Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Nearly six decades after its debut, the Longines Ultra-Chron returns as a timeless emblem of accuracy, innovation, and elegance. First launched in 1967, the Ultra-Chron marked a defining chapter in horological history – the first mass-produced high-frequency wristwatch that forever altered standards of precision. The new Ultra-Chron Classic reimagines this legacy for the modern age, combining over a century of technical expertise with refined aesthetics that honour its mid-century origins.

Drawing direct inspiration from the original 1967 Ultra-Chron and its 1968 Diver sibling – the world’s first high-frequency diver’s watch – the new Classic captures the spirit of both adventure and endurance. Its rebirth reflects Longines’ enduring philosophy: that heritage and progress are not opposites but partners in the pursuit of excellence.

High-Frequency Mastery

Longines’ fascination with high-frequency movements began as early as 1910, when the brand patented a stopwatch capable of measuring to 1/10th of a second. By 1916, it had refined its instruments to 1/100th of a second – a technological leap that revolutionised sports timing and laid the foundation for modern chronometry.

The story continued with the 1959 Calibre 360, developed for observatory competitions, before culminating in the 1967 Ultra-Chron: the first high-frequency calibre to be commercially produced on a large scale. Today, the new Ultra-Chron Classic proudly continues that lineage.

At its heart lies the Longines Calibre L836.6, a self-winding movement oscillating at 36,000 vibrations per hour, or 5 Hz – the very definition of a high-frequency watch. Equipped with a silicon balance spring and anti-magnetic materials offering resistance ten times above the ISO 764 standard, this calibre ensures extraordinary stability and accuracy under real-world conditions. The 52-hour power reserve underscores Longines’ success in marrying endurance with precision.

Certified Excellence

Beyond its technical specifications, the Ultra-Chron Classic distinguishes itself through a full chronometer certification by the Observatoire Chronométrique de Genève, under the authority of the TIMELAB foundation. Unlike conventional testing that examines only the movement, Longines’ certification process evaluates the entire assembled watch for 15 days at varying temperatures and positions – a demanding procedure that guarantees precision across all conditions.

This relentless commitment to accuracy is not mere tradition but a necessity for a brand that has long been synonymous with professional sports timekeeping. From alpine skiing to equestrian events, Longines’ timing technology has measured human achievement with unwavering reliability.

Authenticity in Design

Visually, the Ultra-Chron Classic pays faithful tribute to its 1967 predecessor. The domed silver sunray dial evokes the soft radiance of vintage timepieces, while the applied silver-polished indexes and hands maintain the original’s understated elegance. The trapezoidal date window at 3 o’clock – rendered in a period-correct typeface – provides a nostalgic nod to the past, subtly balanced by enhanced water resistance of 5 bar for modern practicality.

The stainless-steel case, offered in 37 mm and 40 mm, preserves the watch’s graceful proportions, its thickness kept under 11 mm for exceptional comfort. The fine groove pattern of the 1967 bracelet reappears in alternating brushed and polished finishes, culminating in a double-folding clasp with micro-adjustment. Alternatively, a black leather strap with a heritage buckle invites a more classic expression of style.

Heritage Meets Modernity

The rebirth of the Ultra-Chron Classic exemplifies Longines’ vision of progress grounded in authenticity. It is not merely a revival but a refinement – a timepiece that honours the pioneering craftsmanship of its predecessors while embracing today’s technological standards.

In an age defined by fleeting trends, the Ultra-Chron Classic stands as a symbol of enduring precision. Its beating heart – 36,000 vibrations per hour – is more than a technical specification; it is the rhythm of a century-long pursuit of perfection.

As the winged hourglass continues to guide Longines’ journey, the Ultra-Chron Classic reaffirms that true luxury lies in precision, patience, and permanence – values that transcend time itself.

The deputy bank manager faces immense pressure when he learns that his position is soon to be replaced by artificial intelligence. Struggling with his family’s growing financial burdens, he decides to find a desperate way out — by stealing money from the account of a deceased person, one with no living relatives to verify their identity.

