Category: The Bangkok Post

Armed men blew up an ATM at Fatoni University and stole the security guards’ guns in Yarang district of this southern border province early Tuesday morning.

According to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), up to five armed men were involved.

About 12.53am they arrived by walking down a hill behind the university in tambon Khao Toom. They held up and tied the two security guards in their booth in front of the campus and robbed them of their shotguns.

The assailants then detonated an explosive against an ATM of the Islamic Bank beside the university gate. It failed the open up the machine and they could not get to the cash in its strongbox.

They finally gave up and retreated back up the hill with only the guards’ stolen weapons.

Isoc said the failed attack showed that the militants were desperate for money to support their activities, regardless of the public interest. The investigation and hunt for the gang were ongoing, Isoc’s southern branch said.

The failed ATM attack came two days after the huge gold heist in adjacent Narathiwat province, which officials believe was for use funding rebel activities. That followed coordinated ATM robberies in August and a major gold shop raid in Songkhla in 2019.

Chavana, a renowned Thai jewellery brand, is celebrating the journey towards its 111th anniversary with a special exhibition ‘The Ray Of Light – Prelude To 111 Years Of Chavana’, which is running on the 4th floor of Central Embassy, Phloenchit Road, until Oct 26.

The exhibition highlights the inspiration drawn from the beauty and relationship between light and time, interpreted through fine art and the brand’s signature high jewellery craftsmanship.

It introduces the signature collection Ray Of Light alongside live craftsmanship demonstrations, in-depth showcases of design concepts, and a ‘Touch and Try Experience’ where guests can closely explore and try on jewellery.

The rich history of Chavana dates back to 1914, beginning in the heart of Ban Mor where a husband and wife opened a small jewellery shop and named it Mian Teck – meaning ‘continuous virtues’. What began as a personal offering has quietly grown, generation by generation, into what is known as Chavana.

The brand has upheld the belief that jewellery is more than adornment – it is art, imbued with the spirit of family. Each piece is a continuation of the master craftsmanship passed down through generations with patient craft, inherited knowledge and the belief that beauty carries meaning when it is made with care.

This exhibition is a tribute to both a moment of remembrance and renewal. The Ray Of Light collection embodies the brand’s enduring commitment to capturing the subtle beauty of nature, telling stories rich in meaning, value and exquisite craftsmanship, allowing the wearer’s identity to shine with grace.

The death toll from floods in Thailand has risen to 22, authorities said on Tuesday, as they rushed to deliver relief to an estimated 370,000 people affected by heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers.

More than 369,000 people in 19 provinces, excluding Bangkok, were affected, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported, with Uttaradit and Ayutthaya among the worst-hit areas.

Authorities said emergency teams were distributing food and supplies and closely monitoring water levels as the monsoon season brings widespread rainfall.

Of the 19 provinces, six were in the North, namely Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Sukhothai, Phichit and Nakhon Sawan. Flood levels were unchanged in Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Phichit and Nakhon Sawan and were receding in Uttaradit and Sukhothai.

In the Central Plains, inundation occurred in eight provinces: Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom. Flood levels remained mostly unchanged, except in Pathum Thani and Uthai Thani where water was lower.

Four northeastern provinces – Chaiyaphum, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Yasothon – also experienced flooding, with stable flood levels.

The only eastern province affected was Chachoengsao, where flood levels were rising in Bang Nam Prieo district.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Tuesday that the city would not face severe flooding like in 2011, citing current water flow of the Chao Phraya River.

In 2011, the flow was 3,930 cubic metres per second in Sam Khok district, Pathum Thani, but it was now at 2,421 cubic metres per second, below the 3,600 cubic metres per second capacity that could cause overflow.

Existing embankments along the Chao Phraya River could prevent flooding in Bangkok, and city workers are laying sandbags to protect 320 households in 11 communities without embankments, Mr Chadchart added.

Meteorological Department director-general Sugunyanee Yavinchan said Tropical Storm Matmo became an active low-pressure cell in the upper part of Vietnam at 1am on Tuesday and will cause isolated heavy rains in the North, the Northeast and the East of Thailand.

In Hanoi, torrential rains triggered by Typhoon Matmo flooded parts of the Vietnamese capital, as a run of storms has swept across the country’s northern regions.

According to Vietnam’s weather agency, up to three more storm systems were expected to hit the country before the end of 2025.

Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin highlighted its heritage and artistry through the recently-wrapped exhibition ‘The Quest: 270 Years Of Seeking Excellence’ at Nai Lert Park Heritage Home.

Vacheron Constantin brought together centuries of mechanical ingenuity, technical innovation and master craftsmanship at the exhibition to bridge the Enlightenment era with the present day while looking to the future.

Celebrating its 270th anniversary, the maison presented ‘The Quest: 270 Years Of Seeking Excellence’ to trace its journey since 1755 through a narrative of artistry, invention and heritage. The exhibition, hosted at the Summer House of Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, welcomed Wongravee ‘Sky’ Nateetorn as a special guest, joining distinguished visitors in discovering the story of one of Switzerland’s most revered watchmakers.

Guided by the brand’s enduring motto from 1819 – ‘Do better if possible and that is always possible’ – the exhibition unfolded across themed sections: The Beginning; Artistic Crafts and Finishes; High Watchmaking and Grand Complications; and The Quest.

The Beginning highlighted the foundations of the maison, featuring rare documents, photographs, artefacts and antique timepieces. Exhibits included the founding charter, Jean-Marc Vacheron’s first apprenticeship contract, the 1839 pantograph invention that revolutionised watchmaking precision with interchangeable parts, and the extraordinary 1979 Kallista watch, carved from a 1kg gold ingot and set with 118 diamonds totalling 130 carats.

Artistic Crafts and Finishes paid tribute to artisans behind Vacheron Constantin’s masterpieces, showcasing intricate skills in miniature painting, grisaille enamel, engraving, gem-setting and guilloché work – techniques preserved and passed down through generations.

High Watchmaking and Grand Complications immersed visitors in the aesthetic and technical mastery of horology’s finest details, often invisible to the naked eye. A highlight was the world’s most complex watch, unveiled in 2024, Les Cabinotiers – The Berkley Grand Complication. Comprising 2,877 parts and 63 functions, it integrates the world’s first perpetual Chinese calendar.

The Quest drew inspiration from the cosmos, symbolising the timeless bond between humanity and the universe. Here, visitors charted their own personalised sky map, a reflection of individual journeys and the infinite possibilities of discovery.

In all, this exhibition offered a rare opportunity to immerse in Vacheron Constantin’s enduring legacy of refinement, innovation and artistry – an unforgettable encounter with a heritage that continues to inspire across centuries.

Nearly 150,000 households displaced by clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops along the border have begun receiving relief payments from the government, though many recipients say the amount is simply not enough to cover their losses, especially if fresh clashes erupt.

According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) on Monday, 147,370 households in Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, and Surin have received financial assistance from the government — 39,632 in Buri Ram, 37,297 in Si Sa Ket, and 70,441 in Surin.

In line with a resolution passed by the cabinet on Aug 26, households that were displaced for more than eight days are eligible to receive 5,000 baht in compensation, while households which were displaced for less than seven days would receive 2,000 baht each.

The payments, which are disbursed through the Government Savings Bank starting Monday, are part of a wider initiative to help those who had to evacuate their homes during the recent border skirmishes.

Long queues formed at ATMs and bank branches early Monday morning, as recipients rushed to withdraw the money. Some even left their home as early as 1am on Monday to queue at the bank.

Somjit Chaiwan, 76, from Si Sa Ket, was among those who queued before the bank opened.

She said she wanted to withdraw the 5,000 baht in aid as soon as the bank opened, as she needed the money to buy rice and daily necessities. “Some will be kept for fuel in case we need to evacuate again,” she said.

Ton Saewprakhon, 60, in Buri Ram, said he planned to save the entire sum. “I won’t spend it now. I’ll keep it for the next evacuation because I don’t know what’s going to happen with Cambodia,” he said.

Many others, however, said the money would go toward repaying loans they took out during the evacuation period.

One Si Sa Ket resident said her family spent over 10,000 baht during their week-long evacuation. “The aid helps, but most of it will go towards settling what we borrowed,” she said.

To meet the demand for cash, local banks prepared extra cash reserves ahead of opening on Monday.

The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives in Ban Kruat said it had set aside 30 million baht per week to prevent cash shortages at ATMs.

Despite the relief, opposition MP Rangsiman Rome, chair of the House committee on national security and border affairs, said the government’s support remains inadequate.

