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Rodtang Jitmuangnon may have meant it as a joke – but Aslamjon Ortikov didn’t see the funny side.

The former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion caused a stir over the weekend after telling reporters he could ‘fight both’ Ortikov and Akif Guluzada at the same time, so long as ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong gave him ‘a large fight purse.’

The comments came backstage at ONE Friday Fights 128 at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, where Rodtang was supporting his sister-in-law Duangdawnoi Looksaikongdin, who scored a unanimous decision win over Kim Irvine on her promotional debut.

When asked about two of the division’s fastest-rising stars – Guluzada and Ortikov – Rodtang smiled and played to the cameras.

‘I’m sorry everyone, I’m not that good,’ he said, half-laughing. ‘I can fight with anyone, Boss (Chatri) – please give me a large fight purse.

‘I’m not that great, interviewers, I’m not good. I can take them both on even, but Boss, please give me a large fight purse.’

When pressed whether he meant three rounds each, the 28-year-old grinned.

‘I’ll do it for Boss Chatri. I just want a large fight purse, that’s all,’ he reiterated. ‘I’m almost 29 – I don’t know how many more years I’ve got left fighting. Please, Boss, a large fight purse. I’ll take on both of them. If I lose, it’s not too serious – just make sure the contract has that much money.’

The laughter in the room made it clear to most that Rodtang was joking. But the humour didn’t translate online.

Shortly after his light-hearted words surfaced, Ortikov – the 22-year-old Uzbek rising star who recently made his main-roster debut with a statement win over Kongthoranee Sor Sommai at ONE Fight Night 36 – posted on social media that he had ‘lost respect’ for the Thai superstar, despite some meaning potentially being lost in translation.

‘I talked with many Thai people about this to make sure, and they all said the same thing,’ Ortikov told the Bangkok Post. ‘I respected him more than enough, but this was the level of disrespect from him.

‘But if it was just a joke for the media,’ he added, with a wink emoji, ‘then mine was too.’

Ortikov’s reaction came after a rapid rise which has seen him secure a US$100,000 ONE contract and vault himself into the promotion’s official flyweight Muay Thai rankings.

Guluzada, meanwhile, continued his own ascent on the same card as Ortikov this month, with a victory over Jaosuayai, making both men legitimate contenders in one of ONE’s deepest divisions.

Rodtang will have little time to dwell on the misunderstanding. The Thai superstar returns to action on November 16 at ONE 173 in Tokyo, where he faces Nong-O Gaiyanghadao for the vacant flyweight Muay Thai world title.

Should he reclaim the belt he lost on the scales last year, then Ortikov or Guluzada could very well be his next contender.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has confirmed that cracking down on online scam operations along the Thai-Cambodian border is one of Thailand’s key conditions in its ongoing dialogue with Phnom Penh.

The affirmation comes amid mounting international pressure – including a recent warning from South Korea that it could take military action against cross-border scammers.

As well, the United States has made a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia a condition of ongoing trade negotiations, according to reports from Washington.

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to visit the Asean summit on Oct 26 and he is determined to preside over a signing ceremony between the two uneasy neighbours. Mr Anutin said Thailand had made it clear to Cambodia that decisive action against scam syndicates is essential for restoring mutual trust.

‘The suppression of scammers is one of the conditions Thailand has put forward,’ he said on Tuesday, adding that the issue is now central to bilateral negotiations.

The prime minister noted that several countries, including South Korea and China, have pressed Cambodia to dismantle scam compounds operating inside its territory, which have reportedly made victims of thousands of foreign nationals.

When asked about Seoul’s threat to deploy its military to combat scammers in the region, Mr Anutin said Thailand would continue to assert its sovereignty.

‘We have our own jurisdiction. If the four key points that the foreign minister will raise in the upcoming meeting are resolved, the threats to our national security will be greatly reduced,’ he said.

Army has ‘full authority’

Mr Anutin also reiterated his view that the First Army Region was empowered under martial law to dismantle illegal Cambodian structures that encroach upon Thai soil in contested villages in Sa Kaeo province.

‘The army has full authority to act within the area of concern,’ he said, adding that the government fully supported military decisions taken to safeguard Thai territory.

He was responding to Cambodian criticism that Thailand’s recent use of ‘ghostly sounds’ – loud noise broadcasts along the border – violated human rights. The broadcasts have been staged and bankrolled by the flamboyant online crusader Guntouch ‘Gun Jompalang’ Pongpaiboonwet, with the army’s blessing.

