BANGKOK — CRC divests European luxury retail operations to focus on high-growth Southeast Asian markets. It announced Thursday it will sell its prestigious Rinascente department store chain in Italy to sister company Central Department Store Co. Ltd. (HCDS) for €250 million ($295 million)
Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited (CRC), the Thai retail giant’s board approved the transaction on September 18, which includes the sale of 100% of CRC Holland B.V.—the entity that owns the Rinascente business—plus the transfer of a €141 million ($166 million) shareholder loan to HCDS. The total deal value reaches approximately $460 million.
Strategic Consolidation Under One Roof
HCDS stated in its proposal that it intends to consolidate the Rinascente operations with its existing European department store businesses under unified management. The move represents a reorganization within Thailand’s Central Group empire rather than an exit from luxury retail.
The transaction encompasses CRC’s entire Italian department store portfolio, including subsidiaries CRC Rinascente S.p.A., La Rinascente S.p.A., and logistics arm DR Logistics Srl. Rinascente operates premium department stores in major Italian cities including Milan’s flagship location.
CRC divests European luxury retail operations to focus on high-growth Southeast Asian markets.
Regulatory and Shareholder Approval Process
CRC emphasized that the sale falls outside existing agreements between the companies, including the Department Store Business Letter of Undertaking and Flagship Company Letter of Undertaking. Following completion, Rinascente will no longer be bound by these arrangements, though CRC’s existing rights under both agreements remain unchanged.
The board deemed the transaction “appropriate, reasonable, and in the best interests of the company and shareholders,” citing fair valuation and strategic benefits. Shareholders will vote on the proposal at an Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for November 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Focus Shift to High-Growth Markets
The divestment aligns with CRC’s broader strategy to concentrate resources on Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding consumer markets while reducing exposure to slower-growing European economies. The company plans to use proceeds to reduce debt and enhance shareholder returns.
The transaction, expected to close by December 2025 pending shareholder approval, reflects the ongoing consolidation of Central Group’s global retail operations as the Thai conglomerate optimizes its international footprint for sustainable growth.
The BEANS Coffee Roaster Song Wat branch combines heritage architecture with modern café culture, featuring exposed brick walls and vintage coffee roasting elements in a renovated Chinatown building.
BANGKOK — Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s daughter transforms century-old Chinatown building on Song Wat Road into premium café as part of 1,400% business growth.
The heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown is experiencing a renaissance, and BEANS Coffee Roaster is riding the wave. Chananda Thavisin, daughter of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and CEO of the rapidly expanding specialty coffee chain, has just opened her newest location in the historic Song Wat Road in Samphanthawong District—and it’s already among the company’s top five performers in just three months.
From humble beginnings selling five cups a day at a hidden Thonglor location, BEANS Coffee Roaster has exploded into a 16-branch empire generating 100,000 cups monthly and achieving 1,400% revenue growth over three years.
The Song Wat expansion represents more than business growth—it’s part of a broader cultural transformation sweeping Bangkok’s traditional trading districts.
International visitors socialize at BEANS Coffee’s historic Chinatown branch, demonstrating how the renovated Song Wat building has successfully attracted both Thai and foreign customers to Bangkok’s revitalized heritage district.
Historic Meets Hip in Song Wat
Song Wat Road stretches 1,196 meters along the Chao Phraya River, connecting history, culture, and community since 1892 when King Rama V personally “drew” this street route on the map to reduce congestion in the Sampheng and Yaowarat districts. The street’s name literally means “drawn by the king.”
Today’s Song Wat has undergone a fascinating transformation. A young collective called “Made in Songwat” has revitalized the area with an “Old Meets New” concept reminiscent of Kyoto, preserving the district’s ancient charm while adding contemporary flair. The neighborhood now attracts international tourists and young Thais alike, creating a social media phenomenon that’s drawing serious investment.
The vibrant Song Wat street showcases the successful “Old Meets New” transformation of Bangkok’s historic Chinatown, where traditional shophouses with ornate facades.
From Hidden Gem to Coffee Empire
“The starting point of BEANS was my partnership with Akarin Sivapornpitak, who already had a coffee roasting business,” Chananda explains. “Our first Thonglor branch three years ago was super hidden—customers could hardly find it. But they kept coming back, and sales grew from five cups to 10, then 30, then 100 daily. That gave us confidence in our market potential.”
