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World Cup qualifying in Asia reaches its climax over the next week with Patrick Kluivert’s Indonesia among six countries vying for two remaining spots from the region.

The football-mad nation of nearly 300 million people is on the verge of its first World Cup since gaining independence from the Dutch in 1945.

Indonesian football authorities have looked to the Netherlands to achieve it, bringing in legendary Dutch striker Kluivert as coach in January.

They have also naturalised more than a dozen players born in the Netherlands but with family ties to the Southeast Asian country.

It comes three years after Indonesian football was plunged into mourning when 135 people were killed in a stadium crush during a domestic game.

“The whole country needs to stand behind us,” said Kluivert, the former Netherlands and Barcelona great whose side faces Iraq and Saudi Arabia in Group B.

There are two groups in this stage of Asian qualifying, each with three teams that will all face each other once.

The teams that finish top of each group qualify for next year’s showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams from 32, giving the likes of Indonesia a better chance of qualifying.

“We are doing our utmost best to perform at the highest level and prepare the players as good as possible,” said Kluivert.

“Inshallah (God willing) we are ready to make the country proud of us.”

Indonesia will have to do it the hard way, with Saudi Arabia staging all the games in Group B and so having home advantage.

Indonesia and Saudi Arabia meet on Wednesday in Jeddah to kickstart the action.

Kluivert, whose coaching career has never lived up to his stellar playing days, has won three of his six games in charge, losing two and drawing one.

The Saudis will be favourites to progress out of the group and are now back under French coach Herve Renard following the sacking of Italian Roberto Mancini a year ago.

Renard masterminded the Saudis’ shock 2-1 win over Lionel Messi’s eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Group A comprises Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, who are bidding to reach the finals for the first time.

That group will play all its games in Qatar, giving the reigning Asian champions an undeniable advantage.

Qatar appointed former Spain and Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui in May, following his sacking by West Ham United.

Qatar begin the Group A action in Doha against Oman.

The runners-up in the two groups will meet in a two-legged tie in November, with the winner going into a intercontinental playoff.

Six teams from Asia have already guaranteed qualification: Japan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Iran, Jordan and Australia.

India thumped arch-rivals Pakistan by 88 runs in a Women’s World Cup clash but the game was marred by controversy as players refused to shake hands at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.

The two captains avoided the customary handshake at the toss and there was hardly a glance exchanged during play.

Once the formalities were done, both sides made a beeline to their dressing rooms, skipping the traditional post-match greetings, a frosty ending to a heated encounter.

The animosity that brewed during the recent men’s Asia Cup in Dubai seemed to spill over to the women’s fixture in Colombo.

Even before a ball was bowled, controversy struck when the toss went the wrong way.

Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana’s call of “tails” was misheard by match referee Shandre Fritz and announcer Mel Jones as “heads”.

When the coin landed heads up, the decision was incorrectly awarded to Fatima, who chose to field.

The drama didn’t stop there. Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali was caught short in bizarre fashion.

After surviving a leg-before appeal, she wandered out of her crease and though she had grounded her bat when the throw came in, it was in the air when the bails were dislodged.

The television umpire ruled her out amid heated protests from the Pakistan camp.

“We are very happy. This was a very important game for us. I am sure people back home are happy too. There are few areas to improve but, for now, we’ll savour this win,” said Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.

India’s innings was built on a series of useful starts, with Harleen Deol’s composed 46 off 65 balls anchoring the effort.

Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh provided the late fireworks, blazing an unbeaten 35 off 20 deliveries with three fours and two towering sixes to lift India to a competitive 247.

Pakistan seamer Diana Baig bowled with heart, claiming 4-47 in a spirited spell.

Three of those wickets came in her final burst, though she was denied a five-for after overstepping when Jemimah Rodrigues was caught behind on two.

Pakistan’s chase never got out of first gear. The Indian new-ball attack swung the ball late, nipping out early wickets before the spinners tightened the screws.

Off-spinners Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana shared five scalps between them while seamer Kranti Goud’s three-wicket burst earned her the player of the match award.

Sidra Amin, batting at number three, stood tall amid the ruins. Her elegant 81 off 106 balls, laced with nine boundaries and a six, was a lone hand in an otherwise sorry tale.

Running out of partners, she perished sweeping Rana to square leg, ending Pakistan’s faint hopes.

