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Mixed doubles pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran stayed on course to win their fifth title of the year after reaching the semi-finals of the US$475,000 (approx 15.2 million baht) BWF Arctic Open in Finland on Friday.

The Thais took just 34 minutes to defeat Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai of Malaysia 21-12, 21-14 in the quarter-finals of the World Tour Super 500 event at the Vantaan Energia Areena.

They will play world No.2 pair Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping in the semis after the Chinese duo rallied to defeat Lu Ming-che and Hung En-tzu of Taiwan in three games, 18-21, 21-8, 21-11 on Friday,

Dechapol and Supissara won the China Masters last month, becoming the first non-Chinese players to win the mixed doubles crown at the Shenzhen tournament since its inception in 2005.

Several other Thai players remain in the mix, with Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Ratchanok Intanon and Busanan Ongbamrungphan due to play their last-eight matches later on Friday.

Another mixed pair, Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai, were also due to play later on Friday,

Jane Goodall died last week, still on the road at the age of 91 and still advocating for biodiversity in general and the welfare of chimpanzees in particular. She was a hero to me and millions of others for her courage, her wisdom and her compassion. She was also one of the greatest self-taught scientists in history.

As a young woman with no scientific training, she set up camp in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve in 1960 and began to live with a band of chimpanzees. Nobody had ever done that before — all studies had been done with chimps in captivity — but she gained their trust and began to study their real character.

It was breathtakingly human. Not only are chimpanzees our closest genetic relatives, but they share the same emotions, they have individual personalities, they even think in similar patterns (although a smaller brain and the lack of language restrict the range and complexity of their thought).

After three years in Gombe, she wrote an article for National Geographic that shook the foundations not only of primatology (the study of primate behaviour) but also of anthropology.

She revealed that chimpanzees hunt and eat monkeys. (Previously, they were thought to be harmless vegetarians.) She reported that they made and used tools. (Twigs stripped and shaped to fit into holes in termite hills and extract the termites.) They were far more like us than anybody had suspected.

In time, this new knowledge transformed the perspectives of scientists (who used to view animals as mere biological machines and even questioned whether they were self-aware). It changed popular attitudes towards wild animals, too, and may have saved chimpanzee bands from extinction. But one aspect was deeply troubling: they fight wars. Like us.

Goodall was still spending time with the Gombe chimpanzees in 1974 when the Kasakela group split into two smaller bands, which went to war with each other.

The war lasted four years, until all the adult males of one band had been killed and the surviving females and their young found shelter with other groups. A lot of human beings, hearing this very bad news, thought: I’ve already seen this movie, except that the protagonists were human.

It was at this time, around 1983, that Goodall wrote to me about it, because I had just done a documentary television series about war. She wanted to discuss the implications of the Gombe War, because it shredded the belief that human beings had invented war with the rise of civilisation.

Instead, it was an ancient family tradition. We didn’t invent war; we inherited it.

To my lasting regret, I never replied to her. It was a time of great upheaval in my life, and my priorities were elsewhere. But here’s what I would have said to her then — none of which would have surprised her even so long ago, I expect.

When considering any human social or political behaviour that is problematic, remember where we come from. Any species that starts to build a civilisation (which is what we have been up to for the past 5,000 years) will be carrying a great deal of cultural baggage from its pre-civilised past.

Many customs, traditions, and even reflexes that were useful or at least tolerable for the wild version of the species will be useless or even harmful to its civilised descendants, but that doesn’t mean they will quietly go away. Nobody is in charge of updating these behaviours, and in many cases, some groups or individuals will still be benefiting from them.

In the specific case of the Gombe chimpanzees, hostility to rival groups, patrolling the borders, even the occasional homicide (chimpicide?) may spread the bands out in ways that maximise the food resources available to all — or it may just be a tolerable side-effect of the social structure that ensures the internal unity of each band.

Evolution is not conscious, and it doesn’t care about the welfare of individuals. If you are a very bright chimp, you may deplore the recurrent warfare that disfigures chimp society, but you have no words to condemn it.

