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The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has inaugurated a multimodal transport project at Ranong Port, creating a freight transport route connecting China, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and South Asian countries via the west coast of southern Thailand.

A recent ceremony marked the launch of the inaugural shipment to Yangon Port in Myanmar, helping elevate Ranong Port’s role as a central maritime trade hub on Thailand’s Andaman coast and linking regional economic networks, said Kriengkrai Chaisiriwongsuk, the PAT director-general.

The ceremony was held to promote a multimodal freight transport route that integrates trucking, rail and maritime shipping.

Ranong Port serves as a strategic hub, expanding trade and investment opportunities across the Asean and South Asian regions. The project also aims to build confidence among customers, operators, international freight forwarders and shipping lines, he said.

Mr Kriengkrai said freight transport from Ranong will take just three days to reach Yangon Port in Myanmar, four days to Chittagong in Bangladesh, and six days to both Chennai in India and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Previously, these journeys took 14-21 days. This demonstrates the potential to significantly reduce both transit time and transport costs, providing a competitive advantage for Thai and international operators alike.

‘Ranong Port is the only government-operated port located on the Andaman coast and serves as Thailand’s gateway to the Bimstec countries: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan,’ he said.

Bimstec stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.

He said the launch not only creates new economic opportunities but also demonstrates the PAT’s commitment to developing Ranong Port into a modern, transparent and sustainable trade and transport hub.

Mr Kriengkrai said the project has received strong support from Thai Transport Centre Co, together with business partners including SCG JWD Logistics Plc, Ever Flow River Group Plc from Myanmar and SPT Smart Creation Co.

Situated in a strategic position on Thailand’s Andaman coast, Ranong Port currently has the capacity to handle both containerised and general cargo.

Ranong has also been touted as the western terminus of the controversial southern Land Bridge project, linked to Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand by a new land transport corridor.

Control Data (Thailand) Limited has been entrusted by the Government of the Maldives to serve as a consultant for the design of the Civil Registration, Vital Statistics, and Identity Management (CRVSID) system under the ‘Digital Maldives for Adaptation, Decentralisation, and Diversification (D’MADD)’ project. The initiative aims to transform citizen identity verification by making it secure, transparent, and equally accessible. The project will propel this geographically challenged nation towards a milestone on its path to becoming a digital country in line with international standards.

As part of the CDG Group, Control Data (Thailand) continues to strengthen its leadership role in Thai technology on the global stage. Having earned the trust of the Maldivian government, the company has designed and set the technological standards for the CRVSID system under the D’MADD project, with the objective of enhancing public services into a secure, internationally recognised platform. This project will play a pivotal role in reshaping the Maldives, moving from unequal access to government services to becoming a digital nation where citizens can access services equally and transparently, fully aligned with ICAO standards and recognised worldwide.

Mr Thaweesak Ninwatcharamanee, President of Control Data (Thailand) Limited, said:

‘The Maldives, comprising more than 1,000 islands, is currently facing challenges in ensuring equal access to government services due to fragmented population registry data and the absence of a unified system. This has led to limitations in management and policy-making, particularly for citizens living in remote areas or in vulnerable conditions who frequently face barriers to registration. Factors such as economic constraints, limited educational opportunities, and lack of awareness of fundamental rights have prevented many from accessing essential services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare, as they often lack complete legal documentation.’

The introduction of the new population registry and digital identification system will significantly enhance convenience through seamless integration with existing platforms. It will ensure smooth and secure identity verification for citizens accessing government e-services, such as tax filing and permit applications, supported by an updated database. This system will also cover the registration of births, deaths, and changes of residence, thereby providing an accurate population count. Such data is essential for developing targeted policies in key areas such as education, public health, labour management, and disaster response. Ultimately, the initiative will drive the government towards data-driven policymaking, reflecting three core values:

Equity: Citizens across all islands will have equal rights to access government services, reducing geographical disparities that have long posed barriers.

Transparency: A centralised population database shared across government agencies will eliminate duplication and strengthen accountability in public administration.

Trust: Compliance with ICAO standards, combined with biometric technologies and advanced data protection systems, will ensure citizens’ personal information is safeguarded in line with international standards.

