Category: The Bangkok Post

Parliament is set to debate charter amendments on Oct 14-15, with the opposition pushing for first-reading approval.

Nan Boonthida Somchai, Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) MP for Ubon Ratchathani and secretary to the government whips, said the parliamentary whips will meet this week to allocate debate time for each side ahead of an extensive debate on the content of the bill.

“We will discuss how many hours each group — the government, opposition and Senate — will receive for deliberation,” she said.

Asked whether the House leadership has coordinated with senators to support the first reading of the amendment bills, Ms Nan said such coordination was not possible, stressing that the vote is a matter of individual parliamentary privilege.

“We can only inform them of the upcoming agenda. Each MP and senator will decide independently whether to accept any of the bills in principle,” she said.

She added that MPs are still carefully reviewing the content of the proposed bills with regard to the Constitutional Court’s previous rulings on the amendment process. “We are examining the text literally word for word to understand the potential implications,” she said.

As for BJT’s position, the party will hold an internal meeting on Tuesday to determine its stance ahead of the debate, Ms Nan, who also serves as party spokesperson, confirmed.

Meanwhile, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the main opposition People’s Party (PP), urged all MPs and senators to vote in favour of the bill following the first reading, after which parliament could spend the next two to three months discussing the details in the second and third readings of the draft.

“The process of drafting a new constitution belongs to all parliamentarians, both MPs and senators. Everyone should at least approve the principle in the first stage,” he said.

The PP has also proposed a new charter drafting process that includes a national consultative assembly with citizen representatives from across the country to ensure inclusivity and transparency.

“This must be a safe space for open discussion — on sensitive issues and everyday problems alike,” Mr Natthaphong said, adding that persuading the public of the need for a new constitution is essential for Thailand’s future democracy.

A tragic shooting happened in Ayutthaya province when a man armed with a gun broke into his ex-wife’s home. There was a gunfight with his former father-in-law, ending in the older man’s death.

Security camera footage captured the incident. The former son-in-law fired a single shot before his gun jammed. The father-in-law returned fire. The assailant then rushed forward, grabbed a pair of scissors, and stabbed the older man in the neck, killing him instantly.

Police found the injured suspect, around 30 years old, outside the house with gunshot wounds to the chin and body. Inside the house, officers discovered the body of the ex-wife’s father lying face-down in a pool of blood, with gunshot and stab wounds to his chest and neck.

According to the victim’s daughter, she was at home with her father and child when her ex-husband arrived, shouting from outside. She refused to open the gate, due to a history of domestic violence. The man then climbed over the fence, forced his way inside, and the deadly confrontation ensued.

She added that she had previously fled to Roi Et province to escape the abuse, but her ex-husband tracked her down, forcing her to return to her father’s home. Despite filing police reports in the past, she said he continued to threaten her.

Police said the suspect is the son of a deputy mayor of a local municipality in Ayutthaya, but stressed that this will not affect the investigation.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of continued rainfall until Oct 15, although the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has expressed confidence that there is no risk of flooding reaching 2011 levels.

The TMD on Monday warned of widespread heavy rainfall across the country from Oct 6 to 15, with particular concern for flood-prone areas.

According to the warning, the weakened Typhoon Matmo is expected to affect Vietnam, Laos, and northern and upper northeastern provinces of Thailand.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is intensifying over the Andaman coast and the eastern region, affecting provinces such as Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Chanthaburi and Trat. Accumulated rain could lead to flash floods and overflowing rivers.

Between Oct 9-15, the monsoon trough is forecast to shift southward, spreading rain over the lower parts of the country, especially Bangkok and surrounding provinces, where thunderstorms are expected in 60-70% of the area from Wednesday to Sunday.

The TMD stated that Thailand will transition to winter after Oct 12, with less rainfall in the North and Northeast and wind directions shifting eastwards and northeastwards, a sign that a cold air mass is approaching.

According to ONWR secretary-general Danucha Pichayanan, although rainfall has increased in the north, overall water levels remain manageable, with major dams like Bhumibol Dam and Sirikit Dam likely to increase water releases to maintain balance and prevent downstream overflow.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday emphasised, after chairing the meeting of the Committee for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, that the government places the well-being and livelihoods of the people as its top priority.

“I urge provincial governors to work closely with central authorities to ensure assistance reaches affected residents as quickly as possible,” Mr Anutin said.

