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The Department of Airports has announced an increase in the passenger service charge – commonly known as ‘airport tax’ – for outbound passengers at six regional airports in Thailand.

Both domestic and international travellers will now pay an additional 25 baht per person.

The airports are Krabi, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phitsanulok.

The fee for international passengers has risen from 400 baht to 425 baht per person, while domestic passengers will now pay 75 baht per person, up from 50 baht. The fee is included in the ticket price.

Local media reported that passengers travelling between domestic airports have already seen the airport tax listed at 75 baht per person under the ‘fees and taxes’ section, in line with the department’s announcement, which took effect on Wednesday.

The increase applies only to airports that have introduced three new passenger processing technologies: automated boarding pass checks, self-service check-in kiosks, and self-service baggage drop systems.

The National Security Council (NSC) has approved the construction of fences along the Thai-Cambodian border, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced.

Speaking after an NSC meeting, Mr Anutin said on Thursday that the details — such as location, design, and timing — will be determined by the Thai military based on terrain conditions and local needs.

Mr Anutin also addressed the issue of Cambodian encroachment in the areas of Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Sa Kaeo, saying that the matter must be handled in accordance with the law while also considering humanitarian principles and the broader implications of any legal actions.

The question of which legal framework to apply — martial law, forestry law, or immigration law — will be considered by the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters in consultation with the Sa Kaeo governor and relevant agencies, including the Interior Ministry, the prime minister said.

When asked about the negotiations with Cambodia regarding the withdrawal of Cambodian forces from disputed territory, the prime minister confirmed that discussions are being held within the framework of the General Border Committee (GBC), before adding that the latest meeting was attended by the Minister of Defence.

He noted that Thailand has set certain conditions for Cambodia. If those conditions are not met, Thailand will not respond to Cambodian requests — for example, to reopen border checkpoints.

“I don’t want to use the word ‘pressure’, because there’s already a great deal of pressure on both sides. But we will take steps to demonstrate clearly that Thailand is ready. If this is the way they wish to proceed, then Thailand is prepared as well,” Mr Anutin said.

“And if Cambodia’s leaders genuinely want to protect the well-being of their own people, they must accept our conditions.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow added that, under the GBC framework, three key points have been agreed upon: Cambodia must clear unexploded ordnance from the area, heavy weapons must be withdrawn, and cross-border crime must be jointly suppressed.

He said detailed discussions are still underway. Notably, Norway has already offered assistance with ordnance clearance, and it is believed that other countries will also be willing to help.

The meeting, the first under Mr Anutin’s government, also endorsed a set of continuing measures to address Thai-Cambodian tensions, building on decisions made at the previous NSC meeting.

These include military and border security strategies, trade controls, and proactive diplomatic engagement at the international level.

The government dismissed a recent report in The New York Times, which claimed China had delivered rockets and artillery shells to Cambodia just weeks before the outbreak of clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.

Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkpanich said the report cited old news, stressing the weapons were delivered prior to the Thai-Cambodian conflict.

He said that if further tensions or conflicts were to arise, China “would carefully consider its actions”.

Authorities are hunting down the culprits behind the theft of a sword from Petchabun’s Pho Khun Pha Mueang Memorial.

Lomsak district chief Praiya Phakaratakul sought police assistance on Friday after reports that the metal sword held by the Pho Khun Pha Muang Memorial was removed from the revered statue.

Thieves apparently cut the sword from the right hand of the smaller of two statues honouring Petchabun’s prominent Pho Khun Pha Mueang. Sacred clothes wrapped around the waists of both the larger and smaller statues were also taken.

Officials said the sword was cleanly cut, leaving the handle in the statue’s hand.

The vandalism was reported by a memorial caretaker and citizens paying respects on Friday morning. It is believed the perpetrators carried out the act at night to avoid detection.

While no motive has been proposed, the district chief suggested the culprits may have been under the influence of drugs and could be seeking to sell the relics.

Authorities will investigate potential buyers.

The Lomsak district head called the act highly offensive to Petchabun citizens, emphasising that the memorial is a significant emotional and cultural landmark for the province.

Pho Khun Pha Mueang was a Thai nobleman and general from the late 12th to mid-13th century. He played a key role in the founding of the Sukhothai Kingdom.

The body of a young Chinese man who went missing after drowning off Nai Harn beach on Wednesday was found floating near Koh Moo, off Ya Nui beach in Muang district on Friday morning.