What Control Data (Thailand) has initiated is not merely the development of a new system for the Maldives, but a transformative step in population registry and digital identification aligned with ICAO standards. This advancement enables secure identity verification and integration with global systems such as e-passports and e-KYC platforms in the financial sector. It marks a significant milestone, demonstrating how the Maldives can leverage technology to enhance the quality of life for its citizens.

‘This project is a crucial turning point for us, enabling our involvement in developing the national population registry to meet international digital standards. Our role extends from providing consultancy on the most suitable system architecture-whether software-based solutions or flexible platforms adaptable to local workforce capacity-to preparing the System Requirement Specifications (SRS). This transition will elevate the Maldives from a paper-based bureaucracy to a practical digital standard, while building trust across all sectors. It reflects the CDG Group’s guiding principle of ‘Technology for a Better Society,’ delivering genuine value to the people,’ concluded Mr Thaweesak.

Property developer Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Ltd (MQDC) plans to generate residential projects for the over-50s in the mid- to lower-income segment, following a luxury project this year.

Thippaporn Ahriyavraromp, founder of MQDC, said the company had laid out a 10-year plan for developing residential projects for the elderly, starting with The Aspen Tree at The Forestias as its first project.

“Now is the time to embark on this plan,” she said. “We began with a luxury project as it provides resources for research, marketing, and creating the best model.”

Once the model is proven, MQDC plans to expand into the broader mid- and low-income segments, ultimately developing a social enterprise that brings together seniors and orphans, said Ms Thippaporn.

MQDC launched The Aspen Tree yesterday, a residential project designed as a holistic environment for independent living, targeting people aged over 50.

The project is equipped with flexible options for both sale and long-term rental to meet varying customer needs.

The Aspen Tree features 250 condos sized 82-120 square metres and 40 villas sized 183-201 sq m, along with a health and brain centre for seniors.

The average selling price is 360,000 baht per sq m, while rents start at 167,000 baht per month.

The Forestias is a mixed-use development spanning 398 rai on Bang Na-Trat KM7 Road, in Samut Prakan, comprising residential, commercial, and recreational components, including condos, villas, retail spaces, offices, a boutique hotel, and community facilities.

“The Forestias is designed to connect multiple generations within a single community, allowing residents to care for one another. With increasing life expectancy, it is now possible for up to four generations to live together,” Ms Thippaporn said.

The Forestias comprises Mulberry Grove, a cluster home project for large families; The Aspen Tree for single families or couples without children; and Whizdom, high-rise condos for younger generations.

“We believe separating seniors weakens their health compared with living in a family setting, while research shows children without grandparents at home perform worse academically, struggle in their careers, and face higher divorce rates,” said Ms Thippaporn.

Thailand is working to expand its domestic cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund plans beyond Bitcoin to include other digital tokens, with the rollout expected early next year, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The SEC and other agencies are drafting rules for new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that could be offered by local mutual funds and institutions, secretary-general Pornanong Budsaratragoon said, elaborating on plans announced earlier this year.

‘Our possibility now is to broaden the criteria for the crypto, such as a basket of cryptocurrencies,’ Ms Pornanong said in an interview on Wednesday. ‘We want to have broader supply of those crypto assets in the ETFs.’

Thailand has been accelerating its push to become a regional crypto hub, rolling out policies to make tokenised products part of mainstream investment choices.

Like other regional markets exploring the digital space, the move could attract younger participants, especially as the stock market is down 7.6% this year. These efforts would come with new risks, however, and the SEC is seeking to upgrade its oversight powers.

Currently, Thai investors can gain crypto exposure by buying tokens directly or putting money into funds managed by licensed asset management companies that invest only in overseas cryptocurrency ETFs. The new initiative would go beyond those limitations.

‘Some investors, especially young people, prefer to have exposure in cryptocurrencies in their portfolios as a way to diversify,’ Ms Pornanong said. ‘One of our main tasks is to facilitate’ that demand.

Crypto momentum has picked up across Thailand’s financial markets. Major players such as Binance and Kasikornbank are targeting growth in the sector. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra remains one of the country’s vocal crypto advocates.

The expansion of Thailand’s digital asset space coincides with the SEC’s push for a bill to broaden oversight powers. The proposal would allow the regulator to order companies to suspend major transactions if financial irregularities are found.

