A street artist creates artwork on walls and building facades along Charoen Krung Road, Bang Rak District, on September 16. (Photo: Bang Rak District Office)
Bangkok is experiencing its most vibrant cultural makeover of the year as the city becomes a living canvas for international street artists. The “Krung Thep Creative Streets” festival, running through September 21, is turning iconic neighborhoods into Instagram-worthy art destinations that locals and visitors can’t stop talking about.
Where Art Meets Daily Life
Picture this: you’re walking through the historic Charoen Krung district with your morning coffee when you stumble upon Thai artist Jayoto Lab creating a massive five-story mural right before your eyes. Just next door, a renowned French graffiti artist is transforming a government building’s blank wall into a masterpiece. This isn’t just art viewing – it’s art living.
Thai artist Jayoto Lab creates a massive five-story mural in Bangkok’s Charoen Krung district. (Photo: Pravit Rojanaphruk)
The festival spans six of Bangkok’s most character-rich neighborhoods: Charoen Krung, Talat Noi, Song Wat, South Sathorn, Surawong, and Lumphini. Fifteen talented artists from Thailand and across Europe are painting live until September 19, creating an entirely new way to experience these beloved districts.
Beyond the Brushstrokes
What makes this event special isn’t just the stunning street art – it’s the rare opportunity to peek behind usually closed doors. Over 25 historic buildings, many beautifully preserved but typically off-limits, are opening for guided tours. The exclusive French Residency tour on Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) requires advance booking (before Sept.18) and promises to be this weekend’s hottest cultural ticket.
The exclusive French Residency tour
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipun has embraced the artistic transformation, with City Hall now providing color consultation services to heritage shophouse owners and turning everyday sewage covers into colorful art pieces. It’s urban beautification with a distinctly Bangkok twist.
The Perfect Weekend Plans
The festival culminates this weekend with the grand finale: a musical evening in Charoen Krung that promises to blend European flair with Bangkok’s legendary nightlife energy. Whether you’re a serious art collector or just looking for unique weekend activities, this festival offers something completely different from the typical Bangkok cultural scene.
As French Ambassador Jean-Claude Poimboeuf put it at the launch, “Street art speaks directly to people” – and right now, Bangkok’s streets are having quite the conversation with anyone willing to listen.
At IAA Mobility, MAHLE is presenting innovations for electrification and further sustainable powertrain solutions
New range extender system and thermal management module extend the range of electric vehicles and relieve customers’ range anxiety
MAHLE supplies components for efficient ethanol engines which help in leveraging the tremendous potential of biofuels for climate protection immediately and effectively
Technological diversity is and remains the strategic approach of the globally active group
MAHLE CEO Franz: “Europe needs technological diversity for climate protection, to strengthen its competitiveness and to safeguard employment in Europe.”
At this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich, MAHLE is presenting innovations for electrification and further sustainable powertrain solutions to reduce CO2 emissions in road traffic. “Our products are not just visions. They are ready for series production and offer genuine solutions to genuine challenges faced by our customers,” said Arnd Franz, Chairman of the MAHLE Management Board and CEO, speaking to an audience of journalists at the IAA. He added that MAHLE’s highly efficient new range extender system with its high-voltage generator could extend the range of battery-electric vehicles to as much as 1,350 km, making it the “motor of e-mobility”. A compact thermal management module with integrated heat pump can extend the range of electric vehicles by up to 20 percent even at low temperatures. In addition, MAHLE is showcasing components for internal combustion engines that can be operated on up to 100% ethanol, massively and immediately reducing the carbon dioxide emissions of the existing vehicle pool. “MAHLE is doing its homework and working on the decarbonization of road traffic in all areas of technology. Europe must now follow the other major world markets and allow competition between all technologies in its CO2 regulation,” said the CEO. “This is not just a matter of climate protection but also of Europe’s competitiveness and safeguarding employment.” IAA Mobility is being held from September 9 to 14, 2025. The MAHLE stand is in Hall A1.
“Efficiency in Motion” is the mission of the MAHLE Group. Under the heading of “Efficiency3”, the company is presenting at the international motor show innovations from its three strategic areas of electrification, thermal management and sustainable internal combustion engines. “Our customers expect quality, reliability, a good price-performance ratio, and efficiency,” said Arnd Franz. “And that is what MAHLE delivers.”
