Category: The Bangkok Post

Two unlicensed schools were raided in Samut Sakhon province on Thursday, uncovering more than 900 migrant students and teachers.

The operation, involving police, education and administrative officials, targeted two school buildings in Krathum Baen district.

One of the locations was a three-storey building in tambon Tha Mai. Although its licence had been revoked, it reportedly continued operating, providing education to 900 migrant children and employing 27 migrants as staff.

The Thai national in charge claimed it was a youth camp with an approved licence, but officials confirmed the site was unapproved for education or camp activities.

It was also noted that the 27 staff members held blue-collar labour permits which did not allow them to teach.

Provincial deputy governor Pol Lt Col Khetrat Chansin said on Friday that the migrant children will be transferred to authorised educational institutions, and those operating the illegal camp will face legal action.

According to estimates from 2021-2022, Samut Sakhon was home to about 660,000 migrant workers, with around 60% listed as undocumented. Of these migrant workers, approximately 400,000 came from Myanmar.

Foreigners working legally in Thailand face tighter tax regulations as the Thai government moves to align its tax system with international standards.

With over 3.3 million foreign workers registered as of August 2024, Thai authorities are stepping up enforcement to ensure all individuals, foreign workers included, earning income comply with personal income tax obligations.

Under Thai tax law, a foreigner who resides in the country for 180 days or more in a calendar year is considered a tax resident. This means they are liable to pay tax on all income, whether earned in Thailand or abroad. Non-residents, by contrast, are taxed only on income sourced within Thailand. The personal income tax system is progressive, with rates ranging from 5% to 35% depending on net income after deductions.

Personal income tax rates

Thailand uses a progressive personal income tax system, where the tax rate increases with the amount of net income (after deductions and allowances). The current tax brackets are as follows:

Net income 0 – 150,000 baht: Exempt from tax (must still report to the Revenue Department)

Net income 150,001 – 300,000 baht: Taxed at 5%

Net income 300,001 – 500,000 baht: Taxed at 10%

Net income 500,001 – 750,000 baht: Taxed at 15%

Net income 750,001 – 1,000,000 baht: Taxed at 20%

Net income 1,000,001 – 2,000,000 baht: Taxed at 25%

Net income 2,000,001 – 5,000,000 baht: Taxed at 30%

Net income over 5,000,000 baht: Taxed at 35%

Foreign nationals are entitled to many of the same tax deductions as Thais. These include a personal allowance of 60,000 baht, spousal (for married people, maximum of 60,000 baht) and child deductions (maximum of 30,000 baht per child but no more than 3), and deductions for investments such as provident funds and life insurance. Annual tax returns must be filed using form PND 90 or 91 by 31 March of the following year.

Thailand has signed double taxation agreements (DTAs) with more than 60 countries. These treaties help prevent foreigners from being taxed twice on the same income.

Foreign employees must also contribute to Thailand’s social security system, with a 5% deduction from their salary, capped at 750 baht per month.

Those operating businesses in Thailand must register for VAT if their annual revenue exceeds 1.8 million baht.

Since January 2024, tax residents must pay income tax on any foreign income brought into Thailand, regardless of when it was earned. This marks a significant shift from the previous rule, which taxed only income remitted in the same year it was earned. Authorities are also considering broader reforms that could see Thailand adopt a full worldwide income taxation model.

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has issued a clarification regarding its two anti-drone system procurement projects, worth a combined 997.93 million baht, aimed at enhancing defence readiness against emerging drone threats.

RTAF spokesman AM Jackkrit Thammavichai said the RTAF has been focusing on two Anti-Drone System projects, totalling 13 systems worth 997.93 million baht. The acquisition was conducted under the principles of transparency and good governance to strengthen the nation’s capacity to counter unmanned aerial systems, he said.

He said that, amid the ongoing conflict along the Thai-Cambodian border, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been detected violating Thai sovereignty, a threat to national security that threatens the safety of the public and property.

Consequently, the government approved a special central budget allocation under an emergency framework for the RTAF to enhance its counter-drone capabilities.

Given the urgency of the situation, the government has approved a special central budget allocation and allowed an exemption from the 2017 Public Procurement and Supplies Administration Act to ensure timely action.

At the same time, the air force invited qualified private operators to present anti-drone systems for evaluation.

The RTAF established an integrated working group on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) to test and assess system performance under simulated conditions.