Anthropologists know that human hunter-gatherers were usually trapped in similar territorial wars between neighbouring bands. That was presumably pro-survival for the group at some point in the distant past, despite the cost to many individuals. However, humans have language and bigger brains, and they can reason and talk their way out of their old habits.

We are in the midst of that process now. We have been in it for the past hundred years, and we’re definitely not home and dry yet. The chimpanzees are trapped in their ugly little wars, but we may be able to escape from ours eventually.

When the United Nations emerged from the rubble of two world wars 80 years ago, it represented humanity’s most ambitious attempt ever to turn catastrophe into cooperation. But while the scarred world of 1945 had hope following the Allied victory, that optimism has since curdled. The UN today is underfunded, risk-averse, and paralysed.

Meanwhile, AI, crypto-finance, and climate breakdown are jostling to define this century, and wars continue to rage. Against this backdrop, the UN’s 80th birthday commemorations reminded one of the statues on Easter Island: grand but futile gestures of a desperate society on the brink of collapse.

But what, exactly, leads to civilisational collapse? There is no shortage of theories. The geographer Jared Diamond argues that societies as sophisticated as the Maya or Norse Greenlanders ultimately imploded when they failed to adapt to ecological stress.

Similarly, the anthropologist Joseph Tainter has shown that complexity itself can become a liability: when the costs of coordination outstrip the returns, institutions unravel. Alternatively, Peter Turchin and Sergey Nefedov contend that “secular cycles” of rising inequality and elite overproduction have perennially brought social and political upheaval. And Vaclav Smil warns that no system — biological or social — expands forever.

The historian Arnold Toynbee believed that civilisations rise through creative responses to shared problems, and then fall through inertia. Oswald Spengler’s The Decline of the West treated civilizational senescence as destiny, implying that cultures age like organisms. In The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, Paul Kennedy tied imperial collapse to military overreach. William McNeill’s Plagues and Peoples reminds us how pathogens shape history, and Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson’s Why Nations Fail reframes the story around extractive elites.

But where do these analyses leave us? According to the existential-risk researcher Luke Kemp, globalisation has produced a planetary “Goliath.” Unlike Rome or Rapa Nui, today’s world is integrated through and through, which means that any new stressor — a climate shock, a pandemic, a financial crisis — can trigger a sudden, irreversible, global cascade. Worse, with seven of the climate scientist Johan Rockström’s nine planetary boundaries having been breached, Earth has already thrown down the gauntlet for our civilisation.

Yet ruin is not destiny. David Graeber and David Wengrow’s 2022 book, The Dawn of Everything, challenged the deterministic view of civilisational evolution. Collapse is not a matter of fate, but a failure of imagination. Despite writing during the Great Depression, John Maynard Keynes predicted that, within a century, technology could solve the “economic problem”, leaving humans free for the “art of life” as work commitments shrank to 15 hours per week and inequality receded.

Journalists Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s book, Abundance, revives this sensibility. They argue that politics today is unnecessarily mired in scarcity thinking — with endless fights over housing, energy, and other resources leading to gridlock and polarisation. The situation demands what they call a politics of building: expanding capacity, not just slicing a shrinking pie.

While Mr Kemp believes that civilizational “self-termination is most likely”, there are in fact three paths before us. The first is collapse. In this scenario, climate change spirals out of control, AI is rapidly weaponised, crypto destabilises fragile economies, and the UN ossifies into irrelevance.

A second scenario is characterised by drift. Here, scarcity politics continues, regulation of new technologies is incremental, policymakers pursue endless crisis management, and the UN still convenes, but without any authority or vision.

The third path is toward renewal. AI would be harnessed to expand knowledge and reduce drudgery. Blockchain would be redeployed to manage commons transparently, rather than to create new markets for speculation and outright gambling. And the UN would evolve into a 21st-century platform for stewarding planetary data, regulating global public goods, and convening not only states but also cities, firms, and citizens.

Renewal requires not just optimism but institutional imagination. The most valuable currency of the 21st century is not oil, gold, or even data. It is trust. The most important variable is whether and how our institutions adapt. As Toynbee put it, “Civilisations die from suicide, not by murder.” The choice between abundance and apocalypse is still ours to make.

