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There’s nothing remotely original about the plot of Netflix’s new romantic comedy French Lover. A self-absorbed movie star meets a down-on-her-luck “ordinary” woman who teaches him the true meaning of life.

Yes, it’s exactly as corny as it sounds. But while you’d expect that French sensibility — usually more nuanced and melancholy than Hollywood’s glossy take on love — combined with the charm of national favourite Omar Sy, might elevate the material, unfortunately, it doesn’t.

The story follows a jaded actor Abel Camara (Omar Sy) who meets struggling waitress Marion (Sara Giraudeau) one afternoon in Paris. Their unexpected love story begins by chance, but the question quickly becomes whether it can survive the glare of the spotlight.

Sara Giraudeau and Omar Sy in French Lover. (Photos courtesy of Netflix)

Sara Giraudeau and Omar Sy in French Lover. (Photos courtesy of Netflix)

When it comes to a familiar premise like this, I always look for something that rises above mediocrity — something fresh, something that showcases real chemistry between characters, and ideally, a touch of fairy-tale warmth. Not that every love story needs a perfect ending, but it helps if the journey feels worthwhile. Unfortunately, the deeper I went into French Lover, the less hope I had that this movie would deliver anything memorable.

Abel and Marion’s worlds couldn’t be more different. He’s a pampered movie star; she’s a chef trying to rebuild her life. But what initially makes their pairing slightly more interesting than expected is Marion’s refusal to be dazzled by celebrity. When they first meet, their exchange is sharp and funny, showing that Marion sees people for who they are — not for the image they project. For a brief moment, I thought the film might actually have something to say about authenticity and humility.

The two do share moments of light-hearted chemistry. Abel, though self-absorbed and arrogant, remains somewhat likable, and I found myself waiting for his character growth to take root. The problem is that it never quite does.

His supposed transformation feels rushed and unconvincing, shown mostly through a predictable time-shift montage meant to depict disappointment, regret and self-reflection. Meanwhile, Marion is portrayed as gentle and soft-spoken yet fiery when provoked — a woman who speaks her mind and refuses to tolerate nonsense. She’s a refreshing counterpoint to Abel’s vanity, but her character, too, is underwritten.

Naturally, a story like this needs tension, and we all know how romantic comedies operate: everything starts out like rainbows and butterflies until reality sets in. The clash between Abel and Marion is predictable, and while the emotions aren’t overblown for drama’s sake, the conflict arrives so suddenly that it feels forced. And it drags on way, way longer than expected, turning what could have been a sharp, funny story about opposites attracting into a slow, overly sentimental slog.

There’s potential for wit, charm, and emotional resonance here, but French Lover continually misses the mark. The main problem lies in its shallow character development. Abel is supposed to be a man who rose from nothing to fame, but the film reduces him to a spoiled rich kid throwing tantrums. There’s little sense of the complex man beneath the celebrity surface.

It’s a shame, because Sy has the charisma and emotional intelligence to deliver something deeper. Sara Giraudeau, in the first performance I’ve seen from her, also fails to leave a strong impression. Even the cooking scenes — meant to showcase her passion for starting a food truck — fall flat, lacking both energy and sensuality.

And then there’s the bizarre missing-dog subplot, which is stretched far beyond its narrative weight. Yes, people love their pets, but here it’s treated as though it’s a metaphor for human loss or emotional healing, when in reality it just distracts from the story.

The entire film has the feel of a second-rate romantic drama: clumsy editing, predictable setups, and awkwardly staged scenes. One example is the birthday party sequence in which Abel tries to impress his new girlfriend — it’s so poorly executed it borders on cringe comedy.

The runtime doesn’t help either. At just over two hours, French Lover feels unnecessarily long. The extended courtship and drawn-out conflict scenes add little substance, and several moments that could have been cut entirely would have tightened the pacing. The film sometimes hints at small bursts of tension or humour, but these moments are inconsequential, failing to affect the story’s outcome in any meaningful way.

There’s a whole early segment focused on Abel’s pre-Marion life — his fame, his ego, his hollow existence — that drags on far too long. It’s meant to give context, but it ends up padding the film instead of enriching it. The story would play out identically without it. Later scenes also linger past their natural endpoint, dwelling on moments that could have been trimmed without losing emotional impact. Occasionally there’s humour, but it often overstays its welcome or fizzles out before it lands.

