Chiang Mai – HYLIFE GROUP, a national leader in business and innovation, proudly announces its commitment to creating a new legacy on the provincial stage of beauty pageants with the official launch of the management and advisory team for the Provincial Director – Miss Grand Lampang 2026. The pageant will be held under the inspiring concept “Grand Luminary: Queen of the Future,” representing a queen of the future who embodies timeless elegance, modernity, and brilliance beyond boundaries.
The press conference is honored by the presence of the executive team, led by:
Mr. Dhanush R. Nair – Co-Group CEO, HYLIFE GROUP
Mrs. Watcharaphorn Lin – Executive Director, HYLIFE GROUP
Mr. Pipat Kantharan – Pageant Advisor
This year, the Miss Grand Lampang 2026 stage will be elevated to new standards under the theme “Grand Luminary: Queen of the Future.” The concept reflects beauty that transcends limitations, blending grace with the power of the future, and aims to inspire modern women to rise as leaders and create new legacies on a stage of honour.
The press conference also welcomes special guests who will add prestige and excitement to the event, including:
Kim Goodburn – Model, Actor, Master of Ceremony, and Mister International 2023.
“Jan” Natthinee Thanatpornpinyoyo – Miss Grand Lampang 2025 and 2nd Runner-Up, Miss Grand Thailand 2025.
The Grand Final Competition will be held in grand style on the 22nd ofOctober 2025 at 7:00 PM at Chiang Mai Hall, Central Chiang Mai Airport. Sixteen contestants will compete on the stage of dreams, showcasing the strength and spirit of the modern woman.
Stay updated with the latest news and activities of the pageant at:
Thawatchai Daeng-Ngam and his "Tod," a 5-year-old buffalo, participate in a beauty buffalo pageant during an annual buffalo racing festival in Chonburi, Thailand, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI and HUIZHONG WU
CHONBURI, Thailand (AP) — It was 5-year-old Tod’s first time competing in a beauty pageant and the bright red interior of his ears turned out and popped against his black fur.
The main stud for his owner, food vendor and farmer Thawatchai Daeng-Ngam, Tod was one of the competitors Monday at the annual water buffalo racing festival in Chonburi, a city about an hour drive from Bangkok.
Formerly considered humble draft animals, water buffaloes have become prized show animals in Thailand. They are celebrated at the festival, held at the end of the 11th lunar month to celebrate the beginning of the harvest season and put a spotlight on the animals that once were vital to Thai agriculture.
Thai buffalo racers start off a sprint event during an annual buffalo racing festival in Chonburi, Thailand, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
These days tractors have replaced buffaloes, once prized for their strength and ability to plow fields and transport heavy loads. If the animals are not competing in shows, they are sold for meat.
Buffaloes were the main attraction at the fair in Chonburi, which kicked off with a parade featuring students performing traditional Thai dance. Some of the buffaloes wore flower crowns as they pulled traditional wooden carriages with wheels 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall carrying their owners and women dressed in traditional Thai garb.
The festival also featured a race with buffaloes ridden by jockeys sprinting down a 100-meter (328-foot) track.
Pitun Rassamee came to compete with his 3-year-old buffalo with white fur. The albino already had won local competitions and he hoped Lookaew, meaning marble in Thai, would place in the top five.
There was good reason to be hopeful. Another albino Thai buffalo was sold in 2024 for 18 million baht ($672,000) after winning multiple pageants.
A Thai buffalo rider loses his balance and falls in a sprint event during the annual buffalo racing festival in Chonburi, Thailand, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Changing the role of Thai buffaloes
The shift from farm animals to prized symbols has been a gradual one accompanying the mechanization of farming. Thailand’s water buffalo population was in decline for a time.
But the contests have injected new interest in the animals, as well as a new industry enjoying government support. The Thai government designated a Thai Buffalo Conservation Day beginning in 2017 and local governments now provide breeding assistance to farmers.
Thawatchai, the food vendor who owns Tod, said raising the buffalo for competition was only a hobby. He lets it roam freely on his family’s farm and was only at the festival to see how Tod measured up with others.
