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At 11 years old, Warin* a 5th-grader from Bangkok, weighs 74kg and stands 153cm tall. Like many children struggling with obesity, her daily life is marked by fatigue, joint pain and the constant sense of being different from her peers.

“I don’t like being bigger than other kids,” Warin said. “Friends tease me often, saying I’m too big. It makes me feel uncomfortable. and I get tired easily when I have to run or play with them.”

Warin’s struggle with weight began early. By age six, she had developed a strong craving for snacks like chips and fried chicken, while rarely touching vegetables. At school, even though the cafeteria serves balanced lunches, she often feels hungry after and drifts towards shops selling sweets, pancakes, cakes and fried snacks.

“Every day, after lunch, I go and buy snacks. There are so many shops inside the school selling all kinds of food like pancakes, cakes, fried chicken, French fries and fish balls,” she said.

At home, the pattern continues. She eats dinner with her family, but snacks soon follow. Her mother described her as having a “screen-snacking habit”, often eating more than three packs of crisps while playing games for hours at night. Lately, the family has stopped buying crisps and stocked the fridge with fruit, hoping to help Warin break the habit.

“The hardest thing is the environment,” her mother said. “We can try to control what’s in the house but once she’s at school or outside, it’s impossible to watch her all the time. Asking a child to resist that temptation alone is very difficult.”

Her parents are concerned about her health. Warin snores at night, which can affect the flow of oxygen to her brain and she often tires easily. Last year, she attended a short camp for overweight children where she learned to read food labels and follow a 2:1:1 eating model of vegetables, rice and protein. Unfortunately, the lessons quickly faded after she returned home. The family has consulted a doctor about her weight and plans to follow up again.

Warin’s story is far from unique. Childhood obesity is one of the fastest-growing health crises in Thailand and around the world. According to Unicef’s new report Feeding Profit: How Environment Is Failing Children, there are now more obese children than underweight children worldwide for the first time. Some 188 million school-age children and adolescents can be classed as obese.

In Thailand, the number of overweight and obese children has doubled in the past 25 years, placing the country among the top four in Asean. According to the National Statistical Office in 2021, 43% of Thai adolescents consumed fast food at least four times a week. The World Obesity Federation warns that if this trend continues, more than 60% of Thai children could be obese by 2035.

The consequences can be devastating. Overweight children are more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Many struggle with joint and bone problems, poor sleep and psychological challenges such as stress, bullying and low self-esteem. The economic impact is also alarming: obesity is estimated to cost Thailand around US$8 billion (259.4 billion baht) annually, a figure projected to rise to $21 billion by 2030.

Experts say the issue goes beyond individual choices. Over the past 15 years, convenience stores and hypermarkets have grown rapidly, processed food sales have risen 70% per person and online fast-food delivery has surged more than 650% since 2013. These shifts in the food environment make it increasingly difficult for children to make healthy choices.

“Children often don’t choose what they eat, food environments choose for them,” said Sirirath Chunnasart, Unicef Thailand’s Adolescent Development Specialist. “If we want healthier generations, we need to change the environment around them, not just tell them to eat better.”

Some schools, however, are taking the issue seriously. Bangkok Christian College, one of Thailand’s oldest private schools, has introduced a range of policies to promote healthier eating over the past several years. Sodas are banned and all beverages sold at the school must contain no more than 10% sugar. Sugar has also been removed from condiments in the cafeteria. Nutritionists help design balanced menus and parents are involved in the food selection process.

Colourful posters in the cafeteria remind students to “eat less sweet, oily and salty foods and add more fruits and vegetables”, while staircases are marked with calorie counts to encourage physical activity.

“What we have observed is that overweight children often struggle with concentration in class and experience physical fatigue,” said Waraporn Subsomboon, the school’s principal. “But after making changes, we’ve seen improvements. Students are more focused in their studies, their weight has gone down, they’ve learned to make healthier food choices and understand what is good for them and what they should avoid. Socially, they have also become more confident.”

