Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

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.

But trading successfully requires more than just market knowledge. It demands speed, precision, and access to the right tools-anytime, anywhere. That’s why XM’s launch of its new Progressive Web App (PWA) is making waves. This isn’t just a technical upgrade-it’s a rethinking of how trading fits into the lives of modern professionals.

Designed for a Life in Motion

Traditional trading platforms often force users to choose between power and portability. Desktop platforms offer robust tools but are tied to a desk. Mobile apps are convenient but often compromise on speed or functionality. For people who move between meetings, travel frequently, or manage multiple devices, this inconsistency can be a serious drawback.

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.

Empowering Smarter Decisions

What makes XM’s PWA stand out isn’t just its accessibility-it’s how it helps users make better decisions, faster. The platform integrates TradingView charts, one of the most advanced charting tools available. This gives traders access to smart drawing tools, customisable layouts, and a wide range of technical indicators-all within the XM ecosystem.

For those who don’t have hours to analyse markets, this matters. You can spot trends, set alerts, and execute trades with minimal friction. The direct-to-trade interface ensures that opportunities can be seized instantly, without navigating through layers of menus or switching between apps.

Another standout feature is the XM AI assistant, which sits right next to the charts. It provides instant answers to trading questions-without interrupting your workflow. Whether you’re checking a technical term, looking for market insights, or exploring strategies, the assistant is there to help. It’s like having a knowledgeable partner by your side, 24/7.

Built for Real-World Conditions

One of the most overlooked aspects of trading platforms is how they perform under less-than-ideal conditions. Poor internet connections, outdated devices, or sudden updates can derail trades and cost money. XM’s PWA is built to handle these challenges. It’s lightweight, fast, and reliable, even under weak connections. Updates happen automatically in the background, so users always have the latest tools without interruptions.

This is especially relevant in dynamic environments-whether you’re working remotely, traveling, or simply navigating a busy schedule. The platform adapts to your lifestyle, not the other way around.

More Than Just Trading

XM’s PWA isn’t just about placing trades. It’s a comprehensive hub for managing your financial journey. Users can fund and withdraw accounts, chat with support, watch live educational sessions, and access promotions-all from the same interface. This holistic approach reflects a deeper understanding of what modern traders need: not just tools, but an ecosystem that supports learning, execution, and growth.

For those new to trading, this is especially essential. The learning curve can be steep, but XM’s integrated education and support features make it easier to get started and stay informed.

Setting a New Standard

The timing of this launch is no coincidence. XM recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, and the PWA is part of a broader strategy to reinforce its ‘clients first’ philosophy. With two successful promotions already this year and hints of a major bonus campaign on the horizon, the broker is clearly investing in its user base.

But beyond marketing, the PWA signals something more profound: a shift in industry standards. As competition among brokers intensifies, platforms that fail to offer seamless, intelligent, and reliable experiences will fall behind. XM is not just keeping up-it’s setting the pace. Sign Up Here

If you’re someone who values efficiency, clarity, and control in your financial decisions, XM’s new PWA is worth exploring. It’s not just a tool-it’s a strategic asset. By removing friction, enhancing decision-making, and offering a consistent experience across devices, it allows traders to focus on what really matters: making smart moves in the market.

In a world where time is money and opportunities don’t wait, having the right platform can make all the difference. XM’s PWA delivers that edge.

Explore the platform and start trading smarter today.

The government has approved a central budget of 864 million baht for the Royal Thai Army to enhance border security amid rising tensions along the Thai-Cambodian frontier, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed on Wednesday.

The funds were approved during the cabinet meeting held immediately after his policy address to parliament on Tuesday, a move which underscores the urgency in addressing border issues and ensuring national sovereignty, Mr Anutin said. The premier said the approval had not been delayed and emphasised that the budget is designed to enhance the army’s readiness to respond to emerging security situations at the Thai-Cambodian border.

He declined to confirm whether the funds would be used for constructing border fencing, citing security concerns. However, he said the financial support would enable the armed forces to better protect the country’s sovereignty during this sensitive period. The matter will also be discussed at today’s meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), where several related issues, including the appointment of a new chair of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), are on the agenda. The current chairman’s term ends on the same day.

Responding to Cambodia’s recent petition to the International Court of Justice to rule on the ownership of the disputed Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temples, Mr Anutin said Thailand has a clear stance on this matter and would firmly uphold its national interests. “Cambodia has the right to file the case, but Thailand will continue to follow its established protocols,” he said.

