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As the global business landscape pivots towards sustainability, The Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG), one of ASEAN’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, is placing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles at the heart of its corporate strategy. With operations spanning Thailand and nearly every major ASEAN market, SCG is setting an ambitious course to achieve sustainable growth while positioning itself as a regional ESG leader.

Against a backdrop of mounting economic uncertainty, climate volatility and shifting geopolitical dynamics, SCG convened the ESG Symposium 2025, which has emerged as a pivotal platform uniting government, business and civil society to accelerate Thailand’s transition towards a low-carbon economy. Under the theme ‘Green Breakthrough Amid the Perfect Storm: Accelerating with Green, Surviving Together’, the symposium presented a bold agenda designed to be competitive, inclusive and actionable.

The forum gathered more than 300 participants from government, the private sector and civil society, both in Thailand and abroad, to exchange perspectives and solutions on accelerating the green transition.

The 13th edition of the symposium focused on three key agendas:

Accelerating the transition to clean energy.

Enabling SMEs to move towards a just and inclusive low-carbon business model.

Preparing to cope with climate uncertainty while enhancing national competitiveness.

On 2 October 2025, at the Talk Stage, Hall 4, Ground Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), SCG presented the updated outcomes of the ESG Symposium 2025.

SCG Calls for Urgent Energy Reform

Delivering opening remarks, Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG, emphasised that structural shifts such as energy transition must be initiated as early as possible. He unveiled SCG’s Future Bangkok simulation, which illustrates the risks of land subsidence, rising sea levels and tectonic shifts affecting the capital.

‘ESG Symposium is more than dialogue; it is a platform to design and drive solutions that keep Thailand competitive and sustainable. We want to be a platform where people come together, share knowledge and mobilise ideas to co-create solutions,’ said Mr Thammasak.

He also underlined the urgent need for structural reforms to unlock liberalised energy markets, promote clean energy at affordable costs and strengthen infrastructure against climate risks.

Key proposals included implementing the Third Party Access (TPA) Code to open the electricity market, expanding Direct PPA contracts to encourage renewable investment, and leveraging advanced technologies such as energy storage and hydrogen to support grid stability.

Thailand’s vulnerability to droughts, floods and climate-driven resource disruptions has made climate adaptation a national priority. The symposium underscored the need for integrated action, linking policy, technology and community knowledge to build long-term resilience.

Despite Thailand’s climate ambitions, experts voiced concerns over the pace of change. ‘Thailand’s energy system faces mounting pressure from Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 commitments, the EU’s CBAM and the need to raise its Energy Transition Index. We must pursue a clear, agile and actionable roadmap,’ said Dr Areeporn Asawinpongphan, Research Fellow – Energy Policy at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).

She also stressed that Thailand still lacks a 2030 renewable energy generation target, with the current goal only set for 2037. At present, clean energy accounts for about 15% of national energy consumption.

She added that while Thailand’s Net Zero goal is currently set for 2065, ten years behind neighbouring countries, the new government has indicated plans to advance the target to 2055. Achieving this, she noted, would require clean energy adoption to reach 40% by 2030.

To accelerate the transition, TDRI proposed a three-phase roadmap. In the short term, it recommended reviewing electricity tariffs to reflect actual costs, expanding grid connectivity rights, promoting renewable electricity trading, establishing ‘green fast-track’ channels and reducing unnecessary regulations. In the medium term, the focus should be on announcing and implementing an updated Power Development Plan while strengthening energy security. In the long term, the clean energy roadmap should be aligned with national economic and social development strategies, with policies tested and refined in real-world contexts.

Dr Areeporn highlighted that a faster transition would reduce industrial costs, minimise cross-border carbon adjustment taxes and sustain Thailand’s economic competitiveness, while also enhancing investment attractiveness. She stressed the importance of transparent renewable energy markets, modernised tariff structures and skill-building for a green workforce.

