Kyiv rejects Melenchon’s referendum proposal

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi rejected calls for a referendum on potential territorial concessions, saying votes held under occupation serve as instruments of annexation rather than expressions of popular will.

Responding on Monday to La France Insoumise party leader and candidate in the 2027 French presidential election, Jean-Luc Melenchon, Tykhyi recalled that more than 90% of Ukrainians backed independence within “its current, internationally recognized borders” in the 1991 referendum, including 83% in Donbass. He added that no democratic country would accept such a process “for its own borders, so it should not be proposed to Ukrainians.”

In a speech on November 7, Melenchon had proposed consulting residents in the Donbass region on whether they wanted to remain part of Ukraine or become part of Russia under a potential territorial settlement.

Trade regulator defends new platform rules

The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) has reaffirmed its legal authority to regulate fee structures imposed by ride-hailing, food delivery and e-commerce platforms, vowing to press ahead with its planned new guidelines despite reports that two major food delivery operators are considering legal action against them.

The Bangkok Post asked Grab and Line Man Wongnai about the reported legal action, but both declined to comment.

The TCCT is holding a public hearing on draft regulations governing the trade practices of digital ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms from Nov 4 to Dec 3.

Pol Lt Gen Pittaya Siriraksa, a TCCT commissioner, told the Bangkok Post that Section 17(2) and (3) of the Trade Competition Act empowers the commission to issue new guidelines to ensure free and fair competition.

He said the commission had not received formal notification of legal proceedings from any platforms but was prepared to defend its authority.

He added that implementation of the new guidelines would proceed unless the Administrative Court issued an injunction to suspend the regulations.

If the court ruled against the commission, the notification would be revoked, he added.

Pol Lt Gen Pittaya stressed that the watchdog’s mandate was not to impose price controls but to prevent unfair practices, particularly unjustified fee increases by platforms wielding significant market power.

He cited commission rates of up to 30% imposed on merchants as an example of platform practices warranting scrutiny.

The draft guidelines for ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms require platforms to provide transparent fee calculations and give at least 90 days’ written notice before making fee changes.

Platforms will be prohibited from making unjustified fee increases, imposing discriminatory charges or forced exclusivity, and adopting algorithmic practices that favour affiliated businesses.

They will also be required to disclose key principles governing search rankings and order allocation, protect commercial data, and establish fair dispute resolution mechanisms.

The rules will apply regardless of whether operators hold a dominant market position.

Last week, the Thai Digital Platform Trade Association (TDPA) urged the commission to clarify whether the regulations target fee structures or actual commission rates.

Jirawat Poomsrikaew, secretary-general and adviser to the TDPA, warned that requiring platforms to inform the TCCT of fee changes in advance could restrict their operational flexibility and innovation.

He said the association had encountered difficulties securing meetings with regulators to explain platform business models.

Pol Lt Gen Pittaya said the commission had already conducted a focus group with relevant parties during the drafting process.

Separately, the TCCT is advancing proposed regulations governing service fees and product delivery arrangements on multi-sided e-commerce platforms.

Following the public consultation, which ends on Dec 3, the draft will undergo further review by the commission, with an announcement targeted before the New Year.

Commission records show that Shopee has raised its fees 10 times since 2022, representing a cumulative increase of 433%, while Lazada has increased fees seven times, totalling 367%.

Previous complaints prompted the TCCT to order the e-commerce operators to temporarily halt fee increases under Section 60 of the Trade Competition Act.

Group of investors takes Nvidia to court over spying allegations

A group of investors has filed a class-action lawsuit against Nvidia and its CEO, Jensen Huang, over his alleged relationship with a woman accused of espionage, The Telegraph reports.

The lawsuit was brought by investors who purchased Nvidia shares between October 9 and November 8. They are seeking compensation for losses caused by a significant decline in the company’s share price.

