Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Twenty victims, assisted by activist lawyer Ronnarong Kaewpetch, chairman of the Foundation for Justice in Society, have filed a lawsuit against a self-proclaimed “Naga medium” accused of swindling over 20 million baht.

Mr Ronnarong led the group to the Central Investigation Bureau on Tuesday to lodge complaints against a woman known online as the “Divine Consort of Indra”, “Phet Phatthara Naga”, or “Ajarn Min”.

The alleged victims say they were duped into purchasing talismans and participating in rituals that were claimed to improve fortune and prosperity but later proved ineffective. Some reportedly paid in instalments despite being in debt.

The lawyer said the acts may constitute public fraud and could violate the Computer Crime Act and the Consumer Protection Act. Evidence submitted included bank transfer slips, chat records, promotional clips, and advertising materials.

Investigators were urged to trace financial transactions across 18 related bank accounts, suspected of laundering large sums, said Mr Ronnarong.

One victim, a 46-year-old dentist identified only as “Khun Tee”, said she was persuaded by “Ajarn Min”, who claimed to channel a divine Naga spirit.

Min allegedly charged tens of thousands of baht for amulets she claimed to be “personally chosen by celestial beings”.

However, the items were later found to be cheaply made and resold at exorbitant prices. After the allegations surfaced, Min reportedly blocked communication and refused refunds, she said.

Another victim said she was deceived via a Buddhist teaching page and discovered that donation funds were misused and that celebrity photos were exploited without consent to promote credibility.

The Energy Ministry aims to generate 720 billion baht in investment for energy development projects, notably solar power and carbon capture storage, putting Thailand on a fast track towards its net-zero goal, achieving it 15 years sooner than the target date.

The projects are meant to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and stimulate the economy under the ministry’s “Quick Big Win” energy campaign, aligning with the policy of the Anutin Charnvirakul government that wants to see Thailand strike a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and absorption by 2050.

Former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told the UN Climate Change Conference four years ago that Thailand’s net-zero target would be attained by 2065.

“The combined projects are expected to create 16,000 jobs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10 million tonnes a year,” said Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon.

Among the tasks is a push for solar-powered water pumps for farmers in areas spanning 700,000 rai of land nationwide.

He said authorities will encourage communities and companies to co-invest in developing solar farms to sell electricity to the government.

Mr Auttapol also plans to speed up a project to have the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand install floating solar farms at its three dams: Bhumibol, Vajiralongkorn and Srinagarind.

The government is also granting tax reductions for 90,000 households that install rooftop solar panels.

In addition, authorities plan to invest in installing carbon capture systems worth 540 billion baht to help Thailand reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

According to Mr Auttapol, the ministry will step up efforts to launch a pilot project for a direct power purchase agreement (PPA) next month.

Known as a direct PPA, the agreement is a form of electricity trade that lets power companies directly sell clean power to clients, particularly electricity-intensive data centre operators.

Peer-to-peer power trade in the renewables category remains banned in Thailand.

The direct PPA scheme with power generation capacity of 2 gigawatts in the first phase requires an investment budget of 65 billion baht.

“Foreign investors in digital tech businesses, especially data centres, still depend on electricity from fossil fuels, but they will demand more clean energy in the future,” he said.

“We should seize this opportunity to increase investment.”

Mr Auttapol said authorities are also drafting a new version of the power development plan, which will guide the country’s long-term power supply management, with a greater focus on renewable power.

In today’s fast-changing economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) matter more than in the past.

They create jobs, contribute to GDP value, and open up opportunities for innovation.

Yet, while SMEs are often praised as the “backbone” of the Thai economy, praise alone will not help them thrive.

What they need is not just government handouts or temporary aid, but also a sustainable business ecosystem.

Beyond Small Shops

SMEs are more than corner shops or family businesses. Official definitions include firms with annual sales of up to 500 million baht in the manufacturing sector and 300 million baht in the services sector. Some firms employ as many as 200 workers.

