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Australian Wade Ormsby defeated Scott Vincent from Zimbabwe on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff yesterday to win the Jakarta International Championship following one of the closest finishes seen on the Asian Tour this season.

Ormsby triumphed after making a routine par on the par-four 18th, where Vincent found water with his second shot.

Ormsby trailed the frontrunner and playing partner Vincent all day, with a stacked leaderboard meaning the tournament could have been won by a whole host of players. A crucial eight-footer for par on the 18th by Ormsby in regulation play forced the event into overtime. Vincent had left the door open when he made a bogey on 16 and missed a six-foot birdie putt on 17.

Both Ormsby and Vincent shot one-under-par 69s to finished tied on 12-under.

Vincent’s brother Kieran (67) and Mun Do-Yeob (67) from Korea tied for third along with Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert (68), Poom Saksansin (69) and Sadom Kaewkanjana (69), missing the playoff by one shot.

Kieran Vincent came agonisingly close to making the playoff but also found water on 18 and made a bogey. It’s Ormsby’s fifth victory on the Asian Tour and second on The International Series. His last win came at the International Series Thailand in 2023.

The victory also made up for being penalised one shot after his round on Saturday when he was judged to have accidentally moved his ball when he addressed it on the fourth. He’s also been enduring a poor season with his best being tied 21st at the International Series India.

“It was a bit of a grind,” said Ormsby, who hung in there by making nine straight pars on the back nine. “Probably didn’t have my best stuff out there today, but I was just hanging in there. Feel bad for Scotty, you know, he kind of let a couple slip at the end there. But I hit a couple of great shots in that playoff hole, so that makes me feel better about the whole thing.”

Ormsby moves into fifth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and third on The International Series Rankings. Vincent regained the lead over Kazuki Higa on the Merit list after the Japanese finished in a tie for 33rd this week. He also goes top of The International Series Rankings, leapfrogging Lucas Herbert from Australia.

The Asian Tour has a week off now before the Macao Open.

As the global shift towards renewable energy accelerates, Thailand continues to emerge as a key player in the region’s clean energy transformation. Building on this momentum, SKYWORTH, a leading global technology group with more than 37 years of expertise in the electronics industry, has expanded beyond smart home appliances and intelligent systems into the renewable energy sector through the launch of SKYWORTH Photovoltaic (SKYWORTH PV). The company now delivers comprehensive solar energy solutions – from modules and inverters to energy storage systems, mounting structures, and EPC services – serving both residential and commercial customers.

Most recently, SKYWORTH PV announced a strategic partnership with Solve System (Thailand), a provider of innovation-driven energy solutions. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a 120MW solar project and a 30MW Solar Home strategic cooperation, reinforcing renewable energy development across the ASEAN region with Thailand as the central hub of operations. This collaboration reflects not only confidence in Thailand’s potential but also the enduring friendship between Thailand and China as both nations work together towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Strengthening Bilateral Energy Cooperation

Ms Wanfei Qu, Chief Investment Officer of SKYWORTH Group, Director and CEO of SKYWORTH PV, and President of SKYWORTH Renewable Energy (Thailand) Co., Ltd., highlighted the significance of the partnership: ‘It is my great honour to be here today at this important moment, as China and Thailand celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over the past five decades, our two countries have built a deep friendship and robust cooperation. I firmly believe that clean energy will be one of the most promising areas for us to move forward together. This partnership is more than a signing – it is a symbol of trust, shared values, and a shared vision. Together with our Thai partners, we will write a new chapter in clean energy cooperation between China and Thailand.’

Through this partnership, SKYWORTH PV will supply solar products, services, and technical support, while Solve System will drive local operations across the region. The collaboration aims to deliver maximum benefits to Thailand by offering clean, affordable, and reliable energy supported by local expertise and efficient installation. It is also expected to boost brand awareness, encourage wider adoption of solar technology, and empower Thai consumers to embrace sustainable living – reducing reliance on the grid, lowering costs, and promoting energy independence.

