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Vietjet Thailand has become the first low-cost Thai carrier to operate flights with a 1% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), while it awaits the delivery of more fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 jets delayed due to the US government shutdown.

Woranate Laprabang, chief executive of Vietjet Thailand, said the Bangkok-Phu Quoc route started using the SAF blend yesterday, with usage expected to expand to other routes next year, such as from Bangkok to Cam Ranh and Danang.

He said SAF could reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared with the commonly used A-1 jet fuel.

Following the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standard, the airline aims to use SAF blending of 5% across all routes by 2030, helping to reduce carbon emissions by 153,000 tonnes over the next six years.

The airline plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc to ensure sufficient supply in the future.

Even though SAF costs more than twice the price of Jet A-1, it should not significantly impact passenger airfares as the blending portion is only 1%, he said.

With its entire fleet expected to change to Boeing B737-8s, he said the new aircraft model would cut fuel consumption by more than 15% compared to existing Airbus A320s.

However, the first delivery has been postponed four times this year, with the latest obstacle stemming from the US government shutdown, which is now the longest in American history.

Mr Woranate said the airline has been told that the first two planes would be delivered this month.

These planes will take 2-3 weeks for registration and should be ready to operate before Christmas this year.

The airline hopes to receive another five aircraft in December, and another two in January, a month behind schedule.

For the whole of next year, the airline should receive 13 new planes, followed by more than 10 jets in 2027 to fulfil its goal of having 50 aircraft by 2028.

As thousands of passengers were impacted by rescheduled flights due to delayed delivery, including direct routes from Bangkok to Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka, Mr Woranate said the airline would ensure that those tickets were fully refunded or rerouted to other connecting flights on Vietjet networks.

Vietjet Thailand will also launch new flights in the next few months, such as from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat in December.

For India, the airline is planning services to Ahmedabad and Kolkata, and adding Cam Ranh in Vietnam in January next year.

Amid rapid modernisation, major Chinese cities are confronting widening digital disparities. And in Changsha, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is stirring concern across generations.

To address the growing digital transformation, China has launched a national plan to enhance digital literacy and skills by 2025, aiming to strengthen its digital workforce and economy.

Its state agencies are developing systems to cultivate digital talent, expand the digital economy, and build a more inclusive digital society — with the potential to create cross-border digital opportunities with other countries in the region, including Thailand.

Bridging digital borders

China has also initiated a positive cycle of digital economic development to help bridge the global digital divide with Thailand, establishing collaborations in education, e-commerce, fintech, and cloud-based ecosystems.

The initiatives outlined in the partnership focus on several key areas. These include joint programmes and digital skills training aimed at Thai students and professionals, enabling them to engage with China’s emerging tech ecosystem.

Additionally, the partnership seeks to facilitate cross-border e-commerce, allowing Thai SMEs to reach Chinese consumers. Another aspect of the collaboration is the exploration of fintech partnerships, particularly in mobile payment integration.

Furthermore, the two countries are developing smart cities and cloud-powered logistics projects to strengthen their digital economies and enhance connectivity.

Despite China’s international outreach, domestically it is facing the pressing issue of a growing digital divide.

Under socialist governance, equal access to training in new technologies has been prioritised through labour “retraining” schemes and “vocational skills improvement” initiatives. These offer free or subsidised programmes in intelligent manufacturing, the industrial internet, and other emerging fields, helping workers transition smoothly and avoid structural unemployment.

Similar programmes are offered in Changsha.

“The city promotes ‘order-based’ talent training through close university-enterprise cooperation, ensuring that students’ skills align seamlessly with market needs — enabling employment upon graduation,” according to a statement released by Changsha Municipal People’s Government.

The private sector has also become a vital force in Changsha’s digital transformation. Companies are driving the adoption of AI, robotics, and smart education technologies through a national high-tech enterprise network. These initiatives now reach more than 20 provinces and over 100 universities across China.

