ll have the whole economic world here and be able to show Thailand’s vision for this part of its future to the world,’ said Good.

Thailand aims to achieve high-income country status by 2037, requiring consistent annual GDP growth of around 5%. However, the report warns that without timely climate reforms and investments, this trajectory could be derailed. The cost of inaction could be steep: physical climate impacts could reduce GDP by 7-14% by 2050.

‘This is important if you subscribe to Thailand’s vision of becoming a more inclusive and sustainable society,’ said Kim Alan Edwards, World Bank Senior Economist. ‘To successfully navigate global megatrends such as climate change and build industries of the future – including sustainable food production, green manufacturing, and sustainable tourism – Thailand’s response to climate change will be critical.’

Edwards added that Thailand could move faster to seize green growth opportunities. The country is already a world leader in exporting eco-friendly air conditioners, a major player in sustainable manufacturing, and an emerging hub for electric vehicles and components. Still, there remains vast potential to capitalise further on global demand for green and climate-adaptive technologies.

Investment and Carbon Pricing

Edwards stressed the need for reforms and investments to accelerate Thailand’s transition. While carbon pricing is essential, he noted, it is insufficient on its own to drive transformation. A transparent policy framework is needed to reduce uncertainty for the private sector.

The report’s recommendations include market reforms in the power sector, greater investment in EV charging infrastructure, the implementation of energy efficiency mandates, farmer education programmes, refocusing agricultural subsidies, and expanded reforestation efforts.

According to the World Bank, Thailand will need an additional USD 219 billion in climate-related investment over the next 25 years. Carbon pricing could generate extra revenue equivalent to nearly 1% of GDP, but broader fiscal reforms – including adjustments to VAT, personal income tax, and other levies – are needed to finance public climate spending while maintaining fiscal stability.

No One Left Behind

Dr Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, underscored the report’s findings on the importance of social protection to support vulnerable groups.

‘How can the vulnerable play a role in this adaptation? How can we echo the voices of our youth?’ he asked.

Dr Phirun noted that youth representatives had submitted their demands to his department, emphasising that ‘their voices are not of the future, but of the present.’ They have called for climate change to be included in all school curricula and for greater opportunities to collaborate with government and the private sector in strengthening their climate capabilities.

This call aligns with the message from Dr Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office, who highlighted the importance of public awareness. ‘When everyone is aware of water, it will be something manageable,’ he said.

EEC’s Sustainable Transition

The EEC partnered with the World Bank in producing the report. The region has shifted from oil-and-gas-based industries to environmentally friendly manufacturing while prioritising co-existence with local communities.

‘What we do now will bear fruit in the next five years,’ said Dr Chula. ‘We must ensure that the EEC has enough water resources to meet industrial demand. We call that water balance. We’ve established a committee to oversee water management and cooperation between the public and private sectors. Water might sound like a ‘chill’ topic, but it will become a hot issue if supply falls short.’

As Good emphasised, the World Bank Thailand Climate and Development Report quantifies the economic opportunities tied to decarbonisation and green, high-tech manufacturing. ‘That’s where we get to the futures part – where the economic opportunities lie.’

Here’s a confusing rule that l would like to hopefully make clearer. You’re allowed to carry up to fourteen clubs for a round of golf. However, you can have fewer — just one if you wish. There is no restriction on the type of clubs you carry so long as they conform to the Rules of Golf. For example, you can carry multiple putters, multiple drivers, or some left-handed clubs and some right-handed clubs. If you start a round with fourteen clubs, you are generally limited to those clubs for the rest of the round, even if you lose one. But if you break one you can continue using that damaged club, replace it, or have it repaired, if possible. If you start a round with fewer than fourteen clubs, you can add clubs during the round until you reach fourteen, but you must not delay play in doing so.

You cannot purposely adjust or alter clubs during your round, which includes making changes to adjustable clubs. But if an adjustable club becomes loose during the round, you can repair it by moving it back to the original setting. You can share a golf bag with your partner as long as the total number of clubs don’t exceed fourteen. If you start with less than fourteen clubs you can add more during the round as long as fourteen is not exceeded. If you should lose a club and you or another person finds it you can keep using it. But if it can’t be found you must play on without it. In other words, you can’t replace it.