Marion’s sister and brother-in-law provide some comic relief, especially in their scenes gossiping about Abel, but just as the humour begins to spark, the film pulls away, deflating the energy. It’s as though the director is afraid to let a joke breathe. What could have been sharp, witty banter turns into another missed opportunity.

Still, I can’t deny that there are a few enjoyable interactions between the leads. Despite the predictable storyline, some of their exchanges feel genuine, their dynamic fresh enough to hold attention. This isn’t the cutesy, polished kind of romance you often see in Hollywood romcoms. There are tender, grounded moments that almost make you root for them. But overall, their love story never fully grabs me — it just drifts by, pleasant but hollow.

In the end, French Lover offers mild entertainment value, but it’s hardly a film I’d revisit. If you’re in the mood for something light, easy and utterly forgettable — a no-brainer way to fill two hours — it might suffice.

French Lover

Starring Omar Sy, Sara Giraudeau, Alban Ivanov

Directed by Lisa-Nina Rives

Now streaming on Netflix

The Ministry of Public Health has launched a pilot programme requiring migrant workers to purchase health insurance, aiming to reduce the state’s healthcare burden and strengthen disease control along border areas.

The pilot service centres have been established in Tak, Mae Hong Son, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces.

The initiative follows Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat’s policy to expand health insurance coverage for migrant workers as part of the ministry’s “Quick Win” strategy to lower national medical expenses and improve public health protection.

Deputy Public Health Minister Worachot Sukhonkhachon said during the launching event yesterday that the one-stop service centres in the four border provinces provide health check-ups and access to health insurance for refugees and migrant workers, in collaboration with the Interior and Labour ministries.

To enhance efficiency and security, the ministry is developing a central digital system called the FDH-Migrant Platform, which will link migrant health insurance data with national databases such as the Health Insurance for Non-Thai People System.

The platform will also support biometric identity verification, electronic medical certificates, and online insurance purchases.

The Thai army has begun clearing landmines in a village near the Cambodian border amid rising tensions between the two countries over plans to evict Cambodian settlers.

The Burapha Task Force deployed a mine-clearing vehicle to Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Khok Sung district of Sa Kaeo province, the army said.

The operation began as authorities were expected to push back Cambodians living illegally in the area or take legal action against those refusing to comply with eviction orders.

However, the National Security Council (NSC) did not discuss the army’s proposal to seek approval for the removal of Cambodian nationals from Ban Nong Ya Kaeo and nearby Ban Nong Chan at its meeting on Friday.

‘The meeting only discussed the development of the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border,’ NSC Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad told reporters at Government House. He said the timing of any eviction would be left to the army’s discretion.

Authorities earlier reported that 135 Cambodian households were occupying parts of Ban Nong Chan and another 35 in Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, with all expected to move back across the border. Another group of illegal occupants has also been identified in Ban Ta Phraya in Ta Phraya district, within the same province.

This week, the general public breathed a sigh of relief after the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) expressed confidence that there is no risk of future rounds of flooding reaching 2011 levels. That epic event has gone down as perhaps the worst floods the nation has faced in modern times.

But for communities that live in designated flood catchment sites in the Lower Central region, all flood seasons are equally miserable.

Low-terrain floods, mostly located in Ayutthaya and some districts in Suphan Buri, have been designated by the government as “flood retention areas”. Flood water from the Upper and Central regions will be diverted and stored before heading to the sea or separated reservoirs.

It is common for the ground floors of people’s homes in these areas to be engulfed by water, forcing them to commute by boat. Residents are often evacuated to live in makeshift tents at community centres or by roadsides in the event of flash floods.

Having to deal with massive floods every year means many villagers have been living in stressful conditions. They are entitled to receive compensation starting from 9,000 baht per house, with additional reparations for those who suffer from flooded farmland.

There have also been reports of accidents occurring during flood evacuations. Four villagers in Bang Ban district in Ayutthaya province drowned recently, including children.

On Sept 23, a 43-year-old man hanged himself in his flooded home in Bang Ban district. While police have yet to determine his motive, family members say he had been overwrought after losing his job and all income due to the flooding.

The question is whether successive governments have done enough to provide welfare and upgrade infrastructure for these affected communities.

