Thanakorn Vegetable Oil Products Co., Ltd., manufacturer of “Cook” vegetable oil and a flagship business of the Poonphol Group (PPG), has been recognized with two prestigious accolades: HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards and HR Asia Sustainable Workplace Awards. The recognition reaffirms the organization as a top employer of choice internationally and reflects its commitment to effective human resource management.
The awards, presented by HR Asia, one of Asia’s most respected human resources publications, were announced on September 26, 2025, at TRUE ICON HALL, ICONSIAM. Mr. Petch Wanglee, President of Thanakorn Vegetable Oil Products Co., Ltd., represented the company in receiving the honors.
The HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards is presented to outstanding organizations recognized as top employers for their excellent human resource management practices. This includes nurturing employees, fostering job satisfaction, and building an organizational culture that promotes employee growth and engagement, thereby reaffirming the organization as a great place to work. The awards were evaluated through the Total Engagement Assessment Model (TEAM), a framework designed to help organizations better understand employee needs.
BANGKOK — Thailand will open a 15-day registration window from October 15-29 for an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 undocumented migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, allowing them to legally stay and work in the country for up to one year.
Labour Minister Treenuch Thienthong announced the initiative on October 6, following a Cabinet resolution on August 19, 2025, that approved measures to address labor shortages and bring undocumented workers into the formal employment system.
Targeting Already-Employed Workers
The Department of Employment will launch an online registration system for migrant workers already employed in Thailand but lacking legal status. The 15-day timeframe was set by the Committee on the Management of Foreign Workers, which includes security and economic agencies, to prevent illegal border crossings by targeting only workers currently in the country.
Around 150,000 Cambodian workers represent 25% of Thailand’s construction workforce.
“When employers have legally registered workers who are protected under the law, it contributes to national stability in both the labor market and public security, as well as public health,” Minister Treenuch said. “It also enhances Thailand’s international image in terms of humanitarian values and human rights.”
The Department estimates approximately 338,000 migrant workers are currently unregistered, including those whose work permits have expired or who missed renewal deadlines but continued working. Based on previous registration campaigns, officials anticipate 500,000 to 700,000 workers will register during this period.
Registration Process
Pichet Thongpan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, outlined the registration procedure for employers:
October 15-29, 2025: Employers must apply for work permits online on behalf of migrant workers and pay relevant fees through a 24-hour system. Proof of application serves as temporary work authorization until December 28, 2025.
Health and biometric requirements: Employers must arrange health check-ups, health insurance registration, and biometric data collection at Immigration Bureau offices. Cambodian nationals must report to Immigration every 60 days.
One-year work permit: After completing all steps, the Department will issue work permits valid until October 14, 2026.
Documentation update: During the one-year period, workers must update or obtain personal records and ID cards for stateless persons with the Department of Provincial Administration.
Labour Minister Treenuch Thienthong
“Special permission will immediately end if the migrant leaves Thailand, unless they have obtained a passport or travel document and a visa from the Immigration Bureau to stay longer,” Pichet warned.
Applications can be submitted online anytime during the 15-day period, including weekends and holidays. For inquiries, contact provincial employment offices nationwide, Bangkok Employment Offices (Areas 1-10), or the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506, press 2.
New Digital Work Permit System Launches Oct 13
Minister Treenuch also announced the launch of the e-WorkPermit system, an outsourced service for producing work permits and processing foreign worker applications that will begin operations nationwide on October 13, 2025, at eworkpermit.doe.go.th.
The 24-hour online service will cover all processes—from application submission and status checking to approval and work permit receipt—without requiring direct contact with officials.
“This service aligns with the government’s policy to elevate public services to a digital system, modernizing foreign labor management to be convenient, fast, transparent, and auditable,” Treenuch said.
Armed gang robs Yaowarat Bangkok Gold Shop inside Big C mall, seizing an undisclosed amount of gold, on October 5, 2025.
NARATHIWAT — The Fourth Army Region has condemned the armed robbery at a Narathiwat gold shop as a criminal act by insurgents desperate for funding, following a sophisticated multi-stage attack that injured a soldier and terrorized the border town of Su-ngai Kolok.