It would also empower the SEC to investigate market-impacting cases such as insider trading, rather than relying solely on limited police resources.

The bill has cleared initial screening by legal advisers to the government, and the SEC is in talks with the new administration to accelerate parliamentary approval, Ms Pornanong said.

‘Speedy enforcement against wrongdoers will definitely revive confidence in our oversight of the capital markets,’ she said.

Thailand ranks 24th in this year’s Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) mixed ratings, with a high score in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, medium in energy use, low in climate policy, and very low in renewable energy.

Thailand’s Taxonomy Phase 2, which is now open for public consultation, focuses on defining sustainable economic activities in the agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, and waste management sectors. This taxonomy guides businesses and governments in aligning with both international and Thai environmental standards, promoting green finance and investment.

This comes amid a growing partnership between Thailand and Australia over climate change initiatives.

Among successful green transition efforts, Australia has been one of the most progressive countries in driving the green economy forward following policy changes in 2023.

“The transition to renewable energy is accelerating, especially in South Australia, which by 2027 will generate all of its electricity from renewable sources, backed by large-scale battery storage,” said Australian Ambassador to Thailand Angela Macdonald.

At the national level, Australia has legislated a target of reducing emissions by 43% by 2030 compared to current levels, and has recently announced a more ambitious target of 62-70% by 2035.

“With a vast landmass, the driest continent on Earth, Australia has been tackling the effects of climate change — water scarcity, air quality challenges — very clearly,” Ms Macdonald told participants at the Talk Stage at the Sustainability Expo 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on Wednesday.

“Thailand, while smaller geographically, has a much larger population and is part of Asean, our regional neighbourhood. The challenges we face — plastics in the oceans, PM2.5 pollution, emissions, flooding — are not confined to one country. They are regional and global,” she said.

“Collaboration with Thailand and Asean will help us navigate these issues and address them together.”

Australia’s contributions to Thailand’s decarbonisation efforts are being implemented through the Mekong-Australia Partnership.

Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is also collaborating with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand to enhance electricity grid stability.

“That’s just one government-level collaboration. At the same time, many Australian businesses are bringing commercial solutions in energy and green innovation,” Ms Macdonald said.

Australia-Thailand collaborations extend across multiple initiatives, including Bangkok’s Makkasan Park, the Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network and advancements in battery technology, green hydrogen, and pumped hydro energy storage.

Less than one-third of data centres in Thailand possess the advanced capabilities necessary to support artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, creating a critical urgency for Thai organisations to upgrade their IT infrastructure.

Meeting these rising demands is essential for Thailand to secure its position as a leading AI hub in the region, according to Cisco Systems (Thailand).

“AI workloads are placing unprecedented demands on Thailand’s data centres, with most facilities not yet fully optimised for AI,” said Weera Areeratanasak, managing director of Cisco Thailand and Myanmar.

According to Cisco’s 2025 Networking Report, IT leaders in Thailand found that about 28% of data centres in Thailand say they are ready to fully utilise AI.

By 2027, the country aims to triple its data centre capacity from 350 megawatts (MW) in 2024 to 1 gigawatt (GW), backed by a US$6.5-billion infrastructure push.

Organisations in Thailand need to reimagine how they architect, scale, and secure their infrastructure to meet AI demands, the report says.

There is also growing expectation to leverage AI’s potential, with all companies surveyed in Cisco’s 2024 AI Readiness Index reporting an urgency to adopt and deploy AI over the past year.

However, AI introduces new challenges — driving greater complexity, putting pressure on existing infrastructure and creating a trust deficit.

“Technology is evolving faster than before and organisations in Thailand have a short runway to put the secure, critical infrastructure needed for AI in place,” said Mr Weera.

To address these challenges, Cisco is moving from a “best-of-breed” approach to an integrated “platform” approach.

The platform approach combines networking, security, and observability into a single, unified platform to provide comprehensive visibility and control.

Cisco’s strategy focusses on three key areas.

First, it supports data centres to be AI-ready. Readiness would not only support AI workloads but also leverage AI to automate and simplify data centre operations.