On bigger farms, the animals are bathed every day and fed a special diet of corn, soybeans, bran and vitamins, explained Kijchai Angkhanawin, who works as a caretaker for prized buffaloes,
A member of a Thai buffalo racing team tries to control it before a sprint race during an annual buffalo racing festival in Chonburi, Thailand, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
He splashed water on the buffaloes he was overseeing at the festival, which stood at least a head taller and were bulkier than many of the other animals. They are judged on horn size, hoof smoothness and overall physique, he said.
In Chonburi, the buffalo-centered events are not new, said Papada Srisophon, an assistant to the chief of a village near a livestock center where farmers learn techniques to raise the animals.
“Each year it has become bigger and bigger,” Papada said, explaining the contests are an incentive for the farmers to keep raising the animals. “Without this activity, they won’t know what to do with their buffaloes, and they won’t be motivated to keep their buffaloes.”
Thai buffalo racers compete in a sprint event during an annual buffalo racing festival in Chonburi, Thailand, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
‘Buffaloes raise people’
At the Chonburi beauty pageant, the owners and caretakers waited with their buffaloes in shaded pens. Fire trucks delivered water for the animals while festival visitors posed for pictures with the biggest animals and families with small children gathered in the stands.
Caretakers then corralled the large animals into a designated pen where judges wearing bolo ties and cowboy hats inspected the contestants.
Many of the owners entering buffaloes in the competition said they grew up with the gentle animals and still valued them, even if they could no longer be of use on the farm.
“Although buffaloes can still work in the field, they cannot compete with machines,” said Thawatchai, whose family still keeps 30 buffaloes including Tod. “Buffaloes are still important to me. It’s like what they said: ‘People raise buffaloes, and buffaloes raise people.’ It’s like a family member.”
AIS 5G has joined forces with favstay, a leading provider of hotel revenue management and digital marketing strategies, to roll out a new campaign under the concept of combining seamless connectivity with quality accommodations. The initiative aims to elevate Thailand’s all-in-one travel experience and enrich the country’s vibrant high season for tourism. As part of this collaboration, travelers booking accommodations at more than 150 hotels managed by favstay and its partner hotel networks across Thailand through leading OTA platforms—including Agoda, Booking.com, Traveloka, and Tiket.com—will receive an exclusive 20% discount on AIS TOURIST eSIM. This special offer ensures that visitors can enjoy a truly connected digital lifestyle throughout their trips—whether staying in touch with loved ones, accessing travel information, or sharing experiences instantly on social media—making their journey in Thailand seamless and memorable. The campaign runs from now until December 31, 2025.
Mrs. Benjaporn Kamphet, Head of Special Segment and Prepaid Section of AIS, said: “This collaboration with favstay strengthens the capabilities of both services. AIS provides seamless communication through the AIS TOURIST eSIM, which is easy to use, supports multiple numbers on a single device, and can be activated instantly upon arrival in Thailand via AIS’s high-speed 5G network. At the same time, favstay offers diverse and quality accommodations with easy accessibility. Together, we create a truly integrated travel experience that meets the needs of international tourists—from planning their journeys, booking accommodations, and flights, to choosing reliable mobile connectivity. AIS is proud to be part of their journey even before they arrive in Thailand, ensuring comfort, convenience, and value throughout their stay.”
Ms. Suchada Taechotirote, Chief Executive Officer favstay,said: “As a company committed to developing innovative solutions in hotel revenue management and digital marketing, favstay is delighted to partner with AIS 5G in support of Thailand’s tourism growth. We believe Thailand holds great potential to be recognized as a leading destination for both domestic and international travelers.
This collaboration not only enhances the overall travel experience but also reflects favstay’s determination to help drive the Thai tourism economy forward. We are dedicated to fully supporting the industry and creating shared value with all stakeholders.”
