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Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob, a former education minister and younger brother of Newin Chidchob – widely regarded as the real power behind the governing Bhumjaithai Party – has been appointed as an adviser to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

The cabinet on Tuesday approved the appointment along with those of several other political officials. Pol Gen Permpoon served as education minister in the administration of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin.

His appointment as education minister at the time drew sharp criticism, particularly from the now-defunct Move Forward Party. The opposition party, the predecessor of the People’s Party, cited his role in the fatal hit-and-run case involving Vorayuth ‘Boss’ Yoovidhya.

The heir to the Red Bull fortune crashed his Ferrari into a motorcycle driven by a police officer in the Thong Lor area of Bangkok on Sept 3, 2012.

The National Anti Corruption Commission found that Pol Gen Permpoon, while serving as an assistant to the national police chief, failed to object to prosecutors’ decision to drop two charges against Vorayuth.

Pol Gen Permpoon faced unspecified disciplinary action at the time but was not among those indicted in 2024 for offences including manipulating speed estimates that resulted in the charges being dropped.

Two former senior prosecutors were sentenced to jail in April this year for misconduct in connection with the ‘Boss’ case.

The last remaining charge against Vorayuth, reckless driving causing death, carries a penalty of up to 10 years in jail, and expires in September 2027.

In Bangkok’s increasingly competitive luxury real estate market, SCOPE has emerged not merely as a developer, but as a thought leader shaping the very definition of luxury living in Thailand. The company’s projects – From SCOPE Langsuan to SCOPE Promsri to SCOPE Thonglor- have consistently set new benchmarks, positioning SCOPE as a brand synonymous with world-class design, well-being, and uncompromising attention to detail.

‘Luxury is not simply about price,’ Yongyutt Chaipromprasith, CEO of SCOPE Co., Ltd. explains. ‘It’s about creating a way of life that truly elevates how people live. Our long-term vision is to deliver timeless luxury – residences that hold their value for decades and are always best-in-class.’

This philosophy is captured in the brand’s guiding philosophy: Think Sharp, Live Distinct. It reflects SCOPE’s commitment to blending product excellence, lifestyle integration, and world-class hospitality into a seamless experience that resonates with Thailand’s most discerning buyers.

The Philosophy Behind ‘Think Sharp, Live Distinct’

SCOPE’s guiding philosophy – Think Sharp, Live Distinct – integrates three pillars: Product Excellence, Lifestyle Integration, and World-Class Hospitality. These pillars reflect the company’s belief that luxury is not defined by superficial indulgences but by thoughtful design, curated experiences, and emotional well-being.

Each unit is designed to enhance physical, emotional, and social health. Services such as a penthouse assistant, weekly housekeeping, and valet parking bring ease and convenience to daily life, while an in-house chef and amenities like gyms, spas, and communal spaces promote healthy, balanced lifestyles. The residences are also pet-friendly, with dedicated dog and cat care services ensuring every member of the family is well looked after.

‘We ensure that residents can live comfortably without compromising privacy, comfort, or community harmony,’ says Mr Yongyutt, highlighting SCOPE’s focus on aligning residents’ lifestyles, social health, and well-being across every project.

Well-Being as the Core of Luxury

Central to SCOPE’s identity is the idea of enabling well-being, defined through three dimensions: Physical Health, Emotional Health, and Social Health.

‘Physical health stems from thoughtful design, specifications and amenities that encourage healthier living,’ Mr Yongyutt notes. ‘Emotional health comes from spaces and services that allow residents to feel relaxed, happy, and free of stress. Most importantly, social health is about living among like-minded individuals who share similar values and lifestyles.’

He adds that true comfort is not just about having a beautiful apartment but about the community one lives in. ‘Two buyers may have the same level of wealth, but if their lifestyles are completely different, friction can arise. Social alignment is more important than money. If lifestyles are shared, everything flows more harmoniously.’

This philosophy shaped projects like SCOPE Promsri, where the developer deliberately designed one-bedroom residences. By focusing on only one type of residence and a tightly defined target demographic, SCOPE eliminated potential frictions while delivering a product that fits both end-users and investors.