Range extender system – the motor of e-mobility: compact, resource-conserving drive package
In addition to pure battery-electric vehicles, MAHLE’s strategy is based on range extender technology to boost acceptance of e-mobility by relieving customers’ range anxiety. It is forecast that the market for electric vehicles with range extenders will grow by 15 percent per year up to 2030; strong demand is already evident, especially in China. The new system from MAHLE allows the cost-effective right-sizing of the battery and reduces charging times on longer trips.
Thermal management module: the efficiency and range booster
The new thermal management module from MAHLE resolves the key challenge of e-mobility – the loss of range caused by heating at low temperatures. As the central interface for the entire cooling and refrigerant cycle of the vehicle, it ensures that each component of the drive and energy storage system is maintained at the right temperature at all times under all climate conditions at the same time as ensuring a comfortable climate in the passenger compartment. The problem of the lack of waste heat in electric drive systems is elegantly solved by integrating a high-efficiency heat pump. Additional heating systems are no longer needed.
Ethanol Power cell unit: reduces CO2 emissions and saves fuel
Specially developed engine components (power cell unit – PCU) for ethanol operation underscore MAHLE’s commitment to sustainable, high-efficiency internal combustion engines. This technology can increase the share of renewable fuels in road traffic and accelerate the decarbonization of the transport sector with immediate effect.
Bionic radial blower: penguin makes for efficiency
With a view to further improving the efficiency of its products, MAHLE has repeatedly been inspired by nature. The most recent example is a revolutionary bionic radial blower for vehicle air conditioning systems. In this case, the development engineers at MAHLE took their inspiration for the design of the blower blades from penguins’ flippers. They were supported by an in-house AI tool. MAHLE refers to the process of engineers guiding AI and providing data as “superhuman engineering”. This approach allowed more than 30 million virtual designs to be generated within a very short space of time and the first prototypes were rapidly produced. The innovative blower can be used in a wide range of passenger cars and commercial vehicles and sets new standards for the sector.
Smart charging and service solutions
MAHLE is also presenting chargeBIG, its scalable charging infrastructure with the world’s smallest wallbox and a mobile solution for temporary use. MAHLE’s inductive charging system, now recognized by SAE International as a global standard, achieves over 92% efficiency.
Other highlights include the E-HEALTH Charge diagnostics unit, which measures battery performance in 15 minutes, and the Workshop Heroes Van, touring Europe to showcase new aftermarket service tools for diagnostics, calibration, and air conditioning.
“Efficiency in Motion” is the mission of the MAHLE Group. Under Efficiency³ – electrification, thermal management, and sustainable combustion – the company delivers quality, reliability, and efficiency for the mobility of tomorrow.
Note for journalists: This press release and the accompanying photo material can be found at https://newsroom.mahle.com/press/en/
This satellite photo provided by Planet Labs PBC shows a compound targeted on Tuesday Sept. 9 by an Israeli airstrike, in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday Sept. 10, 2025.(Planet Labs PBC via AP)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Qatar hosted a summit of Arab and Islamic nations Monday in the hopes of presenting a united response to Israel’s attack on Hamas leaders last week in Doha. But leaders offered different views about what to do, and the group agreed to take only minimal action.
Israel, which launched its invasion of Gaza in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, has retaliated against the militant group and other members of Iran’s so-called Axis of Resistance elsewhere, including in Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and now Qatar. That’s fueled wider anger among Mideast nations already enraged by the deaths of more than 64,000 Palestinians during the war in Gaza and contributed to growing concern that the U.S. commitment to protect Gulf Arab states may not be strong enough.
However, significant differences among the nations likely blunted any attempt at cooperation.
Condemnations came from countries that Israel considers enemies, like Iran. Meanwhile, the nations that have diplomatic recognition deals with Israel were reluctant to sever those ties. Monday was the fifth anniversary of the signing by Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates of the Abraham Accords that marked their formal recognition of Israel.
“Condemnations will not stop the missiles. Declarations will not free Palestine,” Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said. “Severe, punitive actions must be put in place.”
Qatar’s ruler offers fiery speech
Qatar’s ruling emir opened the summit by accusing Israel of not caring about its hostages in Gaza and instead working to ”ensure Gaza is no longer livable.” Israel has said the goals of its war include bringing all the hostages back and defeating Hamas.