Following the evaluation of operational effectiveness and maintenance concepts for long-term sustainability, the Air Force proceeded to request a standard reference price and issued an invitation to the Aviation Industry Co Ltd to submit its proposal for the anti-drone system.

This is part of efforts to upgrade the nation’s defence capability against UAV threats, AM Jackkrit said.

CPF is advancing its ‘Kitchen of the World’ vision through an integrated feed-farm-food sustainability model, covering animal feed production and farming to food processing and distribution, powered by technology and innovation.

At Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025), ASEAN’s largest sustainability fair, visitors are welcomed by a polar bear installation stranded on melting ice. More than an attention-grabbing centrepiece, it symbolises the urgency of climate change-framing Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) as a company taking meaningful steps towards a more sustainable, future-ready food system.

Future Forward with AgriTech CPF is increasingly adopting AgriTech as a driver of process. Leveraging AI, IoT, and smart farming and smart factory systems, the company aims to enhance animal welfare, optimise resource use, and reduce emissions. These technologies are further strengthened by blockchain-based traceability, enabling verification throughout the feed-farm-food journey, from raw materials to the final product.

SX2025: From Polar Bears to Plate

The Feed-Farm-Food Sustainability Showcase at SX2025 brings this vision to life. Visitors explore four immersive zones-from a mock-up supermarket teaching eco-friendly shopping and waste sorting, to an interactive dining experience where chefs, researchers, and farmers reveal the sustainable journey behind every dish. The polar bear and cracking glaciers symbolise the environmental stakes, while the experience demonstrates how technology and innovation translate into tangible actions for a more sustainable future.

Investing in a Science-Based, Net Zero Future

CPF aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, becoming the first global food producer to have both short- and long-term targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Sustainability is embedded across its value chain, covering deforestation-free sourcing, renewable energy, smart logistics, zero-waste production, and sustainable packaging. Today, 34% of energy used in its Thailand operations comes from renewables, including solar, biomass, and biogas. Notably, its RE100-certified egg farm in Chanthaburi runs entirely on solar and biomass energy, converting chicken manure into clean power under its ‘waste-to-value’ model.

Empowering Partners and SMEs

CPF’s ‘Partner to Grow’ program extends low-carbon solutions to more than 225 SMEs in its supply chain. The initiative has reduced emissions by over 400,000 kilograms of CO2 annually-equivalent to planting 31,000 trees-while also cutting operating costs. Partnerships with Chulalongkorn University, Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation, and the Office of SMEs Promotion further enable smaller enterprises to access carbon certification and green financing.

The Bigger Picture

‘For CPF, being the ‘Kitchen of the World’ is not about producing more food, but producing food that is safe, nutritious, and sustainable-powered by innovation,’ said Prasit Boondoungprasert, CPF Chief Executive Officer. ‘Sustainovation is how we ensure that every bite supports not just today’s needs, but tomorrow’s future.’

From AI-powered farms and blockchain traceability to SME partnerships and renewable energy, CPF’s showcase at SX2025 highlights how sustainability and innovation can move together. For visitors, the journey ends at a dining table telling the story of food from farm to fork. For CPF, it is the beginning of a longer path toward a future where every bite nourishes both people and the planet.

RevisionSuccess Co Ltd, a student-led startup focused on bringing artificial intelligence (AI) into classrooms, established a landmark partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with HOG International Academy and House of Griffin Tutorial School on Oct 7, 2025. This begins a special mission-building the first AI-hybrid school in Thailand.

This partnership aims to show how learning can be more personalised and interactive using AI-powered tools, while keeping teachers at the heart of education

‘Our mission is to enable students to study faster, easier and smarter using new technology,’ said Phonlawat Sirajindapirom, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RevisionSuccess.

‘Partnering with HOG International Academy allows us to showcase how AI can transform theclassroom experience for both students and teachers.’

Phuwadit Sutthaporn, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of RevisionSuccess, concluded, ‘The mission of both our organisations is to prove that Thai students can be greater than any nation.’

With innovation and technology, RevisionSuccess and HOG International Academy are creating a new standard of learning to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

While many may fear that AI would replace teachers, this project wants to prove the opposite. Santivipa Phanichkul, Founder of House of Griffin, explained, ‘AI should make teaching more human, not less. Through this collaboration, our educators gain tools that make learning more human, personalised and effective.’