The result? A development that resonated with its audience, attracting buyers who use their units as a ‘third home’ or weekend retreat, while also appealing to tenants seeking pet-friendly living and full-service convenience.

Crafting Distinctive Experiences

SCOPE’s projects are unified by a commitment to design excellence and lifestyle integration. Every detail – from architecture and materials to services and shared spaces – is calibrated to enhance the resident experience.

At SCOPE Thonglor, for instance, the concept of privacy is elevated to the extreme. ‘Typical condominiums reserve penthouses for just a few buyers, leaving the rest of the residents in smaller and less cohesive spaces, which creates imbalance. At SCOPE Thonglor, every unit is designed as a private-floor residence, offering complete privacy,’ he explains

Ranging from 416-765 square metres and priced from 247-615 million baht, each residence reflects the exclusive vision of Thomas Juul-Hansen, the world-renowned architect behind some of the most expensive penthouses in New York and London, who has made SCOPE Thonglor ‘The Penthouse of Penthouses’ – the one and only in Thailand. ‘Everyone lives at the same elevated level,’ he explains.

SCOPE Thonglor also redefines urban luxury by integrating services that mirror five-star hospitality into everyday living. From weekly inclusive housekeeping and a service kitchen with in-house chefs to blow-dry services, daily complimentary coffee – and soon, a partnership with a renowned matcha brand to bring this experience to all its residences – valet and auto parking, and even on-site pet grooming, every detail anticipates residents’ needs. Here, luxury is not about excess but about reclaiming time and peace of mind.

‘Many wealthy people own properties abroad but still opt for hotel stays,’ Mr Yongyutt says. ‘For this reason, we bring that same hotel-level service into the home. It’s about emotional well-being – ensuring residents feel relaxed, cared for, and free from stress.’

Understanding the Ultra-Wealthy

SCOPE’s primary audience consists of Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), both domestic and international. For this group, a luxury residence is not simply a place to live but a reflection of their taste and an investment in quality of life.

‘These clients look beyond square footage and location,’ he notes. ‘They want timeless design, impeccable service, and the assurance that their property will hold value.’

This insight drives SCOPE’s uncompromising approach – working with world-class architects and designers, specifying materials of the highest standard, and considering even unseen details such as soundproofing and dedicated rest areas for service staff within buildings.

A New Global Standard

SCOPE’s mission is nothing less than to position Thailand prominently on the global luxury real estate map. The company partners with internationally renowned designers such as Thomas Juul-Hansen for SCOPE Langsuan and SCOPE Thonglor, incorporates the iconic French furniture brand Ligne Roset throughout SCOPE Promsri, and elevates residential service to the level of world-class hospitality. Together, these elements define a standard of living that sets SCOPE apart in both Thailand and the wider region.

That vision has already translated into tangible results. SCOPE Langsuan, for instance, achieved record-breaking prices per square metre – a testament to the power of distinctive design and precise market positioning. ‘Location is critical, but design wins,’ Mr Yongyutt reflects. ‘When people see great design, they remember it – and they are willing to pay for it.’

With a portfolio of three flagship projects valued at 15 billion baht already reshaping expectations in Bangkok, SCOPE has proven its approach. Looking ahead, the company remains focused on creating fewer but better developments, each tailored precisely to its location and clientele.

‘We don’t copy and paste projects,’ Mr Yongyutt concludes. ‘Each site demands a unique product, but our core remains the same: design, quality, and well-being. That is what will carry SCOPE – and Thai luxury real estate – onto the world stage.’

The armed robbery of a gold shop in Narathiwat’s Sungai Kolok district on Sunday, which netted over 35.6 million baht in gold jewellery, was carried out to fund a southern separatist network, according to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4.

Investigators looking into the heist found two pick-up trucks, which they believe were used by the suspects on Monday. The vehicles were abandoned at a palm plantation in Waeng district.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and forensic officers were deployed to the site to ensure that there were no explosives hidden in the vehicles and to collect fingerprints and DNA evidence.