The Ministry of Public Health recently recognised Bangkok Christian College as a Model School For Good Nutrition Practice 2025, highlighting its efforts to promote healthier eating habits among students and setting an example for other schools nationwide.

At the national level, Thailand has introduced a sugar tax on sweetened beverages, which has already reduced sugar levels in drinks by around 10%. The Ministry of Public Health is also advancing legislation to regulate the marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks to children, in line with the World Health Organization’s recommendations.

Currently, Unicef Thailand is supporting the Bureau of Nutrition and other stakeholders such as the NCD Alliance in advocating for the enactment of the Draft Act On The Marketing Of Food And Beverages Affecting Children’s Health, while also engaging young people and parents through the Kin Rai Dee (What’s Good To Eat) campaign. The campaign promotes simple daily habits like reading nutrition labels, choosing balanced meals and reducing junk food consumption, targeting Gen Z and parents of young children to make healthier food choices.

For Warin, she hopes to run alongside her friends without feeling out of breath and has recently shown an interest in boxing as a way to get active again. It may be a small step, but with the right support, it could be the start of a journey towards a healthier life.

“I want to learn boxing, give it a try, and see how it goes,” Warin added. “It feels like a good way to use my energy.”

To experts like Sirirath, childhood obesity is not just a health issue, it is about children’s right to grow, learn and thrive.

“The scale of the problem requires serious commitment and collaboration between government bodies, schools, businesses, families and children themselves. That’s the only way we will create healthier food environments and ensure that nutritious choices are affordable and accessible,” Sirirath said. “If the law passes, children like Warin will have a real chance to succeed, not only in managing their health, but in reaching their full potential.”

*not her real name.

The reopening of Samsen Road has been postponed indefinitely after authorities concluded that the police station next to the sinkhole that formed on Sept 24 must be demolished and rebuilt, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Saturday.

He made the comment following a meeting with a technical task force at the site to reassess the situation. Members included representatives from the police, Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the construction contractor.

Over the past week, about 3,000 cubic metres of sand have been poured, and additional foundation piles installed. However, more cracks and soil slippage were detected, particularly around the third structural pillar of the Samsen police station, which has sustained further damage, said Mr Chadchart.

Technical experts warned that failure to proceed with demolition could pose risks of collapse during restoration work.

The MRTA and the contractor will bear the full cost of the demolition, estimated at over 40 million baht, the governor said.

He outlined six immediate directives:

Remove about 30 vehicles from the station and begin dismantling the rear wall.

Start demolition with the most at-risk right wing to reduce structural load.

Reinforce the Samsen side adjacent to the Vajira intersection to prevent further soil slippage.

Strengthen the underground rail tunnel below the site.

Monitor the structural integrity of the nearby police flats.

Monitor the stability of Vajira Hospital’s buildings.

The governor said work could begin immediately. While no completion date has been set, authorities stressed that safety would remain the top priority.

The planned reopening of Samsen Road has been delayed indefinitely, though traffic impact is currently limited due to school closures. (Story continues below)

Further weakening

The decision to demolish came after subsidence from the initial sinkhole damaged the fifth foundation column of the police station – a key load-bearing support – with soil displacement further weakening the third column.

Attempts to reinforce the foundation failed, as piles could only be driven 7-8 metres instead of the planned 23 metres. The building continues to sink and tilt, with more cracks and soil slides appearing.

Officials stressed that the damage was not caused by machinery filling sand beneath the station but by ground instability.

The demolition will proceed in stages, with debris transported off-site. No materials will be stored on the premises to ensure safety.

Vajira Hospital has shown no movement since the incident took place. Nevertheless, the BMA said monitoring of adjacent structures and underground tunnels would continue.

Despite heavy rain, officials said the operation has not been hindered, as sufficient water pumps have been installed to handle flooding.

MRTA deputy governor Kittikon Tanpao said the exact cause of the subsidence has yet to be determined, as the focus has been on restoring road conditions and securing nearby buildings to prevent further damage.

