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University students now have a unique opportunity to take part in an exciting international youth camp in Thailand. PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) is officially accepting applications for the ‘OR Seeding the Future ASEAN Camp 2025’, set to take place from 23 to 28 November 2025.

This initiative aims to empower young ASEAN leaders through immersive learning in business, marketing, and technology, guided by experts from OR and its affiliates. Beyond technical knowledge, the program emphasises critical thinking, emotional intelligence, personal growth, and cross-cultural collaboration. Participants will form lasting bonds with peers from across the region, promoting diversity, inclusion, and sustainable leadership.

A total of 50 outstanding students from Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines will be selected. All expenses, including travel, accommodation, and meals, will be fully covered.

Eligibility Criteria:

Be a current undergraduate or graduate student between 18 and 24 years of age.

Be a citizen of Thailand, Laos, Myanmar or the Philippines, and currently enrolled in a university in one of these four countries or in an accredited university in Thailand.

Have a good academic record, good conduct and strong English communication skills.

How to Apply:

Application Period: 18 September – 15 October 2025

Submit a self-introduction video (max. 2 minutes) answering specific questions provided by the program

Post the video publicly on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok using the hashtag #ORSeedingTheFuture2025

Include the video link in the application form and submit via the Facebook Page: ORSeedingTheFuture

The list of selected participants will be announced on 27 October 2025 via the same Facebook page.

Don’t Miss This Transformative Experience!

Expand your horizons, exchange ideas, and connect with inspiring young leaders from ASEAN. For full details and application guidelines visit: Facebook Page: ORSeedingTheFuture

Central Pinklao, Central Pattana’s third shopping centre and a fixture in Bangkok for more than 30 years, is set to redefine retail in western Bangkok with its most significant transformation in three decades. Backed by an investment of over 1.7 billion baht, the redevelopment introduces the concept of the ‘New Soul of the District,’ positioning the complex as the area’s premier lifestyle landmark across 360,000 square metres of space.

The new Central Pinklao aims to meet the demands of customers with strong purchasing power across all generations, featuring more than 500 leading brands and over 150 new trending names. Its refreshed design combines a classic-modern façade with an interior that balances elegance and creativity. The grand reopening is scheduled for 6 November 2025, with expectations that ‘quality traffic’ will rise by 25-30%.

Dr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Chief Marketing Officer of Central Pattana Plc, said: ‘Throughout its 30 years, Central Pinklao has grown into a lifestyle hub for the people of Pinklao. This transformation is a new sensation for Bangkokians that reflects the potential of Thonburi. We have curated more than 500 leading brands across fashion, lifestyle, health, beauty, technology and education, making Central Pinklao the city’s new landmark. Over 150 new and popular brands will appeal to the ‘Young Gen’ and ‘New Wealth,’ while we continue to serve our loyal base of residents and families within a catchment of over three million people.’

A highlight of the redesign is ‘The Park on Fifth,’ an open-air lifestyle destination on the fifth floor featuring dining, cafés and food patios surrounded by greenery and natural light – a first for Bangkok. The renovation also includes the revival of the 6.2-metre-tall Statue of Augustus, restored with a new look.

As the first mixed-use project in the area, Central Pinklao combines a shopping centre with two office towers in a prime location connected to Silom, Sathorn and Yaowarat CBDs, along with three train lines: the MRT Blue and Orange lines, and the SRT Light Red line. Surrounded by schools, hospitals, government offices and premium residences, the revamped Central Pinklao is expected to strengthen Central Pattana’s western Bangkok portfolio. Notably, Tops Food Hall at Central Pinklao ranked third nationwide in sales in 2025, while the Central department store branch ranked fourth, underscoring its role as a premium retail and lifestyle hub.

Over 500 Leading Brands Defining the City’s New Landmark

International Culinary Hub – discover over 200 brands such as Tops Food Hall with ‘New Variety’ from premium dining, casual lifestyle, grab and go, street food, Michelin restaurants, authentic cuisine, international restaurants, organic healthy restaurants, family restaurants, sweets and desserts, speciality coffee, matcha and tea. The G Floor features the ‘Gastronomy Hub’ for food lovers, while the 5th Floor debuts the ‘Brand New Soul Green Wonder’ with refreshing hangout spaces.

