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The Revenue Department has been instructed to expedite the refund of outstanding value-added tax (VAT) amounting to 160 billion baht to enhance liquidity in the business sector.

According to Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, he ordered the department to speed up the refunds of VAT owed to the business sector, amounting to a total of 160 billion baht, as a way to inject liquidity into the economy.

“The economic engine is running low on fuel and we need to inject liquidity into it, using financial and tax measures. For small and medium-sized enterprises [SMEs] and firms in the supply chain, we will provide loans of up to 1 million baht each. For large businesses, we will use tax measures to encourage them to assist SMEs,” he said.

“For example, under the ‘Big Brother Helps Little Brother’ programme, we will speed up tax refunds for large firms that help SMEs. There is about 160 billion baht in tax refunds pending review.”

As for the refund process, normally the department must complete full verification of information before issuing refunds. However, this time the department will review only 60-70% of the data first, and then conduct post-audit inspections, said Mr Ekniti.

This approach was previously implemented during the pandemic to help inject liquidity into the system.

In addition, he said the ministry will introduce stimulus measures to promote tourism in secondary cities, allowing hotel operators in those areas to deduct renovation expenses from their taxes at an increased rate — possibly 1.5 to 2 times the actual cost.

The ministry is also preparing to propose to the cabinet that government agencies accelerate disbursement of budgets for training and seminars, known as “front-loading”, with a requirement that such training and seminars be held in secondary cities by January 2026.

This budget is expected to total 10 billion baht, consisting of 3.6 billion from government agencies, 3 billion from state enterprises, and the remainder from local administrative organisations.

Football Association of Thailand president Nualphan Lamsam, known as Madam Pang, has been appointed chair of the International Federation of Football Associations (Fifa) Development Committee, the first woman to hold the position.

The announcement was made by Fifa on Oct 7, the Football Association of Thailand said in a post on its FA Thailand Facebook page on Wednesday.

Ms Nualphan confirmed her appointment via her Facebook account on Wednesday. Her term runs from 2025 to 2029.

The Development Committee is one of Fifa’s key standing committees, reporting directly to Fifa president Gianni Infantino and the Fifa Council. The committee plays a pivotal role in overseeing the global development initiatives of the organisation across all 211 member associations.

The committee is tasked with formulating and proposing strategic development plans, conducting regular reviews of these strategies and analysing the support provided to member associations, confederations, and regional bodies worldwide.

In another notable appointment, Lertsak Pattanachaikul, executive committee member of the Football Association of Thailand, was made a membr of Fifa’s Member Associations Committee.

When the opening scene of Tempest hits, viewers are immediately drawn into a world of political deceit, shadowy operatives and fragile trust — the kind of high-stakes storytelling that South Korean dramas have become renowned for.

But Tempest, premiering exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar, raises the bar even higher. Helmed by Queen Of Tears (2024) director Kim Hee-won and Little Women (2022) screenwriter Jung Seok-kyung, the nine-episode series pairs two of South Korea’s biggest stars — Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won — in a story that fuses global espionage with an aching undercurrent of romance.

The result is a show that’s as emotionally charged as it is politically explosive.

When a presidential candidate becomes the target of an assassination attempt, former diplomat Seo Mun-ju (Jun Ji-hyun) finds herself caught in the eye of an international storm. As she unravels a conspiracy that spans rogue nations and intelligence agencies, her only protection comes from Paik San-ho (Gang Dong-won), a mysterious mercenary with a shadowy past. But trust, in this world of lies and shifting alliances, may be the most dangerous gamble of all.

To understand how a story this intricate and emotionally layered came together, one must look at Disney’s growing investment in Korean storytelling. “Tempest is our tentpole original of the year,” said Carol Choi, executive vice-president of Original Content Strategy at The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific.

“It represents our creative ambition to produce a high-quality collection of premium, talent-driven originals from APAC for global audiences and solidify Disney+ Hotstar as the home to new worlds of entertainment for fans to discover and celebrate.”

That ambition is visible in every detail of Tempest. With its cinematic scope, globe-spanning espionage plot and richly textured performances, the series brings the polish of an international spy thriller to the deeply emotional terrain that South Korean dramas excel in. But at its heart lies a story about human connection — about what it means to trust, to sacrifice and to love in a world built on secrets.

