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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.

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.