Expansion and Future Goals

Looking ahead, Ms Qu outlined SKYWORTH PV’s future plans: ‘Over the next three to five years, we plan to expand into larger-scale commercial and industrial projects, integrating advanced energy storage and digital monitoring systems. We are also seeking to strengthen R and D collaboration and extend our presence into neighbouring ASEAN markets. Within the next one to two years, we will pursue additional strategic partnerships and enhance brand awareness through seminars, workshops, and training, enabling households and businesses to embark on their green energy journey with SKYWORTH solar solutions.’

Local Expertise and Long-Term Impact

On behalf of Solve System, Mr Tan Pinthanon, Managing Director of Solve System Group, emphasised the company’s strategic role: ‘Our strength lies in our deep understanding of local and regional markets, supported by well-established distribution channels. With extensive experience in the solar energy sector, we are committed to helping customers access clean energy and achieve true energy independence. Partnering with SKYWORTH – a company with over 37 years of experience, a strong reputation in Asia, and a robust supply chain – creates the perfect synergy to drive Thailand’s solar industry forward.’

Since establishing its Thailand subsidiary earlier this year, SKYWORTH PV has made significant progress in the local market. In July, the company formed strategic partnerships with ICBC (Thailand) and Olympus Capital, supporting cross-border green finance and clean energy investment. The new cooperation with Solve System and Hermis Property marks another milestone in SKYWORTH PV’s efforts to deepen its presence in Thailand and accelerate its localisation and large-scale development strategy – solidifying the company’s continued expansion in the Southeast Asian market.

‘The 120MW project and 30MW Solar Home initiative represent more than just business,’ Mr Tan added. ‘They embody our shared mission to accelerate Thailand’s transition to clean energy. By combining advanced technology with local expertise, we aim to make renewable energy more accessible, reliable, and affordable for all – strengthening energy independence, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting Thailand’s long-term sustainability goals.’

Mercedes’ George Russell won the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, as McLaren clinched the Formula One constructors’ championship.

Oscar Piastri was fourth, meaning his lead over McLaren teammate Norris at the top of the drivers’ standings was cut to 22 points.

The 27 points scored by Piastri and Norris were more than enough for McLaren to equal the record set by Red Bull in 2023 by winning the team title with six races to spare.

It was McLaren’s second title in a row and 10th in the team’s history, and was won despite their two drivers clashing in the opening turns with sparks flying as Norris got the better of Piastri.

“They have driven brilliantly all season. You can’t win the constructors’ without two awesome racing drivers,” said McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

“As you can see, we are letting them race. They race hard, they race clean, they race to win.”

Russell was overjoyed to win the night race for the first time, saying it was payback for his final-lap crash two years ago while pushing for victory on the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

“It feels amazing, especially after what happened a couple of years ago. That was a bit of a missed opportunity, but we more than made up for it today,” said the Englishman, who started on pole.

“We don’t really know where this performance came from, but really, really happy.

“I mean, a one hour, 45-minute race here in Singapore, with the heat and humidity, is never smooth and straightforward.

“But pulling out a 10-second gap in 20 laps was really great. And from that moment on it was bring it home.”

Dutchman Verstappen was relieved to finish second for Red Bull.

“I think the whole race was quite difficult, more difficult than I hoped for, for a lot of different reasons,” said the four-time world champion, who remains third in the title race, 63 points behind Australia’s Piastri.

“There’s a few things that we need to understand why they went wrong today.

“But around here even if you have more pace, you can’t pass without anything crazy happening. So I think second was the maximum result.”

– ‘Not fair’ –

Kimi Antonelli crossed the line fifth in a Mercedes, followed by the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

Fernando Alonso, Oliver Bearman and Carlos Sainz rounded out the top 10.

Hamilton struggled with failing brakes towards the end of the race, dropping from fifth to seventh.

He then was slapped with a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits multiple times, relegating him to eighth behind Alonso.

At the start, Russell got away cleanly from Verstappen, but the drama all happened behind the Mercedes.

Norris, from fifth on the grid, darted past Antonelli and dived up the inside of Piastri, who started third, at turn one.