Out of Bounds: Should you strike your playing partner over the head with your favourite club out of frustration and the club breaks, it can’t be replaced and unfortunately, neither can your partner.

The government plans to allocate around 10 billion baht to address non-performing loans (NPLs) among individual borrowers, according to Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

He said on Tuesday the bad debts the government purchases will be transferred to Bangkok Commercial Asset Management (BAM) Plc and Sukhumvit Asset Management (SAM).

These agencies will help restructure the debts to reduce the monthly repayment burden for the public.

Regarding progress on the government’s plan to ease small-scale debt burdens, Mr Ekniti said the Finance Ministry, Bank of Thailand and related agencies were instructed to finalise the debt restructuring plan within one month.

In principle, the plan calls for the government to draw about 10 billion baht from the unused portion of the Financial Institutions Development Fund allocated to the “Khun Soo Rao Chuay” (You Fight, We Help) programme, part of a total fund worth 26 billion baht, to acquire NPLs.

The debts are to be purchased at a discounted price, which should not affect banks’ balance sheets as provisions for these bad debts have already been fully set aside.

As for the asset management companies (AMCs) responsible for purchasing the debts, several options were initially considered — including the establishment of a new AMC.

However, that option would take time so the government decided to assign state-owned AMCs such as BAM and SAM to handle the purchases.

Once the debts are acquired, the AMCs are to manage, restructure and reduce the debts and extend repayment terms to enable debtors to regain repayment capacity.

The AMCs are also expected to work on enhancing debtors’ financial potential so they can eventually qualify for new credit.

The household debt resolution policy is one of the government’s five pillars to be implemented over four months. Other policies comprise:

Stimulating the economy and tourism through the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme, expected to launch at the end of October.

Providing liquidity support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by having the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation provide guarantees totalling 50 billion baht for businesses in the supply chains of large companies. If large businesses support SMEs under the “Big Brother Helps Little Brother” scheme, the Revenue Department allows expenses to be deducted from taxes.

Increasing personal savings for retirement by having the Government Lottery Office allocate part of its marketing budget to savings accounts for those who purchase online lottery tickets. Each buyer receives an individual savings account that can be withdrawn at age 55. This programme is separate from the retirement lottery scheme.

Developing workforce skills for future industries, including bio-agriculture, smart farming, artificial intelligence and digital technology, data centres and electric vehicles. The Board of Investment has a Competitiveness Enhancement Fund worth 10 billion baht that can be allocated in collaboration with the private sector to select workers for reskilling and upskilling.

As the global business landscape pivots towards sustainability, The Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG), one of ASEAN’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, is placing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles at the heart of its corporate strategy. With operations spanning Thailand and nearly every major ASEAN market, SCG is setting an ambitious course to achieve sustainable growth while positioning itself as a regional ESG leader.

Against a backdrop of mounting economic uncertainty, climate volatility and shifting geopolitical dynamics, SCG convened the ESG Symposium 2025, which has emerged as a pivotal platform uniting government, business and civil society to accelerate Thailand’s transition towards a low-carbon economy. Under the theme ‘Green Breakthrough Amid the Perfect Storm: Accelerating with Green, Surviving Together’, the symposium presented a bold agenda designed to be competitive, inclusive and actionable.

The forum gathered more than 300 participants from government, the private sector and civil society, both in Thailand and abroad, to exchange perspectives and solutions on accelerating the green transition.

The 13th edition of the symposium focused on three key agendas:

Accelerating the transition to clean energy.

Enabling SMEs to move towards a just and inclusive low-carbon business model.

Preparing to cope with climate uncertainty while enhancing national competitiveness.

On 2 October 2025, at the Talk Stage, Hall 4, Ground Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), SCG presented the updated outcomes of the ESG Symposium 2025.

SCG Calls for Urgent Energy Reform

Delivering opening remarks, Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG, emphasised that structural shifts such as energy transition must be initiated as early as possible. He unveiled SCG’s Future Bangkok simulation, which illustrates the risks of land subsidence, rising sea levels and tectonic shifts affecting the capital.

