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Problems with an escape route and inadequate smoke ventilation are suspected to have contributed to the death of a doctor during a fire at a Bangkok condominium on Oct 9.

The fire broke out in a unit on the 16th floor of the 38-storey building on Pin Klao Road, opposite the Pata department store in Bangkok Noi district. The cause has not yet been determined as the fire destroyed the 60-square-metre unit before it was brought under control.

The fatality was reported on the Facebook page Medical Civil Society. It said that the doctor, who was also an associate professor, died inside the building’s fire escape, while 14 other people were injured.

Upon inspection, the condominium was found to have a fully installed fire alarm and pressurised fan system, which are designed to help during fire emergencies and were functioning normally.

The family of the deceased said he had followed all proper safety procedures during the fire – using a smoke mask and choosing to evacuate via the fire escape. However, the safe route turned dangerous, they said.

It is suspected that someone might have left a fire escape door open previously. When the fire broke out, smoke could have flowed back into the stairwell, turning it into a chimney-like shaft and allowing smoke to accumulate, ultimately causing suffocation.

An official cause of death has not been released. The family has called for safety improvements and emphasised the importance of building safety systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Strengthening its long-standing support for Thailand’s coffee-growing communities, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. has renewed its partnership with the Thai Coffee Farmers Association through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing sustainability and improving livelihoods. The agreement covers the purchase of coffee beans from Thai farmers for the 2025/2026 production season and includes initiatives to promote Regenerative Agriculture, improve yields and coffee quality, and protect the environment. Nestlé will also continue its research and development of high-yield coffee plantlets, enabling farmers to increase productivity, income and quality of life. The MoU signing ceremony was honoured by the presence of the Governor of Chumphon Province.

Ms Salinla Seehaphan, Corporate Affairs Director, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd., said: ‘For several decades, Nestlé has continuously supported our local coffee farmers. Additionally, Nestlé has consistently been the largest purchaser of locally grown Robusta beans in Thailand.

‘The signing of this MoU each year reaffirms our commitment to purchasing Robusta coffee beans directly from Thai farmers. Moreover, we encourage farmers to adopt Regenerative Agriculture practices in their coffee plantations through knowledge-sharing programmes and training sessions. This approach not only enhances coffee production in both quantity and quality but also helps restore ecosystems, protect soil and water resources, and strengthen resilience against climate change.’

Mr Thianchai Chookittiwiboon, Governor of Chumphon Province, added: ‘We are very pleased that Nestlé continues to support our coffee farmers through the direct purchase of locally grown beans. Coffee is a key economic crop for Chumphon, and we have great potential to make our cultivation more efficient and responsive to market demand. These efforts will help farmers improve their income and quality of life while boosting the provincial economy. This aligns with our goal to develop Chumphon into a ‘Robusta Metropolis’ recognised both domestically and globally.’

Mr Prayoon Songprasert, Chairman of the Thai Coffee Farmers Association, said: ‘For decades, Chumphon’s coffee farmers have benefited from Nestlé’s support – not only through direct bean purchases but also via training on sustainable cultivation methods. The coffee plantlets developed by Nestlé consistently deliver high yields and quality, helping farmers increase income and living standards. This ongoing partnership motivates farmers to continue their craft with confidence and pride.’

The Finance Ministry is preparing a timeline for its tax reform plan, covering both tax increases and reductions.

According to finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, once the government’s “Quick Big Win” initiatives are completed, the tax reform working group will begin on improving government revenue.

He said the group will prepare a detailed timeline for each area of the tax reform plan, indicating when each measure should be introduced.

According to Mr Lavaron, a key reform measure is the revision of personal income tax deductions, in line with the policy direction of Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

Numerous personal income tax deductions are offered by the Revenue Department, which when combined can exceed 1 million baht per taxpayer. The large number of tax deductions is one factor causing the department to collect less personal income tax than expected, he said.

“Revising tax deductions will allow us to collect taxes more fully and efficiently, but there is a trade-off as deductions are often used to promote certain activities by providing incentives,” said Mr Lavaron.

Regarding the government’s revenue collection for fiscal 2025, which ended on Sept 30, he said it fell short of the target, but by less than expected. Mr Lavaron originally anticipated a shortfall of around 100 billion baht, but preliminary results suggest the shortfall is significantly smaller.

Part of the improvement is due to the recent discontinuation of the fuel excise tax reduction, which restored nearly 6 baht per litre in excise revenue to the state.

