CLP Group Champions Innovation at Farm Expo 2025

Agricultural innovation and sustainable growth took centre stage at Farm Expo 2025, where CLP Group led the way in presenting new technologies, knowledge and partnerships under the theme ‘Empowering A Better Life.’ The event at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani highlighted how the company is moving beyond machinery to create a platform of opportunity that drives real transformation for Thai farmers and entrepreneurs.

This year, CLP Group went beyond displaying machinery and technology, creating a true ‘platform of opportunity’ for farmers, entrepreneurs and value chain partners to see how agricultural transformation can begin today.

Highlight Zones Driving Real Impact

Empowering Income – Visitors explored innovations such as the TEC Biomass Dryer, which reduces energy costs by more than 30%, and the CBR350 Rice Mill, which increases product value by up to 20% compared with traditional methods. These solutions reaffirm that CLP’s technology is not merely machinery but a tool to enhance farmers’ income and long-term security.

Empowering Knowledge – Expert-led forums covered strategies across the value chain, from seed selection and processing innovation to premium market positioning. Participants-including entrepreneurs, farmer groups, students and the public-confirmed they left with practical insights for application in their own fields.

Empowering Network – CLP also created spaces for farmers and local entrepreneurs to connect with business partners, leading to pilot orders and promising future collaborations.

Building a Foundation for the Future

A key milestone of this year’s expo was the signing of an MoU with Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya to advance research and development in agricultural technologies. The partnership aims to foster innovation that can be practically applied in farming communities while supporting sustainable business models.

In addition, CLP’s Chief Executive Officer, Vachara Leegomonchai, engaged with teachers and students on the theme ‘The Future of Agriculture and Innovation.’ These discussions will feed into the upcoming Green Academy Leaders initiative, designed to nurture a new generation of youth leaders with the vision to drive sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Honouring Agricultural Innovators

Another highlight was the presentation of the CLP Agricultural Innovator Awards 2025, which recognised outstanding farmers who have pioneered innovations across multiple categories. The awards underscore CLP’s commitment to celebrating farmers not only as producers but also as true developers and changemakers within the agricultural sector.

Miss Vachara Leegomonchai, Chief Executive Officer of CLP Group, remarked: ‘For us, ‘Empowering A Better Life’ is not just a slogan-it is a promise. This event proves that farmers and entrepreneurs can return home with the knowledge, tools and networks needed to build secure and sustainable livelihoods.’

The success of Farm Expo 2025 confirms that CLP Group is not only a leader in agricultural machinery but is also stepping forward as a partner for growth for Thai farmers. By building a connected value chain from farm to global markets, CLP continues to advance its vision of ‘Empowering A Better Life’ at every level of society.

Corrections chief says Thaksin eligible to seek second royal pardon

The Department of Corrections has confirmed that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is legally eligible to submit a second petition for a royal pardon, as his initial request in 2023 was not rejected.

Pol Lt Col Prawut Wongsinil, director-general of the Department of Corrections, said on Friday that thatThaksin can file a second royal pardon petition in accordance with the law. He explained that if the first request had been rejected, the petitioner would be required to wait two years before reapplying.

‘In Thaksin’s case, the first petition was not rejected, so he is eligible to file a second request for a royal pardon without having to wait for the two-year period’, said the department chief, adding that other legal conditions would still need to be considered.

On Thursday, Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat said the ministry has set up a panel to review convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s petition for a royal pardon.

Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, confirmed early this week that his client had submitted the petition and maintained that it was a right granted to all inmates serving final sentences.

On Friday, Po l Lt Gen Rutthapon said he would review reports from the ministry’s permanent secretary when asked by reporters about the progress of the ministry’s committee deliberations on Thaksin’s petition.

He added discussions had already been held on Thursday. However, he had not yet received the panel’s findings.

The newly-appointed justice minister gave his remarks after attending a merit-making ceremony at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) marking its 23rd anniversary.

Permanent secretary for the ministry Phongsawat Neelayothin, who also attended the ceremony, said the committee was still deliberating.

When asked whether Thaksin is legally entitled to file a second petition since his previous request was made in 2023, she said the matter was being reviewed strictly in line with the Criminal Procedure Code.

‘If we look at the timeline, it has been more than two years, so yes, it is possible,’ said Ms Phongsawat. She added that other details must also be considered.