Starting January 2026, RevisionSuccess will work closely with the school to begin piloting the system for nine months to build, test and improve the best study platform for both teachers and students.

RevisionSuccess, the startup founded by young entrepreneurs from Chulalongkorn University, believes that Thai education has many problems, ranging from teacher shortages to unequal access to quality education. This is why RevisionSuccess aims to use technology to personalise learning, connect teachers and students and make quality education accessible nationwide.

For RevisionSuccess, the partnership is a new step in their long-term vision to make AI-powered education in every student’s hands.

‘Sustainability, strategy, and risk are three dimensions of the same thing – the longevity of business. Sustainability for us is not only about environmental protection; it’s really about the survival of the business together with our stakeholders,’ said Tongjai Thanachanan, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability and Strategy Officer of ThaiBev, during the ‘Sustainability as an Engine for Growth’ forum at Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Tongjai stressed that sustainability initiatives are not an additional cost but an integral part of operations – a way to manage risk while improving efficiency and cost competitiveness.

Her statement echoed Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s vision of positioning the capital as a marketable global brand. To this end, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) appointed Pornphrom Vikitsreth as its first Chief Sustainability Officer.

‘The governor sees that Bangkok must compete with other cities in Asia – not just to attract short-term visitors, but to make people want to live, work, and invest here. This is very much linked to sustainability,’ said Pornphrom.

Thai Union: From Cost to Competitive Edge

For Thai seafood giant Thai Union, sustainability began as an expense. ‘It has evolved since then – that was ten years ago. Today, we view sustainability as a competitive advantage and a key driver of our growth,’ said Adam Brennan, Thai Union’s Chief Sustainability and Communication Officer.

In 2023, the company launched its SeaChange® 2030 strategy, described by Brennan as ‘the most ambitious and holistic sustainability strategy the seafood sector has ever seen.’ The initiative not only addresses Thai Union’s environmental and social impacts but also creates new commercial opportunities while engaging diverse stakeholders, including NGOs.

‘Today, our sustainability programme opens doors – doors that were otherwise closed. It enables new connections with retailers, unlocks commercial opportunities, and helps close deals that had been pending for years. Sustainability has become a key differentiator that protects people, the planet, and our business,’ Brennan said.

What began as a reputation-enhancing effort has evolved into a value-creating force. Thai Union has since earned global trust as a responsible supplier while helping Thai fisheries and farms elevate their practices. ‘We’ve moved from viewing sustainability as brand protection to brand value,’ Brennan concluded.

AirAsia: Rethinking Carbon as Business Cost

In a sector often criticised for its environmental footprint, AirAsia is rethinking how sustainability fits within its operations. ‘We first had to accept that carbon cost is part of business cost,’ said Mun Ching Yap, AirAsia’s Chief Sustainability Officer. ‘Managing this means understanding various options for carbon abatement. The biggest one for us is efficiency – and as a low-cost airline, we’ve always been strict on that.’

Yap noted that airlines face regulatory limits on what they can achieve independently. ‘Regulators typically focus on safety, but safety and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. With international aviation regulation evolving, sustainability is now a key focus for regulators,’ she said.

This regulatory shift has opened new dialogue between airlines and authorities on improving airspace management to reduce fuel use. ‘You also have the option of adopting new innovations such as sustainable aviation fuels,’ Yap added. ‘It’s a promising concept, but the price remains prohibitive for most airlines.’

AirAsia continues to invest heavily in operational efficiency – upgrading its fleet, refining flight operations, and exploring new technologies to cut emissions.

Collaboration for a Low-Carbon Future

As Thailand moves toward a low-carbon economy, corporate sustainability leaders share a common vision: collaboration, innovation, accountability, and capacity building will drive the transition from ambition to action.

Sustainability, they agree, is no longer an optional initiative but a long-term commitment – the only path forward for businesses and communities to thrive in a changing world.

The commerce minister discussed measures to address the impacts of US tariffs, accelerate free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, tap into the Indian market and manage agricultural products with representatives from the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

After the meeting, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the ministry prepared strategies to mitigate the impact of US tariffs, strengthen the agricultural sector, prevent product circumvention, promote trade in new markets, enhance the capabilities of Thai businesses to adapt to rapid changes in global trade rules and provide support to entrepreneurs along the Thai- Cambodian border.

