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Critics are arguing the new government’s proposed online lottery for retirement savings is a weaker tool for building savings than the previous administration’s “retirement lottery” programme.

Former deputy finance minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said he is concerned that this is an attempt to avoid implementing the retirement lottery by merely changing the name and format, resulting in a less effective programme.

He said the online lottery for retirement savings is less efficient than the National Savings Fund’s (NSF) retirement lottery. Under the online lottery system, for each 80-baht ticket purchased, the Government Lottery Office (GLO) allocates a portion of its 17% share of sales revenue (normally used for administrative costs) to a savings account for the ticket buyer.

In practice, this means the maximum amount from an 80-baht ticket diverted to a savings account is roughly 13 baht, and likely it will be even less, said Mr Paopoom, also deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party.

In contrast, under the retirement lottery the full 50-baht price of each ticket is deposited into the buyer’s retirement savings account, regardless of whether the ticket wins a prize.

He said the online lottery savings plan stipulates ticket buyers on online platforms agree to a portion of their purchase allocated to their savings accounts.

These accounts can only be withdrawn when the holder reaches age 55, or after being held for at least five years. For older buyers, such as people age 58, they must hold the account for another five years before withdrawing the money.

The funds for this programme are allocated from GLO revenue.

Of GLO’s total ticket sales, 60% goes to prize payouts, 20% to the national treasury, 17% to GLO activities, and 3% to operating expenses.

Meanwhile, the retirement lottery programme under the NSF, which has already been passed by parliament, is designed as a tool to encourage retirement savings, with lottery prizes as an incentive.

Anyone age 15 or older, regardless of NSF membership, can purchase retirement lottery tickets at 50 baht each, up to a maximum of 3,000 baht per person per month.

Five million tickets are issued each week, with draws held every Friday. The top prize is 1 million baht, and there are also three-digit ending prizes of 1,000 baht.

All money used to purchase tickets is accumulated and returned to buyers when they turn 60.

People older than 60 can still buy tickets, with the money returned five years after the initial purchase.

The government provides the budget for prize payouts. If all prizes are claimed each week, the cost is 15 million baht weekly, or about 780 million baht per year.

If there are no winners for a given draw, prize funds roll over to the next one.

The NSF’s retirement lottery aims to increase retirement savings among Thais, particularly among informal workers not covered by savings systems after retirement, such as the Social Security Fund or provident funds.

The NSF has 2.78 million members and expects to reach 2.8 million by year-end.

Thailand has around 21 million informal workers, about half of the workforce.

Independent scholar Aat Pisanwanich criticised the online lottery savings proposal, describing it as “a way of intoxicating people”, using the promise of a certain amount of savings as an incentive.

Instead of spending this money on daily necessities, people may be tempted to spend it on lottery tickets, said Mr Aat.

However, he noted from an investment perspective, the scheme could appear more attractive than depositing money in a bank, where savings interest rates are less than 1%, offering little incentive to save.

Thai commercial banks have a very high interest spread — the difference between deposit and lending rates — of 5-7%, allowing them to reap large profits, said Mr Aat. In contrast, banks in Singapore and Malaysia operate with spreads of only around 2%.

Amid the growing presence of Chinese household appliance factories in Thailand, LG Thailand anticipates intensified price competition in the market.

In September, Chinese household appliance manufacturer Haier opened a 10-billion-baht air conditioner plant in Chon Buri. The first phase has an annual capacity of 3 million units, with plans to double the output to 6 million units by 2027.

Hisense, another Chinese home appliance maker, announced a 4.7-billion-baht investment in Thailand to establish a manufacturing park in Chon Buri. The first phase of the operation, expected to open in 2026, is slated to produce refrigerators and washing machines.

“The industry could see more aggressive price competition,” said Amnaj Singhachan, head of marketing at LG Electronics (Thailand) Co Ltd.

He warned such intense price competition may not be good for the market in the long run.

Mr Amnaj said he believes distributors would prefer not to see the market heading in that direction.

He emphasised LG will not pursue a price-cutting strategy or engage in price wars. The company aims to focus on communicating the quality of its products and services.

Varapong Oupakaew, the company’s plant director, said LG established a factory in Rayong’s Pluak Daeng district in 1997.

The facility has a total annual production capacity of 5.5 million units, with more than 80% of its output exported to the Americas, the Middle East, Canada, Mexico and Australia.

Regarding trade regulations for products exported to the US, LG’s network in the US will provide further details and the firm in Thailand will adjust accordingly, Mr Varapong said.