Police believe the heist involved 19-20 men divided into three groups. The first group of individuals stole the two pickup trucks used in the heist, another raided the gold shop, while a third planted explosives and scattered spiked strips around the shopping centre to prevent being chased.

In total, two bombs were detonated, one damaging a streetlight pole along the Sungai Kolok-Sungai Padi road, while the other caused damage to a railway barrier.

The suspects are believed to have fled along the Sakor-Waeng route to Malaysia, via natural crossings.

Lt Gen Norathip Pounok, commander of the Fourth Army Region and acting director of Isoc Region 4, has ordered heightened security in both urban and rural areas. He also ordered extra patrols along the Thai-Malaysian border.

Security agencies are reviewing CCTV footage and collecting forensic evidence to identify those involved, he said.

Investigators suspect the group has ties to the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), a key rebel movement in Thailand’s deep South.

Officials believe the heist was not only intended to create panic but also to generate funds for rebel activities. Similar cases in the past include coordinated ATM robberies in August and a major gold shop raid in Songkhla in 2019.

Prime Minister’s Office spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has expressed confidence that the situation will be resolved soon.

Gen Z Thais love to spend, yet tight budgets have pushed more than 70% to switch to cheaper brands for food, drinks and general items, according to research by the marketing agency VML Thailand.

The study identified a ‘consumer paradox’ among Thai shoppers, revealing a web of contradictory behaviours and beliefs that cause brands to lose between 35% and 55% of revenue opportunities.

The research is based on VML’s analysis of its global studies such as ‘The Future 100’ and ‘Future Shopper’, a related survey of more than 45,000 global consumers and cross-checking of data from partners such as Kantar and Euromonitor, aiming to decode the complex psychology of modern Thai consumers.

The report found four characteristics reshaping Thailand’s marketing landscape. The first is that despite economic pressures, Gen Z Thais show a strong desire to spend on food, beverages and personal expenses.

However, this desire clashes with a limited capacity to spend, leading more than 70% to seek cheaper brands.

Nearly half of this group also wants to save and invest for the future.

In contrast, Gen X and Baby Boomers, who have better financial standing, focus on saving but are still willing to spend on health products and enjoyable experiences.

Second, people feel the need to disconnect and escape digital overload, yet they are equally driven to reconnect and stay socially engaged.

While more than 90% of Thais are constantly connected to the internet and social media, there is a growing sense of ‘technology fatigue’, noted the study.

Nearly 80% of Thais are considering controlling their data consumption, and 71% report feeling tired of technology. Some 38% of the population have sought real-world activities for better mental health.

However, Thais still view technology as a crucial tool for improving human connections and life opportunities, according to VML.

The third finding is consumers demand authenticity and real value, yet still crave the excitement and allure of the ‘wow’ factor.

Trust is a major issue, with more than 80% of Thais worried about the prevalence of fake news on social media, fuelling demand for authenticity (64%) and trustworthiness (70%) from brands, noted the study.

However, simply being honest is not enough. Some 73% of consumers also want brands to be entertaining, engaging, and create exciting ‘wow’ moments that make them stand out.

Finally, health and wellness are top priorities for Thais and they are willing to pay extra for products in this category. Surprisingly, the younger Gen Z fears ageing the most, viewing appearance maintenance as a critical investment.

Conversely, 90% of Baby Boomers believe ‘age is just a number’, with over half feeling that life can begin anew after 60.

According to Parattajariya Jalayanateja, chief executive of VML Thailand, even when brand awareness is strong, achieving conversion to sales and customer retention can be a challenge.

The study found all industries suffer a 50-75% drop-off rate during the period when consumers move from considering a product to actually purchasing it, resulting in brands losing revenue opportunities by 35-55%.

She said these characteristics can become opportunities for brands that learn to create deep and sustainable connections.

A 76-year-old man is believed to have shot his 66-year-old wife before killing himself at their home in Song Phi Nong district on Monday.

About 6pm, local police were alerted to gunshots at a house in Moo 4, tambon Bang Ta Then. At the scene, officers discovered Saman, 76, and his wife Samruay, 66, dead outside their home.