“The ministry aims to finalise the details for the US tariff negotiations later this year to provide clarity for both Thai and international entrepreneurs, aiming to mitigate any potential impacts,” she said.

Mrs Suphajee encouraged all stakeholders to develop adaptation strategies now, including exploring alternative export markets and positioning products to meet evolving global demands.

Meanwhile, the ministry plans to manage 1.8 million tonnes of rice in stock by collaborating with farmers and the private sector to enhance the quality and packaging of rice, thereby adding value.

The ministry is also committed to concluding FTA negotiations to unlock new trade opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs and lay a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth, she said.

Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the chamber, said exports to the US are beginning to feel the sting of tariffs as new orders slow.

However, the chamber believes collaboration between government agencies and the private sector will drive the economy and alleviate the impacts, he said.

Charoen Laothammatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, emphasised the need for rice varieties that align with global demand.

He said Thailand has to develop new rice varieties, enhance productivity and maintain a competitive baht value.

Chanintr Chalisarapong, vice-chairman of the chamber, said companies want the FTA with the European Free Trade Association to take effect soon, as it will pave the way for the pact being negotiated with the European Union and other countries.

Quick FTAs with additional countries could significantly boost Thailand’s competitiveness, he said.

Furthermore, the private sector proposed the establishment of a task force dedicated to rubber products to support entrepreneurs and farmers during challenging market conditions, while also encouraging Thai businesses to use local content.

Prim Jitcharoongphorn, president of the Thai-India Business Council, said India is a high-potential market with rapid growth, particularly in the areas of construction materials, home decor and food.

She asked the ministry to implement a structured approach to promote trade with each Indian state.

Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, director-general of the Department of International Trade Promotion, said it will implement urgent strategies to retain existing markets and explore new ones.

The goal is to achieve a trade volume of 8.91 billion baht during October 2025-January 2026, benefiting more than 1,270 businesses.

Local authorities and business operators on Koh Phangan are raising concerns over the behaviour of some Israeli visitors and the rise of foreign-run businesses on the southern island.

Reports of tensions have emerged on Koh Phangan and neighbouring Koh Samui in Surat Thani province, involving Israeli tourists and business operators.

Allegations include the acquisition of land through Thai nominees and the establishment of businesses catering exclusively to Israeli visitors. Some tourists have reportedly caused disturbances affecting other visitors and local operators, prompting fears of wider conflicts.

The situation calls to mind a period of tension earlier this year in Pai, the popular tourist town in the northern province of Mae Hong Son. The Israeli embassy issued a reminder to its nationals about appropriate conduct, while Thai authorities attempted to get locals and visitors communicating to improve relations.

Surat Thani Governor Teeruth Supawiboonpol met with representatives of various agencies on Thursday to discuss the issues that had been raised. ‘We must address these issues promptly to prevent long-term problems and ensure compliance with Thai law,’ he said.

Narumol Maisopha, president of the Koh Phangan Hotel and Tourism Association, said the behaviour of some Israeli tourists has led to increasing friction on the island.

‘As representatives of the private sector, we recognise that this harms the image of tourism,’ she said. ‘We have organised discussions among operators and separated conflicting visitors to maintain a high-quality tourism experience.’

Tourism on Koh Phangan has expanded by more than 200% in the past two years, creating strong demand for accommodation and related businesses. Ms Narumol said the rapid growth has exceeded the capacity of local authorities to manage it effectively.

‘The presence of Israeli tourists and business operators presents an opportunity for provincial and national authorities to intervene decisively before the situation escalates,’ she added.

According to data from the Surat Thani Immigration Division, 4,030 Israelis are currently in the province – 2,548 on Koh Phangan, 1,279 on Koh Samui, 11 on Koh Tao and 12 on the mainland. Of these, 987 are long-term residents, including 349 involved in business, while 3,043 are short-term visitors, 2,942 of whom are tourists.

Local sources report that some Israelis on Koh Phangan operate villas, restaurants, tour companies and other businesses primarily serving Israeli visitors. A communal centre, or Chabad, has also been established for religious and social activities.

Governor Teeruth said enforcement against illegal land ownership and business operations will take time as authorities need to gather evidence. Provincial labour and immigration offices are also investigating potential visa overstayers, he said.

