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Guru By Bangkok Post’s pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.

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Halloween special / Le Du Kaan / Oct 31

Le Du Kaan at EA Rooftop at The Empire will hold a Halloween special on Oct 31 with a series of spine-tingling tasting challenges that also pay homage to the culinary traditions of Thailand. Diners can test their courage by eating a selection of creepy crawlies, for the chance to win free drinks. Gobble a red palm weevil and be rewarded with a cool cocktail, while those who choose to chomp on an Asian forest scorpion will win a free bottle of wine. For the ultimate Halloween dare, munch on a zebra leg tarantula and receive a free cocktail and a bottle of wine. Le Du Kaan will also be serving bowls of silk moth larvae, black crickets and small sun-dried frogs. A series of Halloween-inspired cocktails will also be available. All ages can play temple fair games.

Halloween special / Goji Kitchen + Bar / Oct 31

Goji Kitchen + Bar at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park will celebrate a haunting Halloween feast with treats and tricks. On Oct 31, the ‘Trick and Treat Feast’ will present a spine-tingling selection of Thai, pan-Asian and international dishes, including a dedicated Halloween Corner, chilling seafood on ice, vibrant live stations, devilish desserts and more. The special Halloween Corner lets guests taste a choice of themed treats, such as devil’s hand meat pies, bone marrow with toasted bread and chimichurri sauce, ox tongue tacos with edible worms, ghost fennel sausages, and spider octopus pizzas. The evening ends on a sweet note with a variety of Halloween-themed desserts, including ghost cookies and ‘blood’ pudding, plus pumpkin and pecan pies, a live Thai station, ice creams and more.

Halloween special / Avani Ratchada Bangkok / Oct 30-31

Avani Ratchada Bangkok will host “The Blacklist Halloween Dinner Buffet” at One Ratchada on Oct 30-31. The buffet unveils a spread of Halloween-inspired creations, each crafted in shades of black and deep hues that set the mood. From spiced, smoky bites to decadent desserts, every dish promises a little trick and a lot of treat. Bold pours of Johnnie Walker Black Label set the tone as the signature drink of the night, while the smooth sounds of live jazz fill the air.

Halloween special / Anju Korean Rooftop Restaurant and Bar / Oct 27-31

Anju will transform into a haunted hideaway filled with spooky vibes and offer three Halloween cocktails: The Crimson Oath, The Mourning Veil and The Forbidden Well. The limited-edition menu is available from Oct 27-31. Meanwhile, celebrate “Chuseok and Ottoke x International Vodka Day” with Wagyu beef ‘gom tang’ soup, served with Jeju-style ‘ggak doo gi’ radish kimchi.

Halloween special / Sin Rooftop Bar / Oct 31

“Sin Eclipse Halloween Party” will be held at Sin Rooftop Bar at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel on Oct 31. The celebration promises a night of entertainment beneath the dramatic glow of a custom “Blood Moon” installation, with panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River. Feel the excitement build with electrifying beats from special guest DJ Dan Buri and captivating live performances throughout the night. Embrace your dark side and “dress to kill” in vampire attire, with a complimentary first drink on the house and free entry.

Halloween special / Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok / Oct 31 and Nov 1

This Halloween, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok will host a rooftop party at Bar.Yard, a Latin brunch at Stock.Room and a weekend of festivities. On Halloween night, Bar.Yard transforms into a Día de los Muertos-themed bash. Guests are encouraged to dress in La Catrina-inspired costumes or face paint to receive a special welcome drink, with complimentary face-painting available. Expect DJ sets from DJ Helio, Ali Gerami and DJ April, with a guest shift from Máté Csizmadia, a bartender from Singapore, taco platter specials and killer cocktails. Order two shots and get a complimentary 10-minute tarot reading by Mor Pang. On Nov 1, Stock.Room will host the “Día de los Muertos Brunch”.

Halloween special / Beer Republic / Oct 29-31

Beer Republic at the Holiday Inn Bangkok will offer special bites and beverages from Oct 29-31. A special selection of spirit-driven cocktails include the Lady Zombie, the Devilled Kiss and the Ghost Fizz. Spooky specials on the menu include Bat wings and Sai Phi Krasue. The Zombie Burger is for magical monster energy for witches, warlocks and wizards alike.

Halloween special / Santiaga / Oct 31 and Nov 1

Santiaga will host a special “Día de Muertos experience: A celebration of memory and flavour”, on Oct 31st and Nov 1. In this evocative seasonal menu, chef Mauricio Rosales Ungson reimagines the Mexican table as an altar, a place where flavour, memory and spirit converge. Inspired by the ancient ritual of honouring those who came before us, each course reflects a dialogue between life and death, earth and flame, sweetness and smoke. The four-course menu unfolds as a journey through the landscapes and symbols of Mexico’s culinary soul.