PM visits site

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site on Friday night, said the severe structural damage to the police station posed a safety risk.

‘The piles are broken. Just by looking at it, I saw that it’s dangerous. Samsen police will need a new workplace,’ he said on Saturday morning. ‘The structure has begun to detach from its core. We cannot allow anyone to continue working inside.’

National police chief Kittharath Punpetch said there is currently no indication that the police flats need to be torn down or rebuilt. ‘At this stage, the urgent priority is the Samsen police station building,’ he said.

The BMA had earlier set Oct 9 as the reopening date for Samsen Road but that plan has now been abandoned.

The sinkhole was 30 metres wide, 30 metres long and 20 metres deep when it formed suddenly on the morning of Sept 24. The MRTA initially blamed it on soil sliding into a tunnel and underground station of its Purple Line extension route.

The contractor for the section in question is the CKST joint venture, made up of SET-listed Ch. Karnchang Plc and Stecon Group Plc. The family of Prime Minister Anutin is the largest shareholder in the latter.

The industry minister has pledged to implement “quick-win” projects to support Thailand’s industrial sector and economy, prioritising industrial restructuring.

Many industries face declining productivity and shrinking market share, which indicates a potential loss of international competitiveness, said Industry Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana.

“Thai industry is impacted by the trade war, which has altered the global trade landscape. Entrepreneurs in the supply chain must adapt or restructure industry models to align with the global changes,” he said.

Mr Thanakorn said the government will continue to promote industries such as electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, green energy and semiconductors, which are expected to contribute to the economy and attract investment.

“We will encourage industries and companies that have applied for investment promotion from the Board of Investment, but have not yet proceeded with their investments,” he said.

In addition, the ministry plans to implement more measures to combat the dumping of cheap imports and to safeguard Thai industrial products, along with strategies to mitigate the effects of US tariffs.

Mr Thanakorn said imports of cheaper Chinese products are expected to rise, affecting Thai businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“The ministry has discussed with the Federation of Thai Industries about measures to help SMEs and protect Thai industries and manufacturers,” he said.

Moreover, the ministry expects to work on improving SMEs’ access to financial support, said Mr Thanakorn.

Regarding the continuation of the “Sudsoi” initiative established by former industry minister Akanat Promphan, Mr Thanakorn said it supports the industry in the long term and helps reduce illegal factories.

The ministry is committed to sustainable industrial development by promoting high-quality investments, upgrading the manufacturing base and enforcing stricter regulations to tackle environmental issues, he said.

Nattapol Rangsitpol, industry permanent secretary, said the industrial sector has slowed over the past decade, though the government has promoted new-generation sectors as part of its S-curve scheme.

“Civil servants are ready to collaborate with the minister,” he said.

Mr Nattapol said the major sectors driving the economy and industrial GDP comprise the automotive, electronics and electrical industries, as well as food and food processing, which combined account for roughly 50% of Thailand’s industrial output.

The government is moving ahead with its ‘Five Pillars of the Economy’ initiative, combining short-term economic stimulus with long-term structural reforms aimed at improving competitiveness, according to Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

The strategy focuses on empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs), grassroots communities and the middle class, while laying the foundation for a transition to a green and digital economy, he said on Saturday at Sustainability Expo 2025 in Bangkok.

Speaking at the Thailand Supply Chain Network Business Partner Conference 2025, which focused on macroeconomic adaptation in a changing global context, Mr Ekniti stressed the importance of national adaptability.

‘The global landscape is undergoing significant transformation, particularly in trade and investment. Thailand’s economic growth has long relied on global supply chains,’ he said.

However, he noted that the global paradigm has shifted dramatically.

‘We are no longer in a purely globalised world, but in a fragmented one – one of ‘localisation’ and geopolitical bipolarity,’ he said.

‘The global free trade order has given way to one where nations are increasingly pressured to choose economic alliances. Those outside a given bloc may face trade restrictions or be excluded altogether.’

