Govt to tackle dialysis issues

Newly appointed Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat has pledged to improve dialysis services for more than 100,000 patients nationwide within the next two months.

The move comes in response to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s directive to ensure such treatment is provided free of charge under the “Kidney Dialysis Treatment Everywhere with One ID Card” scheme.

The announcement was made on Wednesday after Mr Anutin raised concerns over widespread complaints from patients who reported being charged extra fees for dialysis, despite their entitlement to free treatment under the universal healthcare programme, also known as the 30-baht scheme.

Mr Anutin tasked the new minister with resolving the issue within two months.

In response, Mr Pattana said the ministry is preparing immediate measures to ease the burden on patients, including exploring the possibility of providing travel allowances for those who must regularly commute to treatment centres.

“The real solution lies not only in dialysis but in organ transplantation, which is the ultimate treatment for kidney disease. The ministry will also work to expand transplant services for the greatest benefit of patients,” he said.

Jadej Thammatacharee, secretary-general of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), expressed confidence that the upgraded services would be in place within two months.

He said patients would no longer incur additional costs, adding that a multidisciplinary team would be established to more effectively assess and prioritise cases.

Not all patients require dialysis, yet some are advised by their doctors to begin treatment earlier than needed, he noted. To address this, the NHSO is considering offering second medical opinions to prevent unnecessary treatments and ensure more efficient use of the budget.

Currently, the NHSO has allocated 16 billion baht for dialysis services, with an estimated increase of more than 3 billion baht required next year. Dr Jadej suggested that “unnecessary cases” may be contributing to the rising costs.

He also acknowledged that while the “Dialysis Everywhere with One ID Card” policy is highly ambitious, further discussions are needed to ensure its successful implementation.

Myanmar refugees now eligible for work

Myanmar nationals residing in refugee camps can now register for a permit that will allow them to work legally in the country, the Ministry of Labour announced.

The move came after the cabinet on Aug 26 passed a resolution allowing refugees to take up jobs in the country, as part of the government’s bid to address labour shortages.

Labour Minister Trinuch Thienthong said on Thursday the resolution, which took effect on Wednesday, is in line with the government’s plan to meet the demand for labour from various industries while providing refugees with the opportunity to participate in the economy legally.

The move will benefit 42,601 refugees aged between 18-59 living in nine shelters across Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces — about 12,000 of whom have expressed interest in working, said Pichet Thongphan, director-general of the Department of Employment.

He noted employers have already registered 6,152 vacancies.

Sectors with the highest demand include construction, electronics manufacturing, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and food and beverage production, he said.

Employers seeking workers from refugee shelters must first register the vacancies they wish to fill at their local employment office, providing details about the position and the duration of the contract.

The relevant authorities will direct employers to choose from a pool of applicants deemed suitable for the jobs they listed.

The workers must then seek permission from district authorities to leave the controlled area. Once outside the camps, they must report to authorities in the province of employment within 48 hours, he said.

Employers must then bring the workers to a state medical facility to undergo health checks and register them for insurance.

Afterwards, employers can submit work permit applications with all the required supporting documents.

The initial application fee is set at 100 baht, while the annual permit renewal fee is 900 baht. Workers may engage in all types of jobs not explicitly prohibited for foreigners.

Mr Pichet urged employers to follow all procedural requirements to ensure compliance with the law. Guidance and support are available at provincial employment offices nationwide or via the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506.

Spread your wings

As Swarovski celebrates “130 Years Of Joy” throughout 2025, expect the maison’s majestic waterfowl gracing the anniversary editions.

Global creative director Giovanna Engelbert has reinterpreted the Swarovski Swan for statement pieces under the commemorative Vienna Collection.

“The swan is a beautiful, almost mythical creature that represents grace, beauty, eternal love and transformation. It was chosen as Swarovski’s emblem because it highlights our eternal love of crystal and the elegance of our artistry and creations,” said the global creative director since 2020.

The logo originally featured an edelweiss as a symbol of purity and beauty. Swarovski modernised its trademark in 1989 with a swan, inspired by the works of Gustav Klimt.

In 2021, Engelbert evolved the logo by placing the swan inside an octagon with strong edges representing the savoir-faire of Swarovski’s artisans.