BEANS Coffee Roaster now operates in major shopping centers including Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and EmSphere Sukhumvit, with the newest flagship at Dusit Central Park. But it’s the heritage location that’s capturing attention.
Art Meets Coffee in a Century-Old Building
The Song Wat branch occupies a renovated corner building designed in retro style, where tourists photograph continuously throughout the day. The exterior features a mural by renowned artist Benzilla, while upper floors serve as exhibition spaces for local artists.
“Someone messaged me saying he was a BEANS customer who owned a building in Song Wat,” Chananda recalls. “He gave us complete design freedom to transform the entire building. The renovation took three months of detailed work—my father visited twice as a regular customer and gave us small suggestions, like replacing the rear toilet door.”
Chananda Thavisin, CEO of BEANS Coffee, with Krittee Thanawiput, COO, at their historic Song Wat location that has become one of the chain’s top-performing branches in just three months.
Sustainable Growth Strategy
Krittee Thanawiput, Chief Operating Officer of BEANS Coffee Roaster, emphasizes careful expansion despite rapid growth. “We never expected BEANS would grow so fast. From less than 10 million baht turnover in our first year, we’ve achieved 14-fold growth—1,400% in three years.”
The company’s success stems from sourcing premium beans and creating unique customer experiences. BEANS Coffee Roaster supplies not only its own cafés but also hotels and restaurants, maintaining affordable prices while ensuring quality.
“There’s always room for the real deal in Thailand’s competitive coffee market worth tens of billions of baht,” Krittee notes. “Success comes from knowing your customers and persistently improving.”
Facebook Beansroaster.bkk
Beyond Coffee: Social Impact
BEANS Coffee Roaster practices social responsibility through initiatives like “One Blend One Change,” where customers create custom coffee blends with proceeds supporting social causes. The company dreams of establishing farmer learning centers to expand coffee cultivation and create sustainable income for Thai farmers.
As Bangkok’s heritage districts continue attracting young entrepreneurs and international attention, BEANS Coffee Roaster’s Song Wat success story illustrates how traditional neighborhoods can embrace modernity while preserving their cultural essence—one expertly crafted cup at a time.
Bangkok, Thailand: Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, is delighted to announce the launch of Aroi Bonvoy, which invites lovers of Thai cuisine to savor the kingdom’s authentic flavors and fragrances with a curated collection of ten dishes that celebrate locality, community, seasonality, and sustainability.
“Aroi” means “delicious” in Thai, and Chef Attapol “X” Tangthong, Executive Chef of Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse, came together with ten of Marriott Bonvoy’s leading culinary experts to elevate some of the kingdom’s most mouth-watering recipes. Having been inspired by the fresh ingredients at Don Wai Floating Market, these talented Thai chefs held three days of workshops to finalize the menu. The result is a collection of ten heartfelt dishes, each with a deeply personal twist, that will transport diners on multi-sensory journeys across the country – from north to south – with fresh, local herbs and spices that reflect the chefs’ own heritage and evoke the essence of their destination.
The Aroi Bonvoy collection of ten authentic Thai dishes will be available at all participating Marriott hotels and resorts in Thailand from today until November 30th, 2025 – and Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points on every meal!
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at the Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point Wednesday and projected it would do so twice more this year as concern grows at the central bank about the health of the nation’s labor market.
The move is the Fed’s first cut since December and lowered its short-term rate to about 4.1%, down from 4.3%. Fed officials, led by Chair Jerome Powell, had kept their rate unchanged this year as they evaluated the impact of tariffs, tighter immigration enforcement, and other Trump administration policies on inflation and the economy.
Yet the central bank’s focus has shifted quickly from inflation, which remains modestly above its 2% target, to jobs, as hiring has grounded nearly to a halt in recent months and the unemployment rate has ticked higher. Lower interest rates could reduce borrowing costs for mortgages, car loans, and business loans, and boost growth and hiring.
“It’s really the risks that we’re seeing to the labor market that were the focus of today’s decision,” Powell said at a press conference following the Fed’s two-day meeting.
Still, Powell did not lay the groundwork for a rapid series of cuts, disappointing some investors. Fed officials, in a set of projections also released Wednesday, signaled that they expect to reduce their key rate twice more this year, but just once in 2026. Before the meeting, investors on Wall Street had projected five cuts for the rest of this year and next.