She said the committee was expected to conclude its review within three days. Once completed, the findings would be submitted to the justice minister, who would then decide whether to forward the matter to the Secretariat of the Cabinet.

Thaksin, 76, was sent back to prison on Sept 9, 2025, on the order of the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, which ruled that the time he spent in the Police General Hospital did not count as part of his incarceration.

The court ordered the billionaire to serve one year in prison, in line with the commuted term of his original sentence.

On Thursday, former prime minister and Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, along with her sister, Pintongta Kunakornwong, visited Thaksin at Klongprem Central Prison in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.

According to Ms Paetongtarn, her father had some neck issues, but he appeared fine overall.

Paetongtarn: Pheu Thai can bounce back

Former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed confidence that the Pheu Thai Party will regain power, while reaffirming its core mission of serving the people.

The party on Friday released a 23-minute video on its official Facebook page featuring Ms Paetongtarn, Thailand’s 31st prime minister and current party leader, reflecting on two years of governance under the Pheu Thai-led administration.

The video is the first in a new series titled ‘Pheu Thai Will Return’, which seeks to emphasise the party’s long-standing promise to improve people’s quality of life and ensure national well-being.

The message also underscored Pheu Thai’s readiness to continue unfinished work if entrusted with leadership once again.

In her address, Ms Paetongtarn reiterated her support for signature policies, including the 20-baht cap on electric train fares, affordable housing projects, and education grants.

She also pointed to ambitious tourism initiatives, such as bringing Formula 1 races and world-class entertainment festivals like Tomorrowland to Thailand, as part of efforts to revitalise the economy.

‘If Pheu Thai returns to government, we’ll definitely push these ideas forward,’ she said. ‘Man-made destinations can refresh and renew our country.’

On national security, she highlighted cybercrime as an urgent concern, revealing that she herself had once been targeted by scammers using AI-generated audio to impersonate a world leader.

‘The voice message sounded just like President Trump, though slightly robotic. If I can be tricked, ordinary people are at even greater risk,’ she said. ‘That’s why I was determined to crack down on it – and we succeeded.’

She credited international cooperation, particularly with Myanmar, for successful efforts against online scams, while also stressing the importance of ongoing campaigns against drug trafficking, the expansion of universal healthcare, and support for creative industries through initiatives such as Thailand Creative Culture Agency.

As a Gen Y leader, Ms Paetongtarn said her generational perspective helped her connect with people and adapt to modern governance.

‘Being in government doesn’t mean solving every problem in a few months,’ she said. ‘But I believe we laid strong foundations, especially in the economy.’

She concluded by reaffirming Pheu Thai’s political identity as a party rooted in listening to the people and solving real problems.

‘Even if I’m not prime minister, the mission remains. Serving the people is our most important goal.’

Azerbaijan sees growth in competitiveness thanks to economic reforms, says Minister

The economic reforms led by President Ilham Aliyev have significantly boosted the competitiveness of Azerbaijani entrepreneurs, said Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov at the 2nd National Competition Forum.

Azernews reports, Jabbarov noted that the peace agreement signed on August 8 in the United States is expected to further strengthen international interest in Azerbaijan’s economy. He added that this development will also give rise to new opportunities for regional integration.

‘The core strength of our economic policy lies in the non-oil and gas sector,’ the minister emphasized. ‘Between 2021 and 2024, the non-oil sector has grown by 6.7%. Naturally, we are constantly looking for ways to accelerate this growth.’

Jabbarov also highlighted a major milestone: Azerbaijan’s non-oil exports have doubled over the past six years.

President Ilham Aliyev highly values exchange of views with Iraqi counterpart in New York

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to President of Iraq Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid on the occasion of Iraq’s national holiday, Azernews reports.

In his letter, the Azerbaijani President highly valued his recent meeting and exchange of views with the Iraqi President in New York.

‘I am confident that we will continue our joint efforts to further strengthen Azerbaijan-Iraq relations and to fully realize the potential of our mutually beneficial cooperation, both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks,’ President Ilham Aliyev underlined.

Azerbaijan wins another gold medal at CIS Games [PHOTOS]

Maqsud Mahsudov, a member of the Azerbaijani team in trampoline gymnastics, has won a gold medal at the third CIS Games, Azernews reports.

He scored 60.190 points in the men’s individual competition and climbed to the top of the podium.