Deputy PM Sophon Zarum echoed Mr Danucha’s stance, reassuring the public that water management measures are under control and that this year’s floods will not be as disastrous as those in 2011, though constant monitoring and adjustments are ongoing.

A selection of artworks created over the past 20 years by prominent Thai artist Natee Utarit are showcased during ’20+20′, which is staged across three locations of Richard Koh Fine Art (RKFA) in Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur until Oct 25.

The exhibition aims to celebrate 20 years of the gallery’s journey and reflect its ongoing commitment to fostering long-term collaborations with artists, among which its two-decade relationship with Natee, one of Southeast Asia’s most significant contemporary painters, has been particularly meaningful.

Since its establishment in 2005, RKFA has remained dedicated to championing contemporary art from Southeast Asia and beyond.

The gallery has so far presented over 700 shows, including art fairs, international collaborations and gallery exhibitions worldwide.

These milestones underscore the breadth of the gallery’s activities and its sustained commitment to building cross-cultural dialogues. Over the years, the gallery has worked alongside a diverse roster of artists whose practices carry both artistic depth and cultural resonance.

Natee has been one of the gallery’s earliest and most consistent collaborators. His practice, known for interrogating classical Western painting traditions while engaging with the cultural, philosophical and sociopolitical realities of Southeast Asia, has made a vital contribution to critical conversations in the region.

The exhibition brings together a selection of works – drawn from past and recent series – that have passed through the gallery’s hands over the last two decades. Together, they offer a reflection on the evolution of Natee’s practice, the scope of his concerns and the enduring dialogue between the artist, the gallery and its collectors.

Through this gathering, viewers are invited to encounter his sustained exploration of history, religion, morality and humanism – themes that continue to resonate deeply today.

Richard Koh Fine Art Bangkok is located on the 9th floor of Peterson Building, Sukhumvit Road, and opens Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm.

“Under The Castle” (UTC) is an original IP co-created by Got7’s Jakson Wang (aka “P’Jack” to Thai fans) and Team Wang CEO Henry Cheung.

Centred around the fantastical tales of two protagonists Pumpkie and Spookie, UTC blends art, fantasy and storytelling to build an imaginative and mysterious universe. It now comes to life at Emsphere in time for Halloween.

Following its debut in Shanghai in 2023 and a 2024 run in Singapore, Thailand is the third stop of UTC, inviting visitors of all ages to step inside the castle and discover a world beyond the ordinary.

The UTC experience starts with the signature haunted house, which has been completely reimagined for Bangkok. Inspired by the brand-new comic book, every room recreates a pivotal scene of the unfolding story. Guests are guided by Pumpkie and Spookie through eerie corridors, where they unlock secrets and step directly into the fantasy universe.

After surviving the haunted house, explore collectables and delights at the gift shop and the mini bar. Take home exclusive merchandise, ranging from limited-edition apparel and character lifestyle goods to themed accessories designed to transport the fantasy home. UTC narrative serves as the inspiration for drinks at the mini bar. From glowing cocktails inspired by the enchanted castle to playful mocktails that nod to Pumpkie and Spookie’s mischievous personalities.

Next, Pumpkie and Spookie invite guests onto the Mischief Ride, a bumper car zone designed for laughter and chaos. To preserve the memories, UTC-themed photo booths are scattered throughout the venue, offering guests a whimsical keepsake of their visit.

At the main entrance of Emsphere, the night market transforms the ground floor into a lively affair. Expect sizzling Thai specialities and international favourites. “Under The Castle” runs until Nov 2 at Emsphere.

The haunted house operates at different times, depending on the day. Get your tickets and check the timetable with TicketMelon. Visitors must be above the age of 16 to enter.

Tropical Storm Matmo has weakened into a low-pressure area in upper Vietnam and will bring heavy rains to the North, the Northeast and the East of Thailand on Tuesday, according to the Meteorological Department.

Sugunyanee Yavinchan, director-general of the department, said on Tuesday morning that Tropical Storm Matmo became an active low-pressure cell in the upper part of Vietnam at 1am on Tuesday.

The low-pressure system has strengthened the southwestern monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand and will cause isolated heavy rains in the North, the Northeast and the East of Thailand, she said.