Norris was flying and clipped the back of Verstappen on the way to barging his way into third place in a wheel-to-wheel clash with teammate Piastri.

The championship leader was not impressed. “So are we cool with Lando just barging me out of the way there? What’s the go there?” Piastri complained on team radio.

His anger was not appeased by the team saying they would discuss the incident after the race and not order Norris to swap places.

“That’s not fair. I’m sorry, that’s not fair,” Piastri said.

Norris disagreed. “It was good racing,” he said.

After pitting for hard tyres, the leading four emerged in the same order, though Verstappen was reporting downshift problems with his gearbox that felt “like a handbrake”.

By lap 41 of the 62 Norris had the ailing Verstappen in his sights but found it impossible to get close enough to pass on a circuit where overtaking is notoriously tricky.

“Max didn’t make any mistakes. I gave it my all today and got close,” said Norris.

The night race in tropical Singapore was declared the first official Formula One “Heat Hazard”.

That means all drivers had to have liquid-cooled vests available, though wearing them was not mandatory.

However, with the air temperature around 28C for the race, rather than the expected 31C, some opted not to use the new equipment, including Verstappen.

Two Thai high school students have brought pride to the nation after their invention was honoured internationally and nationally within the same month.

The Future of Good Life project, led by Marc Sithsakorn Jantrakul of Ruamrudee International School (RIS), Bangkok, together with Win (Chaiyanat Kuptivej) of Bangkok Patana School, received top honours at the 10th International Invention Innovation Competition (iCAN 2025) in Toronto, Canada, on 30 August 2025. Their device, RiceSense, impressed international judges and earned the Gold Medal, the Organiser’s Choice Award, the Certificate of Excellence, and a Special Award from the Korea University Invention Association.

On 23 September 2025, the two students were again recognised in Thailand when they received the Prime Minister’s Digital Award 2025 – Digital Youth of the Year (Merit Award). The national honour highlights the impact of their project in using digital technology to support sustainable farming practices.

RiceSense is a low-cost, portable device that uses digital sensors and cloud-based data submission to help farmers measure water levels in rice fields. Designed as an affordable and farmer-friendly alternative to complex IoT systems, it enables more farmers to adopt low-carbon rice farming methods.

Marc, who hopes to pursue computer science or computer engineering at university, said the awards mark an important milestone for Thai youth-led innovation. ‘Being recognised both internationally and nationally in the same month is incredible,’ Marc said. ‘These honours show that students in Thailand can create real solutions for farmers, for the environment, and for the country’s future.’

Both Marc and Win have also been nominated by the Thai government to represent Thailand at the World Food Forum Youth Representatives Programme in Rome this October, where they will present their project to global leaders.

The awards were presented by Dr Jakkanit Kananurak, Vice President, Digital Manpower Development and Promotion Department, Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA).

The back-to-back recognition abroad and at home, combined with the upcoming World Food Forum, underscores how Thai youth are combining engineering, coding, and innovation to drive sustainable agriculture and contribute to global solutions.

The Democrat Party is seeing a surge of political veterans rejoining its ranks, as momentum builds behind former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s expected return to the party leadership ahead of a crucial general assembly later this month.

Among the high-profile returnees is Khunying Supatra Masdit, a former minister to the prime minister’s office, who announced via Facebook that she had rejoined the party to help restore its strength and reconnect it with the public.

“I have returned as a Democrat Party member once again, to support the existence of a strong, principled party driven by new generations who are idealistic, patriotic, loyal to the nation and uphold moral integrity,” Ms Supatra wrote.

She said her decision was motivated by the belief that it was time to help bring the Democrat Party “back to the hearts of the people who once supported it” and “return the party to its true owners — the Thais who have long shared its ideals”.

In the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chaichana Dechdecho, acting deputy party leader, led a group of 20 provincial administrative organisation (PAO) members in applying for Democrat Party membership at a local meeting in Ron Phibun district.

Mr Chaichana told reporters the meeting was held to discuss the party’s future direction ahead of the general assembly on Oct 18, when a new leader and executive board will be chosen.