Halloween special / Red Sky Rooftop and Restaurant / Oct 26

Centara Grand at CentralWorld and XOXO Society join forces to host Bangkok’s first-ever rooftop “Halloween Morning Party”, combining brunch, beats and breathtaking views for an unforgettable one-day celebration. Guests can look forward to a high-energy celebration complete with free-flow mimosas until noon, Halloween-inspired brunch creations and desserts from the Chocolate Cave. The rooftop will pulse with the sounds of XOXO Society DJs spinning disco, house and high-energy anthems, while immersive performances, games and surprise giveaways keep the party going. Themed “Black Or Red Devils”, guests are invited to dress in their most glamorous costumes, capturing moments across photobooths and polaroid stations, with professional content creators on hand. VIP packages take the experience further with Champagne, custom brunch boards, giant Halloween croissants, luxury XOXO gifts and private photoshoot sessions.

Halloween special / Pullman Bangkok King Power / Oct 31

Get ready to sip, celebrate and embrace the mysterious allure of Halloween at “Negroni After Dark”, on Oct 31 at Glen Bar. Prepare for an evening where shadows dance and spirits come alive as Glen Bar transforms into a stage of dark elegance, where mixology meets music and imagination turns to magic in one unforgettable celebration. A special guest bartender collaboration with Campari and Negroni serving up signature drinks, will be the highlight. The evening promises more than just exquisite cocktails as there will be a “Face Painting and Tarot Reading Corner”, a DJ, a best costume competition and a special Halloween menu.

Halloween special / 25 Degrees Bangkok / Oct 25 to Nov 2

Take a bite out of something wicked this Halloween as 25 Degrees Bangkok introduces the Monster Bite Burger, available from Oct 25 to Nov 2. The limited-edition creation stacks a juicy turkey patty with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, fried onion ring, julienned beetroot, cranberry and spicy aioli, all sandwiched between a striking black charcoal and red beet brioche bun. It comes with a special Halloween offer: Buy 1, Get 1 at 50% off, plus a chance to win exciting freebies for your next visit. On Oct 31, the first 30 guests who arrive in a Halloween costume and check in on social media with hashtag will receive a free Monster Bite Burger.

Halloween special / Macaria, Maple Hotel Bangkok / Nov 1

On Nov 1, Macaria will host a special celebration for Día de los Muertos with immersive activities, flavours and rituals. There will be a “Make-Your-Own Pan de Muerto Workshop”, the sweet bread baked only for Día de los Muertos. The Mezcal Ceremony will see guests season their own mezcal with flavours like chilli, citrus and spices. There will be a complimentary Halloween welcome drink and a costume contest. Get dressed in your Halloween best, take a photo at Macaria and post it on social media for a chance to win a special prize. Leave a note for someone who has passed and add it to the Día de los Muertos remembrance.

Halloween special / Cocoa XO / Oct 31 to Nov 1

Prepare for a night of mischief and magic as Cocoa XO at Centara Grand at CentralWorld transforms into Bangkok’s most thrilling Halloween hideaway. From Oct 31 to Nov 1, step into a world of dark indulgence where chocolate, cocktails and chills collide. Expect spine-tingling entertainment throughout the night with a house DJ spinning hypnotic beat, a magician weaving mysterious illusions, a tarot card reader revealing what lies ahead and Halloween body painting to complete your eerie transformation.

Halloween special / Tropic City / Oct 30

Get spooky with yet another epic Halloween party at Tropic City. The Friend Shift seriesis all about celebrating longtime patrons and cherished friends from different industries anddisciplines for a fun night. Tropic City is welcoming bakery owner and bar fly Patty Pitchaya, teaming up with entrepreneur and cocktail enthusiast Sai Prapon. There will also be a classic costume contest with prizes going to the best dressed, spooky Halloween drinks, beats by Dj Mumsfilibaba and more.

Japanese experiences / Pullman Bangkok King Power / Oct 30 to Nov 1 and Nov 7-9

Two of Osaka’s chefs with Michelin-starred restaurants are bringing their celebrated craft to Bangkok for a limited-time showcase of Japanese excellence at Pullman Bangkok King Power. Tsuchiya Tempura by chef Yukihiko Tsuchisaka will be at Teppanyaki from Oct 30 to Nov 1; Sushi Sanshin Omakase by chef Ishibuchi at Tenko from Nov 7-9; and Tsuchiya Tempura by chef Yukihiko Tsuchisaka from Oct 30 to Nov 1. These two limited culinary showcases at Pullman Bangkok King Power are available for only a few evenings and seats are extremely limited.

Flavour feast / Moxy Bangkok / Oct 25

On Oct 25, Moxy Bangkok serves up the “Moxy: We’ve Got Brunch”, blending a café-style vibe with live beats and a sparkling social scene. To cap the month, the Moxy Backyard BBQ × Halloween takes over on Oct 31 and Nov 1. Throughout the month, guests can enjoy Halloween-themed dishes and spooky drinks at Moxy Bar and Restaurant.

Sky-high gastronomy / Sirocco / Oct 31 to Nov 2

lebua Bangkok will host “Sky High Gastronomy: Italy Meets The World”, a three-night culinary collaboration that brings together chefs Brian Rodriguez, executive chef of Sirocco by lebua and Antonio Iacoviello of the Michelin-starred Il Pievano at Castello di Spaltenna, Tuscany, Italy. The chefs have created an inspired tasting menu that unites Italian heritage with global artistry. Highlights include Prosciutto e melone, ‘Fake’ lardo, Spaghettini ‘pastificio mancini’, Giardiniera, merluzzo della Patagonia, Eggplant ravioli, Wagyu Giapponese A5 and Fico paired with Tropical Harmony, a bespoke cocktail created by Sirocco’s mixologist.

