Category: The Bangkok Post

The next general election is likely to cause the country its biggest headache ever. It will be the first time that voters will have four ballots — two for electing lawmakers and two for public referendums.

The first two ballots will include normal voting papers to elect constituency MPs and list-MPs to parliament and Government House. The third ballot will be a referendum about the content and process of planned constitutional amendments.

The real conundrum is the final ballot. It is a referendum on whether eligible voters should retain or repeal MoU 43 (2000) and MoU 44 (2001), signed with Cambodia, regarding the establishment of joint border committees to resolve land and maritime border disputes.

The fourth ballot is a fresh initiative of the new government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. It is facing pressure to address the Thai-Cambodia border issue, especially from an angry public that wants to see the government scrap both of the MoUs.

However, it remains a significant question why the Anutin government is allowing this foreign policy decision to be made by voters. Regarding the voters, deciding on the MoUs with Cambodia requires an understanding of history and its long-term effects.

Both MoUs have served as key diplomatic frameworks for the two countries to negotiate border demarcation and long-term resource sharing.

Political experts have publicly warned about the troubles ahead. Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn even warned that parliament could face delays in passing the required organic laws for elections and referendums.

A delay in parliament would mean another big political conflict for the Anutin government, which may face protests if it stays beyond the promised four-month term in office.

But the biggest challenge is preparing voters for the referendum. How will the government provide quality, well-balanced information for the public to decide?

Elections and public referendums require more than just setting days and venues, as both issues are complex and highly politicised.

Charter amendment has been a divisive issue. The opposition People’s Party and its pro-democracy allies have been campaigning for the rewriting of a new charter, aiming for drastic reforms.

The conservative camp and its political parties, meanwhile, prefer the least amount of amendments to the charter, opposing a full rewrite.

Another challenge now is providing voters with access to fair and balanced information, rather than propaganda from political camps. With the ongoing border conflict and surge of jingoism, it remains a big question whether voters can obtain sensible and quality information.

How will the government provide an honest view on the pros and cons of both MoUs without fearing backlash? How can voters digest the complex situation and make informed decisions?

The referendum has been enshrined as the mantra of a direct democracy. Mr Anutin said his decision to run the referendum is a form of “showing respect to public opinion”.

No matter how inspiring this sounds, the reality is that the referendum will only be successful if voters are well-informed on the matters at hand. The onus now falls on MPs and the Election Commission to run a campaign that communicates to voters and educates them.

Newly appointed Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat has pledged to improve dialysis services for more than 100,000 patients nationwide within the next two months.

The move comes in response to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s directive to ensure such treatment is provided free of charge under the “Kidney Dialysis Treatment Everywhere with One ID Card” scheme.

The announcement was made on Wednesday after Mr Anutin raised concerns over widespread complaints from patients who reported being charged extra fees for dialysis, despite their entitlement to free treatment under the universal healthcare programme, also known as the 30-baht scheme.

Mr Anutin tasked the new minister with resolving the issue within two months.

In response, Mr Pattana said the ministry is preparing immediate measures to ease the burden on patients, including exploring the possibility of providing travel allowances for those who must regularly commute to treatment centres.

“The real solution lies not only in dialysis but in organ transplantation, which is the ultimate treatment for kidney disease. The ministry will also work to expand transplant services for the greatest benefit of patients,” he said.

Jadej Thammatacharee, secretary-general of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), expressed confidence that the upgraded services would be in place within two months.

He said patients would no longer incur additional costs, adding that a multidisciplinary team would be established to more effectively assess and prioritise cases.

Not all patients require dialysis, yet some are advised by their doctors to begin treatment earlier than needed, he noted. To address this, the NHSO is considering offering second medical opinions to prevent unnecessary treatments and ensure more efficient use of the budget.

Currently, the NHSO has allocated 16 billion baht for dialysis services, with an estimated increase of more than 3 billion baht required next year. Dr Jadej suggested that “unnecessary cases” may be contributing to the rising costs.

He also acknowledged that while the “Dialysis Everywhere with One ID Card” policy is highly ambitious, further discussions are needed to ensure its successful implementation.

Newly appointed Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat has pledged to improve dialysis services for more than 100,000 patients nationwide within the next two months.

The move comes in response to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s directive to ensure such treatment is provided free of charge under the “Kidney Dialysis Treatment Everywhere with One ID Card” scheme.