Director Nithiwat Tharatorn, best known for his sentimental dramas and romantic comedies such as The Teacher’s Diary and Analog Squad, takes a bold step into darker territory with Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead, a gripping crime thriller that hits surprisingly close to home.

Theeradej Wongpuapan and Vachirawich Aranthanawong in Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead. (Photos © NETFLIX)

Theeradej Wongpuapan and Vachirawich Aranthanawong in Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead. (Photos © NETFLIX)

Beneath its thrilling surface lies a story about the fragility of ordinary life in an increasingly unstable urban world, where financial struggles drive even the most decent people to exploit loopholes in the system.

At first glance, the premise might remind viewers of Western crime sagas like Breaking Bad or Ozark — ordinary individuals pushed by circumstance into extraordinary acts of corruption. Yet Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead brings something distinctively Thai to this familiar setup.

It examines how moral boundaries erode in a society obsessed with survival and appearances, and it portrays the weight of modern-day desperation with a realism that feels both painful and relatable. This is a kind of Thai movie we rarely see — a crime drama that looks directly into the soul of its characters rather than simply judging them. The story begins as a seemingly straightforward tale of greed and opportunity before slowly transforming into something darker, richer and far more unpredictable. The plot revolves around two bank employees — Toh (Theeradej Wongpuapan), a man being considered for a long-awaited promotion, and Petch (Vachirawich Aranthanawong), a young banker drowning in debt and on the verge of bankruptcy.

The pair devise a risky plan to secretly withdraw money from a dormant bank account belonging to a deceased client. But their scheme soon spirals into chaos when they realise that other dangerous individuals are also after the same money. What begins as a calculated act of survival quickly descends into a nightmarish chain of lies, betrayal, and blood.

Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead marks a significant departure from Nithiwat’s earlier works. Gone are the warmth and sentimentality of his romantic dramas; in their place is a grim dissection of morality and the societal rot festering beneath Thailand’s glittering urban surface. The film’s tone is unapologetically bleak, yet its darkness feels purposeful — an unflinching reflection of the inequality and quiet desperation that define city life. There’s a surprisingly international flavour to the film’s atmosphere. The narrative carries the pacing and tension of a global thriller while remaining rooted in distinctly Thai cultural realities. Its exploration of class inequality, economic anxiety, and moral compromise gives it both weight and universality. Despite its simple premise, the movie layers its story with striking moral and emotional depth.

Midway through the film, I realised that Toh is far more complex than the story initially suggests. What begins as a man simply trying to protect his family evolves into a portrait of someone whose moral compass becomes increasingly blurred. The film quietly examines how good intentions can twist into something unrecognisable, forcing us to question whether doing “the right thing” for our loved ones can ever justify deception or violence.

The setting plays a major role in sustaining this tension. For reasons perhaps psychological or cinematic, Thai filmmakers often turn to Pattaya or other coastal cities when exploring crime and moral decay. Here, the film’s unnamed seaside city — shot with brooding, shadowy cinematography — becomes a character of its own.

The cold lighting, muted tones, and slick production design capture the loneliness of modern life and the false security of a world built on appearance. Everything feels slightly off, as though the city itself is complicit in the moral corruption unfolding within it.

Technically, the film impresses. The production values are consistently strong, from the precise set design to the carefully chosen camera angles that enhance tension without resorting to gimmicks. The editing is crisp, the pacing deliberate, and the tone carefully controlled throughout the two-hour runtime.

Even when the story slows down, it maintains a suffocating sense of unease that keeps the viewer glued to the screen.

Of course, the real highlight of Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead lies in its performances. Theeradej Wongpuapan delivers one of his most mature and commanding roles to date. His portrayal of Toh is layered with complexity — a man both sympathetic and deeply flawed. He captures the torment of someone trying to remain moral in an immoral world, forcing us to root for a character we know is making terrible choices.