Coming home fest / Slowcombo / Oct 25-26

“Roots Coming Home Fest” will take place at Slowcombo on Oct 25-26. The event helps you reconnect with your roots through exhibitions, local products and music. Join discussions about going back home, rediscovering identity and developing local communities. Meanwhile, on Oct 26 and Nov 30, The Alchemist Sisters Club will host the “Magnetic Dream”. A special two-part manifestation workshop series combining sound healing and human design to help manifest dreams for 2026.

Wine dinner / Enoteca Bangkok / Oct 30

Enoteca Bangkok will host a special evening dedicated to Fèlsina, one of Tuscany’s most celebrated estates and a benchmark for Chianti Classico. Founded in 1966 in the heart of Castelnuovo Berardenga, Fèlsina has become renowned for its unwavering dedication to Sangiovese and its ability to craft wines that combine elegance, purity, and a deep sense of place. On Oct 30, the restaurant will host a five-course dinner by chef Federico with the brand ambassador of Fèlsina, Marco Pinna. Pinna will guide diners through the wines and share insights into the philosophy and history of the estate.

Wine dinner / The Wine Merchant / Oct 28

The Wine Merchant will host “The Master Dinner II”, celebrating the artistry of Italian winemaking at Acqua Restaurant Bangkok on Oct 28. The dinner brings together four Italian wineries, Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari, Masciarelli, Nals Margreid, and Valdicava, each represented by their winemakers, who will personally guide diners through a five-course menu created by chef Alessandro Frau. Each course will be paired with a carefully selected label, showcasing the elegance and diversity of Italian terroirs.

Italian edition / The St. Regis Bar / Oct 26

The St. Regis Bar will host the October edition of “Cocktails, Tapas and Friends” on Oct 26. The Italian-inspired afternoon features visiting mixologists Simone Rossi, founder of aperitif cherry wine Ratafia Rossi, and Giuseppe Carneli, founder of Otto Bangkok, and guest chef Paolo Vitaletti of Appia Bangkok. The guest mixologists will join The St. Regis Bar manager Brian Gonzalez to present signature creations inspired by Italy’s vibrant flavors and convivial spirit. Chef Vitaletti will collaborate with chef Matteo Fontana, executive chef at The St.Regis Bangkok to craft soulful Italian-style culinary creations.

Anniversary celebration / The Retreat Koh Chang x Issariya Studio / Nov 1-2

This year marks 125 years since the first botanical exploration of Koh Chang by naturalist Johannes Schmidt. In honour of the milestone, The Retreat Koh Chang will host the “Flora Of Koh Chang 2025”, a month-long celebration of nature, art, and heritage. The event begins with an opening weekend from Nov 1-2, featuring guided nature walks, floral installations by Issariya Studio, and creative activities that invite guests to rediscover the island’s botanical richness and cultural history. At the heart of the celebration is a botanical art exhibition inspired by Koh Chang’s diverse ecosystems and Schmidt’s pioneering research. Opening alongside the retreat, the exhibition will remain on view until Nov 28, transforming The Retreat into a living gallery where design and nature intertwine.

Sommeliers programme / Ice Bangkok / Until Jan 30, 2026

As part of promotional activities to support Italian wine and spirits, Ice Bangkok, in collaboration with the Italian Sommelier Foundation, has introduced the first course ever held in Thailand for the training of certified sommeliers in Italian wines. Ice Bangkok has selected Fondazione Italiana Sommelier, an Italian certification body, to guarantee course participants an internationally accredited diploma, legally recognised by the Italian Republic and in 32 countries around the world. The course takes place over four weeks, divided into two periods, October and January 2026, with six days of lessons per week, four hours per day of in-depth study, which will lead learners to undertake a comprehensive training course that goes far beyond tasting. At the end of the course, the top three sommeliers will be offered a trip to Italy to discover selected wineries, with the opportunity to meet producers and taste new or lesser-known types of wines. The graduation ceremony will be held in Bangkok on Jan 30, 2026, at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

EAT

Afternoon tea / The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok / Until Nov 30

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok has unveiled the newest edition of its signature Afternoon Tea at Caleo, with creations that celebrate the treasures of the harvest. Highlights include a creative take on the classic Apple tarte tatin, Buttery caramel uplifted by the freshness of mango passion jelly and a Chestnut Chantilly. The menu also offers Coffee crémeux; Pistachio crémeux and a Yuzu mousse. The Autumn Reverie Afternoon Tea at Caleo is available until Nov 30 and can be enjoyed with Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve Champagne.

Pets first / Vivin Suk 22

Vivin Suk 22 has launched “Dog Day Afternoon – Doggy Hangout”, an event designed for pet parents and their four-legged companions to relax, mingle and enjoy good vibes. It will be held every month and will spread across three pet-friendly floors. There will be a free pup-uchinos for all furry guests, a free cheese and charcuterie doggy platter, courtesy of Dogkery, a complimentary consultation with a doggy expert and paw-some shopping. Each edition of “Dog Day Afternoon” will feature a new line-up of vendors and experts.