He said the firm can utilise multiple sourcing for raw materials.

The company plans to source more materials from local suppliers, rising from 70% to 80-90% in the future.

Mr Varapong said this move would encourage partner investments in Thailand, ultimately creating more jobs for local workers.

Moreover, working with local suppliers streamlines parts management, allowing LG to source parts on demand and reduce the need for excess inventory.

Bangkok turns to AI and LiDAR mapping to fix its weak, uncounted urban forest, promising safer streets and a high-tech defense against deadly air pollution.

Traditionally, checking tree inventory and evaluating the condition of trees are time-consuming and cost-constrained. The maintenance is very expensive because one has to visit every tree in proximity, then decide if maintenance needs to be done. But the Smart Tree Inventory (STI) uses a ground-based car-mounted mobile laser scanner-a 3D scanner and a panoramic camera-to capture trees very quickly.

Mr. Peter Sassi, Vice President of Greehill Asia-Pacific Pte-a Singapore-based tech company specializing in mapping, monitoring, and managing urban tree and green assets-explained that STI provides information analyzed with artificial intelligence. ‘This information is prepared for the experts so that they can focus their attention on the trees that actually need help and focus the limited maintenance efforts on the trees that actually need help,’ Sassi said during a talk entitled ‘Urban Forests for The Future: Global Lessons and Local Actions for Bangkok.’

The technology acts like a diagnostic tool for the city’s green infrastructure. Sassi likened the process to high-tech medical imaging: ‘You can imagine this that this is like a whole city MRI machine and then we go to the three doctors who decide what should be the treatment because currently you either go for one tree and treat it but that’s very expensive or go for the entire district but you have to over-treat it.’

Measurable Impact: Safer Streets and Cost Savings

The adoption of AI-powered technology immediately translates into better public safety and significant cost reduction for the city. Globally, STI has proven its ability to flag dangerous trees before they cause harm. The technology’s predictive analysis minimizes the risk of incidents and property damage, leading to an over 80% increase in safety for communities where it is deployed.

Simultaneously, the STI drives efficiency by allowing city maintenance crews to move from reactive, district-wide over-treatment to targeted care. By focusing resources only on the trees that the AI has highlighted with issues like significant lean angles, diebacks, or structural defects, cities can achieve up to 30% savings on maintenance costs. Sassi emphasized the long-term benefit: ‘If the bad things already happened, it’s a lot of cost to clean up afterwards. But if you just have to do some pruning before, it’s much easier.’

Local Crisis: Air Pollution and the Uncounted Forest

Bangkok’s move to a data-driven system is critical because its urban forest faces unique, severe environmental pressures, particularly from PM2.5 particulate matter. Trees are one of the city’s most vital defenses against this deadly air pollution, but the city cannot manage what it cannot measure.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chairat Treesubsuntorn, Head of the Remediation Laboratory at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, highlighted the urgency: ‘You could see like in Bangkok we face to many pollutions such as a particulate matter during the winters.’ He noted the current manual method-where arborists must check tree height, diameter, and leaf count one by one-is impossible at a city scale. ‘Imagine if you have to walk to the tree and then you have to check… and then you have to do it one by one,’ Dr. Chairat stressed.

Local experts estimate that of the city’s approximately 3 million trees, fewer than 1% have been electronically documented. This massive data gap prevents Bangkok from strategically using its green assets. Dr. Chairat explained that the technology is necessary to apply his lab’s findings on effective local species: ‘We have a very high diversity of the tree species and we need to we cannot use the references easily from the publication or from research in other countries.’

Bridging the Gap through Collaboration

Successful implementation hinges on collaboration among the private sector, academia, and local communities. Santi Opaspakornkij of the Big Trees Foundation emphasized that while the current governor’s initiative successfully planted over a million trees quickly, the real challenge lies in long-term, specialized care.

He pointed out that the city’s existing trees are often ‘big, it’s old, but it’s also not very strong’ because roads and buildings were constructed later, unintentionally weakening the root systems. To address this, collaboration and technology are key. Santi noted that international partnership often helps to bring about change locally: ‘When you know that your international friends the visitor the western expert tell you the same thing that some Thai organization has been telling for many years you now listen more.’

The new technology serves as the essential tool to unify these efforts, providing the objective data needed to transform the urban forest into a measurable and actively managed municipal asset.