Asian equities declined on Friday after a rally in US stocks stalled amid concern that valuations have become stretched, especially for technology companies, following a relentless surge.

The Thai market was dragged down by a plunge in shares of Delta Electronics, the bourse’s most valuable stock, after regulators imposed market surveillance measures following a record-breaking rally.

The SET index moved in a range of 1,282.47 and 1,317.88 points this week, before closing on Friday at 1,286.98, down 0.5% from the previous week, with daily turnover averaging 37.42 billion baht.

NEWSMAKERS: Global financial markets could tumble if investors’ mood sours on the prospects for AI or the independence of the US Federal Reserve, the Bank of England has warned. It said share valuations on US stock markets were similar to those seen near the peak of the dotcom bubble in 2000.

Gold raced past $4,000 an ounce on Wednesday as investors piled into the safe-haven asset to hedge against economic and geopolitical uncertainties, while also betting on US interest rate cuts. Spot gold slipped back on Friday to around $3,970.

US President Donald Trump said he is considering using tariff revenue to provide rebates to American citizens of $1,000 to $2,000 per person, with a portion applied to the government’s $38-trillion debt. The US Treasury estimates such revenue at $500 billion annually.

China has slapped new port fees on US ships and started an antitrust investigation into the chipmaker Qualcomm, the latest in a string of tit-for-tat moves as Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump jockey for leverage before a key meeting to discuss trade and other issues.

Orsted, the Danish renewable energy developer, said it would cut about 2,000 jobs, or around 25% of its workforce. The move was the latest sign of the diminished prospects for offshore wind, a low-emissions technology that Orsted helped pioneer.

Advanced Micro Devices has reached a long-term AI chip supply agreement with the ChatGPT OpenAI worth several billion dollars, and offered warrants with rights to convert into 160 million shares or a 10% stake, driving AMD shares up as much as 38%.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) said third-quarter revenue rose 30% year-on-year to $32.5 billion, exceeding expectations, driven by continued AI momentum offsetting weak consumer electronics chip demand.

SoftBank Group is reportedly in talks to borrow $5 billion from global banks, refilling its coffers at a time when chairman Masayoshi Son is accelerating the Japanese investment firm’s bets on AI

Years of capital reforms by Vietnam have helped it win an upgrade from FTSE Russell. The market index producer has lifted Vietnam’s stock exchange from frontier market to emerging market. The shift is expected to open the door to capital inflows, particularly from passive funds.

The Philippine central bank cut its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.75% on Thursday, against market expectations, saying the outlook for growth has weakened and inflation expectations are well anchored.

The SET said investors must pay the full amount of cash prior to trading shares of Delta Electronics, the bourse’s most valuable company and a perennial target of speculators. Data over the past five years shows DELTA has been put on the cash-balance list seven times, with opening prices on the first day down an average of 9.5% from the previous day. They closed down 9.1% on Friday.

The Ministry of Finance is planning more adjustments to personal income tax deduction criteria, planning to set a “combined ceiling” for annual tax deductions, and considering a SET proposal to consolidate tax-deductible investment products into a single system. More clarity is expected in November.

The SEC is preparing to adjust criteria for ThaiESG and ThaiESGX funds to invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and infrastructure funds. Official publication in the Royal Gazette is expected shortly.

The Bank of Thailand left its key interest rate unchanged at 1.50% on Wednesday, counter to market expectations for a cut, as the economy struggles with a strengthening baht, negative inflation and the impact of US tariffs.

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has outlined short-term stimulus, long-term growth and distributed-impact programmes, with four deemed urgent: improving farmers’ incomes and managing rice stocks, expanding markets through free trade agreements, reducing the cost of living, and promoting border trade.

The Energy Regulatory Commission said it expected to freeze electricity tariffs for the January-April 2026 period at 3.94 baht per unit, as fuel costs are not rising as sharply as in previous years, potentially eliminating the need to subsidise rates.