Damage is seen after an Israeli strike targeted a compound that hosted Hamas’ political leadership in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)
“If Israel wishes to assassinate the Hamas leaders, why then engage in negotiations?” Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani asked. “If you wish to insist on the liberation of hostages, why then do they assassinate all negotiators?”
The speech was unusually fiery for the 45-year-old ruler of Qatar, which has served as key mediator in ceasefire talks.
“There is no room to deal with such a party that’s cowardly and treacherous,” he added. “Those who work consistently to assassinate the party in these negotiations will certainly do everything to ensure the failure of these negotiations. When they claim that they seek the liberation of hostages, that’s a mere lie.”
Sheikh Tamim also denounced Israel over what he called the “genocide” it is committing in Gaza — an assessment offered by multiple others at the summit. Israel vehemently denies it is committing genocide. It says Hamas is prolonging the war by not surrendering and releasing the hostages.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Israel “should also be squeezed economically, as previous experience shows that such steps yield results.”
Iran, which hit a base in Qatar in June, is attending the summit
After the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites in June, Iran struck Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a major hub for American forces — a move that angered Qatar. Nevertheless, Iran sent President Masoud Pezeshkian to attend Monday’s meeting, where he urged other nations to “isolate the aggressor.”
Pezeshkian did not touch on Iran’s attack on Qatar but did mention Israel’s war on Iran in June. He also warned that any country in the region could be next.
“The attack on Doha changed lots of miscalculations and wrong ideas,” he said. “It showed that no Arab or Muslim country is safe from the aggression of the regime in Tel Aviv. Tomorrow it can be any Arab or Muslim capital’s turn.”
Before the summit, analysts floated possibly closing airspace to Israeli flights or downgrading ties with Israel. A final statement from the meeting, however, only called on states to “take all possible legal and effective measures to prevent Israel from continuing its actions against the Palestinian people.”
The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, held its own meeting on the sidelines of the summit. Its members decided to take steps “to activate the mechanisms of joint defense and the Gulf deterrence capabilities,” they said in a statement, without elaborating.
Smoke rises from an explosion, allegedly caused by an Israeli strike, in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (UGC via AP)
Qatar has been key in Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks
Qatar, an energy-rich nation on the Arabian Peninsula that hosted the 2022 World Cup, long has served as an intermediary in conflicts. For years, it has hosted Hamas’ political leadership at the request of the U.S., providing a channel for Israel to negotiate with the militant group that has controlled Gaza for years.
But as the Israel-Hamas war has raged on, Qatar increasingly has been criticized by hard-liners within Netanyahu’s government. Netanyahu himself has vowed to strike all those who organized the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023. And since last week’s strike, the Israeli leader has doubled down on saying Qatar remains a possible target if Hamas leaders are there.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in Israel on Monday for meetings with Netanyahu and other Israeli officials to express America’s concern over the attack on Qatar and talk about Israel’s planned new offensive on Gaza City.
Rubio declined to address Israel’s strike while speaking to journalists in Jerusalem, but he said America wanted to work with all its partners in the region to stop Hamas and reach a ceasefire in the war.
“We’re going to continue to encourage Qatar to play a constructive role in that regard,” Rubio said.
Netanyahu again added that Israel’s decision to attack Qatar “was a wholly independent decision by us.”
Netanyahu faces increasing pressure from the Israeli public to end the war and bring home the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, whom 20 are believed by Israel to still be alive.
The Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and led to the abduction of 251.
Israel’s ensuing offensives in Gaza have killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many were civilians or combatants. It says around half of those killed were women and children.
The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The U.N. and independent experts view its figures as the most reliable estimate of war casualties. Israel disputes them but has not provided its own.
Market vendors in Surin province continue accepting QR code payments despite worries about account freezes, as most customers no longer carry cash, September 15, 2025.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s well-intentioned crackdown on online scammers has backfired spectacularly, turning from a law enforcement success story into a bureaucratic mess that has ensnared thousands of innocent citizens in its digital dragnet.
What was supposed to be a targeted strike against criminal networks instead became an indiscriminate sweep that froze the bank accounts of ordinary merchants, small business owners, and everyday workers across the country.
The crisis became apparent over the weekend when social media exploded with complaints from ordinary people—shop owners, street vendors, and regular workers—who discovered their bank accounts had been frozen without warning. Panic spread quickly, with long queues forming at ATMs nationwide as people rushed to withdraw cash, fearing they might be next.