He went on to explain that low-cost goods are no longer guaranteed access to international markets due to rising protectionist measures, including tariffs and regulatory scrutiny.

‘The world used to champion tariff reductions to promote free trade, but now we’re seeing a resurgence of trade barriers. Certain goods are subject to stricter inspections,’ he said, adding that free trade is no longer as open or universal as before; the world has entered an era of economic bloc alignment.

He acknowledged that Thailand’s economy is facing a downturn, and immediate action is necessary to revive growth and ensure sustainability.

‘We need to grow the economy first, but sustainably. We must also tackle inequality. That’s why the economic team has adopted a unified framework for communication and policy.’

Mr Ekniti, also a deputy prime minister, elaborated on the ‘Five Pillars’ framework, highlighting how each pillar is designed to address immediate economic pressures while laying the foundation for long-term structural resilience.

As for economic stimulus, he said that with exports surging earlier this year in anticipation of tariff hikes under the Trump administration, the focus now shifts to domestic demand, particularly through government spending.

Low-income groups will benefit through state welfare cards, ensuring that support reaches the grassroots level and stimulates broad-based consumption.

For the middle class, the co-payment scheme (Khon La Khrueng) is being used to subsidise cost-of-living expenses, enhancing disposable income and supporting consumption.

The government also aims to revitalise tourism, with a strategic emphasis on second-tier cities. Tax incentives will be introduced to encourage tourism-related activity in these areas.

As for support for SMEs, this pillar focuses on improving liquidity for small businesses, which form the backbone of the Thai economy.

The government is developing supply chain financing schemes to inject working capital into SMEs via upstream corporate partners. A new tax break policy is under review, potentially offering 1.5- to 2-times tax deductions to large firms that assist smaller partners in the supply chain.

The last pillar involves future-oriented investment seeking to drive investment in strategic future sectors, particularly focusing on reskilling the workforce for modern industries, promoting the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model and supporting modern agriculture and removing regulatory barriers in the electricity sector to prioritise clean energy.

The North and Northeast of Thailand, currently affected by flooding, are expected to experience more rain brought by Storm Matmo as it intensifies into a typhoon and reaches Vietnam by Monday.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported on Saturday morning that the typhoon is expected to move through China’s southernmost Hainan Island, then into the Gulf of Tonkin. It is forecasted to reach the upper Vietnam coast on Sunday and Monday.

The typhoon will gradually weaken as a cold wind from China covers the area, TMD director-general Sukanyanee Yawinchan said.

Although Matmo will not enter Thailand, it will strengthen the southwest monsoon affecting the country, the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, causing heavy rain in the North and Northeast from Sunday to Tuesday.

Flash floods, forest runoff and overflowing riverbanks may occur in these regions, Ms Sukanyanee added.

According to a report from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation on Saturday morning, flooding caused by the recent tropical storm Bualoi remained in 17 provinces across the North, Central Plains, Northeast, East and South, affecting 100,235 households and 341,356 people, with 12 fatalities.

China to cancel some flights as Matmo nears Hainan

Meanwhile, Chinese authorities will cancel flights in Hainan on Saturday night before Typhoon Matmo hits the southern province, likely disrupting a peak holiday travel period for the resort island.

All flights to and from the provincial capital Haikou’s international airport are expected to be cancelled from 11pm (1500 GMT), the official Xinhua news agency reported, as Matmo could bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern China, including Guangdong and Yunnan provinces.

Matmo, which caused flooding in the Philippines this week, is expected to make landfall on Sunday.

Haikou plans to halt all schools, work and transport from Saturday afternoon to Sunday, Xinhua said.

During China’s eight-day National Day holiday, which began on Wednesday, people are expected to make some 2.36 billion passenger trips, with daily average trips forecast to be up 3.2% from the same period last year, Xinhua said on Wednesday.