Saman had a gunshot wound to his right temple. A 9mm pistol with one spent cartridge lay near his left foot.

Samruay had been shot twice, in the left temple and right chest. Police recovered three 9mm shell casings and one cartridge from the scene.

Their youngest son, Somchai, 49, said both parents suffered from high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. His father had recently developed Parkinson’s disease, causing tremors and memory lapses.

“He frequently spoke of wanting to end his life rather than be a burden on his children, and worried that my mother would struggle alone after his death,” Somchai said. “He always said that even though they weren’t born together, they wanted to die on the same day. I thought it was just talk, but he actually went through with it.”

Pol Col Prinya Kaochawat, superintendent of Bang Ta Then station, confirmed neighbours reported hearing three gunshots.

“Their son had visited that afternoon. The incident occurred in the evening,” he said.

The investigation was continuing.

The Board of Investment (BoI) has granted approval to Homa Appliances (Thailand) Co, a unit of China’s leading refrigerator exporter, to set up two manufacturing facilities in Thailand.

According to Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BoI, Homa Appliances received approval from the BoI on Sept 30 for an investment of 2.96 billion baht.

One of the facilities will produce smart refrigerators, while the other one will manufacture freezers with EU energy efficiency standards.

“Homa’s investment underscores the growing trend of smart appliance and white goods manufacturers establishing a presence in Thailand in recent years,” said Mr Narit. “Between January 2022 and August 2025, project applications in this sector amounted to a combined value of about 200 billion baht, driven largely by high-value investments from leading Chinese companies. These projects not only create manufacturing jobs for Thais but also expand opportunities in research and development.”

Established in 2015 and headquartered in China’s Guangdong province, Homa Appliances specialises in the design, research and development, and manufacture of electrical appliances such as refrigerators and freezers.

The company’s first two manufacturing projects in Thailand, located in Chon Buri province, will eventually have a combined annual production capacity of over 1.7 million units, including smart refrigerators, high-efficiency refrigerators, and chest freezers, using more than 50-60% local content in their components.

All output from the facilities will be exported, generating expected annual trade revenue of more than 12 billion baht. Upon full operation, the two projects are anticipated to provide employment opportunities for around 3,000 engineers and workers.

“Thailand currently serves as an important production base for electrical appliances in the region. Over the years, many leading companies have established production bases in Thailand to export to markets worldwide, including Samsung, LG, Electrolux, Beko, Arçelik, Hitachi, as well as major Chinese manufacturers such as Midea, Haier and Hisense,” said Mr Narit.

“Homa is the latest global-level manufacturer and the fourth Chinese appliance company to decide to invest in Thailand, underscoring confidence in Thailand’s potential as a regional hub for smart appliance production and the country’s readiness in terms of infrastructure, supply chains, skilled personnel, and government support measures.

“The BoI will continue to work with Homa and other manufacturers to facilitate business matching, connect supply chains, promote the use of local components, and foster collaboration to develop Thai component manufacturers so they have the opportunity to become part of the global supply chain.”

SKF (Thailand) Ltd, a global leader in bearing manufacturing from Sweden, has reaffirmed its sustainability vision with the official launch of the “SKF Ayutthaya Circular Solution Centre” in Thailand.

The launch strengthens its commitment to the circular economy and drives Thailand’s sustainable industrial growth.

The new facility is an innovation hub for bearing remanufacturing, showcasing advanced technology that “brings used bearings back to life” with performance comparable to brand-new products.

The initiative reduces resource and energy consumption, significantly cuts carbon emissions and helps businesses lower operational costs.

For more than 38 years in Thailand, SKF has delivered world-class Swedish technology and innovation to support the nation’s key industries.

Beyond providing premium-quality bearings and tailored solutions, the company has been committed to fostering a sustainable circular economy by reintroducing used products into the production cycle through repair and refurbishment.

This approach not only creates added business value but also promotes environmental responsibility across partners, suppliers and customers, contributing to a more sustainable industrial value chain.

Tawiwat Reongpunyaroj, managing director of SKF (Thailand), said that as industries worldwide accelerate their sustainability efforts, SKF continues to align its global vision of driving business growth alongside sustainability.