And Powell noted that the committee was pretty evenly split on whether to cut rates once or twice more this year. As a result, he said that the projected cuts should be seen as more a “probability” than a “certainty.”
Powell and the Fed “wanted to be noncommital, wanted to be careful, and wanted to be data dependent and keep all their options open for future policy,” said Matt Luzzetti, chief U.S. economist at Deutsche Bank.
The broad S&P 500 stock index ticked down 0.1% by the close of trading, while the Nasdaq also fell. The Dow Jones industrial average moved up 0.5%.
Trader Michael Conlon works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange as the rate decision of the Federal Reserve is announced, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Just one Fed policymaker dissented from the decision: Stephen Miran, who President Donald Trump appointed and was confirmed by the Senate in a rushed vote late Monday just hours before the meeting began. Miran preferred a larger half-point cut, but Powell told reporters there wasn’t “very much support” for the bigger-size cut among Fed officials.
Many economists had forecast there would be additional dissents, and the meeting’s outcome suggests that Powell was able to patch together a show of unity from a committee that includes Miran and two other Trump appointees from his first term, as well as a Fed governor, Lisa Cook, whom Trump is seeking to fire.
Still, there were still significant differences among the 19 officials on the Fed’s rate-setting committee about where the Fed should go next. Seven policymakers indicated they don’t support any further cuts, while two supported just one more and 10 favor at least two more. One official — likely Miran — indicated that they would support several large cuts to bring the Fed’s rate to 2.9% by year’s end. Fed officials submit their forecasts of future rate moves anonymously.
Powell said the wide divergence reflects the uncertain outlook for the economy, given that inflation remains stubborn even as hiring has stumbled.
“There are no risk-free paths now,” Powell said. “It’s not incredibly obvious what to do.”
The Fed is facing both a challenging economic environment and threats to its traditional independence from day-to-day politics. At the same time that hiring has weakened, inflation remains stubbornly elevated. It rose 2.9% in August from a year ago, according to the consumer price index, up from 2.7% in July and noticeably above the Fed’s 2% target.
It’s unusual to have weaker hiring and elevated inflation, because typically a slowing economy causes consumers to pull back on spending, cooling price hikes. Powell suggested last month that sluggish growth could keep inflation in check even if tariffs lift prices further.
Separately, Trump’s attempted firing of Cook is the first time a president has tried to remove a Fed governor in the central bank’s 112-year history, and has been seen by many legal scholars as an unprecedented attack on the Fed’s independence. His administration has accused Cook of mortgage fraud, but the accusation has come in the context of Trump’s extensive criticism of Powell and the Fed for not cutting rates much faster and steeper.
An appeals court late Monday upheld an earlier ruling that the firing violated Cook’s due process rights. A lower court had also previously ruled that Trump did not provide sufficient justification to remove Cook. Also late Monday, the Senate voted to approve Miran’s nomination, and he was quickly sworn in Tuesday morning.
On Tuesday, Trump said Fed officials “have to make their own choice” on rates but added that “they should listen to smart people like me.” Trump has said the Fed should reduce rates by three full percentage points.
When asked what the signs would be that the Fed is no longer functioning independent of political pressure, Powell said, “I don’t believe we’ll ever get to that place. We’re doing our work exactly as we always have now.”
The Fed’s move to cut rates puts it in a different spot from many other central banks overseas. Last week, the European Central Bank left its benchmark rate unchanged, as inflation has largely cooled and the economy has seen limited damage, so far, from U.S. tariffs. On Friday, the Bank of England is also expected to keep its rate on hold as inflation, at 3.8%, remains higher than in the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Britain's King Charles speak during the State Banquet in Windsor Castle, England, on day one of U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump's second state visit to the UK, Wednesday Sept. 17, 2025. (Yui Mok/PA via AP, Pool Photo via AP)
WINDSOR, England (AP) — President Donald Trump basked in a British royal spectacle Wednesday, greeted by military honor guards and mounted troops in red and gold as King Charles III’s guest at Windsor Castle for the start of a state visit full of pageantry and political risks for the host country.
Prince William and his wife Catherine met Trump’s helicopter as it landed in the private Walled Garden on the vast estate, and they walked the American president and first lady Melania Trump over to be greeted by the king and Queen Camilla.