Meanwhile, Vachirawich brings convincing energy to Petch, a man cornered by debt and entangled with a mafia gang. His desperation feels genuine, and his chemistry with Theeradej adds texture to the story.

The film ambitiously attempts to balance crime-thriller mechanics with biting social commentary. It explores themes of class divide, economic pressure and the cost of chasing shortcuts in life. At times, the movie introduces subplots that verge on the surreal — a villain who literally sets people on fire, for example — which can feel tonally jarring or unnecessarily theatrical. A few narrative strands might have benefited from tighter focus, as some scenes feel slightly repetitive or symbolic rather than emotionally necessary.

Still, even when it overreaches, Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead remains entertaining watch because of its craftsmanship and conviction. It might follow familiar beats in its structure, but the film’s cynicism, its dark humour and its sharp psychological insights make it stand apart from typical Thai thrillers.

Though the pacing can be uneven and the runtime long, overall, Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead is one of the better Thai films that came out this year. The film is intense and deeply atmospheric, with an ending that manages to be both thrilling and tragic.

Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead

Starring Theeradej Wongpuapan, Vachirawich Aranthanawong, Naracha Chanthasin

Directed by Nithiwat Tharatorn

Now streaming on Netflix

Advanced Info Service (AIS) has announced the appointment of Pratthana Leelapanang, deputy chief executive officer and chief operating officer, as its new chief executive officer, effective Nov 3.

The board of directors of the mobile phone and internet provider approved the appointment in line with the recommendation of the nomination and compensation committee, AIS said in a statement to the Stock Exchange of Thailand on Friday.

Mr Pratthana, 52, will succeed Somchai Lertsutiwong, who is retiring from the top executive post. Mr Somchai will remain on the company’s board of directors.

A native of Bangkok, Mr Pratthana holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Kasetsart University and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering and system science and mathematics from Washington University in St Louis, Missouri.

He joined AIS in March 1997 and has held a number of positions including executive vice-president for marketing from 2013-17 and chief consumer business officer from 2017 to July 2025, when he was named deputy CEO.

Suvarnabhumi airport has requested government agencies, private organisations and residents in surrounding areas to refrain from releasing sky lanterns, fireworks, balloons or shining laser pointers into the sky during the Loy Krathong festival on Nov 5 to ensure aviation safety.

Whilst the airport in Samut Prakan province recognises the importance of preserving Thai traditions, it said such activities pose serious risks to aircraft operations and could endanger lives and property.

Anyone wishing to release sky lanterns or conduct related activities must obtain permission from the district director or district chief beforehand.

Airport staff are visiting surrounding communities to raise awareness about aviation safety risks and explain legal penalties for violations.

Safety measures

During the festival period, Suvarnabhumi airport will conduct runway and taxiway inspections to prevent foreign objects that could endanger aircraft. Enhanced surveillance will focus on flight paths and areas around the airport perimeter.

The airport is coordinating with Aeronautical Radio of Thailand to manage air traffic safely throughout the festival period.

AirJapan will suspend operations in April as its parent company, ANA Group, discontinues the low-cost brand and reallocates its aircraft to the mainline carrier, All Nippon Airways.

The ANA Group announced on Thursday that the AirJapan brand will cease in April, with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet and personnel transferred to ANA to offset aircraft delivery delays affecting the parent airline’s fleet.

‘To optimise the allocation of the Group’s resources, ANA Group has decided to suspend the AirJapan brand. Its aircraft and staff will be integrated into ANA’s international operations to support expansion,’ the company said.

The final AirJapan flight from Narita to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport will depart on March 28, with the return leg on March 29.

Despite the looming suspension, AirJapan’s Thai Facebook page has yet to mention the change, instead promoting special fares for its autumn campaign running from Oct 23 to March 28 next year.

AirJapan currently operates routes from Narita to Singapore and Seoul, in addition to Bangkok. ANA Group will continue to run Peach Aviation, its other low-cost carrier based at Kansai Airport in Osaka.

