Panel reviewing Thaksin’s pardon petition

The Justice Ministry has set up a panel to review convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s petition for a royal pardon, according to Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat.

Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon said on Thursday that he has established a committee to review the petition, and it is anticipated to complete the examination within three days.

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.

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 then 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 Klong Prem Central Prison. According to Ms Paetongtarn, her father had some neck issues, but he appeared fine overall.

Meanwhile, property giant SC Asset on Thursday informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) that Ms Paetongtarn reclaimed her 28.43% stake after stepping down from office, making her the largest major shareholder in the company.

Red, Purple Line fare still B20

The cabinet has extended the 20-baht flat fare rate on the Red and Purple Lines for two more months until Nov 30, government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said yesterday.

The flat fare introduced in 2023, was initially set to expire on Tuesday. The extension came as part of the new government’s vow to help ease the cost of living.

Transport Ministry officials were assigned to come up with sustainable solutions to keep the fare low without putting a financial burden on the state over the next two months, said Mr Siripong.

Chanin Rungthanakiat, deputy spokesman of the Pheu Thai Party, backed the cabinet’s decision. Pheu Thai initiated the flat-fare policy, said Mr Chanin, adding that the measure helps at least 100,000 commuters with their living costs and makes the extension very suitable now.

He called on the cabinet to extend this policy to cover all electric train lines. Implementing this policy would mean a fix for the transport system of the entire city and would help reduce pollution and PM2.5 dust particles.

He added the project supports city expansion as people are encouraged to live further away from the city centre because they would be no longer limited by commuting costs.

Mr Chanin said the policy is not only focused on urban commuters as it affects various dimensions of development. It should also not be seen as a populist or Pheu Thai policy.

Thai squad for qualifiers announced

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) on Wednesday announced a 23-strong national squad for the War Elephants’ home-and-away 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying games this month.

Thailand, placed in Group D of qualifying tournament for Saudi Arabia 2027, are scheduled to take on Taiwan on Oct 9 at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium before playing an away game against the same opponents on Oct 14 at Taipei Municipal Stadium.

Thailand are currently in second place in the group table with three points from two matches. They started the campaign with a victory over Sri Lanka but went on to lose against Turkmenistan in June.

While Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii has kept faith in Chanathip Songkrasin, Nicholas Mickelson, Supachok Sarachat and Supachai Chaided, he has once again overlooked veterans Theerathon Bunmathan and Teerasil Dangda.

Ishii said: “We have retained the key players in the team in the hope that they will help us post good results in the games against Taiwan. We follow all players and have tried to name the best possible squad.”

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Patiwat Khammai, Saranon Anuin and Kampon Pathomakkakul

Defenders: Suphanan Bureerat, Nicholas Mickelson, Suphan Thongsong, Nattapong Sairiya, Saringkan Promsupa, Jonathan Khemdee, Apisit Sorada and Sasalak Haiprakhon

Midfielders: Weerathep Pomphan, Phitiwat Sookjithammakul, Chanathip Songkrasin, Worachit Kanitsribumphen, Thitiphan Puangchan, Benjamin Davis, Seksan Ratree, Jaroensak Wonggorn and Supachok Sarachat

Forwards: Supachai Chaided, Teerasak Poeiphimai and Poramet Arjvirai

FIXTURES

Oct 9 – Thailand v Taiwan (Rajamangala National Stadium, 7.30pm)

Oct 14 – Taiwan v Thailand (Taipei Municipal Stadium, 5.30pm)

When health becomes the new status symbol

Nowadays, there’s an expensive price tag and a high social currency associated with wellness and longevity. The latter already sparked a viral online debate in Thailand mere weeks ago, with thought leaders and influencers sharing their interpretation of longevity, and whether it’s turned into a measure of wealth, therefore creating pressure for the aspiring class and demanding you keep up appearances by investing in ice baths, wearing tech devices and measuring your sleep quality. Whilst advocating for wellness is all well and good, there are more ways to live a balanced life than constantly quantifying and tracking your wearables.

This trend is seeping through everywhere, even in luxury hotels. In 2024, Aman appointed tennis legend Novak Djokovic as its first Global Wellness Advisor in a multi-year partnership.

Thailand is well-positioned for a wellness ecosystem. Our country’s wellness economy was valued at 1 trillion baht in 2024. Just look at some world-class establishments we have on hand – from Chiva Som, which ranks high on every wellness retreat list, to RAKxa Wellness Retreat in Bang Krachao, a newer player that launched in 2020 but quickly gained traction due to its facilities and reputable services. These retreats have emerged as a new status symbol.

There are various layers of segmentation to our country’s wellness ecosystem, from retreats to clinics, spas, boutique gyms and restaurants offering clean food.

