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Thailand has recorded 33 cases of the new Covid-19 strain XFG so far this year, most of them in Bangkok, according to the Department of Medical Sciences.

The department said on Tuesday that XFG, also known as Stratus, has become the dominant Covid-19 strain worldwide and case numbers are rising. However, there is no evidence to show that its symptoms are more severe than those caused by other strains.

Thailand recorded its first XFG case in April and as of Sept 24 there were 33 cases, 23 in Bangkok, said Dr Yongyot Thammavudhi, the department’s director-general.

‘Most cases had mild symptoms such as fever, coughing, sore throat, runny noses and headaches. No one had to be admitted to a hospital,’ he said.

From April 1 to Sept 24, the department reviewed 608 Covid-19 cases and XFG constituted only 5.4% of all strains found during the period, Dr Yongyot said.

‘Although the XFG strain has not caused severe symptoms, people should always protect themselves by washing hands frequently and avoiding crowded places,’ he said.

‘If you have irregular symptoms including fever, coughing or breathing difficulties, you should quickly meet a doctor for diagnosis and proper treatment.’

The Department of Disease Control earlier reported that for the year to July 14, Thailand had 589,352 reported cases of Covid-19 and 239 fatalities.

PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), represented by Ms Sopitta Chotechuang (2nd right), Senior Vice President for Branding, Communications and Knowledge Intelligence Division, presented a sponsorship of 20 million baht to the Football Association of Thailand under the Patronage of His Majesty the King (FAT) for the second consecutive year. Receiving the contribution were Pol Gen Winai Thongsong (2nd left), Central Committee Member of FAT, and Mr Ekapol Polnavee (first from left), General Secretary of FAT. The sponsorship aims to strengthen the capabilities of Thai football players and sports personnel through initiatives such as hiring professional coaches, providing equipment, improving training facilities, and supporting both domestic and international competitions. The handover ceremony was held at the Energy Complex Building, Bangkok. This partnership is part of the memorandum of understanding to support national sports development in line with the government’s ‘One Sport, One State Enterprise Plus’ policy for 2024-2030, which promotes sport as a driver of Thailand’s soft power.

The opposition People’s Party has sharply criticised the government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for pressing ahead with the controversial southern Land Bridge project, despite longstanding doubts about its financial and environmental viability.

In parliament on Tuesday, People’s Party MP Pukkamon Nun-anan questioned why the coalition, which has agreed to spend only four months in office, continues to tout the Land Bridge as a priority project, even though it was absent from the formal policy statement it presented on Monday.

The project envisions a 90-kilometre transport corridor linking two large new ports in Ranong on the Andaman coast and Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand, aimed at offering an alternative to the congested Strait of Malacca.

Ms Pukkamon, however, argued that the economics do not add up.

Unlike a direct maritime route, she said, the Land Bridge would require unloading cargo, transporting it overland and reloading it onto another vessel, which adds cost and logistical hurdles that make it unattractive to shipping firms.

She pointed to government studies that predict the project would break even in 24 years, generating 58 billion baht in its first year, largely from fuel sales to cargo ships.

But to achieve such figures the project would need to sell 140 million tonnes of fuel annually, more than triple the current sales made in Singapore.

‘These numbers are implausible,’ Ms Pukkamon said, accusing state agencies of inflating forecasts to justify the scheme.

While the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy claims the project would yield 260 billion baht in profits, a National Economic and Social Development Council study projected a loss of 120 billion baht, even when broader economic benefits were factored in, she said.

Environmental experts also warned of at least one billion baht in lost fisheries income per year, while six World Heritage sites along the proposed corridor face severe risks, she added.

Ms Pukkamon accused the government of using the Land Bridge as a campaign tool to woo southern voters, rather than focusing on realistic development.

Over the past two years, Thailand has wasted valuable time as the Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra administrations pushed ahead with costly roadshows abroad to promote the Land Bridge, despite lacking clear figures on its viability, she said.

In the end, not a single credible investor emerged, according to Ms Pukkamon.

With only four months remaining in office, even the most skillful negotiations are unlikely to convince anyone to fund the project if the government insists on moving forward, she said.