Citizens withdraw cash from ATMs in downtown Chanthaburi on September 15, following widespread fears of bank account freezes.
A System Cast Too Wide
The problem stems from Thailand’s aggressive approach to tracking dirty money. When authorities trace suspicious financial flows, they don’t just target the obvious criminals—they freeze every account that money has touched, hoping to recover funds for scam victims. But this shotgun approach has swept up countless innocent people whose only crime was receiving legitimate payments that somehow crossed paths with criminal money trails.
“It takes victims about 20 hours on average to realize they’ve been scammed and report it,” explained Daranee Saejoo, an assistant governor at the Bank of Thailand. “By then, criminals have had plenty of time to move money around, buy things, and create more transactions. So we have to cast a wide net to catch as much as possible for victim compensation.”
A pork satay vendor in downtown Nakhon Ratchasima displays a notice refusing money transfers due to concerns over bank account freezes on September 15, 2025.
Officials Defend the Process
Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, explained that account suspensions can occur for various reasons. Banks temporarily freeze transactions for verification purposes when accounts are suspected of being linked to money laundering activities.
He asked for public understanding of the authorities’ work, noting that officials are urgently discussing solutions with financial institutions to resolve issues, adjust criteria, and lift account freezes. The public can file complaints through the 24-hour hotline 1441 or direct line 095-425-7478.
Damage Control Mode
Recognizing the growing public outrage, top officials held emergency meetings on Monday. The Bank of Thailand, cybercrime police, and the Digital Ministry all scrambled to announce fixes.
The central bank promised to speed up the account unfreezing process dramatically. Instead of waiting the legally allowed 72 hours or even 7 days, banks will now process appeals within just 2 hours, with three review sessions daily at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.
A chicken rice shop in downtown Chanthaburi posts a sign informing customers it no longer accepts money transfers, amid fears of account freezes on September 15, 2025.
National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet called an urgent nationwide meeting, summoning all provincial police commanders to Bangkok for face-to-face discussions. The message was clear: find a better balance between catching criminals and protecting innocent citizens.
The Bigger Picture
Thailand’s scam problem is real and serious, with billions of baht stolen from victims annually through sophisticated online frauds. The government’s determination to fight back is understandable, but the current approach has clearly overshot its target.
Officials are now promising new criteria by the end of September that will better distinguish between criminal accounts and legitimate ones. The challenge lies in maintaining the effectiveness of anti-scam operations while avoiding the collateral damage that has sparked this public backlash.
For now, thousands of honest Thais remain in financial limbo, waiting for bureaucrats to untangle a system that was supposed to protect them but instead made them suspects in their own banking system.
Ms Praonarin Ruangritthidech, Managing Director, Tiptari Co., Ltd
BANGKOK — ChaTraMue, Thailand’s iconic tea brand, continues to expand both domestically and internationally, having been in the Thai market for over 80 years. It recently launched a new sub-brand, CTM, which is positioned as a specialty tea business with a different marketing strategy from ChaTraMue.
Ms Praonarin Ruangritthidech, Managing Director, Tiptari Co., Ltd, the manufacturer and distributor of ChaTraMue and third-generation family successor, told Prachachat Business that the company decided to introduce CTM, short for Captivating Tea Muse, as a “stage” to showcase new tea experiences beyond the traditional categories such as Thai tea, milk tea, green tea, Chinese tea or Western tea to cater to the growing popularity of tea consumption.
CTM’s concept is that tea should not only refresh, but also create an aesthetic drinking experience so that everyone deserves a good tea. The business objective is to capture mass, specialty and new consumer segments while increasing the frequency of consumption.
ChaTraMue, Thailand’s iconic tea brand (right), and its new sub-brand CTM (left), which targets premium specialty tea market with rare blends and aesthetic drinking experiences.
ChaTraMue’s customers only drink an average of two cups a day, which Praonarin believes is still too low. CTM therefore wants to distinguish itself as a premium tea at affordable prices and uses 12 rare tea leaves that are not available in ChaTraMue stores.
Over 40 special Thai tea recipes are offered, freshly brewed for each cup, with a variety of toppings such as fruits and grains. Prices start at 70 baht, compared to ChaTraMue’s starting price of 45 baht, which focuses on tradition and strong flavors.