Pen-ek Ratanaruang’s new film features a protagonist on a quest for culinary retribution — a triglyceride revenge trip that gets greasier and weirder along the way.

It presents, among its memorable moments, an epic feast of Thai cooking and an impressively stiff, posthumous erection. Morte Cucina, or Khrua Sao, had its Asian premiere on Oct 28 at the Tokyo International Film Festival, playing in the competition section. Thai audiences can look forward to its release some time next year.

The Thai filmmaker’s signature style is all here. Morte Cucina is a patiently observed character study, a women-led drama, a black comedy, and a bloodless murder story where the motif and methodology are best left unexplained here.

Pen-ek, known as a key figure in the Thai New Wave emerging in the late 1990s, constructs his latest film like a puzzle, a set of cubist fragments from which the narrative coalesces like slowly melted bitter sugar. You savour the taste, relish the unveiling of flavours, and this intriguing dish will leave you wanting for a little more in the end.

Enough with the gastronomic references, for Pen-ek doesn’t see this as a “food film”.

“The food is not the subject. It’s just the means, the path, the way to the character.” he said in Tokyo. “I think of it as two stories that perhaps become one in the mind of the viewer.”

At the centre is Sao (Bella Boonsang), a waitress with a steely resolve who meets, and later marries, a rich man called Korn (Kris Sripoomseth).

In a parallel story — the audience will naturally read this as a flashback — we follow another young woman in the rural South as she marries a Muslim local and later has a drunken encounter with a roguish stranger from Bangkok.

Sao, meanwhile, becomes an accomplished chef, pursuing the elemental cooking discipline where the chemistry of the ingredients transcends into physical and perhaps spiritual reactions. She enjoys cooking for Kris, plying him with endless processions of Thai food that make the table groan under the weight of the oily and exquisite dishes — curries, pan-fried, braised and boiled recipes. Her purpose of feeding him will slowly become apparent to us.

Bella gives Sao a charismatic gravity that keeps us glued to her mysterious gestures, while the permeating suspense keeps us guessing.

Shot by Christopher Doyle, known for his sensuous work in In The Mood For Love and other Wong Kar-wai films, Morte Cucina will likely be admired for its celebration of Thai cooking, even though, typical of Pen-ek’s brand of dark comedy, the film is probably a tale of anti-overconsumption, a playful warning that what fulfils you might also kill you. Love, food and sex included. In the pantheon of food films, Gabriel Axel’s Babette’s Feast remains the perennially beloved, while the recent The Taste Of Things by Tran Anh Hung is a sublime marriage of French cooking and romantic actualisation.

It’s worth noting that while Thailand prides itself on its culinary tradition, hardly have we seen any films dedicated to the riches of the homegrown kitchen scene. Morte Cucina, for all its twists, will comfortably secure the honour.

Former Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii has returned to club football less than two weeks after being controversially dismissed by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).

The Japanese tactician has been appointed coach of Thai League 1 side BG Pathum United, making the Rabbits his third club in Thailand after successful spells at Samut Prakan City and Buriram United.

Ishii, 58, brings with him plenty of experience in coaching in the J-League with clubs such as Kashima Antlers and Omiya Ardija. He achieved excellent results with Antlers, winning the J-League YBC Levain Cup in 2015, and following that up with the J-League and the Emperor’s Cup in 2016. He also led Kashima to a runners-up finish in the Fifa Club World Cup in 2016.

Ishii began his coaching career in Thailand in 2019 and led Samut Prakan to a sixth-place finish in Thai League 1. He was named Buriram coach in the second leg of the 2021-2022 season and guided the Thunder Castle to two Thai League 1 titles, two FA Cups, and two League Cups in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons.

Ishii took on the role of head coach for the Thai national team in 2023, leading the War Elephants to the last 16 of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 finals in Qatar. He also guided Thailand to the 2024 King’s Cup title and a runners-up spot at this year’s edition.

