Category: The Bangkok Post

In an era where many golf courses compete on price and promotions, Pinehurst Golf Club and Hotel has chosen to move forward by investing in world-class innovation and technology. We believe that a great golfing experience doesn’t come from low prices alone, but from consistent course quality, facilities that meet every lifestyle need, and comprehensive one-stop service.

What sets us apart from other courses is that we sent our management, marketing, and maintenance teams directly to Japan to bring back world-class course maintenance innovations and standards. We didn’t just purchase equipment-we learned how to use it professionally from the source of that technology, ensuring every investment directly impacts our golfers’ playing experience.

Measurable Results: Quality Course, Consistent Green Speed, Over 70% Return Golfers

After experiencing Pinehurst, golfers notice clear differences, especially in green quality with consistent speed and uniformly smooth surfaces across all 27 holes. No matter which hole or when they play, the greens deliver predictable putting experiences-exactly what serious golfers want most.

According to our customer data, particularly among Korean, Japanese, and Chinese golfers, over 70% choose to return within three months and play an average of 18-27 holes per day-higher than Thailand’s national average of approximately 18 holes per day. This stems primarily from confidence in our consistent course quality and the variety of 27 holes that can be mixed and matched for different playing experiences, so golfers never feel bored even when playing multiple rounds in a single day.

Unmatched Innovation: Championship-Level Technology from Japan

What clearly distinguishes Pinehurst from other courses is our investment in Championship-level course maintenance equipment from Japan, rarely found in Thailand. What you’ll clearly experience are smooth greens with consistent speed across all 27 holes. Behind this perfection lies our investment in Championship-level maintenance equipment from Japan, rare in Thailand: from greens mowers that create smooth surfaces without damaging grass roots, to automatic sand spreaders that distribute sand evenly at every point, to precision fertilizer sprayers that ensure uniform grass quality across every hole. Even bunker sand receives special care with specialised rakes that leave smooth, trackless surfaces.

These tools aren’t widely available, and many courses won’t invest due to high costs and the need for specialised personnel. But we’re confident this investment pays off because it directly impacts the golfer’s experience.

Pinehurst is Perfect For:

Golfers who prioritise course quality above all

International golfers seeking comprehensive convenience

Golfers wanting to play multiple rounds in one day without boredom

Business professionals needing golf events combined with meetings in one location

Pinehurst Golf Club and Hotel… Where Innovation Meets Tradition

Re: “Solving the conflict in Myanmar”, (Opinion, Sept 15). The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar presents a complex and deeply troubling challenge for the international community.

While international organisations like embassies, NGOs, and UN agencies are committed to providing aid, their efforts are hampered by the restrictions imposed by the ruling military junta.

This situation has led to a critical question: Can leveraging control over aid delivery be used as a pressure tactic against the Myanmar junta? Specifically, could a unified international stance threatening to reroute aid to areas beyond the junta’s direct reach be effective?

The premise is that if the junta cannot guarantee access for aid to all those in need, and if international organisations, acting with one voice, were to state their intention to find alternative channels to deliver aid to underserved areas, this could create pressure on the military regime. Such a strategy would aim to highlight the junta’s failure to protect its population and its obstruction of humanitarian efforts, potentially undermining its legitimacy and forcing concessions.

Potentially shift the balance of power by demonstrating that humanitarian access is not solely at the whim of the military regime. A decision to threaten aid diversion must be meticulously planned, with robust contingency measures to protect civilian lives and ensure aid reaches those most in need, regardless of who controls the territory.

It requires a deep understanding of the junta’s motivations and a commitment to sustained international cooperation. Without these, such a tactic could do more harm than good.

The international community must continue to explore all avenues to alleviate the suffering in Myanmar, but any strategy involving the redirection of aid must be approached with extreme caution and a clear understanding of the potential outcome.

Nathan Soe

Victimhood’s perils

Re: “Healthy minds”, (PostBag, Oct 13) and “Tackling mental health woes”, (Editorial, Oct 5).