SMEs Central to Thailand’s Green Competitiveness

SMEs remain the backbone of Thailand’s economy, representing 99.5% of enterprises and employing more than 13 million people. However, they continue to face challenges in financing, market access, regulatory complexity and skills development.

Another focal point of the symposium was supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in their green transition journey. Dr Noppong Teeravorn, President of the Federation of Thai SME, emphasised that Thailand hosts more than 2.7 million micro-enterprises employing 5.5 million people, yet most lack access to finance, future skills and new market opportunities.

‘Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are central to Thailand’s future competitiveness, but they need real support to thrive,’ he said.

He outlined solutions such as low-interest microfunds (3-4% per annum), digital and green skills training, and the creation of One Stop Service centres to connect SMEs with funding, innovation and global markets. These measures, combined with policy reform, aim to transform SMEs into a powerful driver of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

‘MSMEs face constraints in funding, capacity building and regulatory barriers. Without targeted support, many risk being left behind in the green economy,’ said Dr Noppong.

The symposium proposed three phases of MSME development support. In the short term, it called for expanding access to funding, raising product standards and enhancing differentiation. In the medium term, the focus should be on building knowledge and skills aligned with the energy transition while encouraging business clustering. In the long term, reforms are needed to remove regulations that hinder fair competition for MSMEs.

SCG pledged to leverage its role as an industry leader to share knowledge and data resources, creating opportunities for smaller enterprises to benefit from its scale and experience.

As a concrete step forward, SCG also announced plans to advance Public-Private Partnership pilot projects, beginning with the Saraburi Sandbox, which integrates low-carbon industrial practices, renewable energy and circular economy models.

‘SCG alone cannot drive transformation. It requires collective effort across sectors. Our role is to open the platform, share what we know and help mobilise every stakeholder,’ Mr Thammasak reiterated.

US President Donald Trump has said he is willing to attend the Asean summit in Malaysia later this month – as long as he can preside over the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, according to the US news site Politico.

The White House has made Trump’s attendance at the Oct 26-28 meeting in Kuala Lumpur conditional on the staging of a signing ceremony on the summit sidelines, Politico quoted three people familiar with the plans as saying

The sources declined to be identified due the sensitivity of the topic.

The White House has also specifically requested that summit organisers exclude Chinese officials from the ceremonial event, the sources said.

‘Keeping China out would help ensure the spotlight stays on Trump, while also downplaying Beijing’s efforts to mediate between Bangkok and Phnom Penh,’ Politico noted.

Trump has made no secret of the fact that he is obsessed with winning the Nobel Peace Prize. In recent months he has claimed credit for ending as many as seven international conflicts. That includes nudging the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to agree on a ceasefire after a five-day clash in July.

The winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Price will be announced on Friday.

The White House denied that Trump was linking his presence at the summit to a peace deal ceremony.

‘The president is negotiating this peace agreement, but this was not identified as a condition to attend the summit,’ a senior administration official granted anonymity told Politico.

But the White House also said that China wasn’t relevant to the ongoing peace negotiations.

‘The president negotiated this deal. . China hasn’t played a role in these negotiations,’ the administration official added.

The Chinese embassy did not respond to a request for comment.

‘Talks are ongoing, but the Malaysian government is in a difficult position,’ one of the other three sources told Politico.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his role as the Asean chair, said in July that Trump would be attending the summit. If he accedes to a specific request, Anwar could appear to be appeasing an American president who is deeply unpopular in Malaysia.

In any case, the likelihood that a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia could be finalised in the next two or three weeks is very slim.

Thai and Cambodian forces briefly exchanged gunfire last month, and Thailand’s refusal to reopen border crossings underscores a level of ongoing distrust between the two countries.

Pheu Thai is poised to sweep at least 200 MPs in the upcoming general election, according to Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the newly appointed party election director.

Mr Suriya was speaking during an event at Pheu Thai headquarters, “Reinventing Pheu Thai, Reinventing Thailand”, in which key members expressed their readiness for the poll slated in the coming months while 193 MP candidates nationwide were unveiled.