First-time in Thailand – welcoming Hama Sushi, a popular conveyor-belt sushi brand with high quality and affordable prices; Ootoya Oki, Thailand’s first ‘crab fat shabu’; and Sotory, offering steak and French fries in a hand-held portable container, among others.

Popular restaurants with new concepts such as Bar B.Q. Plaza, Ootoya Tokusen, On the Table, The Pizza Company Express, Mister Donut, Kumpoon and Baan Bangkok are ready to serve exclusive menu choices only at Central Pinklao.

First branch in the neighbourhood – discover BHC Chicken, Canton Paradise, Hasul, Kiani, La Meow, Lehaha Lanzhou Noodles, Long John Silver’s, LT FISH, Myeong Ryun Jinsa Galbi, Nong Geng Ji, ONKIJUNG, Pasta Ama, PONN, Ramen Neo, Ramyun Kitchen, RED PANDA Yakiniku, SHABU BARU, Songfa, Sukiya, Xiao Gu Jie Jie, YAKINIKU LIKE, Yonny, YUENAN, Zaabeli, Phra Nakhon Boat Noodles, Krua Muang Ve, An’s Fried Chicken Noodles, Ohkajhu and many more.

Popularly queued restaurants such as Chicha San Chen, Gongcha, One to Two, Solsot, Sushiro, Yolk and Uno Coffee.

Coffee, Tea and Dessert Paradise – 50 popular brands including Bake a Wish, Barron’s Bar, BEARHOUSE, BLENDIES, Boost Juice Bar, Bonjour, BreadTalk, CHONGDEE, D Bake, Eric Kayser, Fruit Slush, HAAB, Jian Cha Tea, Karamizu, KIKI Matcha, Luca, Matcha Eki, Mikka, Minimelts, Molly Tea, Mr Shake, Molto, MX Cake and Bakery, Nose Tea, Old School Brownies, Oranginal, o-li-no, Rowie’s, Saint Etoile, Self, SOOD’s, Sotory, Souri, The Summer Coffee, Tokyo Sweets, TP Tea, Teaory Teahouse, Umami, Yolé Yoghurt, Yoguruto, Zus Coffee, Kin Tokyo, Khem, Everyday Thai Tea, Namtaohuu Pu Pla, Pung Siam, Yok Sod, Luemton, Roon Egg Cake, Fighting Thai Tea, and more.

Leading fashion and lifestyle brands such as Adidas, Anta, Bath and Body Works, Beyond the Vines, Birkenstock, Carnival, Calvin Klein, Charles and Keith, Gentlewoman, JD Sports, Mango, Marimekko, MUJI, MLAB, New Balance, Nike, Pandora, Rituals, Sephora, Skechers, Swarovski, Wilson, Victoria’s Secret, Uniqlo, Zara, and more.

Central Group companies join forces to present new concepts – led by Central Department Store as a flagship branch, unveiling ‘The Brightest Star to the West’ to inspire and elevate a complete lifestyle shopping experience for every generation. Highlights include world-class brands at Beauty Galerie: Armani Beauty, Burberry, Chanel, Charlotte Tilbury, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, Elemis, Gucci Beauty, La Mer; Contemporary Fashion Shop-in-Shop: Coccinelle, Furla, Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith; the new Central Home with a modern design for home and small appliances; plus Family and Kids, Fashion Men and Women, and Watch and Jewellery. Food lovers can indulge at Central Eats and Treats with Muumuu Mama Italian cuisine, Chamcham herbal drinks, Thawang Songkhla egg cake, 96 Chá milk tea, PASH cold-pressed juices, Praow coconut yoghurt, Kaew Boutique Thai desserts, and a pop-up My Eureka Popcorn from Malaysia-bringing the best experiences to Thonburi and nearby provinces.