A Shift to a Data-Driven City

The move to a Smart Tree Inventory signifies more than just an upgrade in city maintenance; it represents a fundamental shift toward making Bangkok a data-driven, resilient city. By embracing this technology, the city transforms its neglected green assets into a crucial part of its infrastructure, actively improving air quality, enhancing public safety, and safeguarding its citizens’ health. This cross-sector collaboration provides the precise, objective knowledge base necessary to manage the entire urban forest proactively, ensuring that Bangkok’s next million trees are not just planted, but scientifically positioned to thrive and deliver maximum benefit to the community for generations to come.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Thursday assured the House of Representatives that the probe into a collapsed road near Vajira Hospital in Bangkok’s Dusit district would be conducted both independently and transparently.

He said he has no business ties to Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction (STECON), founded by his father, which is part of the joint venture contracted to build the Purple Line near the treacherous sinkhole.

People’s Party (PP) MP for Bangkok, Paramet Worawitthayaraksan, pressed Mr Anutin to speak clearly about how the government would take action against the contractors over the incident and whether it would seek compensation for work delays.

“Will they be prosecuted, told to pay compensation or blacklisted? Will they be fined for delays in the project delivery?” Mr Paramet asked.

Mr Anutin said he sold his shares in the company through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2019 in full compliance with all legal requirements for political office holders when he became aware the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) could secure a significant share of House seats.

The prime minister said he has no involvement with the company and has never used his influence for its benefit.

It was Mr Anutin’s first response to a fresh interpellation since he assumed office.

Founded by Chavarat Charnvirakul, Mr Anutin’s father, STECON was listed on the stock market in 1993 with a registered capital of 300 million baht.

On the probe into the collapsed road, he said the Ministry of Transport will be looking into the incident with the help of a committee comprising specialists and representatives from the Public Works Department and City Hall.

The investigation would be based on engineering evidence, he said, noting that if negligence or recklessness are proven, contractors would be held accountable.

He said the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is working on repairs, and traffic is expected to resume on Oct 9, 2025.

TikTok Shop has been recently added to the list of high impact online marketplace platforms required to comply with the Digital Platform Services law, according to the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA).

Chaichana Mitrpant, ETDA executive director, said that the move follows previous ETDA announcement of names of 19 online marketplaces required to comply with Section 20 of the law.

Those 19 platforms are Shopee, Lazada, One2car.com, Grab, Kaidee.com, SIA E-Auction System, LINE Shopping, Alibaba, NocNoc and AliExpress.

The others are Thisshop, Rakmao, Taobao, SCGHome, ONESIAM Application, ReadyPlastic Auction, ROOTS Platform, Temu and eBay. The announcement of the names of these 19 firms came into effect as of July 10.

The announcement of TikTok Shop will take effect one day after the announcement is published in the Royal Gazette.

ETDA is also preparing to include LINE MAN (Mart) under the same list.

Section 20 of the law obliges these platforms to conduct a business risk assessment and risk management.

Mr Chaichana emphasized that ETDA ensures a fair and thorough review process, allowing platform operators to submit information or objections. Adequate time is given for data collection and verification.

Platforms listed in the announcement must fulfill additional obligations beyond general requirements, including verifying and registering merchants.

According to Creden.co data, TIKTOK Shop (Thailand) revenue in 2024 was 12 billion baht with loss of 3.6 billion baht.

ALMAD Group (the group) officially launched September 21, in Hong Kong, is dedicated to harnessing tomorrow’s opportunities across nine transformative paradigms. Founded by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng, the group’s forward-looking portfolio strategically focuses on the digital space and emerging markets, including Mainland China, ASEAN countries, the Middle East and beyond, along the following three directions:

Investing in transformative industries – including culture, entertainment, sports, media, healthcare, commercial management and cultural tourism in emerging markets.

Breaking boundaries in digital and virtual assets.

Globalising the K11 by AC cultural ecosystem.

Adrian Cheng, Founder and Executive Chairman of ALMAD Group, said:’We are living in an era of profound change in the global economy, where new frontiers are emerging at an unprecedented pace. From ideation two years ago, we have been determined to build ALMAD Group as a movement propelling this shift, investing in transformative industries in emerging markets such as ASEAN and the Middle East, while advancing globally in digital assets and cultural industries.’

He added: ‘Our mission is clear: to build what the next generation needs and to shape a future economy filled with possibilities.’