The know-how includes meticulous crystal setting and high-jewellery techniques, used in crafting the Vienna Collection.

Luminous clear crystals contrast with ruthenium accents in the architectural designs while the kinetic energy of abstract wings and feather-like forms evoke the swan’s graceful movements. Pavé detailing and stones in mixed cuts and sizes intensify the light in each piece.

“I wanted to pay homage to the Swarovski Swan by imagining it in an abstract way, taking flight — a symbol of movement, energy and reinvention. These designs are meant to feel classical in spirit, but with a sharp, contemporary edge that feels alive. They transcend time, taking us from 1895 to 2025 — a journey between heritage and the future,” said Engelbert.

A prelude to the epic, Daniel Swarovski invented an electric cutting machine and applied for a patent in 1891. The revolutionary technology allowed cutting jewellery stones into a variety of shapes and facets.

A new era of crystal production then began in 1895, when Swarovski partnered with Franz Weis and Armand Kosmann in establishing their business in the small alpine village of Wattens in Tyrol, Austria.

With its own melting furnace, the company has been producing crystal glass in-house since 1913. Innovative cutting and polishing techniques further made Swarovski Crystals unrivalled in the way they capture the light and refract it with an intense brilliance, clarity, radiance and depth of colour.

Today, new crystal cuts, shades and sizes are still conceived at the historical headquarters in Wattens. Other materials include Swarovski Created Diamonds with the same optical, chemical and physical attributes as mined stones; and Swarovski Zirconia with the Round Pure Brilliance cut, comparable to Tolkowsky Ideal Cut.

Crystals in various cuts as well as Swarovski Zirconia shimmer on various pieces from the Vienna Collection such as the ruthenium-plated choker with a pear-shape crystal at the tip enhancing the radiance.

The designs of the sculptural choker, matching ear cuffs and bangle are inspired by the swan’s graceful wings.

Octagon-cut crystals and feather-like wings characterise a standout necklace while a fringe-like effect on ear cuffs captures the delicate nature of feathers.

A ring is designed with the swan’s head and neck wrapping around the finger along with dramatic feather-like strands.

The emblematic swans from the Vienna Collection have seemingly migrated to the autumn/winter 2025 collection. The jewellery are designed with the same mixed-cut silhouettes in ruthenium and clear crystals, to further celebrate Swarovski’s 130th anniversary.

BBIX Thailand Launches OCX for Cloud Connectivity

BBIX (Thailand) Company Limited (BBIX Thailand), a subsidiary of Japan’s SoftBank Corp, has officially launched ‘Open Connectivity eXchange’ (OCX) connection points in Thailand. The connection points are located at the international-standard data centres of True IDC North Muang Thong and True IDC East Bangna Campus in Bangkok, ensuring stability and security. The new service is designed to elevate cloud connectivity for businesses, enabling greater efficiency and performance.

OCX is a cloud-based network service developed on BBIX’s IX (Internet Exchange) platform, created to deliver secure, fast and scalable connectivity. Customers can instantly provision private networks on-demand via an online portal, reducing setup time from weeks to just minutes. The service also supports flexible bandwidth expansion to facilitate cloud migration or new project deployments, while enabling single-platform connectivity to major cloud providers such as AWS and Oracle.

Furthermore, OCX offers seamless international connectivity covering Tokyo, Singapore and Thailand. It provides carrier-grade reliability through private, logically separated connections dedicated to each customer, thereby minimising the risk of eavesdropping or cyberattacks. Its robust infrastructure also enables effective monitoring and rapid incident response, ensuring maximum stability and operational efficiency.

The service benefits a wide range of businesses reliant on cloud technology to drive operations, including IoT platforms in the manufacturing sector, financial and banking institutions, and Software as a Service (SaaS) providers. It also addresses the needs of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) seeking direct, stable, private and high-speed cloud connectivity, as well as enterprises undergoing system expansion or experiencing fluctuating traffic that requires flexible bandwidth management.