B2S will debut a new concept, while Power Buy launches ‘Power Buy 3.0’, a technology hub designed to elevate shopping in the digital era and enhance the seamless omnichannel experience. Supersports will unveil ‘Supersports 3.0 – Sports Destination for All’, offering a new look and experience that highlights its leading position as Thailand’s number one sports retailer. Spanning over 2,000 m², it brings together products and services from over 2,000 global sports brands.

37 leading ‘Edutainment’ and ‘Play Land’ brands including First Class Preschool, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools and Kidzoona Safari.

Wellness Hub – discover more than 72 beauty centres and clinics and experience the new-look Fitness First.

Entertainment – Major Cineplex IMAX with Laser and Soundcheck Karaoke.

Central Pinklao has enjoyed continued success as one of the company’s main assets and remains a key driving force for CPNREIT’s stable income, supporting long-term growth potential. Get ready for the grand re-opening celebrations on 6 November 2025 at Central Pinklao.

TAIPEI – Taiwan “will not agree” to making 50% of its semiconductors in the United States, the island’s lead tariff negotiator said Wednesday, as Washington pressures Taipei to produce more chips on US soil.

Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun’s remarks came after US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said he had proposed to Taiwan a 50-50 split in chip production.

“I want to clarify that this is the US’s idea. Our negotiation team has never made a 50-50 commitment to a chip split,” Cheng told reporters in Taipei.

“Please be rest assured that we did not discuss this issue this time, and we will not agree to such a condition,” she said.

Cheng spoke after returning from Washington where she said negotiations over US tariffs on Taiwanese shipments “made some progress”.

Taiwan is struggling to finalise a tariff deal with Washington, after President Donald Trump’s administration imposed a temporary 20% levy that has alarmed the island’s manufacturers.

Trump has also threatened to put a “fairly substantial tariff” on semiconductors coming into the country.

Soaring demand for AI-related technology has fuelled Taiwan’s trade surplus with the United States — and put it in Trump’s crosshairs.

More than 70% of the island’s exports to the United States are information and communications technology, which includes chips, the cabinet said in a statement Wednesday.

In a bid to avoid the tariffs, Taipei has pledged to increase investment in the United States, buy more of its energy and increase its own defence spending to more than three percent of gross domestic product.

Taiwan produces more than half of the world’s semiconductors and nearly all of the high-end ones.

The concentration of chip manufacturing in Taiwan has long been seen as a “silicon shield” protecting it from an invasion or blockade by China, which claims it as part of its territory — and an incentive for the United States to defend it.

In an interview with NewsNation broadcast over the weekend, Lutnick said having 50% of Taiwan’s chip production in the United States would ensure “we have the capacity to do what we need to do if we need to do it”.

“That has been the conversation we’ve had with Taiwan, that you have to understand that it’s vital for you to have us produce 50%,” he said.

“Our goal is to get to 40% market share, and maybe 50% market share, of producing the chips and the wafers, you know the semiconductors we need for American consumption, that’s our objective.”

Two prominent legal figures have voiced concern over former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s latest request for a royal pardon, warning that it not only falls outside the scope of the law but could also expose the justice minister to criminal liability.

Chao Meekhuad, a lawyer and former Democrat Party deputy spokesman, wrote on Facebook on Tuesday that Thaksin’s move to petition for a second individual pardon raises serious legal questions.

He noted that Thaksin had already been granted royal clemency, which reduced his eight-year prison sentence to one year. That reduction, he said, was the result of a royal command rather than the original court ruling.

Under Section 259 of the Criminal Procedure Code, only those “sentenced by final judgement” may apply for a pardon, Mr Chao said, adding that since Thaksin’s penalty has already been transformed by royal grace, it no longer constitutes a court-imposed sentence.

Filing again, therefore, risks falling outside the law, he said.

Mr Chao also cited Section 261 of the same law, which requires the justice minister to give an advisory opinion on any pardon submission.

If the minister forwards Thaksin’s request despite knowing it contradicts legal criteria, he warned, the act could be deemed an abuse of authority in violation of Section 157 of the Criminal Code.

“Pardons exist for those who show genuine remorse, not as a passport for repeat offenders who refuse to respect the court’s verdict,” Mr Chao said.