This issue was raised in parliament earlier this month after the death of the aforementioned man, and complaints from villagers about late compensation payments and inadequate flood rescue measures.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his interior minister made a timely move by announcing a plan to improve compensation and welfare for villagers in these designated flood catchment areas.

We can but hope this is not just lip service. Various governments have promised to provide help to flooded communities. Yet all they have been given are relief bags and compensation money, the latter often not disbursed until after the flood waters have receded.

There have been discussions of more systematic forms of welfare and social safety nets for villagers living in designated flood catchment areas.

The proposed ideas include allocating more of taxpayers’ money to improve infrastructure, education and a special programme to provide jobs. Instead of just diverting water to existing flood-retention sites, conservationists have urged the government to preserve and create natural wetland basins in flood-prone communities.

This week, the People’s Party proposed ways of managing these designated flood-retention zones. One involves creating a fund for owners to improve their homes so they can better contend with flood risks.

The government must pay heed to all of these suggestions and advice. Instead of focusing on draining the water, more attention must be given to creating natural flood plains across the country, instead of letting communities shoulder the burden.

Cool season this year will start about two weeks later than usual and is expected to be slightly warmer than average, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) announced on Thursday.

The average minimum temperature in upper Thailand will be around 21 degrees Celsius – slightly warmer than the historical average of 19.9°C and last year’s average of 20.7°C.

While some parts of the North and Northeast will still see temperatures drop to 7 to 8°C, the average minimum temperature in Bangkok is expected to be around 18 to 20°C, with surrounding provinces experiencing lows of about 16 to 18°C.

The weather agency said the coolest period will be between mid-December and early February.

Although mountain areas in the country’s upper regions will still experience frost and cold, conditions in the South are expected to be milder and wetter, especially along the eastern coast between November and December.

Heavy rainfall could cause flash floods and cause rivers to overflow, while waves in the Gulf of Thailand may reach 2 to 3 metres, potentially rising to 4 to 5m during tropical storms. The Andaman Sea will see waves of 1 to 2m.

Fighting corruption and restoring trust in the rule of law are crucial for Thailand’s long-term competitiveness, experts said at a public forum organised by the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ).

The event on Wednesday, titled “Restoring Systemic Structures and Rule of Law to Strengthen National Competitiveness”, called for urgent reforms to build fairness, transparency, and greater efficiency across institutions.

Phiset Sa-ardyen, executive director of the TIJ, said the nation stands at a turning point in terms of defining fair societal rules.

“The rule of law is like a football field where fairness depends on clear rules, impartial referees and consequences for violations,” he explained.

Yet in practice, he noted, “those with power still enjoy privileges, while referees face pressure from inside and outside the field, eroding public faith in fairness”.

He said reform must extend beyond revising laws to restructuring power. A fair system requires balance among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent overreach and eliminate “special players” who act above the law.

“If built on trust, citizens will feel they are on the same team as the state,” he said.

Mr Phiset cited the World Justice Project (WJP) 2024 Index, which ranked Thailand 78th out of 142 countries with a score of 0.5 — below both global and regional averages.

Weaknesses included limited constraints on state powers, poor anti-corruption performance, and weak law enforcement.

He said the TIJ aims to act as a neutral “field keeper” through three missions: creating an inclusive platform to redesign national rules, developing a shared national blueprint with clear goals and indicators, and building partnerships with organisations such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), WJP and UN to align Thai practices with international standards.

During the panel on “Institutional Mechanisms and National Competitiveness”, Prof Kitipong Urapeepatanapong, chairman of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, urged the government to create “reform momentum” within four months.

He said three priorities — anti-corruption, open government and regulatory reform — were already underway and only needed strong state backing.

He pointed to three obstacles: lengthy lawmaking processes averaging up to 20 months, difficulty repealing outdated laws, and public perception of taxation as a burden rather than a civic duty.

Cutting obstructive regulations, he said, could lift GDP by 0.8%. He proposed a “legal guillotine” to remove redundant laws within four months, alongside tax reform and incentives for compliance.

Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said foreign investors continue to criticise Thailand’s bureaucratic corruption, overlapping regulations, and political instability.

He urged constitutional safeguards for core national policies to ensure long-term consistency. “Corruption is the main obstacle to the rule of law and good governance. The chamber stands ready to cooperate with anti-corruption organisations,” he said.