Haikou had planned nearly 150 cultural events and more than 10 sports competitions during the holiday period, while the resort city Sanya had planned 170 art and tourism activities, according to Hainan’s official social media.

State media China Central Television (CCTV), citing meteorological experts, asked the public to stay vigilant as Matmo will have a serious impact on tourism and transportation, while the number of travellers is up significantly.

The Hong Kong Observatory said it would raise the tropical cyclone warning signal to Strong Wind Signal No. 3 at 12.20pm (0420 GMT) and assess the need for higher signals later on Saturday.

The financial hub has issued 12 tropical cyclone warning signals this year, the most since 1946, the observatory said on Friday.

The National Security Council (NSC) has appointed Gen Somsak Rungsita, a former NSC secretary-general, as the new head of Thailand’s Peace Dialogue Panel for the southern border provinces.

The announcement was made on Thursday by current NSC Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad, following the council’s latest meeting.

He said the members also approved a draft policy framework for the administration and the development of the southern border provinces for 2025-2027, in line with statutory requirements.

The new policy emphasises inclusive participation from all sectors in the region and integrates both security and development strategies.

To ensure transparency and international recognition, it will be translated into five languages and distributed globally.

Mr Chatchai stressed that this demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges in the South through dialogue and sustainable development.

On the issue of leadership change, Mr Chatchai, himself a former head of the Peace Dialogue Panel, highlighted Gen Somsak’s extensive background in security affairs.

In his new role, Gen Somsak will be tasked with forming a team and establishing mechanisms to advance peace negotiations, with the goal of fostering trust and long-term stability in the region.

Previously, Mr Chatchai was appointed to lead the Peace Dialogue Panel during the administration of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin. However, his tenure ended when the Constitutional Court ordered Mr Srettha’s resignation in August last year, resulting in the government’s dissolution.

During the subsequent administration led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which lasted for about one year, no successor was appointed to the post. This left the position vacant despite repeated calls from stakeholders and local communities for stronger engagement in resolving the ongoing southern border conflict.

The Bangkok Post’s Flashcard education campaign has won the second place for Best Publisher, Broadcasting Influencer Campaign in the Thailand Influencer Awards 2025 organised by influencer platform Tellscore.

The 2025 award held under the concept ‘Creators of Change – Changing the World, Path to Survival’ highlighted the roles of creators who leverage story telling and creativity to drive positive impact, whether on individuals, the economy, society or even during periods of political uncertainty and natural disasters, Suvita Charanwong, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of the Tellscore, said at the event held at ICONSIAM in Bangkok on Friday.

‘Creators are no longer merely producers of entertainment content, but have become sources of inspiration and knowledge, as well as key drivers of economic and social progress, enabling people to discover new opportunities,’ Ms Suvita said, noting that a key trend this year in responding to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is creator-led branding.

‘This approach goes beyond simple differentiation, focusing instead on ‘telling stories with a human connection,’ she said. ‘It communicates what the brand represents, the value it delivers to consumers, and highlights the influencers and creators involved and how they engage with their communities.’

The Flashcard education campaign, created and launched by the Bangkok Post in February 2025, was given the second-prize award in the category Best Publisher, Broadcasting Influencer Campaign.

Chiratas Nivatpumin, Chief Operating Officer of the Bangkok Post, received the award on stage at the event held on Friday evening.

The Post flashcards in the Learning section feature more than 60 vocabulary categories, with Sustainability being the winner for the award.

The campaign used mother and teacher influencers to stimulate its exposure to the society.

‘Speaking for the Post Digital team, the Bangkok Post has been Thailand’s trusted companion for over 79 years-a cornerstone for building English proficiency. As AI and digital learning reshape how we grow, we’re evolving with the times,’ Sutthimas Roongwitoo, First Vice President of the Post Digital Media, said.

‘Through Bangkok Post Learning and our thoughtfully crafted flashcards, we’re here to remain your go-to English learning resource. We’re excited to collaborate with brands who share our vision-because together, we can keep this learning community thriving for generations to come.’