This diversity of business size not only makes them central to economic growth but also complicates policy decision-making. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to work.

3 Challenges

First, the sheer variety of SMEs, from micro firms to mid-sized exporters, creates challenges. Policy aimed at one end of the spectrum may fail at the other.

Second, SMEs differ across industries. A factory linked to global supply chains faces very different pressures from a local retailer. Exporters must meet environmental and quality standards right away or risk exclusion.

By contrast, the local retail market is restricted in its growth because domestic purchasing power is limited. With household spending weak and consumer demand often stagnant, small retailers face constant pressure on sales and margins, leaving little room for real expansion.

Third, support programmes succeed only if entrepreneurs themselves are willing to adapt. Agencies can offer training or loans, but firms must choose to act. Without owner commitment, policy interventions often fade.

These challenges show that SME promotion is not just about helping individual firms. The bigger task is to create a business ecosystem that encourages self-improvement and lowers barriers to growth.

The Right Environment

This is why the concept of an ecosystem is important. A strong ecosystem extends beyond competition; it fosters networks among suppliers, customers, and partners. These ties allow SMEs to gain knowledge, access financial resources, and explore new markets.

Ecosystems can be shaped through various reforms and programmes: cutting red tape, offering incubators, promoting exports, supporting venture capital, and linking firms to technology. Crucially, the design should match each business stage, from startup to big company.

Studies worldwide confirm the hypothesis; in South Korea, in-house R and D drives SME success. In the US and New Zealand, tourism incubators offering cheap finance support and expert advice strengthen the sector. Scotland’s incubators create about 1,800 businesses a year. Spain’s university spin-offs outperform other startups. The lesson is clear: ecosystems produce the business outcomes.

Korean Example

A good example is South Korea, which established the Ministry of SMEs and Startups to help firms transition from local beginnings to global reach. Policies include cutting regulations, opening government procurement, supporting failed entrepreneurs with “second chances”, and expanding financial accessibility through angels, crowdfunding, and SME stock markets.

South Korea also invests heavily in research, protects intellectual property, builds smart factories, and fosters links between small and large firms. Export vouchers, branding support, and trade fairs further help SMEs compete abroad.

Together, these measures show how a country can design an environment where SMEs not only survive but also have the potential to grow stronger.

Another example of ecosystem-building comes from Korea Credit Data (KCD), a fintech unicorn that has transformed how SMEs manage their finances. Its flagship platform, Cash Note, began as a simple bookkeeping app but has since evolved into a super-app used by almost two million businesses nationwide.

Beyond accounting, it now offers financial management tools, marketplace functions, networking opportunities, and even information on government policies. By integrating these services in one place, KCD lowers barriers for SMEs to operate more efficiently and connect to broader markets.

Question for Thailand

Despite Thailand’s existing support for SMEs, piecemeal aid is not sufficient in a fast-moving economy. The task now is to create an ecosystem where firms can acquire resources, technology, and networks for themselves. Without such a system, Thai SMEs risk falling behind in both competitiveness and sustainability.

The South Korean model demonstrates that success stems not from scattered policies but from integrated strategies that align with the business life cycle.

For Thailand, the question is no longer whether SMEs are important, as we already know they are. The real question is: Are we ready to build the environment they need to flourish on their own?

B.Grimm and Siam Piwat Group have forged a multi-dimensional strategic partnership to install solar rooftop panels at Siam Paragon, driving a clean-energy future.

B.Grimm signed a memorandum of understanding with Siam Piwat to expand their strategic partnership across several areas, including a transition to renewable energy with the installation of a solar rooftop at Siam Paragon, the application of digital technology to enhance energy efficiency, collaboration on biodiversity conservation, knowledge exchange to promote holistic wellness, and supporting arts and culture initiatives.

Harald Link, chairman of B.Grimm, said the company remains dedicated to advancing Thailand’s progress in healthcare and infrastructure. As a leader in renewable and clean energy technology as well as efficient energy management, he said B.Grimm is delighted to support Siam Piwat’s properties.