The plaintiffs accuse Nvidia and Huang of knowingly making false statements by denying that the chief executive had a personal relationship with the woman in question. The lawsuit was filed by US law firm The Rosen Law. The newspaper notes that Nvidia could face two further lawsuits from other companies.

Nvidia shares fell by 5% on Monday after Huang acknowledged in a statement to employees that he had been romantically involved with the woman under investigation.

According to Forbes USA, Huang’s net worth fell by $7.4 billion, briefly pushing him out of the world’s top 10 richest people.

The billionaire’s admission has also fuelled speculation about a possible divorce from his wife, Lori Huang. In the event of a divorce, she could receive tens of billions of dollars, although the exact amount remains unclear.

MP’s husband named in online gambling complaint

Lawyer Noraseth Nanongtoom has filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau against Zhang Taiyang, husband of Bhumjaithai MP Suchada Zhang Thaensap, over his alleged shareholding in Shuffle, an online gambling platform.

Mr Noraseth, of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, said cybercrime police have previously arrested several people for gambling on the website, and authorities should investigate not only the gamblers but also those allegedly organising and facilitating the operations.

He said any member of the public can file a criminal complaint in such cases because organising illegal gambling is a public criminal offence. A complainant does not need to be a direct victim for police to initiate legal proceedings.

Along with the complaint, he urged the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) to freeze assets linked to the alleged illegal gambling operation and investigate the financial transactions of everyone involved.

The evidence submitted included documents related to the company’s overseas registration, as well as papers concerning Mr Zhang’s acquisition of shares.

Mr Noraseth expressed hope that cybercrime police would conduct the investigation promptly and transparently, describing online gambling as a serious social problem.

Regarding speculation that Mr Zhang might have protection from influential or well-connected figures that could obstruct the investigation, the lawyer said everyone is subject to the same laws, and no one should receive special treatment.

Azerbaijan embassy hosts Victory Day and State Flag Day event in Washington

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United States organised an event in Washington, D.C., to mark November 8, Victory Day, and November 9, State Flag Day.

The event was held at the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in the United States and brought together members of the diplomatic corps, foreign ambassadors, military attachés, representatives of the U.S. government and local community, as well as Azerbaijani students and members of the Azerbaijani diaspora.

The event opened with the performance of Azerbaijan’s national anthem by pianist Hamaya Bakishova, a laureate of national and international competitions. Participants then observed a minute of silence in memory of Azerbaijani servicemen who lost their lives during the 44-day Patriotic War, as well as those killed in a factory explosion in the Turkish city of Izmir on November 9.

A video dedicated to Azerbaijan’s historic Victory was subsequently screened.

Addressing the gathering, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United States, Khazar Ibrahim, emphasized the special historical and spiritual significance of Victory Day and State Flag Day for the Azerbaijani people.

The ambassador noted that, as Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly emphasized, the flying of Azerbaijan’s tricolor flag over territories liberated from occupation symbolizes the restoration of historical justice, the country’s sovereignty and the triumph of international law.

Ibrahim stressed that, despite the heavy losses and tragedies Azerbaijan endured during the war, the country had advanced peace initiatives and demonstrated its commitment to establishing lasting stability and prosperity in the region.

Referring to large-scale reconstruction and development projects underway in the liberated territories, he highlighted Azerbaijan’s contribution to strengthening peace and cooperation across the South Caucasus. He also noted that progress toward regional peace had positively influenced the development of Azerbaijan-U.S. relations, including their advancement toward a strategic partnership.

Acting Military Attaché of Azerbaijan to the United States Captain 3rd Rank Kamran Tahirbayli also addressed the event, stating that the victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War was the result of the Azerbaijani people’s unwavering unity, the heroism of the country’s Armed Forces and the sacrifices made by fallen servicemen.

Paying tribute to those who gave their lives for their homeland, Tahirbayli described Victory Day as a symbol of national pride, solidarity and determination.

He emphasized that one of the most significant outcomes of the victory was the opportunity to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous future for generations to come. Preserving and strengthening peace, he added, represents an important way of honoring the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan.