Coordinated Attack Timeline
Lt. Gen. Naratip Poinok, Commander of the Fourth Army Region and Director of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command, issued a statement detailing the October 5 incident:
6:30 p.m. — Suspicious object resembling a 15kg gas cylinder found near Provincial Electricity Authority office
6:33 p.m. — Hooded suspects spotted placing the object and firing shots into the air
6:36 p.m. — Armed gang robbed Yaowarat Bangkok Gold Shop inside Big C mall, seizing an undisclosed amount of gold
6:47 p.m. — Sgt. Maj. Burisvorn Radachai of the Peace Task Force shot while attempting to retrieve his service weapon from his vehicle; now in stable condition
6:55 p.m. — Explosion reported near Toluebae railway area
7:45 p.m. — Second explosion in Keha community housing area
Authorities also discovered caltrops scattered across multiple road points and a suspected improvised explosive device near Big C, believed intended to block pursuit.
Authorities discover one of two stolen vehicles used in the October 5 gold shop robbery, abandoned in Ban Tor-or, Kayu Khla subdistrict, Waeng district, Narathiwat on October 6, 2025.
Stolen Vehicles Located
The attackers used two stolen pickup trucks: a bronze-silver Isuzu D-Max taken at 5:00 p.m. from Palu Ru subdistrict and a Toyota Vigo stolen at 5:20 p.m. Both vehicles were found abandoned October 6 in Ban Tor-or, Kayu Khla subdistrict, Waeng district. EOD teams and forensic units secured the area.
Pattern Points to BRN Insurgency
Lt. Gen. Naratip linked the robbery to previous attacks targeting economic infrastructure, including multiple ATM heists on August 31, 2025, and the 60-million-baht Suthada gold shop robbery in Nathawi district, Songkhla, on August 24, 2019. The attack patterns suggest involvement by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) separatist group.
“This indicates the insurgent movement lacks operational funds due to intensive crackdowns on their financial pipelines, including drug trafficking, contraband smuggling, and illegal fuel trade,” the statement said.
‘Bandits, Not Ideologues’
The Fourth Army statement condemned the perpetrators as criminals rather than ideological fighters: “This group does not act according to the ideology they claim to the people. They are merely bandits who do everything for their own benefit, without regard for the suffering of citizens and the economic system.”
The command ordered maximum deployment across urban and forested areas, activated 100% readiness under the economic city defense plan, and coordinated with Malaysian authorities to prevent cross-border escape.
Public Warning
Authorities warned that anyone providing shelter, hideouts, or supplies to the attackers could face up to two years imprisonment and fines up to 40,000 baht ($1,230) under Section 189 of the Criminal Code.
The Fourth Army urged residents to report suspicious persons, objects, or information through official channels as the manhunt continues.
International tourists walk along the illuminated pier at Bali Hai in Pattaya, decorated with colorful lights for the high tourism season on October 2, 2025.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s tourism sector is experiencing strong growth in the final quarter of 2025, with foreign arrivals averaging nearly 100,000 per day and Chinese visitors more than doubling, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Chinese Tourists Double During Golden Week
Nattariya Thaweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, reported that Chinese arrivals surged from under 10,000 to approximately 20,000 daily during the recent Golden Week holiday (Sept. 28–Oct. 6), signaling renewed confidence in Thailand as a premier destination.
“This significant increase reflects restored confidence in our key tourism market and provides a positive economic signal for the year’s final stretch,” Nattariya said.
The tourism rebound is driven by Malaysia and India alongside China, with overall foreign arrivals climbing steadily since late September.
Nattariya Thaweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports
Safety Measures and Events Drive Recovery
The permanent secretary attributed the surge to several factors: enhanced security measures that bolstered international confidence, minimal impact from border situations and flooding on major tourist areas, and continued promotional efforts through world-class sporting events.
Recent attractions included the Women’s Volleyball World Championship, with upcoming events including the 33rd SEA Games in December, Loy Krathong Festival, and New Year countdown celebrations.
Flight Demand Soars
Adith Chairattananon, Secretary-General of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), reported near-capacity bookings on flights from major and secondary Chinese cities, with passenger loads reaching 99%—triple normal levels.
Return fares to China spiked dramatically, with Bangkok-Beijing tickets jumping over 400% from 1,500–2,000 yuan to 4,000–5,800 yuan for Oct. 7–9 departures. Major carriers including China Eastern, Hainan Airlines, Air China, and Vietjet reported full bookings.