“Revenue-related departments worked hard until the very last day of the fiscal year. Our goal was to minimise the shortfall as much as possible,” he said.

For fiscal 2026, which started on Oct 1, the government set a revenue collection target of 2.92 trillion baht, up 1.2% year-on-year.

During the first 11 months of fiscal 2025 (October to August), the government collected a net revenue of 2.50 trillion baht, an increase of 46.8 billion baht or 1.9% year-on-year, though it was 34 billion baht or 1.3% below the target.

The shortfall was attributed to weaker automobile excise tax collection, as more people switched to electric vehicles, which have lower tax rates than internal combustion engine cars, as well as lower than targeted value-added tax (VAT) collection for imported goods.

All three main tax collection agencies fell short of their targets during the first 11 months of fiscal 2025. The Revenue Department collected 2.01 trillion baht, down 1.3% from its target, while the Excise Department amassed 489 billion, 11.8% less than its target, and the Customs Department collected 104 billion, a dip of 7.1% from its goal.

In the past, the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has promoted a tax reform plan to increase government revenue and enhance fairness in the tax system. Thailand’s 7% VAT rate remains below the average of non-resource-rich and non-fuel-exporting emerging markets (Non-RRFEEMs) by 2.9% of GDP.

In addition, domestic VAT revenue (before refunds) as a share of consumption is declining, partly due to leakage in the informal tax base and the rapid growth of online platform transactions. In 2024, VAT revenue as a percentage of consumption was 4%, down from 4.6% in 2015.

This outlook has led to several proposals to raise the VAT rate, with the FPO noting an increase of one percentage point could generate an additional 70 billion baht in government revenue, which could be used to support vulnerable groups in society and invest in infrastructure development.

Thailand’s personal income tax collection remains 0.5% of GDP below the average for Non-RRFEEMs, according to the FPO. Only 10% of the population filing personal income tax returns are liable to pay taxes, while 17% file but have no tax obligations after deductions and allowances, while 73% of working age Thais with income do not file.

Aspiring Thai golfers Kan Bunnabodee, Sherman Santiwiwattanaphong and Onkanok Soisuwan will spearhead Thailand’s challenge at the Women’s China Open from Oct 17-19, with hopes of following in the footsteps of World No.1 and compatriot, Jeeno Thitikul.

The trio will be part of a strong Thai contingent eyeing success at the China LPG Tour’s flagship event, which will be staged for the first time in Shanghai at the famed Enhance Anting Golf Club.

Kan, 23, turned professional last season after spending five years at Purdue University in the US, and the former national teammate of Jeeno has already enjoyed a breakthrough on the China LPG Tour after winning the Qualifying School in 2024 and recording multiple top-10 finishes.

“Seeing her success on the LPGA Tour, I’m really proud of her,” Kan said of Jeeno, whose rise to fame includes five wins each on the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour.

“There was a time when we were close [in playing standard] but she’s now on the LPGA Tour and the world No.1. It kind of motivates me that maybe I can do it too. I must work harder than before,” added Kan, who is a one-time Thai LPGA Tour champion.

This year, Kan has enjoyed a third-place finish in China and is now eyeing a title tilt at the Women’s China Open in what will be her debut appearance. “Every famous golfer and legends like Park Sung-Hyung of Korea have played and won this tournament and I want to follow in their footsteps,” said Kan.

“The way the CLPG Tour runs its tournaments, it is shaping me into a good golfer. It shows what I need to work on and knowing the winner of the Order of Merit [CLPG Tour Points List] gets onto the Korean LPGA Tour is a big incentive. It offers a career stepping stone.”

Sherman, 28, brings valuable experience after previously competing on the LPGA Tour. She captured the China LPG Tour Points List title in 2023 and is currently second on this season’s ranking, thanks to five top-10 finishes.

“I would love to get back to the LPGA. China has really good tournaments and challenging golf courses. It almost feels like my second home now,” said Sherman. “Every week I try to win — and lifting the Women’s China Open trophy would be special.”

Onkanok, 24, has also been working her way up the China LPG Tour in pursuit of her LPGA Tour dream. She says Jeeno’s rise has inspired an entire generation of Thai golfers.

“She makes us work harder to be like her. When I don’t play well, she will say, there’s always tomorrow. You have to take it step by step to chase your dream and I’m chasing the dream. Whether it’s playing on the CLPG Tour, or other tours in the region, I’ll take it step by step,” said Onkanok.

The Thai army has confirmed the discovery of two more anti-personnel landmines in a border area at Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Khok Sung district of Sa Kaeo province, bringing the total to 9 active mines cleared since Oct 10.

An explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team from the Burapha Task Force under the First Army Region on Tuesday morning found the POMZ-2 fragmentation-type anti-personnel mines at Ban Nong Ya Kaeo.

Both of the POMZ-2 devices were in operational condition and capable of detonation, said the task force.

The team successfully neutralised and removed the mines in accordance with standard procedures.

From Oct 10 to 14, EOD officers have discovered a total of nine active anti-personnel mines in the Nong Ya Kaeo area. These included six PMN-type fixed-position mines, one MN79-type mine, and two POMZ-2 fragmentation mines, which could be triggered by tripwires if installed, said the task force.

The POMZ series of mines, including the POMZ-2, originated in the Soviet Union and were first used in World War II. They have since been used in numerous conflicts around the world.

A recently placed anti-tank mine was also discovered in Ban Nong Ya Kaeo on the Cambodian border on Saturday, the army reported.

Jetts Fitness, Thailand’s No.1 24-hour fitness chain, continues its strong growth momentum with the opening of a brand-new club at Future City Rangsit, marking its 54th location nationwide. This milestone underscores Jetts’ commitment to raising fitness standards in Thailand to align with global benchmarks.

Mr Mike Lamb, Chief Executive Officer of Jetts Fitness Asia, stated: ‘The opening of our 54th club at Future City Rangsit represents another significant step forward. This location is rapidly growing in popularity and offers strong potential, making it the perfect fit for Jetts. The launch of this new club is not simply about adding another branch, but about reinforcing our clear ambition to remain the leading fitness brand in Thailand. We are committed to continuously enhancing our equipment, service quality, hygiene standards, and introducing new programs for our members. Our expansion goal is to reach 70 clubs by 2026 and grow to 100 clubs nationwide in the near future-ensuring that everyone in Thailand has access to world-class fitness anytime, anywhere.’

At the event, Jetts Fitness also announced that it will become Thailand’s official HYROX Training Center starting in the fourth quarter of this year. With world-class facilities and equipment, the centre will cater to both professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts preparing for HYROX-the global benchmark in Functional Fitness competitions. This designation not only elevates Jetts’ standards but also diversifies the training programs available to members.

Another highlight is the launch of Les Mills Yoga for the first time in Thailand, exclusively at Jetts Fitness. This innovative program combines physical and mental training in perfect balance, offering members a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Mr Lamb further added: ‘Over the years, Jetts Fitness has partnered with government bodies, private organisations, and the Thai sports industry to promote fitness and healthier lifestyles across the nation. For us, fitness is not just a trend-it is about building long-lasting strength and well-being for everyone. At today’s launch, we were honoured to welcome executives and professional players from True Bangkok United Football Club, who shared their experiences and showcased athletic performance, emphasising the importance of physical fitness not only for athletes but for society as a whole.’

The opening of Jetts Future City Rangsit is more than just an expansion-it reinforces Jetts Fitness’ position as the true leader in health and fitness in Thailand.

The finance minister has confirmed his readiness to launch domestic tourism stimulus measures on Oct 29, in an effort to entice 1.15 trillion baht in domestic travel revenue and accelerate Thailand’s economic recovery.

The ministry is expected to submit a series of domestic tourism stimulus packages to the economic cabinet on Wednesday, then send them to the cabinet on Oct 21 for approval.

“The tourism measures will be enacted simultaneously with the ‘Khon La Khrueng Plus’ co-payment scheme from Oct 29 to Dec 31”, said Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

“Enacting both the co-payment and tourism stimulus measures at the same time will make the country’s economy more lively.”

Under the administration’s “Quick Big Win” framework, which seeks short-term results that can lead to long-term sustainable development, the domestic tourism stimulus package is expected to lift GDP, said Mr Ekniti, also a deputy prime minister.

TOURISM STIMULUS

Under the scheme, he identified three measures to quickly stimulate the local tourism industry.

First is a package for seminar-driven tourism in secondary cities. Government organisations and state-owned enterprises are entitled to a corporate income tax exemption for expenses for organising seminars for their employees in areas designated as secondary tourism provinces, or other tourism areas as prescribed by the government.

Mr Ekniti said funds for the seminar stimulus will be reallocated from an amount of 7 billion baht in fiscal 2025’s third-quarter budget.

Second, the “Thai Travel Thai” or tourism within Thailand measure allows taxpayers who travel to second-tier cities from Oct 29 to Dec 31 to deduct an undetermined amount of actual expenses for tour packages and hotel accommodation from their personal income tax filings.

