Category: The Bangkok Post

Their Majesties the King and Queen have received as a patient under royal patronage the British caver who played an important role in the rescue of young footballers from the Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand in 2018.

Vernon Unsworth, 70, has been admitted for treatment of lung inflammation at Maechan Hospital in Mae Chan district of the northernmost province of Chiang Rai.

Authorities from Chiang Rai visited Mr Unsworth at the hospital on Monday and reported his condition was stable. He could talk normally and communicate with the visitors, they said.

A cave expert and longtime resident of Chiang Rai where he worked as a financial adviser, the British-born Mr Unsworth had surveyed the Tham Luang cave complex in Chiang Rai.

He played an important role in helping to plan the rescue of 12 young members of the ‘Wild Boars’ football team and their coach after they became trapped in the flooded cave in June and July 2018.

The rescue effort attracted worldwide attention and saturation coverage by international media, as experts from many countries travelled to Thailand and volunteered their expertise to bring the boys and their coach out safely.

Tham Luang has since become a well-known tourist attraction.

Mr Unsworth was at the centre of a related drama after he brought a defamation case against Elon Musk, who insulted him in an angry tweet for criticising a rescue plan proposed by the tech billionaire as a ‘PR stunt’.

A Los Angeles jury found that Mr Musk did not defame Mr Unsworth by calling him a ‘pedo guy’ on Twitter. The billionaire’s lawyers had argued that their client had used the expression as an insult but did not mean it literally.

Re: “MPs fail Clean Air Bill,” (Editorial, Oct 1).

Pheu Thai dismally failed its northern core base by boycotting voting on the Clean Air Bill, causing this very important bill to fail due to a lack of a quorum. Northerners suffer most from seasonal haze and PM2.5 pollution, and Pheu Thai chaired the bill’s drafting committee, yet only 27% of Pheu Thai MPs showed up to vote. This was in stark contrast to the People’s Party (90% of its MPs present) and the Bhumjaithai Party (80%).

When your party won’t even vote on a bill that it authored and that’s vital to your family’s health — it’s past time to switch.

Burin Kantabutra

False equations

Re: “In an Irish memorial, I see echoes of Palestine”, (Opinion, Oct 3).

Andy Young’s commentary, in which she equates the situation in Gaza with the Irish Famine, the famine in Sudan and Hurricane Katrina, is a litany of nonsensical equations.

For one, we have seen pictures of hundreds of thousands of people fleeing Gaza City. Do they look like emaciated famine victims? No, they do not.

And the harrowing pictures of children are manipulated Hamas photo ops. None of their parents looks in the least hungry.

We are led to believe that Jews are colonisers, completely ignoring the fact that half of Israeli Jews fled or were expelled from Muslim countries. Israel has two million Arab citizens, while most Muslim countries now have no Jews.

I could make a more poignant historical comparison: More than 80 years ago, following years of anti-Semitic propaganda, some six million Jews were murdered while nearly every country in the world, including Ireland, refused to accept Jewish refugees.

Today’s massive anti-Israel propaganda, again, justifies the murder of Jews.

Frank Scimone

Revealing remarks

Re: “Military heads summoned for empty spectacle”, (Opinion, Oct 10).

In President Donald Trump’s lacklustre speech to the 700 US generals whom he summoned to a meeting in Quantico, Virginia, from their posts all around the world, he said that there are two N words that he would never use. One stands for nuke, and the other one is n***er.

Mr Trump is explicit in boasting that the US has more nukes and they are better than and outnumber those of the Russians and the Chinese.

Mr Trump may not be aware of the consequence that, like the tariff he advocates, the use of nukes is reciprocal too. His Trump Tower in New York will vanish seconds later if he drops a nuke in St Petersburg.

Perhaps he got carried away and thought he was addressing a crowd in a town hall that cheered and believed everything he said.

Even though Mr Trump did not elaborate on the other n-word, it is difficult to convince people that he is not a racist.

There is an old Chinese saying: There are 300 taels of silver buried here, which means one is trying to prove what nobody doubts.