The cabinet approved a budget of 44 billion baht for the “Half-Half Plus” co-payment stimulus, which lowers the minimum age for participants to 16, increases spending limits for taxpayers and opens the programme to SME operators. Registration will run from Oct 20-26, with the programme running from Oct 29 to Dec 31.

The World Bank raised Thailand’s 2025 GDP forecast to 2.0% from 1.6% but expects a slowdown to 1.8% in 2026 due to political uncertainty and weak economic momentum, with Thailand’s per capita income recovering slower than the region.

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) raised its 2025 GDP growth forecast to 2.0% from 1.7%, citing better than expected exports and private investment and a stronger recovery in consumption, led by economic stimulus. However, it said slowing tourism remains a concern.

The Consumer Confidence Index rose in September for the first time in eight months to 50.7, driven by greater political clarity, a stock market and export recovery, lower oil prices and hopes for consumption stimulus, said the UTCC.

The Ministry of Energy is promoting “quick big win” policies to generate income and reduce expenses, such as the 1,500MW Community Solar Farm programme, which will be open for private investment.

Foreign tourist arrivals last week rose 16% from the previous week, with the year-on-year decline continuing to narrow, driven by a 67% weekly jump in Chinese tourists during Golden Week. Total foreign arrivals so far this year are 24.57 million, down 7.5% year-on-year.

The Ministry of Finance is planning three tourism stimulus measures: tax deductions for secondary city tourism, accelerating spending of budgets for state agency seminars that will put 10 billion baht into the system, and tax deductions for hotel renovation expenses at 1.5 to 2 times the cost.

Thailand saw inflation dip below zero for the sixth straight month. The consumer price index fell 0.7% in September from a year ago, reflecting lower energy and raw food prices. The Bank of Thailand has reduced its 2025 inflation forecast to zero, with a decline to an average of 0.5% in 2026.

The Oil Fuel Fund Office has reduced the Oil Fund levy for diesel and gasoline by 0.50 baht a litre to lower retail prices, aligning with its attempts to reduce the cost of living. The move is seen as positive for oil retailers amid signs of a marketing margin recovery and seasonally rising consumption.

COMING UP: On Monday, the annual International Monetary Fund-World Bank meetings open in Washington. Also due are a monthly oil market report from Opec and Chinese trade data for September. Tuesday brings UK unemployment, Chinese and German inflation updates. On Wednesday, the US will release core CPI and crude oil stock reports.

On Thursday, the UK will release a GDP update and the US will report September retail sales, the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index and producer price index (PPI). On Friday, the euro zone will release September inflation data and the US will update its import and export price index.

STOCKS TO WATCH: Asia Plus Securities sees BTS and BEM as key beneficiaries of the government’s new co-payment scheme, with indirect gains expected for retail, food and beverage, beauty and tourism sectors. Potential winners include CPALL, BJC, CPAXT, OSP, CBG, SPA, KISS, CENTEL, MINT and AOT.

At the same time, transport ministry policies — to speed up budget disbursement, advance the Southern Economic Corridor Bill, and push major infrastructure projects such as the Land Bridge, common ticketing system and improved traffic management — are expected to benefit industrial estates (AMATA, WHA), construction (CK, STEC, UNIQ), logistics (PSL, TTA, WICE), and EV bus producers (EA, NEX).

InnovestX Securities noted that the US government shutdown may last longer than expected, weighing on economic growth. Domestically, the banking sector faces pressure as third-quarter earnings are projected to decline on both a quarterly and annual basis, which could trigger selling in the group. Its top picks are BCP, CPALL and GPSC.

TECHNICAL VIEW: InnovestX Securities sees support at 1,260 points and resistance at 1,320. Asia Plus Securities sees support at 1,270 and resistance at 1,313.

The “Thailand Plus One” initiative has stimulated investments in Thailand and its neighbouring countries for several years. However, as dynamics evolve in the region and on the global stage, the viability of this approach has come under scrutiny.

Aat Pisanwanich, an economic analyst and Asean affairs advisor at Intelligence Research Consultant Co Ltd, said Thailand needs to adapt to these changes to maintain its pivotal hub status amid transformations.