“We gave away too many runs in the Power Play. Sidra was superb again, but someone had to stay with her till the end. Very disappointed with the result,” lamented Pakistan skipper Sana.

The win sent India to the top of the table in the eight-nation tournament while Pakistan languish in sixth, still searching for their first points.

His Majesty the King has donated 42 million baht to repair Phanom Dong Rak Hospital, which was damaged by rockets fired from Cambodia during border clashes back in July.

The hospital in Surin sustained severe damage during the skirmishes. The royal contribution will fund the repair of two key facilities: 12 million baht for the Bhumipat Building and 30 million baht for medical staff housing.

On Monday, Privy Councillor Dr Kasem Wattanachai, acting on behalf of His Majesty, formally presented the donation at Phanom Dong Rak district.

In addition, 800 royal relief packages from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn were distributed to affected residents and hospital personnel to boost morale and provide essential support.

A viral post has sparked heated discussions among netizens after a driver shared an unpleasant encounter with a toll booth attendant, who reportedly refused to accept cash unless the customer’s hand reached directly into the booth. The incident took place at the outbound toll gate towards New City, Bang Phli district.

According to the post, the staff member allegedly displayed rude and dismissive behaviour when the driver attempted to hand over the toll fee. The story quickly gained traction online, with many users commenting that they had experienced similar treatment from the same employee.

The issue has reignited debate over customer service standards among public-facing workers. Many online users argued that employees in service roles should demonstrate greater patience and courtesy, while others pointed out that such positions are increasingly at risk of automation, given that machines could perform the task more efficiently and at a lower cost.

Channel 7 News later reported that the employer of the toll booth worker has issued a clarification. The organisation explained that the incident occurred approximately four to five months ago, and that the employee in question had already been called in for disciplinary action and formally reprimanded. The company also urged drivers to report any similar incidents in future so that further action can be taken.

The Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) presented its perspectives from the cement industry at the Thailand Climate Action Conference 2025 (TCAC 2025), highlighting that clear policies, laws, funding, and mechanisms aligned with the Paris Agreement-together with ‘systematic action’ under a Public-Private-People Partnership-are vital for achieving sustainable success and tackling the global climate crisis.

Dr Chana Poomee, Chairman of TCMA, shared his insights on the upcoming COP30 negotiations during the conference held under the theme ‘Inspiring Climate Solutions for All’ at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok.

Dr Chana emphasised that, from the cement industry’s perspective, urgent action to address climate change is critical. To achieve greenhouse gas reduction targets, it is essential to ‘establish a systematic mechanism,’ ‘be part of the solutions,’ and ‘take meaningful action.’

He added that clear policies, laws, and plans are fundamental to ensuring effective implementation of national strategies. TCMA has prioritised the passage of the Climate Change Act, Thailand’s first law addressing global warming, which establishes a framework for greenhouse gas reduction, climate adaptation, and systematic participation across all sectors-supporting the country’s progression towards its Net Zero goal.

Driving climate action also requires a structured, integrated mechanism linking all sectors through a Public-Private-People Partnership (PPP). This approach fosters collaboration among government, business, and civil society to jointly pursue climate targets.

An exemplary initiative is the SARABURI SANDBOX LOW CARBON CITY, which aims to make Saraburi Province Thailand’s first low-carbon city, with a particular focus on transitioning the cement industry to Net Zero by 2050. The SARABURI SANDBOX is also the first industrial cluster in Thailand to join the World Economic Forum’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters programme, promoting economic growth, job creation, and carbon reduction through synergistic collaboration.

Dr Chana stressed that climate action cannot be achieved by one sector alone. ‘Collaboration benefits industry, communities, and the nation alike,’ he said. This principle underpins TCMA’s ‘3Cs’ framework: Collaborative Mindset to foster shared understanding and cooperation; Collaborative Action to turn commitments into tangible results; and Collaborative Value to ensure measurable social and environmental benefits.

He also noted that bilateral and multilateral international cooperation would enable access to green finance-an essential component for advancing Thailand’s green economy, reducing emissions, and strengthening competitiveness through investment in low-carbon infrastructure.

In recent years, TCMA has secured funding support from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This collaboration allows Thailand’s cement industry to adopt advanced technologies and innovations, such as Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS), and promotes knowledge exchange with leading global organisations including the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA).