Mr Hidetoshi Ikeda, Managing Director of BBIX (Thailand) Company Limited, stated: ‘The launch of OCX connection points not only enhances the provision of highly secure and reliable network services but also aligns with the rapidly expanding demand for cloud services in Thailand. Market forecasts indicate that the Thai public cloud sector will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.68% between 2025 and 2030, reaching a market volume of USD 8.51 billion by 2030. This growth reflects the strong demand for cloud solutions that are flexible, cost-effective and secure. OCX has been purpose-built to truly meet these needs, offering multi-cloud capabilities, global connectivity and scalable performance. I am confident this service will strengthen competitiveness and provide new options for businesses in Thailand.’

BBIX Thailand remains committed to accelerating digital transformation and creating new business opportunities for customers in Thailand and across Southeast Asia. Businesses interested in consulting about this service can contact bbix-sales@bbix.net.

Amnesty bill submitted for debate this month

The amnesty bill has been submitted to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha for inclusion on the House agenda, with second and third readings expected before the current parliamentary session ends later this month, according to a source.

The legislation, reviewed by a House committee chaired by Pheu Thai MP Natthawut Saikuar, merges three bills that passed their first reading on July 16.

It seeks to extend amnesty for politically motivated offences over a 20-year period, from 2005 to 2025, while explicitly excluding corruption cases, offences causing death or serious injury, and violations of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese-majeste law.

If enacted, the bill would grant amnesty to individuals prosecuted for political offences during this period, erase their criminal records, and terminate ongoing proceedings. Civil cases involving state agencies or state enterprises would also be dropped.

The bill further calls for the establishment of a nine-member committee to review individual amnesty applications. Chaired by the prime minister, the panel would include the justice minister, the permanent secretary for justice, the secretary-general of the National Human Rights Commission, three legal or human rights experts, a civil society specialist in conflict resolution, and the permanent secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, who would also act as secretary.

Special provisions are proposed for offenders under 18 at the time of their actions, allowing the committee to recommend rehabilitation measures or request courts to suspend proceedings in line with juvenile justice principles.

Chaithawat Tulathon, former leader of the Move Forward Party and a member of the House committee, said the bill reflected the spirit of the three drafts.

He added that committee members from the People’s Party – the successor to the court-dissolved Move Forward – have reserved the right to discuss conditional amnesty for Section 112 cases during the House examination of the bill.

A Senate committee in July said it supported amnesty for young people who may have committed political offences out of recklessness or impulsiveness.

The use of Section 112 was revived in 2020 as youth-led protests against the government of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha gained momentum. About 280 people, many of them students at the time of the alleged offences, face lese-majeste charges that are still before the courts.

Five amnesty bills were originally proposed but only three were accepted by the House.

The three were sponsored by the United Thai Nation (UTN) MP Wichai Sutsawat, Klatham MP Preeda Boonplerng and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul. The UTN-sponsored draft was used as the primary version for further deliberation.

The two that did not pass were proposed by the People’s Party and a network of civil society groups.

Low-priced pork campaign to help consumers, farmers

The Ministry of Commerce has announced a campaign to ease the cost of living for consumers by selling quality pork at a special price of 100 baht for 2 kilogrammes nationwide throughout October.

The ministry’s Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has joined with the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand (SRA) to stage the campaign, which also aims to rebalance pork demand and supply in the market, following a decline in farm gate pig prices.

Prices have been pressured by the economic slowdown, reduced consumer purchasing power, a downturn in the restaurant business and the return of many Cambodian workers to their home country, said Yanee Srimanee, deputy director-general of the department.

These factors have reduced pork consumption, resulting in oversupply and pig prices falling below farmers’ production costs.

The DIT regularly takes steps to protect pig farmers by ensuring prices remain fair, for instance by setting a minimum selling price. Last month it instructed major retail and wholesale operators not to sell lean pork for less than 102 baht per kilogramme.

Under its new initiative, 100,000kg of pork will be offered to consumers at special prices, in line with Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun’s policy to lower household expenses.

Ms Yanee said the pork, sourced from approved farms that are members of the SRA, is being distributed at designated selling points and through the department’s Blue Flag fairs throughout the month.

Sitthiphan Thanakiatpinyo, the SRA president, said the campaign has been well received by consumers so far.