He added that the SKF Ayutthaya Circular Solution Centre is more than a hub for restoring used bearings — it reflects the company’s role as a creator of sustainable solutions, backed by over 118 years of global expertise and innovation.

“With this centre, we enable customers to reduce maintenance costs, minimise downtime and, most importantly, achieve up to 90% reductions in both carbon emissions and energy consumption compared to producing new bearings.”

For example, remanufacturing 600 kilogrammes of bearings helps cut carbon dioxide emissions by 1 tonne.

While producing new bearings requires over 100 complex steps, SKF’s remanufacturing process restores used bearings with only 10 steps — highlighting efficiency in time, resources and cost.

Every remanufactured bearing follows the same stringent quality, warranty and performance standards as new products, while customers also benefit from carbon credit certification and comprehensive lifecycle solutions, including inspection and advanced maintenance technologies.

“We are proud to support our customers and partners in achieving their sustainability goals. The opening of this centre is only the beginning of our ongoing commitment to shaping a low-carbon industrial future for Thailand,” Mr Tawiwat said.

The launch ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from the Embassy of Sweden, the Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

Peter Björk, president of the Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, said Sweden has a long history of innovation and is one of the most innovative countries when it comes to sustainability solutions, which is always a key focus when designing products and services for everyday life and for the industry.

The new SKF Ayutthaya Circular Solutions Centre is an excellent example of how innovation and sustainability go hand in hand to improve products and processes for the benefit of industry, society and people at large, he added.

Thanathorn Trongsittivito, chairman of the FTI’s Environmental Management Industry Club, said the federation’s mission is to propel Thai industry towards a more sustainable and innovative future, prioritising the shift from traditional manufacturing to clean production processes, with the aim of significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions and maximising the circular economy concept.

The cosmetic surgery and aesthetics sector in Thailand is projected to post minimal growth next year due to weakened spending among locals and an increasingly competitive market, according to Meko International Hospital.

Dr Wararat Sirikudta, chief executive of Meko International Hospital, said the industry might record slim growth next year, affected by the diminished purchasing power of Thais.

She said businesses targeting price-sensitive customers could face more challenges due to decreased customer purchasing power in a challenging economic environment, while new entrants into the market are expected to continue.

The number of clinics offering non-surgical cosmetic treatments in Bangkok is approaching saturation point, said Dr Wararat.

In a strategic move, she announced the merger of Meko Clinic with Someko Clinic to establish Meko International Hospital, targeting both Thai and foreign patients.

Dr Wararat said the company predicts business opportunities in overseas markets, particularly from customers travelling to Thailand for services from Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

The company is focusing on customers from Indonesia and China as both countries have large populations and their economies are growing, while other Southeast Asian nations record gradual growth.

The tension between Thailand and Cambodia also hurts the industry, she said, as the number of customers from Cambodia declined.

The company aims to increase its foreign customer base to 25% of customers by 2026, up from the current 20%.

In September, Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) predicted the cosmetic surgery and aesthetics industry would be worth 75.2 billion baht this year, a 1.6% year-on-year growth.

For 2026, the report projected an industry value of 76 billion baht, up 1% year-on-year. The slight uptick reflects the ongoing competitive environment in the industry.

As Thailand transitions to an aged society, the potential market for anti-ageing surgery or aesthetic procedures is expected to expand, providing further opportunities for growth in the industry, according to the K-Research report.

The report also anticipated a growth in medical tourism, suggesting that the cosmetic surgery sector could benefit from Asian customers seeking services in Thailand.

K-Research warned intense market competition in the market poses a challenge to this industry, which is expected to see around 470 newcomers on average each year.

The Hill Area and Community Development Foundation (HADF) is urging the government to expedite the granting of citizenship status to elderly stateless individuals, thereby improving their access to basic healthcare and state welfare schemes.

HADF founder, Tuenjai Deetes, said the foundation organised a discussion in Toet Thai village in Chiang Rai’s Mae Fah Luang district last week, which was attended by the village chief and about 80 elderly stateless individuals from the community — many of whom have lived in Thailand for over 40 years.