‘Saraburi Sandbox is a field-based pilot project and a model of integrated collaboration between government, industry, and civil society. At the same time, we are strengthening cooperation with international networks, both bilateral and multilateral, to ensure that Thailand’s progress is recognised globally,’ Dr Chana said.

He concluded by expressing confidence that Thailand would leverage COP30 in Brazil this November to enhance its greenhouse gas reduction commitments and accelerate climate-related legislation. ‘This is a key opportunity to build international cooperation and secure financial resources to support Thailand’s emission reduction goals. TCMA stands ready to support these efforts,’ he affirmed.

The long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has resurfaced in public debate following Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s announcement that his government plans to hold a national referendum, likely alongside the next election, to ask voters whether Thailand should revoke or retain two key bilateral agreements — MoU 43 (on land boundaries) and MOU 44 (on overlapping maritime zones).

The move revives one of the most sensitive issues in Thai national security policy — how to manage complex, overlapping territorial claims with Cambodia that have periodically triggered military clashes and fueled nationalist tensions for more than two decades.

What is MOU 43?

MoU 43 — officially the Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand and Cambodia on the Survey and Demarcation of [the] Land Boundary — was signed on June 14, 2000, during the government of then-prime minister Chuan Leekpai.

Its purpose was not to redefine borders but to establish a framework and mechanism for jointly surveying and demarcating the land boundary, which stretches nearly 800 kilometres — a process which remains unfinished to this day.

Background

After Cambodia’s internal conflict ended in the mid-1990s, Bangkok and Phnom Penh resumed talks to clarify poorly defined border segments rooted in colonial-era treaties between Siam and France, which then ruled Indochina. The treaties of 1904 and 1907, along with their associated maps, left ambiguous demarcations — particularly around the Preah Vihear Temple and adjoining highlands — creating “overlapping areas”.

Why it was needed

Before MoU 43, the two countries faced recurring disputes over several unresolved issues. Chief among them was the interpretation of Franco-Siamese treaties and maps, particularly the Dangrek map, which Thailand never formally endorsed and claims was inaccurately drawn, placing Preah Vihear on the Cambodian side.

Tensions were also rooted in the 1962 International Court of Justice ruling, which awarded the temple itself to Cambodia but left the surrounding land undefined, creating a 4.6-square-kilometre overlapping zone. In addition, large sections of the 800-kilometre border remained undemarcated after the Cold War, while villagers, loggers, and military patrols frequently clashed along disputed stretches, sometimes escalating into armed skirmishes.

Key provisions of MOU 43

Under MoU 43, both sides agreed not to unilaterally alter the border landscape, such as by constructing buildings or digging trenches. The agreement also established a Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to conduct surveys, install boundary markers, and resolve disputes through dialogue.

What is MOU 44?

MoU 44 — the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia Concerning the Area of Their Overlapping Maritime Claims to the Continental Shelf — was signed on June 18, 2001, under the government of Thaksin Shinawatra.

It addresses the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) in the Gulf of Thailand, covering about 26,000 square kilometres, where both countries have laid claim to the continental shelf since the 1970s.

Why it was signed

Both nations declared their respective continental shelves in 1972-1973, but the boundaries overlapped significantly. The area was later found to contain abundant petroleum and natural gas reserves, making cooperation not only economically desirable but also politically sensitive.

Core principles

MoU 44 established two main frameworks. First, both countries agreed to negotiate an arrangement for joint petroleum exploration and production within a designated Joint Development Area (JDA), with the aim of sharing economic benefits from natural resources. Second, the two sides committed to continuing talks to establish a permanent maritime boundary. The Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) in the Gulf of Thailand, jointly claimed by Thailand and Cambodia, spans approximately 26,000 square kilometres.

Most crucially, Article 5 of the MoU stipulates that until delimitation is completed, neither party’s signature affects its legal claim — meaning no sovereignty was surrendered by either side. In essence, MoU 44 created a framework for future negotiation, rather than a binding concession of territory or rights.

Calls to cancel MOU 43-44

The movement to revoke both MoUs resurged after deadly clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border on July 24, 2025, which left soldiers and civilians dead on both sides, particularly near Ta Muen Thom Temple and Chong Arn Ma Pass. Although a ceasefire was reached on July 28, the political fallout remains intense.