AirAsia launches new direct flight route from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Suvarnabhumi on October 1, 2025.
Strong Fundamentals Support Sustained Growth
Contributing factors include Thailand’s political stability, ASEAN cooperation on cybercrime suppression, and positive Chinese media coverage highlighting Thailand as a safe, high-quality, and welcoming destination.
The influx benefits hotels, restaurants, airlines, and tourism businesses across Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and increasingly secondary cities where Chinese tourist distribution is becoming more evident.
The ministry is also promoting domestic tourism through tax incentives to ensure economic benefits circulate throughout local communities.
FILE - President Donald Trump holds the FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy as FIFA President Gianni Infantino looks on during an announcement in the Oval Office of the White House, Aug. 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The plan started coming together inside a luxury box at MetLife Stadium.
The high-drama spectacle decides which teams will face each other in the group stage of soccer’s most prestigious tournament, along with the schedule for competition. It was widely expected to unfold in Las Vegas, home to the 1994 draw when the U.S. last hosted the World Cup and a natural backdrop for glitz. But since at least March, officials had privately discussed bringing the draw to Washington, home to a showman president who regularly hugs the spotlight associated with sports.
President Donald Trump, from right, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino present Chelsea’s Cole Palmer with the golden ball trophy after Chelsea won against Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup final, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)
So during that July match in the stadium that will also host the final game of next year’s World Cup, Trump and Infantino agreed to get going on holding the draw in the U.S. capital — namely, the Kennedy Center, another institution that Trump reshaped to his liking.
“During that Club World Cup final, there was a real seriousness to well, look, if we’re going to do this, we’ve got to do it now,” Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA task force, told The Associated Press. “That’s when talks heated up between the president and Mr. Infantino in terms of getting this done.”
The collaboration over the draw, slated for Dec. 5, illustrates the bond that has formed between Trump and Infantino, described by the U.S. president as “probably the most respected man in sports.” The relationship will come into even sharper focus as the World Cup approaches, jointly hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Trump and Infantino develop a deep alliance
Despite his affinity for sports, Trump is known more for his ties to golf and football than soccer. But his awareness of the sport was spurred in part by his youngest son, Barron, who is such a soccer fan that he had a net in the first lady’s garden during Trump’s first term.
Trump’s interest only grew when the U.S. won World Cup hosting rights in 2018. Shortly after the U.S. was awarded the tournament, Trump hosted Infantino at the White House. The relationship flourished in 2020 as both men plotted their futures.
During a dinner that January at the global economic summit in Davos, near FIFA’s home in Zurich, Infantino called the U.S. president “my great friend.” Trump, always appreciative of a compliment, responded by inviting Infantino to a White House signing event for the Abraham Accords, which sought to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries.
The FIFA leader has made sure to cultivate close ties with nations hosting the World Cup.
FILE – President Donald Trump holds up a red card during a meeting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, center, and United States Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro, left, in the Oval Office of the White House, Aug. 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
Infantino has framed his close relationship with Trump as “crucial” to the success of the World Cup, a massive operation that relies on expansive cooperation with federal, state and local governments.
Infantino’s connections to Biden were far more limited
As the connection between Trump and Infantino deepened, Joe Biden dashed Trump’s hopes of staying in the White House. For the next four years, Infantino’s ties to Washington were far more limited. The two leaders had a brief meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022.
Preparations for the World Cup under Biden were under the radar by design, according to one senior official for that administration who requested anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Even though the administration had its own World Cup 2026 task force, Biden aides were aware of sensitivities surrounding large gatherings so soon after the COVID-19 pandemic. They also were careful not to overtly promote a relationship with FIFA, which had sidelined the U.S. Soccer Federation in its traditional role in coordinating a home World Cup.
Trump’s return sets the stage for a ‘MAGA’ World Cup
Since that victory, Infantino’s embrace of Trump has been gushing. He promptly congratulated him the day after Election Day, was at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s South Florida club, during the presidential transition and had a prime seat at his January inauguration. Trump called Infantino a “winner” in a video played at the Miami draw for the Club World Cup in December, which was attended by daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
FILE – Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, gives a soccer ball to President Donald Trump during a press conference after their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)
Infantino has had more public appearances with Trump than with any soccer officials from the sport’s heartlands of Europe and South America, according to the FIFA leader’s schedule and social media posts.