“Many villagers have told me that 5,000 baht is not enough. Some are still waiting for their electricity bill payments to be reimbursed, and many village defence volunteers have yet to be paid,” he said.

Relief for residents in Ubon Ratchathani, Sa Kaeo, and Trat will be transferred next, according to DDPM.

Thailand has made clear it will not attend this weekend’s round of border talks unless Cambodia submits a plan to move its citizens out of three Thai border villages by the deadline on Tuesday night.

The Royal Thai Army posted a Facebook message on Tuesday morning reiterating its intention to boycott the Regional Boundary Committee (RBC) meeting scheduled in Poipet from Friday to Sunday unless the Thai condition is met.

Cambodia’s Military Region 5 would host the meeting with leaders of the 1st Army Region, which is responsible for the border in Sa Kaeo.

The Thai regional team had demanded Cambodia present a plan to vacate structures erected on Thai soil in three villages in Sa Kaeo province no later than Tuesday. The villages are Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Khok Sung district and Ban Ta Phraya in Ta Phraya district.

The latest Thai position was posted as the deadline approached. The Cambodian side had earlier, on Sunday, rejected the Thai condition.

“The RBC meeting will not take place due to no additional agenda items to end the problems on the Thai-Cambodian border,” the 1st Army Region said.

Cambodia has dismissed the Thai call and is preparing to counter Thailand’s move to evict Cambodians from the Thai villages after the deadline passes.

October has long been recognised globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month-a time dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging prevention of one of the most prevalent health threats faced by women worldwide.

This year, the Thanyarak Foundation under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, led by Mrs Bussadee Chearavanont, Committee and Secretary of the Foundation, once again joins hands with PAUL Thailand, represented by Ms Atchara Sottipattanapong, Chief Executive Officer of the Food Chain and Coffee House Group, to blend the exquisite sweetness of authentic French pastries with the profound power of giving.

Through the ‘Pink October’ campaign-now in its third consecutive year-the collaboration aims not only to inspire Thai women to embrace self-care by performing regular breast self-examinations and undergoing annual screenings, under the belief that ‘the best protection is early detection,’ but also to create a meaningful opportunity for everyone to contribute to women’s health.

Every purchase of PAUL’s Grand Macarons-delicate on the outside, soft within, and available in five indulgent flavours: Vanilla, Raspberry, Chocolate, Pistachio, and Coffee-or a Mini Macarons Box (six flavours: Coconut, Raspberry, Chocolate, Pistachio, Lemon, and Caramel) helps make a difference. For every piece sold, 30 baht will be donated to the Thanyarak Foundation to support the procurement of essential medical equipment and expand access to early breast cancer screening for underprivileged women at the Thanyarak Breast Centre, Siriraj Hospital.

PAUL Thailand Extends ‘Pink October’ to Empower Women

Customers can support the ‘Pink October’ campaign from 1-31 October 2025 at all PAUL Thailand branches, including Central Embassy, CentralWorld, The Emporium, Tops Chidlom, Thonglor, ICONSIAM, Suvarnabhumi Airport, and Bangkok Hospital. The campaign is also available via Grab and LINE MAN delivery platforms. For more details, please visit www.paulthailand.com or contact 0-2411-5657-9

The Hill Area and Community Development Foundation (HADF) is urging the government to expedite the granting of citizenship status to elderly stateless individuals, thereby improving their access to basic healthcare and state welfare schemes.

HADF founder, Tuenjai Deetes, said the foundation organised a discussion in Toet Thai village in Chiang Rai’s Mae Fah Luang district last week, which was attended by the village chief and about 80 elderly stateless individuals from the community — many of whom have lived in Thailand for over 40 years.

Among the elderly who were at the meeting was Jongjue Sae-Huang, 73, who emigrated from Yunnan, China, in 1964, when he was 14, but has yet to receive Thai citizenship.

Another individual, Sang-oung Khamsai, 73, immigrated to Thailand via Mae Sai district in 1974.

“I have worked and built a family here. I would be proud if I had the Thai nationality,” she said.

Stateless individuals who have lived in Thailand for over 40 years are eligible to receive Thai citizenship, but in reality, there are over 110,000 elderly individuals who remain stateless despite multiple attempts to grant them citizenship, Ms Tuenjai said.

In 1994, many stateless individuals in the community were granted alien identification cards. The government at the time said those who had had the card for at least five years would be granted citizenship.