Thailand Influencer Awards 2025 by Tellscore, supported by its major partners, including Thai Life Insurance and ICONSIAM, aims to be the country’s leading platform honouring outstanding influencers, creators and innovative brand-agency campaigns.

The first-place winner in the Best Publisher, Broadcasting Influencer Campaign category was BrandThink x Glow Story.

Cinema has always been more than just entertainment. It is a mirror of national culture, a powerful channel of dialogue and a bridge that connects people across continents. In the 21st century, when international relations are often seen through the prism of politics and economics, cultural diplomacy — and especially cinema — offers a unique opportunity to speak directly to hearts and minds.

It is in this context that I am delighted to introduce a new Russian film award — The Diamond Butterfly. Launched this year, the prize aims to celebrate outstanding achievements in art of cinema that combine creative excellence with a strong humanistic message. The name itself — delicate yet precious — reflects the essence of cinema: fragile emotions turned into lasting works of art, carrying beauty and meaning across borders.

What makes The Diamond Butterfly special is its ambition to go beyond national recognition. While firmly rooted in Russia’s rich cinematic tradition, the award is conceived as an international platform. It will highlight films that not only showcase artistic mastery but also encourage dialogue between cultures, promote mutual understanding and inspire a sense of shared humanity.

For Thailand, where cinema enjoys immense popularity and where audiences are increasingly open to diverse cultural influences, The Diamond Butterfly offers a new avenue of connection. Russian cinema has long combined deep storytelling with a universal human appeal. From classic directors to contemporary voices exploring modern realities, our films resonate far beyond Russia’s borders. Through this award, we hope to create new opportunities for Thai filmmakers and audiences to engage with Russian and global cinema in fresh and meaningful ways.

Film diplomacy is not a new concept for Russia in Thailand. Over the years, the embassy has organised Russian film festivals in Bangkok and other cities, showcasing both timeless classics and contemporary productions. These events have always attracted large and enthusiastic audiences, proving that cinema speaks a universal language. The Thai audience has had opportunities to enjoy Russian films such as The Challenge, 110, Tzaddik and The Four Seasons, as well as fantasy cartoon Flying Ship and many others. Discussions after screenings often reveal how much viewers in Thailand find in common with Russian stories — from family bonds and personal dreams to social challenges and national pride.

Looking ahead, we see The Diamond Butterfly award as a natural extension of this tradition of cinematic dialogue. By recognising films that embody creativity and humanity, it invites new partnerships and exchanges. It is our belief that culture, and especially cinema, remains one of the most effective ways to build bridges between nations.

As Russia and Thailand continue to strengthen their cultural ties, cinema will remain at the forefront of this effort — a shared space where beauty, thought and emotion transcend political and geographical boundaries. And perhaps, like a butterfly’s wings, a single film can stir the air and bring people closer together. I would like to invite Thai filmmakers to nominee their works for this promising award at eurasianfilmacademy.com.

The southern insurgency has been a conundrum for all governments.

But currently, much of the kingdom’s attention has been on the Cambodian-Thai border, and so the violence in the deep South just blips on and off our radar.

The problem of this region won’t just fade away of its own accord. Silence and a lack of policy attention from the central government only goads insurgents to stage more violence.

It is therefore welcome news that the Anutin government approved the nomination of Gen Somsak Rungsita on Thursday to lead the peace negotiation team, paving the way for peace talks with the rebel group Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).

However, Gen Somsak, a former secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), is the fifth negotiation leader who comes with a military background. Such a track record speaks volumes about the direction of our peace talks.

Among six negotiation leaders, only one, Chatchai Bangchuad, was a civil official. Yet, Mr Chatchai did not have much time to lead any peace talks, and he left over a year ago to lead the NSC. Since then, the Paetongtarn government left the position of negotiation leader vacant, resulting in peace talks with the BRN being put on hold. The lack of continuity and political commitment has stalled momentum, raising concerns about the sustainability of any future negotiations.