Following the official proceedings, Hamaya Bakishova presented a musical program. Guests were also treated to traditional Azerbaijani cuisine during a reception.

French unions call for ‘major’ strike on November 17

The French union group General Confederation of Labour (CGT) called on Monday for “another major day” of strikes and protests on November 17.

“As long as wages don’t increase, as long as we don’t get a response to our demands, the mobilization will continue,” CGT General Secretary Sophie Binet (pictured right) said after a meeting with government officials.

Binet criticized the government’s measures aimed at appeasing the protesters, including a minimum wage increase of 1.6%. She argued that the rise amounts to pound 23, only pound 5 more than the automatic increase scheduled for January 1. The CGT demanded a 10% rise and slammed the measure as “crumbs.”

Govt outlines major transport upgrades for South

The Transport Ministry has outlined 14 major infrastructure projects worth about 362.6 billion baht in the South, including the 106.8-billion-baht second phase of the southern double-track railway.

Deputy Transport Minister Sanphet Bunyamanee said on Monday the ministry was working to speed up the projects to cut transport costs, improve connectivity and support local economies.

The railway project was approved by the cabinet on Sept 1, allowing the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to proceed with three sections covering a combined 504 kilometres.

They comprise a 168km section between Chumphon and Surat Thani costing 36.89 billion baht; a 291km section between Surat Thani and Hat Yai Junction costing 61.53 billion baht; and a 45km section between Hat Yai Junction and Padang Besar costing 8.37 billion baht.

The SRT is preparing to open the projects to bidding, with contracts expected to be signed in 2027. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2033.

Other projects in the ministry’s southern infrastructure programme include the Andaman Ring Port development in Phuket, Phangnga and Krabi, the Hat Yai Ring Road, the Phuket Expressway, an expressway linking Koh Samui to the mainland and a mass transit system in Songkhla.

The projects are at different stages, ranging from feasibility studies and approval processes to construction planning, Mr Sanphet said.

Two projects nearing construction are a 4.6-billion-baht bridge across Songkhla Lake linking Songkhla and Phatthalung, and a 1.78-billion-baht bridge connecting the mainland to Koh Lanta in Krabi.

Contracts for both bridges were signed on Aug 31, and the Department of Rural Roads plans to issue notices to proceed on Nov 14. Construction is expected to take about three years, with both bridges due to open in 2029.

The Songkhla Lake bridge is expected to shorten journeys by about 80km, cutting travel times from nearly two hours to 15-30 minutes. The Koh Lanta bridge will reduce reliance on ferries, improve access to the island and make it easier for emergency medical services to reach residents.

Mr Sanphet said the bridges addressed long-standing demands from local communities.

“What people want is not just plans, but roads they can use, bridges they can cross and transport systems that genuinely improve their lives,” he said.

Dec 16 declared special holiday for royal cremation

The cabinet has declared Dec 16 a special public holiday to allow people to attend or observe the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

The decision was made at a meeting on Tuesday. The five-day royal cremation ceremony will run from Dec 15 to 19 at the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang.

The main cremation ceremony will take place at 4.30pm on Dec 16, after the procession carries the royal urn to the royal crematorium at 7am.

The programme includes royal merit-making ceremonies on Dec 15 and 18, the collection of royal relics on Dec 17, and further rites on Dec 19.

The Public Relations Department and the Television Pool of Thailand have been granted permission to broadcast the ceremonies live throughout the five days.

Azerbaijan, Georgia, Trkiye and Bulgaria to sign strategic clean energy agreement at COP31

Azerbaijan, Georgia, Trkiye and Bulgaria are set to sign an intergovernmental agreement on strategic cooperation in clean energy during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Trkiye.

According to Georgia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, the agreement will be signed by Georgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili and the energy ministers of Azerbaijan, Trkiye and Bulgaria.