Mr Anutin countered that cross-border rocket fire and drone incursions from Cambodia also constituted serious violations. ‘These are acts that endanger Thai citizens and infringe upon our sovereignty,’ he said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, meanwhile, is preparing to hold a second round of talks with his Cambodian counterpart in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

He said Thailand would stick to four key principles in the negotiations, including commitments to border demarcation, demilitarisation, anti-crime cooperation and demining.

Mr Sihasak added that Bangkok was focused on maintaining calm along the frontier and promoting bilateral dialogue. ‘Anything that helps create a positive atmosphere for talks is what we should aim for,’ he said.

He said Thailand recently met with Malaysia, the US and Cambodia and emphasised the importance of adhering to the ceasefire pact and addressing cross-border criminal activities through mutual cooperation.

River City Bangkok invites everyone to discover how music can be a driving force of creation during “Life As A Playlist”, which is running at RCB Galleria 4, 2nd floor, until Nov 2.

The exhibition is inspired by the favourite playlists of two artists — Pang Torsuwan and Ping Hatta — who weave together songs that have carried profound meaning in different chapters of their lives.

These playlists become stories — tracing a path that is anything but linear, yet filled with joy, vitality, courage, sensitivity and the fragile beauty found within struggle and growth. Their narratives unfold through diverse forms of art — expressive canvases, distinctive cubist-inspired paintings, delicate embroidery and sketches that reveal the raw spontaneity of their creative process.

This exhibition creates an “in-between space” — between sound and image, past and present. It not only tells the stories of the artists’ lives, but also invites each viewer to reflect on their own “inner playlist”, through a journey of emotions and memories.

In doing so, it reminds us that music is not only a mirror of who we once were, but also a revelation of who we are today — and a glimpse of who we may yet become.

Pang is a self-taught artist inspired by Cubism, which she interprets in her own distinct voice. Her compositions of fractured and overlapping geometric forms go beyond formal experimentation, serving as a metaphor for the intricate emotions and hidden narratives within the human condition.

Ping, meanwhile, often explores the intersection of strength and softness within femininity. Whether through paintings, fibre art, printmaking or digital illustrations, her pieces weave together bold colour palettes, intricate symbolism and a sense of warmth, inviting viewers to pause, reflect and find familiarity in the stories she tells.

A man who was rushed to hospital after mistakenly drinking toilet cleaner from a soft drink bottle died only a few hours after he was cursorily treated and then sent home.

His family is now questioning the hospital’s handling of the case.

The tragic incident occurred in Satuek district on Monday. The 44-year-old man drank from a bottle he thought contained a soft drink, unaware it had been refilled with green toilet cleaner.

After taking several sips, he realised something was wrong and was rushed to hospital by relatives.

His sister said he had told her he was thirsty after a night of heavy drinking. He picked up a one-litre soft drink bottle containing a green liquid and drank about a quarter of it before asking, ‘What is this?’

Upon discovering it was toilet cleaner, the family hurried him to hospital.

At the hospital, relatives said, they presented the bottle to the medical staff and explained what he had consumed. Doctors examined the man, prescribed medication and allowed him to return home.

About five hours later, the man collapsed at home and lost consciousness. Emergency services were called, but were unable to revive him and he died.

His family expressed both sorrow and confusion, saying they had expected him to be kept in the hospital for observation and treatment.

A doctor who examined the body at the house was asked why the patient had not been admitted to the hospital, and instead sent home.The doctor reportedly explained that such cases were discharged if the patient showed no immediate severe symptoms.

The owner of the cleaning agent said he had transferred it from a large container into used soft drink bottles for distribution to relatives. He was present during the incident, he said, and the victim had asked what the liquid was only after drinking it.

He asked why the hospital had not performed a gastric lavage despite being shown the sample bottle.

The Buriram Provincial Health Office later said that using a stomach pump was not always appropriate in cases involving acidic substances such as toilet cleaner, which can corrode metal.

Dr Pichet Phutkhuntod said that inserting a tube into the stomach could cause the acid to flow back into the oesophagus, potentially leading to perforation or infection in the lungs.

He said the patient had vomited after drinking the cleaner. This, together with his state of intoxication, suggested that some of the substance had already been expelled. As his condition appeared to have stabilised, doctors allowed him to go home with instructions for close monitoring and to return if the symptoms worsened.

Health officials extended their condolences to the family and said support measures would be provided.