This partnership reflects B.Grimm’s philosophy of “doing business with compassion in harmony with nature” in pursuit of long-term business development goals and creating future innovations to meet the needs of society in the digital age.

This ethos is reflected in the partnership’s wide-ranging scope, which includes creating positive impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, exchanging knowledge and developing projects integrating Bhutan’s concept of gross national happiness, promoting holistic healthcare and fostering classical music education through the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Southeast Asia’s premier orchestra.

This resonates with Siam Piwat’s business vision, which aims to create benefits for the general public and enhance the quality of life for Thais alongside environmental conservation and restoration.

Chadatip Chutrakul, chief executive of Siam Piwat Group, said this partnership with B.Grimm marks another significant collaboration between two leading organisations to establish a new benchmark for sustainable destinations in Thailand by integrating innovation and clean energy management for efficiency optimisation.

Siam Piwat prioritises the transition to renewable energy and has set a goal to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The company has already installed solar rooftops to generate electricity for use at some of its malls.

She said the partnership reflects a shared vision between B.Grimm and Siam Piwat as leaders in the energy and global retail sectors with deep commitment to establishing a new sustainability benchmark for Thai businesses in alignment with international standards and cultivating a business ecosystem driven by environmental, social and governance considerations.

Siam Paragon signed a power purchase agreement with B.Grimm Power Smart Solution Co, a subsidiary of B.Grimm Power Plc, to develop a solar rooftop project on its building.

Covering an area of more than 4,600 square metres with a total installed capacity of 793 kilowatt-peak, the project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by some 532 tonnes per year.

The solar rooftop will supply power to Paragon Hall, a world-class convention and exhibition centre, and a section of a new zone within Siam Paragon scheduled to open in late 2025, which is set to become a key landmark and a model sustainability platform in Bangkok.

Building on the success of the solar rooftop installation at Iconsiam, this project will increase the proportion of clean energy usage, in line with Siam Piwat Group’s goal to complete its transition to 100% renewable energy across its malls by 2030.

Siam Piwat’s commitment to sustainability is integrated across its entire portfolio, including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, Iconsiam, ICS and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, which are designed not only as global destinations but also as venues that connect people, society and the environment to drive positive change.

The company remains dedicated to creating a positive impact for all stakeholders across its value chain, guided by its core business strategy of creating shared value.

Cambodian civilians must leave Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district of Sa Kaeo by Friday’s deadline in accordance with a General Border Committee (GBC) agreement, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Tuesday.

He stated that a meeting was held on Monday, and actions are being taken in accordance with existing agreements.

Thailand maintains that Cambodia must adhere to the terms outlined in the GBC, which include four key conditions — withdrawal of weapons, withdrawal of troops, suppression of scammer networks and effective management of the border situation, he said.

“Any area that falls within the territory of the Kingdom of Thailand must be vacated. That is all,” Mr Anutin said.

When asked about human rights concerns and how justice will be ensured for Thai citizens, he responded: “I don’t see any difficulty. Thai people deserve justice. Every Thai citizen is subject to the same law. Those who encroach on Thai territory unlawfully must leave — it’s that simple. If the other side refuses to comply, there’s no room for negotiation.”

Responding to a question on how the government plans to maintain a positive image in the eyes of the international community, Mr Anutin said: “I’ve already delegated full authority.”

“I’ve tasked the military with protecting our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Full support has been provided by the government,” he said.

“Similarly, diplomatic negotiations — including terms and conditions — have been handed over entirely to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the prime minister said.

“Regarding the protection of rights for local people in Sa Kaeo, the provincial governor has been instructed to proceed based on established agreements. Everyone has been granted full authority to carry out their responsibilities.”

Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit commented on the case where Cambodian nationals have not evacuated from the areas of Ban Nong Chan, Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Khok Sung district and Ban Ta Phraya in Ta Phraya district in Sa Kaeo.

He said that during a recent meeting of the National Security Council, responsibility was assigned to the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters and the chief of defence forces to manage the situation.