At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Thailand and Cambodia verbally clashed again over their border dispute. What stood out was not just the usual complaints, but the gap between quiet promises made behind closed doors and loud posturing in public.

As per a US request for informal four-party consultations (Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and the US) just a day earlier on the sidelines of UNGA, both countries talked peace, dialogue, mutual trust, and confidence. Yet, less than 24 hours later, during the UNGA general debate session, Phnom Penh quickly abandoned that tone.

In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sokhonn Prak accused Thailand of aggression, portrayed his country as the victim, and made a long list of accusations against Thailand. Apparently, Cambodia was hoping to use the meeting in New York City to trumpet its own causes to the world body and hope everyone would listen and then take Cambodia’s side.

That was not to be.

In his own speech, newly appointed Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow minced no words in lambasting what was said by Sokhonn Prak as “completely opposite” to what had been said a day earlier at the four-party consultations. “It reveals the true intention of Cambodia. The allegations are so far-fetched that they make a mockery of the truth,” he declared.

From the beginning, he reiterated that Cambodia initiated the conflict with the intention of expanding a border dispute into a national conflict and further internationalising it. He also told the international community of the real victims — the Thai soldiers maimed by landmines, schoolchildren whose classrooms were shelled, and shoppers hit by numerous missiles.

Furthermore, he also pointed out that the Cambodian villages inside Thai territory exist only because Bangkok opened its borders in the 1970s out of compassion during Cambodia’s civil war. That humanitarian gesture has since been twisted into an encroachment. At the time, Mr Sihasak was a young desk official working on the Cambodian conflict, so he was well aware of the border’s condition at that time.

He also pointed out that even though the civil war has ended and the shelters closed, the Cambodian villages have expanded over the decades. “Despite Thailand’s repeated protests, Cambodia has ignored those requests to address this encroachment,” he reiterated.

To document events, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided further details to all foreign missions and diplomats regarding those events. On Saturday alone, Cambodian troops fired 12 mortar rounds, 15 machine-gun rounds, grenades, and small arms at Thai positions in Ubon Ratchathani. Hidden cameras had been set up in advance to record Thai responses, suggesting a staged provocation. When Bangkok exercised restraint, Phnom Penh immediately disseminated disinformation, claiming that Thai forces had fired first.

Notably, this was not an isolated incident. From Sept 11-27, the Thai army recorded over 200 drone incursions, force buildups, trench digging inside Thai territory, grenade attacks, and repeated gunfire. Specifically, on Sept 17, Cambodia even mobilised 200 civilians to cross into Thai territory and tear down barbed wire, forcing Thai police to disperse them with non-lethal means.

On Sept 24, a Cambodian tank was deployed within firing range of Thai positions near the Phra Viharn/Preah Vihear Hill. In addition, on Sept 25, grenades were hurled at Thai troops. Then, on Saturday, the same playbook returned — heavy weapons fire was timed to coincide with the visit of a Cambodian interim observer team — to create false optics for the international community.

The pattern is rather obvious for all to see — provocation comes first, cameras must be ready, and disinformation will follow with the wrap-up at the UN podium.

Such behaviour, the ministry said, violates Thailand’s sovereignty and the Putrajaya ceasefire agreement signed on July 28, as well as agreed measures from both the General Border Committee (GBC) and the Regional Border Committee (RBC) meetings. Both sides agreed in these meetings to halt fire with all weapons and refrain from provocative acts. Peace and de-escalation will not happen if there is no sincerity across the border.

Despite heavy public pressure for the Anutin government to be more assertive, Thai forces, after agreeing to a ceasefire, have responded with measured and proportionate actions. The ministry’s note verbale to all diplomatic missions underscores Thailand’s position in pursuing dialogue, Asean mechanisms, and peaceful resolution.

At the UN General Assembly, the mood was clear. UN delegates want de-escalation, consistency and credibility. Furthermore, they do not want another lingering conflict. The world has plenty of wars to worry about — one in Ukraine and one in the Middle East, not to mention the conflicts in Myanmar and civil wars on the African continent. Thailand’s fact-based rebuttal augurs well with the prevailing UN mood.

Truth be told, by staging provocations, filming them, and then crying victim at the UN, Cambodia has served an untimely dish and undermined its own credibility.