Investing in Transformative Industries in Emerging Markets

Headquartered in Hong Kong, ALMAD Group strives to become the international hub’s iconic global platform and deliver long-term growth with a worldwide footprint. Its industry priorities span culture, entertainment, sports, media, healthcare, commercial management and cultural tourism. These targeted industries not only demonstrate strong commercial viability today but also have the potential to shape the global economy and society over the next twenty years, serving the needs of Gen Z and Gen Alpha in advance.

‘We firmly believe that Hong Kong is a resilient community with a global outlook, widely recognised as a bridge to the world,’ Adrian Cheng stated. ‘As ALMAD Group’s movement evolves, I look forward to unveiling more projects in the near future, showcasing the group’s commitment to transforming vision into action.’

Breaking Boundaries in Digital and Virtual Assets

ALMAD Group aspires to stand at the forefront of Web3 financial innovation, with a forward-looking strategy to explore investments in digital assets, real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation and other emerging opportunities, while remaining attentive to the evolving market and regulatory landscape. Applications leveraging blockchain technology and immersive digital experiences will also be explored across industries, as this wave of creativity unlocks new possibilities.

As a dedicated supporter of new frontiers, Adrian Cheng has long provided early-stage funding to empower technology start-ups. Previous successes include Xiaohongshu, XPeng Motors, Micro Connect and others, enabling these companies to develop groundbreaking solutions and achieve commercial success. He will continue to guide the group’s financial and technology investment strategies, driving dynamic growth to shape the economy of tomorrow.

Globalising K11 by AC Cultural Ecosystem

K11 by AC is a cultural brand and a member of ALMAD Group, driven by Adrian Cheng’s extensive professional experience and his visionary management team. The brand is redefining the cultural landscape by managing retail assets and art and cultural districts for a diverse range of landlords. Its core differentiation lies in cultural content, co-creation of brand experience, commercial management and strong CRM capabilities targeting younger and more affluent demographics.

In addition, K11 by AC’s Anime IP business, Experience 11, is rapidly expanding in Mainland China and the Middle East. It curates experiences with leading Anime IPs from around the world, leveraging its global art network and expertise. This segment strengthens the cultural ecosystem by capturing the fast-growing ACGN (Animation, Comic, Game and Novel) and ‘two-dimensions’ industries, highly popular among Gen Z, Gen Alpha and others.

K11 by AC is also scaling its Gentry Club business – a high-privacy luxury city club for cultural lovers themed around artisanal lifestyle.

A Continued Journey of Business Innovation

ALMAD Group embodies Adrian Cheng’s latest endeavour in pioneering models and ecosystem innovation. He launched K11 in 2008, the world’s first cultural-commerce model seamlessly integrating art, design and retail. His leadership has driven transformative projects, including Victoria Dockside, Hong Kong’s US$2.6 billion global art and cultural district featuring K11 MUSEA.

As ALMAD Group expands Adrian Cheng’s business ecosystem into new and exciting segments, it continues to attract mission-aligned entrepreneurs and strategic investors, advancing a collective journey to realise tangible opportunities.

The Bank of Thailand is expected to continue its easing cycle for the rest of 2025 amid a slowing economy. It has maintained its growth forecasts at 2.3% for 2025 and 1.7% for 2026. Our 2025 forecast is in line with the central bank’s. However, recent political instability adds downside risks to growth.

We therefore expect the central bank to lower its benchmark policy rate by a further 50 basis points, bringing it to a terminal rate of 1.00% by the end of 2026. We see this delivered in two rounds — one by the end of 2025, most likely in December, and another in the second half of 2026.

Deflationary pressures are mounting. Headline inflation has undershot even our modest expectations so far in 2025, with consumer prices falling by 0.7% year-on-year in July and rising just 0.2% on average in the first seven months of the year. As a result, we now expect no change in consumer prices on average for 2025 — down from our previous forecast of an increase of 0.6% — and see headline inflation ending the year close to zero.

Moreover, the baht has strengthened by around 7% to trade at 32.20 to the US dollar, its strongest since February 2022. In its latest monetary policy statement, the central bank highlighted concerns about the baht’s impact on export competitiveness. These concerns have likely grown since the US imposed 19% tariffs on imports of Thai goods.

That said, monetary easing alone will not be enough to stem appreciation pressure on the baht, especially if investor confidence in the dollar erodes further. The US Federal Reserve is facing increasing political pressure from President Donald Trump, who has publicly and repeatedly advocated for looser monetary policy.

Any US rate cuts could be perceived by markets as politically motivated, potentially undermining confidence in the Fed’s independence, especially if rate cuts occur alongside fiscal slippage or policy uncertainty.