During the AIS x favstay Campaign, tourists who book accommodations at participating favstay partner hotels through the designated OTA platforms will be eligible to receive a special 20% discount code for purchasing the AIS TOURIST eSIM. To redeem, travelers simply send proof of their hotel booking to favstay via email. Once verified, they will receive a discount code to purchase their eSIM through the AIS TOURIST eSIM website and enjoy instant connectivity upon arrival in Thailand. The campaign runs until December 31, 2025. For more details, please visit: https://www.ais.th/esim-traveller/#/
Thai Cyber Police inspect shelves of Mini PC devices and networking equipment during a raid on a Bangkok condominium unit on October 6, 2025.
BANGKOK — Cyber police raided a Bangkok condominium unit on October 6 following a tip-off about suspected scam operations, seizing equipment used to transmit fake cellular signals.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Suraphon Prembut, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (Cyber Police), announced that officers executed a search warrant from Phra Khanong Criminal Court at a 23rd-floor unit on Srinakarin Road, Nong Bon subdistrict, Prawet district.
Inside, investigators found over 50 Mini PC devices connected to mobile SIM cards for internet access, all actively running. Authorities determined the setup was operating an unauthorized cellular network and telecommunications equipment.
Thai Cyber Police discover shelves of Mini PC devices and networking equipment during a raid on a Bangkok condominium unit on October 6, 2025.
Officials suspect the devices were used to intercept online data such as SMS messages or OTPs, potentially for system breaches, or to create fake servers and routers to avoid detection. Police seized 137 items, including the Mini PCs and related equipment, for further investigation.
The unit was rented by Mr. Zhang Hannin, 36, a Chinese national who leased it years ago but never resided there after the initial rental agreement.
Zhang faces charges under the Radiocommunications Act for possessing and operating unauthorized telecommunications equipment and establishing an unlicensed radio station—offenses punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine up to 100,000 baht, or both. Police are tracking the suspect and investigating the broader network.
Phuket Immigration police arrest a 38-year-old Indian national who overstayed his visa by 107 days at a condominium in Kathu district on October 6, 2025.
PHUKET — Immigration police arrested a 38-year-old Indian national who overstayed his visa by 107 days, claiming he loved Thailand too much to leave.
Immigration officers in Phuket received a complaint about a foreign national overstaying at a condominium in Kathu subdistrict. Upon locating the suspect matching the description in the building’s lobby, officers identified themselves and requested documents from Mr. Tanuj, a 38-year-old Indian citizen.
Phuket Immigration police arrest a 38-year-old Indian national who overstayed his visa by 107 days at a condominium in Kathu district on October 6, 2025.
His passport showed no extension request or exit from Thailand after his visa expired, with an overstay of 107 days. Tanuj admitted to the violation, stating he loved Thailand and didn’t want to return home.
He was charged with remaining in Thailand after his permit expired and transferred to Kamala Police Station. Authorities will consider whether to place him on the immigration blacklist before deportation.
The arrest follows policy directives from Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumart Boonlak, Commissioner of Immigration Bureau, targeting foreign nationals involved in illegal work, business operations, transnational crime, call center gangs, and nominee shareholding schemes. The crackdown aims to protect tourism businesses from unfair competition, ensure tourist safety, and maintain confidence among visitors to Phuket.
B.Grimm, Thailand’s oldest established company with a 147-year legacy of nation building and a multinational conglomerate in energy, efficient energy solutions, healthcare, lifestyle, real estate, and digital, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Siam Piwat Group, the leading retail and real estate developer behind world-class destinations in Bangkok such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and ICONSIAM, to expand their strategic partnership across several key 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 the supporting of arts and culture initiatives.
Dr. Harald Link, Chairman of B.Grimm, stated that with its long standing heritage, B.Grimm remains dedicated to advancing Thailand’s progress in healthcare and infrastructure. As a leader in renewable and clean energy technology, and efficient energy management solutions, B.Grimm is delighted to support Siam Piwat’s properties, which are dedicated to delivering extraordinary experiences and happiness to visitors from around the world.
Shama is a serviced apartment brand by ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading Southeast Asian management company with a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences. Guided by the vision of becoming The Best Medium-sized Hospitality Management Company in Southeast Asia, Shama continues to strengthen its leadership in the serviced apartment sector, earning the trust and confidence of both domestic and international guests.