“It wasn’t as simple as they said,” said Ms Tuenjai.

On Oct 29 last year, the cabinet passed yet another resolution to grant stateless individuals who have lived in Thailand for a long time, as well as children born to stateless parents in Thailand, Thai nationality.

However, the process to obtain Thai citizenship isn’t easy for elderly people to follow, and many have had to revise their application multiple times, which has caused delays in granting them citizen status.

Ms Tuenjai urged the government to streamline the process.

“The government should prioritise this group of elderly people, some of whom have lived in Thailand for more than 40 years at this point. Granting them the nationality would help them get access to healthcare and state pension,” said Ms Tuenjai.

According to Ms Tuenjai, Chiang Rai has the highest number of nationality applications, with over 1,000 submitted to the Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) to date.

At least 400 applications have been approved by the Interior Ministry, while around 900 require additional supporting documents, she said.

About 90 have been interviewed by the provincial committee.

The Department of Highways has vowed to quickly fix signs and resolve GPS issues that drivers have blamed for unwanted detours onto Motorway M81 from Bang Yai in Nonthaburi to Kanchanaburi.

The issue gained traction after a viral Facebook post described one user’s distressing experience: ‘The worst thing happened. The mall (Central Westgate) required a left turn, but Maps said right – and I ended up on M81 heading to Kanchanaburi with no way out. I cried while driving.’

Other users responded with similar stories, citing the route’s complexity and the need for heightened awareness.

In response, the department acknowledged the confusion and pledged to improve the signage and road markings.

The department is expediting the installation of clearer directional signs and road surface markings, especially at key junctions like Bang Yai (Rattanathibet Road). These updates aim to help drivers distinguish between the motorway entrance and local destinations during the trial phase of M81.

The measure also involves coordinating with navigation app providers to update entry/exit points, toll booth locations and operational hours. The goal is to minimise misinformation and achieve real-time accuracy for users relying on GPS navigation.

Also, there will be alternate exit guidance for drivers who mistakenly enter the M81. The department recommends exiting at the Nakhon Chai Si toll gate, turning onto Highway 3233, and making a U-turn to rejoin M81 toward Bang Yai. The detour takes approximately 15 minutes.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the issue swiftly and, in the meantime, urged motorists to consult official entry/exit maps and plan routes carefully.

Sunday’s 35-million-baht gold robbery in Narathiwat was the work of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) separatist group according to the defence minister, and the looted gold is believed to have been smuggled across the border into Malaysia.

Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit on Tuesday confirmed that 600-baht-weight of gold was stolen during the armed hold up in the Big C mall in Sungai Kolok district by a gang of gunmen in black.

He rejected speculation that the heist was somehow linked to last week’s change of the 4th Army commander and his team. .

The new army commander-in-chief, Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk, was scheduled to visit the area, and he would also go there, the defence minister said.

Gen Nattaphon said he had received reports that the robbery was the work of members of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), who afterwards fled back to “a neighbouring country”.

Asked about criticism that appointing an “outsider” to lead the 4th Army had created a power vacuum, the minister rejected the idea.

‘That is not the case. Soldiers are duty-bound wherever they serve. It was not the first gold shop robbery in the deep South,’ he said.

On comments that the holdup appeared well-coordinated and probably involved insiders who provided details about the shop and escape routes, Gen Nattaphon agreed further investigation was needed. The new 4th Army commander would provide more clarity, he said.

He confirmed reports the stolen gold had been smuggled out of Thailand and said efforts to recover it and arrest the robbers would require cross-border cooperation.

Gen Nattaphon also referred to the National Security Council’s decision to appoint former NSC secretary-general Gen Somsak Rungsita the new head of the Peace Dialogue Panel for the southern border provinces.

He had already held preliminary discussions with Gen Somsak, he said. As the government had only four months left in office, he had asked the panel to set priorities and deliver tangible results within the timeframe.

According to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4, .the armed robbery in Sungai Kolok district netted about 35.6 million baht in gold jewellery, and was carried out to fund a southern separatist network,

Investigators on Monday found two pickup trucks they believe were used by the gang, abandoned at an oil palm plantation in Waeng district.

Police now believe the heist involved 19 or 20 men in three groups. The first group stole the two pickups used in the heist, another raided the gold shop and the third placed explosive charges and scattered tyre spikes on roads around the shopping centre to prevent pursuit.