The announcement was made on Wednesday after Mr Anutin raised concerns over widespread complaints from patients who reported being charged extra fees for dialysis, despite their entitlement to free treatment under the universal healthcare programme, also known as the 30-baht scheme.

Mr Anutin tasked the new minister with resolving the issue within two months.

In response, Mr Pattana said the ministry is preparing immediate measures to ease the burden on patients, including exploring the possibility of providing travel allowances for those who must regularly commute to treatment centres.

“The real solution lies not only in dialysis but in organ transplantation, which is the ultimate treatment for kidney disease. The ministry will also work to expand transplant services for the greatest benefit of patients,” he said.

Jadej Thammatacharee, secretary-general of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), expressed confidence that the upgraded services would be in place within two months.

He said patients would no longer incur additional costs, adding that a multidisciplinary team would be established to more effectively assess and prioritise cases.

Not all patients require dialysis, yet some are advised by their doctors to begin treatment earlier than needed, he noted. To address this, the NHSO is considering offering second medical opinions to prevent unnecessary treatments and ensure more efficient use of the budget.

Currently, the NHSO has allocated 16 billion baht for dialysis services, with an estimated increase of more than 3 billion baht required next year. Dr Jadej suggested that “unnecessary cases” may be contributing to the rising costs.

He also acknowledged that while the “Dialysis Everywhere with One ID Card” policy is highly ambitious, further discussions are needed to ensure its successful implementation.

The Department of Corrections has confirmed that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is legally eligible to submit a second petition for a royal pardon, as his initial request in 2023 was not rejected.

Pol Lt Col Prawut Wongsinil, director-general of the Department of Corrections, said on Friday that thatThaksin can file a second royal pardon petition in accordance with the law. He explained that if the first request had been rejected, the petitioner would be required to wait two years before reapplying.

‘In Thaksin’s case, the first petition was not rejected, so he is eligible to file a second request for a royal pardon without having to wait for the two-year period’, said the department chief, adding that other legal conditions would still need to be considered.

On Thursday, Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat said the ministry has set up a panel to review convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s petition for a royal pardon.

Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, confirmed early this week that his client had submitted the petition and maintained that it was a right granted to all inmates serving final sentences.

On Friday, Po l Lt Gen Rutthapon said he would review reports from the ministry’s permanent secretary when asked by reporters about the progress of the ministry’s committee deliberations on Thaksin’s petition.

He added discussions had already been held on Thursday. However, he had not yet received the panel’s findings.

The newly-appointed justice minister gave his remarks after attending a merit-making ceremony at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) marking its 23rd anniversary.

Permanent secretary for the ministry Phongsawat Neelayothin, who also attended the ceremony, said the committee was still deliberating.

When asked whether Thaksin is legally entitled to file a second petition since his previous request was made in 2023, she said the matter was being reviewed strictly in line with the Criminal Procedure Code.

‘If we look at the timeline, it has been more than two years, so yes, it is possible,’ said Ms Phongsawat. She added that other details must also be considered.

She said the committee was expected to conclude its review within three days. Once completed, the findings would be submitted to the justice minister, who would then decide whether to forward the matter to the Secretariat of the Cabinet.

Thaksin, 76, was sent back to prison on Sept 9, 2025, on the order of the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, which ruled that the time he spent in the Police General Hospital did not count as part of his incarceration.

The court ordered the billionaire to serve one year in prison, in line with the commuted term of his original sentence.

On Thursday, former prime minister and Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, along with her sister, Pintongta Kunakornwong, visited Thaksin at Klongprem Central Prison in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.

According to Ms Paetongtarn, her father had some neck issues, but he appeared fine overall.

Bangkok authorities are working around the clock to stabilise the area around Samsen police station and restore the road in front of Vajira Hospital, following the recent major subsidence that caused a sinkhole.

The sinkhole, measuring about 30 by 30 metres and 20 metres deep, opened on Sept 23, apparently caused by a leaking water pipe that led to soil subsidence and the collapse into a subway tunnel under construction.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) expects the backfilling work to be completed this weekend. Once the sand compaction and roadbed layers are reinforced, resurfacing will begin.

The BMA has tentatively set Oct 9 as the reopening date for Samsen Road in front of Vajira Hospital, which will restore full traffic flow to the area.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who inspected the site on Friday morning, said that rain at dawn had left puddles in the subsidence area. Workers had already filled the cavity with sand and reinforced Samsen police station with temporary supports to prevent further damage, he added.