He confirmed that he and the group supported Mr Abhisit’s return to the top post, calling him “the right person” to guide the party through renewal and help it regain public confidence.

Adding to the sense of resurgence, Korbsak Sabhavasu, former deputy prime minister for economic affairs in the Abhisit’s administration and a former Democrat deputy leader, announced his return to the party on Saturday.

In recent weeks, a number of former Democrat members who had previously left the party have begun reapplying for membership as they hope for a reversal of fortunes, arguing Mr Abhisit could be the figure capable of revitalising the party which shrank considerably in the previous election.

The recent resignation of Chalermchai Sri-on as party leader has set the stage for a new leadership contest that could determine whether the Democrats can win back support in the next election or fade further from the scene, according to one political observer.

The government led by Anutin Charnvirakul began its term on Oct 1 under a four-month mandate, ahead of the expected dissolution of parliament and upcoming general elections.

By taking office in the final quarter of the year, the administration inherits a full-year budget of 3.78 trillion baht for fiscal 2026.

Economic activity is projected to pick up in the final months of the year, driven by increased government spending and the tourism high season.

However, the business community remains cautious as many doubt the anticipated uptick will be enough to offset the year-long economic slowdown within such a limited time frame.

There is also scepticism surrounding the government’s populist policies, which some see as little more than tools for electoral campaigning.

LIMITED IMPACT

Yunyong Thaicharoen, chief economist at SCB EIC, a research centre under Siam Commercial Bank, said although the government’s “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme is expected to stimulate domestic consumption, its impact will likely be limited.

The scheme is projected to increase GDP by less than 0.1 percentage points this year, he said.

“The stimulus scheme is likely to encourage spending among middle- to upper-income earners, who still possess purchasing power. However, lower-income groups are more inclined to save rather than spend, due to high debt burdens and weaker income growth,” said Mr Yunyong.

Still, he agreed stimulus measures remain essential to support the country’s economic momentum.

Beyond short-term support, the new government should also focus on strengthening economic stability and pursuing structural reforms to build confidence and lay a foundation for long-term growth, said Mr Yunyong.

For the second half of this year, SCB EIC projects Thai GDP growth to average less than 1%, down from 2.8% growth in the second quarter.

The centre projects Thai GDP expansion of 0.9% year-on-year in the third quarter, followed by a 0.5% increase in the fourth quarter.

The Thai economy expanded by 2.8% year-on-year in the second quarter, easing from 3.2% in the first quarter. For the full year, GDP growth is forecast at 1.8% this year, slowing to 1.5% in 2026, according to SCB EIC.

The centre noted Thailand’s economic momentum is weakening, driven by both external and domestic challenges.

US tariffs have hurt shipments in some sectors and contributed to an ongoing export slowdown.

Meanwhile, foreign tourist arrivals are expected to lose steam in the second half of the year as baht appreciation against regional peers pressures both exports and tourism, according to SCB EIC.

The centre predicts the Thai economy to record low growth over the next 1-2 years as external challenges still exacerbate internal vulnerabilities.

WARNING

Nonarit Bisonyabut, a research fellow at Thailand Development Research Institute, warns stimulus policies should be carried out at an appropriate level or else it will become more difficult to address economic problems in the long run.

“I think the more we stimulate, the better the short-term economy looks, but in the long run, it becomes harder to fix,” said Mr Nonarit.

“At this point, we need to talk about the long-term picture, which includes fiscal sustainability.”

In his view, the planned stimulus package, expected to allocate a budget of 66 billion baht with the co-payment scheme as its main policy, might be slightly too large as initially the budget was supposed to be 20-30 billion.

Mr Nonarit said the co-payment scheme is likely to be the most effective policy compared with other projects, including direct cash handouts or tax rebate schemes such as “Shop Dee Mee Khuen” or “Shop Chuay Chart”, where people must spend first and later claim the money back through annual tax filings.

He said although the co-payment scheme may have weaknesses for the truly poor who cannot take part, which reduces its overall effectiveness, on the whole it has been more effective than past programmes.