While uncertainties about the future remain, Yijia Zhang, a 22-year-old master’s student in English Interpretation at Hunan University and a tour guide intern, believes AI, when applied responsibly, can help redefine professional boundaries.

Changsha’s AI rise

For non-Chinese speakers, navigating Changsha’s cultural and historical landmarks — or even daily life such as shopping — can be challenging. Yet with a growing number of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates, English majors like Ms Yijia play an essential role in enhancing the city’s global appeal for both tourism and investment.

As part of a generation that has witnessed China’s evolving governance, Ms Yijia expressed deep admiration for the country’s socialist philosophy.

“I think the CPC has done a great job transforming China from a traditional country into a modern and advanced one in a short time. I love my country and am happy living here. I plan to stay in China for my whole life.”

Despite her patriotic views, she acknowledges some limitations shared by many of her peers.

“It’s a bit inconvenient that we can’t access some foreign apps like Facebook and YouTube. This restriction might be due to ideological reasons or concerns about offensive opinions from other countries,” she added.

China maintains one of the world’s most comprehensive systems for managing online information. Access to many Western news websites and social media platforms — including Google, Wikipedia, and Meta — is restricted on the mainland.

Within what is often called the “Great Firewall”, online content is regulated through government oversight and private-sector compliance with national laws. These measures ensure that digital information aligns with domestic regulations and public communication standards, particularly on sensitive topics.

Changsha continues to attract students and young professionals drawn by affordable housing and its deep-rooted academic tradition. The thousand-year-old Yuelu Academy, now Hunan University, has been a cornerstone of Chinese scholarship since 976 AD.

It was here that Mao Zedong studied and lived before joining the Chinese Communist Party in the 1920s. Renamed in 1903, the university maintains active partnerships with leading global institutions including Harvard, Cornell, Hamburg, Heidelberg, the University of London, and the École Pratique des Hautes Études in Paris.

Among other social groups, senior citizens are among the most affected by China’s digital transition.

“It is difficult for elderly people like my grandmother to adapt because they are not familiar with electronic devices, which can make them feel lonely,” said Ms Yijia, who is originally from Jiangxi Province.

The demographic challenge is particularly significant across Asia. Thailand is now an aged society, with more than 20% of its population aged 60 or older. In China, those aged 65 and above already account for around 15% of the population — over 366 million people. By 2035, that figure in China is projected to surpass 400 million, or more than 30% of the total.

This demographic shift highlights a growing digital divide among older citizens who often struggle with digital banking, online government services, or health apps. While senior internet users are expected to reach 161 million by mid-2025, or about half of the age group, many still find it difficult to fully integrate into the digital era.

In response, Changsha has rolled out social support programmes that promote community connection, health education, and volunteer activities to prevent social isolation among the elderly.

Inclusive digital progress

On the healthcare front, Changsha is pioneering digital innovation with China’s first large-model reasoning chain for traditional Chinese medicine diagnostics. This system supports early screening for conditions such as stroke and cognitive impairment.

The city’s “Smart Medical Brain” further helps alleviate the strain of an ageing population and healthcare shortages, particularly in rural areas.

Although still at an early stage, Changsha’s healthcare industry shows strong potential to expand from domestic growth to a global presence, with opportunities to collaborate digitally with Thailand in areas such as telemedicine, health AI, and medical data exchange.

With rich local resources and a skilled workforce, the city’s medical technology and manufacturing sectors could develop cost-effective healthcare solutions accessible to populations worldwide.

Similarly, Changsha’s high-tech enterprises are earning global recognition. Zoomlion, one of the world’s top 50 construction equipment manufacturers, has been acknowledged by Swedish automotive powerhouse Scania for its record-setting truck-mounted crane — with one unit produced every 18 minutes.

China’s technological prowess is also reflected in its rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry, which continues to gain traction internationally.