An Aston Martin or a Richard Mille on your wrist may shout it from the rooftops, but in today’s wellness and longevity-minded culture, contemporary urbanites also measure success with measures of time, flexibility and their Whoop devices. Nowadays, an indication of wealth may be someone who squeezes in a vitamin IV drip on a Tuesday afternoon and checks into RAKxa for a weekend of mindful treatments.

Think of all the conversations you have at dinner tables. Aside from discussing where the best Ulthera treatment is, mentions of blood sugar levels, sleep treatments, and anti-aging regimens likely dominate if you’re over 32. These conversations may be anecdotal, but they’re translating to real money spent. We’ve never been more obsessed with tracking not only how many hours of sleep we’re getting per night, but also the quality of such sleep. We’re pouring money into this whole new urban lifestyle, and hacking our bodies to live longer.

There’s an exhaustive list of activities to spend time on and multiple customised tests to pay for.

At home party recovery drips? Check. Cryotherapy? Check. There’s a lot of social pressure to participate in and join this wellness movement, even if we’re not entirely sure of its benefits.

As Thais, we love following the latest trends and joining in on the hype, and there are endless benefits to wanting to live longer and better. However, we must also not forget the very basics that hold our health together: rest, exercise and hydration.

No changes to high-speed rail linking three airports

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has rejected the idea of amending the government contract for a high-speed rail linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports, stressing the original terms must be honoured.

Mr Phiphat, who is also a deputy prime minister, has firmly opposed a series of proposed amendments to the investment contract for the long-delayed high-speed rail project connecting the country’s three largest airports.

Speaking at the Ministry of Transport, Mr Phiphat outlined the ministry’s priorities for the next four months under the current administration and the subsequent four-month caretaker period before the upcoming election.

He said there was a sense of urgency in pushing forward stalled infrastructure investments to stimulate disbursement of the budget, job creation, and economic recovery amid sluggish conditions.

The high-speed rail project, delayed for over six years, remains entangled in negotiations over contractual revisions.

Mr Phiphat disclosed plans to convene discussions with key stakeholders, including Asia Era One Co, Ltd (CP Group), the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), to explore viable solutions.

If the project cannot proceed as planned, alternatives such as expanding the double-track railway from Laem Chabang to U-Tapao and increasing train frequency may be considered.

Addressing the proposed shift to a “build-as-you-go” or instalment-based payment model, Mr Phiphat objected, saying it contradicts the original terms of the contract, which stipulate that government payments to the private sector occur only upon completion of construction. He added that such a change would likely fail to gain cabinet approval.

“I will not endorse anything that violates the contract or the law,” Mr Phiphat said.

Seoul rout ends Buriram’s unbeaten run

Thai League 1 champions Buriram United’s unbeaten run this season came to a grinding halt on Tuesday when they were thrashed 3-0 by South Korean giants FC Seoul in an AFC Champions League Elite battle at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Choi Jun put his side ahead in the 38th minute before Jeong Seung-Won doubled the advantage in first-half injury time.

Lucas Silva added the third in the 67th minute for the hosts and FC Seoul added a win to their opening day draw with Machida Zelvia in Japan last month.

The Korean outfit sit on four points while Buriram United remain on three from two games, having won their opener against Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim.

After the match, Buriram United head coach Osmar Loss reflected on a frustrating evening which was compounded by injuries.

“Football is special. If you look back at the first half, until the opening goal, the game was under control. Both teams were on an even keel but after the first goal we had three injuries, forcing us into making three substitutions — something very unusual,” said the Brazilian coach.

“In the second half, we tried to be more aggressive and attack because we were two goals down. We pushed players forward, but Seoul were clever in exploiting the spaces we left.”

FC Seoul head coach Kim Gi-Dong praised his players for overcoming a slow start to secure a convincing victory.

“Buriram are a really great team, so I’m pleased with the three points today,” said Kim.

“In the first half, we struggled a little and did not play our football. We were a bit fortunate at times but in the second half, we started to play our game and then we dominated.”

Meanwhile, in AFC Champions League Two matches tonight, hosts Ratchaburi face a tough Group F match against Japan’s Gamba Osaka and BG Pathum United visit Singapore’s Tampines Rovers for a Group H game.

President Ilham Aliyev meets with Prime Minister of Netherlands in Copenhagen [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

On October 2, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in Copenhagen, Azernews reports.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands congratulated the head of state on the results achieved in Washington regarding the advancement of the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing their significance.

President Ilham Aliyev, in turn, highlighted the importance of the Washington Declaration, signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump, and the document on the normalization of relations between the two countries for regional peace, noting that peace already exists between the two nations. During the meeting, they emphasized that Dutch companies are successfully operating in Azerbaijan, spanning sectors such as shipping, port construction, the electrical industry, agriculture, urban planning, and other areas.