Conservative factions — including senators, members of the Palang Pracharath Party and the Bhumjaithai Party (then in opposition) — together with nationalist groups led by Sondhi Limthongkul, accused the previous Pheu Thai government under Paetongtarn Shinawatra of jeopardising national interests.

They alleged that Thaksin Shinawatra’s close ties with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen had influenced bilateral talks, prioritising personal or business interests over national sovereignty, particularly in relation to the maritime energy resources covered under MoU 44. Opponents further claim the Thaksin and Hun Sen families could benefit from joint petroleum ventures in the overlapping maritime zone, potentially at Thailand’s expense.

Critics also argue that MoU 43 has failed to prevent repeated incursions by Cambodian troops and civilians, despite hundreds of alleged violations, including the construction of structures, trench-digging, and land-use changes in disputed areas.

According to the Royal Thai Armed Forces, there have been 400-500 similar instances of illegal crossings by both the military and civilians from the other nation since 2000.

Meanwhile Cambodian authorities have countered with accusations of more than 695 similar Thai breaches in the opposite direction– underscoring the deep mutual distrust.

The map controversy

A technical but crucial issue lies in the choice of maps used for border demarcation. Cambodia favours the 1:200,000 scale French colonial map (1905-1908), arguing that it carries historical legitimacy. Thailand, however, insists on the 1:50,000 scale map, which more accurately reflects natural watershed lines and provides greater topographical precision. Thai experts argue that reliance on the French map would reduce Thai territory, particularly around the Dangrek Mountains and the Preah Vihear area.

The current situation

While nationalist rhetoric is on the rise, many experts caution against any unilateral withdrawal from MoUs 43 and 44. Scholars and diplomats warn that revoking either agreement without Cambodia’s consent and without an alternative legal framework could leave Thailand without a dispute-management mechanism, heightening the risk of renewed clashes.

Such a move could also be viewed internationally as a treaty violation, undermining Thailand’s credibility, and might even expose the country to another case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with Cambodia potentially reviving unresolved complaints — much like the 1962 Preah Vihear ruling, in which Thailand lost.

Parliament and Senate have established special committees to examine the advantages and drawbacks of termination, though their findings are still pending.

The referendum debate

Mr Anutin’s proposed referendum has sparked sharply divided opinions.

Supporters view it as a democratic solution that gives citizens a direct voice on sovereignty issues. Opponents counter that border and maritime treaties are highly technical matters requiring expert negotiation and legal precision, not populist voting.

Critics have also accused the ruling Bhumjaithai Party of using the referendum as a nationalist campaign tool ahead of the next election — a strategy to project patriotism and consolidate its political base among conservative voters.

What lies ahead?

If the referendum proceeds, it could reshape both Thailand’s regional diplomacy and its domestic politics. Revoking the agreements could reignite tensions with Cambodia and complicate Asean cooperation, while retaining them might anger nationalist voters but preserve stability and international credibility.

Either way, the fate of MoUs 43 and 44 highlights Thailand’s enduring dilemma: how to balance national pride, regional peace, and pragmatic diplomacy in one of Southeast Asia’s most sensitive border disputes.

The Game Industry Act is expected to be passed into law by the House of Representatives during the new government’s tenure.

Three Asian countries have a game industry law: Japan, South Korea and China.

Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, president and chief executive of Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), said the agency is hopeful the government can pass the law as new Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob has been eager to promote the e-sport sector.

The bill passed a public hearing and was approved by a revolving fund committee of the Comptroller-General’s Department.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission also earmarked a budget to support industry development under the law.

Mr Nuttapon said depa made an informal presentation on updated information related to the bill to the DES minister.

The DES Ministry assigned depa to draft the bill, which covers all dimensions of digital game businesses and services.

Some public and non-profit organisations are concerned that online games may promote gambling. They are calling for definitions and supervision of the game industry, with clear regulations and a registration system that balance monitoring and promoting the gaming ecosystem.

Gaming rules are not limited to internet cafes, also covering online and mobile platforms.

The bill aims to deal with the sophisticated development of the game sector, which is valued at 30-40 billion baht per year.

The law also seeks to promote Thailand as a regional gaming hub.

The bill regulates the registration of all types of games, particularly those with gambling features, such as lucky draw games, or games with points-based reward systems.