Ms Sugunyanee warned people in the regions of possible flash floods, run-off and overflowing waterways.

She said the warning was the 15th and final one concerning Storm Matmo.

SET-listed Bangchak Corporation is seeking partners to conduct e-fuel research and development in a move to replace fossil-derived fuels, which are blamed for increasing carbon dioxide emissions.

E-fuel, also known as electrofuel, is a type of synthetic fuel created by using electricity from renewable sources to combine hydrogen and carbon dioxide in order to produce synthetic hydrocarbon fuel.

The new fuel could be used with internal combustion engine-powered vehicles.

“We do not want to do R and D from scratch but prefer to join hands with energy firms to speed up work in this field,” said Chaiwat Kovavisarach, chief executive and president of Bangchak.

Bangchak is planning to have its own research centre to facilitate the development of e-fuel projects.

The company will spend part of its US$30-milion budget, allocated for new businesses and innovation, to fund the construction, said Mr Chaiwat.

It also plans to ask for financial support from the Office of National Higher Education, Science Research and Innovation to help translate its research facility project into action.

Mr Chaiwat was speaking as he led a team of executives to study e-fuel projects at ENEOS Corporation in Yokohama, Japan.

ENEOS currently produces 1 barrel, or 159 litres, of e-fuel a day, at its prototype plant, supported by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation.

The company is testing the new fuel with a shuttle bus service at the Expo 2025 in Osaka.

The event, which started on April 13, will run through Oct 13.

Synthetic hydrocarbon is a promising fuel that can support campaigns aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, a balance between carbon dioxide emission and absorption.

Though vehicles using synthetic hydrocarbon emit carbon dioxide, the process of making this e-fuel requires a manufacturer to capture carbon dioxide to combine it with green hydrogen.

Green hydrogen is produced by using electricity made from renewable energy to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen.

Mr Chaiwat sees the potential of synthetic hydrocarbon but noted that the development of e-fuel is four times as costly as fossil-derived fuels.

The price of e-fuel is expected to decrease and become more competitive with conventional oil prices after 2040, he said, citing an estimate from ENEOS experts.

A good point is that it can be used with oil-powered vehicles without the need to adapt their engines.

The push for alternative fuels is part of Bangchak’s business development plan. The company is making a test run at its factory to produce sustainable aviation fuel, a biofuel for aircraft, which is also aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Thailand suffered a double blow ahead of their Asian Cup qualifiers against Taiwan as Buriram United duo Supachai Chaided and Sasalak Haiprakhon pulled out of the national team with injuries on Monday.

Both Supachai and Sasalak picked up injuries on Sunday night when Buriram dropped points for the first time in Thai League 1 this season.

The Thunder Castle were held to a 2-2 draw by BG Pathum United at home in a riveting battle that kept the hosts atop the Thai League table.

Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii has called up Channarong Promsrikaew of Chonburi to take Supachai’s place in the squad, while Sasalak has been replaced by Wanchai Jarunongkran of Bangkok United.

The War Elephants will host Taiwan at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on Thursday before facing the same opponents again on Oct 14 in Taipei.

Earlier on Sunday night, Pathum took the lead in the 25th minute when Kritsada Kaman set up Seydin Ndiaye for a thundering header.

Buriram levelled in the 31st minute through a long-range strike from Guilherme Bissoli.

At the 33rd minute, substitute Sanchai Nontasil fired a low shot past Buriram goalkeeper Neil Etheridge to restore Pathum’s lead at 2-1.

In first-half stoppage time, a dramatic VAR review changed the course of the match as the hosts were awarded a penalty, which Bissoli converted with ease.

Buriram head coach Osmar Loss Viera said after the game: “We are very disappointed with this result. We planned to take three points today.

“The first half did not go to plan, but at half-time we discussed our tactics and the players understood them, which made the team play better in the second half.

“If there had to be a winner, it should have been us, Buriram United, but that is football; when you have chances to finish, you must be sure.”

Uzbek flyweight says referee made ‘mistake’ in third-round ruling as he targets elite after victory over Kongthoranee at ONE Fight Night 36

ONE Championship’s rising Muay Thai star Aslamjon Ortikov believes his victory over Kongthoranee Sor Sommai should have been even more dominant – claiming he was not legitimately knocked down in the third round.