What is Thailand Plus One and what are its objectives?

The initiative was mentioned in a survey carried out by the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) concerning the business sentiment of Japanese corporations in Thailand in the first quarter of 2013.

In the chapter entitled “Business Base for Thailand-Plus-One Policy”, Jetro defined this initiative.

Mr Aat said the term gained further recognition in Jetro’s 2014 report on global trade and investment to make Japan a base for business circulation, with Jetro’s headquarters in Tokyo and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry endorsing and promoting the term at the national level.

The primary goal of this initiative is to position Thailand as a centre for significant Japanese industrial investments in Southeast Asia, leverages its strengths in logistics while incorporating neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) into the industrial supply chain.

This approach takes advantage of the competitive labour costs and abundant workforces in these neighbouring countries.

Among the major sectors using the Thailand Plus One approach are automotive and auto parts, with Thailand serving as a vital production hub in the region. The electronics and electrical sectors in Thailand focus on the production of hard disk drives and semiconductor packaging.

Textiles and garments is another important sector utilising the initiative, particularly when it comes to design and advanced textiles.

What are the benefits for investors and countries?

Investor benefits are based on the country in which they choose to invest. These advantages include tax holidays, export privileges such as the Generalized System of Preferences and free trade agreements, land ownership rights, economic zones, integrated supply chains, and lower labour costs.

Mr Aat said this policy has enabled Japanese investors to reduce their production costs by relocating labour-intensive industries, while continuing to operate their advanced manufacturing processes in Thailand that include quality control, R and D and logistics.

They can also diversify their risks, reducing reliance on China or Thailand as they learned lessons from Japan’s 2011 tsunami and Thailand’s massive floods during the same year.

Japanese investors can create a regional value chain by linking supply chains in Thailand to the CLMV countries.

As a result, he said Thailand retained its position as a hub of Japanese industries within Southeast Asia, particularly in the automotive and electronics sectors.

For CLMV countries, foreign direct investment (FDI) from Japan has increased, especially in Cambodia, where the focus has been on garments and wire harness production. In Vietnam, the electronics industry has expanded significantly.

These investments created numerous employment opportunities, including in textile and footwear factories in Cambodia and Myanmar, and electronics assembly plants in Vietnam.

Moreover, workers in CLMV countries benefited from skills improvement through exposure to Japanese standards, said Mr Aat.

How does Thailand Plus One affect Thailand?

Thailand maintained its hub status for Japanese industries in Southeast Asia, particularly for the automotive and electronics industries, by utilising advanced manufacturing processes, he said.

However, the sectors requiring low-cost labour such as textiles and garments have relocated to CLMV countries, resulting in job losses in certain areas of Thailand.

Competition also increased from Vietnam, which developed its own supply chains as some Japanese firms relocated their operations to Vietnam without integrating their supply chains with those in Thailand.

Is this policy still appropriate under current conditions?

Mr Aat said adjustments are necessary as both the CLMV region and the global landscape have changed.

Labour costs in CLMV countries have been rising, with Cambodia and Vietnam continuously increasing wages, making them less competitive than in 2013.

In particular, Vietnam has transitioned from a “low-cost labour” economy to become a growing technology hub that competes directly with Thailand.

Political instability is another concern, as Myanmar’s 2021 coup heightened risks for Japanese investors, while Cambodia continues to experience both military and civilian unrest.

Furthermore, Vietnam has attracted significant FDI from Japan, South Korea and Western nations, strengthening its position as a major production hub.

In response to these shifts, he said Thailand may need to adapt policies, potentially rebranding as “Thailand Plus Innovation” to position the country as a regional centre for R and D, digital industries, and green industries, which align with global trends and demand.

Which policies should Thailand adopt to promote investment and cooperation with other countries?

Thai government leaders have said it aims to become the high-value innovation and production hub of Southeast Asia, linking a green and resilient supply chain with CLMV countries, Japan, the US, Europe, South Korea and Taiwan.

The focus is on strategic industries such as electric vehicles (EVs) and related components, such as batteries, inverters, and wire harnesses, along with a comprehensive EV charging infrastructure.