Among the elderly who were at the meeting was Jongjue Sae-Huang, 73, who emigrated from Yunnan, China, in 1964, when he was 14, but has yet to receive Thai citizenship.

Another individual, Sang-oung Khamsai, 73, immigrated to Thailand via Mae Sai district in 1974.

“I have worked and built a family here. I would be proud if I had the Thai nationality,” she said.

Stateless individuals who have lived in Thailand for over 40 years are eligible to receive Thai citizenship, but in reality, there are over 110,000 elderly individuals who remain stateless despite multiple attempts to grant them citizenship, Ms Tuenjai said.

In 1994, many stateless individuals in the community were granted alien identification cards. The government at the time said those who had had the card for at least five years would be granted citizenship.

“It wasn’t as simple as they said,” said Ms Tuenjai.

On Oct 29 last year, the cabinet passed yet another resolution to grant stateless individuals who have lived in Thailand for a long time, as well as children born to stateless parents in Thailand, Thai nationality.

However, the process to obtain Thai citizenship isn’t easy for elderly people to follow, and many have had to revise their application multiple times, which has caused delays in granting them citizen status.

Ms Tuenjai urged the government to streamline the process.

“The government should prioritise this group of elderly people, some of whom have lived in Thailand for more than 40 years at this point. Granting them the nationality would help them get access to healthcare and state pension,” said Ms Tuenjai.

According to Ms Tuenjai, Chiang Rai has the highest number of nationality applications, with over 1,000 submitted to the Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) to date.

At least 400 applications have been approved by the Interior Ministry, while around 900 require additional supporting documents, she said.

About 90 have been interviewed by the provincial committee.

Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin highlighted its heritage and artistry through the recently-wrapped exhibition ‘The Quest: 270 Years Of Seeking Excellence’ at Nai Lert Park Heritage Home.

Vacheron Constantin brought together centuries of mechanical ingenuity, technical innovation and master craftsmanship at the exhibition to bridge the Enlightenment era with the present day while looking to the future.

Celebrating its 270th anniversary, the maison presented ‘The Quest: 270 Years Of Seeking Excellence’ to trace its journey since 1755 through a narrative of artistry, invention and heritage. The exhibition, hosted at the Summer House of Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, welcomed Wongravee ‘Sky’ Nateetorn as a special guest, joining distinguished visitors in discovering the story of one of Switzerland’s most revered watchmakers.

Guided by the brand’s enduring motto from 1819 – ‘Do better if possible and that is always possible’ – the exhibition unfolded across themed sections: The Beginning; Artistic Crafts and Finishes; High Watchmaking and Grand Complications; and The Quest.

The Beginning highlighted the foundations of the maison, featuring rare documents, photographs, artefacts and antique timepieces. Exhibits included the founding charter, Jean-Marc Vacheron’s first apprenticeship contract, the 1839 pantograph invention that revolutionised watchmaking precision with interchangeable parts, and the extraordinary 1979 Kallista watch, carved from a 1kg gold ingot and set with 118 diamonds totalling 130 carats.

Artistic Crafts and Finishes paid tribute to artisans behind Vacheron Constantin’s masterpieces, showcasing intricate skills in miniature painting, grisaille enamel, engraving, gem-setting and guilloché work – techniques preserved and passed down through generations.

High Watchmaking and Grand Complications immersed visitors in the aesthetic and technical mastery of horology’s finest details, often invisible to the naked eye. A highlight was the world’s most complex watch, unveiled in 2024, Les Cabinotiers – The Berkley Grand Complication. Comprising 2,877 parts and 63 functions, it integrates the world’s first perpetual Chinese calendar.

The Quest drew inspiration from the cosmos, symbolising the timeless bond between humanity and the universe. Here, visitors charted their own personalised sky map, a reflection of individual journeys and the infinite possibilities of discovery.

In all, this exhibition offered a rare opportunity to immerse in Vacheron Constantin’s enduring legacy of refinement, innovation and artistry – an unforgettable encounter with a heritage that continues to inspire across centuries.