He said the scheme not only provides affordable pork to consumers, but also offers an effective channel to release surplus pork into the market, helping farmers earn appropriate incomes.

To further manage supply, the association is taking other steps including a piglet cycle-cutting programme, processing 100,000 piglets to produce roast pork and reduce supply over the next four months.

The association has also requested the four major pig-raising companies store pork in cold storage for six months, limiting the volume entering the market.

In addition, a maximum slaughter weight of 110kg per pig was set to ease the glut in the market.

The association expects these actions will help restore the supply and demand balance in the market, said Mr Sitthiphan.

Ex-Democrat Suchatvee unveils new party with policy focus on education

Suchatvee Suwansawat disclosed the policy of a new party, Thaikaomai, on Friday to use education as a key driver to woo voters when it contests a new general election next year.

“Education is the core of everything. Education is the game changer for Thailand,” he told an event to kick off the party platform.

The party was formed last month after he resigned from the Democrat Party in July. It was officially introduced to the public on Friday.

Thaikaomai unveiled what he termed the four-arrow policy to improve education, and use new technology to help small- and medium-enterprises and startups to steer the economy. The other two arrows targeted plans to improve the quality of life and measures to stamp out corruption.

Mr Suchatvee attacked a populist policy used to attract voters for failing to resolve all problems as it only delayed the country from reaching “the stage of a coma”. “Education is the strongest medicine (to cure the country),” he added.

Education would turn around Thailand from a labour-exporting country to be a nation equipped with innovation and creativity to compete in the world and attract investors to the kingdom, he added.

Mr Suchatvee was the president of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang before entering politics.

Key leaders of the new party include Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, a former Democrat deputy leader, who is the Thaikaomai chairwoman. Varavij Kambhu Na Ayudhaya is one of the deputies and Kanate Wangpaichitr leads the economic team.

Mr Suchatvee said Thaikaomai will consider invitations to join a government after the new nationwide poll if the party is given an opportunity to take responsibility for education.

Thundery dawn storm causes flooding, damage across Greater Bangkok

A predawn storm on Friday brought heavy rain and strong winds to Greater Bangkok, toppling trees, damaging vehicles and flooding key roads.

Traffic radio broadcasters said strong winds and heavy rain toppled trees in Bang Kapi, Bang Sue, Huai Khwang and Din Daeng districts of Bangkok, as well as parts of Nonthaburi. Several vehicles were damaged, according to Traffic Police and Jor Sor 100 radio.

Flooding was also reported on Rama 9 and Bang Na-Trat roads.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said Chatuchak district appeared hardest hit but a full damage assessment was still pending.

The Meteorological Department reported heavy rain at Suvarnabhumi airport in the 24 hours to 7am Friday. City Hall later recorded light rain at 8.45am in districts west of the Chao Phraya River, including Phasi Charoen, Chom Thong and Thon Buri.

The department warned more rain was moving in from Saraburi and Prachin Buri and was expected to reach Nong Chok before noon. Widespread showers are forecast across Greater Bangkok through the weekend.

Your horoscope for Oct 3-9

Your spot-on horoscope for work, money and relationship from Guru by the Bangkok Post’s famously accurate fortune teller. Let’s see how you will fare this week and beyond.

Aries

Mar 21 – Apr 19

Working solo is where you shine the brightest and deliver your best results. Working with others will wear you down emotionally. Be prepared for meetings that could have been emails and mixed signals. Use the chaos as fuel and you’ll discover unexpected growth opportunities.

A friend or cousin may point you to a low-key gig or hidden side income opportunity. You may stumble on forgotten cash or receive an unexpected windfall. If you’re juggling multiple debts, you’ll knock at least one out. Be careful with lending or investing, as someone may try to take advantage of you. Always double-check the fine print.

You and your partner share more peaceful moments together and quickly find happy mediums when disagreements pop up. You two might kickstart a healthier lifestyle together and keep each other motivated. Sexy time becomes more careful and meaningful.

A new hangout spot or a dating app swipe might light up chemistry that hits fast and hard. Enjoy the moment but stay realistic. The magic might fade once you’re home or when the night ends. At least you’ll walk away with a little story.