This letter says psychologists and counsellors addressed common mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression, emphasising the need to seek help without hesitation. Unfortunately, if one has a mental health problem and follows this advice, they will probably be given drugs, often dangerous drugs.

Yet applying prescription drugs to this problem is a confession that the problem originates from a physiological source, yet only remedies which provide temporary relief are prescribed. Year after year, perhaps for a lifetime. If one is alive, one is not a victim.

Yet psychologists continually convince people that their anxiety and depression derive from victimhood status. Gautama Buddha teaches that “there is suffering” and provides a means to understand how to transcend the self that is under stress. Stress is what we are experiencing; unhappiness is entirely our own responsibility.

As to the medical problems that contribute to depression and anxiety, they are often caused by dysbiosis of the microbiome, exposure to plastics, toxic chemicals in our food and the environment, use of drugs and pharmaceuticals, smoking, alcohol, caffeine, lack of exercise, little exposure to the sun, and poor dietary choices. Today, people suffer most of the above, which is the primary root cause of our mental health crisis.

When the body is not constantly gnawing on your sensory nervous system and brain, it is far easier not to dramatise stress, fear, sorrow, and anger, and thereby consciously transcend the habit of being unhappy to become a functional and balanced human.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces have released details of a planned security fence along the border with Cambodia, following deadly armed clashes that have further strained relations between the two countries.

The blueprint was presented to Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana by Army Chief Gen Pana Klaoplodthuk. He and other military leaders, including Chief of the Defence Forces Gen Ukris Boontanondha, were granted an audience on Thursday.

According to the plan, the fence will stand 3.5 metres high, with the lower section built from prestressed concrete and the upper part made of galvanised steel grating topped with barbed wire. The structure is designed to resist attempts to breach it, either by force, climbing, or tunnelling, according to information posted on the Hataitip Fund Facebook page.

While the post did not disclose the total construction cost, some media outlets – including the FM91 Traffic Police website – estimated the expense at around 7.36 million baht per kilometre for the fence alone, or up to 8.6 million baht if a dirt road for security patrols is added.

The overall funding source for the project has not been fully revealed, though the princess’s Hataitip Fund is expected to play a key role. ‘The Hataitip Fund will be a main mechanism to mobilise contributions from all Thais to accelerate safety and security along the border,’ the account stated.

The Thai-Cambodian land border stretches 798 kilometres. The initial phase of the project will cover 8.4 kilometres between border markers 52 and 59 in Pong Nam Ron district of Chanthaburi province, where demarcation has been completed.

The move followed the approval of the armed forces-backed project by the National Security Council on Oct 2.

Thai star Rattanon Wannasrichan will begin his title defence as the US$1 million (approx 32 million baht) Macao Open tees off today at the scenic Macau Golf and Country Club.

The defending champion is in great form after winning his third Asian Tour title just last month in Taiwan. Rattanon aims to become just the second player to defend his title in the tournament’s 22-year history, a feat only achieved by Chinese golf legend Zhang Lianwei, a fan favourite who will also play this week.

Rattanon will face a world-class field as some of the biggest names in world golf have arrived in Macao for the 22nd edition of the prestigious tournament.

“I’m very happy to return to the tournament. It was an incredible experience here last year and I have some momentum coming in, but I don’t want to put too much pressure on my performance. I’m just going to try to enjoy this tournament as much as I can,” said Rattanon.

Among the favourites competing for the coveted Macao Open 2025 title is former world No.1 Lee Westwood, whose Macao journey will come full circle this week. After winning the tournament’s second edition in 1999, Westwood has returned in 2025.

“It’s nice to be back in Asia and Macao. It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. I played and won in 1999, and a lot has changed in Macao since then — and a lot has changed with me as well,” said Westwood, who is returning alongside his son Samuel Westwood, an emerging professional making his Macao Open debut this week.

Two-time PGA Tour winner Im Sung-Jae from South Korea is also excited to make his Macao Open debut: “It’s my first time in Macao and I drove over from Hong Kong. It was an incredible sight coming in to see the lights of the city. It’s so vibrant here. I feel very comfortable and hopefully that feeling will continue. I hope to play well this week,” said the Korean.