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, warned that Thailand faced global disruptions — from trade wars to currency volatility.

“If the rule of law is strong, the economy will grow. The government must urgently cut obstructive laws to reduce corruption risks,” he said.

Payong Srivanich, chairman of the Thai Bankers’ Association, said recurring crises had weakened productivity, widened inequality, and pushed more workers into the informal sector.

“This stems from the absence of justice for all,” he said.

He urged the government to focus on five key sectors — tourism, agriculture and food, medical and wellness, automotive, and smart electronics — and to publicly disclose corruption indices across industries to drive accountability.

Mana Nimitmongkol, secretary-general of the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand, said corruption is entrenched in licensing, procurement and political patronage.

“Corruption has eroded public trust in justice, independent agencies, and the state. Thailand must strive to join the OECD to strengthen reform,” he said.

Amid rapid changes in technology and audience behaviour that continue to challenge the entertainment industry, the Bangkok International Film Festival 2025 returns in full force. The festival serves as a major platform connecting filmmakers, investors, distributors, and audiences through diverse activities, including international film screenings and ‘Talad Nang,’ a key marketplace where content creators can meet producers, distributors and investors from Thailand and abroad. This year’s highlight is a collaboration with BrandThink to organise a series of seminars led by experts, exploring cinema’s evolving role as soft power. The discussions highlight how film is not just a source of entertainment, but a strategic driver of the economy, culture, and communication. They also open perspectives on how Thai content can expand to the global stage, inspire audiences, and fuel long-term growth in the creative economy.

Pimpaka Towira, Executive Director of ‘Talad Nang,’ revealed that one of the central elements of this year’s Bangkok International Film Festival is the ‘Talad Nang’ marketplace, which marks a crucial step in pushing the Thai film industry onto the international stage. The market will serve as a hub linking content creators with global investors and buyers, through activities spanning business negotiations, project pitching from Thai and Asian creators, and masterclasses by world-class directors and actors. All of this will strengthen both the potential and the business opportunities of Thailand’s film industry. Another highlight is the seminar series, organised together with BrandThink, which features thought-provoking topics that expand perspectives on film as an economic asset and reaffirm that cinema is a future not to be overlooked.

Beyond the Screen: Thai Films and Economic Opportunities Thailand Must Seize

The first seminar, ‘Beyond the Screen: Thai Films and Economic Opportunities Thailand Must Seize,’ emphasised that cinema is more than just storytelling art. It is also a powerful economic engine that creates jobs, generates income, and builds ‘cultural influence’ with immense national value.

M.R. Chalermchatri Yukol, former Chair of the Subcommittee on Film Industry Development at THACCA, shed light on the significance of film. ‘Film is not only entertainment that stirs emotions and inspires audiences. It is an industry with tremendous economic potential. From investment and employment to diverse forms of spending, film contributes directly to communities. Thailand also offers strong incentives such as cash rebates that attract international filmmakers to choose the country as a filming location. With world-class infrastructure and facilities, we are highly competitive globally. Several provinces are even promoting themselves as ‘film cities,’ creating ecosystems tailored for filmmaking, spreading economic growth to regional areas, and building sustainable recognition for the nation.’

Yongyoot Thongkongtoon, former Director of Content – Thailand at Netflix, said, ‘The rise of streaming platforms has played a crucial role in elevating Thai content to international standards and expanding its reach worldwide, giving audiences global access to stories told from Thai perspectives. Many Netflix Thailand productions have achieved global success, proving that Thai films and series are competitive internationally. They enhance the country’s reputation and deliver tangible economic benefits. In addition, collaboration with organisations like the Creative Economy Agency (CEA) to nurture new content creators with knowledge and expertise is a key mechanism to strengthen Thailand’s content industry, driving the Thai economy forward.’

Isara Piamphongsant, Creative Industry Network Specialist at CEA, added, ‘As an agency dedicated to promoting the creative economy, CEA recognises the film industry’s potential to generate economic growth and new opportunities for Thailand, through employment, tourism, and community development. That’s why we focus on support and skill development. With initiatives like the Content Lab, we equip younger generations with the ability to create distinctive, high-quality works that meet both domestic and international market demands. This will allow Thailand’s content industry to achieve economic growth and compete on the global stage.’