Other priorities include advancing the semiconductor and electronics sector, promoting alternative protein and functional food industries, and establishing green data centres powered by renewable energy to meet environmental, social and governance standards as well as growing demand among global tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and Alibaba Cloud.

Mr Aat said Thailand must enhance digital finance technologies, such as e-payments, digital lending and blockchain, while strengthening cybersecurity to ensure data safety for investors, particularly those from Japan, Europe and the US.

In addition, he said the country must develop an artificial intelligence and digital R and D centre for emerging technologies, including machine learning, the Internet of Things and robotics.

As new US tariffs are placed on imported lumber furniture, Deesawat Industries Co, a Thai wooden furniture manufacturer, is urging Thai companies not to abandon the US market, but rather enhance their presence there.

The US announced a 10% tariff on foreign softwood lumber and timber, and a 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets, vanities and upholstered wooden furniture, starting from Oct 14.

Jirachai Tangkijngamwong, director of Deesawat, said the new tariffs affect not only Thai exports to the US, but also create uncertainty for exports to other countries.

Some non-US importers have delayed orders or reduced volumes until they can more clearly grasp the policy’s broader effects, he said.

“The worst part is the uncertainty. We never know if the tariff rate will change again,” said Mr Jirachai.

In 2024, roughly 80% of Deesawat’s total sales were from exports, with the US contributing 60-70%. Other key export markets include Japan and Italy.

Export strategies

He said the government has made efforts to explore new markets for Thai furniture exporters.

However, as the number of players increases, some suppliers may use aggressive pricing strategies to penetrate these new markets, said Mr Jirachai.

While seeking new export markets, he said the government should not overlook the existing ones, which still possess significant trade value and strong growth potential.

As many exporters rush to find new markets and may weaken their ties with the US, Mr Jirachai said Thai producers should strengthen their presence there.

Some US importers may be open to new trade deals, which he views as an opportunity for Thai exporters seeking new partnerships.

Mr Jirachai also urged the government to broaden opportunities for Thai exporters beyond traditional trade shows, suggesting participation in more specialised fairs such as those in the hotel industry, enabling them to reach potential customers directly.

In terms of long-term support, he called on the government to consistently strengthen national branding efforts, supported by certifications that assure the quality of Thai products, such as the Thailand Trust Mark (T Mark).

As consumers become more conscious of sustainability, the government could assist small entrepreneurs by launching sustainable or low-carbon industry certifications, said Mr Jirachai, enabling small local brands to enhance their business potential among customers seeking verified sustainable products.

More imports

As upholstered furniture is subject to a 25% tariff from the US, he said he expects exporters in this category to explore alternative markets, including Thailand.

While it is difficult to predict the impact on Thai furniture manufacturers, some local producers have transformed into importers of such products.

Mr Jirachai said most of Deesawat’s products are likely to face a 10% tariff as exports mainly consist of outdoor wooden furniture.

He predicted some importers may absorb the costs though others will not, leading to price increases.

This could be an opportunity to introduce a new product line with adjusted pricing that includes costs related to tariffs, which may attract a new segment in the market, said Mr Jirachai.

Moreover, the company is looking to reach end customers directly, facilitating import processes for them.

While product design for direct consumers will differ from those for US original equipment manufacturers, the company is well-positioned to innovate and adapt as it has in-house design teams, he said.

Chartthaipattana Party leader Varawut Silpa-archa has refused to confirm a possible merger with the Pheu Thai Party, insisting that any decision rests with the party executives and its 10 MPs.

In a message posted on the Facebook of Chartthaipattana Party, Mr Varawut said that he remains leader and remains committed to working together as one team.

“I insist we haven’t agreed to anything. We are the Chartthaipattana. If any decision is made, it will be a collective decision by all 10 MPs and the party’s executive board,” he said.

Mr Varawut said that reports about the merger are unsurprising amid heightened political competition, as he noted that it is normal for smaller parties to be approached by major ones seeking to strengthen their position.

He said such speculation could have stemmed from rivalry between the Pheu Thai Party and the Bhumjaithai Party.