Ishii’s appointment came at a challenging period for the Rabbits, who have been struggling for consistency this season.

The Rabbits are fifth in the T1 standings after nine games, having already lost three times this season. They are also struggling in the AFC Champions League Two, fighting to make it through the group stage after just three points from three games in Group H.

His first match in charge will be against Chonburi in Thai League 1 on Sunday.

Ishii’s shock dismissal as Thailand coach came just days after he guided the War Elephants to back-to-back victories over Taiwan that revived the team’s hopes of reaching the 2027 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.

Englishman Anthony Hudson, the U23 technical director, was named as his replacement.

Venue change

The 33rd Southeast Asian Games men’s football Group A matches will be played at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium instead of Tinsulanonda Stadium in Songkhla due to security reasons.

The programme has also been reshuffled, with Group A matches now taking place on Dec 4, 7 and 11 to avoid clashing with the opening ceremony, which will take place at the stadium on Dec 9. Group A games were previously scheduled to take place on Dec 1, 5 and 9.

Thailand are in Group A along with Cambodia and Timor-Leste.

All Black attire

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has sent a letter to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Asean Football Federation (AFF) asking for permission to change the national team kit to all black as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

The FAT also requested a minute’s silence to be observed before all domestic league games and Thailand’s matches.

The national team will return to action during the Nov 10-18 Fifa Day, with a warm-up match against Singapore on Nov 13 and an Asian Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Nov 18.

As financial literacy becomes an increasingly vital life skill for Thailand’s younger generations, a new collaboration is setting out to make learning about money both engaging and accessible. The Money Coach, led by renowned financial educator Mr Jakkapong Mespan, also known as ‘Coach Noom’, has partnered with Sea (Thailand)-a leading internet platform provider encompassing Shopee, Garena, and Monee-to launch Money for Teen, a free online financial course designed for secondary-level students and above. Tailored to today’s digital-native learners, the programme features eight practical and comprehensive modules that help students, parents, and educators nationwide build essential money management skills while laying the groundwork for integration into Thailand’s compulsory education system.

The Money for Teen was conceptualised and developed by The Money Coach with the support of Sea (Thailand). The course is designed for students, parents, and teachers to learn and use as a practical tool for teaching financial literacy in a structured way, helping learners understand key concepts in money management and financial planning for the future. The course covers eight core financial concepts, namely, Money Mindsets, Money Spending, Money Budgeting, Money Earning, Money Saving, Money Investing, Money Protection, and Money Goals.

Mr Jakkapong Mespan, also known as ‘Coach Noom’ or The Money Coach, said, ‘Through years of providing financial advice to Thai people, we found the main challenges still revolve around cash flow problems and debt burdens. This reflects a ‘repairing’ approach, which focuses on fixing issues only after they arise but doesn’t lead to lasting solutions. That insight inspired us to shift toward a ‘building’ approach instead, which focuses on creating sustainable financial immunity for Thais from the start. This led to the development of the ‘Money for Teen’ online course, designed to instil financial literacy among secondary school students who begin to form their own perspectives and are ready to learn practical money management skills. The Money for Teen course is also designed to connect with real-life experiences and to help learners set clear financial goals through a 3C learning process: Case, Content, and Challenge – starting with real-life case studies, leading into key learning materials, and concluding with activities or quizzes that encourage learners to think, analyse, and make their own financial decisions, which are considered the foundation of financial literacy.’

Since its launch on 22 August 2025, more than 5,700 learners have enrolled in the Money for Teen course via www.moneycoach.co.th, reflecting the growing demand for financial education among Thailand’s younger generations. The course will also be available on www.SeaAcademy.co to further expand accessibility.