Taurus

Apr 20 – May 20

The project you’ve been pouring your energy into will soon complete. You’re getting noticed, maybe even rewarded. Both your main job and side gig will demand your full focus and what you gain in return will be worthwhile. Your network’s growing and more opportunities are coming. A job interview coming up? Expect a quick yes or no.

A windfall awaits you. A friend will drop a solid financial trick or smart investment tip. Income opportunities will keep you busier than planned, but in a way that makes you happy. Don’t forget to spend a little for pure enjoyment. Lost valuables will find their way back to you.

Next week brings smoother conversations, deeper connection and real quality time with your partner. Things are settling into a routine that could lead to the next level or bigger commitments. A new shared goal may emerge and having family in your corner makes it all feel more achievable.

Expect romantic spark with someone from work or a work-related social event but you two decide to get to know each other in secret to avoid gossips. Also, you may instantly click with a new face through social media or a friend’s introduction. Your heart’s about to get busy. Don’t let the excitement blind you to red flags.

Gemini

May 21 – Jun 20

Better communication and team support help you breeze through tasks. Your plans turn into progress with less pushback and more forward moves. Expect to land a key role in a future-focused project or major transformation initiative. It’s all about innovation, and you’ll adapt quickly with more say and influence than before. Job hunting? Keep an eye out for international opportunities.

You’ll handle your earnings and outgoings more smoothly. A friendly auntie or big sis in your circle might hook you up with a money-making opportunity, unlock an extra income stream or help you seal a sweet deal. Be careful with lending and investing – not everyone’s playing fair or has good intent.

Romance is ramping up with more playful, passionate and perfectly-timed moments between you two. Shared dreams are set to spark some wins worth celebrating. Family time is also in the cards. Unmarried couples may bring up wedding or engagenment before their parents.

If you’ve been chatting with several matches, one will sweep you off your feet and this could go IG official. Not seeing anyone? Someone off your radar might steal your heart faster than your usual type ever could.

Cancer

Jun 21 – Jul 22

Some colleagues might dismiss your ideas, but tension turns into clarity. It’ll show you exactly who’s in your corner. Manage your energy wisely as sudden urgent tasks may catch you off guard. Cyber threats or tech glitches could hit, so keep your key data safe.

Your network of friends and associates brings opportunities to earn extra cash through behind-the-scenes or less formal work. The repairs for your car, phone or daily gadget might be bigger than expected. Keep your spending minimum and stash a little cash more for safety. Stay sharp against pickpockets and travel scams while travelling abroad (even if it’s Japan).

Tension with your partner? It’s finally fading away. But don’t get too comfy – family drama or fresh trouble might follow. Still, you two will handle it together with calm confidence. This might just bring your hearts closer and make your minds wiser. Someone nosy might watch your love life for possible gossips ’cause they’re envious.

That special someone you’ve been seeing might be ready to go public with you. A married-with-kids someone from your work or social circle might sneak into your DMs with big flirty energy. If you can’t see yourself with them, don’t waste their time.

Leo

Jul 23 – Aug 22

There may be more meetings than usual but you’ll be given more decision-making power. A coveted project or unexpected opportunity lands in your lap. A few colleagues might stir up drama out of insecurity. You’re turning pressure and deadlines into fuels to push forward. If you run your own business, a big-name collab is on the cards.

Debt negotiations will work out in your favour. You might stumble on extra cash or a low-key income stream. An insurance payout, refund or overdue payment will soon arrive. Beware of fortune that comes with hidden cost. However, it will yield benefits and returns to you in the long run.

You’re each other’s anchor, muse and sage. Expect fun hangouts, romantic magic and pure couple glow. Sweet surprises may find you two as fortune smiles. Your shared vision starts turning into wins worth celebrating. You’re both stepping into deeper commitment territory, feeling completely sure about your journey together. Oh, we’re so jelly!

You may be tempted to ghost someone who doesn’t seems to be a good fit to you after getting to know them. Let them down gently. Your friends will play matchmaker and social scenes will spark fresh flirty vibes both IRL and online. You enjoy the attention and the flirtation without getting serious with anyone right now.