Jun Ji-hyun’s casting as Seo Mun-ju is a coup for Disney+. Known for portraying strong, complex women, the actress brings gravitas and vulnerability to her role as a diplomat forced to question the very ideals she once defended.

Opposite her, Gang Dong-won’s portrayal of Paik San-ho adds magnetic ambiguity — a man who protects but also conceals, a mercenary whose motives blur the line between duty and affection. Their chemistry is electric, threading emotional depth through the series’ high-octane action.

“Tempest is centred on a gripping narrative as a high-stakes, cross-genre spy romance that masterfully blends action, political intrigue and romantic drama,” Choi explained. “Like our most successful global hits, it achieves rich cultural specificity while exploring universal tensions between power and ambition, truth and trust.”

It’s that balance — the Korean sensibility rooted in global relevance — that continues to propel the country’s content to the forefront of the international streaming scene. Disney’s role in this ecosystem has been steadily expanding, building a portfolio that includes Moving (2023), A Shop For Killers (2024) and this year’s Nine Puzzles, all of which topped charts across Asia-Pacific.

For Choi, Tempest is not just another addition, but a statement of intent.

“Korea plays a critical role in Disney’s streaming strategy as a key content development hub and a source for great stories that resonate with international audiences,” she said. “We know Tempest will continue this momentum and captivate audiences worldwide.”

Indeed, Tempest seems to embody that which makes Korean storytelling globally magnetic — its ability to weave deeply emotional character arcs into genre frameworks that feel both intimate and grand. From the sterile corridors of government power to the quiet, tender moments shared between two people who might be enemies or lovers, the show captures the full spectrum of human contradictions.

“The stories and projects we are seeing from Korea are world-class,” said Choi. “They have rich specificity in the storyline but are woven with universal values that speak to global audiences.

“Directors Kim Hee-won and Heo Myeong-haeng, and writer Jung Seok-kyung possess a keen sense of the cultural zeitgeist and craft characters and storylines that move the hearts and minds of audiences.”

That craftsmanship is unmistakable in Tempest. Kim Hee-won, whose previous work Queen Of Tears became a cultural phenomenon, brings her signature blend of emotional realism and visual sophistication.

Jung Seok-kyung, who co-wrote Little Women, once again crafts a narrative driven by moral ambiguity and female agency. Together, they create a series that feels both meticulously grounded and operatically intense — a hallmark of Korea’s best modern television.

Disney’s involvement, Choi emphasises, goes beyond simply acquiring titles. It’s about fostering collaboration and creative growth.

“We believe in the long-term potential of Korea’s storytelling and have been an integral part of the local creative community for the past three decades,” she said.

“Beyond our content investments, we have adopted a long-term collaborative approach with our creators. We connect APAC creators with top Hollywood filmmakers and executives and are always looking at ways to bridge and inspire creators from around the world.”

That cross-cultural dialogue is visible in Tempest’s casting as well. Alongside Korean leads, the series features Korean-American actor John Cho, whose inclusion further amplifies the show’s international appeal. Cho’s presence reflects Disney’s commitment to telling stories that transcend borders, bringing together diverse perspectives within a cohesive, emotionally resonant narrative.

When it comes to greenlighting such projects, Choi insists that storytelling remains at the core.

“Ultimately, a key consideration is how compelling and unique the story is, as well as the calibre of the creative team,” she pointed out. “Our role is to support the creators’ artistic vision and create an environment for them to do their best work.”

That trust in creators seems to mirror the central theme of Tempest itself — trust between allies, between lovers, and between storyteller and audience. As the Korean entertainment industry continues to mature, Choi acknowledges that competition is fierce, but the appetite for innovation remains strong.

“The creative industry in Korea has evolved and matured with changes in the supply and demand of local content,” she explained. “There is a large volume of Korean content available, which means international success is never an easy path — but we are committed to uncovering the most unique and compelling stories that will resonate with audiences in Korea and beyond.”

For Disney+, Tempest represents more than just another global release. It’s a benchmark — a testament to how the company envisions the future of storytelling in Asia-Pacific.