Senior prosecutor Poramet Intarachumnum echoed the concern. He said Section 264 of the Criminal Procedure Code clearly prohibits filing a new pardon petition within two years if a previous request has already been rejected or granted, except in death penalty cases.

Spotify has deleted more than 75 million songs generated by artificial intelligence (AI) in the past 12 months, as the music streaming giant moves to tighten control over synthetic content that it says is flooding the platform and threatening artists’ income.

The company confirmed it will introduce new measures to regulate AI-generated music, following reports that automated uploads have reached unprecedented levels. Rival platform Deezer recently disclosed that around 28% of daily uploads, equivalent to about 30,000 songs per day, were created with AI tools.

Spotify said the surge in synthetic music had forced the firm to act, with concerns that the overwhelming volume of AI tracks could siphon off revenue from human musicians. The company unveiled three key steps aimed at restoring balance.

First, Spotify will strengthen checks to prevent AI-generated vocals from impersonating real artists or producing misleading content.

Second, it will improve filtering systems to ensure revenue shares do not go to AI-made tracks, directing income instead to genuine performers.

Third, the platform will introduce AI labels on songs, giving listeners transparency over which tracks were created or partially composed with AI.

Despite the crackdown, Spotify stressed that it remains supportive of AI as a creative tool when used responsibly. The company said content will continue to be treated equally across the platform, provided it is not misused to deceive audiences or undermine artists’ livelihoods.

The Asean Cafe Show will return with comprehensive solutions for cafe businesses at Bitec Hall 100, Bang Na-Trat Road, daily from 10am to 7pm starting tomorrow until Sunday.

Held under the “Taste The Trends” concept by Kavin Intertrade, the 19th edition of the premier event will gather the latest innovations and solutions for cafes, coffee shops, bakeries, tea houses and ice cream parlours.

More than 150 leading companies from Thailand and five countries across Asia will present product and service demonstrations designed to boost sales and reduce operational costs.

The exhibition is divided into six major zones — Coffee and Tea; Bakery and Sweets; Equipment and Technology; Ingredients and Materials; Packaging and Design; and Cafe and Bakery Franchises.

With collaboration from various associations and government agencies, over 40 activities will be arranged to enhance the knowledge and skills of entrepreneurs and their teams.

They include the PCRIC Bangkok 2025 coffee roasting competition which runs daily from 10am to 7pm; the 2nd Thailand Ultimate Barista 2025 on Friday at 11am; and the DaVinci Barista Craft Championship 25/26 on Saturday at 11am.

There will also be an exclusive workshop on Design Thinking For Cafes In 2025 on Thursday, at 3pm, a demonstration on special bread and bakery recipes by chef Det Saengsrichan on Thursday and Friday, at noon, a workshop on making matcha red bean ice cream for both commercial and home use on Friday at 2.30pm, as well as classes on brewing tea beverages.

There is no admission fee. Those who register in advance will receive a complimentary 3-hour parking coupon and a chance to win prizes worth over 150,000 baht.

A new waste collection fee for unsorted trash goes into effect on Wednesday, with discounts offered for households that properly separate their garbage.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will, from Wednesday, enforce a revised waste collection fee, increasing the monthly rate from 20 baht to 60 baht. However, households that participate in the city’s waste separation initiative, “This House Doesn’t Mix”, will continue to pay the original 20-baht flat fee.

Deputy Bangkok governor Chakkaphan Phewngam announced the change, citing the need to align fees with current operational costs. The initiative is part of the 2025 Bangkok Ordinance on waste management services under the Public Health Act.

To qualify for the discounted rate, residents must register and submit evidence of sorting waste into four categories via the BKK WASTE PAY platform. The system will issue reminders for documentation at scheduled intervals.

Failure to submit correct or complete evidence after three warnings will result in the suspension of the discount, and households will be required to pay the full fee for six months before reapplying.

For those who register through district officials and receive approval, the BMA will conduct on-site inspections. If waste sorting does not meet the required standards, the same warning and suspension process will apply.