An impressive contingent of Chinese players has also gathered for the tournament. Notable among them are China’s top-ranked golfer Li Haotong and Hong Kong’s leading player and the defending 2023 Asian Games gold medallist (individual) Taichi Kho. They highlight an impressive list of established and emerging Chinese stars appearing in the event.

“I’m super excited to be here this week. It’s a stellar field, the course looks in fantastic shape, and the weather is holding up. The Macao Open is a staple event on the Asian Tour with a lot of tradition, and I’m looking forward to adding to that,” said Kho, who finished tied for sixth on his Macao Open debut in 2023.

Chinese golf legend Liang Wenchong, up-and-coming 20-year-old ace Ding Wenyi, and another Hong Kong professional and Asian Games bronze medallist (men’s team golf event) Matthew Cheung are also in the field, while emerging local talent Kelvin Si Ngai will fly the flag for Macao this week.

The tournament will also feature reigning Asian Tour 2024 Order of Merit winner John Catlin and Pavit Tangkamolprasert, the Macao Open 2016 champion.

Central Group led over 30 executives on an immersive learning trip under the Executive Development Program (EDP) Batch 6 to Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the world’s foremost centres of innovation and technology.

The executives were from Central Retail Corporation Plc, Central Pattana Plc and Central Plaza Hotel Plc.

The study programme covered multiple dimensions, ranging from retail technology and real estate innovation to robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), through visits to more than 10 leading global organisations including Huawei Technologies, DJI, Ubtech and Pudu.

The delegation also explored world-class mixed-use and retail developments including those developed by MixC, K11 Ecoast, Hongkong Land and Galaxy Group, all of which exemplify excellence in global real estate development.

Alisa Thasanon, head of executive development and compensation at Central Group, said the trip to Shenzhen and Hong Kong was not merely a study visit, but an opportunity for the executives to experience cutting-edge innovations and world-renowned business models firsthand.

The group believes the insights and inspiration gained from the experience will empower the leaders to leverage the strengths of each company within the group.

“This will help develop forward-looking strategies, deliver unique and memorable experiences for customers, reinforce the competitive edge and drive sustainable business growth,” she said.

The executives also joined a strategic workshop titled “Capturing Opportunities in the World of Twists and Turns”, designed and facilitated by Santitarn Sathirathai, a specialist in finance and economic development.

The session encouraged executives to reflect on key learnings, exchange perspectives and identify opportunities to apply new insights to the group’s businesses.

Topics included leveraging AI for personalised offerings through The 1’s robust database of over 22 million members, creating seamless online-to-offline (O2O) experiences and integrating robotics to enhance operational excellence.

All of these are aimed at elevating the customer journey and setting new standards for global retail and service experiences, Ms Alisa added.

She said Central Group is committed to investing in people development, fostering leaders who are agile, innovative and forward-thinking. This is a strategy to establish the group as an innovation-driven organisation equipped to compete on the global stage.

The government’s self-congratulation over Thailand retaining its Tier 2 ranking in the US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report is misplaced. Remaining at Tier 2 — for the fourth consecutive year — is not an achievement. It’s an alarm bell signalling that the country is standing still while crime spreads beneath its feet.

Yes, Thailand has stayed off the Tier 3 blacklist, unlike some of its neighbours. But the TIP Report makes clear that these are only partial gains. Forced labour and online scams — fuelled by deep-rooted corruption in Thai officialdom — remain a growing blind spot. Those words should sting.

Thailand continues to serve as a key transit hub for human traffickers and scam syndicates operating out of Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. These transnational crimes thrive because corruption runs deep from top to bottom.

Unlike in the past, these scamming empires are no longer run solely by criminal gangs relying on local mafiosi and warlords to traffic victims. Their masterminds have emerged from the underworld to rub shoulders with the rich and well-connected, with tentacles stretching into politics, the police, and business. They don’t just exploit people underground — they seek to expand their dark empires above ground.

