Anutin stresses Cambodian evacuation deadline

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.

ONE Championship: Hiromi Wajima signs exclusive multi-fight deal as Japanese kickboxing influx continues

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.

’The Sans’ updated, embolden Thai flair

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.

Lyon exact revenge on Arsenal, Barca thrash Bayern in women’s Champions League

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.

Golf’s odd club rules explained

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.

Myanmar planes bomb rebel village near the border in Kanchanaburi

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.

Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina hold first staff talks to deepen defense cooperation [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry hosted the First Staff Talks between the defense ministries of Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry.

The meeting, held at the International Military Cooperation Department of the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, brought together representatives from various divisions of both countries’ defense institutions.

During the talks, the two sides reviewed the current state of bilateral military relations and identified new areas of cooperation. As a result, a draft plan for bilateral military cooperation for 2026 was prepared.

Both delegations delivered presentations outlining the organizational structures of their respective defense ministries and the ongoing reforms being implemented within them.

The sides expressed confidence that continued military collaboration between Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina will serve the mutual interests of both countries and contribute to the further strengthening of their partnership.

Baku Int’l Book Fair offers platform for literary exchange [PHOTOS]

The 11th Baku International Book Fair, organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, has officially wrapped up, Azernews reports.

The large-scale event, held at the Baku Expo Center, was organized under the theme “Techno-human: A Legend of Yesterday, A Phenomenon of Today.”

The book fair drew a diverse crowd, featuring over 41 international organizations from 18 countries, as well as more than 100 local publishing houses, printing companies, and other industry-related institutions.

The event offered a great platform for writers, publishers, and readers to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of books in an increasingly digital age.

Over the span of seven days, the 11th Baku International Book Fair hosted more than 250 events, including master classes aimed at both children and adults, presentations on inclusive literature, book signings, conferences, symposiums, and competitions.

There were also special sessions devoted to reading and music, adding a rich cultural layer to the event. Industry professionals had the opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss trends, and collaborate on future projects.

One of the highlights of the fair was the opportunity for visitors to explore the latest publications in the book market and engage directly with authors and publishers.

From books on inclusion to the latest works of fiction, attendees were able to immerse themselves in a wealth of literary experiences. In addition, the fair served as an important space for networking and collaboration, providing a valuable platform for the international book industry.

Among the participants were not only Azerbaijan’s prominent writers and poets, including several People’s Writers, but also esteemed foreign authors from countries such as Turkiye, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, and Qatar.

The event featured a mix of well-known literary figures and emerging voices, offering something for every type of reader.

A particularly poignant moment came during the awards ceremony, where several individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions to the book industry.

The Most Creative Stand Award was given to the Mayak Publishing House, while Chingiz Abdullayev received the Most Read Writer Award. The Honorary Writer Award was bestowed upon Rustam Behrudi, in recognition of his outstanding work in literature.

Reflecting the book fair’s broader theme, “Techno-human: A Legend of Yesterday, A Phenomenon of Today,” many discussions centered around how technology has transformed the way we read, write, and engage with stories.

As literature continues to adapt to the digital age, the book fair provided a valuable opportunity for creators and audiences alike to consider the intersection of technology and culture.

The 11th Baku International Book Fair, with its diverse events, global representation, and stimulating discussions, has reaffirmed its status as a premier cultural event in Azerbaijan.

Vice-President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attends Flagship Climate Dialogue in London [PHOTOS]

A Flagship Climate Dialogue entitled ‘Sea Level Fluctuations and Unequal Consequences: Case Studies from the Caspian Sea and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)’ was held at the historic Marlborough Palace in London, UK, Azernews reports.

The event, hosted in partnership with the Commonwealth of Nations, which unites 56 countries, was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps in London, as well as the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the British Foreign Office and other state agencies, small island states, climate organizations and media representatives, employees of the Commonwealth Secretariat, young leaders and other guests.