Its standout initiative in this area is the Secure AI Factory solution, created in collaboration with Nvidia, which delivers a certified, secure, and ready-to-deploy AI data centre design.

Second, Cisco is enabling a future-proof workplace by supporting secure hybrid and remote work environments.

Finally, it enhances organisations’ digital resilience in recognising that IT is now a core part of business operations to help organisations mitigate risk and maintain continuity during disruptions.

By integrating data from across the network, security, and applications, organisations will have end-to-end visibility, enhanced resilience, and the agility needed to embrace new technologies such as AI, helping clients maximise value, streamline management, and accelerate innovation.

In the past year, Cisco demonstrated strong AI momentum, recording more than $2 billion in AI infrastructure orders in the 2025 fiscal year, more than double the original $1-billion target.

“AI is emerging as a significant growth driver for Thailand’s digital economy,” said Mr Weera.

However, a gap remains between businesses’ ambitions and their readiness for AI.

To truly capitalise on this technology, governments need to establish the right governance and policy frameworks, investing in skills and infrastructure, addressing regulatory and privacy concerns, and ensuring that businesses have the appropriate tools and expertise to leverage AI effectively.

Mr Weera said considering the total cost of ownership when investing in AI over the long term, rather than just upfront costs, is critical to sustainable AI adoption and maximising return on investment.

To address cost concerns, Cisco developed tailored solutions covering everything from silicon to full AI systems, including networking, compute, optics, data centre interconnect, security, and observability.

Organisations can choose validated full-stack solutions with integrated management or select individual components to build a custom stack.

Phuket authorities have launched a sweeping infrastructure blueprint aimed at easing traffic congestion, improving water security, and upgrading marine transport links to boost the island’s role as a regional hub.

Governor Sophon Suwannarat recently chaired a seminar attended by 29 foreign consuls, state agencies, and the private sector. The forum highlighted progress on nine major road projects, a long-term water supply plan, and the Yamu Port upgrade into an Andaman marina hub.

The Department of Highways reported nine schemes to address chronic traffic bottlenecks, particularly between Phuket city and the airport. Key works include the 650-million-baht expansion of Highway 4027 from Ban Thalang to Ban Muang Mai, due for completion in 2026, and a new highway link from Ban Muang Mai to the airport, targeted for 2028.

Other projects cover improvements to Highway 402 from Khok Kloi to Phuket town, costing 700 million baht, and construction of Highway 4030, from Thalang to Rawai Beach, for 325 million baht.

There are also a plan to build Highway 4025, from Tha Ruea to Choeng Thale, at a cost of 420 million baht and Highway 4031, from Mud Dok Khao to Phuket International Airport, with a 185 million baht price tag.

Some are also under survey and design, including a consultancy project for Highway 402-Sarasin Bridge, a feasibility study on a new highway route from Ban Pa Khlok to Ban Bang Khu and a plan for Highway 4023, from Phuket town to Cape Panwa, with a cost of 200 million baht.

Traffic management on Highway 402, Phuket’s main artery, is also being enhanced with redesigned intersections and safety measures across nine locations.

In parallel, the Provincial Waterworks Authority is advancing a plan to divert raw water from Ratchaprapa Dam in Surat Thani to Phuket, he said.

The proposal, structured as a public-private partnership, is undergoing feasibility and impact assessments. Officials expect tender documents to be ready by late 2027, ensuring long-term water security for Phuket and neighbouring provinces.

Marine infrastructure is another focus. The Marine Department is steering plans to redevelop Yamu Port in Thalang district into a community marina aligned with the government’s Andaman masterplan. The design phase is complete, with environmental assessments and dredging studies to follow. The project aims to provide year-round safe access for yachts, boost maritime tourism, and position Phuket as a competitive marina hub.

Governor Sophon said the integrated approach reflects Phuket’s vision of becoming a sustainable tourism and logistics centre.

“These projects are designed not only to relieve local problems such as traffic and water shortages but also to strengthen Phuket’s global connectivity and economic competitiveness,” he said.

An Asian man fell from a condominium tower in Pattaya, landing on a wall below that tore his body apart, early on Wednesday morning.

The gruesome discovery was reported to police about 12.30am.

The dead man was believed to be an Asian male aged 30 to 40 years and was found wearing a black T-shirt and shorts.