Each CTM store is about 50 square meters in size, has seating and focuses on city center (CBD) locations. The first store opened in Central Park on September 4 and has been warmly welcomed by both Thai and international customers even though the store design and branding are not related to ChaTraMue. The company is also developing a loyalty point system to increase value and retain customers.
CTM instagram
The Legacy of ChaTraMue
The story of ChaTraMue began with a Chinese Teochew family who emigrated to Thailand in 1920. Sa Pae, the third son of the family, brought his eight siblings with him to settle in Bangkok. In 1925, he opened a Chinese tea store called Lim Meng Kee on Charoen Buri Road in Yaowarat, importing teas such as oolong, green and traditional Chinese tea. This business laid the foundation for the family’s long involvement in the tea business.
During the Second World War, their business was bombed and destroyed, forcing them to move to Phadung Dao Alley in Yaowarat. The family continued to sell oolong and green tea and began importing red tea, which led to the development of new blends adapted to Thai tastes and the tropical climate. This led to the creation of Thai Milk Tea and Iced Thai Black Tea, the original recipes loved by generations of Thais.
The ChaTraMue brand (Number One Brand Thai Tea) was born in 1945. Since then, it has been deeply interwoven with Thai society. Under the leadership of “Khun Ting”, the then Managing Director, the company pioneered tea cultivation in Northern Thailand and established the Cha Hom factory in Doi Wawee, Mae Suai District, Chiang Rai.
ChaTraMue
Later, in 1989, the company established another factory in Wiang Pa Pao, Chiang Rai, under the name Siam Tea Factory and registered as Cha Thai International Co, Ltd, which continues to manage and develop the brand today.
Today, ChaTraMue has over 220 stores in Thailand and more than 114 stores in 11 countries worldwide, expanding mainly through a franchise model. This year, the company plans to enter four new international markets, including Canada, Laos, Mexico and Indonesia, and will open 130 stores overseas by the end of the year.
The first Canadian store at 341 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, officially opened on August 18, 2025. As well as tapping into a new customer base in North America, the launch underlines ChaTraMue’s growing ambitions to become a fast-growing global beverage brand.
Thailand’s Largest Art Toy Pop-Up Store along the Chao Phraya River
Featuring World Premiere of Exclusive Art Toy Editions and Special Activities
From Today until October 9, 2025
ICONSIAM, a global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, reaffirms its position as a Global Experiential Destination by collaborating with HEYONE, the renowned art toy studio from China and creator of popular characters such as OZAI, MIMI, FAYA, FURFUR, and MORE THAN ARTS & TOYS, Thailand’s leading importer and distributor of toys and collectibles. Together, they bring a parade of adorable characters to “HEYDAY PLAYLAND”, featuring the largest Pop-up Store ever in Thailand. Fans can shop premium merchandise and the latest collectibles, with highlights including the world premiere of exclusive art toy editions and a variety of special activities, all in a lively, playful atmosphere that transforms the River Park area into a joyful playground for art toy lovers. The event takes place from September 12 to October 9, 2025, at River Park, G Floor, ICONSIAM.
The HEYDAY PLAYLAND event marks another large-scale initiative by ICONSIAM to showcase global pop culture trends and provide world-class art experiences to Thai audiences. Through this creative space and internationally acclaimed works by HEYONE, ICONSIAM reinforces its commitment to becoming a hub for international art collaboration and cultural exchange.
CEO of HEYONE, said “This collaboration with ICONSIAM is a true reflection of ‘Collaboration to Win.’ Together, we have transformed this space into a Creative Playground for collectors and those eager to explore new experiences from HEYONE. This event sets several firsts: the largest Pop-up Store we have ever hosted, the world premiere of multiple exclusive art toy editions, and the first full showcase of HEYONE’s new series in one place. We have also prepared our largest range of special collectibles yet, all-new series, guaranteed to excite fans with every single piece.”
Founded in 2022, HEYONE is a renowned Chinese art toy studio committed to driving new cultural trends and celebrating the playful spirit of art toys. The brand emphasizes protecting artistic originality and creative IP characters, while fostering emotional connections between people and building deeper ties between its creations and global communities. Among its beloved characters are OZAI, MIMI, FAYA, FURFUR, and more.