Accordingly, we maintain our forecast for the baht to trade in the range between 32.00 and 33.50 range for the rest of the year.

Huawei Consumer Business Group (Thailand) has officially launched the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series, its latest fashion-forward smartwatch line, under the concept ‘Ride the Wind.’ The new series blends cutting-edge design with high-performance features tailored for sports and adventure enthusiasts, especially those into extreme activities like running, cycling, golf, and diving. With over 100 workout modes, advanced health tracking, and compatibility with both iOS and Android via the HUAWEI Health app, the GT 6 Series aims to redefine wearable technology.

Available now starting at ?6,990, customers purchasing between 2 October and 2 November 2025 will receive complimentary gifts worth up to ?8,146. These include HUAWEI FreeBuds 6i, a 3-month Health+ membership, premium golf features, and a one-year ALive insurance package powered by AIA, covering up to ?200,000 for illness and accidents.

The GT 6 Series reflects Huawei’s vision to drive the ‘Fashion Forward’ movement in smartwatches, combining trendsetting aesthetics with powerful functionality. Designed to resonate with a new generation of users who value style, performance, and holistic well-being, the watches come in various models and sizes to suit different lifestyles.

The flagship HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro (46mm) features a premium titanium alloy case, sapphire glass, and a nano-ceramic back. It boasts a 1.47-inch AMOLED display and is available in titanium, brown fabric, and black fluoroelastomer straps. The standard GT 6 (46mm) offers a rugged octagonal design with green or black straps, while the compact GT 6 (41mm) showcases elegance with a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen, Roman numeral bezel, and a new rotating strap clasp for smaller wrists. Strap options include white vegan leather, purple fluoroelastomer, and Milanese gold metal.

All models feature ultra-bright displays with up to 3,000 nits brightness for clear visibility under sunlight and EasyFit 3.0 for quick strap changes. The GT 6 Series also introduces advanced fitness features, including over 100 workout modes, an AI personal coach, and the new HUAWEI Sunflower Positioning System 2.0, which improves GPS accuracy from 10 to 8 metres using six satellite systems.

Cyclists benefit from the industry-first Cycling Virtual Power feature, offering pro-level power metrics. The GT 6 Pro further enhances outdoor sports with trail running analytics, ski tracking, and zoomable golf course maps.

On the health front, the GT 6 Series debuts TruSenseS, a new sensor system for more precise health monitoring. It includes TruSleepS for sleep analysis, Health Insight for holistic wellness data, and an upgraded Emotional Wellbeing system that tracks 12 emotional states in real time, offering stress management tips and emotional balance support.

Battery life is another highlight, with Huawei’s new high-silicon stacked battery technology boosting density by 37% and capacity by 65% over previous models. The 46mm version lasts up to 21 days on typical use, while the 41mm model offers up to 14 days, reducing the need for frequent charging.

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series is now available in Thailand at HUAWEI Experience Stores, authorised retailers, and online platforms including HUAWEI Store, Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.

Remember that Netflix documentary last year called The Program: Cons, Cults, And Kidnapping? It exposed the horrors young people endure through parent-sanctioned abductions to so-called academies designed to “fix” wayward kids. That documentary left many of us shaken with its raw look into an industry that preys on fear and promises false solutions.

While Netflix’s latest limited series isn’t directly based on that story, Wayward is loosely inspired by the broader troubled-teen industry — an industry that is itself steeped in cruelty and exploitation. What unfolds behind closed doors of this fictional academy might churn your stomach just as much as any real-world documentary.

This project marks a significant shift for actor and filmmaker Mae Martin, previously known for their sharp comedy and the semi-autobiographical Netflix drama Feel Good (2020). With Wayward, Martin moves into the realm of psychological thriller, writing and creating the entire series. The result is ominous, suspenseful and at times deeply unsettling. While the show’s premise is undeniably absorbing, the execution is not without flaws. Still, it demonstrates Martin’s ability to flex a different side of creative talent.

The series is set in the picture-perfect town of Tall Pines, Vermont, where sinister secrets linger beneath the town’s postcard exterior. Shortly after LGBTI couple Alex Dempsey (played by Martin), a police officer and their pregnant wife Laura Redman (Sarah Gadon) move into their new home, Alex crosses paths with two desperate students from the local Tall Pines Academy — Abbie (Sydney Topliffe) and Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind).