The tourist went missing while swimming at Nai Harn beach at around 2.48pm on Oct 1, the Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 said on Friday. The centre identified the Chinese tourist as Yuan Wenyi, 21.

This prompted VAdm Weerudom Muangjeen, commander of the Third Naval area and director of the Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (MECC), to order a full-scale search operation, involving naval units, the tambon Rawai municipality, lifeguards and rescue teams.

Search efforts covered the area from Nai Harn beach to Ao Sen, extending to Ya Nui beach and Koh Kaeo, including coastal and rocky zones. Despite extensive efforts, the missing tourist had not been located.

On Friday morning, rescuers resumed the search along the rocky coastline from Ya Nui beach to Promthep Cape.

The body was later found floating in the sea near Koh Moo, off Ya Nui beach, at about 10am. Rescuers brought the body to shore at the search centre in front of Nai Harn beach. It was later handed over to authorities for autopsy and legal procedures, said the MECC Region 3.

The Board of Directors of Thai Oil Public Company Limited has approved the Asset Monetization plan, which will raise over THB 18 billion to strengthen the Company’s financial position and reduce debt, while continuing to utilise the leased assets through a leaseback arrangement without interrupting ongoing operations. The company plans to propose the project for shareholders approval on 9 December 2025.

Thai Oil Public Company Limited (TOP) led by Mr Bandhit Thamprajamchit, Chief Executive Officer and President of Thai Oil Plc, stated that on 25 September 2025, the Board approved the establishment of a new subsidiary, with PTT Tank holding a 49% stake. This subsidiary will invest in a 21-year long-term lease of selected infrastructure assets, located in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province, including crude oil storage tanks, Single Buoy Mooring (SBM), lorry loading station, and associated land.

TOP is entering a leaseback arrangement of the assets back to the company for ongoing oil refinery business. Upon completion of the transaction, the Company will realise additional cash inflows, thereby reinforcing its financial position, improving key financial ratios, and enhancing its capital recycling.

‘This Asset Monetization initiative is aligned with the Company’s strategic direction to strengthen its financial position. This transaction will provide stable long-term cash inflows from leased assets while allowing TOP to continue utilising them in its operations. It also creates additional value from existing infrastructure assets and helps reduce long-term financial risks amid dynamic economic and industrial environments,’ added Bandhit.

The collaboration with PTT Tank, the flagship infrastructure and logistics company of PTT Group’s refining and petrochemical businesses, will create synergies and enhance efficiency in integrated asset management operations.

Bandhit further stated that upon the establishment of the transaction, the Company has reviewed and considered the impacts on all stakeholders with primary emphasis on the interests of the Company and its shareholders. To ensure the transparency, the Board of Directors has appointed Capital Advantage Company Limited as the Independent Financial Advisor to assess the appropriateness of the transaction and prepare a report for shareholders’ consideration. The Company will convene the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 9 December 2025 via electronic platform. The record date to determine shareholders eligible to attend the meeting is set for 9 October 2025.

Bangkok authorities are working around the clock to stabilise the area around Samsen police station and restore the road in front of Vajira Hospital, following the recent major subsidence that caused a sinkhole.

The sinkhole, measuring about 30 by 30 metres and 20 metres deep, opened on Sept 23, apparently caused by a leaking water pipe that led to soil subsidence and the collapse into a subway tunnel under construction.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) expects the backfilling work to be completed this weekend. Once the sand compaction and roadbed layers are reinforced, resurfacing will begin.

The BMA has tentatively set Oct 9 as the reopening date for Samsen Road in front of Vajira Hospital, which will restore full traffic flow to the area.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who inspected the site on Friday morning, said that rain at dawn had left puddles in the subsidence area. Workers had already filled the cavity with sand and reinforced Samsen police station with temporary supports to prevent further damage, he added.

‘There may still be some soil settlement due to the rain, so we will wait for engineers and experts to give a full assessment of the next steps,’ Mr Chadchart said.

He noted that the operation was proceeding on schedule, with city work teams and pumping equipment on standby in case of heavier rain, in line with directives from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority.

Meanwhile, hospital operations are gradually returning to normal. Ampan Vimonvattana, deputy dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Vajira Hospital under Navamindradhiraj University, said patient numbers have surged this week, as many who postponed appointments after last week’s collapse were now returning.

On Thursday alone, more than 5,000 patients – both scheduled and walk-ins – sought treatment, she said. To assist them, the hospital arranged shuttle drop-off points at Sri Yan, Sirindhorn and St Gabriel’s School, as well as taxis for patients needing direct transport from the hospital, she added.