STUFF

Valuable jewel / Christie’s Hong Kong Luxury Week / Nov 25

Leading Christie’s Hong Kong Luxury Week this autumn, the “Magnificent Jewels Live Auction” on Nov 25 will present The Royal Blue, a necklace set with 16 extremely rare cushion-shaped Kashmir royal blue sapphires comprising 104.61 carats. With an estimate of US$13-19 million, it is the most valuable jewel to be offered at auction in Asia this year and a testament to the demand from collectors for rare, coloured gemstones of exceptional quality. All 16 sapphires were unearthed in Kashmir and range from 13.37 to 3.43 carats. The centre stone weighs 13.37 carats. The Royal Blue will be exhibited in Bangkok as the first destination in Asia and will be presented alongside a more than 100 jewels, including gemstones, coloured and colourless diamonds, rare jadeite and stunning creations from renowned jewellery houses.

Bath and body / Celine Haute Parfumerie

Celine Haute Parfumerie is being enriched with some new products: liquid soap, body lotion, hand cream and hair mist. Each formula is highly perfumed and faithfully reproduces the collection’s olfactory signature. The liquid soap, body lotion and hand cream come in the following fragrances: Parade, La Peau Nue, Reptile and Cologne Céleste. Whereas the hair mist is fragranced with Parade, Reptile and Black Tie. The bottles recapture the existing codes in the Haute Parfumerie line, including the square section on the eau de parfum and the beveled angles used on the body lotion and liquid soap. Either amber-coloured or white, the bottles and tubes come in 50% recycled PET or 95% recycled aluminium. They are partnered with black for the caps and pumps and display the Maison’s Triomphe motif. The faceted cap on the hand cream recalls the design of the one on the perfume bottles. The ‘grain de poudre’ style labels are embellished with 17th-century mouldings.

A man has been arrested in Pattani for allegedly sending 36 grenade launcher rounds through a parcel delivery service from Narathiwat to a buyer in Tak province.

Col Ekwarit Chobchuphon, deputy spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4, said on Thursday that soldiers arrested Gizam Wuthangkur on Wednesday in Nong Chik district, Pattani, after discovering his link to the shipment.

He was initially taken to Ingkhayutthaborihan Camp in Nong Chik for questioning before being transferred to the 46th Ranger Regiment Task Force in Narathiwat’s Muang district for further interrogation as authorities sought to identify other suspects.

‘Authorities are conducting an in-depth interrogation to find more people involved and to determine the source of the ammunition,’ Col Ekwarit told reporters.

The arrest followed a report from a logistics company to Bang Klam police in Songkhla, which said it had discovered a suspicious parcel at a distribution centre. The parcel, sent from Narathiwat and bound for Mae Sot in Tak, was found to contain 40mm grenade rounds, typically used in M79 launchers.

Isoc did not specify the exact number of seized rounds, but a photo on its official Facebook page showed 36. Col Ekwarit said Mr Gizam had confessed to sending the parcel.

Under Thai law, possession or transfer of war weapons is prohibited without official authorisation.

A preliminary investigation found that both the sender and recipient used fake names and prepaid phone numbers to conceal their identities. Mr Gizam reportedly told investigators he had been contacted via social media between July and August by an acquaintance seeking to buy 40mm rounds.

After agreeing on a price, he arranged a handover with a supplier at a petrol station in Yala’s Muang district on Monday, before mailing the ammunition from Narathiwat. The parcel was intercepted before delivery.

Authorities said the seized rounds were not from army stock, as none matched the military’s inventory records.

It remained unclear whether Mr Gizam resided in Narathiwat, where the parcel was sent, or in Pattani, where he was arrested.

Col Ekwarit said the grenade rounds did not belong to the army, as none of them were recorded in its inventory.

Napatsakorn “Namping” Pingmuang built his career on a paradox. The Thai actor, known from Nont Tanont’s Melt (2022) and Boys’ Love series Khemjira (2025) alongside Keng Harit, found stardom by refusing to choose a single persona in an industry demanding conformity.

Dreams of the capital

Born on Feb 17, 2001, Namping hails from the northern Thai province of Mae Hong Son. Despite his rural origins, he always harboured a fascination with prosperous Bangkok.

He sought out opportunities to live with relatives every summer, experiences that helped him adapt to the capital’s culture and lifestyle when he later entered Chulalongkorn University to study journalism, driven by his love of writing.

Yet adapting wasn’t simple. Namping shared that while living in Bangkok, he missed his family and hometown deeply. “But I told myself that I am here to fulfil my duty both towards myself and my family, so I changed that longing into power to push forward.”

Namping first entered the entertainment industry by starring in Nont Tanont’s music video Melt. He later signed with DOMUNDI, a production company and talent agency, taking supporting roles in Night Dream (2023) starring Ohm Thanakrit and Toosafe Krittawat, and After Sundown (2023) starring Zee Pruk and NuNew.

In 2024, alongside Keng Harit, Namping won DMD Friendship the Reality, a competition that brought eight DOMUNDI artist trainees together to develop their skills and compete in missions to find the next BL couple pairing.

Like his co-star, Namping’s breakthrough came with the nationwide phenomenon Khemjira The Series, where he starred as the title character. The drama tells the story of Khemjira, who is cursed to die upon turning 21-with survival only possible through the help of a rural shaman.