When Mr Chatchai was appointed chief of the negotiation team, there was fresh hope that with a civilian in the role, the direction of the peace talks would be changed or toned down from those pushed by the military.

Ideally, the head of the negotiation team should not come from the ranks of the security forces, so that they will at least offer some credibility as being impartial and serve as a bridge between the two sides.

The appointment of another military man as the negotiation team leader again raises questions about whether the future peace talks can produce a different outcome.

Despite government attempts to deal with the violence, my visits and interviews with local people over the past several years revealed to me that villagers have been living in fear. Every time they leave home, they must exercise caution and are subject to heightened scrutiny by police and military officers under special security laws still enforced in the area.

Indeed, governments have tried several means to reduce violence, such as approving more budget money for development and education, including scholarships.

Governments and security agencies have failed to win over the hearts and minds of local people. Special security laws, surveillance and executive decrees imposed by successive governments have pushed communities to the opposite side.

For over a decade, security management in the deep South — representing Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and four provinces in Songkhla — has been governed by a combination of special security laws: martial law, the Emergency Decree and the Internal Security Act (ISA). Among them, the Emergency Decree allows officials to arrest and detain individuals for up to 30 days without charge, outside the standard criminal justice system, in locations such as military camps.

The problem is that security officials apply these security edicts in a ham-fisted manner.

There are routine reports of arbitrary detentions, prolonged custody without charges, and invasive surveillance, such as the collection of DNA from suspects. There are recent cases where individuals were detained after passing through road checkpoints in the region, only to be released without explanation.

Make no mistake, I always acknowledge the importance of law and order. But genuine and meaningful reconciliation will only come from mutual trust — never coercion.

To build trust, authorities must refrain from enforcing these special security laws excessively and should apply them proportionally, with prudence and discretion.

The presence of security laws and their blunt application only reflects the absence of effective political leadership. Politicians take a backseat and leave the army to create a security strategy and run the show. Naturally, the army is made to control and win battles and wars.

Yet, the policy for the deep South should not be about winning but co-existing in a plural society where all sides feel their voices and opinions are registered and valued.

Sustainable peace in Thailand’s southern border provinces cannot be achieved through military dominance alone. Thailand has attempted military approaches for years, but they haven’t been successful.

The question is: When will we ever learn?

The Bhumibol and Sirikit dams still have sufficient capacity to hold water, with assurance that there will be no repeat of the notorious 2011 floods, according to the National Water Resources Office (ONWR).

Paitoon Kengkarnchang, deputy secretary-general of the ONWR, said yesterday that water levels in the Ping and Nan river basins have pushed the Bhumibol, Sirikit, and Kwae Noi dams to over 90% capacity, with water discharge now relying on the cascade spillway to manage the flow.

While Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are still largely dry, the heavy rain caused by Typhoon Bualoi has led to severe flooding at the back of Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit’s Thong Saen Khan and Nam Pat districts. To prevent overflow, the dam is releasing an additional 25 million cubic metres daily.

Bhumibol Dam has cut down its release to 5 million m³ per day, sending about 2,800-2,900 m³ per second towards the Chao Phraya Dam. With excess water in Pak Nam Pho, water from both sides of the Chao Phraya River is being diverted via the Tha Chin, Noi and Pasak rivers to Ayutthaya to minimise impact.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered urgent assistance for affected communities and requested that the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation consider providing compensation. He stressed that, unlike in 2011, dams remain under control and Bangkok can still withstand water release of up to 3,500 m³ per second.

In Bangkok and its vicinity, officials said that during periods of high tides, some areas outside the flood barriers in Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani may be impacted, though only slightly, thanks to the Lat Pho Canal, which helps divert excess water.

In Ayutthaya, where the Chao Phraya Dam has already raised its rate to 2,400 m³/sec, 11 districts, 139 tambons, and 795 villages remain flooded, affecting 41,551 households, with three deaths reported.