The Uzbek scored an impressive unanimous decision win in their flyweight contest on Saturday morning at ONE Fight Night 36 inside Lumpinee Stadium, a result that is expected to propel him into the top five rankings.

‘I promise you guys – every single one of you – just watch the fight,’ Ortikov told the Bangkok Post backstage. ‘He didn’t even hit me. He stepped three, four times and pushed my leg – it wasn’t a punch or knee or anything. You can just watch the video, I promise.’

Referee Olivier Coste ruled a knockdown midway through the final round when Kongthoranee appeared to trip Ortikov to the canvas, though the 26-year-old quickly rose to continue the fight unfazed.

‘Nothing happened. I just continued to fight,’ Ortikov said. ‘I felt great.’

It capped a measured performance from Ortikov, who controlled much of the bout with his long guard and counter timing. The victory marks his third straight under the ONE banner, and his first on the main roster after winning a US$100,000 contract in June – a streak that could lift him into contention among the division’s elite.

‘I think I’ll be number four now,’ he said. ‘This flyweight division is the best in ONE Championship. All the great fighters are here – and I’m one of them.’

Aslamjon Ortikov believes Kongthoranee did not knock him down – and insists he was tripped

Aslamjon Ortikov believes Kongthoranee did not knock him down – and insists he was tripped

Asked what comes next, Ortikov laughed. ‘Right now, next is just a burger with cheese and something to drink,’ he joked. ‘That’s it for now.’

But he was quick to add that he’s ready for any challenge when the time comes.

‘I don’t care who’s next,’ he said. ‘Whoever is in the rankings, I’m ready. I’m here for my dream. Nothing personal.’

That dream, he admitted, could one day include a showdown with the former two-sport champion Superlek Kiatmuu9, if the Thai star decides to drop back down to flyweight – where he still holds the kickboxing belt, but last competed over 15 months ago.

‘I don’t know if Superlek can make weight,’ Ortikov said. ‘If he can, why not? He’s a great fighter. We can fight – and after the fight, we can go eat together.’

The 22-year-old also praised Kongthoranee for a ‘great fight’ and said he hoped to share a meal with him, too, before leaving Bangkok.

‘I just want to say thank you to Chatri [Sityodtong, CEO] and to ONE Championship for this opportunity,’ he said. ‘I’m so happy – and I used it.’

Thai hotel operators have applauded the finance minister’s decision to accelerate use of the 10-billion-baht meeting and seminar budget for government agencies, although they would prefer the stimulus to begin in May next year to cushion the low-season impact.

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the government would encourage state agencies to spread their activities throughout the year instead of concentrating plans in the last quarter of the fiscal year, between July and September.

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), said the policy could benefit hotels in second-tier destinations, as they are highly dependent on meetings and seminars, which typically make up 50% of customers, the same proportion as leisure guests.

Hotels in these 55 less-visited provinces consistently draw fewer leisure guests compared with popular provinces, he said. For instance, hotels in the main tourism destinations secured an average occupancy of more than 60% this month, but hotels in the 55 provinces recorded occupancy of only 30-35%, said Mr Thienprasit.

He said the government should also consider adjusting its outdated coffee break rate of 80 baht per head. This rate is the budget for food and beverages during meetings.

The Comptroller-General’s Department, which mandates this cost for government agencies, has not revised it in 18 years despite product and service costs rising every year.

Mr Thienprasit also said the government should regulate accommodation owned by state agencies, some of which are large projects that lack hotel licences, though agencies are mandated to book their seminars with their own facilities if possible.

Given the projected four-month tenure of the current administration, Mr Thienprasit said hotel operators are more concerned that the low season will occur during a political vacuum after the anticipated general election in March or April next year.

Both public spending on meetings and seminars, as well as outlays from the new co-payment scheme for travellers to second-tier cities, should begin from May to August 2026, according to the THA.

‘During the final quarter of this year and the first quarter of next year, we can still rely on foreign tourist demand during the high season,’ he said.

Hoteliers are hoping bookings in November and December will at least match the 2024 level, said Mr Thienprasit. This year, only in January did foreign arrivals reach 3.7 million, exceeding the same period last year, which recorded 3.03 million.

He said the decline in foreign arrivals of 7.5% year-on-year over the first nine months is largely attributed to short-haul markets, as long-haul markets posted monthly figures outperforming 2024.