Finding his voice

Starring in the series also gave Namping the chance to sing the single Sommut (??????). This was not only an opportunity to release his own song but to overcome one of his fears.

Namping shared with ATIME Do Dee that he used to be mocked for singing, even in jest, which destroyed his confidence. The solution, he explained, is to truly listen to oneself. “I think it can be practised and I want to try it for once. It might not be as good as Whitney Houston, but it will be a better version of me.”

“I want to present not just acting, but other talents of mine, so that my fans can be proud that they support this person.”

The paradox of authenticity

Central to Namping’s philosophy is authenticity. Speaking to MIRROR THAILAND, he directly confronts the BL industry assumption that actors must adopt feminine personas to win audience affection, calling it a fallacy.

He clarifies that his femininity stems from his inherent identity, not manufactured traits for popularity. “I ask that people not label those with feminine characteristics as doing it for commercial purposes,” he notes, whilst acknowledging some may take that approach.

This authenticity manifests in what he playfully calls his dual personas: “Phi Napat” represents his cooler, masculine side, whilst “Nong Namping” embodies his cuter, feminine side.

“Not everyone will like me like this. But I will embrace that so that the people who love me will love me for who I truly am,” Namping said.

The boy from Mae Hong Son who dreamed of Bangkok found his stage not by conforming to the capital’s expectations, but by bringing all of himself to it. In the end, Namping’s paradox is not a paradox at all, it’s just honesty.

‘Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less travelled by. And that has made all the difference,” wrote Robert Frost. Over a recent five-week period, I had the joy and privilege of guiding the latest cohort of Bangkok University’s MBA-i programme through my favourite course, Creative Leadership, which is based on my Genius Journey method.

The Genius Journey allows candidates to gradually expand their minds to embrace the unusual mindsets of extraordinarily creative leaders, to learn about advanced creativity tools and how to increase the odds of experiencing a Eureka moment of breakthrough creativity.

Session by session, participants discovered what it takes to shift from being a hardworking business mind to becoming a fluid, purposeful, creative leader.

And at Stop 8 of the Genius Journey, they faced a mindset that is as essential as it is uncomfortable: Stop being habitual, static and inert. Start to move, change and flex yourself.

FROM STATIC TO ELASTIC

On the morning of our fourth creative leadership session, we ventured far beyond classroom walls. Why? Because flexibility, adaptability and mobility can’t just be discussed. They need to be experienced, activated and embodied.

So we left the comfort zone and stepped into a “tribal survival mode” — a primal-style outdoor excursion across the park-like university campus, dappled with sunlight after the morning rain. Our travellers moved together as a collective primal hunter group, navigating unfamiliar terrain, making group decisions, adapting to changing paths and performing physical and mental challenges along the way.

Through the sweat, movement and laughter, they began to reconnect with a truth as old as our species: Humans survive not because we are the strongest or the fastest . but because we are the most adaptable.

It was a kinetic reminder that flexibility — physical, mental and emotional — is the real superpower of a creative leader. Or as Charles Darwin put it: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”

Inspired by the moment — and using the opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone — I introduced a new Genius Journey exercise: Walk Your Own Path.

It’s simple yet profound. Each participant was asked to take a solo walk back to the starting point of our excursion. No pre-set route, no destination. Just the freedom to follow their intuition — to turn left or right based on impulse, to stop when something caught their attention, to notice what feelings, sensations or curiosities arose and to adjust their path accordingly.

This is not just a walk — it’s a living metaphor for the creative life.

Here’s the truth: Creative leaders do not walk in the footsteps of others. They carve their own paths. They deviate. They pivot. They stumble into detours that lead to new opportunities. They resist the gravitational pull of convention and dare to trust their own inner compass.

CONNECTING THE DOTS

One week later, the Genius Journey travellers delivered presentations on creative leaders who inspired them — figures they had studied for five weeks. And guess what theme kept emerging?

The courage to walk a different path. Here are some examples:

Steve Jobs dropped out of college and started Apple in the garage of his parents’ house. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life,” he later said — and undoubtedly, he didn’t.

Jeff Bezos left a secure, high-paying Wall Street job at 30 to chase the unknown with Amazon after discovering the exponential growth potential of the evolving World Wide Web. “We are our choices. Build yourself a great story,” he once said. And he did. “If you can’t tolerate critics, don’t do anything new or interesting.” Choosing a different path isn’t always popular, but it’s often where innovation begins.

Richard Branson launched a student magazine and later a record label that signed unheard voices. As he once reflected, “Too many people measure how successful they are by how much money they make or the people that they associate with. In my opinion, true success should be measured by how happy you are.” That philosophy led him to follow his joy, not the crowd — and to create new paths where none existed.

Bill Gates walked away from Harvard at the age of 20 to start building Microsoft. As he once put it, “Don’t compare yourself with anyone in this world. If you do so, you are insulting yourself.”

Each one made a bold turn off the well-trodden road. Each one flexed, adapted and chose change. And it made all the difference.

So let me ask you:

Are you walking your own path?

Are you a creative who boldly travels the path less travelled by?

Or are you following in the safe, predictable footsteps of others?

Creative leaders who truly change the world don’t follow templates. They live with purpose and make meaning. They embrace discomfort and temporary setbacks. And they move, change and flex until their inner genius finds its own harmonious balance to navigate a fundamental paradox.