Mr Suriya, a former deputy prime minister and transport minister, who was appointed to be in charge of the election race during the event, said he has been with the party since 2001, when it was named Thai Rak Thai.

He said he was confident the party could win at least 200 seats during the next election because the public support for the People’s Party (PP) had stumbled after it backed Anutin Charnvirakul as the new prime minister.

He pointed to PP’s social media posts that once drew around 80,000 likes, saying they now struggle to reach 10,000 and also said Pheu Thai’s candidates are direct rivals to the PP’s.

“With the PP’s popularity declining, we will gain more seats,” he said.

He estimated the PP would win just under 100 seats, while Bhumjaithai, recently boosted by defectors, could gain 120 from its current 70.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the party’s leader and former prime minister, also delivered a keynote speech at the event, reflecting on the recent setbacks, including the imprisonment of her father, Thaksin, and a by-election win.

“Every hardship teaches us to rise stronger,” she said. “The strong dose we are given today will transform us back to the greatness we once held during the Thai Rak Thai Period.”

“Many said Pheu Thai has come to an end. But we have not,” she said.

Ms Paetongtarn also said the list of the three prime ministerial candidates will be revealed at the proper time.

“Their names will be Thailand’s hope,” she said, adding that the three candidates are not associated with her family.

She pointed out that the party’s structural overhaul will create unity, transparency and real participation.

Ms Paetongtarn also referred to the Young Pheu Thai Platform and the Moonshot Forum, which brainstorm ideas from young people and experts, providing input into the drafting of the policy platform.

Thonburi Wellbeing Co, the residential development arm of SET-listed Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG), has relaunched the Jin Wellbeing County project with a new wellness-oriented branding and plans to develop the next phase with a new investor.

Peerapong Peerachotiwatra, chief executive of Thonburi Wellbeing, said the project launched in 2018 was initially positioned as a senior living community.

However, the concept created a misconception among potential buyers, as many in the target demographic did not identify themselves as elderly.

“Our project came a little ahead of its time,” he said. “We are rebranding it to align with the global megatrend of wellness, which is not limited to the elderly and is relevant to people of all ages.”

Completed in 2020 with a total investment of 3 billion baht, the project’s first phase comprises five seven-storey condo towers with 494 units in two configurations — one-bedroom units of 43 square metres and one-bedroom-plus units of 63 sq m.

The project utilises universal design, featuring wider entrances and walkways, ramps, and extra-large elevators that can accommodate a hospital bed.

Each unit also incorporates safety-focused components, including balcony railings and handrails in the bathroom.

All units are equipped with an emergency call system located by the bed and in the bathroom.

In the event of a resident having an accident or the symptoms of an illness, the system alerts the medical team at Thonburi Burana Hospital, located within the project, which can respond and reach the unit within four minutes on a 24-hour standby basis.

Operated by THG, the hospital, which has 55 beds, provides convalescent and geriatric care, holistic preventive services, advanced treatment, and rehabilitation for both its patients and the elderly.

Phase one occupies 20 rai of the 142-rai site on Phahon Yothin Road in Rangsit in Pathum Thani’s Khlong Luang district.

The remaining 122 rai will be used for future phases. Phase two, planned on 20 rai, will feature eight wellness condo towers targeting younger buyers, with the company seeking partners for joint development.

Some 20 rai near the main road is earmarked for Thonburi Rangsit Hospital, a specialty facility, though development plans have been slightly delayed. The remainder is reserved for wellbeing single-detached houses.

Roughly 60% of phase-one units have been sold, with half already occupied, mainly by active seniors over 60 living alone.

Fewer than 3% are passive seniors, while other units are held by investors renting to local white-collar workers, Chinese entrepreneurs, and American retirees.

The remaining buyers include overseas clients awaiting retirement.

“We completed construction of phase one just as the pandemic hit,” Mr Peerapong said. “We implemented a bubble-and-seal system and froze marketing activities. Now, we are resuming sales.”