Virgo

Aug 23 – Sept 22

Bigwigs and clients are raising the bar and your plate’s about to get real full. Your boss might breathe down your neck more than usual. You might have to search for past assignments, fine-tune them and give them another polish. They seemed flawless to you at the time but time away from them help you realise their rooms for improvement. Sudden travel or surprise meetings could pop up.

More money comes in but more money also goes out. Beware of early signs of missing your savings goal. Joy trumps regret for now. However, don’t lose sight of your financial freedom. If recent past years have taught you anything, the lesson is that life is full of uncertainties.

Faithful couples may have a few playful disagreements and friendly competitions. If you’ve been two-timing, you may get exposed and shamed for it. Your official love and side love pressures you to choose and you may end up with none if you’re hesitant.

You may unexpectedly click with someone who’s nothing like your usual type. The chemistry is real, but so are the fears and doubts creeping into your mind. Old wounds and your differences might make you second-guess. It’s okay to take your time and feel things out.

Libra

Sept 23 – Oct 22

If you’re stuck on something, things finaly fall into place. Your energy, creativity and team synergy are at their peaks. You’ll breeze through deadlines while surprise setbacks will fuel your growth. Your professional circle is about to expand in ways that unlock hidden opportunities you never saw coming.

You’ll spend more on socialising, but you’ll also gain connections and intel that could unlock income boosts or supercharge your portfolio. Travel might bring a small windfall. You can afford little luxuries while staying on track with your savings goal.

Love feels lighter, with real talks replacing routine replies. You’ll actually hear each other, bringing you two closer. Shared goals and everyday challenges start turning into wins. Cross-cultural couples discuss their plan to wed or which country to settle down.

Fighting for someone’s heart? You’ll charm your way to victory. If you’re seeing no one, a fascinating foreigner or someone from a different culture might steal your heart. Despite some differences, shared passions and similar life goals will spark a deep, instant connection.

Scorpio

Oct 23 – Nov 21

You pick up new tech and tools fast while your creativity is at the maximum. What once felt tricky now feels easy. With the blend of knowledge, people skills and data-driven intuition, you’re becoming the office’s go-to guru and peacemaker. You’ll crush your to-do list and land a secret mission from bigwigs.

Your negotiation skills will deliver rewarding results. An unexpected inheritance or family heirloom could come your way. Valuable insider info might boost your investment game or help you spend smarter. Juggling multiple debts? One’s about to be history.

Heart-to-heart talks bring you two closer. You and your partner are more in sync. You two laugh more while building deeper trust. A shared dream or goal brings a spark of excitement between you two.

A family member or a close family friend might play matchmaker, nudging you toward someone with similar vibes and social standing. A fresh face or a blast from the past might slip into your DMs for a casual hook-up.

Sagittarius

Nov 22 – Dec 21

Curveballs and shake-ups will push you out of your comfort zone. You’ll meet unfamiliar faces, test new methods and work with tools you’ve never used before. Pressure might hit hard at first, but it’ll gradually give way to hope and excitement. Entrepreneurs, new markets await across borders or city lines.

Your pay/rate negotiations are likely to succeed, so trust your value and own your earning power. If you’re selling your property or brokering deals, expect signed and sealed papers. You’ll add more to your savings and still afford smalls splurges that make you smile.

Someone, through social media or your friend group, could sweep you off your feet in a heartbeat. Things might get steamy and spicy behind the scenes, but your heart’s still with your main squeeze. Your bond’s unshakable and you manage to keep them in the dark for now.

You radiate rizz. Expect several admirers, taken and available. Some just want to bed you and nothing more. Set boundaries that protect both your peace and your heart. Remember that with great charm comes great responsibility.

Capricorn

Dec 22 – Jan 19

Brace yourself for extra tension at meetings and more office drama. Soften your words to avoid burning bridges. On the bright side, your fierce determination and energy will power you through tough tasks and help you slay every deadline. You’ll do well in any upcoming test or competition.

Expect delayed or only partial payments. You may also get hit with major spending urges for entertainment and luxuries. A promising financial opportunity or unexpected cash boost may come into you late next week.