If the government tries to introduce additional stimulus measures at year-end such as Shop Chuay Chart, Mr Nonarit said it may not be appropriate because the effectiveness would be limited compared with the large stimulus required to move the needle.

“For economic stimulus, we should assess the domestic economy’s growth potential and identify shortfalls. Stimulus should match these gaps rather than exceed them, as overstimulation gradually diminishes the policy’s effectiveness and is further constrained by fiscal limits,” he said.

The government’s real challenge is the economic structure, which is burdened by high household debt and banks’ reluctance to lend, said Mr Nonarit.

With such a structure, when the government injects money, the circulation in the economy is unlikely to be worth the money spent, as the environment is not conducive to growth. This results in minimal impact and heightened fiscal risks, he said.

“If the government wants to help people affected by economic shocks, such as those suffering from floods or the border conflict with Cambodia, it would make more sense to directly send money to those targeted groups,” said Mr Nonarit.

As for the Commerce Ministry’s cost-of-living reduction policies, he said the government should not interfere with market mechanisms by lowering electricity or fuel prices. Instead, targeted support for those in real need is preferred, said Mr Nonarit.

STEROID INJECTION

Prakit Siriwattanaket, managing director of Merchant Partners Asset Management, said the new government is expected to spend eight months in office — four months as an interim government and four as a caretaker administration.

“This period is similar to steroids being injected into the economy through massive stimulus programmes, such as the co-payment scheme, debt moratorium and debt suspension, all of which are likely to stimulate the domestic economy in a short period of time,” he said.

Unlike the previous Pheu Thai administration, the stimulus launched by the Anutin government is mostly adjusted from measures designed by its predecessors.

In doing so, previously successful measures can be implemented quickly by a short-term government to prop up the economy, said Mr Prakit.

If the policies are rolled out successfully, he estimates they could support the Thai economy to expand by at least 2% this year, even reaching 2.3% as forecast by the Bank of Thailand.

Asia Plus Securities said the government’s four-month “quick-win” economic stimulus should lift GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 by more than 0.3 percentage points year-on-year.

In the final quarter, the brokerage noted monetary policy easing is possible to support government stimulus, which is focused on five pillars: stimulating the economy and tourism; tackling household debts; expanding household savings; strengthening small and medium-sized enterprise liquidity; and promoting saving for future investment.

Lalita Thienprasiddhi, head of macro research at Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research), said the government measures are anticipated to relieve the financial burden of consumers and help sustain the economy in the final quarter.

Scheduled for implementation during the final two months of the year, the co-payment scheme is expected to lift the economy by only 0.15 percentage points due to low purchasing power, noted the centre.

Given the limited policy space and concerns about fiscal status from credit rating agencies, K-Research said additional government measures must focus more on efficiency of both spending and revenue generation.

“Being a minority government may affect the push for key policies and budget disbursements throughout its tenure, which is expected to last roughly eight months,” said Ms Lalita.

SHORT-TERM BOOST

Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, said two short-term stimulus initiatives should increase consumer purchasing demand in the four months before parliament is dissolved.

He said the co-payment scheme will benefit a broad group of consumers by stimulating immediate domestic consumption.

Previous Khon La Khrueng schemes generated a multiplier effect because spending tended to occur at small retail shops nationwide.

“This scheme can stimulate the economy immediately, but it is a temporary solution and does not address income structure or household expenses in the longer term,” said Mr Dhanakorn.

He said a tourism initiative for secondary cities, which includes a double tax deduction for travel expenses and a budget for seminars of 6-8 billion baht for government agencies and state enterprises, could benefit these areas, distributing income to lesser visited provinces.

The tax deduction should encourage middle- to high-income individuals to travel domestically, particularly during the year-end festivals, increasing spending per tourist and domestic tourism revenue, said Mr Dhanakorn.

“These initiatives provide a short-term boost, but without strategies to promote investment and exports as well as reduce production costs, we will not see a sustainable economic recovery,” he said.