The project offers discounts of 1 million baht for smaller units priced at 5 million baht, and 2 million baht for larger units priced at 7 million baht, with the aim of selling at least 20 units in the final quarter of this year.

In August and September 2025, THG informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand it had completed a capital increase totalling around 6.2 billion baht through a private placement with Ramkhamhaeng Hospital Plc and a rights offering to existing shareholders.

“Although Ramkhamhaeng Hospital was already THG’s largest shareholder, holding 24.59% last year, it decided to inject 5 billion baht, raising its stake to 49.99% to strengthen confidence in the THG brand,” Mr Peerapong said.

The move follows the indictment of THG founder Boon Vanasin earlier this year.

Mr Peerapong said Boon and his family now hold less than 10% of the company, with no board seats, staff positions, or voting rights in THG.

The Aspen Tree The Forestias, a holistic healthcare community for older adults, has partnered with Baycrest Global Solutions, Canada, to deliver international-standard senior living, health, and brain care.

With over 105 years of expertise, Baycrest is a global leader in aging, brain health, and preventive research. The organisation holds the highest accreditation from Accreditation Canada and serves as a centre of excellence through its Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE), and collaborations with the University of Toronto.

Under this collaboration, Baycrest manages and advises operations at The Aspen Tree’s Health and Brain Center (HBC), ensuring medical services, safety protocols, and wellness programs meet international healthcare standards. Baycrest’s team works closely with The Aspen Tree’s medical professionals to design and implement evidence-based care models tailored for Thailand’s aging population.

The Health and Brain Center provides a full spectrum of services, including Geriatric Medicine, Rehabilitation, Memory and Brain Clinics, Preventive Health Programs, and Long-Term Care. Its programs integrate clinical care with neuroscience research and innovations to promote physical and cognitive well-being for those aged 50 and above.

Baycrest also introduces Cogniciti, a digital brain health assessment tool that helps identify early signs of cognitive decline. Through ongoing professional training, system development, and knowledge transfer, Baycrest empowers Thai healthcare teams to deliver safe, effective, and sustainable eldercare aligned with international best practices.

This collaboration establishes The Aspen Tree The Forestias as a leading model of holistic senior living in Thailand-combining cutting-edge brain science, compassionate care, and a wellness-focused environment designed for lifelong independence and happiness. For more information, visit https://mqdc.com/aspentree

In response to Cambodia’s failure to submit a plan for repatriating its citizens living in three disputed areas, including Nong Chan, in Sa Kaeo province, the Thai army has indicated it will boycott the forthcoming Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting with Cambodia, scheduled to take place in Poi Pet on Friday and Saturday.

Thailand had required that its neighbour submit its plan by yesterday, ahead of Friday’s evacuation deadline, as set by the Sa Kaeo governor following a series of confrontations between Cambodian protesters and Thai crowd control personnel last month.

The latter resorted to tear gas and rubber bullets as the protest turned rowdy, with accusations made that Phnom Penh was using “human shield” tactics.

It’s understood that the Cambodian villagers are originally those who fled the civil war in the 1970s and took shelter at Nong Chan, which was designated as Camp 511.

When the war was over three decades later, these Cambodians did not return to their homeland, while their families had largely extended. It’s reported that about 200 Cambodian families are living on an area spanning over 190 rai of land.

The Nong Chan problem had lingered on for decades until August, when it suddenly escalated into a conflict hotspot, following the violent clashes between the two armies in Surin and other areas in southern Isan provinces. The area drew the attention of some ultra-nationalist Thais who demanded tough action against the long-standing land occupation, threatening local authorities that they would face Section 157, which penalises state officials for dereliction of duty.

Then there is the issue of geography. It should be noted that all information and infographics on the Nong Chan issue are provided by the Thai army, which insists that the hotspot, as well as portions of land in Nong Ya Kaeo and Ta Phraya districts, are located on Thai soil. However, some scholars say there are some overlapping claim areas that need to be verified.