‘ESG Symposium is more than dialogue; it is a platform to design and drive solutions that keep Thailand competitive and sustainable. We want to be a platform where people come together, share knowledge and mobilise ideas to co-create solutions,’ said Mr Thammasak.

He also underlined the urgent need for structural reforms to unlock liberalised energy markets, promote clean energy at affordable costs and strengthen infrastructure against climate risks.

Key proposals included implementing the Third Party Access (TPA) Code to open the electricity market, expanding Direct PPA contracts to encourage renewable investment, and leveraging advanced technologies such as energy storage and hydrogen to support grid stability.

Thailand’s vulnerability to droughts, floods and climate-driven resource disruptions has made climate adaptation a national priority. The symposium underscored the need for integrated action, linking policy, technology and community knowledge to build long-term resilience.

Despite Thailand’s climate ambitions, experts voiced concerns over the pace of change. ‘Thailand’s energy system faces mounting pressure from Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 commitments, the EU’s CBAM and the need to raise its Energy Transition Index. We must pursue a clear, agile and actionable roadmap,’ said Dr Areeporn Asawinpongphan, Research Fellow – Energy Policy at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).

She also stressed that Thailand still lacks a 2030 renewable energy generation target, with the current goal only set for 2037. At present, clean energy accounts for about 15% of national energy consumption.

She added that while Thailand’s Net Zero goal is currently set for 2065, ten years behind neighbouring countries, the new government has indicated plans to advance the target to 2055. Achieving this, she noted, would require clean energy adoption to reach 40% by 2030.

To accelerate the transition, TDRI proposed a three-phase roadmap. In the short term, it recommended reviewing electricity tariffs to reflect actual costs, expanding grid connectivity rights, promoting renewable electricity trading, establishing ‘green fast-track’ channels and reducing unnecessary regulations. In the medium term, the focus should be on announcing and implementing an updated Power Development Plan while strengthening energy security. In the long term, the clean energy roadmap should be aligned with national economic and social development strategies, with policies tested and refined in real-world contexts.

Dr Areeporn highlighted that a faster transition would reduce industrial costs, minimise cross-border carbon adjustment taxes and sustain Thailand’s economic competitiveness, while also enhancing investment attractiveness. She stressed the importance of transparent renewable energy markets, modernised tariff structures and skill-building for a green workforce.

SMEs Central to Thailand’s Green Competitiveness

SMEs remain the backbone of Thailand’s economy, representing 99.5% of enterprises and employing more than 13 million people. However, they continue to face challenges in financing, market access, regulatory complexity and skills development.

Another focal point of the symposium was supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in their green transition journey. Dr Noppong Teeravorn, President of the Federation of Thai SME, emphasised that Thailand hosts more than 2.7 million micro-enterprises employing 5.5 million people, yet most lack access to finance, future skills and new market opportunities.

‘Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are central to Thailand’s future competitiveness, but they need real support to thrive,’ he said.

He outlined solutions such as low-interest microfunds (3-4% per annum), digital and green skills training, and the creation of One Stop Service centres to connect SMEs with funding, innovation and global markets. These measures, combined with policy reform, aim to transform SMEs into a powerful driver of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

‘MSMEs face constraints in funding, capacity building and regulatory barriers. Without targeted support, many risk being left behind in the green economy,’ said Dr Noppong.

The symposium proposed three phases of MSME development support. In the short term, it called for expanding access to funding, raising product standards and enhancing differentiation. In the medium term, the focus should be on building knowledge and skills aligned with the energy transition while encouraging business clustering. In the long term, reforms are needed to remove regulations that hinder fair competition for MSMEs.

SCG pledged to leverage its role as an industry leader to share knowledge and data resources, creating opportunities for smaller enterprises to benefit from its scale and experience.

As a concrete step forward, SCG also announced plans to advance Public-Private Partnership pilot projects, beginning with the Saraburi Sandbox, which integrates low-carbon industrial practices, renewable energy and circular economy models.

‘SCG alone cannot drive transformation. It requires collective effort across sectors. Our role is to open the platform, share what we know and help mobilise every stakeholder,’ Mr Thammasak reiterated.