TOURISM EFFECT

Chai Arunanondchai, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), said domestic spending should improve in the fourth quarter thanks to government stimulus schemes.

Healthier income circulation from these efforts should eventually benefit tourism, he said.

Domestic tourism should benefit from stimulus, including the co-payment scheme, household debt reduction plan and tax breaks for visiting second-tier destinations, said Mr Chai.

He said these relief measures will help Thai tourists save more to spend on domestic trips, helping to fill up vacancies in second-tier cities as well as northern provinces, which are popular for cool weather and cheaper travel prices than southern cities.

Tourism and Sports Minister Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn pledged to increase Chinese tourists by 2-3 million over his four months in office, and Mr Chai said to achieve this vow, flight capacity for domestic and international routes should be maximised simultaneously to cater to growing demand, while safety measures must be heightened.

He said TCT plans to meet with the tourism and sports minister to share its concerns regarding the tourism industry.

Mr Chai said the council is requesting dedicated measures for hotels and tourism operators in the seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border, such as tax reductions and social security aid as tourism remains sluggish in these areas.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul recently floated the idea of extending the mandatory retirement age for civil servants from 60 to 65 years old. Though this idea is not new, the fact the proposal comes directly from the prime minister gives it enough political weight to make state agencies take the idea seriously.

The extension of the retirement age has been discussed before in Thailand, as similar policies have been adopted in some European countries. Last year, Thailand officially became an ageing society, with more than 20% of its population aged 60 or above.

This demographic shift weighs heavily on economic, social and, more particularly, public healthcare outlooks. However, recent medical advances have also extended life expectancy, helping seniors stay longer in the labour market.

Supporters say raising the retirement age could help stabilise the Social Security Fund, the country’s largest pension fund with over 2.6 trillion baht in assets. With fewer contributors and more retirees drawing pension funds, the SSF’s sustainability has been under threat.

Before the government moves forward with the plan, it must consider the potential benefits against the drawbacks, as Thailand’s bureaucratic structure differs sharply from that of advanced European economies.

For Thailand, extending the mandatory retirement age at this time may prove premature and potentially counterproductive. The question is whether raising the retirement age in the public sector should be a priority when the bureaucracy is still bloated and inefficient.

Many civil servants nearing retirement are underutilised yet remain on the payroll. The Ministry of Defence is an example. There are thousands of generals, and most have few active responsibilities.

The government should first prioritise making changes to the civil sector so it can be leaner. The problem here is not a shortage of workers but a misallocation of capable personnel and a lack of merit-based advancements. Extending the retirement age before cutting the unnecessary fat would only worsen the problem and, above all, discourage younger talent from taking part.

Moreover, the government’s pension argument holds little weight. The fiscal burden was largely eased after the 1997 crisis, when the Government Pension Fund was established, allowing retirees to draw from their own savings and investment returns instead of the state budget.

There are also only limited advantages to a blanket extension. Certain professionals who require deep expertise — such as judges and university professors — already enjoy special provisions to allow service until the age of 65 or 70.

For the private sector, the benefits are also unclear. There are companies which already have the flexibility to retain skilled employees past the retirement age. The real labour shortages are in low-skilled sectors, and this can’t be resolved by simply extending the retirement age.

Worse, workers under the SSF may be at a disadvantage if the retirement age is raised, as they may lose the freedom to retire and claim benefits at 60, while employers will still retain the ability to dismiss older workers at will.

So, Thailand should not extend the retirement age simply because it needs to help the SSF, as the SSF needs serious reform, not just window-dressing reform in the name of extending the retirement age.

New innovation marks a major step toward reducing Thailand’s healthcare burden as 80% of cardiovascular diseases are preventable.1,2

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW), the global leader in structural heart disease innovation, today announced the launch of its breakthrough next-generation transcatheter heart valve technology at the prestigious Mahidol TAVI Symposium, held on 26-27 September, at Pullman Bangkok King Power. This launch aims to help alleviate Thailand’s escalating valvular heart disease burden-a key driver of cardiovascular deaths globally.

