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Two Iranian nationals were arrested in a Pathum Wan mall on Thursday after trying to run off with US$1,600 they “asked to see” from an Indian man.

Mall security was called on Thursday evening after Mostafa Salimishorjeh, 41, and Marzieh Pahangeh, 36, were seen fleeing with US currency belonging to another tourist.

Police reported on Friday morning that they arrived at Siam Paragon to find the couple with US$1,600 USD in cash, worth about 52,480 baht, and a large satchel.

The two Iranians were seen acting suspiciously upon arrival at the department store and were under scrutiny by guards, police said.

The couple were said to have been asking other foreigners to see their dollar bills.

They ultimately attempted to escape with the cash of a 46-year-old man, identified as an Indian national. The victim said he found the sum missing after handing over his money in response to their request.

Despite being quickly stopped by security, the two initially denied the claims against them.

Nonetheless, police charged them with theft, and they were held at Pathum Wan station for legal action.

Kunlavut Vitidsarn stormed into the men’s singles quarter-finals of the US$950,000 BWF French Open on Thursday.

The Thai third seed swept past his Japanese rival Kodai Naraoka 21-7, 21-6 in just 38 minutes to book a place in the last eight of the Super 750 tournament at the Glaz Arena.

Kunlavut, who is chasing his fourth title of the year, will battle it out against Alwi Farhan for a place in the semi-finals after the Indonesian player edged past Nhat Nguyen of Ireland in three games, 16-21, 21-12, 21-17, on Thursday.

Mixed doubles players Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai bowed out, losing to second seeds Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping of China 5-21, 23-21, 12-21.

In other early results yesterday, women’s fourth seed Han Yue of China progressed with a three-game win over Michelle Li of Canada, 21-12, 23-21, 21-16, while men’s sixth seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia was sent packing by Koki Watanabe of Japan, 11-21, 21-19, 25-23.

Han will play Japan’s Tomoka Miyazaki, who defeated Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland, while Watanabe will meet either fourth seed Li Shifeng of China or Julien Carraggi of Belgium in the quarter-finals.

Another Thai mixed pair, Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran, the third seeds, were due to play their last-16 match against Jafar Hidayatullah and Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu of Indonesia later last night.

The technical director of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), Anthony Hudson, is on a mission to help the ‘Chaba Kaew’, Thailand’s national women’s team, win the prestigious SEA Games competition that takes place in Chon Buri between Dec 4-17.

Having searched far and wide for players to help that dream come true, he may have found the answer in New Zealand.

Born at Ramathibodi hospital Bangkok in 2002, Natalie Ngosuwan or Nat Olson as she is now called, moved to New Zealand at the age of two when her father, who operated a private investigation business for foreigners with interests in the Kingdom, decided it was best for his daughter’s benefit to return home. Natalie, being the only child, was encouraged to play a team sport to make friends and learn to work with others.

A friend suggested football, and Natalie soon proved a natural, joining in with the boys in the schoolyard. At her local club she was moved out of the girls’ team and into the strong boys’ side. By the age of 12, she was representing her province and later was named part of a successful New Zealand secondary school side that competed in the USA.

On the verge of making the New Zealand U18 side, a series of disasters struck the talented young striker, limiting her playing time over the next four years as she battled two broken ankles and an ACL injury.

This may have been a blessing in disguise as Natalie, who was by then at University was able to concentrate on her law degree (she is now a fully qualified lawyer at 23), and it also meant she had not been a New Zealand representative.

Finally back to full fitness, Natalie has had a stellar season this year with her club Wellington United playing in the top level of New Zealand football where she won the Golden Boot, scoring a record 35 goals. In form and with her passion for football, strong-willed Natalie has decided to put her law career on hold as several Australian clubs are looking to sign the dynamic left-footed striker for their 2026 season.

Having previously been the CEO of Football New Zealand, Natalie’s father knew Anthony and reminded him of her heritage along with her ability. The Thai technical director and his associates at FAT took a closer look at her recent videos and wasted little time getting in touch.

Natalie is really looking forward to catching up with “Coach Nueng” Nuengruthai Srathongwien and her teammates and is hopeful she can adjust quickly from the New Zealand winter to the humid conditions she will face in Thailand.

While very much a New Zealander, ‘Kiwi Nat’ remains proud of her Thai heritage and is really excited to do what she can to help the ‘Chaba Kaew’ make their dream come true by being successful at the SEA Games.

As the consumption of online content continues to rise and the internet becomes more prominent in everyday life, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) urges parents to teach their children to respect creative work to prevent copyright infringements.

“Copyright infringement of films and series in Thailand remains an ongoing issue, evolving from the practice of copying CDs to the current widespread online piracy,” said Ratchapruk Choodam, deputy director of the Bureau of Technology and Cyber Crime at the DSI.

With the growth of internet usage, online piracy has intensified. The DSI also identified illegal IPTV services rebroadcasting content from licensed TV providers, and subscription-based movie websites operating without permission.