The Senate yesterday set up a committee to probe the background, conduct and ethics of the 15 nominees to be selected as new members of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

The nominees, who must assume their duties within 60 days pending Senate approval, are Pol Col Kob Ajanakitti, Kiattichai Maitriwong, Noraset Pratchayakon, Nirat Yuphakdi, Niwet Phancharoenworakul, Prapas Pintoptaeng, Prayat Jatupornphithakkul, Soot Rattanawong, Phaibul Nabutchom, Wirat Rakphan, Wiwat Rungkaeo, Wirayut Sroithong, Wutthichai Kalayanamit, Gen Sawas Thatsana, and Anek Wiraphotchananan. The NACC consists of nine members, including one chairman, each serving a seven-year term.

During yesterday’s Senate session, Senator Tewarit Maneechai proposed extending the deadline for considering the nominations by 30 days, to 90 days.

He said the extension was necessary because a petition signed by 105 Senators had just been submitted to the NACC, accusing former justice minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong and Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam, director-general of the Department of Special Investigation, of unfair treatment toward 138 Senators allegedly involved in the Senate election collusion case.

If a probe was to proceed now, he said, it could raise concerns about conflicts of interest.

The Senate committee is also being accused of partiality by Senator Nantana Nantavaropas, leader of a Senate minority group calling itself “independent”.

Ms Nantana reiterated her group’s opposition to the Senate’s involvement in reviewing and approving appointments to key positions in independent bodies, especially amid allegations that many senators were implicated in vote-rigging during the 2024 Senate election.

She added that since the majority dominate the Upper House, membership in such scrutiny committees has always been limited to their allies, leaving no opportunity for members of her group to participate.

Senator Seranee Anilbol, a member of the independent Senate group, said the 21 Senators who filed a petition concerning the qualifications of the 138 Senators allegedly involved in vote rigging, are now being sidelined in the Upper House, and given a seat in any committee.

Tsu Japanese Restaurant at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok invites guests to an exceptional evening of Japanese-inspired cuisine at its Four-Hands Dinner on Friday, 17 October 2025, from 6.00 pm onwards. The event features a special collaboration between Chef Photchaman ‘Aom’ Arnupapdecha from Big Fish and Bar, Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa, and Chef Atsushi Yoshida, Japanese Head Chef at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok.

This exclusive dining experience showcases a thoughtfully curated menu that blends the chefs’ distinctive culinary styles, rooted in a shared respect for precision and ingredient integrity. Each course reflects a seamless harmony of land and sea, traditional and modern, East and West.

Chef Atsushi Yoshida oversees the culinary direction of Tsu Japanese Restaurant, Nami Teppanyaki Steakhouse, and Chisana Nami at Erawan Bangkok. With over 26 years of experience in Japan, Hong Kong, the UK, and the Philippines-including roles at Michelin-starred restaurants Ginza Iwa and Umu-Chef Yoshida is known for his refined interpretations of Japanese cuisine grounded in tradition.

Chef Aom Arnupapdecha brings over 15 years of fine dining experience, including time in Australia at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, where she developed her produce-driven approach. As Chef de Cuisine at Big Fish and Bar, she merges Western techniques with local ingredients, crafting Mediterranean-inspired menus infused with Asian and Thai sensibilities.

The menu opens with a Rosette Waffle with Tuna Tartare, followed by a trio of Sustainable Hamachi, Salmon, and Kihada Maguro, served with homemade soy sauce and olive oil. The third course-Seabass and Prawns Aguachile-combines citrus, avocado, cucumber, and green chili for a refreshing coastal profile.

Next is a comforting Deep-Fried Eggplant with Duck Jibuni, followed by the main course: Glazed Pork Loin with shimeji mushrooms, sweet white onions, spinach, and kabayaki-pork sauce, accompanied by mashed potatoes and crispy garlic. The evening concludes with a seasonal dessert: Kasama Chestnut Mousse with Red Bean and Caramelised Chestnuts, evoking the flavours of a Japanese autumn. Each course is paired with carefully selected wines to enhance the experience.

The Four-Hands Dinner is priced at THB 3,531 net per person.

Tsu Japanese Restaurant is open for lunch from 11.30 am – 2.30 pm (Monday to Friday) and 11.30 am – 3.30 pm (Saturday and Sunday), and for dinner from 5.30 pm – 10.00 pm daily.