The guests traveled to the castle in a procession of horse-drawn carriages, past ranks of soldiers, sailors and aviators, as military bands played the U.S. and British national anthems. The king and the Republican president chatted in the Irish State Coach during the short journey to the castle quadrangle, where Trump, accompanied by Charles, inspected an honor guard of soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats.
President Donald Trump and Britain’s King Charles III speak after inspecting the guard of honor during an arrival ceremony at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Trump and Charles chatted and joked together, with the king putting his hand on Trump’s back. They also talked with the sword-wielding officer who escorted them. Trump stepped in front of the king during a review of troops, though Charles had gestured, inviting the president to do so and avoiding a violation of protocol. That was not the case in 2019, when Trump stepped in front of Queen Elizabeth II during his first state visit.
The day of pageantry was on a scale designed to impress the grandeur-loving president and involved some 120 horses and 1,300 troops, including the largest guard of honor in living memory.
Later, the president and Charles toured the Royal Collection Display in an ornate room where officials laid out five tables of artifacts on U.S.-British relations.
“Wow,” Trump said as he looked at documents on U.S. independence.
“That’s fascinating,” Charles said.
Exchanging gifts, Charles and Camilla presented the Trumps with a handbound leather volume celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the Union flag that flew above Buckingham Palace on the day of Trump’s inauguration in January. The royals also gave first lady Melania Trump a silver and enamel bowl and a personalized handbag by British designer Anya Hindmarch.
From second left: President Donald Trump, Britain’s King Charles III, Queen Camilla and first lady Melania Trump view items on display during a visit to the Royal Collection exhibition, in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England, Wednesday Sept. 17, 2025. (Aaron Chown/Pool Photo via AP)
Trump gave Charles a replica of a President Dwight Eisenhower sword, and Camilla received a vintage Tiffany & Co. gold, diamond and ruby brooch.
The backdrop for the first of the two days Trump is spending in Britain is Windsor Castle, an almost 1,000-year-old royal residence with gilded interiors, crenelated towers and priceless artworks. A gigantic royal standard, the flag used for official celebration days, flew from the castle’s Royal Tower.
“I think that also is why he seems so visibly excited about the second meeting, because it isn’t an invitation given to (just) anyone,” said George Gross, an expert on the British monarchy at King’s College London.
Kate, Princess of Wales and Prince William arrive for a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, England, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP)
Ahead of the banquet, Trump and Charles walked together, leading a procession. Trump wore white tie, while his wife was in a yellow gown. Charles was in white tie with a blue sash, and Camilla in a blue gown with a tiara.
Beefeaters in traditional red uniforms and ruff collars lined the entrance to the castle’s St. George’s Hall for the dinner, which featured 100 staff members attending to 160 guests. The grand Waterloo table was set with 1,462 pieces of silver sparkling in the light from 139 candles and elaborate floral arrangements handpicked from the castle grounds.
From left, Britain’s Queen Camilla, King Charles, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for a State Banquet at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England, Sept. 17, 2025. (Phil Noble/Pool Photo via AP)
The guests included Apple’s Tim Cook, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Open AI’s Sam Altman and golfer Nick Faldo. Also appearing was publishing mogul Rupert Murdoch, whom Trump recently sued for $10 billion over The Wall Street Journal’s report on a sexually suggestive letter purportedly written by Trump for disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The menu featured Hampshire watercress panna cotta with Parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad, along with Norfolk chicken ballotine. Dessert was vanilla ice cream bombe with a raspberry sherbet interior and lightly poached Victorian plums.
Trump avoids alcohol, but the bar offerings included a cocktail known as a trans-Atlantic whiskey sour infused with marmalade, Warre’s 1945 Vintage Port — Trump is the 45th and 47th American president — and Hennessy 1912 cognac Grande Champagne. That was the year Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born in Scotland.
U.S. President Donald Trump, centre, delivers his speech as Britain’s King Charles and Kate, Princess of Wales, listen during the State Banquet in Windsor Castle, England, on day one of U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s second state visit to the UK, Wednesday Sept. 17, 2025. (Yui Mok/PA via AP, Pool Photo via AP)
The musical playlist included the theme from the James Bond movies and pop and rock staples, as well as top show tunes, often featured at Trump’s campaign rallies.