Many of these illegal websites also promote online gambling, which is a criminal offence, Mr Ratchapruk said at “Thailand’s Success Stories”, an event organised by the Motion Picture Association (Asia-Pacific).

He said as Thai films gain in popularity, the rate of piracy for these films has also risen.

Last month, the DSI took action against an illegal streaming site, INWIPTV, which rebroadcast an IP programme and streamed content illegally, resulting in estimated losses of hundreds of millions of baht.

Mr Ratchapruk said tackling copyright violations also helps track illegal income and potential money laundering activities.

“We’re intensifying anti-money laundering measures to seize assets from offenders. This will make it increasingly difficult for these illegal sites to reappear,” he said.

According to the Office of the US Trade Representative’s 2025 Special 301 Report, Thailand is on the Watch List, alongside 17 other countries.

Mr Ratchapruk said parents should teach their children to respect intellectual property. If piracy continues, the industry cannot survive.

In a continued effort to enhance healthcare awareness and support for rare diseases, Chonburi Hospital, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd. (‘Novo Nordisk’), hosted the ‘Unlock and Rock Haemophilia’ event. The initiative aimed to raise awareness and strengthen understanding of haemophilia among children, patients, and their families, while engaging the haemophilia community in Eastern Thailand through the Thai Hemophilia Patient Club.

According to the World Federation of Haemophilia’s Global Survey 2023, approximately 200,000 people worldwide live with haemophilia, including more than 2,000 in Thailand. Many face ongoing challenges such as underdiagnosis and limited access to quality healthcare.

The event featured educational sessions led by healthcare professionals, offering guidance on home care and mental support for individuals and families affected by haemophilia. Interactive workshops provided hands-on experience in medication handling, preparing emergency kits, crafting bracelets, and learning suitable exercises – equipping participants with practical tools for effective disease management.

Dr Sureeporn Chinawan, Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Specialist at Chonburi Hospital, emphasised the event’s role in showcasing the strong partnership between the hospital and Novo Nordisk, driven by a shared mission to ‘unlock barriers and empower people with haemophilia to live life to the fullest.’

Dr Jiranuch Thammakumpee, Deputy Director of Chonburi Hospital, added, ‘Empowering individuals living with haemophilia and their families through interactive education is vital. We remain committed to providing the resources and support necessary to enhance patient care in Eastern Thailand. This event not only raises awareness but also builds a compassionate, informed community.’

Aligned with both organisations’ patient-centric approach, the event also featured heartfelt testimonies from people living with haemophilia, sharing their real-life experiences in overcoming daily challenges.

Ms Selina Christodoulakis, Director of the Rare Disease Business Unit at Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand), noted: ‘At Novo Nordisk, we believe that understanding and awareness are key to improving the lives of those affected by rare diseases. Events like ‘Unlock and Rock Haemophilia’ bridge the gap between education and empowerment, helping patients and families build confidence in managing their conditions.’

Ultimately, ‘Unlock and Rock Haemophilia’ was more than an awareness campaign – it created a supportive space for patients and families to connect, share, and strengthen their confidence in living well with haemophilia.

About Novo Nordisk:

Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases, built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 78,400 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.com, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube

Despite the challenging economic environment and rapidly shifting consumer behaviour, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leading beverage company, has reaffirmed its vision to becoming ‘The Most Beloved Beverage Company in Thailand with True Gemba Centricity.’ The company’s strength lies in its ability to blend Japanese approaches with a deep understanding of Thai market, guided by two core philosophies Gemba and Seikatsusha which turn real-world insights into meaningful action.

Gemba is a Japanese term meaning ‘the actual place,’ encapsulates Suntory PepsiCo Thailand’s belief that genuine understanding begins in the field, not in the boardroom.

‘We visit our sites to observe real situations where our products are made, sold, and consumed to truly understand business, listen directly to all our stakeholders, gain insights, and turn them into meaningful actions,’ said Tanuj Chadha, Chief Executive Officer of Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand).

Yosayut Sahawatcharin, Senior Vice President of People and Culture and Corporate Affairs at Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand), emphasized that the Gemba mindset is not only limited to sales or operations, but also deeply connected to how the company cares for and develops its people.

‘This principle is embedded across our entire organization from manufacturing to consumer engagement because every insight from the field ultimately starts and ends with our people,’ said Yosayut. ‘At Suntory PepsiCo Thailand, we see Gemba as an extension of our People-First approach. By going to the real place, meeting customers, and understanding their challenges firsthand, our teams build empathy, agility, and a stronger sense of purpose.’

In October, the leadership team visited a neighborhood store in the Port Authority of Thailand Welfare Residential Building and local restaurants along Kluaynamthai Road in Bangkok. These visits help executives experience market realities firsthand.

At the store, the company supported retail partner with practical solutions from providing branded racks, coolers, and sunshades to enhancing store visibility. These efforts help strengthen brand awareness among end consumers, Anand Mohan Sharma, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) said.

‘We believe in mutual growth with Win with Customers strategy. When our customers’ stores thrive, our brands thrive,’ Mr. Anand added.