The launch arrives at a pivotal moment, as statistics from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (2023)2 reveal that over 250,000 Thai citizens are currently living with cardiovascular disease. Of particular concern is aortic valve disease, which accounts for approximately 40,000 deaths annually2 and disproportionately affects Thailand’s aging population-especially those aged 65 and older2. In this population, progressive calcification of the aortic valve leads to thickening, stiffening, and impaired valve function. Aortic stenosis-the most common form of valvular heart disease-is a degenerative condition strongly associated with aging. As the valve becomes increasingly calcified, blood flow from the heart is significantly restricted. Once symptoms appear, the prognosis worsens rapidly: without timely treatment, approximately 10% of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis may die within five weeks3. This alarming statistic highlights the critical importance of early detection and prompt intervention.

Edwards’ next-generation balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve incorporates breakthrough proprietary calcification-resistant tissue technology that helps prevent calcium buildup on the valve leaflets, which is a primary cause of structural valve deterioration and the need for re-intervention4. The valve also features dry tissue storage for simplified hospital workflows, and an enhanced outer sealing design to improve long term durability.

Outstanding Clinical Outcomes

The tissue technology incorporated into this platform is the same as that used in Edwards’ leading surgical aortic valve. Recent findings from the eight-year COMMENCE Study demonstrated promising outcomes, including 99.3% freedom from structural valve deterioration, clinically stable haemodynamic gradients, and 97% freedom from reoperation5.

Building on this foundation, Edwards Lifesciences’ next-generation transcatheter heart valve technology has demonstrated exceptional clinical outcomes across diverse patient populations. Real-world data from over 9,000 propensity-matched patients in the United States National STS/ACC TVT Registry showed that patients receiving the valve experienced outstanding one-year outcomes with low mortality rate, low re-intervention rate, and no paravalvular leak in 84.4% of cases6.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattawut Wongpraparut, Director of the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory at The Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, highlighted its clinical advantages for Thai healthcare providers. ‘Durability is widely recognised as a critical element in valve therapy, and this technology’s innovative design aims to address calcification-a major contributor to valve failure-with greater effectiveness. Thai patients and the Thai healthcare system will benefit from bringing these world-class treatment capabilities to Thailand further supporting our efforts to reduce the devastating impact of aortic stenosis which can lead to heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest and death.’

Dr. Mann Chandavimol, Structural Heart Intervention at The Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, emphasised the significance of this technology for Thai patients. ‘The launch of this next-generation transcatheter heart valve represents a transformative advancement for Thailand’s cardiovascular care landscape. Given the alarming global statistics showing cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death worldwide and affecting over 250,000 Thais, this technology offers hope for patients experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, ankle swelling, and irregular heartbeat. The enhanced durability and proven clinical outcomes enable us to treat not only elderly patients but also younger individuals with severe aortic stenosis, providing them with treatment options that combine immediate safety with exceptional long-term performance. Early detection is crucial, and this technology represents a significant advancement in our treatment capabilities.’

Scott Graham, THV Business Unit Head, APAC at Edwards Lifesciences, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and improving patient outcomes. ‘This latest generation of transcatheter heart valve is the result of nearly two decades of research and development and reflects Edwards’ continued dedication to delivering patient-centric solutions. Recent data underscores its value in the lifetime management of valve disease for patients. This latest transcatheter heart valve leverages this advancement to improve quality of life, support sustainable long-term outcomes, and enable future treatment possibilities.’

Parameswaran Nair, Country Leader of Greater India and Southeast Asia at Edwards Lifesciences, connected the launch to Thailand’s broader healthcare objectives. ‘Thailand’s proactive stance on cardiovascular disease, including recent public health alerts on aortic stenosis, reflects its strong commitment to saving lives amid a global crisis. We’re proud to support these efforts by introducing this advanced platform to Thai patients and clinicians. With over 65 years of innovation, Edwards Lifesciences remains dedicated to transforming patient outcomes. This launch strengthens our support for Thailand’s healthcare excellence and ensures access to leading cardiac therapies as the population ages.’

