Soft power left idle

A change in government can create a sense of renewal and excitement. New faces in the cabinet and new policies give the public hope for improved public administration and service.

Amid this, old policies are often put on ice, despite some of them already consuming a significant amount of tax revenue.

The previous Pheu Thai government had a “soft power” project, which focused on commodifying creativity, culture, and human potential, including sports and the arts. Former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was a champion of such soft power initiatives.

Indeed, the Pheu Thai government established the National Soft Power Strategy Committee to promote 13 key industries: tourism, food, films, fashion, festivals, sports, music, art, design, gaming, literature, wellness, and the performing arts.

National committees, such as the Thailand Creative Culture Agency and its related subcommittees, were established to drive these initiatives.

And last year, the soft power scheme got a 5-billion-baht budget.

One of the flagship projects is One Family One Soft Power (Ofos), which sought to create 20 million jobs with a minimum annual salary of 200,000 baht.

The past government also allocated a budget to develop festivals and events, such as the Maha Songkran Water Festival, as part of its soft power initiative to attract tourists.

There were also promising initiatives, such as grants given to artists and filmmakers, as well as proposals to implement tax incentives for art collectors.

The big question is what successive governments will do with these schemes.

Last week, lawmakers also raised the question about soft power in a parliamentary session, with a list-MP from the People’s Party, Apisit Laistrooglai, even asking the government to inspect soft power budgets. He also claimed that some of the projects, such as Ofos, failed to meet their targets.

So far, the Auntin government has not revealed a clear policy about these soft power schemes.

The new tourism minister, Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, has not included soft power ideas such as local cuisines, Muay Thai, or Thai crafts as instruments to attract and promote tourism.

Sabeeda Thaised, the new culture minister, has yet to outline her policy on promoting Thai culture or what she will do with the numerous projects that her predecessor, Ms Paetongtarn, who was also the cultural minister, had initiated.

Needless to say, the parliament must review the budget spending.

Yet, such reviews must be fair and not driven by politics.

After all, soft power, initially known as the creative economy, if handled efficiently, can indeed create a new economy and a source of income and economic opportunities for Thais.

Of course, there are a number of concerns regarding the redundancy of these soft power schemes.

There are complaints about irregularities in bidding, and questions arise about whether these projects, financed by taxpayers’ money, have met their goals.

What government and lawmakers need to do is investigate irregularities and improve these schemes, rather than abandoning them simply because they belonged to a past government.

Khanna Aliyeva wins silver in shooting at CIS Games

The shooting competitions at the 3rd CIS Games, hosted by Azerbaijan for the first time, continue to showcase intense rivalries and strong performances, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijani athlete Khanna Aliyeva secured a silver medal in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event. The competition took place at the Ganja Sports Palace, which is hosting several disciplines as part of the Games. Aliyeva’s precision and consistency carried her through the final round, earning her a place on the podium and adding another medal to Azerbaijan’s tally.

The achievement was met with enthusiastic support from local fans, who filled the arena to cheer for the national team. Aliyeva’s medal reflects not only her individual skill but also the progress Azerbaijan has made in developing shooting sports in recent years.

The 3rd CIS Games have brought together 1,624 athletes from 13 countries to compete across multiple disciplines. The multi-sport event, which serves to strengthen sporting and cultural ties among member states, will conclude on October 8.

International barbecue Festival brings global flavors to Shamakhi [PHOTOS]

The town of Shamakhi is once again hosting the International Barbecue Festival, a two-day culinary celebration that began on October 4 in the village of Meysari, Azernews reports.

Organized for the first time in Azerbaijan, the festival is supported by the Shamakhi District Executive Authority, the Nasimi Vineyards Complex, the ‘Abqora’ restaurant, and international culinary judge Sahib-David Israfilov, widely known as Don David.

The event has drawn celebrated chefs from more than 30 countries, including Willem Vink, President of the World Barbecue Association (WBQA); Christopher Sandford, WBQA’s chief judge; Thomas Gugler, former President of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS) and personal chef to the King of Saudi Arabia; as well as culinary association presidents, Michelin-starred masters, and international judges.