“APAC is at the forefront of new, innovative trends that are inspiring global storytellers,” the Disney executive vice president concluded. “It’s exciting to see how audiences are embracing complex, serialised storytelling with intricate plots and emotionally rich characters. Tempest embodies all of that.”

When a bad man does a good thing, we should honour him for it, even if his motives are selfish.

Donald Trump is only trying to “bring peace to the Middle East” because he wants the Nobel Prize, they say. He blusters and threatens and lies. He boasts about the seven wars he claims to have settled/ended/avoided, but he cannot even tell the difference between Armenia (which did recently have a war) and Albania (which didn’t).

All true, but so what? Mr Trump’s motives don’t matter, and neither does his geopolitical ignorance. As US president, he is the only person with the power to force the Hamas group in Gaza and the current Israeli government to discuss making peace, and after long hesitation, he has finally deployed that power.

That certainly does not guarantee success. Neither the Hamas extremists who rule the Gaza Strip nor Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu actually want peace on the terms implicit in Mr Trump’s draft 20-point peace plan.

Hamas would definitely welcome a lengthy ceasefire. Most of its leaders and at least half its fighters have been killed in the past two years of fighting. The dead leaders have been replaced by less experienced men and the rank-and-file by new recruits, but there has been a steep drop in their combat efficiency.

However, the draft peace plan does not offer them that. It requires the prompt return of all the Israeli hostages, Hamas’s last bargaining chip, in return for nothing except the freedom of 1,950 Palestinians held in Israeli jails and a ceasefire of unspecified length. Israel could arrest them all again if the shooting restarts, and it broke the last ceasefire only six months ago.

It gets worse for Hamas if the peace talks make further progress: it would have to hand over all its weapons and disband its organisation. This is an Islamist organisation whose members truly believe that they will go instantly to paradise if they die in battle with the infidel. They might play for time, but they will always choose glorious death over unconditional surrender.

The resistance to a peace deal is also strong right inside the leadership on the Israeli side. Many Israelis believe that the prime minister needs the war to continue to placate extreme nationalist members of his cabinet who would bring the government down if he made any concessions to the Palestinians.

That doubtless plays a major role in “Bibi” Netanyahu’s calculations, but there is also a real ideologue hiding inside the wily and apparently cynical tactician. That fanatical Bibi was on show last month when he launched what he hoped would be the final offensive in Gaza and urged Israelis to become a “super-Sparta”. If the expulsion of the Palestinians would lead to an isolated, militarised and widely hated Israel, he implied, that would still be a price worth paying.

Bibi’s entire political career has been devoted to preventing the creation of a Palestinian state. Why? Because the emergence of a genuine Palestinian state would foreclose the option of building a ‘Greater Israel’ by annexing the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and replacing the existing Arab population with Jews.

That project has been doing well recently — one-quarter of the West Bank’s population is now Jewish settlers — but the Gaza war has created the opportunity for a rapid expulsion of all two million Palestinians in the Strip.

All of Mr Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza this year, like breaking the last ceasefire, driving Gaza’s whole population to the southwest corner of the Strip and starving them, have been directed at making that outcome more likely. However, they were only possible thanks to Mr Trump’s unquestioning support.

Sometimes Mr Trump seemed aware of the implications of his actions and unashamed by them. At other times, he seemed to be just blindly following Mr Netanyahu’s lead. But for the moment, at least, Mr Trump seems fully awake.

This may not last — but he was able to bully Mr Netanyahu into at least the opening stages of a ceasefire. However, Bibi will sabotage the process every chance he gets, and the plan is full of holes he can exploit.

Hamas will also turn against the plan as soon as negotiations get into critical issues like surrendering its weapons and going into exile. The plan may not be dead on arrival, but it is extremely vulnerable.

There will be some performative peace mongering for a while, but the plan to cleanse Gaza of its Palestinians could be back on track well before the end of the year.

Under a people-centred approach to justice, Asst Prof Dr Rittirong Chutapruttikorn, a lecturer in Research and Educational Innovation Development Division at Bangkok University, has initiated and developed the ‘Where the Silence Speaks’ project – a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for vulnerable female inmates, particularly pregnant women and mothers with young children.