With strong growth prospects across both industrial and tourism sectors, Changsha’s continued commitment to improving quality, innovation, and social responsibility is set to further consolidate the foundations of its future development.

Disaster mitigation authorities have warned people in Bangkok and 65 provinces of possible flooding from Friday to Sunday due to incoming Storm Kalmaegi.

Due to raised discharge rates at the Chao Phraya barrage in Chai Nat province to cope with the fast-flowing river, the level of the Chao Phraya downstream from the barrage will rise by 60-90 centimetres in low-lying areas without embankments, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said on Thursday.

Apart from Bangkok, the department issued flood warnings for Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Nonthaburi. The main focus will be on low-lying communities without embankment protection.

The Meteorological Department expects weakening Typhoon Kalmaegi to reach northeastern Thailand on Friday.

The flood warnings for 65 provinces cover the entirety of the North, Northeast, Central Plains and East, and some southern provinces on the west (Andaman) coast.

As of Thursday afternoon, Vietnam had been forced to shut down six airports as Typhoon Kalmaegi approached the country’s central regions.

Continuing to set benchmarks for Thailand’s real estate sector, the nation’s No.1 sustainable developer under the vision ‘Imagining better futures for all’ has once again demonstrated its strength through excellence in management and financial performance. By integrating its core businesses in Retail, Residence, Hotel, and Office, Central Pattana Plc. continues to drive sustainable growth and shared value creation across all sectors, reinforcing its position as a leading force in Thailand’s real estate industry.

Most recently, the company received top honours on both global and national stages:

On the global stage, Central Pattana won two major awards at the 2025 Extel Asia (ex-Japan/ANZ) Executive Team Awards for the third consecutive year, organised by Extel Insights (formerly Institutional Investor Research), a world-leading research firm that surveyed opinions from over 7,600 fund managers and analysts worldwide.

On the national stage, the company also received two awards at the IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2025 for the fifth consecutive year in the Property Development sector, presented by the Investment Analysts Association (IAA).

These latest recognitions reaffirm Central Pattana’s unwavering commitment to strong corporate governance, transparent investor relations, and excellence in organisational management – qualities that continue to earn the confidence of both domestic and international analysts. The awards also highlight the company’s ability to maintain resilience and leadership in an ever-changing business landscape, underscoring its position as a trusted and forward-looking force within Thailand’s real estate industry.

Ms Naparat Sriwanvit, Chief Finance Officer and President of Hotel and Office Businesses at Central Pattana Plc., said: ‘It is truly an honour for Central Pattana to be recognised once again by two highly respected award platforms the 2025 Extel Asia (ex-Japan/ANZ) Executive Team Awards and the IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2025. We extend our sincere gratitude to our shareholders, the Investment Analysts Association, analysts, and fund managers for their continued trust and recognition.

‘At Central Pattana, we place great importance on transparent communication and constructive dialogue with analysts, investors, and shareholders, using their insights as guidance to further strengthen our organisation. Our solid financial foundation represents more than just numbers it reflects our resilience and agility in seizing new opportunities, even during challenging times, and our ongoing commitment to creating shared value for all stakeholders.

‘We deeply appreciate the trust and valuable feedback we have received, and we remain dedicated to driving sustainable growth across all sectors.’

Reinforcing Leadership in Financial Excellence – Consecutive Wins from Two Prestigious Award Platforms

Global Recognition: The Extel Asia (ex-Japan/ANZ) Executive Team Awards 2025

Central Pattana’s excellence in corporate governance and investor relations has once again been recognised on the global stage. At the 2025 Extel Asia (ex-Japan/ANZ) Executive Team Awards, the company received two major accolades:

Honoured Company – Asia Small and Midcap

Top 3 Company in Asia ex-Mainland China: Property Sector

Central Pattana is also the only Thai company in the Asia ex-Mainland China Property sector to be voted among the Top 3 across multiple key categories, including:

Top 3 CEO – Ms Wallaya Chirathivat, President and CEO

Top 3 CFO – Ms Naparat Sriwanvit

Top 3 IR Programme

Top 3 IR Professional (Sell-side)

The awards are organised by Extel Insights (formerly Institutional Investor Research), a globally trusted leader in financial research and corporate performance benchmarking. Extel’s rankings are based on extensive evaluations by fund managers and investment analysts, focusing on qualitative excellence in management and governance. The organisation maintains a broad global network spanning Europe, high-growth EMEA markets, Asia-Pacific, North America, and South America.