Only yesterday, Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, the Royal Thai Army’s spokesperson, acknowledged on the army’s official webpage that a small land plot on Cambodian soil could be occupied by Thais for farming.

The question is: Why not thoroughly verify such claims or doubts before taking harsh action? Boycotting the meeting may not be in Thailand’s best interests. The Thai authorities must maintain open lines of communication, join the RBC, and continue to press for their demands. Any differences should be settled at the negotiating table.

At least, when Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanich attended the General Border Committee meeting in Koh Kong last month, he expressed his confidence that the Nong Chan issue could be managed in the mutual interest of both parties. This is only possible if both sides are willing to move forward.

Expelling people who have lived in specific areas for generations could prove too difficult. Academic experts have suggested that other practical options should be explored, such as land swaps, following a successful model practised by Thailand and Malaysia decades ago.

It’s time for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to exercise his leadership and stop making short-term gains through ultranationalist measures. Such acts are driven by a hope for popularity, which pushes the country nowhere. He must provide proper guidelines to local authorities, ensuring that they keep all bilateral mechanisms in place.

Nakhon Phanom has lit up the Mekong River with a spectacular debut of the Illuminated Boat Festival drawing over 100,000 visitors and marking a new chapter in the province’s cultural and economic development.

Held along the riverbank in the heart of the municipality from Sept 27- Oct 8, the festival featured 12 illuminated boats representing each district.

This year’s entries were the largest and most elaborate to date, with some up to 80 metres long and 25 metres high. Each boat was adorned with more than 25,000 lanterns made from recycled coffee cans, creating a mesmerising display of light and craftsmanship.

Visitors were treated to a 3-kilometre river parade, accompanied by fireworks and music. The illuminated boats showcased themes honouring the monarchy, religion and national landmarks, while also highlighting key tourist destinations in the northeastern province. The vibrant atmosphere captivated both locals and international tourists, with hotels, restaurants and shops fully booked.

The festival’s success has sparked optimism for future editions, with officials expecting even greater participation and international interest next year. The World Illuminated Boat Festival is now seen as a turning point in Nakhon Phanom’s journey toward becoming a key player in regional development.

Local authorities and tourism operators are already planning enhancements for next year’s event, including expanded viewing areas, interactive cultural exhibits and increased international promotion. The festival is poised to become a signature event on Thailand’s cultural calendar.

The event was made possible following a cabinet meeting in April 2025, which approved nearly 30 million baht in funding to elevate the traditional Lai Ruea Fai festival into a global attraction. The initiative aims to transform Nakhon Phanom from a secondary city into a leading hub for tourism, trade and cultural heritage.

There was a time when travellers chased only sunsets and souvenirs. Today, travel behaviour is evolving, with pop culture emerging as a powerful force behind tourism trends.

According to the digital travel platform Agoda, live music events and festivals are contributing to a rise in both international and domestic travel interest in Thailand.

Major international events are proving to be strong travel motivators and the upcoming Blackpink concerts, scheduled to take place in Bangkok from Oct 24-26, have already sparked an increase in global travel interest.

Accommodation searches for Bangkok from international travellers for one day before the Blackpink concerts were 18% higher than searches for rooms two weeks prior to the event. Countries showing the highest rise in interest include Vietnam (266%), Malaysia (107%) and Taiwan (19%).

The heightened demand may be partly attributed to Blackpink not performing in Malaysia or Vietnam during their 2025 tour, as well as the group’s strong and dedicated fanbase in Taiwan, making Thailand a key destination for regional fans eager to attend.

This cross-border enthusiasm underscores the global reach of Blackpink’s fandom and highlights the rising influence of major international events as travel drivers. Within Thailand, demand is equally strong. The concert led to a 130% increase in domestic searches for accommodation in Bangkok on Agoda, fuelled in part by the popularity of Thai-born member Lisa, whose international fanbase continues to energise local interest in global entertainment.