Wrapping up his rebuttal on Cambodia, Mr Sihasak pointed out that both countries face a defining choice. “As a close neighbour and as a friend, we must ask Cambodia which path they wish to take — the path of continued confrontation or the path of peace and cooperation,” he added.

The ceasefire is still fragile but is holding. Both countries can follow the UNGA’s theme, “Better Together,” by honouring their commitments in full.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday dismissed reports which claimed that Thai soldiers stationed in Phu Makua amid the ongoing border tension with Cambodia have had to survive on meagre rations.

Responding to reports circulating online which claimed the soldiers stationed in the flashpoint area have had to make do with rations consisting of instant noodles, canned fish and three small bottles of drinking water per day, he said the government “supplies all necessary resources to maintain the morale of its troops”.

The Second Army Region also denied the reports, saying all personnel at Phu Makua are well-provisioned with food, drinking water, and other essentials.

The unit acknowledged the logistical challenges posed by recent heavy rainfall but assured that supply lines remain uninterrupted.

With regards to residents who have had to be evacuated from border areas, the prime minister said the government will ensure all relief centres are able to provide all evacuees with proper food, bedding, clothing, and internet access, provided by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, to help them cope with stress.

When asked about the growing tension along the Thai-Cambodian border on Monday, Mr Anutin said the government is monitoring the situation in all border provinces.

The prime minister also said the military has been authorised to do whatever it needs to do to protect the country’s sovereignty amid the ongoing border dispute with Cambodia.

He said the government is also working to bolster security on the frontier.

The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) has officially launched its new GPO Metro Sky initiative, opening pharmacies at 14 BTS Skytrain stations in Bangkok to provide commuters with convenient access to quality health services and essential medications.

Dr Mingkwan Suphannaphong, managing director of the state enterprise, said the project aims to promote preventive care and reduce minor illnesses by integrating health services into daily city life.

The pharmacies will offer a full range of medications, medical supplies, herbal products and health items, all meeting the standards of the Pharmacy Council of Thailand.

The 14 BTS stations are: Chidlom, Asok, Phrom Phong, Sala Daeng, Chong Nonsi, On Nut, Ekkamai, Phra Khanong, Surasak, Saint Louis, Ploenchit, National Stadium, Mo Chit and Ari.

Services began on Tuesday. Each location is staffed by licensed pharmacists who provide consultations, medication management and health advice, supporting Thailand’s primary healthcare policy.

The outlets also participate in the universal coverage scheme, allowing patients with 32 minor symptoms to receive medication free of charge.

To enhance the customer experience, the GPO has introduced a membership system and integrated digital services such as Line OA and telepharmacy, along with dedicated consultation corners. These features allow customers to inquire about medications and receive personalised health guidance.

‘This initiative offers a new alternative for urban residents to access affordable, safe, and high-quality health products without the need to travel to hospitals,’ said Dr Mingkwan. The pharmacies are open daily from 7am to 8pm.

The Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) and the Government of Saskatchewan, Canada, represented by the Ministry of Trade and Export Development, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate industrial decarbonisation and knowledge exchange in support of Thailand’s Net Zero by 2050 roadmap.

The MOU outlines collaboration in clean energy and advanced CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage) technologies, as well as long-term pilot projects within the Saraburi Sandbox. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, and senior representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan.

The Government of Saskatchewan brings extensive expertise in low-carbon technologies, while TCMA has long been committed to advancing Thailand’s cement industry towards its 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap.

Mr Nopadol Ramyarupa, Vice-Chairman and Acting Chairman of TCMA, said the agreement marks an important step in expanding international partnerships to accelerate progress. ‘TCMA is delighted to sign this MOU with the Government of Saskatchewan. This collaboration aims to accelerate the Thai cement industry’s transition to Net Zero by 2050 through technological innovation in clean energy and CCUS. A potential pilot project in the Saraburi Sandbox could also serve as a role model for industry decarbonisation, inspiring the region and beyond.’

The partnership will establish a joint working group to develop projects, share knowledge, and track progress through annual reports. It also emphasises capacity building, training, workshops, seminars and business linkages between Saskatchewan and Thailand.