National Recognition: The IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2025

On the national stage, Central Pattana continued to demonstrate excellence in management and financial performance, earning strong trust and confidence from Thailand’s investment analyst community. In 2025, the company received two prestigious awards in the Property Development sector at the IAA Awards for Listed Companies, organised by the Investment Analysts Association (IAA):

Best CFO Award – Ms Naparat Sriwanvit

Outstanding IR Award – recognising the company’s transparency and quality in information disclosure

The awards are determined through nominations and scoring by analysts and fund managers from securities companies across Thailand.

Central Pattana continues to grow under its Retail-Led Mixed-Use Development strategy, while also leading the way in financial innovation within Thailand’s real estate industry. The company was the first in the sector to issue Green Bonds and Sustainability-Linked Loans, reinforcing its commitment to responsible growth. Central Pattana has also been recognised as a DJSI Best-in-Class company for seven consecutive years, underscoring its excellence in sustainability performance.

The company remains dedicated to conducting business responsibly, with respect for the environment, society, and good governance (ESG), striving to deliver sustainable growth and long-term shared value for all stakeholders.

The government expects more than 100 billion baht will circulate back into the economy from its new debt restructuring programme for small-scale borrowers.

But debtors should be aware that the initiative will be offered only once as a response to the country’s debt problem, according to government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat.

‘The government will not send the wrong signal that people can simply fall into debt and wait for state assistance,’ he said on Friday. ‘We are doing this one time only – to help people regain their footing and not fall back into debt again.’

Mr Siripong said the government aims to address debt problems systematically so that individuals deemed ‘bad debtors’ have a chance to start over.

A dedicated agency will be established to restructure debts for small-scale borrowers nationwide, he said.

This approach is not a debt write-off, but rather a restructuring of non-performing loans (NPLs) based on each debtor’s repayment capacity, said Mr Siripong.

The government is authorising state-owned agencies to purchase bad debts from commercial banks and financial institutions.

The banks are willing to cooperate as these debts have already been fully provisioned and written off from their books.

Debtors will be invited to renegotiate new terms, such as reducing the principal, waiving interest and penalties, and extending repayment periods, he said.

‘We are restructuring the debts so debtors have an opportunity to rebuild their financial status,’ said Mr Siripong.

‘Participants will also be cleared from the National Credit Bureau’s records, offering them a second chance in their financial lives.’

This approach will not only help individual borrowers, but will also turn bad debts back into valuable assets in the economy, he said.

Hundreds of billions of baht are estimated to flow back into the economy through debt repayments and renewed financial activities by these individuals, generating positive impacts on the grassroots economy and the financial system, said Mr Siripong.

There are 4.76 million NPL accounts held by 3.5 million individuals, each with debts of less than 100,000 baht, totalling 1.22 trillion baht.

Guru By Bangkok Post’s pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.

JOIN

Street food meets Chinese fine dining / Dusit Thani Bangkok / Nov 13-14

Pavilion restaurant at Dusit Thani Bangkok will host a dining collaboration featuring chef Edward Chong from Singapore’s Peach Blossoms and chef Wayne Liew from Singapore’s celebrated Keng Eng Kee Seafood (KEK). Available for only two evenings on Nov 13-14, the event promises to bring the most loved flavours of Singapore to Bangkok in an eight-course dining experience. Chef Chong’s creative approach to Chinese gastronomy blends with the authentic flavours crafted by chef Liew, whose family-run KEK Seafood began in the 70s. For the first time in Bangkok, two of Singapore’s most passionate chefs come together to present a dinner that embodies the spirit, taste and culture of Singapore.