Earlier, Seljan Mahsudova had won a bronze medal in the women’s individual competition.

Azerbaijan is hosting the third Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games from September 28 to October 8, 2025, marking a significant event in the region’s sports calendar.

This multi-sport competition brings together athletes from CIS member states and invited countries, aiming to promote friendship, cooperation, and athletic excellence.

For the first time in the history of the CIS Games, competitions are being held across seven cities in Azerbaijan: Ganja, Mingachevir, Gabala, Shaki, Goygol, Yevlakh, and Khankandi.

Each city hosts events in different sports, with the second-largest city, Ganja, serving as the main hub and officially designated the CIS Sports Capital for 2025.

Around 23 sports are being contested across 12 venues, highlighting a broad and inclusive athletic program.

A total of 1,624 athletes from 13 countries had confirmed participation. Event mascots Babir and Leyla are helping to generate enthusiasm among young fans.

President Ilham Aliyev sends congratulatory letter to President of Germany

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Azernews reports.

“Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my sincere congratulations to you and all your people on the occasion of October 3 – German Unity Day.

Germany is an important partner for us, and we attach great importance to the comprehensive development of our bilateral relations. Your visit to Azerbaijan in April gave a fresh impetus to the advancement of our cooperation, which encompasses a broad agenda.

I believe that we will continue our joint efforts to further develop the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Germany, sustain our mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields, and enrich it with new content.

On this festive occasion, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and the friendly people of Germany lasting peace and prosperity,” the letter reads.

Dr. Ivana Bozdechová shares her vision behind Classic Czech Short Stories anthology [INTERVIEW]

Dr. Ivana Bozdechová is a distinguished scholar and professor at Charles University in Prague, specializing in Czech literature and translation studies.

Dedicated to advancing Czech literary traditions, Doc. Ivana Bozdechová played a key role in editing the “Classic Czech Short Stories” anthology, which has been translated into Azerbaijani.

In the interview with AZERNEWS, Doc. Ivana Bozdechová explained how this anthology opens a window into Czech culture, providing Azerbaijani readers with a rare opportunity to connect with Czech history, society, and artistic expression.

She expressed her hope that the anthology would spark further interest in Czech literature and strengthen the cultural ties between the two countries.

Q: Could you tell us a bit about the Classic Czech Short Stories anthology? What can readers expect from this collection?

A: This is the very first collection of Czech literature translated into Azerbaijani. It includes 14 Czech writers, spanning from the second half of the 19th century to contemporary literature. The anthology features a mix of classical and modern Czech literature, showcasing a variety of genres.

Among these, eight are living authors, including two women. The collection was designed to reflect the diversity of Czech writing, offering a blend of different genres and voices. The traditional Czech culture represented here will be a unique introduction for readers who might not yet be familiar with Czech literature.

Some of the authors featured are well-known internationally, such as Karel Capek. His work is often celebrated not only for his inventions but for its deep reflection on human nature and societal issues.

The collection aims to give readers an understanding of Czech culture, both historical and contemporary, through short stories that offer different backgrounds, characters, and life perspectives. It is a way to open the imagination and encourage readers to think about the world in a more expansive way. By reading these stories, one can reflect on how life is lived across different cultures and see common themes that unite us all.

Q: Can you tell us about the process behind the creation of this project and how it came to life?

A: I first came to Azerbaijan 10 years ago, when I began teaching the Czech language at Baku Slavic University. I started studying your country and the rich culture of the Azerbaijani people. Given that Czechs are avid readers, yet most of them are unfamiliar with Azerbaijani literature, I came up with the idea: why not introduce our readers to the works of Azerbaijani writers?! As a result of careful work, a collection of Azerbaijani short stories titled “Sari G?lin” was published, translated into Czech by Shabnam Asadova, with me also serving as the editor.

Now, our task was to introduce Azerbaijani readers to the works of Czech authors. Thus, the idea to publish the “Classic Czech Short Stories” anthology was born.

What made this translation process especially challenging was our decision to translate directly from Czech.

This ensured that the essence and subtleties of the original Czech texts were preserved.

With the publication of both books, my goal has been achieved.

Q: How do you think this anthology can help Azerbaijani readers connect with Czech culture?