As Thailand continues to address its cardiovascular disease burden through both prevention and treatment strategies, Edwards Lifesciences remains committed to collaborating with leading clinicians and healthcare institutions to expand access to life-saving therapies. The company’s focus on innovation, clinical evidence, and partnership with healthcare professionals ensures Thai patients can live longer, healthier, and more active lives while supporting the government’s goal of reducing cardiovascular deaths through advanced treatment options in the face of a global epidemic claiming over 19 million lives annually7.

Typhoon Matmo has intensified over the upper South China Sea and made landfall in China’s Guangdong province on Sunday, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.

While the storm will not enter Thailand, it is strengthening the southwest monsoon, bringing heavier rain and flash flood risks to northern, northeastern, eastern and southern regions through Oct 7. At 4am Thai time on Sunday, the typhoon had maximum winds near the centre of about 120 kilometres per hour and was moving west-northwest at a speed of around 25km/h.

After Matmo made landfall, it has weakened rapidly as a high-pressure system from China pushes southward between Oct 6 and 7, the department said.

However, Matmo will strengthen the southwest monsoon over Thailand’s Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, bringing more rain across the North and the Northeast, with heavy rainfall in some areas of the East and the western coast of the South until Oct 7.

Residents in at-risk areas are advised to be on alert for flash floods, runoff and overflowing rivers due to heavy and accumulated rainfall.

In the upper Andaman Sea, waves are expected to reach 1-2 metres in height and exceed 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms.

Parliament has approved a controversial amendment to the Fisheries Act, a move the Department of Fisheries insists will balance marine conservation with the livelihoods of fisherfolk.

The House of Representatives passed the bill on Sept 17, despite objections from senators in February over Article 69.

The Department of Fisheries has defended the change, stressing the article was not removed but revised with additional safeguards.

Under the current Article 69, the use of seine nets with mesh sizes smaller than 2.5 centimetres is banned for nighttime fishing beyond 12 nautical miles.

The amended version allows their use under certain conditions starting 12 nautical miles from the shore.

Environmental groups and fisherfolk have warned this change could damage marine ecosystems and undermine Thailand’s international commitments on sustainable fishing.

Bancha Sukkaew, director-general of the Department of Fisheries, on Sept 29 defended the amendment.

He said that while the law permits smaller-mesh nets, it also grants the agriculture minister authority to approve fishing gear under strict conditions, including designated zones and mandatory research reviews every two years.

Research findings and policy measures must be approved by the National Fisheries Policy Committee and undergo public hearings.

“Any approval for using such fishing gear will be based on scientific studies to ensure no harm is done to marine resources. Research is the key factor in decision-making,” Mr Bancha said.

The new Fisheries Act, which amends the 2015 Royal Ordinance, includes 71 revised sections.

It reduces penalties, expands rights for small-scale fishers, and aims to align Thailand’s laws with international sustainability standards.

The law also abolishes Article 34, which restricted offshore fishing, revises the structure of provincial fisheries committees, limits fishing licences to Thai nationals and removes overlapping labour regulations in seafood processing plants.

Mr Bancha argued these changes will ease burdens on fisherfolk and revive the industry, saying: “The new law will preserve marine resources as a sustainable food source while improving fisherfolk’s incomes.”

The Act is awaiting publication in the Royal Gazette before taking effect.

The Department of Fisheries is also drafting subordinate laws to ensure effective implementation.

Opposition, however, remains strong. Piya Tetyam, chairman of the Federation of Thai Fisherfolk Associations, denounced Article 69 as a “legal loophole” that reintroduces destructive fishing practices banned since 1983.

“Past studies by the Department of Fisheries clearly showed the severe impacts of this equipment on marine ecosystems, especially larvae.

“This law only benefits about 175 commercial trawlers, while small-scale fisherfolk who depend on mature fish will suffer the most,” he warned.

Mr Piya said his group plans to launch a campaign in Bangkok by year’s end to raise public awareness of the ecological risks, warning of a “catastrophe” if mature fish stocks continue to decline.