Six-hands dinner / Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu x Restaurant Avant x Sushidokoro Jikasei B / Nov 15

Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu will host a six-hands dinner,’A Culinary Of Shokunin: Three Chefs One Heart’, on Nov 15. The dinner will see chefs Gerard Villaret Horcajo of Elements, Haikal Johari of Restaurant Avant and Tiago Cardoso da Silva of Sushidokoro Jikasei B offer a nine-course Japanese-inspired menu.

Champagne evening / Waldorf Astoria Bangkok x Louis Roederer / Nov 13

For one night only, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok’s The Champagne Bar will host a five-course dinner celebrating the legacy of Louis Roederer Champagne. The event will take place on Nov 13 and will showcase the Brut Collection 245, Brut Nature Blanc, Rosé, Cristal and Blanc de Blancs, paired with Braised 2GR Wagyu cheek, La Famille Boutrais oyster regal, Australian Wagyu tenderloin MBS 6, and the Red Velvet delight dessert.

Exclusive dinner / Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit / Nov 7-8

For a limited engagement, chef Denis Lucchi of Buona Terra in Singapore will transform Rossini’s into a stage of Italian mastery and emotion. For only 10 diners, the lunch on Nov 8 offers a private affair. There will also be a dinner on Nov 7, where the chef will be serving a six-course symphony of Italian flavours

Charity dinner / Blue Elephant x basil / Nov 13

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit will host the ‘Once In A Lifetime’ four-hands charity dinner on Nov 13 at basil. Chefs Nooror Somany Steppe of Blue Elephant and Manachai Konkangplu of basil will cook a dinner in support of Operation Smile and the Mercy Centre Klong Toey, under Marriott Worldwide Business Council Thailand’s ‘Road To Give’ initiative. The evening begins with the Raw Thai Wagyu beef salad and Phetchabun tamarind and French ‘landes’ foie gras and chicken wing, while setting the stage for the next five courses.

Charity run / Thailand Marriott Business Council / Nov 23

On Nov 23, the Thailand Marriott Business Council will organise the ‘Road To Give 2025’, a charity run that carries a purpose far greater than the finish line at Stadium One – The Sports Society, Chulalongkorn University. This year’s run is dedicated to two causes: HDF Mercy Centre (Khlong Toey), which provides a safe home for 78 orphaned children and operates 17 kindergartens that nurture nearly 1,000 children, between the ages of three and six; and Operation Smile Thailand, an organisation that offers free surgeries to children and young adults born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial differences.

Sustainable market / Rookie RRR x The Standardx / Nov 15-16

The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit will see the return of its sustainable and stylish market. In collaboration with Rookie RRR (Reduce Reuse Recycle), the ‘Chapter V.3 Sun and River’ market will be held where the hotel will be transformed into a bustling bazaar filled with rare and one-of-a-kind finds. The market is an immersive experience dedicated to the eco-friendly spirit of reduce, reuse, and recycle (RRR). There will be pre-loved clothing, accessories and statement pieces. The Roof will host a rooftop party, while the entire hotel will see two days of dance-worthy sounds of Thai funk and Molam.

Italian delights / Tops at Central Pinklao / Until Nov 12

Tops is hosting “Italian Cuisine Week 2025: Mercato Italiano – The Healthy Italian Market” at the recently revamped Central Pinklao until Nov 12. The second edition of Italian Cuisine Week is a joint effort between Tops, the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Trade Agency. Expect 300 healthy and premium Italian products on offer from 24 booths amidst a vibe inspired by markets in Rome.

Coloured pencil art / Conceal / Until Nov 30

Phanthira Kamnerdton creates beautifully surreal drawings from coloured pencils, which are often regarded as tools for amateurs, in her first solo exhibition at Joyman Gallery. Her canvases conceal her identity and energy while exploring a deep connection between men and animals.