Brace yourself for a relationship rollercoaster. A hidden secret or money issue could come to light. Pain from the past might resurface too. Give each other more patience and kindness. Take a deep breath and ride out this turbulence together.

Fresh romance is heading your way. Some people aren’t looking for lasting love. Watch out for scammers and fling-seekers. If things are heating up with someone, you may be blindsided as they’re about to ghost you for someone else.

Aquarius

Jan 20 – Feb 18

Something feels off at your workplace. Expect tense talks and tangled communication. A higher-up might call you out for not delivering your best. Next week is a prime time to face and fix lingering issues bubbling beneath the surface. Fresh opportunities await if you’re bold enough to shake up your routine.

Your income stream may feel shaky. Expect surprises and shortfalls instead of steady streams. Ditch the dice and skip impulse buys on fun stuff. Don’t play guarantor for anyone’s debts. Time to tighten up or reboot your money plan.

Your relationship’s running on autopilot, stuck in repeat mode. You’re hungry for spark and fresh excitement. You might drop tiny white lies just to spice things up. Someone unaware that you’re taken might casually flirt with you.

You meet potential admirers IRL and online but none seems to live up to your standard. You think you deserve someone who deserve you and aren’t going to settle for less anytime soon. However, one of your admirers may call you snobbish.

Pisces

Feb 19 – Mar 20

You’re firing on all cylinders. Your energy, intuition and creativity will unite to take on projects, surprise deadlines and backlogs head-on. You can read the room in seconds, smoothly navigating conflicts and managing expectations with effortless finesse. Your standout results could land you a moment worth celebrating.

Fresh connections could reveal a secret source of income. You might be busier making money but it’s the good kind of busy. Make hay while the sun shines. You’re in your best earning years so don’t slow down just yet. Seeing those digits climb will definitely put a smile on your face.

Couples know when to spend time together and when to spend time on their own. Personal space and time are necessary for any healthy relationships. Quick make-ups will follow any mix-ups. Unmarried couples bring up their wedding or engagement plan to see their parents’s approval.

You’re laser-focused on building wealth and becoming your best self. As you glow up, someone older might start eyeing you with more than friendly interest. Your go-getting vibe is very appealing to them. An old flame or someone from your dating past might slide into your DMs for a casual hookup but it isn’t necessarily a good news.

’Big Joke’ files defamation suit against police chief

Former deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, also known as “Big Joke”, has filed a criminal defamation lawsuit against national police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch over allegations of links to a Chulalongkorn University law exam scandal.

The lawsuit, submitted on Wednesday at the Songkhla Administrative Court, cites the publication of misleading information implying Pol Gen Surachate’s involvement in the theft of exam papers, which he claims has harmed his reputation and honour.

The controversy dates back to March this year, when cyber police arrested figures connected to the Betflik online gambling network, ultimately uncovering communications among officers about removing exam papers from Chulalongkorn’s evening law programme.

Kanittha Lertbanjerdwong, also known as Dr Nid, was identified as a key intermediary who claimed to act as Pol Gen Surachate’s personal secretary. According to the investigation team, evidence indicates she delivered stolen exam papers to Pol Gen Surachate’s legal team for completion before returning them to examination authorities. Pol Gen Surachate maintains he never personally handled the papers.

Investigators from the Technology Crime Suppression Division 1 subsequently gathered sufficient evidence to issue warrants for three suspects, including Ms Kanittha, who was arrested in April. The police also revealed that a mobile phone of Pol Lt Col Karit Pariyaket, a close aide of Pol Gen Surachate, contained Line chats detailing the division of roles in the exam fraud. Some messages mentioned Pol Gen Surachate, while three other officers were involved in preparing and returning exams. Financial transactions tied to Pol Lt Col Karit and others were also identified.

Pol Gen Surachate stated that he has never been involved in any way and has never been formally charged in the case, yet his name has continued to be repeatedly implicated.

“I have filed criminal defamation charges against the national police chief because false information has been published linking me to the exam scandal,” he said. “Although my name was not mentioned directly, the reports clearly implied my involvement, damaging my reputation and honour. I must use the law to protect myself.”

A police disciplinary committee fired Pol Gen Surachate in March over his alleged involvement in an online gambling network.