In parliament last month, People’s Party MPs Rangsiman Rome and Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn warned that scam syndicates linked to networks in Cambodia have made inroads into the Thai economy — buying sizeable shares in strategic sectors and hobnobbing with local politicians and business elites. Such accusations might sound like a movie script. Sadly, the reality is far more sinister.

Last year, the US and UK imposed sanctions on Ly Yong Phat — one of Cambodia’s richest men and a leading member of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party — for his alleged involvement in forced labour, human trafficking, and online scams.

On Wednesday, the US government seized more than US$14 billion (around 454 billion baht) in bitcoin and charged the founder of a Cambodian business empire, Prince Group, with masterminding a forced-labour scam and money laundering.

Needless to say, if left unchecked, these syndicates will shape public policy and the economies of the countries in which they operate. To restore order, Thailand must strike at the roots, not the leaves. It must dismantle the networks — not just rescue the victims. A central anti-scam and anti-trafficking command centre should bring together all key agencies to share intelligence and act swiftly.

Following the money trail is essential — as is freezing assets, tracing cryptocurrency transactions, and prosecuting shell companies and front investors. Dirty money hidden behind suspicious luxury condos and so-called “foreign investments” must be exposed.

Most crucially, politicians and officials involved in these networks must be investigated. Without accountability at the top, every anti-trafficking measure is mere theatre. Internationally, to combat cybercrime and scam operations, Thailand should ratify the UN Cybercrime Convention and work closely with Interpol and other global agencies to target money laundering and financial crimes. Opening the country to dirty money and political collusion is national suicide. Thailand’s Tier 2 ranking masks a deeper systemic decay. The real test is not avoiding the blacklist — it’s proving that crime and corruption no longer run the country.

Live commerce in Thailand has ushered in a new era, marked by a high value of sales transactions within a short period, similar to the landscape in China.

This is driven by the integration of entertainment with online shopping or ‘shoppertainment’ through live-streaming platforms.

However, pundits caution that to ensure sustainability, businesses must focus on product quality and build their own sales channels to gain customer insights, rather than relying solely on individual influencers or third-party platforms.

Singer and influencer Ratchanok ‘Janey’ Suwannaket became the talk of the town after her live-streaming marathon on TikTok shattered records with combined sales of 400 million baht from Oct 9 to 14.

Daily sales peaked at around 557 million baht during the six-day event.

Her model combined performance-based charging, a fun and authentic presentation style, and collaboration with celebrities.

Massive discounts were offered to stimulate engagement among large audiences, encouraging spending and creating sales opportunities for smaller brands.

Similar to China

Kulthirath Pakawachkrilers, president of the Thai e-Commerce Association, told the Bangkok Post the ‘Janey live commerce phenomenon’ was destined to happen, but it arrived later than in China.

Since 2021, live commerce has gradually evolved in Thailand. In China, this trend has been mainstreaming for four to five years.

Top-tier streamers such as Xinba and Li Jiaqi have long generated between 100 million and 200 million yuan in a single session, reaching audiences of up to 99 million followers across platforms like Douyin, Kuaishou and Taobao Live.

‘For Thailand, the adoption curve has been slower. Many brands were uncertain about the true power of live selling, until Ms Ratchanok demonstrated what’s possible,’ said Ms Kulthirath.

‘Her record-breaking live-stream proved Thailand has officially entered the live commerce era.’

Her success is changing how people view live-streamers, showing it is a respected and rewarding career, she said.

On Oct 14 alone, Ms Ratchanok’s live-stream earned more than 100 million baht from 310,000 orders, with an average spend of 322 baht per order.

This matches insights from top TikTok networks, which note that products priced between 300 and 400 baht sell especially well.

What is even more powerful is that Thailand’s new live-stream icons are not only achieving commercial success but also giving back to their communities, said Ms Kulthirath.