‘There may still be some soil settlement due to the rain, so we will wait for engineers and experts to give a full assessment of the next steps,’ Mr Chadchart said.

He noted that the operation was proceeding on schedule, with city work teams and pumping equipment on standby in case of heavier rain, in line with directives from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority.

Meanwhile, hospital operations are gradually returning to normal. Ampan Vimonvattana, deputy dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Vajira Hospital under Navamindradhiraj University, said patient numbers have surged this week, as many who postponed appointments after last week’s collapse were now returning.

On Thursday alone, more than 5,000 patients – both scheduled and walk-ins – sought treatment, she said. To assist them, the hospital arranged shuttle drop-off points at Sri Yan, Sirindhorn and St Gabriel’s School, as well as taxis for patients needing direct transport from the hospital, she added.

On Thursday, about 1,300 cubic metres of sand were added, bringing the total used to backfill the site to around 3,500 cubic metres. Workers dismantled damaged concrete slabs in the cavity and pushed sand beneath Samsen police station to stabilise the ground.

Temporary short piles have also been installed to strengthen the structure. So far, no significant structural shifts have been observed, according to authorities.

Re: “Legal eagles voice worries over Thaksin’s pardon bid”, (BP, Oct 1). Whatever naughtinesses he may have been accused of, it cannot be denied that Thaksin Shinawatra continues to prove a moral exemplar to the nation in at least two areas. The first is that he faithfully follows the traditional example of accumulating the greatest possible sufficiency of extreme wealth; the second is that he entertains as unfailingly as Lisa Manoban herself, albeit with his humorous approach to preached legal norms rather than with her doubtless impressive song and dance routines.

Like the best humour, Thaksin’s latest also makes a pertinent point. So, is that impertinence or what? So, add on another 15 years, no? Or are Arnon Nampa’s offences still way, way more serious than anything Thaksin or Prayut Chan-o-cha or Capt Thamanat Prompow have ever done?

Felix Qui

No to carbon tax

Re: “Climate Act, digital tools key to net zero”, (BP, Oct 2).

Now, the real reason behind climate alarmism is finally coming to light: carbon pricing — a tax on life that global planners (WEF, NV) have been trying to implement since the 1970s. I believe a carbon tax is a bad idea for the following reasons:

Carbon dioxide should not be seen as a pollutant but as a life-supporting gas essential to plant growth. Through photosynthesis, plants create food from CO2 and sunlight. Rising CO2 levels have contributed to global greening (the “aerial fertiliser effect”) and increased agricultural productivity. These benefits may outweigh potential climate risks, raising doubts about taxing CO2 emissions.

Uncertainty undermines the case for aggressive emissions cuts, since the link between reducing CO2 and lowering extreme weather impacts is tenuous. Cost-effective defensive measures — such as infrastructure improvements — are more reliable than global CO2 controls.

Policy priorities should be: eliminating harmful energy regulations, pursuing localised defences against extreme weather, and considering Pigouvian CO2 taxes only with broad international cooperation. Otherwise, unilateral emissions reductions risk economic harm and energy insecurity.

Anna Aarts

Fence or fiction?

Re: “A border fence too far”, (Editorial, Sept 2).

I have seen various items on social media that Thai people have contributed vast sums of money in order to construct a wall between Thailand and Cambodia. On the other hand, however, I have neither seen anything in the newspaper nor heard anything from the government about undertaking such a project. So are there approved plans to, or is someone perpetrating a tremendous scam on the people?

Wondering

Crank column

Oh dear, PostBag has degenerated into a tit-for-tat rant fest again. I have many times requested a crank column be inserted somewhere else, possibly in the Life section. I almost miss Eric Barht’s contributions, not that I agreed with him on most things. I assume he has retired from PostBag or moved to a different platform.

SONGKHLA: The National Security Council (NSC), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), has led ambassadors and embassy officials from 21 countries on a three-day visit to Songkhla in a bid to reshape perceptions about safety in Thailand’s southern border provinces.

The visit, held under the programme “Songkhla: Enhancing Better Understanding and Fostering Cooperation” from Monday to Wednesday, showcased the province’s cultural diversity, history and business potential. Eight journalists from international and Thai media also joined the trip.

Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the NSC, said that the government is committed to resolving the long-standing unrest in the southern border region, emphasising that most areas are peaceful and are experiencing increasing growth in trade and tourism.

He highlighted Songkhla as a model, noting: “We want ambassadors to see for themselves that only a handful of districts face security concerns. The majority of the South remains calm, with strong economic opportunities.”

The diplomatic delegation was welcomed by Songkhla governor, Chotnarin Kerdsom, who highlighted the province’s strengths as a maritime hub with cultural and culinary diversity, a strong agricultural sector, and strategic transport links by rail, road, and air. Local souvenirs, such as Ko Yo printed fabric and traditional palm-woven garlands, were presented to the guests.

Throughout the tour, the ambassadors saw historical landmarks, museums, and cultural performances.

They also visited Sri Trang Gloves, the world’s largest exporter of medical rubber gloves, and the Sadao Customs House, which is developing a new fast-track border system.

The itinerary also included Prince of Songkla University and its science park, emphasising the province’s academic and research strengths.

Diplomats also joined “Songkhla Business Night”, where local entrepreneurs introduced distinctive food, beverages and wellness services.

Menus ranged from traditional tofu dishes to fusion cocktails blending local fruits with palm spirit, reflecting the province’s mix of heritage and innovation.

Ping Kitnikone, Canada’s ambassador to Thailand, described the visit as “an important opportunity to better understand the realities on the ground”.

She noted that Canadian tourists are already drawn to the region.

“Thailand deserves credit for promoting safety and highlighting the richness of its communities,” she said. “This trip has shown the diversity and resilience that make Songkhla appealing.”

Swiss ambassador, Felipe Zwahlende la Morena Casado, who visited Songkhla for the fourth time, said he had “never felt alarmed” travelling in the area and stressed that the region’s industrial and tourism strengths should not be overlooked.

“It is time to consider adjusting travel advisories in line with the actual situation,” he remarked, while also urging Thai media to highlight more positive stories from the South.

Norwegian ambassador, Astrid Emilie Helle, said the trip offered crucial insights for her government.

“We remain cautious about safety in southern Thailand, but this visit has shown us a beautiful and welcoming province,” she said. “I will report back to Oslo with updated impressions and commend the Thai government’s efforts here.”

Mr Chatchai added that inviting diplomats from economies with strong trade and investment potential would help generate accurate assessments, reducing outdated concerns.

“Trusted voices like ambassadors can take back first-hand observations to their capitals, leading to more balanced travel guidance and stronger cooperation in tourism and commerce,” he said.

Agricultural innovation and sustainable growth took centre stage at Farm Expo 2025, where CLP Group led the way in presenting new technologies, knowledge and partnerships under the theme ‘Empowering A Better Life.’ The event at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani highlighted how the company is moving beyond machinery to create a platform of opportunity that drives real transformation for Thai farmers and entrepreneurs.

This year, CLP Group went beyond displaying machinery and technology, creating a true ‘platform of opportunity’ for farmers, entrepreneurs and value chain partners to see how agricultural transformation can begin today.

Highlight Zones Driving Real Impact

Empowering Income – Visitors explored innovations such as the TEC Biomass Dryer, which reduces energy costs by more than 30%, and the CBR350 Rice Mill, which increases product value by up to 20% compared with traditional methods. These solutions reaffirm that CLP’s technology is not merely machinery but a tool to enhance farmers’ income and long-term security.

Empowering Knowledge – Expert-led forums covered strategies across the value chain, from seed selection and processing innovation to premium market positioning. Participants-including entrepreneurs, farmer groups, students and the public-confirmed they left with practical insights for application in their own fields.

Empowering Network – CLP also created spaces for farmers and local entrepreneurs to connect with business partners, leading to pilot orders and promising future collaborations.

Building a Foundation for the Future

A key milestone of this year’s expo was the signing of an MoU with Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya to advance research and development in agricultural technologies. The partnership aims to foster innovation that can be practically applied in farming communities while supporting sustainable business models.

In addition, CLP’s Chief Executive Officer, Vachara Leegomonchai, engaged with teachers and students on the theme ‘The Future of Agriculture and Innovation.’ These discussions will feed into the upcoming Green Academy Leaders initiative, designed to nurture a new generation of youth leaders with the vision to drive sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Honouring Agricultural Innovators

Another highlight was the presentation of the CLP Agricultural Innovator Awards 2025, which recognised outstanding farmers who have pioneered innovations across multiple categories. The awards underscore CLP’s commitment to celebrating farmers not only as producers but also as true developers and changemakers within the agricultural sector.