Mr. Anand also noted that Thailand is facing a challenging economy and a slowdown in consumer purchasing power. Amid these economic conditions, cost management has emerged as a critical concern for retailers. Feedback from stores has highlighted rising energy costs, particularly related to the beverage coolers.

To tackle this issue, the company has consistently gathered feedback and developed solutions. One initiative has been the introduction of an energy-saving beverage cooler, which has already been installed in stores.

‘Gemba has become part of our company culture where everyone, from employees to executives, goes to the real place, observe, discuss, understand customer needs, and continuously seeks better business solutions. The Gemba approach not only enhances the company’s ability to observe real situations at the actual sites across the supply chain but also strengthens its understanding of customers through the Seikatsusha approach,’ Mr. Tanuj added.

According to the Suntory Group in Japan, the Seikatsusha philosophy reflects Suntory’s belief in viewing people not merely as consumers, but as individuals with their own unique perspectives, emotions and aspirations. The company aims to connect with people on a deeper level beyond consumption by truly understanding their lifestyles, needs and the factors that influence them, such as economic and social conditions. Once this understanding is achieved, the company strives to offer products that are better suited to their way of life.

One example is the company’s observation with Seikatsusha approach that many Thais enjoy mixing coffee with fruit juice. From this insight, the company learned that consumers are looking for caffeine with a more refreshing taste, which inspired the creation of Boss Coffee Yuzu Black, Mr. Tanuj noted.

Mr. Yutana Jitcharoongphorn, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand), added that the Gemba and Seikatsusha approaches help us gain a deeper understanding of what consumers and customers are experiencing.

‘In response to the softened economy, we have introduced affordable packs to support both consumers and customers. Even one baht can make a difference,’ he explained.

Consumers across different outlets can purchase products at varying price points, reflecting the diverse demands and behaviours in each retail channel. We offer a diverse range of product sizes to deliver the right choice, value, and experience whether for individual enjoyment or for families who prefer larger packs to share.

‘To cater to diverse consumer needs, we offer a broad product portfolio that includes Pepsi, Sting, TEA+, Boss, Mirinda, 7Up, Gatorade, Lipton, and Aquafina,’ Mr. Yutana added.

Recently, the company also launched ‘Pepsi Mitrchuankin,’ a digital platform that curates restaurant recommendations, menus, and user reviews, elevating dining experiences and inspiring consumers to enjoy meal pairings with Pepsi.

Mr. Yosayut added that the People and Culture function plays an active role in these market visits joining leaders and frontline teams to observe how business realities translate into people experiences.

‘Visiting Gemba allows us to see beyond the data. It helps us understand the human side of business what motivates our people, what challenges they face, and how we can better support them,’ Yosayut concluded.

With a corporate culture rooted in the Gemba approach, which emphasizes observing, listening, and learning from real on-site feedback across the supply chain to drive fast, practical solutions, combined with the Seikatsusha philosophy, which focuses on understanding consumers’ lifestyles and needs, Suntory PepsiCo Thailand strongly believes these will help us to become the most beloved beverage company in Thailand, Mr. Chadha concluded.

The luxury watch brand Orient Star unveiled its latest M45 Classic Collection in the Moon Phase Mechanical series, introducing two new models under the event titled ‘Orient Star the Moon Charisma – The Charm of the Moon and Stars.’ The showcase marked the exclusive debut of Orient Star’s Pop-Up in Thailand, held at the Central International Watch Fair 2025 on the second-floor watch zone at Central Chidlom.

The event was graced by Yudthapol Tantivongsakij, Managing Director of United Krungthong Trading (UKT) – the sole distributor of Orient Star watches in Thailand – along with Kom Sajjavarodom, Brand Manager of Orient Star, and the executive team, who warmly welcomed distinguished guests and members of the media.

Hosted by Mint – Aratchporn Chaladol, a well-known news anchor from Thairath TV, the event also featured Pao – Varit Hongsananda, a prominent celebrity and entrepreneur, who joined as a special guest to share his admiration for the Orient Star brand.

The flagship model, Orient Star M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase Hand Winding, comes in two versions – the standard edition and a limited edition. Both feature a 39.5 mm case, moon phase mechanism, power reserve indicator, and day-night display, powered by the new in-house Calibre F8A62, boasting an impressive 70-hour power reserve. The standard edition features a white dial, while the limited edition offers a gradient grey dial, with only 140 pieces available worldwide.

Another highlight unveiled at the event was the Orient Star M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase, part of the M Collection, offered in three models – standard editions with white and deep blue dials, and a limited edition with a vibrant sky-blue dial, limited to 190 pieces. This collection features a semi-skeleton window revealing the in-house Automatic Calibre F7M42, which provides up to 50 hours of power reserve.

All models from the Orient Star Mechanical Moon Phase collection are available at the Orient Star Pop-Up during the Central International Watch Fair 2025 at Central Chidlom, from 15-26 October 2025 only.

Looking ahead, Orient Star is gearing up to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026, promising even more exciting launches to come. Fans of the brand and fine timepiece enthusiasts alike should not miss this celestial occasion.