This combination of entrepreneurship and social contribution mirrors China’s own ‘live commerce success formula’, where influence and gratitude go hand in hand. ‘Fans don’t just buy products, they buy into purpose, pride and the personalities they love,’ she said.

Hidden costs

Thanawat Malabuppha, chief executive of Priceza and an e-commerce pioneer, said the Ratchanok case is like what happens in China where influencers generate sales worth hundreds of million baht in a short time.

He attributed her success to her large base of 19 million followers and attractive product prices, similar to the cases of other influencers.

The difference is that she brought a number of celebrities to join her live-streaming and this drew their fans to view her streaming, said Mr Thanawat.

Mr Thanawat said using influencers is still important and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support the live-streaming is just a complement as the influencers cannot be replaced.

Even nano influencers and micro influencers who have 10,000 to 100,000 followers can achieve sales of millions of baht, depending on the creativity of content, product prices and timing.

‘If the content is interesting and generates engagement, the platform’s algorithm will push it to potential audiences who are likely to be interested in the products,’ said Mr Thanawat.

He warns brands should also pay attention to the hidden costs.

On average, around 20% of buyers drop off after changing their minds, and platform fees and commission charges can amount to 20%.

‘The actual profit margin for brands may end up being only around 5-10%,’ he said.

Suvita Charanwong, CEO of influencer platform Tellscore, said Ms Ratchanok’s success has inspired other creators to adopt similar charging strategies – though at more affordable rates.

She added that the new pricing model of influencers is performance based or 1,000 orders per 50,000 baht within five minutes, changing from the previous model of an hour-based charge.

However, Ms Ratchanok’s success is not a phenomenon that can happen overnight but is a result of her fan base building over the past eight years and her sharing of ‘dramatic’ personal stories with fans that deeply connected with them.

This emotional engagement creates a unique shopping experience for viewers, said Ms Suvita.

‘Brands also need to take a long-term view – working with multiple influencers over time and demonstrating consistent success, rather than relying solely on a single individual, while brands can use AI to offload their live session,’ she added.

Thailand has around 9 million influencers, with 3 million earning income from their content. However, few rely on it as their sole source of income.

New opportunity

According to TikTok, the case of Ms Ratchanok, which holds a record-breaking 1.2 million concurrent live views, highlights how platforms can effectively promote local homegrown brands and seamlessly guide consumers from product discovery to final purchase, which in turn drives genuine economic growth.

The success of TikTok’s “Live with a Pinned Basket” model goes far beyond entertainment, highlighting TikTok Shop’s crucial role in elevating local brands and sellers by acting as a powerful economic catalyst.

Ms Ratchanok’s Live session helped promote almost 270 Thai brands and homegrown sellers, demonstrating how a robust ecosystem of creators and celebrities can actively promote local small businesses.

According to TikTok, Ms Ratchanok said she decided to do these Live sessions and saw the possibility of supporting Thai products and making local micro, small and medium sized enterprises more visible to a wider audience.

‘My goal is to use my platform to connect my community with great Thai brands. For any aspiring affiliate creators, my advice is to be authentic, know your product inside and out, and most importantly, be consistent. That is where the community trust comes from.’

The trap

Pathom Indarodom, director of the Digital Council of Thailand, noted that for newcomers to live commerce, live-streaming starts sometimes in silence. Without fame or a loyal fanbase, low viewership often means low sales.

Live-streaming demands stamina, emotional control and constant engagement. Only those with strong skills and solid support can succeed, Mr Pathom said.

While Ms Ratchanok’s success has sparked a wave of imitators, without a distinctive edge, the market quickly becomes saturated. Trends shift fast – what works today may not work tomorrow, he noted.

Platform rules, fees and algorithm changes also affect visibility and sales. Technical issues and order cancellations add more risk.

He added that behind the scenes, there are hidden business costs. If sales fall short, losses and debt can pile up. Not every order means real income, while many young Thais dream of overnight success.

‘But behind the big numbers lies a tough reality – more cautionary tale than guaranteed formula,’ said Mr Pathom.