HEYDAY PLAYLAND is not only the largest Pop-up Store in Thailand, but also HEYONE’s largest Pop-up Store ever organized worldwide. Fans can explore an extraordinary collection of the brand’s most popular characters and the widest range of toys and collectibles to date. The event is packed with exclusive activities and surprises, including:
The world premiere of the MIMI Blind Box Overseas Special Edition
Ozai-400%: The Silent Tragicomedy, a special edition available only at ICONSIAM
The first-ever full showcase of the Oh Zai 400% series
Exclusive Thailand-only limited editions, such as MIMI-Overseas Limited-Jiuzhou Odyssey, MIMI-Neo-Chinese Style The Poetry of Time in Four Seasons, R3na-First Generation Product, and OZAI-First Generation Derivative Product Overseas Limited
The beautifully designed venue also features interactive zones, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in fun and joyful experiences. The opening event was joined by numerous celebrity art toy enthusiasts, including Ice–Paris Intarakomalyasut, Pond–Phuwin Tangsakyuen, Kaownah–Kittipat Kaewcharoen, and more. Adding to the excitement, HUHU, the creator of MIMI and founder of MIHU Studio, joined the event to meet fans and sign purchases of the MIMI Blind Box.
Art toy lovers should not miss the chance to shop premium merchandise, discover the latest collectibles, and enjoy exclusive activities designed especially for art and toy enthusiasts at “HEYDAY PLAYLAND” — the joyful playground on the Chao Phraya River, running from today untilOctober 9, 2025, at River Park, G Floor, ICONSIAM. For more information, visit Facebook: ICONSIAM or call 1338.
Despite increased gender equality in Thai society, women still face workplace obstacles, including in the medical field. Professor Emeritus Sirintara Singhara Na Ayudhaya, M.D., a specialist in Neurointerventional Radiology, notes that radiation-based treatment poses particular risks for female doctors, especially during pregnancy.
While now considered safe, female doctors planning pregnancy often take breaks from work for nine months during pregnancy plus an additional three to six months postpartum.
This creates career “gaps” requiring them to upskill and find appropriate ways to return to their profession due to continuous advancements in medical technology.
The medical profession also requires strong decision-making abilities, which can be affected in postpartum female doctors. Some may even leave the profession if they feel unable to overcome these perceptions.
Globally, the average ratio of female to male doctors in neurovascular medicine is 0 to 30%, indicating significant female underrepresentation. This ratio is even lower in some countries—Japan at only 5%, while Thailand ranges around 15-20%.
The 2025 Asian Australasian Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (AAFITN) conference
Factors contributing to female doctors leaving vary by country. For example, in New Zealand and Australia, the number of departing female doctors is zero due to more equitable organizational cultures, unlike many other countries where men predominantly hold senior roles.
Professor Emeritus Sirintara has witnessed at least eight female doctor colleagues leave the profession for personal and work-related reasons, often feeling treated with less equality than male counterparts. She found that departing female doctors typically switch to entirely different fields, while resigning male doctors tend to remain in medicine at new hospitals, meaning the system doesn’t lose them. This issue has been discussed internationally, including at the 2025 Asian Australasian Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (AAFITN) conference.
Factors and Solutions
In Thailand, while female medical students outnumber males, these numbers decrease at resident level and further at specialist level, suggesting quality-of-life issues for female doctors. Contributing factors include inadequate compensation relative to workload, pregnancy, and family responsibilities.
Additionally, some female doctors face bullying, sexual harassment, or patients specifically requesting male doctors. Limited career advancement opportunities also significantly influence departure decisions.
the 2025 Asian Australasian Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (AAFITN) conference
An AAFITN survey of 111 respondents found nearly 60% had witnessed female doctors with 10-15 years of experience leave the profession. Main issues identified were family life (including pregnancy), lack of career advancement, and work-related stress.
To address this, AAFITN proposes solutions to retain female doctors:
Providing career advancement opportunities
Including female doctors in organizational management roles
Offering scholarships for training and academic research to qualified female doctors
Beyond these solutions, mentorship proves crucial. Professor Emeritus Sirintara believes mentors who can assist female doctors with both professional and personal challenges can reduce medical system personnel loss. She strongly advocates for this cause, believing these combined efforts will create major change by significantly reducing female doctor departure rates.