During Infantino’s most recent appearance at Trump’s side in the Oval Office on Aug. 22, he took even some fellow soccer officials by surprise when he gifted a gold replica World Cup trophy to the U.S. president.
That handover was unexpected, according to one senior soccer official who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive dynamics. Even though it was a replica, the moment was still seen as a snub of World Cup tradition because Trump has held onto a trophy that is supposed to belong to the sport as a whole, not an individual person.
A White House official said the trophy remains in the White House’s possession. No such offer was publicly extended by FIFA to Mexico’s President Claudia Scheinbaum or Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney. Infantino has not met with Carney this year and met Sheinbaum for the first time on Aug. 29.
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#TEAMTaiwan
Taiwan pulses with the rhythm of democracy, anchored by justice and the rule of law. In the light of shared prosperity, we thrive united. Togetherness guides our every hopeful stride, and equality uplifts all segments of society. Abundance ignites dreams from shore to shore, while mutual respect strengthens our bond. Here in Taiwan every being has a place, and diverse hearts stand in liberty’s embrace.
Taiwan’s heart hums democracy’s song, Anchored by laws both steadfast and strong. Blossoms unfold in prosperity’s light, United we thrive and new dreams take flight. Togetherness guides each hopeful stride, Equality carries us, side by side. Abundance springs from the shores to the peaks, Mutual respect is the bond we keep. Here in Taiwan— each being has a place, Enveloped in freedom’s warm, welcoming embrace.
Gold robbery suspects flee in a white pickup truck from a Narathiwat mall in Su-ngai Kolok, as captured by CCTV footage on October 5, 2025.
NARATHIWAT – Eight armed suspects carried out a brazen robbery at a gold shop inside Big C shopping center in Su-ngai Kolok district, Narathiwat province, on Sunday evening, injuring one security officer. Two explosions were reported following the incident.
The robbery occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on October 5, 2025, when the armed gang stormed Yaowarat Krungthep gold shop located within the Big C shopping complex in Su-ngai Kolok district.
According to preliminary reports, numerous shoppers and employees were inside the mall when the incident unfolded, causing widespread panic throughout the premises. The suspects made off with an undetermined quantity of gold before fleeing the scene rapidly.
The gold shop at Big C mall in Su-ngai Kolok, Narathiwat, robbed by eight armed suspects on October 5, 2025.
During the robbery, gunfire erupted inside the shopping center, resulting in injuries to Sergeant Burisorn Radachai, a light weapons specialist from the 408th Border Patrol Police operational unit. The officer, who was shopping for supplies to improve his unit’s operations base at the time of the attack, sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to Su-ngai Kolok Hospital for treatment.
Authorities discovered that the perpetrators had scattered spike strips and placed suspicious objects resembling gas cylinders near the U-turn in front of Big C on Ban To Lue Be Road to obstruct pursuing officers. CCTV footage captured the suspects using a white pickup truck as their getaway vehicle.
Police from Su-ngai Kolok station have cordoned off the surrounding area and coordinated with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit to inspect the suspicious objects. A manhunt for the robbery gang is currently underway.
The exact extent of damages and the amount of gold stolen remain under detailed investigation.
Following the suspects’ escape, two explosions were heard at separate locations: the first near the U-turn in front of Big C Su-ngai Kolok, and the second at the U-turn near Khok Saya sawmill on the road toward Su-ngai Padi district. No injuries from the explosions have been reported thus far.
It remains unclear whether this incident was an opportunistic criminal robbery—gold prices currently stand at record levels of 60,000 baht per baht-weight (approximately $3,780 per troy ounce)—or part of a calculated effort to destabilize the southern border region
The incident occurred on the same day that the newly appointed Commander of the Fourth Army Region, Lieutenant General Norathip Phaoinok, paid a courtesy visit to Haji Abdulraman Maming, Chairman of the Pattani Provincial Islamic Committee, and his executive team
This combination photo shows the 11-year-old boy receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the lion attack in Kanchanaburi on October 4 (left) and Mahesi, the one-year-old lioness who attacked him.
KANCHANABURI — A one-year-old female lion broke free from its chain and attacked an 11-year-old boy in Kanchanaburi province Saturday night, prompting authorities to seize the animal as its owner accepted full responsibility.