And the show doesn’t stop there. Rolling Loud Thailand, the hip-hop festival set to return to Legend Siam in Pattaya from Nov 14-16, is also proving to be a strong travel magnet. The event is globally recognised as one of the biggest names in rap and hip-hop culture.

Despite uncertainty surrounding this year’s headliner announcements, Agoda data shows that accommodation searches for stays around the event dates have increased by 36% from domestic and international travellers alike, with the most interest coming from South Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

Thailand’s local festival scene also continues to attract global travellers. Wonderfruit Festival, scheduled to take place in Pattaya from Dec 11-15, has seen a 10% increase in international searches for accommodation in Pattaya and the Chon Buri area, led by interest from South Korea, the Philippines and Singapore.

Wonderfruit is a multi-sensory experience that blends art, nature, wellness and sustainability in a vibrant open-air setting. Held in the fields of Pattaya, the event features everything from sunrise soundscapes and farm-to-table dining to architectural pavilions and cultural workshops.

“As Thailand continues to host world-class events and festivals, event tourism is proving to be a dynamic force in strengthening the country’s position as a global travel destination,” said Akaporn Rodkong, Agoda’s country director for Thailand.

“Agoda remains committed to supporting travellers in discovering these experiences while making travel more accessible and affordable.”

The death toll from floods in Thailand has risen to 22, authorities said on Tuesday, as they rushed to deliver relief to an estimated 370,000 people affected by heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers.

More than 369,000 people in 19 provinces, excluding Bangkok, were affected, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported, with Uttaradit and Ayutthaya among the worst-hit areas.

Authorities said emergency teams were distributing food and supplies and closely monitoring water levels as the monsoon season brings widespread rainfall.

Of the 19 provinces, six were in the North, namely Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Sukhothai, Phichit and Nakhon Sawan.

In the Central Plains, eight provinces saw flooding: Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom.

Four northeastern provinces – Chaiyaphum, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Yasothon – also experienced flooding.

The only eastern province affected was Chachoengsao.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Tuesday that the city would not face severe flooding like in 2011, because of the current water flow of the Chao Phraya River.

Up to three more storm systems were expected to hit the region before the end of 2025.

Thailand’s Weeraphon Wichuma stunned the weightlifting world by claiming gold in the men’s 71kg category at the IWF World Championships in Forde, Norway, on a day that saw an extraordinary 16 world records shattered.

The men’s 71kg final delivered one of the most thrilling sessions in recent memory, with the top four lifters all breaking world records. Wichuma’s final lift of 194kg secured a total of 346kg, edging out Japan’s Masanori Miyamoto by a single kilogram and sealing Thailand’s sensational victory.

The session’s intensity peaked as four lifters vied for the podium in the final lifts. Miyamoto briefly took the lead with 193kg, only to be overtaken by Wichuma’s 194kg. Turkey’s Yusuf Fehmi Genc gambled on 192kg, which gave him a fleeting second place before he was pushed down to fourth.

Ri Won Ju of North Korea nearly stole the show despite injuring his knee. He returned to lift 195kg but lost balance at the top, turning a potential gold into fifth place. His courage drew admiration from the crowd.

In the women’s 63kg, North Korea’s Ri Suk dominated with four world records, finishing 17kg ahead of Canada’s Olympic medallist Maude Charron. Ri’s total of 253kg included new marks in snatch, clean and jerk, and total, though she still trails the historic 262kg set by China’s Deng Wei in 2016.

Charron, 32, broke her own mental barrier by lifting 133kg in clean and jerk, her best ever. ‘It must be the Norwegian air,’ the Canadian joked, praising the host city where she had previously trained and competed.

Colombia’s Yenny Sinisterra and the Philippines’ Elreen Ando both finished with 231kg, but Sinisterra took bronze by virtue of lifting it first. Americans Sophia Shaft and Katie Estep followed closely in fifth and sixth.

The championships continue with North Korean aiming for a clean sweep in the women’s categories, as Song Kuk Hyang is favoured to win the 69kg event earlier this week.