Regarding the Regional Border Committee, he noted that the initial meeting had been postponed without a new confirmed date. Similarly, the session for the Second Army Region has also been delayed, though it is scheduled provisionally for Oct 14, he said.

Former K-1 super welterweight champion joins Takeru, Noiri and Yoza as ONE Championship expands its Japan roster ahead of ONE 173 in Tokyo

Hiromi Wajima has signed an exclusive multi-fight contract with ONE Championship, becoming the latest star from Japan’s kickboxing scene to join the promotion’s growing roster.

The former K-1 super welterweight champion announced the news this week, ending speculation about his next move after his K-1 contract expired in July.

‘I have signed with ONE Championship!’ Wajima said in a social media post on Tuesday. ‘Thank you for your support. I aim to be the best in the world! I can’t wait to fight!’

The 30-year-old last competed in December 2024, and his arrival adds further depth to ONE’s stacked striking divisions as the organisation continues its push into the Japanese market.

Wajima joins an elite list of fellow Japanese kickboxing stars who have crossed over from K-1 in recent years – including Takeru Segawa, Masaaki Noiri, and Yuki Yoza, all from the renowned VASILEUS Gym stable.

Former K-1 and Rizin standout Rukiya Anpo has also signed a multi-fight deal and will make his debut at ONE 173 on November 16 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, where he faces Marat Grigorian in a blockbuster lightweight clash.

Another former K-1 star, Kana Morimoto, will face Thai icon Stamp Fairtex in an atomweight kickboxing bout on the card.

The move underlines ONE’s aggressive expansion in Japan, with the upcoming ONE 173 shaping up as one of the biggest martial arts events in the country’s history. The show will feature at least seven title fights, split into two sessions with a two-hour intermission between cards.

Doors will open at midday, with the ten-hour spectacle scheduled to conclude at 10pm, the Bangkok Post was told by CEO and chairman Chatri Sityodtong.

It follows the success of ONE 172 in March at Saitama Super Arena, which drew more than 10,000 fans and generated a US$2 million gate, setting a benchmark for the promotion’s return to Japan.

A new version of “The Sans”, the official mascots for the 2025 SEA Games and Asean Para Games, has been unveiled.

The updated mascots retain the name “The Sans” but have been simplified to more clearly reflect Thai uniqueness, said Dr Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT). He added that the redesign is aligned with the policy of Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilattayakorn, who has emphasised that the mascots should be easy to recognise, approachable for all audiences, and a true reflection of Thai identity.

Originally, “The Sans” consisted of seven characters — five assigned to the SEA Games and two representing the Asean Para Games — under the concept of “Seven Days, Seven Colours.” The designs were inspired by traditional Thai weaving patterns, which represent Thai wisdom and identity.

The minister suggested that the mascots be streamlined into a single character for the SEA Games and a single character for the Asean Para Games, making them easy to recognise and underscoring the theme of Asean unity.

The colours of the Thai national flag have been integrated into the new design, symbolising national pride. This approach has been endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow.

The new mascots will be used for the medal ceremony and other main activities during the tournament while the old designs will still be produced as the Games’ merchandise. The 2025 SEA Games will take place from Dec 9-20 in Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Songkhla while the Asean Para Games from Jan 20-26, 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Melchie Dumornay scored twice as Lyon got revenge on Arsenal to open their Women’s Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory in London, while Barcelona thrashed Bayern Munich 7-1 on Tuesday.

Arsenal came back from losing the first leg at home to beat the French giants 4-1 away in their semi-final tie last season before also stunning Barca in the final to become the first English winners of the competition for 18 years.

However, the Gunners have made a poor start to the Women’s Super League season and suffered a damaging defeat to their hopes of a top-four finish that would secure direct passage to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Arsenal made the perfect start thanks to Alessia Russo’s cool finish on seven minutes.

Lyon were gifted a route back into the game when Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar’s mishit pass went straight to Dumornay, who fired in at the second attempt after her first effort was saved.