In his toast, Charles saluted Trump’s British roots and his recent visits to the U.K. In a nod to the president’s favorite sport, he said, “I understand that British soil makes for rather splendid golf courses.”
Trump mostly stuck to his prepared remarks and was on his best behavior, declaring, “This is truly one of the highest honors of my life” and sneaking in only one dig about his predecessor, Democratic President Joe Biden, by saying the U.S. was “sick” a year ago. He also touched on Britain’s contributions to literature, history and the arts and said “special” does not begin to do justice to his country’s relationship with the U.K.
“Together we’ve done more good for humanity than any two countries in all of history,” Trump said.
Britain’s Kate and Prince William arrive for a State Banquet at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England, Sept. 17, 2025. (Phil Noble/Pool Photo via AP)
From pomp to politics
Britain’s royals’ history, tradition and celebrity give them a cachet that means presidents and prime ministers covet joining them. Invitations handed out at the request of the elected government are a powerful tool to reward friends and wring concessions from reluctant allies.
No U.S. president, or any other world leader, has ever had the honor of a second U.K. state visit.
Trump plans talks Thursday with Starmer, who will promote a new U.K.-U.S. technology deal. The British government hopes the deal, and billions in investment from U.S. tech companies, will help show that the trans-Atlantic bond remains strong despite differences over Ukraine, the Middle East and the future of NATO.
The Epstein scandal also continues to hang over the visit. On Tuesday, the campaign group Led By Donkeys projected an image of Trump and Epstein on a tower at Windsor Castle, a reminder of the president’s relationship with the late American financier. Police said they arrested four people over the stunt.
Wednesday features a private lunch and a state banquet. Tiaras and medals will be on display as up to 160 guests gather around a 50-meter (165-foot) long mahogany table set with 200-year-old silver to honor the president. Charles will deliver a speech, then the king and the president will offer toasts.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump pose with a childrens choir as they receive a tour of St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool)
Protection from protests
Most state visits are staged in London, against the grand backdrop of Buckingham Palace and the broad, flag-lined boulevard known as The Mall. But this one is in the confines of Windsor, a historic town of just over 30,000 people about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of central London.
That makes it easier to control protests and protect Trump at a time of increased international tensions, especially after the fatal shooting of Trump ally Charlie Kirk last week in Utah. British police have undertaken a massive security operation to ensure Trump’s safety.
When Trump was in London on his first state visit in 2019, he was met by thousands of protesters who filled the streets outside the Houses of Parliament as a balloon shaped like a giant, diaper-wearing baby Trump floated overhead.
Historian Robert Lacey, a consultant on the Netflix television series “The Crown,” said Windsor is also a more “photogenic setting” for a state visit than London.
“Buckingham Palace has got its balcony, it’s got its façade,” he said. But “inside it’s very dreary and it’s currently being renovated, which is one reason why Mr. Trump will not be staying there. Windsor is a proper castle.”
FILE - Thai military personnel face off against Cambodian crowds across improvised barriers at the disputed Ban Nong Ya Kaew border area, where violent confrontations erupted over territorial claims on September 17, 2025.
SA KAEO — Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have reached a boiling point on Wednesday after violent clashes led Thai authorities to issue a 30-day withdrawal ultimatum to Cambodian residents in disputed territory.
The confrontation erupted Wednesday at Ban Nong Ya Kaew in Sa Kaeo Province’s Kok Sung District when Cambodian villagers attempted to tear down Thai barbed wire fencing. Thai riot police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets in two separate incidents at 4:20 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., injuring several Cambodians.
The clashes weren’t one-sided. Stone-throwing protesters left two Thai police officers with head wounds, prompting authorities to deploy Long Range Acoustic Devices for crowd control. The confrontation followed previous attempts by Cambodian crowds to remove Thai defensive barriers on September 17.
Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree accused Cambodia of deliberate provocation, saying civilian protesters were being used to violate ceasefire agreements. “This is clearly Thai sovereign territory, not disputed land or Cambodian territory,” he emphasized, criticizing Cambodian authorities for failing to intervene.
Diplomatic Efforts Amid Rising Tensions
Malaysian observer Brigadier General Samsul Rizal Bin Musa visited the area but clarified he wasn’t there to settle territorial disputes. The IOT Thailand delegation head praised Thai military restraint while urging patience for upcoming Joint Boundary Commission talks.