Addressing the event, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of IDEA Public Union, drew the participants’ attention to the decline in the Caspian Sea’s water level. She noted that the loss of water in the world’s largest lakes and pollution with plastic waste over the past 30 years have further aggravated the situation. Recalling that COP29 was successfully hosted by Azerbaijan, Leyla Aliyeva emphasized the importance of taking practical steps rather than ideas on the path to COP30. Leyla Aliyeva also highlighted the activities of IDEA Public Association to protect nature and involve young people in this process. Concluding her speech, Leyla Aliyeva stated that the attitude toward nature indicates the attitude toward humanity, adding that protecting the Caspian Sea creates hope for its vibrant future.

Speaking at the event, Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues, called on the international community to show solidarity for the Caspian Sea, like the Amazon and other tropical forests. He further noted that for this purpose, Azerbaijan is working together with the UN Environment Program on the development of “Action Plan for the Reduction of the Level of the Caspian Sea” covering the years 2025-2035. He recalled that, at the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, the Caspian littoral states adopted a joint declaration within COP29, thus enhancing cooperation.

The COP29 President emphasized the importance of the IDEA campaign for protecting the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea and affirmed Azerbaijan’s solidarity with small island states by supporting climate change adaptation sustainable development and adaptation projects in these countries. Following his remarks, Mukhtar Babayev noted that fulfilling the promises made at COP29 and increasing climate finance are important for restoring international trust, and Azerbaijan will continue to play an active role in global climate solidarity.

Suddhoo Arjoon, the Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, highlighted the negative impacts of climate change on the majority of countries that are members of the Commonwealth. He said that it is highly commendable that Azerbaijan’s COP29 Presidency is sensitive to the challenges faced by small island states in particular, and takes concrete steps to address these challenges. In this regard, he pointed out the cooperation project aimed at contributing to climate action in small island states that are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 between the COP29 Presidency and the Commonwealth of Nations.

In his remarks, Tim Hemmings, Special Envoy for Small Island States of the British Foreign Office, reviewed the progress achieved by COP29 last year and noted that given the scale of the problems caused by changing sea levels, the British Foreign Office, had implemented a number of projects to support issues in this direction. He said that it is commendable that the COP29 Presidency and the Commonwealth of Nations had organized an event on this topic in London.

Michael Fishbeck, co-founder and executive director of the ‘Whale Guardians’ organization, drew attention to the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea and noting that the Caspian Sea’s falling level is a harbinger of larger-scale processes that may occur in the global oceans. He therefore called for urgent steps to be taken to protect the Caspian.

Fishbeck highly appreciated the leadership shown by Azerbaijan during COP29 under the guidance of the country’s President and its plans for green energy. He added that the goal is not only to protect whales and other marine life, but also to safeguard and help revive vital marine ecosystems like the Caspian Sea.

Speaking at the event, the ambassadors of small island states in London-including the Bahamas, Maldives, Antigua and Barbuda-stated that rising sea levels pose a direct existential threat to their countries, expressing gratitude to the COP29 Presidency for highlighting such an important issue.

The event participants also viewed an exhibition dedicated to the Azerbaijani nature, followed by an official reception.

Second day of ‘Halal Business Forum’ kicks off in Baku

The second day of the “Halal Business Forum” has officially begun in Baku, Azernews reports.

The forum features a lineup of prominent speakers, including Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, Head of the Asian Development Bank’s Azerbaijan Resident Mission; Dinh Viet Hoa, Founder and Chairperson of the Vietnam National Entrepreneurship Association; Rizvan Huseynov, Director of the Caucasus History Center (Azerbaijan); as well as other government officials and company representatives.

Key topics under discussion at the forum include: Enhancing the role of SMEs in the global green transition discourse; A joint declaration on the Baku Climate Coalition for SMEs’ green transition; The role of historical heritage in the development of halal tourism in the Caucasus and Central Asia; The role of women in the growth of the halal industry.