PostBag column’s regular contributor Felix Qui raised an often asked question about whether there is progress and evidence of drug suppression by the authorities. Unfortunately, as always, there aren’t any except photo ops that appear from time to time on news reports when the politician or top cops need them for publicity.

Just last week, in Udon Thani, a father shot dead his drug-addicted son. I wish I were wrong, illicit drugs are so commonly used among the young people in the province that it is disturbing and is no longer a secret to hide.

The only time I can remember when the authorities had taken drug suppression seriously was when Thaksin Shinawatra was prime minister. Perhaps this is the only good thing that he did that the Isan villagers still remember him for.

Yingwai Suchaovanich

Selective logic

Re: “Weed ruins lives”, (PostBag, Oct 2).

In his unqualified, unequivocal pronouncement that “Weed ruins young lives, period”, Jason A Jellison has yet again jumped from one or two personal anecdotes to a universal claim about cannabis.

Consider a different anecdote: Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote Kubla Khan under the influence of opium. Similarly, Mick Jagger and other highly successful musicians might also offer themselves as examples that “prove” (in Mr Jellison’s sense) the absolute efficacy of cannabis for musical excellence over many decades, period.

And of course, we likely all know one or two people whose lives have been ruined by alcohol. Therefore, alcohol ruins young lives, period.

Certainly, it is a fact that cannabis use can and does harm lives. It is equally a fact that alcohol use can and does, far more often than cannabis, ruin lives. Ask any member of Alcoholics Anonymous for pertinent personal anecdotes, or simply review the literature. Unlike Mr Jellison, I do not think it therefore follows that the addictive drug alcohol “ruins young lives, period”, and must therefore be criminalised, period.

Felix Qui

Shoddy Thai service

Re: “Confidence declines as foreigners avoid Thailand”, (Business, Sept 29).

Thailand overcomplicates everything. It prides itself on 98% employment, but how many actually work? People in A/C offices give the appearance of work without actually doing very much. From banking to immigration, there’s so much unnecessary garbage.

I am just back from 90-day reporting because I had the temerity to go on holiday and, therefore, could not do it online despite having a multi-entry permit AND a TDAC certificate! I had to hand in copies of the same passport pages I have done so many times before for the past 20+ years. The data has not changed in decades! I know all this information is on a computer, yet more trees have to be felled for the appearance of work.

I have waited over one hour in a bank whilst three assistants managed to serve ONE customer before I walked out, angrily denouncing the poor service.

Both examples are of how badly Thai workers lord it over the customers who pay their wages. Perhaps this attitude to service across the country may explain why Vietnam’s tourism is booming, whilst here it is in decline.

Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group, has been recognised for the second consecutive year on Fortune magazine’s prestigious “Most Powerful Women Asia 2025” list. The accolade honours 100 influential female leaders across 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific region who have demonstrated exceptional ability to navigate global and regional volatility whilst creating strategic business advantages.

The rigorous selection process evaluates candidates across multiple dimensions: measurable impact on their organisations and economies, strategic reach across industries and markets, and capacity to shape the future of business and economic landscapes.

Ms Supaluck’s recognition stems from her transformative leadership in developing landmark retail mega-projects over four decades. Her portfolio includes internationally acclaimed destinations such as Siam Paragon and the Em District-comprising Emporium, Emquartier, and Emsphere-which have become defining features of Thailand’s retail landscape and distinguished shopping destinations on the global stage.

Beyond commercial success, Ms Supaluck has pioneered a visionary approach that transcends traditional retail paradigms. Under her stewardship, The Mall Group has evolved into a “Space of Inspiration” that champions equality, diversity, and inclusivity across all demographics and communities.

This philosophy manifests through innovative initiatives, most notably her leadership of the LOVE PRIDE ? PARADE-Asia’s largest and longest Pride Month celebration. The event exemplifies her commitment to advancing Thailand’s soft power strategy through the rainbow economy, positioning Bangkok as a premier Pride Festival Destination whilst propelling the capital towards its aspiration of becoming Asia’s Entertainment Hub. Her ambitions extend to securing Bangkok’s bid to host World Pride 2030.

Ms Supaluck’s sustained recognition on this distinguished list underscores her pivotal role as a trailblazing female executive in Thailand. She has not only steered the retail sector through digital transformation but has emerged as a leading voice championing gender equality and fostering sustainable advancement for women in Thai business.