Government agencies have been unable to effectively supervise these games due to the lack of a clear legal framework.

Once the law comes into force, cyber police can immediately block unregistered games and verify which games meet international standards and which pose a potential risk of fraud.

“The law is not a barrier, but rather a mechanism to regulate the gaming market to ensure fairness and facilitate free and responsible market competition,” said Mr Nuttapon.

He said the law should also promote the Thai gaming industry to be more competitive globally.

THREE NEW COMMITTEES

The act comprises five elements: improving game definitions, establishing related committees, game registration, supervision, and an industry promotion fund.

Mr Nuttapon said three committees will be established after the law comes into force, for registration, supervision headed by cyber and provincial police, and industry promotion.

He said each committee will have distinct roles to prevent overlapping duties.

In related news, Thailand is preparing to host the Gamescom Asia event for the first time.

The event is scheduled for Oct 16-19 in Bangkok, organised by depa and several partners.

The previous four editions of the event were held in Singapore.

Mr Nuttapon said Gamescom is a global forum for the gaming business and an important opportunity to demonstrate Thailand’s position as a leader in the gaming industry in Asia.

He said if the game industry law is enacted soon, it will build confidence among investors worldwide and enhance the image of the Thai gaming industry on the international stage.

On an otherwise unremarkable Wednesday evening, your phone buzzes with the news: your table at Saeng Tha Thien has been confirmed. After three months of refreshing booking systems and nudging contacts, you’re in. Relief quickly gives way to planning: the Instagram post. You picture the shot – strawberry and shrimp paste salad, a discreet glimpse of the few-table dining room, and Wat Arun glowing across the river. You might tag the restaurant in the corner of your story; you might not. Either way, the message is the same: you made it.

For the uninitiated, Saeng Tha Thien is a riverside restaurant near the Thai Grand Palace that reinterprets Thai recipes with contemporary flair. With just a handful of tables, it has become as renowned for its scarcity as for its cooking. It is not alone. Mahasan, a beef specialist in Sathorn, and Canteen19, a Charoenkrung darling serving playful ‘Thaitalian’ plates, are equally difficult to access. Their waitlists stretch weeks, sometimes months, and the race for a table has become part of their allure.

Cross BKK has taken the concept to the extreme: its one-year waitlist turns dinner into something closer to a concert ticket than a meal. Internationally, the phenomenon is familiar. In New York, Carbone’s red-sauce swagger has diners refreshing Resy daily. In Tokyo, Den’s seasonal menus are booked out long before the leaves turn. Bangkok has simply adopted the same playbook – and, characteristically, put its own theatrical spin on it.

What unites these restaurants is the idea that access itself is the commodity. A location tag on Instagram has become a badge of entry into a rarified club. A friend who finally secured Mahasan after weeks of trying admitted, half-sheepishly: ‘The beef was extraordinary. But honestly, it was telling people I got in that felt just as satisfying.’ In a city where social media is stitched into daily life, the dining table doubles as a stage, and the Instagram Stories that vanish in 24 hours often matter as much as the meal itself.

There is, of course, a paradox here. Months of anticipation collapse into a two-hour dinner, and the digital proof disappears by morning. The scarcity fuels desire, yet the payoff is fleeting. The prestige is not in the flavour that lingers, but in the fact that others know you tasted it at all.

For Bangkok, this shift says something larger. Dining has always been a social activity, but in the era of the waitlist, it has become an explicitly performative one. Restaurants are no longer just places to eat; they are cultural events, rationed to heighten demand. That leaves us with a question: when access, rather than appetite, becomes the measure of value, what does that mean for the future of dining?

The food may still be excellent – in many cases, superb. But as the reservation list grows longer, so too does the distance between dining as pleasure and dining as proof. In Bangkok today, the reservation is the main course, and the good life is defined by whether your name is on it.

A landmark collaboration between B.Grimm and Siam Piwat Group is set to redefine sustainable development in Thailand through a multi-dimensional strategic partnership spanning renewable energy, digital innovation, biodiversity, holistic wellness, and cultural promotion.

The partnership was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between B.Grimm – Thailand’s oldest established company with a 147-year legacy in nation building – and Siam Piwat Group, the visionary retail and real estate developer behind world-renowned destinations such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and ICONSIAM.