EAT

Canadian lobster / Bangkok’78 / Until Dec 31

Bangkok’78 at Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok has launched a Canadian Lobster promotion. Experience flavours with the spicy Thai holy basil stir-fried Canadian lobster with baked cheese or savour the creamy richness of lobster stir-fried with yellow curry powder. Enjoy comforting depth in the lobster with gravy sauce, indulge in the classic of Lobster Thermidor or turn up the heat with garlic butter baked lobster served with spicy Thai seafood sauce. Pair the lobster with Breeze and Botanicals, a refreshing trio of cocktails inspired by Thai botanicals. Perfectly matched with every dish, enjoy the Garden Spritz, Siam Breeze and Thai Tea Sour.

Afternoon tea / Aman Nai Lert Bangkok

The arrival of autumn brings a sense of calm and Aman Nai Lert Bangkok’s executive pastry chef Florian Couteau finds inspiration for the Autumn Afternoon Tea at 1872. Drawing from his own memories of the season in France, he has created a special menu that captures the spirit of autumn through warm flavours, gentle spices and refined layers that echo the beauty of Nai Lert Park’s changing moods. The journey begins with Pumpkin and mushrooms, with savoury highlights including Goat’s cheese with poached pear and walnut; Lobster tartlet with avocado and Thai chilli mayonnaise; Celeriac remoulade cannelloni with green apple and chorizo; and Aburi negitoro tartlet with fennel, dill and caviar. Sweets are a Vanilla parfait; Pumpkin and cinnamon layered with pecan shortbread and spiced ganache; and a Tangerine roll cake.

STAY

Kids programme / The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok / Until Dec 24

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok has launched the Ritz Kids programme, where young guests between the ages of three and 12 embark on daily adventures through activities. Expect traditional Thai art classes, pizza-making workshops, scavenger hunts, face-painting sessions, Thai costume dress-up experiences and creative crafts ranging from origami to mask colouring. A dedicated children’s pool with splash-happy water jets, Ritz Kids seamlessly integrates into the broader family experience. Young guests enjoy special amenities, including Leo The Lion-themed table settings at Lily’s restaurant. The Ritz Kids Safari is an exclusive package that transforms guest rooms into enchanting safari camps with the signature Ritz Kids Night Safari sleeping tent setup for children between the ages of two and six, complete with glowing lanterns, colouring materials and plush-toy mascot Leo The Lion. The Safari experience includes daily breakfast for two adults and one child in Deluxe and Club rooms, or two adults and two children when booking a suite, including a Safari Afternoon Tea experience at Caleo. The Ritz Kids Safari experience is available for booking and stays until Dec 24.

STUFF

New EP / JO1

Chart-topping Japanese sensation JO1 have released an EP, ‘Handz In My Pocket’, following the release of their 10th single, ‘Handz In My Pocket’. The special release will feature a music video for the track, ‘Just Say Yes’, which will be released at a later date. With electrifying choreography, sleek production and lyrics rooted in optimism and self-expression, ‘Just Say Yes’ represents a new creative era for JO1. The EP will be available in four collectible formats, including an exclusive Fan Club Collectors Edition featuring 11 solo covers, one for each member.

EAT

Anniversary celebrations / Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town / Until Nov 30

Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town is celebrating its fourth anniversary this month, with dining offers. At Krua Talad Yai, diners can ‘Come 4, Pay 3’ throughout the month. Days can start with a bountiful Breakfast Buffet and every Wednesday and Thursday, Japanese Delights are the highlights. Every Friday and Saturday, the Market Place Buffet will showcase ‘Surf and Turf Season’. At Yue Restaurant and Bar, there will be the Dim Sum Buffet on offer.

Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin made a bold pledge this week to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 — 15 years earlier than the earlier deadline.