The final measure is incentives for hotel renovation. All hotels reinvesting in their properties, particularly for upgrades in energy efficiency or general refurbishment, will gain tax incentives, he said.

The measure is designed to lift the hotel industry, support economic development, and encourage sustainable building practices, said Mr Ekniti.

The Finance Ministry is working to determine additional details, especially the amount of tax incentives available for deduction.

CO-PAYMENT PLUS

The Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment scheme, with a budget of 44 billion baht, is expected to bolster GDP in the fourth quarter by at least one percentage point, he said.

The scheme provides 20 million entitlements, with the government contributing half of the spending, while individuals must contribute 44 billion baht themselves, injecting a projected 88 billion baht into the economy.

The subsidy for taxpayers increases to 2,400 baht, up from the general subsidy of 2,000 baht.

The scheme runs from Oct 29-Dec 31, and those who registered but have not used their entitlement must make their first transaction by Nov 11 to retain their eligibility.

The government also approved a top-up for 13.4 million welfare card holders of 1,700 baht each, funded by another budget allocation of 23 billion baht.

This means by year’s end, around 111 billion baht will have been mobilised to stimulate the economy, which is expected to raise GDP by 0.3-0.4 percentage points this year, said Mr Ekniti.

TOUGH DECISION

He also revealed that he took several days before deciding to accept the prime minister’s invitation to become finance minister.

“The invitation resulted in very serious consideration. I discussed it with my wife a lot, acknowledging that taking the post would completely change my lifestyle,” said Mr Ekniti.

“Eventually I decided to accept the job to further the national interest, as Thailand desperately requires economic and fiscal policy restructuring to adapt to new economic conditions, as well as to address issues such as the middle-income trap, debt crises, and the need for greater digitalisation.”

PRECARIOUS ECONOMY

He acknowledged Thailand is in a “precarious situation”, as the nation continues to deal with a high debt ratio and rising household debt.

There is a dire need for a “policy menu for financial recovery” to address the structural obstacles to economic growth and shape a vibrant recovery, said Mr Ekniti.

Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund warned of the need for prudent fiscal policies for long-term stability, while Fitch Ratings noted mounting external headwinds and political uncertainty, leading it to downgrade Thailand’s credit rating outlook to negative from stable last month.

The government is implementing reforms to attract new growth sectors, such as electric vehicles and high-tech manufacturing, aiming to revitalise the economy and address these pressures.

“A failure to make significant progress in the next five years could lead to continued economic struggles and a missed opportunity at future prosperity,” he said.

“Meanwhile, a prolonged period of stagnation could adversely fuel public discontent and social unrest.”

Four Israeli men claiming to be soldiers celebrating peace in the Middle East were arrested while partying with drugs at a luxury villa on Koh Phangan early Tuesday morning.

Police responding to a noise complaint searched the villa in Ban Sri Thanu about 2.40am.

Tourist police said four Israeli men, aged 26-27, were seated in the villa, and appeared to be concealing something. They were found to be sitting on small packets containing 0.59gm of cocaine and 1.37gm of powdered ecstasy.

They told police they were soldiers on vacation and had been partying with 10-15 compatriots in celebration of the end of the Israel-Hamas war. The others had left the party after complaints about the noise.

The four arrested Israelis were taken to Koh Phangan Hospital where they tested positive for cocaine and methamphetamine use.

According to tourist police inspector Pol Lt Col Winit Boonchit, the suspects said they bought the drugs from other Israelis who were at the party. They did not know their names.

The Trump administration is making conflict resolution a condition of US trade negotiations with Thailand, as it pushes the latter to reach a peace agreement with Cambodia.

‘The US has used the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia to bargain with the government,’ Siripong Angkasakulkiat, a spokesman for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, told reporters on Tuesday in Bangkok.

Malaysia’s foreign minister said on Tuesday that President Donald Trump would attend the ceremonial signing of a Thailand-Cambodia peace agreement on Oct 26 at the Asean leaders’ summit in Kuala Lumpur.

Washington’s stand is a fresh challenge for the new Thai negotiating team, endorsed by the cabinet on Tuesday and led by Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, who is also the finance minister.

With the new US demand, reaching an agreement with Cambodia has become a priority for a government that is seeking to revive the sluggish economy before an election early next year.

Mr Ekniti, along with six other economic ministers, will replace the now-defunct ‘Team Thailand’ of former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The US has imposed 19% tariffs on imports from Thailand, creating major problems for one of the country’s key growth engines. Further negotiations are needed to address issues such as trade circumvention.