Miss Vachara Leegomonchai, Chief Executive Officer of CLP Group, remarked: ‘For us, ‘Empowering A Better Life’ is not just a slogan-it is a promise. This event proves that farmers and entrepreneurs can return home with the knowledge, tools and networks needed to build secure and sustainable livelihoods.’

The success of Farm Expo 2025 confirms that CLP Group is not only a leader in agricultural machinery but is also stepping forward as a partner for growth for Thai farmers. By building a connected value chain from farm to global markets, CLP continues to advance its vision of ‘Empowering A Better Life’ at every level of society.

The Board of Directors of Thai Oil Public Company Limited has approved the Asset Monetization plan, which will raise over THB 18 billion to strengthen the Company’s financial position and reduce debt, while continuing to utilise the leased assets through a leaseback arrangement without interrupting ongoing operations. The company plans to propose the project for shareholders approval on 9 December 2025.

Thai Oil Public Company Limited (TOP) led by Mr Bandhit Thamprajamchit, Chief Executive Officer and President of Thai Oil Plc, stated that on 25 September 2025, the Board approved the establishment of a new subsidiary, with PTT Tank holding a 49% stake. This subsidiary will invest in a 21-year long-term lease of selected infrastructure assets, located in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province, including crude oil storage tanks, Single Buoy Mooring (SBM), lorry loading station, and associated land.

TOP is entering a leaseback arrangement of the assets back to the company for ongoing oil refinery business. Upon completion of the transaction, the Company will realise additional cash inflows, thereby reinforcing its financial position, improving key financial ratios, and enhancing its capital recycling.

‘This Asset Monetization initiative is aligned with the Company’s strategic direction to strengthen its financial position. This transaction will provide stable long-term cash inflows from leased assets while allowing TOP to continue utilising them in its operations. It also creates additional value from existing infrastructure assets and helps reduce long-term financial risks amid dynamic economic and industrial environments,’ added Bandhit.

The collaboration with PTT Tank, the flagship infrastructure and logistics company of PTT Group’s refining and petrochemical businesses, will create synergies and enhance efficiency in integrated asset management operations.

Bandhit further stated that upon the establishment of the transaction, the Company has reviewed and considered the impacts on all stakeholders with primary emphasis on the interests of the Company and its shareholders. To ensure the transparency, the Board of Directors has appointed Capital Advantage Company Limited as the Independent Financial Advisor to assess the appropriateness of the transaction and prepare a report for shareholders’ consideration. The Company will convene the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 9 December 2025 via electronic platform. The record date to determine shareholders eligible to attend the meeting is set for 9 October 2025.

The asset management company (AMC) planned to address the bad debts of retail borrowers will cover 3.8 million eligible debtors with a total debt value of 120 billion baht, according to the Finance Ministry.

Finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit said the new AMC will be established as a joint venture between the public and private sectors. The company will take over debts of up to 100,000 baht per debtor from financial institutions, then restructure these debts to make monthly repayments more manageable.

This should ease the burden on small borrowers, allowing them more disposable income for consumption, which in turn will help stimulate the economy, said Mr Lavaron.

There are 1.4 million small borrowers with commercial banks that owe a total of 35 billion baht, and another 2.4 million small borrowers with non-bank institutions that owe 85 billion baht.

He said the funding for the AMC to purchase debts from financial institutions will come from allocations by the Bank of Thailand. These funds originate from contributions commercial banks are required to make to tackle the Financial Institutions Development Fund’s debt problem.

During the pandemic, part of this money was used to support entrepreneurs under the “Khun Soo Rao Chuey” (You Fight, We Help) programme. Of the 36 billion baht allocated, 26 billion remains and will be earmarked to establish the AMC, said Mr Lavaron.

New Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated in parliament during the government’s recent policy announcement the new AMC for household debt restructuring will increase liquidity for Thais.

For example, he said borrowers previously making instalment payments of 2,000-3,000 baht per month to financial institutions may, after restructuring, pay only 500 baht.

The household debt resolution policy was dubbed one of the government’s five key pillars to be implemented within four months. Other policies include:

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

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

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

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