At the opening ceremony, Don David, WBQA President Willem Vink, and WACS Vice President Uwe Friedrich Herbert Micheel welcomed participants, noting that the festival’s purpose is to strengthen cultural exchange while showcasing Azerbaijan’s hospitality, cuisine, and cultural values. Guests were then invited to tour the pavilions, sample delicacies from different countries, and explore a variety of food brands and restaurant presentations.

Specially designated zones featured professional chefs representing both Azerbaijan and world cuisines, highlighting the richness of global gastronomy. Visitors also had the chance to attend family-friendly cooking masterclasses, where renowned chefs prepared burgers alongside children in an engaging and playful format.

A lively cooking competition added to the festival atmosphere, with teams tasked to prepare dishes from assigned recipes. Competitors were judged on flavor, cooking techniques, and presentation, with winners receiving certificates, medals, and the festival’s grand trophy, awarded by partners.

Throughout the day, local and international musicians performed on the festival stage, providing a vibrant soundtrack as visitors enjoyed an array of barbecue specialties.

The International Barbecue Festival will continue on October 5, offering another day of flavors, entertainment, and cultural exchange in the heart of Shamakhi.

Trump expected to visit S. Korea on Oct. 29 ahead of APEC summit

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering visiting South Korea later this month just ahead of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap.

Government circles speculate that Trump may hold bilateral summits with South Korea and China before the APEC gathering opens and depart without attending the main session of the summit, slated for Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in the southeastern city of Gyeongju.

“President Trump is expected to arrive on Oct. 29 and visit Gyeongju,” a ruling party official told Yonhap News Agency by phone. “However, his schedule has yet to be finalized and is still being coordinated between South Korea and the U.S.”

Trump is expected to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur from Oct. 26-28 before heading to Japan for talks with the country’s new prime minister.

He is then likely to travel to South Korea after his Japan stop, diplomatic observers said, raising the possibility of a one-day trip.

“As for when he will depart after arriving on the 29th, nothing has been confirmed at this point,” a government official said.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent earlier said Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a “pull-aside” meeting in South Korea late this month.

A ruling party official, meanwhile, downplayed the possibility of Trump’s meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the sidelines of the APEC summit.

Japan elects its first female ruling party leader

Japan’s former Minister of Economic Security, Sanae Takaichi, has been elected as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), marking a historic first for the party, Azernews reports, citing Japanese media outlets.

Takaichi emerged victorious over four competitors in the party leadership race. In the first round, she secured 183 votes, narrowly edging out her main rival, Shinjiro Koizumi, who received 164 votes, advancing both to the second round. Takaichi ultimately prevailed in the decisive stage, securing her position as party leader.

In the coming days, the parliament will vote to confirm the ruling party’s new leader as the country’s prime minister. If approved, Takaichi will become Japan’s first female prime minister.

The leadership race follows the resignation of current Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who announced in early September that he would step down as head of the LDP.

Jabrayil celebrates city day for second time since liberation [PHOTOS]

For the second year, the city of Jabrayil has opened its arms to its returning residents, as citizens gathered to celebrate Jabrayil City Day on their native land, Azernews reports.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture together with the Special Representation of the President of Azerbaijan in the districts of Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan.

The celebration began with the opening of the exhibition ‘Garabagh – From the Lens to History,’ dedicated to the history and rebirth of the region. The program will continue with a concert performance marking the occasion of Jabrayil City Day.

The festivities carry a deep symbolic meaning, as Jabrayil was one of the Azerbaijani districts liberated during the 2020 Patriotic War after nearly three decades of occupation. For many residents, the opportunity to celebrate on their ancestral soil for the second consecutive year is both a moment of pride and a testament to the city’s revival.

City Day has quickly become not just a cultural event, but also a powerful reminder of resilience, return, and the unbreakable bond between the people of Jabrayil and their homeland.

Baku Climate Action Week concludes

The second Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW) concluded in Azerbaijan, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 25 countries, Azernews reports.

The week-long event included government representatives, parliamentarians, scientists, business and women leaders, young climate activists, and officials from multilateral organizations.