ONYX Hospitality Group currently manages 22 Shama properties across Thailand, China, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, with the presence being expanded both within Thailand and internationally. The brand is categorised into three distinct styles—Shama Luxe, Shama, and Shama Hub—to cater to diverse customer needs. Each style varies in room size, location, and design, targeting a range from upper-upscale to upper-mid-scale segments.
Strengthening its presence in Thailand, Shama has entered into an official partnership with SENA Development to redevelop Piti Sukhumvit 101. Once complete, the project will reopen as Shama Sukhumvit 101, offering premium serviced apartments in a prime Bangkok location.
Guided by its “Live Your Blended Life” philosophy, Shama delivers a thoughtfully curated accommodation experience designed to meet the needs of both short- and long-term guests.
Siam Paragon, the global destination that holds the number one position or Top of Mind among Thai customers and international tourists worldwide, together with ICONSIAM, the world-class landmark on the Chao Phraya River, create experiences beyond expectations through the continuous development of superior services to deliver customer satisfaction in every dimension under the strategy of Customer-Centric Experience. Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM are therefore committed to creating “Meaningful Moments,” offering priceless experiences to valued customers. Most recently, they organized the exclusive event “Moonlight Dinner Cruise A Mid-Autumn Celebration,” extending invitations to ONESIAM Black members to join a Chao Phraya River cruise to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The event featured co-create & collaboration of an elevated dining experience with Okura Cruise, specially designed together to present a memorable dinner. The event was honored by the presence of Saruntorn Asaves, Executive Vice President – Customer Centricity & Relationship Management, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., and Thanaporn Tantiyanon, Managing Director of ONESIAM Shopping Center Business Group, who warmly welcomed ONESIAM Black members namely Varunya Chatphiriyaphan, Grit Supadechoochai, Supatra Yoovidhya.
ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company in Southeast Asia, is taking bold steps to make its hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences more sustainable. The group, whose portfolio includes Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence, has partnered with global sustainability leaders Rynn Water, Winnow VisionAI, and ecoSPIRITS to implement innovative solutions across its hotels and restaurants in Thailand.
These collaborations are designed to enhance service quality, reduce environmental impact, and accelerate ONYX’s progress toward its ambitious sustainability goals.
Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group, stated, “Our collaboration with three key partners—Rynn Water, Winnow VisionAI, and ecoSPIRITS—underscores ONYX’s commitment to leading sustainable hospitality in the region through the integration of world-class technologies across our hotels and restaurants. This strategic partnership demonstrates how innovation can tangibly reduce carbon footprints, minimise waste, and drive positive change for the hospitality industry as a whole.”
The initiatives with Rynn Water, Winnow VisionAI, and ecoSPIRITS are currently being piloted at Amari Bangkok and Amari Kuala Lumpur, showcasing measurable results and reinforcing ONYX Hospitality Group’s role as a sustainability role model in Southeast Asia.
The spectacular showcase reaffirms Bangkok’s rising status as a premier global destination for luxury watches.
Siam Paragon has reaffirmed its status as the premier luxury watch destination with the spectacular success of “Siam Paragon Bangkok Watch Week 2025.” This landmark event marked a historic moment as the most prestigious and comprehensive watch festival ever staged in Southeast Asia. Delivering an extraordinary experience for watch enthusiasts, the festival earned widespread recognition and trust from leading global maisons and passionate collectors alike, positioning itself as the only horology event in the region destined to become a regular highlight on the international watch calendar.
Adding to its global prestige, founders, brand owners, and top executives from around the world traveled to Bangkok for the occasion. The event reached new height with the presence of Mr. Wei Koh, a globally respected authority in watchmaking, who captivated audiences with his profound insights during The Symposium, leaving an enduring impression on all attendees.
“Siam Paragon Bangkok Watch Week 2025” marked a phenomenal success as the first watch festival of its kind in Southeast Asia. Held from September 23–28, 2025, at Siam Paragon, the event united more than 30 of the world’s most prestigious luxury watch brands.