Creative leaders must cultivate stable routines (to simplify the complexities of life) while also stepping out of their comfort zones (to keep up with the ever-evolving flow of business and life).

At Stop 8 of the Genius Journey, creative leader candidates learn how to develop the cognitive flexibility and adaptability required to juggle such paradoxes. The road to genius doesn’t come with a map, but it does begin with one choice: To walk your own path.

Ratchaburi FC finally ended their barren spell in the AFC Champions League Two, producing a commanding performance to crush Eastern SC of Hong Kong 5-1 at Dragon Solar Park on Wednesday night.

The star of the night was Brazilian forward Denilson Pereira Junior, who delivered a dazzling hat-trick that electrified the home supporters and propelled Ratchaburi into third place in Group F and kept their knockout stage hopes alive.

For Eastern, the result marked a fourth consecutive defeat, leaving them stranded at the bottom of the standings with little to cheer about.

The Dragons wasted no time stamping their authority on the contest.

Barely two minutes after kick-off, Denilson slipped a clever through ball to Tana Chanabut, who calmly slotted home to hand the hosts an early advantage.

Ratchaburi continued to press, and their persistence paid off again in the 39th minute. Jesse Curran surged down the right flank before squaring across goal for Denilson, who finished from close range to double the lead.

At half-time, the scoreboard read 2-0, and the home side looked firmly in control.

The second half only underlined Ratchaburi’s superiority.

In the 49th minute, Denilson broke free of the defence and coolly beat the goalkeeper for his second of the evening.

Just seven minutes later, Njiva provided the assist for Denilson to complete his hat-trick, stretching the margin to 4-0 and sending the crowd into raptures.

Eastern managed a brief response in the 74th minute when Yu Okubo headed in a consolation goal, but Ratchaburi had the final say. With one minute of normal time remaining, Singapore international Ikhsan Fandi added a fifth, sealing a comprehensive 5-1 triumph.

The victory handed Ratchaburi their first three points of the campaign and renewed optimism in their push to progress from Group F.

Eastern, by contrast, remain winless and face an uphill battle to restore pride in the matches ahead.

Port face Kirins

Port will host Muang Thong United in the Thai League 1 today.

Port, under coach Alexandre Gama, have won their last two matches and are currently fifth in the 16-team league standings.

Gama will have a fully fit squad led by Peeradol Chamrasamee, Worachit Kanitsribumphen and Suphanan Bureerat.

Muang Thong, coached by Rangsan Viwatchaichok, will be desperate for a victory after three successive draws.

Thai actress Chermarn “Ploy” Boonyasak has spoken publicly for the first time about her battle with stage 2 breast cancer and subsequent mental health crisis, describing the past year as the most difficult of her life.

In an interview on the Sisterhood podcast on Mirror Thailand’s YouTube channel, Ploy revealed she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes after delaying a follow-up appointment for 18 months due to a fear of needles.

The diagnosis coincided with severe personal and financial difficulties. Combined stress and oestrogen-suppressing medication triggered a mental health breakdown. Ploy lost 13 kilogrammes in three months, experienced memory loss, severe depression, and panic attacks. At her lowest, she engaged in self-harm and required psychiatric hospitalisation.

She underwent breast-preserving surgery followed by 25 radiation sessions. Doctors opted against chemotherapy, prescribing hormone-blocking medication instead, which she continues to take. She kept her diagnosis private, only telling close friends after surgery.

Now recovering, Ploy has regained 8kg and exercises four days weekly. Recent health checks show no abnormalities. She has eliminated processed foods from her diet and adopted healthier lifestyle habits.

Speaking during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ploy encouraged others to prioritise self-love, reflecting that her goal now is to love herself as much as she once loved others. She attributes her cancer partly to irregular eating, excessive red meat consumption, late nights and high stress, acknowledging she is still healing but has regained her sense of self.

Re: “Anutin bans poker, sports gambling nationwide”, (BP, Oct 23). So, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has banned gambling again. The prohibition specifically aims at poker and other similar sports-themed card games. The Ministry of Tourism and Sport earlier classified poker only as a sport? Well, it’s not, is it — it’s a card game that is invariably played for money, unlike many others, such as bridge, which are not.

Nevertheless, the ban is not extended to horse racing in the capital. I’m sure, and of course, the elephant in the room, the “vice” that is deemed acceptable and a great funding source for government coffers — the lottery.

Maybe now, fans at cock fighting will desist from a wager and be content with just the aesthetic experience of two animals clawing themselves to death, or “high low” with the excitement of throwing three dice to see what the total is, without having a punt.

Ian Dann

Carbon confusion

Re: “Vegan future”, (PostBag, Oct 23).

I didn’t want to write any more here on PostBag, but when Jason Baker writes such unscientific information about the greenhouse effect of methane emissions from livestock that he must have Googled, I have to emphasise the scientific facts.

Methane emissions are often blamed for climate change, leading to harsh agricultural regulations that hurt farmers worldwide. Cattle and sheep, which naturally produce methane while digesting grass, have become targets of such policies.