The Haiti international then pounced on more slack Arsenal defending to fire into the top corner for a second goal in five minutes midway through the first half.

Barcelona kicked off their quest to reclaim the trophy with a demolition of Bayern.

Pere Romeu said his team, who have reached five consecutive Champions League finals, would “compete like animals” and three goals in the first 27 minutes to set up an emphatic victory.

Alexia Putellas opened the scoring after just four minutes, curling into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Three-time winners Barca extended their lead through Ewa Pajor and Esmee Brugts, before Klara Buhl pulled one back for the beleaguered visitors.

Salma Paralluelo restored Barca’s three-goal advantage before half-time, and Pajor netted again after the break.

Claudia Pina capped the victory with a late double and with recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati pulling the strings in midfield, Barca showed why they remain favourites for the competition despite last year’s disappointment.

Juventus beat Benfica 2-1 thanks to Cecilia Salvai’s double, while Paris FC were held 2-2 by Leuven in the day’s other matches.

English champions Chelsea travel to FC Twente and Wolfsburg host Paris Saint-Germain in the pick of Wednesday’s action.

For the first time this season, the women’s Champions League has 18 participating teams, playing six games each against different opponents in a league phase.

Only the top four qualify directly for the quarter-finals, with sides ranked fifth to 12th involved in a play-off to join them in the last eight.

Here’s a confusing rule that l would like to hopefully make clearer. You’re allowed to carry up to fourteen clubs for a round of golf. However, you can have fewer — just one if you wish. There is no restriction on the type of clubs you carry so long as they conform to the Rules of Golf. For example, you can carry multiple putters, multiple drivers, or some left-handed clubs and some right-handed clubs. If you start a round with fourteen clubs, you are generally limited to those clubs for the rest of the round, even if you lose one. But if you break one you can continue using that damaged club, replace it, or have it repaired, if possible. If you start a round with fewer than fourteen clubs, you can add clubs during the round until you reach fourteen, but you must not delay play in doing so.

You cannot purposely adjust or alter clubs during your round, which includes making changes to adjustable clubs. But if an adjustable club becomes loose during the round, you can repair it by moving it back to the original setting. You can share a golf bag with your partner as long as the total number of clubs don’t exceed fourteen. If you start with less than fourteen clubs you can add more during the round as long as fourteen is not exceeded. If you should lose a club and you or another person finds it you can keep using it. But if it can’t be found you must play on without it. In other words, you can’t replace it.

Out of Bounds: Should you strike your playing partner over the head with your favourite club out of frustration and the club breaks, it can’t be replaced and unfortunately, neither can your partner.

Three Myanmar air force planes were seen dropping bombs on a village in Myanmar close to the Ban Phu Nam Ron permanent border checkpoint in Muang district on Wednesday.

About 10am, two twin turbo-prop Y-12s dropped about 30 bombs on the Ban Ticki community, no more than two kilometres from the checkpoint in tambon Ban Kao, about 10am, according to local officials.

The Chinese-built aircraft circled the area for about an hour, they said.

About 2.13pm, a Myanmar air force K-8 light attack jet aircraft was seen dropping two large bombs on Ban Ticki, followed by the sound of machinegun fire, before leaving. The bombs were said to be 1,000 pounders.

There was confirmed damage to the community. The Karen National Liberation Army’s 4th Brigade was still assessing the full impact, and any casualties.

Officials said Thai communities along the border were not affected.

However, at least 300 Myanmar people had already gathered at Mai Kadok on the Myanmar side of the border, near the checkpoint, hoping to take shelter in Thailand. None had been allowed in at last report.

Thai officials provided them with meals and drinking water.

Thai security forces were maintaining peace and order in the area.

Muang district authorities issued instructions for the preparation of temporary shelters for use in the event of a refugee influx. Volunteer defence units and local security forces were setting up checkpoints near the customs gate to prevent unauthorised entry and maintain public order.

The situation remained tense and was being closely monitored.