On Thursday, about 1,300 cubic metres of sand were added, bringing the total used to backfill the site to around 3,500 cubic metres. Workers dismantled damaged concrete slabs in the cavity and pushed sand beneath Samsen police station to stabilise the ground.

Temporary short piles have also been installed to strengthen the structure. So far, no significant structural shifts have been observed, according to authorities.

The next general election is likely to cause the country its biggest headache ever. It will be the first time that voters will have four ballots — two for electing lawmakers and two for public referendums.

The first two ballots will include normal voting papers to elect constituency MPs and list-MPs to parliament and Government House. The third ballot will be a referendum about the content and process of planned constitutional amendments.

The real conundrum is the final ballot. It is a referendum on whether eligible voters should retain or repeal MoU 43 (2000) and MoU 44 (2001), signed with Cambodia, regarding the establishment of joint border committees to resolve land and maritime border disputes.

The fourth ballot is a fresh initiative of the new government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. It is facing pressure to address the Thai-Cambodia border issue, especially from an angry public that wants to see the government scrap both of the MoUs.

However, it remains a significant question why the Anutin government is allowing this foreign policy decision to be made by voters. Regarding the voters, deciding on the MoUs with Cambodia requires an understanding of history and its long-term effects.

Both MoUs have served as key diplomatic frameworks for the two countries to negotiate border demarcation and long-term resource sharing.

Political experts have publicly warned about the troubles ahead. Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn even warned that parliament could face delays in passing the required organic laws for elections and referendums.

A delay in parliament would mean another big political conflict for the Anutin government, which may face protests if it stays beyond the promised four-month term in office.

But the biggest challenge is preparing voters for the referendum. How will the government provide quality, well-balanced information for the public to decide?

Elections and public referendums require more than just setting days and venues, as both issues are complex and highly politicised.

Charter amendment has been a divisive issue. The opposition People’s Party and its pro-democracy allies have been campaigning for the rewriting of a new charter, aiming for drastic reforms.

The conservative camp and its political parties, meanwhile, prefer the least amount of amendments to the charter, opposing a full rewrite.

Another challenge now is providing voters with access to fair and balanced information, rather than propaganda from political camps. With the ongoing border conflict and surge of jingoism, it remains a big question whether voters can obtain sensible and quality information.

How will the government provide an honest view on the pros and cons of both MoUs without fearing backlash? How can voters digest the complex situation and make informed decisions?

The referendum has been enshrined as the mantra of a direct democracy. Mr Anutin said his decision to run the referendum is a form of “showing respect to public opinion”.

No matter how inspiring this sounds, the reality is that the referendum will only be successful if voters are well-informed on the matters at hand. The onus now falls on MPs and the Election Commission to run a campaign that communicates to voters and educates them.

The tourism and sports minister has acknowledged Thailand is no longer a “tourism giant”, but he plans to attract 2-3 million more Chinese tourists during his four-month term.

“Thailand is not a tourism giant anymore as new competitors are emerging. This situation has forced us to adjust our mindset. We should target markets that truly have growth potential,” said Tourism and Sports Minister Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn during his first visit to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Thursday.

He presented his working policy called “Big Impact, Act Fast” to TAT executives and is scheduled to meet ministry officials on Saturday.

Among the markets shrinking this year, Mr Artthakorn said China still has potential and the government is aiming for 2-3 million more Chinese tourists during his four-month term.

He said the TAT is tasked with promoting Thailand’s strengths, such as Thai food and hospitality, which requires strong collaboration between domestic stakeholders and overseas partners.

Mr Artthakorn said the ministry and the TAT plan to focus on markets with high growth potential, including Japan, China, South Korea, India, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan.

Meanwhile, he said Thailand should be able to maintain the flow of inbound markets that already recorded strong performance, including the US, Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and Poland.

To spread tourism revenue, Mr Artthakorn said the government will continue encouraging both local and foreign tourists to visit second-tier cities.

According to the TAT, foreign arrivals this year are projected at 33.4 million, down from 35.5 million recorded last year.

He said he wants the TAT to work ambitiously in the final months to push arrivals past that forecast.

Mr Artthakorn also emphasised upgrading tourism safety measures by promoting use of the Thailand Tourist Police app, as well as utilising artificial intelligence technology to detect suspicious behaviour and prevent crime.

He said the ministry will cooperate with relevant stakeholders to welcome visitors during the 33rd SEA Games in the fourth quarter, as the event could help reassure the international community about safety in Thailand if it runs smoothly.