Central to this collaboration is the installation of a solar rooftop at Siam Paragon, alongside initiatives in energy efficiency, biodiversity conservation, knowledge exchange, and arts and culture. Together, both organisations aim to pioneer a model for sustainable business that harmonises innovation, environmental responsibility, and community well-being.

Clean Energy for a Sustainable Future

Under the agreement, Siam Paragon has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with B.Grimm Power Smart Solution Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited, to develop the solar rooftop project on the shopping centre’s building.

Covering more than 4,600 square metres with an installed capacity of 793 kilowatt-peak (kWp), the system is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 532 tons annually. The electricity generated will power Paragon Hall, a world-class convention and exhibition centre, as well as a new zone within Siam Paragon scheduled to open in late 2025 – set to become a sustainability showcase and landmark in the heart of Bangkok.

Building on the success of the solar rooftop at ICONSIAM, the project will further increase the share of clean energy used across Siam Piwat’s portfolio, in line with its target of achieving 100% renewable energy across all shopping centres by 2030.

Shared Vision for Sustainability

Dr Harald Link, Chairman of B.Grimm, noted that the partnership reflects both companies’ long-standing commitment to driving Thailand’s progress in healthcare, infrastructure, and energy innovation.

‘With its heritage of doing business with compassion in harmony with nature, B.Grimm is dedicated to supporting sustainable development and future innovations that meet the needs of society in the digital age,’ said Dr Link. ‘We are delighted to collaborate with Siam Piwat, whose world-class properties bring happiness and meaningful experiences to millions of visitors every year.’

Beyond renewable energy, the partnership extends into biodiversity conservation, knowledge exchange inspired by Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) concept, holistic healthcare, and promotion of classical music education through the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO) – Southeast Asia’s premier orchestra supported by B.Grimm.

Leading Thailand’s Transition to Net Zero

Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Piwat Group, said the collaboration represents a new benchmark for sustainable destinations in Thailand.

‘This partnership with B.Grimm marks another significant milestone for Siam Piwat as we continue to integrate innovation and clean energy management to enhance efficiency and sustainability,’ said Ms Chadatip. ‘We have set an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This alliance underscores a shared vision to establish a truly ESG-driven business ecosystem that aligns with international sustainability standards.’

Siam Piwat’s sustainability strategy is embedded across all its destinations – Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, ICS, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok – which are not only global lifestyle hubs but also platforms for social connection and environmental responsibility. The company’s ‘Creating Shared Value’ approach ensures that its success translates into long-term benefits for communities, the environment, and the nation.

In uniting innovation with compassion, B.Grimm and Siam Piwat are charting a clean-energy future that strengthens Thailand’s position as a regional model for sustainable progress.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to preside over the inaugural meeting of the National Disaster Management and Relief Committee (NDMRC) on Monday, as floods continue to threaten many parts of the country.

The committee, which was formed last Tuesday, along with the National Disaster Relief Operations Centre (NDROC), has the job of coordinating, supervising, and integrating disaster relief efforts nationwide.

The move followed Mr Anutin’s visit to flood-hit Bang Ban district in Ayutthaya on Sept 27, where he observed recurring flood problems and inadequate relief efforts.

Following the visit, he ordered the creation of a central mechanism to deliver more effective assistance to citizens affected by floods.

The NDMRC, chaired by Mr Anutin himself, will oversee all phases of disaster management from preparedness, prevention to emergency response and post-crisis rehabilitation.

It also has the authority to direct government agencies, state enterprises, and other organisations in disaster relief operations, and appoint special working groups or experts as needed.

Meanwhile, the NDROC, led by Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zarum, will serve as the main command and coordination centre for relief operations, covering evacuations, safety measures, essential supplies, and temporary shelters.

The DDPM on Sunday issued a warning about flash floods in several central and northeastern provinces, including Phitsanulok, Ubon Ratchathani, and Ayutthaya, as well as coastal flooding from high tides in 23 coastal provinces, including Bangkok.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), meanwhile, said Typhoon Matmo was gaining strength over the upper South China Sea. The typhoon was expected to make landfall in China’s Guangdong province on Sunday.

While the storm will not enter Thailand, it is strengthening the southwest monsoon, bringing heavier rain and flash flood risks to the North, Northeast, East and South until Tuesday.

Residents in at-risk areas are urged to be on alert for floods.