Tensions over the disputed border erupted into military clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in July, but a fragile ceasefire was reached after Trump threatened to block trade deals with the countries unless they stopped fighting.

Cambodia subsequently nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending the violence, and Trump last week wrote to Mr Anutin urging Thailand to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Cambodia.

Four key conditions

In order to sign a peace deal, The Thai government has insisted that Cambodia must withdraw troops, remove landmines, crack down on cyber scam operations targeting Thai residents, and resettle Cambodian citizens encroaching on the Thai side of the border, Mr Siripong said.

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who is due to visit Malaysia on Oct 17 ahead of the leaders’ summit, will reiterate the four demands in talks with Cambodia, according to Mr Anutin.

Malaysia, in its capacity as this year’s Asean chair, and the US are looking to facilitate a wider ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia at the summit, according to Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan.

Malaysia hopes that both sides can fulfil the conditions, including landmine clearance and the withdrawal of weapons along the border, and sign a declaration during the summit, Mr Mohamad told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said earlier that Trump would attend the meetings but there has been no official confirmation yet from Washington.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but a person familiar with the matter said the trip is being planned.

Mr Siripong told reporters that Bangkok was aware the United States was giving the dispute priority.

‘But what Cambodia has to do first, before we accept the US offer, are our four points that we have raised,’ he said.

Mr Anutin also said Thailand was ready to negotiate if Cambodia withdrew heavy weapons, removed landmines, cracked down on scammers and relocated its citizens from border regions that Thailand considers its own.

Cambodia has said its nationals have lived in the disputed border villages for decades.

Mr Anutin’s remarks came a day after he appeared to brush off a continued role for Trump – who has been chasing a Nobel Peace Prize – in any further negotiations between the two nations aimed at solving the border dispute.

Rice exports are on track to achieve the target of 7.5 million tonnes this year, although the value is anticipated to drop by 40% from last year, says the Thai Rice Exporters Association.

Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the association, said for the first nine months of this year, Thailand exported more than 5.9 million tonnes of rice, based on export permission data.

He said achieving the annual export goal would require average monthly exports of more than 500,000 tonnes during the final quarter.

If Thailand manages to ship 600,000 tonnes per month during that period, total exports could reach 8 million tonnes.

However, this year’s global rice market is much worse than last year’s, with heightened competition amid abundant supply and decreasing demand, said Mr Chookiat.

Major rice importers in the region such as Indonesia and the Philippines have paused their imports because of sufficient domestic supplies and the need to stabilise local rice markets.

He said the Philippines plans to import 300,000 tonnes of rice in January 2026, then suspend imports for three months from February to April.

These factors have contributed to a decline in rice prices on the global market. Thailand’s 5% white rice is priced at US$340 per tonne, while Myanmar’s rice is $310, Pakistan’s rice $330, India’s grains about $350 and Vietnam’s rice $360.

In the first nine months of this year, Vietnam exported 6.8 million tonnes of rice and India 18 million tonnes.

“Thailand is the world’s third-largest rice exporter. India is expected to export 22-23 million tonnes and Vietnam about 8.5 million tonnes this year,” said Mr Chookiat.

He anticipated Thai rice prices would settle around $340 per tonne this year, falling from an average of $500 per tonne in 2024.

Thailand’s export volume is projected to decrease from 9.9 million tonnes last year, with the export value dropping by about 40% year-on-year.

Mr Chookiat said exports of Thai hom mali rice and parboiled rice continue to perform well this year.

Demand for Thai hom mali rice in the US market has been particularly strong, as buyers rushed to stock up amid concerns over potential impacts from the Trump tariffs, he said.

The US imports around 830,000 tonnes of rice from Thailand annually, with 650,000 tonnes of that hom mali.

In 2024, Thailand exported 9.95 million tonnes of rice, up 13% year-on-year, generating 226 billion baht (roughly $6.43 billion), an increase of 27%.

Mr Chookiat said government efforts to stabilise rice prices are struggling due to a global market downturn.

During price declines, he said importing countries tend to purchase only what is necessary.

“Global rice prices have fallen sharply. The Philippines even banned rice imports to prevent domestic prices from collapsing,” said Mr Chookiat.

“Next year, there seems to be no positive factors for Thailand’s rice market, as favourable rainfall conditions in major producing countries such as Thailand, Myanmar and even Cambodia have resulted in good water supplies.”