Despite its sizzling momentum, the ongoing gold rally is not a bubble as strong fundamentals and technical signals continue to support the market, says YLG Bullion and Futures, adding that a US$4,000 target remains in sight.

Bullion surged by 45% this year to reach $3,850 an ounce on Thursday, with domestic gold prices rising 39.6%, repeatedly setting all-time highs.

“Gold has entered overbought territory and may face bouts of selling pressure,” said Tipa Nawawattanasub, chief executive YLG. “But in the medium to long term, the uptrend remains intact, and prices could reach $4,000 an ounce.”

YLG highlights four key factors driving gold’s powerful rally. First, concerns over the independence of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) have cast doubt on the dollar’s long-term credibility, making gold an attractive hedge against political interference in monetary policy.

Second, expectations of Fed rate cuts have grown due to weak US labour market data, reinforcing the appeal of non-yielding assets such as gold.

Third, central banks continue to provide strong support to the market. Since 2022, they have collectively purchased more than 1,000 tonnes of gold annually, twice the average of the previous decade. Notably, China has been a consistent buyer for 10 straight months, boosting its reserves to more than 2,300 tonnes.

Finally, investor flows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have resumed after two consecutive years of outflows. This year ETFs have accumulated nearly 588 tonnes, underscoring renewed confidence and strengthening the demand side of the market.

These four forces — monetary policy risks, rate cut expectations, sustained central bank buying, and a revival in ETF demand — have formed a solid foundation for gold’s continued ascent, Ms Tipa said.

In the short term, YLG views possible pullback “as a pause before climbing higher”. Breaking through resistance near $3,850 could pave the way toward the trader’s 2025 target of $4,000.

She said the gold rally has also been fuelled by temporary events, including heightened uncertainty around a potential US government shutdown, which historically shaves around 0.15% off quarterly GDP growth and disrupts employment figures.

For investors, YLG recommends futures trading as an attractive vehicle in a high-price environment as futures generally allow profit opportunities in both rising and falling markets.

“Despite short-term volatility, the foundations for gold remain rock solid,” said Ms Tipa. “This is not a bubble, but a structural uptrend driven by central banks, monetary policy shifts, and renewed investor demand.”

Bangkok United were stunned by Persib Bandung 2-0 in their AFC Champions League Two Group G tie at the Pathum Thani Stadium on Wednesday night.

Goals from Andrew Jung and Uilliam Barros on either side of half-time secured the victory for the Indonesian visitors, who drew 1-1 with Singapore’s Lion City Sailors in their opener.

Philipe Maia had the first sight of goal in the fifth minute but fired his shot high, while Kyoga Nakamura also came close four minutes later when he tested Persib goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam with a long-range effort.

Persib nearly broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when Beckham Putra latched onto a wayward clearance with an acrobatic strike that just missed the target.

Maia again threatened Persib’s defence, forcing a fine low save from Teja in the 34th minute.

Persib, however, stunned the home fans in the 42nd minute when Marc Klok played a neat exchange with Uilliam, who then broke into the box to set up Jung for the simplest of finishes.

The Angels were let off the hook at the hour mark when keeper Patiwat Khammai spilled Luciano Guaycochea’s shot onto the path of Jung, who turned the rebound into the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Persib doubled their lead in the 71st minute when Jung’s cross into the box was deflected into the path of Uilliam, whose curling effort came off Everton and settled in the back of the net.

Bangkok tried to respond in the closing stages with Seia Kunori and Richairo Zivkovic seeing their efforts thwarted, while Patiwat parried William Marcilio’s shot away as Persib held on for the impressive win.

“It was very disappointing that we couldn’t get three points at our home ground. But the players did well under the circumstances,” said Bangkok head coach Totchtawan Sripan.

“We have to deal with crowded fixtures and injuries although it’s still very early in the season. We had to send in players who are still sick. But of course that’s not an excuse. We just have to manage the rotation better,” he added.

Lion City beat Selangor 4-2 at home to top the group with four points from two games, but have a better goal difference than Persib, who also have four. The Angels are third with three points while Selangor are bottom without a point.

Warriors hope to rebound

Lamphun Warriors host Muang Thong United in Thai League 1 action on Friday.

Lamphun will hope to rebound from last week’s 4-0 defeat to promoted Kanchanaburi Power. They are third from bottom with five points, having won just one of six matches.

Seventh-placed Muang Thong will also look for three points after drawing 1-1 with Nakhon Ratchasima.