Mrs Puttawan Suphataranant, Corporate Communications Director, Sea (Thailand) emphasised, ‘Financial literacy is a vital life skill that should be nurtured from an early age, forming a crucial foundation for future financial stability. Sea (Thailand) remains committed to promoting financial literacy through accessible and engaging learning tools. Previously, the company introduced the Wishlist Financial Board Game to help young people explore personal finance in a creative and effective way. Building on that success, Sea has collaborated with The Money Coach to launch Money for Teen – a course that makes financial education fun, easy to understand, and practical, with applications both in classrooms and at home. The programme also encourages financial conversations within families while equipping young people with critical thinking, decision-making skills, and a strong financial foundation essential for thriving in a resilient society.’

Money for Teen is not only designed as a learning tool for teenagers but also serves as a vital bridge connecting young people with parents and teachers. It can be effectively utilised for instruction both at home and in schools, helping to instil essential financial literacy and life skills in the next generation. At the same time, it creates valuable opportunities for families to learn and discuss money matters openly, while providing schools with a safe and constructive space for creative and sustainable financial education.”

The launch event of Money for Teen also featured a panel discussion titled ‘Financial Lessons Start Young’, which brought together experts from various sectors to exchange insights on promoting financial literacy within families and expanding the course’s reach to educational institutions nationwide. The panel included Mr Jakkapong Mespan, ‘Coach Noom’; Mrs Puttawan Suphataranant, Corporate Communications Director at Sea (Thailand); Dr Ketthip Suphavanich, Director-General of the Department of Learning Encouragement; Miss Jaroonsri Jabthaisong, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Academic Affairs and Educational Standards, Office of the Basic Education Commission; and special guest influencer Belle – Yupaporn Littiyarn (popularly known as Chujai’s mother), who shared her personal experiences in teaching children about financial concepts.

Dr Ketthip Suphavanich, Director-General of the Department of Learning Encouragement, said, ‘Learning personal financial management from a young age forms a crucial foundation for a quality life. Children who understand the value of money will grow into responsible adults capable of planning and making sound financial decisions. Promoting the Money for Teen course therefore goes beyond simply teaching children about saving and spending; it is about developing financial intelligence as a lifelong skill, enabling them to thrive confidently in the modern world and live happily within a society grounded in moral principles.’

Miss Jaroonsri Jabthaisong, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Academic Affairs and Educational Standards, Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), added, ‘Financial skills not only empower young people to manage their lives effectively but also contribute to long-term economic stability. The Money for Teen course serves as a seed of financial knowledge, helping students learn about money from an early age and build a stable, sustainable financial plan for the future. OBEC plans to expand this course to schools nationwide, encouraging teachers to integrate it into existing subjects or develop it as part of life skills activities, depending on each school’s focus and interests. This approach aims to help students think critically, analyse situations, and apply their knowledge in real life. We believe that instilling financial literacy from an early age is key to building sustainable financial immunity and laying the foundation for a financially disciplined Thai society in the future.’

Sea (Thailand) and The Money Coach also plan to collaborate with the government sector to expand the Money for Teen curriculum nationwide, beginning with a pilot programme in 10 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Discussions are currently under way with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) to extend the programme to schools across all regions of Thailand. Furthermore, an advanced financial course is set to launch in March 2026 for high school students, covering five key topics – credit and loans, investment fundamentals, entrepreneurship, income tax, and risk management – to further deepen their financial knowledge.

Money for Teen not only strengthens the financial capabilities of the next generation but also plays a vital role in building a stable foundation for the future, contributing positively to Thailand’s long-term economic resilience.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains one of the most devastating medical conditions, with no definitive cure to alleviate its lifelong consequences. For many patients, a split-second accident leads to permanent paralysis and a lifetime of physical limitation, medical dependence and emotional struggle.

In 2019, Grégoire Courtine received a Rolex Award for his idea to create a spinal implant that could connect to the wearer’s brain via a “Digital Bridge”. This technology enabled an individual with chronic tetraplegia to stand and walk naturally for the first time.

The breakthrough has placed neuroscience pioneers Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch at the centre of global attention as they continue their mission to transform the lives of people living with paralysis. Courtine even received a Rolex Award for his idea.