Supporters embrace former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her sister Pintongta to offer encouragement outside Klong Prem Prison after visiting their father, former Prime Minister Thaksin, on September 15, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Pattarayoot Phukpol)
BANGKOK — Despite 17 years of separation and the harsh reality of prison walls between them, the Shinawatra family’s first reunion at Bangkok’s Klong Prem Prison revealed an unbroken bond and a defiant patriarch whose spirit remains undimmed by his fall from power.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra now serves a prison sentence following a Supreme Court ruling, while his youngest daughter Paetongtarn was recently ousted from the Prime Minister’s office by the Constitutional Court.
Former PM Paetongtarn described an emotional 30-minute visit on September 15 where she, her mother Khunying Pojaman, and sister Pintongta spoke with 76-year-old Thaksin through protective glass after his mandatory COVID-19 quarantine ended.
Thaksin Shinawatra is changed into prisoner uniform while being transferred from Bangkok Central Prison to Klong Prem Prison on the evening of September 9, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Surat Sanpakun)
“After 17 years of not seeing each other normally, meeting through glass shows our family has weathered many storms, but we stand together,” Paetongtarn told reporters, her voice carrying both the weight of their shared struggles and quiet pride in their resilience.
She described seeing her father with a fresh prison haircut, his spirits bolstered by messages from supporters. “Guards told him people have been eating noodles nearby just to show support,” she revealed.
Prison Life and Health Concerns
Despite his circumstances, the 76-year-old former leader appears resilient. Paetongtarn acknowledged his struggles with blood pressure and stress but emphasized his mental fortitude. “His spirit remains stronger than ours,” she said, adding that he was particularly pleased about Pheu Thai’s recent victory in Chiang Rai.
Questions swirl about Thaksin’s potential role within the prison system, with reports suggesting his English skills might make him valuable as a teaching assistant. Paetongtarn downplayed the language angle, noting her father’s broader experience and natural inclination toward education.
Supporters embrace former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her sister Pintongta to offer encouragement outside Klong Prem Prison after visiting their father, former Prime Minister Thaksin, on September 15, 2025.
“He’s 76 with vast life experience to share – not just language, but perspectives on many issues. He’s always enjoyed teaching and reading,” she explained.
When pressed about applying for sentence modifications due to his age and medical conditions, Paetongtarn deferred to legal experts for technical accuracy.
Attorney Vinyat Chatimontri confirmed this marked the first permitted family visit after quarantine, emphasizing that Thaksin receives standard treatment despite his former status. Currently housed in the medical ward’s elderly section due to chronic health conditions, he’s trying to manage his blood pressure while adapting to prison life.
“Previous health reports were accurate – he genuinely has chronic illnesses and works to prevent complications,” Vinyat stated, though he declined to detail specific conditions.
From left: Khunying Pojaman, Pintongta, and former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrive at Klong Prem Prison to visit former Prime Minister Thaksin on September 15, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Pattarayoot Phukpol)
A Long Journey to Justice
Thaksin’s current predicament stems from his tumultuous political career. His one-year sentence relates to cases filed after the 2006 military coup that toppled his government. Rather than fight the charges, he chose 17 years of exile, living primarily in Dubai while opposing his political enemies from abroad.
His dramatic return in August 2023 came after Pheu Thai’s electoral success enabled a coalition government. A royal pardon reduced his eight-year original sentence to one year, but controversy immediately erupted when he was transferred to Police Hospital rather than serving time in standard prison conditions.
Critics accused him of faking illness to avoid real imprisonment, leading to protests and legal challenges that ultimately forced him into actual incarceration. His recent trip to Dubai before reporting to prison only intensified speculation that he might flee again, but he returned as promised and began serving his sentence.
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, center, and his daughter and former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, right, arrive at Supreme Court in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
In a final Facebook message posted by his team before imprisonment, Thaksin struck a tone of acceptance and forward-looking resolve. “I’d like to look to the future and bring conclusions to all matters – whether legal proceedings or conflicts involving me,” he wrote. “Starting today, while I lack physical freedom, I retain freedom of thought for the benefit of Thailand and its people.”
Looking Forward
The new routine allows family visits twice weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays, while lawyers can visit daily. Vinyat shared that red-shirt supporters maintain daily vigils outside the prison, organizing Saturday gatherings that lift Thaksin’s spirits.
For now, the Shinawatra family navigates this latest chapter with characteristic resilience, their political fortunes uncertain but their bonds apparently strengthened by adversity.