Yingwai Suchaovanich

Proactive health management is taking centre stage as Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS), a leading international private hospital network, introduces the ‘BDMS SPOT-MAS’ cancer screening package. This innovative test detects early-stage cancer cells through a single blood sample, under the concept ‘Early Detection, Better Outcomes – Comprehensive Screening for 10 Cancers.’ The initiative aims to improve treatment opportunities and disease control from the earliest stages.

Cancer often develops silently, showing no symptoms until it has advanced. Early detection, therefore, plays a vital role in improving survival rates and treatment effectiveness. The BDMS SPOT-MAS package is designed to screen and assess the risk of ten major cancer types – breast, lung, liver, oesophageal, colorectal, endometrial, pancreatic, ovarian, gastric, and head and neck cancers.

Cancer remains one of the world’s most pressing public-health challenges. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 19.9 million people were diagnosed with cancer globally in 2022, a number expected to climb to 35 million by 2050 due to an ageing population and lifestyle-related risk factors.

In Thailand, data from the National Cancer Institute show around 140,000 new cancer cases annually, with approximately 83,000 deaths – averaging more than 227 fatalities per day. The leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Thais include liver and bile duct cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and leukaemia, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures.

The BDMS SPOT-MAS package targets the most prevalent and high-risk cancers using advanced genetic biomarker testing technology, enabling early identification of cancer risk and cellular abnormalities under the supervision of specialised physicians. Screening items may vary by hospital. The package is recommended for individuals aged 40 and above, or those at high risk, serving as a crucial first step in prevention, ongoing monitoring, and personalised treatment planning based on medical advice.

BDMS continues to advance medical innovation for modern healthcare, ensuring greater access to effective screening and early intervention. The BDMS SPOT-MAS package is available from 1 October to 15 November 2025 at BDMS-affiliated hospitals, including Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej Hospital, BNH Hospital, Phyathai Hospital, Paolo Hospital, and BDMS Wellness Clinic.

Economists expect the Bank of Thailand to keep its policy rate unchanged at Wednesday’s meeting, as the central bank awaits clearer economic data and allows time for its new governor to settle in.

Pipat Luangnaruemitchai, chief economist at Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP), said the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is likely to vote on Oct 8 to hold its policy rate steady, though the decision may not be unanimous.

“The meeting on Wednesday will be the first chaired by the new governor, and there are still several factors that require close monitoring,” he noted.

The central bank’s new governor, Vitai Ratanakorn, who assumed office on Oct 1, has reaffirmed the bank’s primary mission of safeguarding macroeconomic stability amid both domestic and global challenges.

Two newly appointed members will also join the MPC meeting for the first time: Charl Kenchon, former managing director at K-Research, and Suwannee Jatsadasak, the Bank of Thailand’s assistant governor for corporate development.

According to Mr Pipat, the MPC is expected to maintain policy space in light of weaker signs in the economy. He added that the regulator will also continue monitoring supply-side issues, particularly competitiveness in the manufacturing and export sectors.

While the central bank has already anticipated these challenges and continues to maintain an accommodative monetary policy stance, Mr Pipat said the MPC is unlikely to cut rates at this meeting, preferring instead to assess the impact of its most recent cuts.

Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) also forecasts a non-unanimous vote to keep the policy rate unchanged at 1.5%, following the 0.25 percentage point reduction in August.

“The majority of MPC members are expected to favour holding the rate in order to assess the impact of the earlier cut and preserve policy space for future use when conditions are more appropriate,” the centre said.

The MPC’s monetary policy stance is expected to remain accommodative, with greater focus on economic risks while ensuring financial stability.

SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), the research unit of Siam Commercial Bank, also predicts the MPC will keep rates steady this week. However, it expects a 0.25 percentage point cut in December, lowering the policy rate from 1.5% to 1.25%.

EIC noted that the MPC is expected to continue cutting the rate by 0.25 percentage points in early 2026, bringing the policy rate down to 1% in the first half of next year.

It added that the accommodative policy stance would help ease financial conditions amid slowing economic growth, inflation below target and deteriorating credit quality.

Further rate cuts would help support the economy, ease debt burdens and facilitate the deleveraging process for businesses and households. However, they may not significantly boost new lending, as both financial institutions and borrowers remain cautious, according to EIC.