Thailand as Film Destination: When Hyper Local Content Puts Thailand on the World Cinema Map

The second seminar, ‘Thailand as Film Destination: When Hyper Local Content Puts Thailand on the World Cinema Map,’ examined Thailand’s potential to attract foreign filmmakers and to boost film-induced tourism from Thai content itself. Its strength lies in hyper local storytelling, deeply rooted in culture yet told with contemporary relevance.

Anucha Boonyawatana, former President of the Thai Film Director Association, defined ‘hyper local’ as follows. ‘Storytelling is the heart that allows hyper local content to be delivered authentically and sincerely to audiences, reflecting the identity and real experiences of creators. This serves as a bridge to portray local life with charm and memorability, connecting with audiences who share the same cultural roots, while also giving international viewers a new perspective on difference. To take films to the global level, creators must be open to feedback from international audiences, balancing the preservation of cultural identity with universal communication. If we succeed, Thailand’s hyper local content will become a strength that draws global attention and pushes the country to become a key film destination.’

Krisda Witthayakhajorndet, an executive at Be On Cloud, shared his experience in making Thai films internationally successful. ‘Be On Cloud strives to present Thai identity sincerely and naturally by blending local culture with contemporary narratives. This allows both Thai and foreign audiences to experience authenticity without excessive embellishment. We believe hyper local storytelling is a critical opportunity for Thai works to shine globally, as modern audiences want content that reflects real identities and communicates with honesty. At the same time, the power of fandom and social media accelerates the transformation of hyper local content into global content, achieving both domestic and international success. This benefits the wider economy and opens opportunities for multiple industries.’

Thiti Srinual, director of The Undertaker and creator of the ‘Thai Baan’ universe, said, ‘My goal has always been to tell Isan stories in a way that truly conveys their essence, through films that remain authentic to their roots without being overly modified. We studied and understood audiences deeply to change the perceptions of those who might have overlooked local culture, encouraging them to appreciate everyday traditions, language, lifestyles, and beliefs through film. This approach not only instils pride among Isan people but also reveals unique charm and sincerity to audiences from other regions and countries. This is the power of hyper local content, capable of reaching global audiences and inspiring them to experience and learn about the culture first-hand.’

Closing the session, Sarawut Kaewnamyen, Production Designer and CEO of Pantang Artwork Co., Ltd., said, ‘For creators, the challenge is transforming local elements into values that both Thai and international audiences can recognise and embrace, without stripping away identity. These elements often emerge from overlooked aspects of daily life such as language or traditions. Yet when portrayed in film, they gain a unique character and carry new meanings worth celebrating. The world has changed. Today, streaming platforms and social media allow local content to reach millions with ease. This is the opportunity for ‘Thai local’ to step onto the global stage and for Thailand to become a true film destination.’

When Movies Move Brand Impact: The Endless Possibilities of Film-Brand Collaboration

The seminar ‘When Movies Move Brand Impact: The Endless Possibilities of Film-Brand Collaboration’ invited audiences to see film in a new light-not only as entertainment but also as a powerful, enduring branding tool. The discussion explored opportunities for collaboration between films and brands, as well as decoding movie marketing strategies that expand the potential of both.

Chawana Praesrisakul, Chief Strategy and Services Officer at BrandThink, said, ‘Film is a powerful marketing format because it reflects life, people and experiences, allowing brands to naturally integrate into consumers’ beliefs and experiences. Collaboration with films is not just about tie-ins or product placement. It’s about creating ‘shared value’ among movies, audiences, and brands. This can foster brand love and extend into sales through campaigns and promotions. The right co-branding partnerships, along with support for spin-off content, can expand fanbases. At the same time, filmmakers must be able to ‘sell beliefs’ to find brands that align in vision and values.’

Park Wannasiri, Chief Creative Officer of VML Thailand, added, ‘When brands enter film, they become a ‘cultural tool’ that engages audiences differently from traditional advertising. Collaborating with film enables brands to truly understand and connect with people’s beliefs, while also telling their own stories, organisational cultures or visions in depth. In the future, marketing will be involved from the scriptwriting stage, blending human-centric storytelling, and creating real experiences from films that hold even greater value. The essence of movie marketing lies in finding the balance between film and brand to maximise mutual benefit.’