The incident occurred at 8:45 p.m. on October 4 in Rang Kham village, Nong Kum subdistrict, Bo Phloi district, when the lion named Mahesi (meaning ‘queen consort’ in Thai) escaped and bit the boy on the hip. A good Samaritan who rushed to help was also injured by the lion’s claws on his chest and thigh. Both victims were treated at Surasee Camp Hospital in Lat Ya and are now in stable condition.
Owner Accepts Responsibility
Parinya, a social media influencer known for posting videos with his lion, told reporters he had temporarily removed the animal from its cage during renovations and secured it with a chain around its neck. He was unaware it had broken free until neighbors alerted him that the lion was attacking the boy.
Wildlife officials inspect the cage where Mahesi, the one-year-old lioness, was kept before escaping and attacking an 11-year-old boy in Bo Phloi district, Kanchanaburi province, on October 5, 2025.
“I accept full responsibility for all medical expenses and sincerely apologize to the families and injured parties,” Parinya said. “This accident resulted from my own negligence. I am willing to surrender the lion to authorities at Bueng Chawak.”
Third Escape in One Year
Witness Kwanna Ketnoo, 47, said the boy was running home past Parinya’s house when the attack occurred about 20 meters from a shop where children had been playing. She heard the child scream and found the lion standing over him in the grass.
Kwanna revealed this was the third time the lion had escaped in roughly one year since being kept at the residence—located in a residential area surrounded by shops and homes. Local residents support the animal’s removal over safety concerns.
Legal Action
Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, ordered officials to seize the lion as evidence and mandated the owner cover all costs for the animal’s care and feeding.
The owner faces charges under Section 15 of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act for allowing protected wildlife to escape, carrying penalties of up to six months imprisonment, a fine not exceeding 50,000 baht ($1,550), or both.
Recent Fatal Attack
The incident follows a fatal attack on September 10 at Safari World in Bangkok, where five lions, led by a young male lion named Trump, killed a zookeeper who had exited his vehicle in violation of safety rules. Experts believe the lions may have been playing or acting on wild instincts when the keeper turned his back.
Growing Concerns Over Private Ownership
The cases have reignited criticism of Thailand’s laws permitting private lion ownership. Four Paws International revealed Thailand saw 625 new lions in 2025 alone, mostly in public zoos under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Mahesi, the one-year-old female lion that escaped and attacked the child, now in the custody of wildlife authorities.
“The large number of lions relates to wildlife trafficking, violating CITES conventions on endangered species trade,” the organization stated. “We urge the government to halt lion imports, prohibit breeding to control zoo populations, and ban private ownership.”
According to department data, lions are classified as Type C controlled wildlife—species with fierce temperaments that may endanger human life and property, requiring secure housing. In 2024, 37 entities including state and private zoos registered ownership of 223 lions in Thailand.
Failure to properly register carries penalties of up to one year imprisonment and fines not exceeding 100,000 baht ($3,100). Unauthorized transport carries up to six months imprisonment and fines not exceeding 50,000 baht ($1,550).
Strong waves are seen ahead of Typhoon Matmo near the coastal downtown area of Haikou, in southern China's Hainan Province on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (Guo Cheng/Xinhua via AP)
BANGKOK (AP) — Typhoon Matmo strengthened ahead of making landfall Sunday in China, prompting the government to evacuate some 347,000 people from the southern provinces of Guangdong and Hainan.
The typhoon had maximum sustained wind speeds of 151 kph (94 mph) on Sunday morning, according to China’s National Meteorological Center. It hit Zhanjiang in Guangdong around mid-afternoon Sunday. The weather authority issued a red-level typhoon warning, the highest in its system.
Hainan, which is also in the pathway of the storm, canceled flights and shut down public transport and businesses starting Saturday in preparation for the storm. The province also preemptively evacuated 197,856 people, according to state media, The Paper.
Matmo directly hit the southwestern parts of Guangdong, where 151,000 people evacuated, The Paper reported. Meanwhile, local media aired footage showing large waves washing seawater onto roads in villages by the coast in Guangdong’s Zhanjiang.
Authorities are also warning of heavy rain, with rainfall expected to hit 100 to 249 mm (3.93 to 9.8 inches) in some parts of Guangdong and Hainan.