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.

Equity strategists are raising their year-end estimates for the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index, citing improving domestic political stability and likely interest rate cuts under the new Bank of Thailand governor that could lift corporate earnings and investor sentiment.

Apichat Poobunjirdkul, senior strategist at Tisco Securities, said the formation of a new government and the arrival of a new central bank governor at the start of this month have reinforced market confidence.

Although the government only has four months in office, the inclusion of respected technocrats in key ministries is seen as a constructive move. If policy implementation proves effective and aligns well with the central bank, Mr Apichat expects sustained market support for the rest of the year.

Tisco believes the Monetary Policy Committee will cut its policy rate once more in the final quarter of the year, most likely at the December meeting, due to subdued domestic demand, weaker external conditions, contracting loan growth, deteriorating credit quality, and persistently high household debt.

Two additional cuts are expected in the first half of 2026, leaving the policy rate at 1.25% at the end of this year and 0.75% by year-end 2026.

Historical data since 2000 shows the SET typically reacts positively to easing cycles, delivering average gains of 25% in four of the last five down cycles. The only exception was during the 2020 Covid-19 outbreak.

The current cycle, which began in October 2024, is expected to bottom out by mid-2026, he said.

Tisco projects support for the index at 1,260-1,270 points, with further downside at 1,200-1,220, while resistance stands at 1,315 and 1,360 points.

Meanwhile, weakening US economic indicators, uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s policies, geopolitical risks, and a US government shutdown all favour gold, said Mr Apichat.

Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) also sees a supportive backdrop for Thai equities in the last three months of 2025. External risks, including controversies regarding US tariffs and political noise, have eased while excess liquidity from global fund flows and search-for-yield dynamics should underpin the market, noted the brokerage.

ASPS expects the Thai index to trade between 1,250 and 1,420 points, building on nearly 20% gains in the previous quarter.

As US equities are trading at all-time highs, the brokerage sees risks for global volatility and profit-taking emerging. In contrast, Asian markets, with earnings yields of 6-8% compared with 3% in the US, remain attractive, particularly as Federal Reserve rate cuts typically benefit emerging markets.

ASPS recommends non-financial stocks and seasonal plays such as tourism, hotels, and consumer sectors, which tend to perform strongly in the final quarter of the year.

Advanced Info Service (AIS) is forging digital green operations across its entire operations, while joining with other businesses and organisations to create a green partner network.

AIS chief executive Somchai Lertsutiwong said the company plans to address climate change through efficient management of its business operations and supply chain.

Mr Somchai said the potential of digital technology and collaboration from several sectors are the keys to driving the country towards a sustainable future.

He said AIS’s digital green initiative includes greener products and services, a greener supply chain and customers, a greener corporation and greener business growth.

GREEN NETWORK

The company upgraded equipment at its cellular network base stations nationwide and integrated them with clean energy, alongside conventional energy supplies.

For example, AIS recently installed solar energy systems at more than 13,000 cellular network base stations and buildings.

Mr Somchai said the move was crucial in remote areas, where 100% alternative energy is required to support communication services.

One of AIS’s green initiatives is called “Green Energy, Green Network for Thais”, delivering solar power-generated electricity to communities and installing solar-powered cellular base stations to create digital networks for communities.

AIS, Gulf Development, and the Highland Research and Development Institute (HRDI) teamed up for the project last year, seeking to improve the quality of life for Thais in highland areas.

Two pilot projects are running in the Ban Dok Mai Sod community and Moko Poke community in Tak province’s Tha Song Yang district.

Mr Somchai said the goal is to reduce inequality, improve quality of life and foster sustainable economic growth within these communities.

The trio continued their partnership with the commencement of a second year of the project in June 2025.

Another project took place in Ban Doi Wiang in Chiang Mai’s Chai Prakan district, where Gulf joined forces with AIS and satellite operator Thaicom to install solar panels at the Mae Fah Luang Community Learning Center.

The clean energy generated supports internet and satellite connectivity, enabling children and youth to access new knowledge and educational opportunities.

The AIS network also enhances digital access and communication for the entire community.

