Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

SONGKHLA: The National Security Council (NSC), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), has led ambassadors and embassy officials from 21 countries on a three-day visit to Songkhla in a bid to reshape perceptions about safety in Thailand’s southern border provinces.

The visit, held under the programme “Songkhla: Enhancing Better Understanding and Fostering Cooperation” from Monday to Wednesday, showcased the province’s cultural diversity, history and business potential. Eight journalists from international and Thai media also joined the trip.

Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the NSC, said that the government is committed to resolving the long-standing unrest in the southern border region, emphasising that most areas are peaceful and are experiencing increasing growth in trade and tourism.

He highlighted Songkhla as a model, noting: “We want ambassadors to see for themselves that only a handful of districts face security concerns. The majority of the South remains calm, with strong economic opportunities.”

The diplomatic delegation was welcomed by Songkhla governor, Chotnarin Kerdsom, who highlighted the province’s strengths as a maritime hub with cultural and culinary diversity, a strong agricultural sector, and strategic transport links by rail, road, and air. Local souvenirs, such as Ko Yo printed fabric and traditional palm-woven garlands, were presented to the guests.

Throughout the tour, the ambassadors saw historical landmarks, museums, and cultural performances.

They also visited Sri Trang Gloves, the world’s largest exporter of medical rubber gloves, and the Sadao Customs House, which is developing a new fast-track border system.

The itinerary also included Prince of Songkla University and its science park, emphasising the province’s academic and research strengths.

Diplomats also joined “Songkhla Business Night”, where local entrepreneurs introduced distinctive food, beverages and wellness services.

Menus ranged from traditional tofu dishes to fusion cocktails blending local fruits with palm spirit, reflecting the province’s mix of heritage and innovation.

Ping Kitnikone, Canada’s ambassador to Thailand, described the visit as “an important opportunity to better understand the realities on the ground”.

She noted that Canadian tourists are already drawn to the region.

“Thailand deserves credit for promoting safety and highlighting the richness of its communities,” she said. “This trip has shown the diversity and resilience that make Songkhla appealing.”

Swiss ambassador, Felipe Zwahlende la Morena Casado, who visited Songkhla for the fourth time, said he had “never felt alarmed” travelling in the area and stressed that the region’s industrial and tourism strengths should not be overlooked.

“It is time to consider adjusting travel advisories in line with the actual situation,” he remarked, while also urging Thai media to highlight more positive stories from the South.

Norwegian ambassador, Astrid Emilie Helle, said the trip offered crucial insights for her government.

“We remain cautious about safety in southern Thailand, but this visit has shown us a beautiful and welcoming province,” she said. “I will report back to Oslo with updated impressions and commend the Thai government’s efforts here.”

Mr Chatchai added that inviting diplomats from economies with strong trade and investment potential would help generate accurate assessments, reducing outdated concerns.

“Trusted voices like ambassadors can take back first-hand observations to their capitals, leading to more balanced travel guidance and stronger cooperation in tourism and commerce,” he said.

The idea of braiding sailing cables, fixed at both ends with rivets, and shaping a gold clasp like a marine carabiner led to the creation of the Force 10 bracelet in 1966.

Maison Fred has enriched the interchangeable buckle of its iconic jewellery with a 0.5 carat diamond in the exclusive Hero Cut with a diamond pavé amplifying the radiance of the central stone.

Launched in 2022, the Fred Hero Cut is inspired by the contours of both a sailboat and a shield. Recognised and certified by the Gemological Institute of America, its brilliance is fully revealed in each of its 36 facets.

Thanks to the meticulous faceting, the Fred Hero Cut ensures the diamond is of absolutely flawless clarity without any shadows.

The number of facets is a nod to 1936, when founder Fred Samuel — the Contemporary Creative Jeweller — opened his first boutique in Paris.

As his French parents emigrated to Argentina, he was born in Buenos Aires on Aug 3, 1908. During his childhood, he enjoyed holidaying in the seaside town of Mar del Plata, and after returning to France he fell in love with the Côte d’Azur.

His passion for the sea is reflected in the jewellery designs, such as the Force 10, which indicates a storm when referencing the Beaufort Wind Scale.

Synonymous with endurance, strength and will power, the new Force 10 bracelet in a large model comes in two versions with a steel cable and white gold buckle or both elements in pink gold.

Thailand will face 2013 champions Iraq, Australia, and China in Group D after the draw for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 took place yesterday in Kuala Lumpur.

First-time hosts Saudi Arabia, who have automatically qualified for the finals, are joined by 15 teams from the qualifying competition.

The 16 teams were divided into four groups for the seventh edition of the tournament, which is scheduled to be held from Jan 6-24, 2026.

Saudi Arabia, the 2022 champions, will play 2018 runners-up Vietnam, Jordan and Kyrgyzstan in Group A.

Defending champions Japan will have to contend with 2024 hosts Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Syria in Group B.

The 2018 champions Uzbekistan are in Group C with the 2020 champions South Korea, Iran and finals debutants Lebanon.

The top two teams of each group will progress to the knockout stage.

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.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) new waste separation initiative, “This House Doesn’t Mix”, has drawn an enthusiastic response from city residents, with more than 700,000 households registering since its launch on Wednesday, according to Pornprom Vikitsreth, the governor’s sustainability adviser.

Mr Pornprom, together with representatives from the National Housing Authority (NHA), visited the Kheha Huai Khwang housing community yesterday to observe operations at the local waste sorting facility and encourage proper waste management practices.

To drive household participation, the BMA introduced a new waste collection ordinance effective Oct 1. Under the rules, general households are charged 60 baht per month for waste collection. However, those who register with the programme pay only 20 baht per month.

Since the policy took effect, the programme has already exceeded expectations, doubling its initial target, he said. Of the 700,000 registrants, about 300,000 were individual households, while 400,000 represented groups such as apartments and housing estates.

Mr Pornprom said participation is expected to grow by 30% next year.

In recognition of local support, deputy governor Jakkapan Phiewngam presented awards to district offices with the highest participation rates.

Six districts were highlighted: Lat Phrao (14.57%), Samphanthawong (20.91%), Phra Khanong (14.52%), Bueng Kum (19.96%), Bangkok Yai (17.35%), and Phasicharoen (13.38%).

Khlong Sam Wa district was recognised for having the highest number of individual participants (14,487).

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.