Some countries now impose climate taxes and require feed additives like Bovaer to reduce methane. However, physicists William Happer and WA van Wijngaarden show in their paper “Methane and Climate” that methane’s warming effect is minimal — about one-tenth that of CO2. The study urges policymakers to stop exaggerating methane’s impact and to end unfair regulations that threaten farmers, who are essential to global food production.

Of course, everyone is free to eat vegan or not, but stop the war against farmers based on the climate ideology.

Anna Aarts

Oversight absent

Re: “Cabinet mulls easing zoning rules”, (Business, Oct 23).

The government wants to remove zoning for entertainment venues in order to benefit whom? Such establishments are meccas for human trafficking, drug distribution, illicit drug use, noise pollution, and criminal activity in general.

The police reap huge financial rewards in bribes, kickbacks, and even ownership of these establishments, and now the government wants a piece of the action from an increase in tax revenue.

Thai politicians should enshrine in the next charter a bulletproof means to exercise oversight and control of the police and the military. The zoning fiasco now in the hopper is merely an admission that no oversight exists and government officials prefer destroying quiet, peaceful residential communities rather than establishing the rule of law.

Michael Setter

Correction

A word in the head of the Oct 23 editorial lead should have read “cannon”, not “canon”. We apologise for such a glaring mistake.

Thai-owned Sheffield Wednesday have been docked 12 points after a court filing on Friday showed the English second-tier football club had filed for administration amid mounting financial troubles.

The English Football League (EFL) had previously charged the Championship side in June with multiple breaches of regulations after they failed to pay players’ wages on time.

The Yorkshire club, one of the oldest in the country, previously faced player registration embargoes and were docked six points during the 2020-21 season for breaching profit and sustainability rules.

‘The EFL can confirm that it has now received formal notice that Dejphon Chansiri, the director of Sheffield Wednesday, has taken the necessary steps to appoint administrators to both the club and also the company which owns Hillsborough,’ it said in a statement.

‘While this development results in the automatic deduction of 12 points . it also presents Sheffield Wednesday with the opportunity to move matters towards a successful sale and secure future under new ownership,’ the EFL added.

Wednesday finished 12th in football’s second tier last season but find themselves rock-bottom of the table this season with six points and just one win in 11 matches.

But with Wednesday entering administration, the team were automatically docked 12 points to plunge them deeper into the relegation mire. They now sit on -6 points, 15 points from the safety zone.

The same punishment was applied to Derby County in 2021 and resulted in their relegation.

The EFL had also charged Mr Dejphon with causing the club to be in breach of regulations despite his commitment to fund the club’s cash requirements.

Mr Dejphon, whose family controls the seafood giant Thai Union Plc, acknowledged the charges at the time and apologised to everyone connected with the club.

He has been looking to sell Wednesday, which he bought in 2015, for £100 million, a price considered high for a club deep in financial crisis.

Administrators step in

The club said Julian Pitts, Kris Wigfield and Paul Stanley of Begbies Traynor, a company that specialises in corporate restructuring, have been appointed joint administrators of Wednesday and the company that owns Hillsborough stadium.

‘The joint administrators have taken over the running of the club with immediate effect to protect the interests of creditors, and to ensure Sheffield Wednesday can continue operating while we seek a new owner as swiftly as possible,’ Wigfield said.

‘Like many football clubs, it has been trading at a significant loss for several years, with those losses historically funded by the former owner Mr Dejphon.’

In June, Mr Dejphon said he was willing to sell the Yorkshire club. At the end of the month, British media reported the players and staff had again not been paid on time.

The following month, senior players like Josh Windass and Michael Smith left by mutual consent, as did German manager Danny Roehl, who was this week hired by Scottish side Rangers.

‘Situations like this are exactly why this government set up the new Independent Football Regulator,’ British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said in a statement.

‘Owners should be good custodians who act with their club’s best interests in mind and clearly, in this instance, that has not been the case.’

David Kogan, the new chair of the Independent Football Regulator, had said earlier this month that club owners deemed unsuitable could be forced to sell their teams as a last resort.

Owner’s ouster ‘necessary’

Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust said it marked ‘one of the most bittersweet days in our club’s proud 158-year history’ as the club entered administration, but they also described it as a ‘necessary turning point’ to remove Mr Dejphon as the owner.

‘Entering administration was the inevitable outcome of years of financial mismanagement, a lack of accountability and repeated failures to engage credible buyers,’ it said.

‘Administration is not something to be celebrated. It needn’t have ended this way. But we are overjoyed to have Dejphon Chansiri out of our club for good.’

Wednesday fans boycotted their 1-0 home loss against Middlesbrough earlier this week to protest against the club’s ownership. They next host Oxford United on Saturday.

Founded in 1867, Wednesday is one of England’s oldest professional football clubs with a rich early history including FA Cup wins and League titles.

It was a founding member of the Premier League in 1992, but it was relegated in 2000, followed by years of financial instability and fluctuation between the Championship and League One.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced new regulations to mitigate systemic risks in margin loan activities, prohibiting securities companies and derivatives business operators from providing loans secured by securities for non-investment purposes.

The SEC’s updated framework governing the provision of margin loans will ensure proper risk management, protect securities firms from potential losses, and reinforce investor confidence in the capital market, the regulator said in a statement.