The big question is whether the country can achieve that. It is worth noting that at least half of Thailand’s energy comes from fossil fuels and natural gas, and that less than 20% of the energy consumed in the country is renewable.

As the government shows off its green sustainability goals, the reality on the ground offers a different picture.

Today, villagers from Khao Hin Son in Chachoengsao province’s Phanom Sarakham district are camping in front of Government House in Bangkok.

The villagers are campaigning under the “Chachoengsao RE-Power” network. They left their hometown on Nov 1 and started marching to the capital city, over 120 kilometres away.

Their goal is to warn Prime Minister Anutin Charvirakul about the dangers of the Burapa gas-fired power plant project, which is to be built near their community.

The villagers are upset that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved an electricity generation licence for the project on Oct 15.

The ERC had promised to visit the designated site on Oct 22 to examine environmental and social conditions and also conduct meaningful public consultations, but this never happened.

The network said it had submitted a written request to the ERC, questioning its “rushed action” on the project.

It wants a transparent and fair process that respects the community’s right to participate in the development of their community. Until now, there has been no response from the ERC to the villagers.

Without a doubt, the rushed approval of the licence raises questions about whether the ERC is on the same page as the national government on the net-zero goal, not to mention concerns about public participation, a right enshrined in the constitution, and the potential environmental and health impacts.

After all, right-minded people will know that fossil fuel is not an ideal choice for a country waging a tough war against toxic PM2.5 haze, let alone one that’s moving towards carbon neutrality.

More importantly, it’s known that the country has a power reserve surplus of over 40% of the actual demand. It does not urgently need a new power plant, yet the ERC still gave the nod — an inarguably irrational decision.

Why should we be concerned? Each power plant that sells electricity to the state grid is entitled to receive an availability payment. The fee is passed on to consumers through monthly electricity bills. This means the power plant is contractually guaranteed income despite the electricity reserve being superabundant.

In terms of economic competitiveness, it begs the question of why the government is so slow in making a green supply chain. Currently, most of the power for industrial production is powered by fossil fuels.

How will the country compete when the global supply chain requires products produced by a clean energy source or with low emissions?

Look no further than Vietnam, which takes the lead in producing low-methane rice. Methane is a greenhouse gas.

Mr Anutin must listen to the villagers and act reasonably. If not, then the case only shows that the government’s net-zero transition might be just hot air.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says his government will not protect any wrongdoer — regardless of rank — but says anyone naming suspects in scam-related cases must present solid evidence to the authorities.

Mr Anutin made the remarks as he presided over the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in preventing and suppressing technology-related crimes, signed by 15 public and private sector agencies on Thursday.

Speaking on behalf of the government and senior civil servants from various state agencies, state enterprises, and private organisations, Mr Anutin said the MoU marks a significant milestone in Thailand’s collective effort to declare war on online crime and should not be taken lightly, as the economy’s health was at stake.

“This is a war we must win,” he said, “to protect every citizen from scammers who are undermining our nation.

“The actions of these criminals are eroding our country’s potential, reputation, and public confidence.”

He said damage to Thailand’s image and reputation directly affects investor and tourist confidence and has severe repercussions for the national economy.

“The hidden costs of technological crime are immeasurable,” he said.

Mr Anutin emphasised this issue is among the nation’s top security priorities. The government has declared cybercrime a national agenda item, pledging to prevent and eradicate it completely.

He said the government is ready to provide full support — including budgetary funding, technological tools, and policy resources — to ensure tangible and lasting results in the fight against online scams.

The goal, he added, is to make Thailand a safe zone free from scammers and a forbidden land for all forms of fraud.

Asked about reports that some police had accepted bribes from scammers, Mr Anutin countered: “Is there anyone higher than Big Tai [Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, the national police chief]? If not, then I have no concerns.”

When asked about the opposition’s claims alleging that certain politicians were involved in scams, Mr Anutin replied the government operates based on intelligence and observed behaviour, in accordance with its official duties.