Roundtable: Next Chapter – The Future of Cinema in an Era of Declining Theatre Screenings

The final seminar, ‘Roundtable: Next Chapter – The Future of Cinema in an Era of Declining Theatre Screenings,’ gathered experts to share perspectives on the film industry’s major transition as streaming becomes part of everyday life. Participants agreed that ‘quality remains the heart of filmmaking, whether screened in theatres or on digital platforms. What matters most is delivering emotions and experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. At the same time, modern directors must understand all aspects of production, marketing, and audience behaviour to ensure their works succeed both on the big screen and in the digital world.’

The discussion also highlighted that cinemas and streaming are not competitors, but complementary forces that strengthen one another. Each channel has its unique appeal and audience base, and together they can create new opportunities for the film industry in the future.

Finally, the seminar raised the important issue of ‘equality for filmmakers,’ proposing frameworks to support independent creators by giving them bargaining power and diverse platforms for their works. This would ensure that every film has the opportunity to grow fairly, contributing to the sustainable progress of the industry.

Local authorities and business operators on Koh Phangan are raising concerns over the behaviour of some Israeli visitors and the rise of foreign-run businesses on the southern island.

Reports of tensions have emerged on Koh Phangan and neighbouring Koh Samui in Surat Thani province, involving Israeli tourists and business operators.

Allegations include the acquisition of land through Thai nominees and the establishment of businesses catering exclusively to Israeli visitors. Some tourists have reportedly caused disturbances affecting other visitors and local operators, prompting fears of wider conflicts.

The situation calls to mind a period of tension earlier this year in Pai, the popular tourist town in the northern province of Mae Hong Son. The Israeli embassy issued a reminder to its nationals about appropriate conduct, while Thai authorities attempted to get locals and visitors communicating to improve relations.

Surat Thani Governor Teeruth Supawiboonpol met with representatives of various agencies on Thursday to discuss the issues that had been raised. ‘We must address these issues promptly to prevent long-term problems and ensure compliance with Thai law,’ he said.

Narumol Maisopha, president of the Koh Phangan Hotel and Tourism Association, said the behaviour of some Israeli tourists has led to increasing friction on the island.

‘As representatives of the private sector, we recognise that this harms the image of tourism,’ she said. ‘We have organised discussions among operators and separated conflicting visitors to maintain a high-quality tourism experience.’

Tourism on Koh Phangan has expanded by more than 200% in the past two years, creating strong demand for accommodation and related businesses. Ms Narumol said the rapid growth has exceeded the capacity of local authorities to manage it effectively.

‘The presence of Israeli tourists and business operators presents an opportunity for provincial and national authorities to intervene decisively before the situation escalates,’ she added.

According to data from the Surat Thani Immigration Division, 4,030 Israelis are currently in the province – 2,548 on Koh Phangan, 1,279 on Koh Samui, 11 on Koh Tao and 12 on the mainland. Of these, 987 are long-term residents, including 349 involved in business, while 3,043 are short-term visitors, 2,942 of whom are tourists.

Local sources report that some Israelis on Koh Phangan operate villas, restaurants, tour companies and other businesses primarily serving Israeli visitors. A communal centre, or Chabad, has also been established for religious and social activities.

Governor Teeruth said enforcement against illegal land ownership and business operations will take time as authorities need to gather evidence. Provincial labour and immigration offices are also investigating potential visa overstayers, he said.

CPF is advancing its ‘Kitchen of the World’ vision through an integrated feed-farm-food sustainability model, covering animal feed production and farming to food processing and distribution, powered by technology and innovation.

At Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025), ASEAN’s largest sustainability fair, visitors are welcomed by a polar bear installation stranded on melting ice. More than an attention-grabbing centrepiece, it symbolises the urgency of climate change-framing Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) as a company taking meaningful steps towards a more sustainable, future-ready food system.

Future Forward with AgriTech CPF is increasingly adopting AgriTech as a driver of process. Leveraging AI, IoT, and smart farming and smart factory systems, the company aims to enhance animal welfare, optimise resource use, and reduce emissions. These technologies are further strengthened by blockchain-based traceability, enabling verification throughout the feed-farm-food journey, from raw materials to the final product.