The Laureate of Precision

Courtine, the sole Laureate of the Rolex Awards in neuroscience, has dedicated more than two decades to understanding and repairing the injured spinal cord. Recognised for his unwavering perseverance in groundbreaking science, he and Bloch have advanced therapies once thought impossible.

In an interview with the Bangkok Post, Courtine reflected on his journey: “My commitment to SCI patients began when I was 27. I realised that after an accident lasting just a few seconds, you may never walk again. That moment shaped my life’s work.”

Bloch added: “Every innovation is a step forward. The goal is to restore natural movement and independence for patients who have lost so much.”

From Laboratory to Human Application

The digital bridge builds on earlier research into Epidural Electrical Stimulation (EES) — an implant that delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord below the site of injury, stimulating dormant neural circuits.

Courtine and his research team first tested the therapy in animal models in 2012. In one landmark experiment, they enabled a paralysed rat to walk voluntarily by combining drug therapy, targeted electrical stimulation of the lower spinal cord, robotic-assisted support and even a small chocolate reward as motivation.

Bloch later took the decisive step of transferring the technology from the laboratory to clinical use.

“It took us four years to achieve the first therapy in a patient,” she explained. “There was no precedent, no existing technology to follow. Every stage presented new challenges.”

In 2017, Bloch implanted the technology in a Dutch patient, Gert-Jan Oskam, who had been paralysed in a cycling accident in 2011. Initially fitted with EES alone, Oskam regained partial movement. The next leap came with the introduction of the “Digital Bridge” — two implants, one in the brain region controlling leg movement and the other in the spinal cord, linked through artificial intelligence.

The system detects brain signals when a patient intends to move, translating them into spinal stimulation that triggers natural motion.

“He has made extraordinary progress,” Bloch noted. “The brain-spine interface has given him greater independence, and today we have three other patients working on walking, and two focused on upper limb movement.”

Building Momentum and Overcoming Barriers

The journey from a laboratory concept to human therapy has required collaboration, resilience and substantial resources. Grégoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch partnered with Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology, and later co-founded NeuroRestore, a Swiss research and innovation centre.

Even with these milestones, significant obstacles remain.

“We face regulatory scrutiny, ethical considerations and the need to convince stakeholders,” Courtine said. “Another key challenge is finding patients willing to participate and building teams that share our vision.”

The Rolex Award, he added, has been pivotal: “It confirmed that our work aligns with precision — Swiss precision and high technology. The visibility helps attract support and inspires new collaborations.”

Beyond Walking: Expanding Possibilities

The potential of the “Digital Bridge” extends far beyond walking. Current trials are exploring its use in regulating blood pressure, a critical issue for tetraplegic patients vulnerable to hypotension and fainting.

“We have 16 participants implanted so far, including 11 in blood pressure regulation studies,” Bloch said.

The research also shows promise for patients with Parkinson’s disease, with four individuals implanted to improve their stability and mobility. Among them is 62-year-old Frenchman Marc Gautier, whose Parkinson’s disease had prevented him from walking. Through targeted epidural stimulation of the spinal cord, his motor function and balance have improved significantly.

Bloch and Courtine were able to correct movement problems associated with the condition — including gait disturbances, balance issues and freezing episodes while walking. Gautier, from Bordeaux, can now climb stairs, use a lift, stand up unaided and walk independently in a shop after living with Parkinson’s for 30 years. Bloch and Courtine launched a start-up company called ONWARD, dedicated to making this therapy widely accessible for treating mobility problems in people with Parkinson’s.

“We are beginning to apply the concept to upper limbs, hands and bladder control — functions vital for daily independence,” Bloch added.

The Human Dimension

Behind the science lies a deeply human motivation. SCI patients often endure more than physical loss — facing diminished quality of life, financial hardship and long-term dependence on medical care.

“A spinal cord injury leads to greater health loss, more limitations and higher medical costs,” Courtine explained. “It impacts the ability to work and to live fully.”

For patients such as Oskam, every regained movement symbolises freedom.