The signing ceremony is scheduled to take place during a ministerial-level event dedicated to the Global Green Freight Corridors Initiative, held on the sidelines of COP31.

The initiative aims to promote environmentally sustainable international freight transportation by encouraging the development of green infrastructure, cleaner energy solutions and advanced technologies across major transport corridors.

Trkiye’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) are jointly organising the ministerial event.

According to the Georgian ministry, discussions will focus on the prospects for implementing the Global Green Freight Corridors Initiative, proposed by Trkiye to reduce the environmental impact of international freight transportation and support sustainable transport development.

Clean energy and transport connectivity at the centre of cooperation

The initiative envisages closer cooperation between participating governments, international organisations, financial institutions and private-sector representatives.

Its main priorities include developing environmentally sustainable infrastructure along international transport corridors, integrating clean energy technologies and introducing innovative solutions to improve transport efficiency.

Particular attention will also be given to expanding digital connectivity and multimodal transportation networks, alongside mobilising investment for environmentally sustainable infrastructure projects.

The planned agreement between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Trkiye and Bulgaria is expected to provide a framework for strengthening regional cooperation in clean energy.

The four countries occupy important positions along transport and energy routes connecting the Caspian region, the South Caucasus and European markets.

Their cooperation could support efforts to integrate cleaner energy into regional infrastructure while improving the environmental sustainability of cross-border freight operations.

The signing comes as countries seek to align the development of international transport networks with climate commitments and growing demand for lower-emission logistics.

Lunique targets Pattaya projects amid oversupply in Bangkok

Property developer Lunique Real Estate Co will maintain its focus on mid-priced residential projects in Pattaya, avoiding Bangkok’s oversupplied market and Phuket’s increasingly expensive property segment.

Uradee Kunkiratiyut, the company’s chief executive, said demand in Bangkok’s residential market had been slowing for some time, while developing sea-view or beachfront condominiums in Phuket required prices per square metre to reach luxury-market levels.

“We remain focused on residential projects in the mid-priced segment, with prices of no more than 250,000 baht per square metre, as this segment has a broader customer base,” she said.

“We will continue to focus on Pattaya, supported by its infrastructure development and growth in the industrial sector.”

In Pattaya, buyers include foreign retirees seeking second homes as well as people with genuine housing needs who work in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

According to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), the condominium market in Chon Buri, particularly in Pattaya, Bang Saen and Sri Racha, performed strongly in the first half of 2026, with sales rising by 18% year-on-year to 3,580 units, driven by a recovery in tourism.

The monthly absorption rate reached 3% in the second quarter, the highest since the fourth quarter of 2024, when it stood at 3.7%, before declining to 2.7% in the first quarter of 2025.

Residential transfers were driven by both domestic buyers purchasing holiday homes and foreign buyers, mainly from Russia, China and Europe, the REIC reported.

The Pattaya-Na Jomtien area, where condominium prices ranged from 1.69 million to 7.41 million baht per unit, recorded the highest sales rate at 21%, compared with an average of 20% across Chon Buri’s condominium market.

Ms Uradee said the company’s first condominium project, Skypark Lucean Jomtien Pattaya, had achieved a sales rate of 60% since its launch in 2023, with only 4% of the foreign ownership quota remaining.

Russian and Japanese buyers accounted for the largest groups of foreign purchasers, alongside buyers from Europe, the US, and other Asian countries.

Russian buyers included both those purchasing second homes for personal use and investors seeking rental income, while Japanese buyers were mainly expatriates working in the EEC, Ms Uradee added.

Next month, the company plans to launch its second project, Lucean Bay Jomtien Pattaya, a 60-storey condominium development worth 4.8 billion baht. The project will comprise 588 sea-view units, ranging from 29 square metres in size and priced from 160,000 baht per sq m.

“Pattaya is shifting from a short-stay tourist city to a home for quality living,” she said. “Amid rising demand for wellness real estate, the project will combine wellness-focused design and facilities with a health partnership with Bangkok Hospital Pattaya.”