The discussions also touched upon cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands within international organizations.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands extended congratulations on the successful hosting of COP29 in Azerbaijan, noting that significant results were achieved in the context of the international climate agenda during the event.

Baku hosts int’l conference on ‘Role of libraries in preserving National and Spiritual Values’ [PHOTOS]

An international conference themed “The Role of Libraries in Preserving National and Spiritual Values” has been held as part of the 11th Baku International Book Fair, organized by Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and Azerbaijan National Library, Azernews reports. The event took place at Baku Expo Center.

The conference was opened by Professor Karim Tahirov, Director of the Azerbaijan National Library, who stated that the increasing interest in books in recent years is a matter of pride. He emphasized that libraries are not only a storage place for national and spiritual values but also play a crucial role in their reliable preservation and transmission to future generations.

The professor further noted that books and publications are key components of national and spiritual values. Therefore, it is important to increase attention to their protection and preservation. Libraries play a significant role in the implementation of this mission.

The Chairman of the Culture Committee of the Azerbaijani Parliament, People’s Artist Polad Bulbuloglu, emphasized that books have always been preserved in Azerbaijan and various countries around the world.

He also pointed out the importance of international book fairs and stressed the need to increase young people’s interest in books. He stated that the primary goal is the preservation of books and the national and spiritual values.

Speakers at the conference included Ayhan Tuglu, Director of the Turkish National Library, Dr. Afet Abbasova, Director of the Presidential Library of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Doctor of Philology, Professor, Mohamed Adil Embarsh, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Azerbaijan, Associate Professor Alamdar Jabbarli, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Documentation Management at Baku State University, and Seham Alezam, Director of the Kuwait National Library.

The speakers highlighted that libraries are sacred places that unite the memory, knowledge, and culture of a nation and preserve books. They emphasized that the preservation of national and spiritual values reflects respect for our history, present, and future. The speeches particularly highlighted the attention and care given to libraries by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The importance of the Baku International Book Fair was also noted, as well as the need for establishing connections between libraries.

A video dedicated to the Azerbaijan National Library was also presented during the event. The conference continued with presentations.

Deputy Director of the Department of Scientific Work and Library-Information Services of the Azerbaijan National Library Edibe Ismailova, spoke on “The Activities of the National Library of Azerbaijan in the Preservation of Cultural Heritage,” Samira El Malizi, Director of the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco, presented “Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future: The Commitment of the National Library of Morocco,” Ayhan Tuglu, Director of the National Library of the Republic of Turkiye, gave a speech on “The Role of Libraries in the Protection of Cultural Heritage: The National Library of the Republic of Turkiye,” Dr. Afet Abbasova, Director of the Presidential Library of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, talked about “Libraries – Bridges that Lead Our Values into the Future,” Seham Alezam, Director of the Kuwait National Library, spoke on “From Heritage to the Future: The Role of the Kuwait National Library in the Cultural Field,” Dr. Huseyn Huseynov, Director of the Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and Doctor of Technical Sciences, discussed “The Role of Libraries in the Preservation and Development of National and Spiritual Values,” Associate Professor Mubariz Mammadli, Director of the Republic Scientific-Technical Library under the State Agency for Intellectual Property of the Republic of Azerbaijan, presented “The Protection of Azerbaijan’s Scientific and Cultural Property at the Republic Scientific-Technical Library,” and Aygn Koçak, Head of the Department of Research in Library Science and Methodical Support at the Azerbaijan National Library, presented “Precious Istanbul Publications Preserved at the Azerbaijan National Library (Rare Works from the 18th-19th Centuries).”

Note that the 11th Baku International Book Fair will run until October 7 at the Baku Expo Center.

This year’s fair, themed “Technoman: yesterday’s legend, today’s event”, creates opportunities for broad discussions on the impact of technology on human life in the scientific and cultural context of the modern era.

The fair features participation from 41 foreign organizations from 18 countries and more than 100 local publishing, printing, and book-related institutions.

Throughout the fair, a variety of events are organized, including masterclasses for children and adults, book presentations on inclusion and other relevant topics, book signings, conferences, symposiums, contests, reading and music hours, and collaboration platforms for stakeholders in the book industry.

More than 250 events in various formats are being held over the course of the fair.

Prominent writers and scholars from countries such as Turkiye, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Qatar, and others will also take part.

Special shuttle buses will be available for visitors from the “Elml?r Akademiyasi,” “28 May,” and “Koroglu” metro stations to the Baku Expo Center. Admission to the fair is free of charge.