The project integrates research, teaching, exhibitions, art, and policy collaboration to bring together diverse perspectives and create meaningful change within Thailand’s correctional system. One of its central principles is empowering inmates to express their opinions safely and fully, despite the constraints of incarceration. It focuses on developing accessible, user-friendly tools for data collection and creating psychologically safe environments that allow women to share their experiences and needs openly.

‘The critical challenge isn’t just gaining access to prisons, but breaking down the ‘architecture of silence’ deeply embedded in these women’s minds – women who feel they have no right to speak or imagine a better life,’ said Dr Rittirong. ‘The research team works with corrections officers, students, designers, formerly incarcerated women, and human rights experts. Initial tools were tested with former inmates before being implemented with pregnant women and mothers of infants in prison. All research is conducted under strict human ethics standards, with special emphasis on mental well-being, voluntary participation, and privacy.’

Co-Designing Change in Restricted Environments

The project led to the creation of a prototype Mother and Child Centre at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution, Khlong Prem. The design was based on the innovative concept of ‘Creative Pragmatic Co-Design,’ a methodology developed by Dr Rittirong specifically for use in highly restrictive environments such as prisons.

The success of the project has influenced real policy change. The Director of the Central Women’s Correctional Institution invited the research team to present their designs for budget planning and future construction – a rare example of participatory design directly shaping infrastructure in controlled spaces.

Beyond the physical transformation, the project challenges the traditional notion of prison space. It redefines prisons as environments not only of control, but of understanding, healing, and the restoration of human dignity for some of the most vulnerable individuals in the justice system.

Expanding Impact Through Education and Design

The project’s data collection tools have since been adapted for use in post-release detention facilities and public exhibitions such as ‘Walls to Welcome’ and ‘Luen-Jum (Fading Memories).’ They have also been integrated into real-world problem-based university curricula and adapted for work with other vulnerable populations, including ex-offenders, children, and the elderly.

These innovations have earned national recognition, receiving the ASAIHL Thailand Outstanding Achievement Award 2024 (Social Engagement category) and the Distinguished Academic Award in the Social Sciences 2024 (Merit level). Both accolades highlight the project’s continuity, academic merit, and social impact in using design as a tangible instrument of justice.

By combining education, empathy, and participatory design, ‘Where the Silence Speaks’ stands as a powerful example of how academic innovation can transform public policy – turning silence into a voice for human dignity.

A scholar at Thammasat University has backed the idea of extending the age of retirement to 65, given the challenges posed by an ageing society, saying that retaining the current threshold could lead many retirees to struggle financially in the years to come.

As Thailand faces the realities of a rapidly ageing population, Nattapat Sarobol, a leading academic in elderly welfare at Thammasat University, has voiced strong support for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s proposal to raise the official retirement age from 60 to 65.

She explained the current framework is outdated and unsustainable, especially as the country transitions not just into a greying society, but one with greater longevity.

Asst Prof Nattapat cited recent research showing the nation now has over 40,000 centenarians, ranking it 5th globally by this metric. With life expectancy continuing to rise, she warned that retiring at 60 potentially leaves them with a 40-year gap to fill during which time many people struggle financially.

“Where will the money come from to sustain life for four decades without employment?” she asked.

While countries like Japan, Finland, and the United States have already redefined senior age thresholds to 65 or higher, Thailand remains at 60. Japan, in particular, stretched its retirement age to 70 in 2021.

Asst Prof Nattapat noted that academic institutions have long proposed retirement reform, but the advice has rarely gained traction due to budgetary constraints and legal complexities.

She emphasised that any retirement age extension must be accompanied by anti-age discrimination laws to protect older workers. This includes removing age limits for job applications, training programmes, and access to funding.

“People aged 55 are often excluded from training simply because they’re thought to be ‘too close to retirement’ — this mindset must change,” she said.

Asst Prof Nattapat warned that if the policy only applies to civil servants — who number 1.75 million — it would leave out the vast majority of Thailand’s 38 million workers, including those in the private sector, industry, and corporate employment.

The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) aims to expand mangrove forests by 500,000 rai over the next five years under a financial scheme to empower community conservation efforts.