They also reminded people that hazardous household chemicals need to be stored safely and be clearly labelled, and to avoid transferring them into drink bottles or similar containers. Local health volunteers have been instructed to ensure people are aware of this, to prevent similar tragedies occurring.

Prof Dr Somsak Tiamkao, a neurologist and director of Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Medicine’s Srinagarind Hospital, is urging reform of universal healthcare funding, calling for public co-payments to sustain services amid budget constraints and mounting hospital debts.

Prof Dr Somsak on Monday said the National Health Security Office (NHSO) must acknowledge its mismanagement of the “Gold Card” scheme and communicate more transparently with the public.

He stressed that Thailand is not wealthy enough to offer unlimited free healthcare and that laws prohibiting co-payment should be amended to reflect current realities.

He stated that the NHSO must stop promoting misleading slogans like “30 baht treats all diseases” and clarify that only medically necessary treatments listed in the official catalogue are free. Patients should be informed when certain services require out-of-pocket payment.

He criticised the erosion of the referral system, saying campaigns like “one ID card for all hospitals” and “cancer care anywhere” have led to overcrowding and delayed care at major hospitals. He called for a return to the original gatekeeper model in which local health centres were the first point of entry to the service.

He also urged citizens to take greater responsibility for their health by preventing avoidable illnesses and using medication properly, rather than relying solely on government support.

NHSO should cut nonessential benefits and unnecessary spending, he said, noting that the NHSO continues to add new entitlements as if Thailand were among the world’s richest nations.

He also demanded that the NHSO admit its financial difficulties and disclose hospital debts in its annual reports. Only honest acknowledgement and systemic reform, he said, can ensure the sustainability of Thailand’s healthcare system.

Previously, Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Somrerk Jungsaman confirmed that four billion baht from the central budget will be allocated to hospitals struggling under the Gold Card scheme while reforms are considered.

When the promise of easy money appears, can anyone truly escape the cost?

Thai film, Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead, premieres on Oct 14 and is a gripping drama where desperation, ambition and family ties collide with the shadows of the underworld.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nithiwat Tharatorn, the film explores the tangled web of middle-class aspirations, family dysfunction and the high-stakes world of banking, all set against the backdrop of a society where the lines between right and wrong are blurred. Known for his heartwarming series Analog Squad, Nithiwat ventures into the drama-thriller genre for the first time, portraying human and family relationships with a new perspective and flavour.

“Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead started with the concept of dormant accounts – something people might not realise is actually very close to their daily lives – merged with the high-stakes narrative,’ he says. ‘While this may appear to have a different mood from my previous works, the core theme of relationships between people and families remains at the heart of the film. My intention is to gently provoke viewers into contemplating the true purpose behind life struggles. I believe it will resonate with everyone.’

The film leads viewers go on a suspenseful ride with two bank employees pushed to the brink. Toh and Petch plan to steal money from the dormant account of an elderly woman who dies alone, unaware that this decision will lead them to face a dangerous path that spirals out of control.

Theeradej Wongpuapan makes a rare and powerful return to film. Also joining the cast is Chulachak Chakrabongse, who brings a mysterious edge to the criminal underworld, and introduces newcomers Vachirawich Wattanapakdeepaisan and Fatima Dechawaleekul.

Theeradej, who plays Toh, a bank employee and the sole breadwinner for his family, faces a midlife crisis as his career is threatened by technology while he shoulders all the household expenses. Speaking about returning to acting in a film after a long hiatus, he says, ‘It took a lot of adjustment. I had to read the script, rehearse, and workshop to truly understand Toh. He’s lived by the rules his whole life, so breaking them opens him up to a completely unknown world. He loses all sense of reason and goes too far, reaching a point of no return. The film makes you question how far someone will go for the ones they love. It’s unique, tackles fresh issues, and is incredibly thought-provoking.”

Vachirawich plays Petch, a young bank employee who discovers B30 million lying in a dormant account and ultimately persuades Toh to take the money out. ‘This film isn’t just thrilling; it’s relatable. It explores family, relationships, and even dormant bank accounts. That makes it more personal than other thrillers. Petch, the character I play, is laid-back but driven to survive. Dig deeper, and you’ll find reasons behind his actions and valuable lessons for the audience,” he says.

Chulachak plays Vodka, a cold-blooded hitman working for Kamnan Mhu, a powerful local figure determined to track down the B30 million in the elderly woman’s dormant account. Fatima plays the deceased woman’s daughter, abandoned at a young age. As the sole legal heir to the fortune, she becomes Vodka’s target despite being estranged from her mother.

Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead premieres on Oct 14 on Netflix.

OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Go in Thailand, offering access to its GPT-5 model for 259 baht a month – providing 10 times the usage limits that free users receive.

ChatGPT Go aims to compete directly with Gemini Plus from Google, which costs 189 baht a month and is being offered locally ay 95 baht a month for the first 6 months.

OpenAI said its new package targets everyday users who want access to advanced AI tools without the higher subscription costs of premium plans. It positions ChatGPT Go as an affordable option for people seeking more power and flexibility in daily tasks, from document writing to learning support.

ChatGPT Go was first introduced in India earlier this year, priced at 399 rupees per month – roughly 149 baht. The Thai pricing is slightly higher at 259 baht, reflecting regional adjustments while still remaining well below the standard ChatGPT Plus tier.

Subscribers to ChatGPT Go gain expanded access to GPT-5, the ability to upload more files and generate additional images, and a larger memory for longer, more consistent conversations. They can also use the CustomGPTs tool to create their own tailored AI assistants.

OpenAI said the plan is designed for users who rely on AI for everyday productivity – such as managing basic work tasks, handling documents or supporting education – but who may not need the full capabilities of business-level AI plans.

The screenshots below compare the options offered by ChatGPT and Gemini.

A Chinese tour guide has been recorded forcing a group of Chinese tourists travelling in Thailand to purchase goods at a store he recommended, or they would not be allowed back on the bus.

A video of the incident was recorded by a tourist on the bus and shared on Monday on a Facebook page posting news about Thai tourism.

It showed a man believed to be a Chinese guide addressing the tour group in standard Chinese. Translated, he said they would be stopping at a tax-free shop, and people who failed to buy anything there would not be allowed back on the bus.

When some tourists expressed their disagreement, he warned them about not being able to return to China.

The clip was widely shared, drawing many responses, including from registered Thai guides, asking authorities to investigate the incident and the apparently illegal tour guide.

On Tuesday, Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn said he was aware of the report and it was being taken seriously. The department of tourism had been instructed to work with tourist police and find out where and when it occurred, and the tour company involved, Mr Atthakorn said.

‘Thailand is entering the high season, so it’s important to build confidence among tourists, in all aspects,’ he said. If the investigation confirmed any wrongdoing, strict legal action would be taken to protect tourists’ rights and uphold the credibility of Thailand’s tourism industry.

Officials said the tour company and guide could be in breach of the Tourism Business and Tour Guide Act.

An illegal guide could face up to a year in prison and/or fine of 100,000 baht. The tour company may be guilty of unfairly exploiting tourists, incurring a fine of up to 50,000 baht and possible suspension of its licence for up to six months.

Zero-dollar tour?

Some observers have likened the case to the notorious ‘zero-dollar tours’ that plagued the industry for years. But authorities say post-pandemic travel behaviour has shifted to premium tours and independent trips.

Zero-dollar tours involved agents selling group tours in the Chinese market at rock-bottom prices, and recouping their losses by colluding with guides who herded visitors into selected shops that paid kickbacks.

These days, the Tourism Department is enforcing stricter regulations, allowing personnel from provincial tourism offices to arrest suspected rule-breakers, said director-general Jaturon Phakdeewanit.

As for the recent case, he said the department knows the Thai tour company, which is legally registered, as well as the Chinese tour company and its city of origin.

The details indicate a foreign guide was employed, though a Thai guide was also working in the group, said Mr Jaturon.

However, Mr Jaturon said the case has not yet been classified as a zero-dollar tour, as the authorities are still investigating whether the company was selling a tour package with below-cost pricing.

In any case, the threats to tourists were clearly inappropriate, he said.

‘Zero-dollar tours, especially among the Chinese market, have declined in line with the contraction of Chinese arrivals,’ said Mr Jaturon.

‘Chinese tourist behaviour has shifted as they demand more premium tour services or are independent travellers, moving away from large tour groups.’

However, Mr Jaturon said the department remains vigilant over the rising threat of nominee tour companies operated by foreigners, especially Indians and Israelis, as a large number of tourists from these markets continue to visit Thailand.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reaffirmed his government’s policy to hold a referendum on the proposed cancellation of the border MoUs with Cambodia, stressing that his administration “will never allow Thailand to be put at a disadvantage”.

Speaking at Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Mr Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, told reporters that everything was being conducted in line with the stated policy.