Their yearning to escape hints at something rotten at the core of both the school and the town. As Alex investigates a string of troubling incidents, suspicion naturally turns towards Evelyn Wade (Toni Collette), the school’s enigmatic leader.

Alex is the classic outsider figure — a cop new to town, trying to establish roots in a community that appears wholesome yet radiates an unnerving energy. Tall Pines itself is never fully fleshed out, but from the outset we sense that this is a place bound by shared secrets, where everyone’s smiles conceal something unsettling.

The residents are overly warm, bordering on invasive, their friendliness ringing false to the point of menace. The show uses this atmosphere effectively, conjuring echoes of cult dramas or stories where idyllic communities conceal monstrous truths.

I personally would have loved to see the town’s history and lore explored more deeply, but I understand why Martin keeps the focus tight on the academy itself. To wander too far into world-building might have distracted from the claustrophobic terror of the school.

The narrative is split between two main perspectives. On one side, we follow Alex and Laura as they settle into Tall Pines and slowly confront the town’s strangeness. On the other, we witness the daily lives of the academy’s students. Inside, the academy is portrayed less as a school and more as a regimented asylum or prison. The discipline is suffocating, the routines cruel and the supposed lessons serve only to break down the kids’ sense of self.

The so-called “circle therapy” sessions are particularly chilling, recalling elements of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) crossed with A Clockwork Orange (1971). The emphasis is on psychological torment and manipulation, masquerading as treatment. These sequences are disturbing but crucial — they force us to reckon with the irreparable damage such places inflict.

At times, Wayward becomes genuinely difficult to watch, but that discomfort underscores why we root for the kids. Even when they lash out with aggression or defiance, they are victims first, fighting for survival in a system designed to crush them.

I was especially drawn to the dynamic between Alex and Laura. Their marriage is not presented as flawless or simplistic. As Alex struggles with her outsider status in Tall Pines, Laura reconnects with old acquaintances — and with her own past as a former academy student. This creates fissures in their relationship, moments of strength tested by lingering shadows of trauma. I appreciated how the show avoided painting their partnership as either idealised or doomed; instead, it felt lived-in and layered.

Then there’s Toni Collette, who delivers yet another commanding performance as Evelyn Wade. Collette is at once magnetic and chilling — her charm barely disguising the manipulative, opportunistic leader beneath. She plays Evelyn as less of a maternal figure and more of a cult leader wielding both soft persuasion and brute force. Her presence electrifies every scene and she’s a major reason why the show remains compelling even when the narrative falters. Unfortunately, for all its tension and intrigue, the series stumbles towards its conclusion. As the final episodes unfold, Wayward begins to resemble a teen adventure story more than an adult psychological thriller. The ending is especially unsatisfying. While one storyline finds clear resolution, most others are left hanging. Ambiguity can work when it deepens a narrative’s themes, but here it feels more like the writers abandoned threads they didn’t know how to resolve. Given that Wayward is intended as a self-contained limited series, this lack of closure is frustrating.

The buildup — schemes, betrayals and escalating risks — promises payoff that never fully arrives. When the credits roll on the final episode, I felt that little had actually been accomplished. I don’t demand a neat bow on every storyline, but I do want the sense that the journey meant something. Here, too much is left floating unresolved, leaving me more annoyed than haunted.

Still, for all its missteps, Wayward remains both provocative and thought-provoking. As a filmmaker, Martin explores the tension between critical thinking and the societal pressures to conform, especially in how authority preys on vulnerability. When the show works, it is unsettling, gripping and deeply resonant. The problem is that it doesn’t sustain that momentum consistently.

In the end, it’s watchable, often intriguing series with flashes of brilliance, but one that never quite coheres into something essential.

Guru By Bangkok Post’s pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in. Capella Bangkok’s Côte by Mauro Colagreco marks its fifth anniversary with a culinary celebration, uniting three chefs. For two nights only, Côte’s executive chef Davide Garavaglia will be joined by Mauro Colagreco and Himanshu Saini, executive chef of Dubai’s Trèsind Studio. The menu will blends culture, tradition and innovation.

Culinary collab / Mia / Oct 9

For one night only, on Oct 9, chef Sam Aisbett of Akuna, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, will be joining chefs Pongcharn “Top” Russell and Michelle Goh in the Mia kitchen. Chef Aisbett will present an eight-course tasting menu that fuses his bold, modern Australian roots with Mia’s contemporary European flair. Expect a vibrant celebration of Vietnam’s produce, indigenous herbs and Bangkok’s dynamic culinary spirit.