“Having the possibility to change this paradigm was very exciting,” Bloch said. “Every step shows us it is possible to transform failure into success.”

Looking Ahead

The technology has not yet been commercialised, and continued financial support remains essential to scale access globally.

“That is our goal,” Courtine stressed. “To make sure dozens, and eventually thousands, of people can benefit.”

The work continues with renewed urgency. Oskam was scheduled to undergo further surgery last month to test an updated version of the technology.

“We are halfway,” Bloch reflected. “But each step forward confirms the path.”

Rolex, for more than four decades through the Rolex Awards, has supported exceptional individuals who have the courage and conviction to take on major challenges and initiate extraordinary projects that make the world a better place.

The support given to 160 Rolex Award winners since 1976 has had a catalytic impact and in many cases transformed lives and communities. It has also stimulated new ways of thinking about common problems in areas as diverse as creating technologies that improve lives, saving endangered ecosystems, protecting the oceans, exploring new frontiers on the planet, or pioneering advances in science and health.

For Courtine and Bloch, this support fuels their determination to transform lives. Their neuroscience discovery is opening new pathways and encouraging a shift in spinal cord injury treatment — from focusing solely on surgical interventions to integrating neuroscience-based approaches that harness the brain’s innate capacity to modulate pain.

There is a growing emphasis on therapies that activate the brain’s intrinsic pain-regulating mechanisms. Approaches such as brain stimulation, cognitive behavioural therapy and other neuromodulatory techniques are increasingly integrated into treatment plans worldwide to deliver comprehensive pain management and improve patient outcomes.

“Science takes time, but progress is inevitable,” Courtine concluded. “With collaboration and perseverance, we are building bridges — digital bridges — to restore dignity and independence to people living with paralysis.”

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has expressed confidence that trade negotiations between Thailand and the United States are progressing positively, citing his personal discussion with US President Donald Trump as a key turning point.

Speaking after a post-dinner meeting with Mr Trump following the Apec Economic Leaders’ gala dinner in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Wednesday, Mr Anutin said he had reiterated his appreciation to the US leader for helping to mediate the peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.

“[We also] discussed the ongoing negotiations to reduce US import tariffs on Thai goods. The talks have now reached the final stage before the signing of an agreement,” he said.

Mr Anutin said he asked Mr Trump to support Thailand in securing more favourable conditions, reflecting the long-standing friendship between the two nations. Mr Trump responded positively and pledged to speak with the US trade representative to explore ways of ensuring that Thailand receives the maximum possible benefit from any agreement.

When asked whether the outlook appeared promising, Mr Anutin replied that he had met Mr Trump twice so far — first during the Asean Summit in Malaysia and then at the Apec Summit in South Korea.

“President Trump has many matters to attend to, but he remembered our discussions,” Mr Anutin said. “After we had finished our talk and he went on to greet other leaders, he even walked back to emphasise that he would speak with the US trade representative. That shows he truly remembered — so the prospects are very good.”

Mr Anutin said he had observed that international interest in the country has grown significantly, as seen during the Asean Summit in Malaysia, where he held bilateral meetings with nearly all member states.

During the Apec Summit in South Korea, today and tomorrow, Mr Anutin said he would also hold bilateral discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

Mr Anutin also held discussions with representatives of the US-Apec Business Coalition, joined by executives from a range of major American companies, including Amazon, Boeing, Citi, Johnson and Johnson, Mastercard, Merck, PayPal, and Organon.

He underscored the vital role of the American private sector in driving economic growth and development both across the Asia-Pacific region and within Thailand.

“The Thai government attaches great importance to the participation of the US private sector and remains open to their suggestions to further improve the business environment and enhance investment facilitation,” he said.

Mr Anutin said that Thai-US economic cooperation forms a cornerstone of the two nations’ relationship. In 2024, the US was Thailand’s largest export market and its second-largest trading partner. Thailand last year recorded foreign direct investment totalling US$34 billion, most of it coming from US technology companies.