Furthermore, the project supported the construction of a solar-powered coffee processing facility and provided coffee milling equipment, allowing locals to add value to their produce and develop a community-owned coffee brand.

Mr Somchai said AIS leverages artificial intelligence to manage energy consumption at its base stations.

Regarding waste management, AIS focuses on reducing and recycling waste from its operations under its “Zero E-Waste to Landfill” goal — meaning no electronic waste ends up in landfills.

The company also encouraged the public to properly manage e-waste, he said.

HUB OF E-WASTE

Saichon Submakudom, head of corporate communication and public affairs at AIS, said sustainability and environmental stewardship are at the heart of its operations, particularly in the area of e-waste management.

“We are committed to becoming Thailand’s hub of e-waste,” Ms Saichon said.

AIS, together with more than 250 public and private sector partners, has been raising awareness about the impact of e-waste and providing convenient disposal channels that ensure proper recycling, she said.

Since 2020, AIS’s collaboration with Central Group on an e-waste project has expanded to include more than 42 e-waste drop-off points nationwide.

Every piece of e-waste deposited with AIS is handled through its partnership with Waste Management Siam (WMS), a member of Dowa Group.

According to AIS, the amount of e-waste increases every year globally. In 2024, 62 million tonnes of e-waste was generated and estimates suggest the quantity will increase to 74 million tonnes by 2030 and 110 tonnes by 2050.

Of the 62 million tonnes of e-waste produced in 2024, only 22% of it was managed properly, according to the company.

Some 439,495 tonnes of e-waste was generated in Thailand in 2024 and only 10% of it was handled properly, noted AIS.

Thailand ranks third in Southeast Asia for greatest quantity of e-waste produced.

FLY FOR FREE

AIS recently partnered with Central and Japan Airlines (JAL) to launch the “Film Your E-Waste Drop and Fly to Japan for Free!” campaign.

The campaign invites AIS customers, as well as eco-conscious shoppers using Central outlets, to unleash their creativity by producing short videos that inspire friends to dispose of e-waste correctly.

The winners are awarded an exclusive trip to Japan via JAL, featuring an all-inclusive dining, travelling and shopping experience. The campaign runs from now until Nov 30.

The trip includes a collaboration between AIS and Central to explore Japan’s comprehensive e-waste management and recycling ecosystem at a Dowa company in Japan.

Dowa possesses a wealth of expertise in e-waste management and recycling, and is a global leader in e-waste solutions.

Achara Wisuttiwongrat, head of corporate marketing, communication and sustainability at Central, said the company set a target to reduce landfill waste by at least 30% by 2030, and achieve zero landfill waste by 2050 through its “Love The Earth – Zero Waste Now” project.

Takafumi Sawada, regional manager of Thailand, Indochina, and the South Asian subcontinent at JAL, said the airline is deeply committed to its environmental and social responsibilities.

He said the airline set a target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and adopting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced from used cooking oil during flights.

JAL plans to increase the proportion of SAF it uses to 10% by 2030, while modernising its fleet with new, energy-efficient aircraft.

The airline is following the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle + Redesign” principle by eliminating single-use plastics and introducing biodegradable food containers to reduce its environmental impact, said Mr Sawada.

SHIFTING GEARS

Yoshihiro Okada, president of WMS, said Dowa Group has been involved in mining and metal smelting for more than 140 years.

“We shifted our business direction to address the depletion of natural resources by turning e-waste into a valuable source of raw materials for precious metal extraction,” he said.

In Thailand, Mr Okada said Dowa believes “e-waste is not waste, but a valuable resource”.

Through its collaboration with AIS, the e-waste collected is sent to ESBEC, a subsidiary of WMS, for dismantling.

Most of the recyclable materials are processed domestically, while non-recyclable components such as mobile phone batteries are safely disposed of using energy recovery incineration.

For complex yet highly valuable components, such as printed circuit boards containing multiple precious metals, these are exported to Dowa’s facilities in Japan for advanced recycling processes.

Mr Okada said as a global leader in resource extraction and circular utilisation, Dowa is committed to reintegrating these recovered metals back into industrial processes — helping to build a more sustainable future for both society and the environment.