The remarks came after Deputy Prime Minister Borwornsak Uwanno said he would soon convene a meeting to consider the legal framework for holding a referendum on the 2000 MoU on border demarcation between Thailand and Cambodia (commonly known as MoU 43) and another memorandum concerning overlapping maritime claims (MoU 44).

When asked how the process would move forward, Mr Anutin said both the House and Senate committees were conducting studies on the issue and that Mr Bowornsak would compile and summarise their findings. “There must always be a way forward,” the prime minister said.

Asked whether Thailand could unilaterally withdraw from the agreements, Mr Anutin said the matter must be carefully examined. “We must weigh all possible benefits and disadvantages,” he said. “But what I can assure you is that this government will never let Thailand lose out. I’ve made this clear — we have teams negotiating, studying and assessing the implications before any decision is made.”

The prime minister confirmed that the results of the studies from the ad hoc parliamentary committees chaired by Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob would be sent to the cabinet. “The cabinet will then assign someone — possibly the foreign minister, defence minister, or interior minister — to review and conclude the findings,” he said.

Mr Anutin said the process would proceed according to due process. He reiterated that the referendum plan was part of the policy announced to parliament and would continue until the committees’ studies were completed.

Central Restaurants Group Co., Ltd. (CRG) is strengthening its position in the Japanese dining market with a bold rebranding of Ootoya, elevating the brand into the premium segment. The new flagship store, OOTOYA TOKUSEN, now open on the 6th floor of CentralWorld, caters to health-conscious, premium customers while redefining the authentic Japanese dining experience in Thailand.

Thirawat Loetthiraphan, Head of Asian Cuisine, Central Restaurants Group Co., Ltd. (CRG), said: ‘The launch of OOTOYA TOKUSEN marks a significant milestone in Ootoya’s transformation and paves the way for full-scale growth in the premium dining segment. Thailand’s Japanese restaurant market continues to show strong potential, particularly among younger consumers who value both quality and worth. This rebranding enhances the overall dining experience and strengthens Ootoya’s position as a premium, health-focused Japanese restaurant while staying true to its authentic roots. The new menu highlights authentic Japanese dishes crafted with carefully selected ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality in every dish. Complementing the cuisine is a contemporary restaurant design that embodies the new era of Ootoya.’

The concept of ‘OOTOYA TOKUSEN’ draws inspiration from the Japanese characters ? (Toku), meaning ‘special,’ and ? (Sen), meaning ‘selected.’ Together, they reflect Ootoya’s commitment to curating the finest ingredients for a truly distinctive dining experience.

The highlight of the launch is the Premium Set Menu, introducing eight new dishes thoughtfully crafted with health and balance in mind-from appetisers to desserts. Each set offers both variety and nutrition while preserving authentic Japanese flavours. Staying true to Ootoya’s tradition, every meal includes unlimited rice and complimentary hot or cold green tea, reaffirming the brand’s hallmark hospitality.

OOTOYA TOKUSEN Menu Highlights

Charcoal-Grilled Shima Hokke Tokusen Set (THB 679) – Premium deep-sea Shima Hokke, charcoal-grilled to perfection for a rich, smoky aroma, served with Hijiki seaweed rice for a wholesome balance of flavours.

Charcoal-Grilled Salmon Ochazuke Tokusen Set (THB 499) – A comforting, nutritious Ochazuke dish featuring tender salmon over rice, paired with savoury dashi soup.

Negi Toro Hamburg Donburi Tokusen Set (THB 599) – A flavourful Negitoro-style hamburger topped with a rich pickled egg yolk sauce for perfect harmony of taste and texture.

Hida Wagyu A5 Sukiyaki Tokusen Set (THB 759) – Premium Japanese A5 Wagyu beef, freshly prepared on a traditional Hida grill, served with side dishes and premium sashimi for an indulgent dining experience.

Thailand’s Japanese restaurant market continues to expand steadily, with forecasts indicating over 3% year-on-year growth by 2025. In response to rising competition in the full-service dining sector, Ootoya is accelerating the rollout of the OOTOYA TOKUSEN format. The first flagship branches-at CentralWorld and Central Pinklao-are strategically positioned in prime destinations to serve premium customers seeking a new benchmark in Japanese dining.

The launch of OOTOYA TOKUSEN marks a pivotal step in elevating Ootoya’s brand image and redefining its customer experience. By blending authenticity, health-conscious menus, and a contemporary premium concept, Ootoya reinforces its position as a trusted and distinctive Japanese restaurant brand poised for growth in Thailand’s evolving premium dining market.