Wine tour / Le Meridien Bangkok / Oct 8

Le Méridien Bangkok will host an evening of discovery with “El Arte del Vino – The Art of Spanish Wine”, a curated celebration of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions paired with contemporary European cuisine. The dinner will be staged at Tempo on Oct 8. Diners will be transported from the Mediterranean shores of Catalonia to the highlands of Ribera del Duero and the distinctive vineyards of Bierzo.

Four-hands dinner / Pullman Bangkok King Power / Oct 9-12

From Oct 9-12, Pullman Bangkok King Power will offer the elegance of French cuisine and the warmth of Mexican flavours. Chefs Charles Coulombeau from La Maison dans le Parc, Nancy, France, and Enrique Casarrubias from Oxte, Paris, France, will offer a six-course set menu blending refined techniques. On Oct 11-12, there will be a brunch offering at Deja Vu and Dusk, where a 10-course menu will be complemented by a welcome caviar trolley and an unlimited charcuterie trolley.

One night only / Jampa x Maison Brotte / Oct 9

Jampa, Phuket will host a one-night-only culinary journey with Maison Brotte, which will pair wine with seasonal creations on Oct 9. Maison Brotte is a historic ChSteauneuf-du-Pape estate from France.

Four-hands dinner / Blue by Alain Ducasse x Baan Tepa / Oct 8

Blue by Alain Ducasse will join hands with Baan Tepa to offer a four-hands collab between chefs Evens Lopez and Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam. The dinner will be six-courses.

Wellness Festival / The Peninsula Bangkok / Oct 3-5

The Wellness Festival returns to The Peninsula Bangkok from Oct 3-5. The festival brings together wellness experts to lead a diverse programme of activities, including mindful movement, yoga, sound healing, ice bath therapy and nutrition workshops, each designed to nurture body, mind and spirit. There will be hybrid training with Coach Coke Kajohnsin; ice bath therapy with Suthida Krishnapala; sound healing and ayurveda wellness with Ornphicha Mahasintuan; SUP and Soul Aqua Yoga with Kru Aom; and cooking classes with chefs Antonio Bitetto, Ying Monnipa Rungthong and Hans Zahner hands-on sessions exploring fitness, nutrition and health-focused gastronomy designed to inspire wellness through food.

Pet care / Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre / Oct 9-12

The International Pet Variety Exhibition 2025 returns for its 15th edition under the theme, ‘Annyeong: BFF In Korea’. Organised by Impact Exhibition Management, in collaboration with the Thai Pet Product Industries Association and Perfect Companion Group, the event will be held at Halls 7-8, Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre. More than 10,000m² will be transformed to an immersive Korean village made for pets and their humans. The 15th anniversary edition will host more than 250 booths, showcasing a wide variety of pet products and services from Thailand and around the world. From grooming essentials to pet wellness, food, fashion and technology, the event brings together manufacturers, exporters, distributors and retailers across the entire pet care ecosystem.

EAT

Eleven dishes / Asiatique Ancient Tea House / Until Nov 30

Asiatique Ancient Tea House is offering a curated collection of 11 signature dishes. The restaurant’s talented chefs have crafted a selection of delectable dim sum, including Charcoal shrimp har gao with truffle and boiled pork and shrimp dumplings; Fish maw in red gravy; Crispy noodles with chicken gravy; Black grouper with black bean sauce on rice noodles; and Sichuan-style mala beef noodles.

Timeless classic / Le Méridien Chiang Rai

Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort is offering its signature Beef khao soi at Latest Recipe. The narrative of this signature dish begins with the careful selection of premium beef shank, chosen for its delicate marbling and rich flavour. The beef is meticulously slow-simmered for three to four hours to achieve a remarkably tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture. It is served with Yunnan pickled mustard greens, pickled rakkyo and house-made pork crackling. The dish is presented with both soft-boiled and crispy fried noodles, finished with a touch of chilli oil and a wedge of lime.

Maguro omakase / Kisara

Embark on an extraordinary culinary journey at Kisara at Conrad Bangkok, with the launch of the exclusive “Maguro Omakase” experience. Curated by executive chef Ryan Dadufalza, the 10-course dinner showcases the finest cuts of premium maguro, flown in fresh from Japan and prepared with masterful precision and artistry. Available only on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Afternoon tea / Tea and Tipple

As seasons change city, Tea and Tipple at Centara Grand at CentralWorld is offering the autumn afternoon tea delight with sweeping skyline views with handcrafted delights. The menu features scones with jam and clotted cream, smoked salmon mille-feuille with avocado, pan-seared foie gras on brioche, lobster rolls and smoked turkey with Gruyère and cranberry. Sweet creations include pistachio choux, orange cake, chocolate mille-feuille, macarons and silky pralines. Tea and Tipple tempts with gourmet Pascucci coffee, Mariage Frères teas, curated whisky flights and a considered selection of cocktails and fine spirits.