In the region of Macau, which is not in the typhoon’s direct path, classes and tutoring sessions were canceled due to weather conditions.
Matmao had passed through the Philippines earlier this week. While there were no reports of casualties or major damage, the storm affected more than 220,000 people in five northern agricultural plains and mountainous regions. Nearly 35,000 of them either moved to emergency shelters or houses of relatives away from landslide- or flood-prone villages, disaster-response officials said on Sunday.
The storm will then move westward and north, toward northern Vietnam and China’s Yunnan province.
Strong waves are seen ahead of Typhoon Matmo near the coastal downtown area of Haikou, in southern China’s Hainan Province on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (Guo Cheng/Xinhua via AP)
Matmo blew across northern Philippines
The storm will then move westward and north, toward northern Vietnam and China’s Yunnan province.
Matmo, locally known as Paolo, was the 16th tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines this year. The Southeast Asian archipelago nation is lashed by about 20 typhoons and storms a year and lies on the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it one of the countries most prone to natural disasters.
It did not directly affect the central province of Cebu further south where a 6.9-magnitude earthquake Tuesday night killed at least 68 people and injured more than 550 others, many in the coastal city of Bogo, which was hit hard along with outlying towns.
More than 5,000 houses were damaged, and some residents were staying in parks, grassy clearings and on sidewalks despite sporadic rain because aftershocks left them too fearful to return to their homes.
This grab from video shows buildings and trees being blown during storm in Dinapigue, Isabela province, Philippines, Friday, Oct.3, 2025. (Benson Ingaran Milare via AP)
“We can’t blame people if they refuse to return home … there were too many aftershocks and some were really strong,” Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon said in a news conference in Manila. “They don’t want to go anywhere with a roof.”
About 1,000 tents would be set up with the help of the Red Cross in Bogo and outlying towns starting Saturday for thousands of residents, Dizon said.
An earlier storm, Bualoi, caused at least 37 deaths and displaced thousands in the Philippines last week before hitting Vietnam, where 49 people died and economic damages were estimated at $485 million.
Super Typhoon Ragasa, which at its peak was the world’s strongest tropical cyclone of the year, caused several deaths in the Philippines as it passed by the country before landfall in southern China.
Rangsiman Rome, People's Party MP, speaks in parliament referencing Benjamin Mauerberger (left), a South African businessman, with allegations of links to scammers and money laundering, September 30, 2025.
BANGKOK — A South African businessman has appointed a Thai representative to file defamation charges against a prominent People’s Party MP after being accused in parliament of being a major scammer with ties to Cambodian and Thai politicians.
Thanadol Suwannarit, advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, posted on Facebook on Late Saturday inviting media to cover the case on Monday, October 6 at 10:30 a.m. at Criminal Court on Ratchada Road. He has been authorized by Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, a South African businessman, to sue MP Rangsiman Rome of the People’s Party for criminal defamation and seek 100 million baht ($3 million) in civil damages.
Thanadol said evidence will be presented to the media during the press conference.
Rangsiman faces the lawsuit following his September 30 parliamentary speech, in which he cited information from Tom Wright, who claims to be co-founder of ProjectBrazen media. The allegations accused Ben Smith of involvement in scam operations and human trafficking in Cambodia, and showed allegedly suspicious photos with high-level Thai politicians, including Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Rangsiman Rome, People’s Party MP, speaks to reporters on October 2, saying the National Security Committee will invite Minister Thammanat Prompao to provide information regarding Ben Smith.
On October 2, Mauerberger issued a statement denying all allegations, calling them a “relentless smear campaign” by Wright. He announced legal action against Wright and accomplices, stating: “These are vile fabrications, entirely baseless and unsupported by evidence.”
Mauerberger accused Wright of publishing over 130 defamatory posts through Project Brazen and Whale Hunting platforms, calling it “calculated defamation, not legitimate journalism.”
He denied any involvement in Cambodian money laundering, call-center scams, or human trafficking. Regarding an earlier New Zealand case, he said authorities determined it “does not constitute a criminal offense.”
Meanwhile, Minister Thammanat also announced plans to sue Rangsiman for defamation, attacking the information presented as lacking any factual basis and intentionally damaging his reputation.
Rangsiman later told reporters he did not accuse Thammanat, but will invite him to provide information to the Committee on National Security, Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy and Country Reform, which he chairs, next week.