Over eight venues across the capital, 46 sessions and events covered more than 30 topics, providing a platform for dialogue on the path to COP30 in Brazil. Key international organizations, including the United Nations, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Brazil’s SEBRAE, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, participated alongside former heads of state, parliamentarians, academics, and youth leaders.

The breadth of topics highlighted the complexity of the climate crisis. Discussions focused on climate finance and accountability, energy transition and mobility, adaptation and resilience, sustainable food systems and circular economy, as well as gender and leadership in climate action. Roundtables examined institutional capacity for climate resilience, green construction, climate-smart agribusiness, green transition, and sustainable fashion. Notably, the COP29 Sustainability Report was presented for the first time, and the Azerbaijan Universities Climate Network was officially established.

Youth engagement was a central theme, featuring the Youth Climate Forum, the Art and Innovation for the Planet exhibition showcasing young artists and startups, the Sustainable Career Fair connecting students with green economy opportunities, and the Little Climate Champions program promoting environmental awareness among children.

BCAW 2025, held between Rio Climate Action Week and COP30, highlighted Azerbaijan’s emerging role as a climate dialogue hub. For the country, soon to hand over COP presidency to Brazil, the week offered more than discussion-it reinforced a climate legacy and strengthened international collaboration, positioning Azerbaijan as a proactive leader in global climate action.

Gler Hseynova wins gold in boxing at CIS Games

The final stage of the boxing competitions at the 3rd CIS Games, hosted by Azerbaijan, continued in Baku with another moment of triumph for the home crowd, Azernews reports.

In the women’s 48-kilogram weight category, Azerbaijani boxer Gler Hseynova entered the ring against Russia’s Daria Gavrina in a highly anticipated final. Displaying composure, strength, and tactical precision, Hseynova outperformed her opponent and claimed the gold medal, further cementing Azerbaijan’s reputation as a rising power in women’s boxing.

Her victory was greeted with loud applause from spectators, who have turned out in large numbers to support the national team throughout the Games. The gold medal adds to Azerbaijan’s growing tally and underlines the host country’s success both in organizing the tournament and in sporting performance.

Hseynova’s success is not only a personal milestone but also a source of national pride, inspiring young athletes and highlighting the country’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation in sport.

The III CIS Games, which began earlier this month, have brought together 1,624 athletes from 13 countries to compete across a wide range of sports, from athletics and swimming to team disciplines and combat sports. Organizers have praised the high level of competition and the spirit of camaraderie among participating nations.

Victoria Beckham parades youthful collection at Paris Fashion Week

Victoria Beckham showed a collection of slip dresses, roomy suits and soft, leather jackets with crinkled edges for her namesake label’s spring summer runway show, held at the 17th century Val-de-Grace abbey in Paris on Friday, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

Guests arrived after dark, crossing rain-slicked cobblestones to reach the cloisters inside.

Models marched under the arched corridors in sharp-toed shoes, parading dresses cut in asymmetric shapes and uneven hems, the fabric bunched together in places, some covered with a dusting of spray paint.

Trousers were low-waisted, cinched with thin belts and paired with tops that were slit open in front, while suit jackets came in boxy shapes, without lapels.

Handbags included a roomy duffle bag, a structured camera bag and one that resembled an accordion.

In written show notes, the brand described the collection as an “abstract adaptation of the coming-of-age wardrobe,” noting that Beckham had spent time reviewing photos of herself as a young adult.

Paris Fashion Week, which runs through October 7, features big name brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Saint Laurent and Hermes.

This season has featured a record number of designer debuts as brands across the industry seek creative reboots to spark interest from inflation-weary shoppers.

Benfica faces potential match postponement due to virus outbreak

Several players and members of the coaching staff of Portugal’s football club Benfica, including head coach José Mourinho, have contracted a viral infection ahead of a crucial match against Porto, Azernews reports.

If the situation does not improve, the match scheduled for October 5 may be postponed.

Under Portuguese championship regulations, a match can be delayed if fewer than 13 players are available to play. Players must also be certified fit to participate by the relevant health authorities. As of now, Benfica’s management has not officially requested a postponement.

José Mourinho has been leading Benfica since September 18, marking a new chapter in the club’s season. The upcoming fixture against Porto is seen as a significant test for the team under the new coach.