SX2025: From Polar Bears to Plate

The Feed-Farm-Food Sustainability Showcase at SX2025 brings this vision to life. Visitors explore four immersive zones-from a mock-up supermarket teaching eco-friendly shopping and waste sorting, to an interactive dining experience where chefs, researchers, and farmers reveal the sustainable journey behind every dish. The polar bear and cracking glaciers symbolise the environmental stakes, while the experience demonstrates how technology and innovation translate into tangible actions for a more sustainable future.

Investing in a Science-Based, Net Zero Future

CPF aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, becoming the first global food producer to have both short- and long-term targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Sustainability is embedded across its value chain, covering deforestation-free sourcing, renewable energy, smart logistics, zero-waste production, and sustainable packaging. Today, 34% of energy used in its Thailand operations comes from renewables, including solar, biomass, and biogas. Notably, its RE100-certified egg farm in Chanthaburi runs entirely on solar and biomass energy, converting chicken manure into clean power under its ‘waste-to-value’ model.

Empowering Partners and SMEs

CPF’s ‘Partner to Grow’ program extends low-carbon solutions to more than 225 SMEs in its supply chain. The initiative has reduced emissions by over 400,000 kilograms of CO2 annually-equivalent to planting 31,000 trees-while also cutting operating costs. Partnerships with Chulalongkorn University, Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation, and the Office of SMEs Promotion further enable smaller enterprises to access carbon certification and green financing.

The Bigger Picture

‘For CPF, being the ‘Kitchen of the World’ is not about producing more food, but producing food that is safe, nutritious, and sustainable-powered by innovation,’ said Prasit Boondoungprasert, CPF Chief Executive Officer. ‘Sustainovation is how we ensure that every bite supports not just today’s needs, but tomorrow’s future.’

From AI-powered farms and blockchain traceability to SME partnerships and renewable energy, CPF’s showcase at SX2025 highlights how sustainability and innovation can move together. For visitors, the journey ends at a dining table telling the story of food from farm to fork. For CPF, it is the beginning of a longer path toward a future where every bite nourishes both people and the planet.

At least 100 Cambodian villagers gathered at the border opposite two villages in Sa Kaeo province on Friday to protest as Thai soldiers prepared to clear landmines ahead of an operation to push back encroachers.

The Royal Thai Army said on Facebook that Cambodian villagers and reporters assembled near Ban Nong Ya Kaeo and Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district around 9.30am, shortly before Thai soldiers arrived to begin mine-sweeping operations. The effort is part of a plan to remove Cambodian settlers from areas inside the two Thai villages.

Authorities said 135 Cambodian households have illegally occupied parts of Ban Nong Chan, with another 35 in Ban Nong Ya Kaeo. They have been ordered to leave immediately.

Ban Nong Ya Kaeo faces Cambodia’s Prey Chan village, while Ban Nong Chan lies across from Chouk Chey village, both in Banteay Meanchey province.

Officials are awaiting approval from the National Security Council (NSC), which met Friday morning to decide whether to proceed with the army’s plan targeting the Cambodian settlers in the two villages and another at Ban Ta Phraya in Ta Phraya district. The number of Cambodians living in Ban Ta Phraya remains unclear.

Tensions along the eastern border have risen since Oct 1, when Thailand’s First Army Region informed Cambodia’s Fifth Army Region of the mine-clearing plan to be conducted by the Burapha Task Force. Cambodia has objected, saying the move violates a peace pledge made by the two countries’ defence ministers during last month’s General Border Committee meeting.

Meanwhile, a convoy of trucks carrying shipping containers – sponsored by social activist ‘Gun Jompalang’ as part of a controversial initiative to reinforce border security – has arrived at the Thai-Cambodian border at the Thai-Cambodian border in Ban Nong Chan, Khok Sung distict of Sa Kaeo.

The first batch, consisting of 20 trucks transporting 40 containers, reached the parking area of the Aranyaprathet district customs office before 10am on Friday after departing from Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri early this morning. An additional 20 containers are expected to arrive on Saturday.

Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet, also known as Gun Jompalang, said he took pride in contributing to national security. The initiative had been planned long in advance and was awaiting the right moment for deployment, he added.

The containers would be installed in a classified military zone and are intended to serve as a temporary barrier following operations to push back Cambodian nationals from disputed areas.

Mr Guntouch said that waiting for a permanent fence would take too long, and claimed the containers were a million percent stronger than concrete walls.