Authorities have arrested five people and seized nearly 70,000 contraband cigarettes during raids on four shophouses in Muang district of this island province.

A team of officials from the Phuket special operations team of the Department of Provincial Administration and defence volunteers raided the four locations following complaints that they were selling illegal cigarettes.

The operation was carried out from 11.30am on Wednesday to 5.30am on Thursday.

The team arrested two women and seized 170 packs, 4,000 loose cigarettes and 920 baht in cash during a raid on the first shop on Ratsadanusorn Road in tambon Rassada.

They then raided another house in the same tambon and arrested another woman with 3,345 packs containing 65,628 cigarettes, plus 8,020 baht in cash.

At the third location, officials apprehended a woman at a rented house on Prachasamakkhi Road and seized 977 packs of cigarettes as well as 5,700 baht in cash.

At the fourth location, the team arrested a man at a house on Karn Kheha Road with 16 packs of cigarettes and 1,600 baht in cash.

In total, the team seized 69,628 untaxed cigarettes from the four shophouses.

Officials said the total number of cigarettes seized did not match the number of packs because many packs were open and did not contain 20 cigarettes. The suspects were believed to be selling mainly small amounts of loose cigarettes to customers.

The five suspects were handed over to officers at the Muang police station for legal action under sections 203 and 204 of the Excise Act.

The Cross Cultural Foundation has petitioned the House committee on Legal Affairs, Justice and Human Rights to investigate whether Thai officials were involved in the abduction and forced return of Vietnamese refugee Duong Van Thai.

Prakaidao Phurksakasemsuk, the foundation’s deputy director, said Thai, an independent Vietnamese journalist and human rights activist, fled to Thailand in 2018 and was granted refugee status by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2020.

Although recognised as a refugee by the UNHCR in Bangkok, Thailand has not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, and the country does not have a formal legal framework to protect refugees.

In 2023, Thai was abducted by four men near his rented home in Pathum Thani. Friends tried to contact him to no avail before discovering that he had been forcibly returned to Vietnam, where he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for spreading anti-government propaganda.

Ms Prakaidao described the abduction as an act of enforced disappearance and a violation of the non-refoulement principle, the international rule prohibiting the return of refugees to danger. She said the case might involve cross-border coordination between Thai and Vietnamese authorities.

Vietnamese-American human rights activist Grace Thu Trang Thi Bui also travelled to Thailand to seek information on the disappearance, noting that this was not the first such incident.

Chonthicha Jaengraew, People’s Party MP for Pathum Thani and a committee member, said failure to expose the truth of the case could harm Thailand’s image.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement confirming Thailand’s readiness to cooperate with the United States in efforts to dismantle transnational online scam networks operating across Southeast Asia.

The ministry said in its official statement on Thursday that it welcomed the US announcement on Oct 14 regarding new measures to combat online scam networks in the region.

These efforts align with Thailand’s ongoing commitment to work with international partners to suppress transnational crime and bring perpetrators to justice, according to the ministry.

The statement highlighted the serious threat posed by online scams and scam call centres, which have harmed citizens across the region and are often linked to other grave transnational crimes such as human trafficking, forced labour and money laundering.

The ministry reaffirmed Thailand’s strong determination to eliminate online scams and pledged to strengthen cooperation with the US as part of a longstanding security partnership.

The country also expressed its intent to work closely with other partner nations and relevant international organisations to effectively address this growing threat.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Thursday said that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s official visit to Laos included discussions on regional security cooperation, particularly targeting call centre syndicates and scammers. Mr Sihasak spoke during his visit to Laos with Mr Anutin to mark the 75th anniversary of Thailand-Laos relations.

The minister emphasised the urgency of tackling these criminal operations, which have far-reaching impacts both within and beyond the region and underscored the importance of close collaboration with neighbouring countries.

Mr Sihasak said that addressing this issue requires cooperation not only with regional partners such as China, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia but also with countries outside the region, including the US and South Korea, which have also been affected.

This matter will be further discussed at upcoming international forums, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit later this month, he added.