Bold flavours / Viu

Viu at The St. Regis Bangkok is offering a tailor-made lunch set where diners can choose between two or three courses. The Epic Dinner begins with a seafood tower, fresh sushi and sashimi, and the pizza of the day, all served family-style at the table. The October highlights include Le fritture all’Italiana; Tagliatelle with black mussels sauce; Wagyu beef cheeks with polenta; alongside premium grilles, including Australian Wagyu beef striploin, Australian lamb rack and a special serving of Boston lobster tail per guest. The Signature Sunday Brunch will offer game meat specialties. Guests can savour Stir-fried wild boar with thai herbs; Venison carpaccio with Grana Padano and arugula; Homemade wild rabbit ravioli; Handmade tagliatelle with duck ragout; and Crocodile skewers.

New venue / Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort and Spa

Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort and Spa recently unveiled Panasia Grill, a new dining destination where fire, flavour and creativity converge. Panasia Grill offers guests a ‘grill-it-yourself’ experience featuring premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables and curated beverage pairings. The interior reflects the grilling concept with charred wood textures, rock-clad walls inspired by charcoal, and artistic features that evoke the heat and vibrance of the flames. The bar serves as a lively prelude to the evening, with a wide selection of craft beers, wines and select sakes. Panasia Grill also integrates art as a central element of its identity. Playful and thought-provoking artworks reinterpret Asian heritage with a modern twist, offering visual surprises throughout the space. Think a Qing-era noblewoman whimsically blowing bubblegum.

TRAVEL

Kids programme / Melia Pattaya

Meliá Pattaya Hotel is helping to enhance the family-friendly credentials with an array of kid-focused draws. The Kidsdom is a dedicated space where children can unleash their creativity and energy. The schedule features plaster doll-painting, whale headband craft, balloon art, paper mosaics and keychain workshops.

New regional route / AirAsia / Until Oct 31

In time for year-end celebration, AirAsia has introduced a new cross-region route between Chiang Mai and Udon Thani, operating four times per week. To celebrate the new flight, passengers can book promotional rates until Oct 31 while flights operate from Dec 1 to March 28, 2026.

STUFF

Plump look / Gucci Beauty

Achieve a healthy-looking glow and a plumped, even complexion in an instant with Gucci Beauty’s new effortless natural face duo: Gucci Glow Skin Tint and Gucci Matte Powder. Designed to care, even and blur, the products make it easy to create a fresh, natural makeup look that lasts all day. Gucci Glow Skin Tint is a lightweight foundation with the benefits of a hydrating cream. It is available in 20 shades. The Gucci Matte Powder can be used alone or paired with the Gucci Glow Skin Tint and is available in 10 shades.

New collection / Cos

Cos has unveiled its Autumn/Winter 2025 campaign, presenting a modern wardrobe where elegance meets ease. The collection is defined by fine materials, precise tailoring and subtle yet striking details. Womenswear offers a wardrobe designed to transition from day to evening. Structured 1950’s-inspired silhouettes emphasise the waist with feminine cuts and open necklines, while a wool coat is shaped by rounded, meticulously constructed lines. Menswear explores sartorial design through the lens of modern utility. Heritage references emerge through outerwear, heavy knitwear and relaxed tailoring, with traditional forms reinterpreted – inside-out lapels, oversized proportions and sharp shoulders bring an edge to classic designs.

New change / Disney+

Disney+ Hotstar will be rebranded as Disney+ in Thailand on Oct 9 while Hulu becomes the global general entertainment brand on Disney+, replacing Star. Thai fans can look forward to an exciting slate of US, Korean and Japanese originals arriving soon on the Hulu tile. Among the highly anticipated titles are Ryan Murphy’s legal drama All’s Fair, featuring Glenn Close, Kim Kardashian and Niecy Nash; the Korean romantic comedy Would You Marry Me, starring Choi Woo-shik and Jung So-min; the Korean thriller The Manipulated with Ji Changwook and Doh Kyungsoo; and the coming-of-age Japanese anime Wandance.