President of Uzbekistan sends congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

“Dear Ilham Heydar oglu,

Dear brother,

Your Excellency, I am deeply pleased to extend my sincere and heartfelt congratulations to you and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan on the auspicious 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

I would like to particularly note that the past period has been rich with memorable events in our cooperation, with relations developing consistently across all fields. A robust legal framework and effective institutional mechanisms, along with multilateral formats, have been established to comprehensively and sustainably strengthen our comprehensive long-term relations.

Undoubtedly, the fraternal ties and strong bonds of friendship that unite Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, coupled with our regular and productive high-level dialogues, serve the common progress of our brotherly peoples.

In particular, the complete elevation of our interstate relations to a new historic stage of alliance in recent years can be regarded as a brilliant practical expression of our firm political will and joint consistent efforts.

Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I am confident that our strategic partnership, grounded in principles of mutual trust and respect, will continue to develop rapidly across all priority areas, including politics, economy, trade, transport, logistics, energy, industry, agriculture, tourism, and culture.

Undoubtedly, our upcoming series of important meetings this year-both in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan-will provide favorable opportunities not only to discuss the prospects of our bilateral relations but also for an in-depth exchange of views on the most pressing issues of regional partnership.

On this landmark occasion in the chronicle of our multifaceted relations, I once again congratulate Your Excellency, and wish you robust health, family happiness, great success in your highly responsible state activities, and peace, security, prosperity, and sustainable progress for the brotherly people of Azerbaijan,” the letter reads.

President Ilham Aliyev congratulates President Shavkat Mirziyoyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Azernews reports.

“Dear Shavkat Miromonovich,

Dear Brother,

I am deeply pleased to extend my heartfelt congratulations and to convey my most sincere wishes to you and, through you, to the brotherly people of Uzbekistan on the occasion of a significant milestone – the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Although our diplomatic relations span a history of thirty years, the traditions of unity, solidarity, mutual respect, and support between our brotherly peoples have been passed down from century to century and generation to generation. It is particularly gratifying that interstate relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, built on the solid foundations of shared roots, history, language, culture, religious-spiritual values, and brotherhood, have dynamically developed over the past period, rising to the highest level – that of an alliance. The agreement we signed last year is a crucial historic document that formalizes and eternalizes the natural alliance between our two independent, strong, and sovereign states. I would like to particularly emphasize your exceptional role and contributions in strengthening and elevating the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan unity and partnership to this level.

Today, Uzbekistan is a country that has earned great prestige and trust not only in the region but also on the international stage. As a brotherly nation, we take great pride in witnessing the remarkable transformations, socio-economic development, the strengthening of the country’s economic potential, and the growing global image of Uzbekistan under your determined leadership.

Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations encompass a multifaceted cooperation agenda. We are delighted by the continuous expansion and enrichment of our mutually beneficial cooperation in political, economic, trade, industrial, energy, transport-logistics, security, investment, agricultural, humanitarian, and other fields. The unprecedented achievements we have attained in a short period through bilateral cooperation contribute to the progress of our countries, the well-being of our peoples, regional cooperation, and overall prosperity and stability.

The people of Azerbaijan will never forget Uzbekistan’s consistent support and just stance in upholding Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the inviolability of its internationally recognized borders in accordance with the norms and principles of international law and the requirements of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. I once again express my deep gratitude to you for your repeated visits to our liberated territories, your support for the construction of a school in Fuzuli named after the great son of the Uzbek people, Mirzo Ulugbek, the establishment of a joint sewing enterprise in Khankendi, and other initiatives that strengthen our bilateral relations. We regard these as a vivid symbol of brotherly Uzbekistan’s support for the restoration of Karabakh and, at the same time, of our solidarity and brotherhood.

Just as in our bilateral relations, our countries’ joint efforts in addressing important issues on a multilateral basis are commendable. The cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan within international organizations, based on mutual trust and support, continues successfully. Our shared perspectives on regional and international issues, our common goals and aspirations, and the support we provide each other in addressing challenges serve the interests of our peoples and our states.

Currently, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the Caspian region are transforming into a single geopolitical region. The robust relations and effective cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan undoubtedly play a significant role in the positive processes unfolding in this geographic region.

Dear Brother,

I highly value the special attention and hospitality shown to me during each of my visits to your enchanting country, as well as the genuine brotherhood reflected in our relations. I fondly recall our meetings held in an atmosphere of warmth and sincerity.

I am confident that, driven by the unyielding will of our brotherly peoples, who are bound by unbreakable ties, we will successfully continue our joint efforts to preserve and strengthen the noble traditions of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan interstate relations and to deepen our alliance.

On this momentous historic anniversary, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, wishing you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and lasting peace and prosperity to the brotherly people of Uzbekistan,” the letter reads.