Under the new rules, brokers and derivatives business operators are strictly prohibited from offering loans against securities (LAS) without specific investment purposes to prevent misuse of securities-backed credit.

The revised criteria includes an adjustment to the initial margin requirements for newly listed stocks from initial public offerings, meant to reduce the risk of insufficient collateral coverage.

Furthermore, the SEC requires firms to align their lending practices with their financial positions by setting stricter limits on total outstanding margin loans, both per client and on aggregate.

“To prevent concentration risk, securities firms must implement effective risk management procedures, including monitoring the concentration of collateral securities and borrower exposures, as well as promptly reporting and addressing potential risks,” noted the statement.

The SEC also defined eligible investment fund units that can serve as collateral or marginable securities, including index funds, mutual funds, and feeder funds that meet specified characteristics and are listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, such as exchange-traded funds.

In addition, firms are reminded to assess the substance over form of any transaction to ensure that lending arrangements do not constitute prohibited LAS transactions, regardless of how they are structured or labelled.

The new rules came into effect on Oct 16, except for the enhanced lending limits based on firms’ financial capacity, which will come into force on April 16, 2026. Companies with existing loan exposures exceeding the new thresholds will be granted a one-year grace period from the publication date in the Royal Gazette to comply.

Prakit Siriwattanaket, managing director of Merchant Partners Asset Management, said amid weak economic conditions and tighter liquidity, businesses have found it challenging to manage cash flow through traditional channels such as bank loans, bond issuance, or capital increases.

“I believe such practices are unlikely among bank-affiliated brokerage firms, but may occur at a few independent ones. The SEC’s move to clarify and restrict these activities is a prudent step to prevent systemic risks,” he said.

As of Sept 26, total margin loans in the system amounted to 48.8 billion baht, with total collateral of 174 billion, representing 3.58 times the outstanding debt, according to the SEC.

The partnership between Brazil and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) exemplifies how a future of peace, stability and sustainable growth can be built. With complementary and dynamic economies and a shared vision of a fair and inclusive international order, we demonstrate how dialogue and cooperation within the Global South can bridge distances and generate mutual benefits.

Over 25 years, trade between Brazil and Asean has increased more than 16 times. In 2000, our trade flow was US$2.3 billion. In 2024, it reached $37.2 billion. We have much to offer and much to gain in the region, and our trade ties can grow even stronger. To further strengthen these ties, I will attend the Asean Summit this Sunday in Malaysia. It will be the first time a Brazilian president participates in the event.

Our business relationship is just one part of a much broader partnership. The adoption, in 2023, of the Practical Cooperation Areas (2024-2028) demonstrates the breadth of our shared agenda. Together, we offer ways to address climate change, provide food security and promote energy transition and digital transformation.

In the field of energy, in addition to having one of the world’s cleanest energy mixes, Brazil has a history of five decades of development and use of ethanol as fuel. We have successfully tested public policy models and can share our technical, technological and financial expertise in the sector.

Brazil is also a key strategic partner in ensuring food security for Asean’s 672 million people. As one of the largest global exporters of animal protein and grains, Brazil is perfectly positioned to meet the growth of the bloc’s imports.

Additionally, Brazil offers Asean decades of experience in public policies and technical expertise to support local food production. Brazilian programmes linking family farming with markets and public institutions provide adaptable models, such as our National School Meals Program.

Together, we also helped establish the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, which already counts eight Asean countries among its members. All this is based on the conviction that there is no real progress without social justice.

In the high-tech and innovation sectors, cooperation holds immense potential. While Asean is home to some of the most dynamic digital economies in the world and hosts innovation hubs in sectors such as semiconductors, Brazil brings together a vibrant ecosystem of startups and technological solutions focused on social inclusion, the digitisation of public services and financial transformation.

In parallel with economic and technological cooperation, Brazil and Asean share a worldview that is rooted in peace, stability and universalism as the foundations of a fairer international order. The common commitment to disarmament, exemplified by our status as nuclear-weapon-free zones, demonstrates the conviction that collective security should be based on cooperation and not on the rule of might over right.

At the same time, we recognise that the multilateral system is facing an unprecedented crisis. The paralysis of the World Trade Organization and the UN Security Council underscores the urgent need for reforms that reinforce multilateralism and make global governance more inclusive, legitimate and representative. This is one of our priorities in the Brics presidency this year, just as it was in 2024 when we were at the head of the G20.

In the environmental field, Brazil is the country with the world’s greatest biodiversity, while Asean is home to about 25% of its fauna and flora species. Next month, we will host COP30 in the heart of the Amazon. This choice reflects the urgency of putting people at the centre of climate discussions. We are convinced that there are no effective solutions for tropical rainforests without the leadership of those who live there.

At COP30, we will launch the Tropical Forests Forever Fund, an innovative tool for rainforest preservation. The TFFF recognises that forests provide ecosystem services that are essential to climate regulation. The fund’s model establishes a compensation system of up to $4 per preserved hectare for countries that keep their forests standing. The TFFF is not based on donations — it is an investment in humanity and in the preservation of life on Earth.

Through cooperation and friendship, Brazil and Asean show that it is possible for everyone to benefit in international relations, in a true win-win relationship. Together, we have the chance to repair injustices and build a prosperous, sustainable and peaceful future for all.