A: I believe this anthology can help Azerbaijani readers better understand Czech culture and values. Literature plays an important role in bridging cultural gaps, and this collection offers a window into Czech traditions, history, and society. Just as Azerbaijani literature reflects the unique character of this country, Czech literature expresses our own cultural identity, and through it, we share many common themes such as human emotions, social dynamics, and universal experiences.

In both Czech and Azerbaijani cultures, literature and music are central to our identities.

We both have a long history of appreciating art, and we share a deep connection to storytelling.

I believe this anthology will allow Azerbaijani readers to see these connections and appreciate the shared values between our cultures.

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce Czech literature to the people of Azerbaijan.

It has been a pleasure to work on this project, and I am thrilled to see it reach Azerbaijani readers.

Brussels photo exhibition highlights suffering of Azerbaijani landmine victims [PHOTOS]

On October 2, a powerful photo exhibition dedicated to Azerbaijani landmine victims was opened in Brussels, Belgium, Azernews reports.

The exhibition was organized within the framework of the ‘CulMINATION Point of Danger’ project, implemented by the ‘Gilavar’ Photo Club Public Union with support from the State Support Agency for NGOs of Azerbaijan. The ‘Fireland’ Azerbaijanis Union partnered in the initiative on the Belgian side.

Speaking at the event, Rashad Mehdiyev, Chairman of the Gilavar Photo Club, emphasized that this was the first NGO-led European exhibition series on Azerbaijan’s landmine problem held at such a scale. ‘After Munich, Nuremberg, and Paris, the photos we are exhibiting this time in Brussels can be called ‘talking pictures.’ They tell the stories of people whose lives were destroyed by mines planted by Armenia on Azerbaijani lands. We will not remain silent-the time has come for Armenia’s military-political leaders, responsible for this cruelty during the 30-year occupation, to answer. Our appeal to the world from Brussels, the capital of the European Union, is for the sake of justice,’ he said.

The exhibition features portraits and testimonies of mine victims. For example, the photo of Elmir Bagirov, who lost both legs after stepping on an anti-tank mine before the age of 18, is accompanied by his words: ‘Can a person fall into an anti-tank mine on his own land? It is difficult to imagine, but I survived. From that day my life full of suffering began-I lost my youth and both legs.’ Another photo shows Samir Alizadeh, who lost both legs and an eye: ‘One step, two explosions. You tell me what happens next.’ Similarly, Rahim Garashov recalls losing his leg while rescuing a colleague from mines buried one on top of the other: ‘What were they trying to do by burying the mines like this? Why so much cruelty? While saving someone else, I became a victim myself.’

Through QR codes attached to each portrait, visitors could access additional information and statistics about Azerbaijan’s mine contamination and the ongoing demining efforts.

Organizers noted that the exhibition will continue across Europe, raising awareness of the humanitarian tragedy Azerbaijan faces due to mines planted during Armenia’s occupation of its territories.

Round 7 of Azerbaijan Premier League starts with two matches

Round 7 of the Azerbaijan Premier League is set to kick off on October 3, Azernews reports.

The two matches will be played on the first day of the round.

In the opening match, “Araz-Nakhchivan” will take on the “Imishli” club, with the game kicking off at 17:00.

In the second match, “Zira” will host “Neftchi” at home, with the match beginning at 19:30.

The remaining matches of the round will be held on October 4-5.

The Azerbaijan Premier League is the top Azerbaijani professional league for men’s association football teams, comprising ten clubs.

Seasons run from August to May, with teams playing 36 matches each (playing each team in the league four times, twice at home and twice away).

The Premier League champion secures the right to play in the UEFA Champions League’s first qualifying round.

The runner-up and the third-place winner secured the right to play in the UEFA Europa Conference League, starting in the second qualifying round.

Since 1992, a total of 8 clubs have been crowned champions of the Azerbaijani football system.

The Azerbaijan Premier League was first organised in 2007 and succeeded the Top Division, which existed from 1992 to 2007. FC Qarabag won the title in the 2022-2023 season for the tenth time.

The 2024-25 Azerbaijan Premier League marks the 33rd season of Azerbaijan’s top-tier football competition.

On April 27, 2025, during the 32nd round of the Premier League, Qarabag FC clinched the title with four matches to spare after a 1-1 draw against Sabah.

This victory made them the champions for the 12th time overall and for the fourth consecutive season.

This season is the final one featuring 10 teams, as the league will expand to 12 teams starting from the 2025-26 season.