DMCR director-general Pinsak Suraswadi said the agency has successfully safeguarded more than 1.3 million rai of fertile mangrove forests nationwide, with minimal encroachment. The next phase, he said, will see the total protected area extended to 3.4 million rai, based on satellite mapping.

Mr Pinsak made his comments during his speech at the department’s 23rd anniversary celebration on Monday.

Although some mangrove areas have been converted into private property, they can be restored under new land tax regulations that grant exemptions to landowners who allow mangrove replanting on idle plots. About 230,000 rai fall under this category, he said.

Approximately one million rai, currently occupied by communities and state agencies, will be jointly managed through local participation and partnerships with the department, Mr Pinsak said while emphasising that creating sustainable income for residents is the most effective way to ensure long-term mangrove protection.

“Carbon credit is one option, and biodiversity credit will follow to enhance forest value.”

He added that the department plans to increase mangrove carbon credit schemes from 80,000 to 500,000 rai within five years, having already planted over 175,509 rai of mangrove forests in 24 provinces and reclaimed more than 69,248 rai from encroachment.

A major step towards sustainable energy adoption was marked by the recent launch of the ‘Solar Energy for Government Officials and Cooperative Members’ project – an initiative developed by the Cooperative Association League for Thai Energy Development (TCTD).

Launched on October 3, 2025 and fully funded by TCTD, the project aims to support more than 200,000 government officials’ households, reflecting the strong commitment of local grass-roots organisations to drive transformative change in the energy sector – setting an example not only for Thailand but also for the wider Southeast Asian region.

Work on the initiative is being led by Energy Solutions Goal (ESG) as the primary contractor, in collaboration with leading renewable energy companies from Taiwan such as Abeta Energy Group and Turncloud. As Abeta Energy Group’s strategic partner in Southeast Asia, ESG has also established teams of construction and maintenance specialists based in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore to ensure smooth and efficient project implementation.

The project’s official launch ceremony was attended by representatives from Taiwan’s Executive Yuan (Executive Council), underscoring the close cooperation between Taiwan and Thailand in advancing clean energy and sustainable development.

This collaboration not only highlights the strength and potential of Taiwan’s renewable energy industry but also aligns with the country’s New Southbound Policy, which promotes deeper regional partnerships. With full support from TCTD, the initiative is expected to significantly reduce Thai government officials’ energy costs while serving as a model for the transition towards green energy and sustainable growth across the region.

“This conference is a carbon-neutral event utilizing solutions provided by Mampani Malaysia.”

Reports of suicide incidents in Thailand have become more frequent, especially across various news outlets. Over the past few months, five cases of individuals falling to their deaths inside shopping malls in Bangkok have been reported.

The similarities between these cases have sparked public concern and debate. Are they linked to Thailand’s deep-rooted mental health crisis, or could they be examples of copycat suicide triggered by the way the media reports them?

1) Rising suicide rates in Thailand

According to data from the Department of Mental Health, Thailand recorded 5,216 deaths by suicide and 33,926 attempted suicides in 2024. These figures paint a troubling picture of the nation’s mental well-being.

The causes of suicide are multifaceted – ranging from mental health factors such as depression, anxiety or substance addiction to economic hardship, social isolation and relationship breakdowns.

In some cases, immediate crises such as scams, online fraud or gambling debts have also played a role.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Thailand’s suicide rate increased by 32% between 2017 and 2022, marking a statistically significant rise and suggesting the problem continues to worsen amid complex social and economic pressures.

2) Media coverage and its link to copycat suicide

Several studies on suicide reporting in Thailand have found that many news outlets still fail to follow some guidelines from WHO on responsible reporting. Common issues include giving explicit details about the method used or using emotional headlines and graphic imagery that sensationalise the tragedy.

Such coverage can heighten the risk of imitative behaviour, particularly among vulnerable groups such as young people or those already struggling with depression. News stories that use shocking visuals, dramatic headlines or detailed descriptions tend to gain wide attention – but they also risk normalising suicide or even giving at-risk individuals ideas about how to act.