Khon Kaen Police arrest a 26-year-old suspect at a housing estate in Chonburi Province on September 14, 2025.
CHONBURI — Police have arrested a 26-year-old woman who allegedly served as a crucial operative for a Chinese crime boss running an elaborate fraud scheme across Northeast Thailand, authorities announced Sunday.
Ms. Monthatip, from Ubon Ratchathani Province, was apprehended at a housing estate in Mueang Chonburi District under charges including fraud conspiracy and computer crimes. The arrest was led by Police Colonel Anuwat Suwannapoom of Khon Kaen Provincial Police on Semtember 14 following a warrant issued by Maha Sarakham Provincial Court.
The Scam Operation
The investigation began after victims reported losing 1.25 million baht ($39,300) to a call center scam that convinced them to invest in a fake online shopping platform. Police seized five electronic devices during the arrest, including mobile phones and iPads.
According to investigators, Monthatip worked directly under a Chinese national identified as Mr. Gao Gao, who operates from Laos. Her responsibilities included managing cash flow and recruiting “mule accounts” for money laundering. She regularly traveled across the Northeast and Eastern regions, withdrawing money from ATMs before redistributing funds to network members.
Wider Criminal Network
Police revealed that Monthatip is connected to over 25 additional cases with combined damages exceeding 10 million baht ($315,000 USD). She reportedly received 20,000 baht ($630) per bank account she helped procure for the operation.
Khon Kaen Police arrest a 26-year-old suspect at a housing estate in Chonburi Province on September 14, 2025.
The suspect admitted to renting the Chonburi property as both a hideout and operational base, taking directions from her Chinese handler via WhatsApp on which accounts to target and where to transfer funds.
Monthatip has been transferred to Maha Sarakham Police Station for processing. Authorities plan to expand their investigation to arrest other network members.
Troops, who will take part in the training of government-organized militia, gather at Fort Paramacay in Valencia, Venezuela, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 (AP Photo/Jacinto Oliveros)
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Personnel from a U.S. warship boarded a Venezuelan tuna boat with nine fishermen while it was sailing in Venezuelan waters, Venezuela’s foreign minister said on Saturday, underlining strained relations with the United States.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Tensions between the two nations escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump in August ordered the deployment of warships in the Caribbean, off the coast of the South American country, citing the fight against Latin American drug cartels.
While reading a statement on Saturday, Foreign Minister Yván Gil told journalists the Venezuelan tuna boat was “illegally and hostilely boarded by a United States Navy destroyer” and 18 armed personnel who remained on the vessel for eight hours, preventing communication and the fishermen’s normal activities. They were then released under escort by the Venezuelan navy.
The fishing boat had authorization from the Ministry of Fisheries to carry out its work, Gil said at a press conference, during which he presented photos of the incident.
Along with the statement, Venezuela’s foreign affairs ministry distributed a short video, taken, according to the ministry, by the Venezuelan fishermen. In the video, it is alleged that part of the fishing boat, U.S. Navy personnel and the U.S. warship can be seen.
“Those who give the order to carry out such provocations are seeking an incident that would justify a military escalation in the Caribbean,” Gil said, adding that the objective is to “persist in their failed policy” of regime change in Venezuela.
FILE – The U.S flag flies outside the U.S. embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, File)
Gil said the incident was “illegal” and “illegitimate” and warned that Venezuela will defend its sovereignty against any “provocation.”
The Venezuelan foreign minister’s complaint comes days after Trump said that his country had attacked a drug-laden vessel and killed 11 people on board. Trump said the vessel had departed from Venezuela and was carrying members of the Tren de Aragua gang, but his administration has not presented any evidence to support that claim.
Venezuela accused the United States of committing extrajudicial killings. The South American country’s interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, said Washington’s version is “a tremendous lie” and suggested that, according to Venezuelan government investigations, the incident could be linked to the disappearance of some individuals in a coastal region of the country who had no ties to drug trafficking.
The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a cartel to flood the U.S. with drugs, and doubled the reward for his capture from $25 million to $50 million.
The U.S. government has given no indication that it plans to carry out a ground incursion with the more than 4,000 troops being deployed in the area.
But the Venezuelan government has nonetheless called on its citizens to enlist in the militias – armed volunteers – in support of its security forces in the event of a potential incursion. On Saturday, it urged them to go to military barracks for training sessions.