His message is in response to speculation that he had been approached to be one of Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidates as the Shinawatra family looks to salvage Pheu Thai’s image.

Former Democrat Party MP Thepthai Senpong wrote on his Facebook that there was a possibility that Mr Varawut could be in the frame due to his long-standing personal and political ties between the two families.

He noted that the political bases of Pheu Thai and Chartthaipattana do not overlap, making the potential merger a mutual benefit. Mr Thepthai also pointed out that Mr Varawut nearly missed out on a party-list seat in the last election, suggesting that a merger with Pheu Thai could secure his political future.

As the major shareholder of Thai Airways International (THAI), the Finance Ministry has confirmed all the new nominees for the company’s board of directors are professionals.

According to finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, 17 individuals have been nominated as potential new directors of THAI, not including nominees from shareholders who hold at least 5% of shares, who are entitled to propose candidates for consideration by the selection committee.

The committee is expected to select eight qualified candidates by Oct 19: four to replace directors whose terms have ended, and four new ones. These names are to be submitted for approval by THAI’s board, which is scheduled to meet on Oct 23.

The board then proposes the list to the shareholders’ meeting for final approval, slated for December.

“Thai Airways must have a professional board of directors, and we affirm that all the nominees we have proposed are top-tier and highly professional,” said Mr Lavaron.

In his capacity as chairman of the Thai Airways board, he said he guarantees all processes are conducted with transparency, and there is no intention to return the airline to a state enterprise, nor will it be managed as one, but rather as a listed company.

“The board members are true professionals who work for the genuine benefit of Thai Airways. Of course, during board meetings not everyone will agree on every issue, but all are professionals. What is discussed in the board room should not be disclosed outside,” said Mr Lavaron.

“As long as I remain chairman, there will be no corruption — everything must be transparent in every aspect.”

He also explained the necessity of increasing the number of board members to 15.

“There are 11 directors, which creates some operational limitations. Certain committees cannot be established because the board is incomplete. For example, the risk management committee is essential, but it cannot be formed at present,” said Mr Lavaron.

“Only two committees exist: audit as well as nomination and remuneration, as required by the stock exchange regulations.

“Under Thai Airways’ rules, all audit committee members must be independent directors. As three independent directors already serve on the audit committee, they cannot serve on any other, reducing the total by three. Another three are assigned to the nomination committee, making six in total that are ineligible for other committees.

“The chairman should not serve on any committee, leaving seven. This leaves only four directors available, which makes it impossible to form the risk management committee. This is why it’s necessary to increase the number of board members to 15.”

The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said he had presented evidence to a House committee backing up his claim regarding an alleged 40-million-baht bribery case, while investigators said the probe should be concluded within 30 days.

The confirmation came as the DES minister was absent during a meeting with the House Committee on Telecommunications and Digital Affairs on Thursday, where he was set to clarify the claim he made.

The committee, as well as another committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy and National Reform, had summoned Mr Chaichanok to provide more details on a police complaint he filed on Oct 6.

It alleged that an unidentified group had offered him 40 million baht to suspend the crackdowns on call-centre gangs and illegal online gambling networks.

Mr Chaichanok affirmed that he had made a genuine allegation and that he wanted the probe to be carried out before he revealed further details.

Asked how many people were involved in the group that was trying to offer him the bribe, Mr Chaichanok said all sides should wait for the investigation results because “there should be more people involved as they will tell on one another”.

Mr Chaichanok said there had been many attempts to reach him, via various channels, but the group had not managed to reach him directly.

Many agencies are involved in solving the issue of call centres, he said, but he failed to confirm if the previous government had been offered or paid bribes to protect them.

Songkram Kitlertpairoj, once an adviser to former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, said Mr Chaichanok’s absence raised questions about whether this government is serious in cracking down on scammers and online gambling.

“Mr Chaichanok may be concerned that his statement may affect anyone close to him, since he said that the person who contacted him was someone close to his political circle,” said Mr Songkram.

Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chaowanasai, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner, said the probe should see progress within the next 30 days.