In the age of social media, tragic news spreads faster than ever, often without context or caution. Viral clips and comments can unintentionally glorify or romanticise suicide, deepening the copycat effect.

This is not merely a theoretical concern. Both Thai and international studies have established a clear link between irresponsible media coverage and the copycat suicide effect.

3) Are the recent cases in Thailand copycat suicides?

Whether a case qualifies as a copycat suicide depends on several factors – including the victim’s age, method, timing, location and possible motivation.

While recent Thai cases do not appear to be directly connected, the patterns are strikingly similar.

Many involved jumping from high places inside well-known shopping malls, often occurring within weeks of one another.

The first widely publicised incident drew significant media attention – and was followed by several more within the same month, with over five similar cases reported in just a few weeks.

This sequence strongly suggests the characteristics of a copycat suicide phenomenon.

A string of high-rise falls in such a short period may indicate self-harm behaviour influenced by imitation, especially when details such as location and method are shared widely through social and social media channels.

This has led to renewed calls for ethical and constructive reporting, which prioritises public understanding and empathy rather than emotional stimulation or sensationalism.

4) Suicide cannot be ignored

The growing number of suicides in Thailand cannot simply be observed, reported and forgotten. It reflects a deep structural issue within Thai society – a crisis of mental health that is becoming more complex and pervasive.

The challenge lies in how society can foster greater understanding and compassion, so that no one must face mental health struggles alone.

Every life is worth living. As a society, we must work together – at every level – to convey the message that those facing mental health difficulties are not the problem, but people who deserve care, understanding and a chance to recover and reintegrate into everyday life.

Where to seek help

For those who are struggling, pause – and talk to someone trustworthy or reach out for professional help. Support is available 24 hours a day from trained counsellors and organisations that listen without judgment:

Mental Health Hotline 1323 (Department of Mental Health) – available around the clock, offering immediate counselling and follow-up psychological support.

The Samaritans of Thailand (Bangkok office: 02-113-6789 Press 2 for English Line) – provides confidential emotional support and suicide prevention in both Thai and English (hours vary by language).

If individuals ever feel lonely, depressed or overwhelmed, they are encouraged to reach out for help – there is always someone ready to listen.

Residents of Chumphon’s Phato district opposing the government’s Land Bridge megaproject say it brings no clear benefits to locals while endangering their livelihoods, the environment, and community ties.

At a public forum held on Tuesday in Phato, opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and a team of People’s Party (PP) MPs met with around 200 villagers to discuss the controversial Chumphon-Ranong Land Bridge.

Participants overwhelmingly rejected the project, citing concerns that it would harm the district’s agricultural economy and disrupt the region’s ecological balance.

Benjawan Thapthimthong, leader of the Rak Phato Network, said that 97% of Phato’s population depends on agriculture, generating over eight billion baht annually.

Yet, only a quarter of local farmland has proper land titles, leaving many vulnerable to expropriation.

She warned that the project would turn landowners into wage labourers while devastating farmland, forests, and waterways across Phato, Lang Suan, Thung Tako, and Lamae districts.

Covering more than 18,000 rai, she said, the planned industrial zones, transport routes, and deep-sea ports could dry up rivers and pollute the environment.

Ms Benjawan questioned the rationale for promoting industrialisation that might contaminate local produce. “If our durians become tainted and rejected abroad, who will buy them?” she asked.

She also criticised the drafted Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bills, arguing that they give sweeping privileges to foreign investors and allow unrestricted foreign labour, even in jobs reserved for Thais.

Somchok Jungjaturant of the Chumphon-Ranong Land Protection Network added that many villagers lack formal land rights, making it easier for authorities to suppress opposition.

He called for a comprehensive land survey, the repeal of outdated land laws, and stronger protection of community rights.

Mr Natthaphong reaffirmed the PP’s opposition to the drafted SEC bills, saying they lack strategic environmental assessment, fair public participation, and could violate constitutional rights.

He warned that the governments, under the Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties, are prioritising investors over people, deepening inequality and damaging the South’s natural and cultural heritage.

Local residents urged the government to invest in sustainable agriculture, tourism, and fisheries — industries that are rooted in the region’s strengths and traditions. They said true progress should build prosperity without sacrificing land, water, and community values.