New Second Army Region Commander Lt Gen Weerayut Raksin, who oversees the northeastern border area, said yesterday that Thai troops remain fully prepared and vigilant. “While Cambodia has at times employed military provocations, Thai forces are exercising restraint and avoiding escalation,” he said. Lt Gen Weerayut assumed the role of commander following Lt Gen Boonsin’s mandatory retirement.

Sansiri Public Company Limited (SIRI) reaffirmed its leadership in the Thai property market, reporting nine-month sales of THB 39 billion-equivalent to 74% of its full-year sales target and a 5% year-on-year increase, despite ongoing challenges in the real estate sector.

During the first nine months of 2025, Sansiri recorded 19 project sell-outs worth THB 21 billion and built a strong backlog of THB 23 billion, securing about 50% of this year’s revenue recognition. With more than 10 additional projects nearing sell-out, the company signals a stable growth trajectory.

Mr. Wicharn Wiriyapushit, Chief Financial Officer, said the sales momentum was driven largely by condominiums, with strong demand for new launches including Vallez House, Wydden by Sansiri, and Self by Sansiri, which together generated THB 3.4 billion. In Phuket, Setthasiri Koh Kaew Retreat achieved a robust VVIP pre-sale, with over 30% of units sold prior to launch, while show-house sales alone contributed more than THB 1 billion.

The company also reported a solid pipeline of seven ready-to-move-in condominium projects, valued at THB 9.6 billion-including The Base Urban Rama 9, FLO by Sansiri, Dcondo Calm Ramkhamhaeng 40, The Muve Paw Bangkae, Canvas Cherngtalay Phuket, Maken House Chiang Mai, and Dcondo Campus Khon Kaen-which will support revenue in the final quarter.

Sansiri continues to navigate a sluggish property market with prudent yet flexible strategies, focusing on effective cash-flow management, portfolio diversification, and partnerships for future development. Leveraging its strong brand, design innovation, and after-sales service, the company remains confident of sustaining growth.

In the last quarter of 2025, Sansiri will launch seven new projects worth THB 18 billion, including Setthasiri Koh Kaew Retreat, Burasiri Chatuchot, Saransiri Chatuchot, and a new condominium in Kathu, Phuket. The firm will also debut its new Sansiri Community at Chatuchot on 185 rai, featuring the first two projects Burasiri Chatuchot and Saransiri Chatuchot, with pre-sales set for 4-5 October 2025.

The chief physician of Police General Hospital has been transferred to an inactive post, effective from Oct 1, following a six-month suspension of his medical licence for his role in helping former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra avoid doing prison time.

National police chief Kittharath Punpetch signed the order transferring Dr Taweesilp Wechawitarn, who also holds the rank of police lieutenant-general, to the Royal Thai Police Operations Centre.

The transfer order noted a resolution passed by the Medical Council of Thailand on May 8, when it voted to suspend Dr Taweesilp’s medical licence for six months, effective from Oct 1.

The council said any violation of the suspension by continuing to practise medicine would constitute an offence under the Medical Profession Act.

The Royal Thai Police subsequently set up a fact-finding committee in July to investigate alleged misconduct involving Pol Lt Gen Taweesilp and another senior physician, Pol Lt Gen Sophonrat Singhajaru. The investigation is still under way.

The two have been accused of helping Thaksin receive privileged treatment in a luxury ward on the 14th floor of the hospital.

The Medical Council concluded that the doctors provided false or misleading medical documents or information regarding Thaksin’s health to facilitate his extended hospital stay.

It suspended Pol Lt Gen Sophonrat’s licence for three months and Pol Lt Gen Taweesilp’s licence for six months, starting Oct 1.

Given the suspension of his medical licence and the pending inquiry, police authorities deemed it inappropriate for Pol Lt Gen Taweesilp to continue in his current role, the order said.

The reassignment would ensure transparency, fairness and prevent potential damage to the force, it added.

Pol Lt Gen Paiboon Chiamanukulkit, a senior physician at Police General Hospital, has been named acting chief physician, effective from Oct 1 to March 31 next year. (Story continues below)

Behind bars

On Sept 9, the Supreme Court ordered Thaksin, 76, to actually serve the year’s imprisonment to which he was sentenced two years ago, rejecting his prolonged stay in hospital as part of his sentence.

The court said it considered as illegitimate the transfer of Thaksin from Bangkok Remand Prison shortly after his arrival there on Aug 22, 2023, after he complained of chest pain.

The billionaire and former Manchester City Football Club owner had returned to Thailand that same day after 15 years in self-imposed exile. He stayed at the police hospital instead of in prison until his parole in February 2024.

The former prime minister is now in the maximum-security Klong Prem Central Prison.