Hon. Warren Kaeding, Minister of Trade and Export Development of Saskatchewan, said: ‘This partnership demonstrates how Saskatchewan’s expertise in clean energy and innovation is creating global opportunities. The collaboration with TCMA not only allows us to share knowledge with Thailand and ASEAN, but also reinforces Canada-Thailand relations in addressing climate change while expanding trade and investment opportunities.’

Mr Pavich Kesavawong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, commended the partnership, noting that it will give Thailand access to advanced technologies critical for achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets. He added that the department stands ready to integrate economic opportunities with social benefits, aligning policies to drive Thailand towards a low-carbon society.

Mr Panotson Sujayanont, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, said carbon reduction is a priority for the industrial sector and key to enhancing competitiveness. He stressed that the department is prepared to support the adoption of advanced low-carbon technologies to help industries transition to sustainable development.

This MOU establishes a framework for exchanging expertise and fostering collaboration between Thailand and Saskatchewan, marking a key milestone for TCMA in advancing Thailand’s efforts to achieve its climate commitments.

The Association of Investment Management Companies (AIMC) is set to meet with the Ministry of Finance soon to propose an extension to the Super Savings Fund (SSF) tax-deduction scheme beyond its scheduled expiry later this year.

AIMC chairwoman Chavinda Hanratanakool said the SSF has played a dual role in providing tax benefits and promoting long-term savings.

“From a tax perspective, SSF deductions do not significantly impact government revenue. Therefore, the AIMC intends to push for clarity on whether an extension is possible,” she said.

“If the ministry confirms the extension, it will provide certainty for investors. If there is silence, we can assume the scheme will not be renewed.”

In the event the SSF is not extended, investors could still gain tax incentives through the upcoming Thailand Individual Savings Account (TISA) programme.

Unlike the SSF, which is limited to mutual funds, TISA is expected to cover a broader range of investment vehicles, including equities, tax-saving funds and potentially life insurance.

“TISA would allow a long-term framework for tax-deductible investment without fixed expiration dates, unlike long-term equity funds [LTFs] or SSF,” Mrs Chavinda noted.

She also confirmed that the ThaiESG fund series would be included under TISA, reinforcing its role in sustainable investment promotion.

The SSF is a tax-saving fund introduced in early 2020, following the expiration of the LTF in 2019. The fund itself is set to expire this year, with an estimated total asset under management (AUM) of 50-60 billion baht.

The SSF, according to Mrs Chavinda, has attracted long-term savings into the capital market by offering tax benefits as an incentive for retail investors.

“If the government extends the programme, it will strengthen the confidence in long-term funds.”

The challenge, however, includes the risk that investors may withdraw if the fund is not extended or if there is no policy clarity.

In comparison, the TISA scheme has greater potential than the traditional SSF because it has no expiration date, reducing policy uncertainty relative to the SSF and LTF, whose fixed-term structure encourages investors to hold them for longer periods.

Other notable advantages of the TISA include broader asset coverage because it can be designed to invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds, tax-saving funds and potentially certain life insurance products. That makes the TISA suitable for portfolio diversification.

The TISA also promotes systematic savings through mechanisms such as dollar-cost averaging, helping to shift investor behaviour from short-term deposits to long-term investment.

Besides, the TISA can provide tax incentives aligned with long-term goals. If designed with clear benefits, such as sufficiently high contribution limits and defined tax deductions, it can attract a large number of account holders.

Thailand has ample potential to become a cryptocurrency hub in Asia-Pacific, says Binance, as the world’s largest crypto exchange operator identified three pillars to capitalise on growth in the fast-growing region.

SB Seker, the new head of Asia-Pacific for Binance, said Thailand has a lot of potential to further develop the digital asset space, supported by a clear legal framework, crypto awareness among the population and the macroeconomic point of view.

In terms of legal stability, Thailand is ahead of many countries in Asia-Pacific regarding regulations and framework. He said awareness of crypto is moderately high in the country, though there’s always room for further education.

According to Chainalysis’s latest annual report, Thailand ranked 17th in the 2025 global crypto adoption index and seventh in Asia-Pacific, following some of the world’s most dynamic and populous markets, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

This ranking demonstrates Thailand is a significant player in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for digital assets, said Mr Seker.