On Sept 29, Mr Chakkaphan visited Pomprap Sattruphai district, inspecting the Mahanak Mosque Community, a model for waste separation. The community, spanning 23 rai, with 933 residents and 353 households, has been actively sorting waste since early this year, resulting in reduced waste volume and qualifying for the discounted fee.

As of Sept 26, over 710,000 households had registered to take part. They live in 278,178 single-family homes and 432,608 units across 3,049 group registrations (condominiums, housing estates, communities, flats).

The Pheu Thai Party are urging Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob to take swift action against those he claims offered him 40 million baht a month to look the other way on online crime.

In parliament on the second day of the joint sitting, as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government delivered its policy statement, Mr Chaichanok acknowledged his lack of political experience but vowed to take decisive action in tackling cybercrime.

During the debate, Pheu Thai MP Korkaew Pikulthong raised questions over the appointment of ministers linked to the Bhumjaithai Party’s (BJT) Buri Ram power base.

He argued that some lacked expertise, while others had tainted records, citing a corruption scandal in the Transport Ministry in 2011. Mr Korkaew further criticised the resurgence of call centre scams, which he claimed had been curbed under the previous Pheu Thai-led government.

In response, Mr Chaichanok recounted that shortly before taking office, he was contacted through a member of parliament by individuals who offered him 40 million baht per month in exchange for not pursuing action against call centre syndicates, online scammers and illegal websites.

The remarks quickly drew political fire. Danuporn Punnakanta, a Pheu Thai Party-list MP and party spokesman warned that if Mr Chaichanok failed to act, he could be accused of dereliction of duty.

“You started with bold claims, but if you let this go, people will see you as a minister who talks tough but delivers nothing,” he said.

Carrying on with some basic ‘easy to understand’ golf rules that we all need to know well. To correctly drop a golf ball, you must release the ball from your hand at knee height, allowing it to fall straight down without touching your body or equipment before hitting the ground. The ball must then land and come to rest within the defined relief area for that required situation. Should it bounce away from the dropping area you can try two more times. If still unsuccessful — you can then place the ball. If you drop the ball incorrectly, you simply must re-drop it without penalty, but you incur a penalty if you play the ball from a wrong place after dropping it.

In golf, a ball is declared “lost” if it’s not found within three minutes of starting a search for it, or if it’s hit out of bounds. The consequence for a lost ball is stroke-and-distance relief: you must add a one-stroke penalty and replay your previous shot from where you hit it last by dropping another ball, as near as possible to the original spot. You can avoid this by playing a provisional ball if you suspect your ball may be lost or out of bounds. But remember you must tell your playing partners before playing it.

When starting a hole, generally the player with the lowest score on the previous hole plays first. After starting a hole, the ball farthest from the hole is usually played first. However, to avoid slow play the Rules of Golf allows you to hit out of turn if the situation makes sense and is safe to do so.

Out of Bounds: Following on from last week where I mentioned that you could throw into a water hazard a caddie and receive no penalty for doing so. Many of you have asked me if this rule would also apply to a playing partner? — the answer is ‘Yes’ so have no fear of incurring a penalty shot if you have someone in mind.

A 21-year-old man set himself on fire at a bus stop and ran out into the traffic on Phahon Yothin Road in Bangkok on Tuesday, horrifying pedestrians and motorists.

It happened around 10am at a bus stop in front of the Land Development Department office in Chatuchak district.

A CCTV recording showed the man, whose name has not been released, standing behind the bus stop and holding a large jar containing a liquid believed to be petrol.

He poured the liquid over his body before setting himself on fire with a lighter.

According to 3 Plus News, he walked around while on fire, terrifying two university students waiting for a bus, before running out onto the road and falling to the ground, underneath Senanikom BTS Station.

The sight of his burning body shocked motorists. One motorcyclist fell off his bike and was injured. He was taken to nearby Paolo Hospital along with the burned man.

A witness told police the man had a heated phone conversation with someone before setting himself ablaze. His mother said she learned her son had been having a problem with his girlfriend over the past few days.

His condition was not known.