“Anyone who needs the government’s backing in this mission needs only to say the word.

“It is my duty to make everything possible so that the agencies under your supervision can carry out decisive prevention and suppression. No one is untouchable,” Mr Anutin said.

Military forces should persist in efforts to reclaim Prasat Ta Kwai in Surin province to honour fallen soldiers and safeguard national sovereignty, former Second Army Region commander Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang said on Thursday.

Lt Gen Boonsin, now serving as an adviser to the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army, encouraged military personnel to continue efforts to reclaim the ancient temple, which is one of the key disputed areas with neighbouring Cambodia.

There were many ways to pursue the mission, he said.

Lt Gen Boonsin made the remarks during a forum with war veterans and territorial defence students organised by the War Veterans Organisation of Thailand.

The event, held at the Army Club in Bangkok to commemorate the courage and sacrifice of Thai soldiers who served in World War I, featured an exhibition, lectures by military historians, and a tribute ceremony for soldiers who died in the recent Thai-Cambodian border conflict. It also sought to inspire young cadets by highlighting Thailand’s military heritage and the bravery of past generations.

Lt Gen Boonsin said he had not anticipated that the clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces along the border would escalate into what he described as Thailand’s most significant modern military engagement. He expressed pride in his service and paid tribute to the 16 Thai soldiers who lost their lives during the recent conflict.

Though retired since Sept 30, he said he remains committed to fostering patriotism and continues to engage with citizens who share his dedication to the nation, religion and monarchy. He also urged the younger generation to uphold these enduring values.

Recounting past border incidents, Lt Gen Boonsin accused Cambodian troops of repeatedly crossing into Thai territory, actions he said disrespected Thai forces and compelled Thailand to respond with stronger measures.

He admitted, however, that his options at the time were limited due to international scrutiny.

Meanwhile, Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree on Thursday said Thailand and Cambodia continue to cooperate under a joint action plan to remove heavy weapons and landmines along the border.

He said Thai patrols during Nov 2-3 discovered and safely disposed of two PMN-2 mines near Chong An Ma Pass in Ubon Ratchathani province.

Overall, the situation remained calm, he said, with no signs of interference or abnormal activity from the Cambodian side.

He said Thai authorities are prioritising careful communication and close coordination with Cambodia to support commitments made during the recent Asean Summit.

Eleven illegal migrant workers from Myanmar were arrested along with a Thai driver in Thong Pha Phum district on Friday morning.

Officials set up a road checkpoint at the Thong Pha Phum junction on Highway 323 in tambon Than Khanum at 8.30am on Friday after receiving information that that a van was being used to smuggle migrants into the province.

When they spotted the suspect Toyota van heading from Thong Pha Phum towards Muang district, officers signalled the driver to stop. The driver, identified as Prasit, 33, a Thai national from Sam Phran district in Nakhon Pathom, cooperated.

Inside the van, officials found 11 Myanmar migrants – 7 men and 4 women. When asked for documentation, they produced photocopied documents, including foreign birth certificates, copies of certificate of identity cards, and work permits compliant with a 2022 Thai cabinet resolution. However, none of the documents were certified, and all had expired.

Immigration officers later confirmed the documents were invalid due to expiration.

All 11 migrants were handed over to Thong Pha Phum police for legal proceedings on charges of illegally entering and residing in Thailand. The driver will be charged with assisting illegal migrants to evade arrest.

Mr Prasert initially told police he had picked up the workers at the Sala Daeng pier in Chong Ua village Moo 4 of Sangkhla Buri district at 3am on Friday. He was asked to transport hem to a meeting point in Muang district of Kanchanaburi, where another vehicle would take them further.

During questioning, the migrants said through an interpreter that they had crossed the border illegally into Sangkhla Buri and travelled by boat to the Sala Daeng pier, where the van picked them up. They intended to work in provinces such as Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon, having paid brokers between 15,000 and 16,000 baht each.