Other factors include greater disposable income and the ability of people to make plans about various assets or treasury options, he said.

“These are the pillars for growth and Thailand has all three,” Mr Seker told the Bangkok Post.

Securities and Exchange Commission data indicated the value of digital assets in Thailand as of August 2025 was nearly 100 billion baht, with daily trading value of roughly 3 billion, rising from 91.3 billion and 1.79 billion, respectively, in 2024.

There were 2.83 million digital asset accounts last month, up from 2.43 million accounts last year.

“Thailand has room for further growth. These improving statistics show us the opportunity is high for Thailand to develop as a digital asset hub within the region,” said Mr Seker.

Thailand is critical for Binance to achieve its ambitious goal of reaching 1 billion users by the end of this year.

“Thailand is critical to us in this region, which is why we have a local presence there,” he said.

“Binance TH is our sole presence in Thailand, and we have a full-fledged team, full-fledged resources and we’ve done this when others haven’t. That indicates how critical talent is to us.”

Appointed Binance’s head of Asia-Pacific at the beginning of this month, Mr Seker is equipped with more than two decades of cross-sector experience spanning public service, traditional finance, fintech and digital assets.

His background prior to joining Binance included Crypto.com Group, Ant Group and the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Asia-Pacific continues to lead in digital asset innovation and adoption, supported by evolving regulatory frameworks and strong grassroots momentum across the region, he said.

“Asia-Pacific is a really big and critical region, which is experiencing rapid expansion of around 60-70%,” said Mr Seker.

In terms of strategies, he said Binance has laid down three pillars for growth in the region.

First is licensing security, which is important in highly regulated financial services. Secondly, going much deeper in education and providing information to improve customers’ literacy.

Third is product innovation to bring more products, services, simplicity, convenience and safety to Binance users globally.

“Our targets are basically making our brands synonymous with safety, with a deep level of engagement with consumers about what the future is in this space,” noted Mr Seker.

As a leading force in Asean’s green transition, UOB Thailand has embedded sustainability into both its business and community agenda, aligned with its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Its efforts earned recognition from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration as a waste management leader — a milestone that set the stage for an even greater ambition: empowering young Thais to drive change.

That belief inspired “Wonder Lab: Youth For A Greener Tomorrow”, a new platform inviting youth to turn ideas into projects that directly address environmental problems in their communities. Open to participants aged 15-25 nationwide, the inaugural year drew 453 applicants across 102 teams. Ten finalists were selected to develop their projects within one month before presenting their results at a showcase on Sept 13.

“Young people have the drive and imagination to shape their own future — what they need is space, resources and encouragement,” said Dhornratana Olanhankij, country function head of brand, media and communications at UOB Thailand. “Wonder Lab was designed not as a contest of ideas alone, but as a platform where participants are supported by mentors and empowered to act.”

The finalists’ projects demonstrated that environmental responsibility can be embedded into everyday life. They include:

Chan Koet Chak Ko Phai, Chan Loei Rak Lok developed a real-time app that helped schools cut food waste by 70% in one month.

6P boosted waste separation in schools by more than 300%.

Jungle Natural Team turned discarded pineapple leaves into biodegradable cat litter.

Nakhon Sawan Rak Sing Waet Lom wove recycled plastic into textiles and bags, blending innovation with local craft.

GreenCycle Crew repurposed plastic scraps into 3D printing filament.

The debut campaign has given digital natives future-ready skills, fostering creativity, critical thinking and observation. Participants also gained valuable lessons in teamwork, planning, systems thinking and public speaking — helping close gaps in crucial soft skills such as communication, adaptability, emotional intelligence and collaboration.

Other projects highlighted the breadth of young innovators’ interests, from tackling food waste to reimagining agricultural by-products. Together, the 10 projects illustrated how technology, education and cultural identity can advance sustainability.

Looking ahead, UOB plans to connect the programme with private-sector partners, civic groups and communities to scale up prototypes into wider social and environmental impact.

“UOB Wonder Lab is not just a community project,” Dhornratana said. “It is about walking alongside youth to co-create a sustainable future.”