His falling body landed on top of the condo wall, which split it into upper and lower halves and scattered his internal organs across the road.

Police had yet to confirm which floor of which building he fell from, as the condo has three towers.

A witness reported hearing a loud thud, as though an object had landed violently on the ground. On investigating, he found the man’s body in its gruesome condition.

Investigators did find cigarette butts on a 32nd floor rooftop balcony and traces indicating someone may have been sitting on the ledge.

The investigation was ongoing.

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Vice Chair of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), underscoring the relevance of King Rama IX’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) in society today, says it is not about ‘settling for less’ but about achieving sustainable, inclusive and enduring growth.

In a speech titled ‘Adaptation. For a Better World’ at the Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025) on Wednesday, Ms Kobkarn said the SEP is not reserved for corporations alone. Rather, it is a guiding principle for businesses, communities and individuals alike, she added.

She noted that the SEP has often been misunderstood. For years, some critics have assumed that the philosophy discourages economic progress, equating sufficiency with complacency, she said.

‘This old belief misled people into thinking SEP would never bring wealth,’ she said. ‘But in reality, SEP is about balance – growth that is sustainable, inclusive and enduring. Foreigners believe in Thailand – why don’t we?’

The sharing session that followed also featured international perspectives.

Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag, a Norwegian entrepreneur and Vice President of the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, described how the SEP values shaped her jewellery company.

By prioritising employee well-being and transparency, the business scaled significantly while retaining a small team of 36 Thai staff, she said.

She encouraged companies in all sectors to embrace the SEP step-by-step: ‘Celebrate every little win. Invest in your people. Don’t expect overnight millions – you’ll lose them just as fast.’

Lester Khoo, International Affairs Director of Charoen Pokphand Foods, who hails from New Zealand, explained how the SEP aligns with the CPF’s role as a ‘sustainable kitchen of the world’.

Operating in 17 countries and feeding 4 billion people, the company follows three SEP-inspired principles: loyalty to the nation, benefit for the people and profit for the company, Mr Khoo said.

‘Moderation is key,’ he said. ‘Sustainability requires balance between business and nature.’

Another highlight of SX2025 was the session titled ‘Business Models Inspired by the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy: Practical Applications and Sustainable Success’.

There, Ms Kobkarn introduced Sirikul Laukaikul, brand strategist and founder of Por Laew Dee: The Creators Project on the SEP, who emphasised that SEP is not limited to agriculture but can be adapted to any business model.

Several Thai entrepreneurs also showcased their success stories.

‘Penguin Eat Shabu’, founded by Thanapong Wongchinsri, shifted from competition to collaboration by creating Penguin X, a platform linking restaurants with academic partners.

Khao Thammachad, led by Chinnasri Phoolra-ao, built partnerships with bakeries to ensure fair incomes for rice farmers through transparent cost management.

Onson, founded by Thamwit Limlertcharoenwanich, transformed rice into a premium local liquor while reusing waste for cattle feed and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Biovech, created by Pawarith Raksaswaphokin, worked with communities in Nan to develop herbal-based cosmetics, creating over 200 jobs and attracting major brands.

As Thailand navigates economic challenges, Ms Kobkarn emphasised, responsible personal spending and a balanced approach are key to sustaining livelihoods and ensuring long-term growth.

‘Growth must be balanced and shared with all people,’ she said, calling on the younger generation to carry the Thai identity proudly into the global arena.

Echoing her remarks, Ms Sirikul added: ‘The king’s philosophy is not just guidance – it is practical know-how that has enabled Thailand to overcome challenges time and again.’

In today’s digital economy, more and more professionals are exploring trading-not just as a side interest, but as a strategic way to grow their income and take control of their financial future. Whether it’s about building a second stream of revenue, staying ahead of inflation, or simply making smarter use of savings, trading is becoming part of a broader lifestyle shift.

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Designed for a Life in Motion

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XM’s new PWA solves this by offering a unified experience across all devices. Whether you’re using a browser on your work laptop, a phone during your commute, or a tablet at home, the interface remains consistent, fast, and fully functional. There’s no need to download multiple apps or adjust to different layouts. It’s seamless, intuitive, and built for flexibility.

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Setting a New Standard

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