Meanwhile, Sa Kaeo Governor Prinya Photisart met with his Cambodian counterpart Um Reatrey at the Poipet-Klong Luek border crossing. Thailand presented several demands: civilians from both sides must stay 500 meters away from disputed areas, no mass mobilization, and no military buildup with heavy weapons.
Provincial governors and officials from Thailand and Cambodia hold emergency talks at the Poipet-Klong Luek border crossing, on September 17, 2025.
The Ultimatum
The most serious proposal came with a clear deadline. If the next General Border Committee meeting fails to reach agreement, Thailand will formally demand that Cambodian residents leave Ban Nong Jan and Ban Nong Ya Kaew within 30 days, taking all property with them.
Cambodia couldn’t immediately accept the ultimatum, needing approval from higher authorities. Thai officials made clear they’ll protect their sovereignty regardless of Cambodia’s response.
Standoff Continues
The situation remained tense Wednesday night as the 1st Army Region reported that 200 Cambodian people and soldiers had established a base to monitor Thai actions in the disputed area. Thai forces are also on high alert and prepared for further developments.
As Thailand’s leading digital service provider, AIS is committed to promoting the safe, responsible, and appropriate use of digital technology for its customers and the Thai people. The company has released the “Thailand Cyber Wellness Index 2025”, now in its third year, based on a nationwide survey of 66,302 respondents across all 77 provinces.
The index reflects the knowledge, skills, and behaviors of Thai people in using digital technology safely, ethically, and with respect for the rights of others. AIS envisions this index as a “compass” to guide policy-making, education, communication, and collaboration among the government, private sector, and civil society—working together to foster a safe and sustainable digital society.
This year’s survey reveals that the majority of Thais remain at the basic level of digital wellness (Basic), scoring 0.70, though showing an improving trend compared to the previous year. Vulnerable groups—particularly children, adolescents, and the elderly—continue to face high risks and urgently require targeted support to strengthen their digital skills.
In the areas of Digital Communications & Collaborations and Digital Rights, most respondents lack in-depth understanding of key issues such as privacy rights, freedom of expression, responsible decision-making, and equal access to information.
This highlights the pressing need to raise awareness of individual rights and the importance of respecting the rights of others—laying the foundation for a more responsible and sustainable digital culture within Thai society.
Saichon Submakudom, Head of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Business Unit at AIS stated that AIS has consistently prioritized promoting the safe, responsible, and rights-respecting use of digital technology through initiatives such as the AIS Aunjai Cyber program. The development of the Thailand Cyber Wellness Index (TCWI) serves as an important tool for monitoring the digital wellness of Thai people across multiple dimensions amid the rapid evolution of technology.
This year, AIS introduced an additional assessment on AI Literacy, a critical skill in today’s era. Findings revealed that Thais scored an average of 3.18 out of 5.00, placing them at a moderate level.
However, the lowest scores were observed among children aged 10–12 and individuals over 40, underscoring significant gaps in understanding AI technologies and the risks of inappropriate usage. Promoting AI literacy has therefore become a key priority to prepare Thai digital citizens to face the future with confidence, resilience, and safety.
In addition, AIS have collaborated with King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) to conduct experimental research testing the hypothesis that participation in the Aunjai Cyber curriculum can help enhance digital wellness.
The results confirmed that learning through the Aunjai Cyber program significantly contributes to improving participants’ digital wellness. AIS firmly believes that building a safe digital society—one that respects rights and ensures inclusivity—must begin with education and the development of digital skills tailored to different age groups. This is particularly critical for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, who require dedicated and continuous support.”
The Thailand Cyber Wellness Index is the nation’s first comprehensive and systematic tool for assessing digital wellness across all dimensions. It is not merely a set of indicators, but a vital instrument that enables the country to design effective policies and measures at both national and community levels—ranging from education and public communication to curriculum design and the development of digital services that truly meet the needs of target groups.
Moreover, the index plays a critical role in narrowing the digital divide and strengthening the nation’s cyber resilience in the long term.
BANGKOK — Taiwan Excellence is celebrating a highly successful showing at Medical Fair Thailand 2025, where its pavilion was a major highlight of the three-day event. The exhibition, held from 10-12 September, brought together thousands of medical professionalsand industry leaders at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC).
Organized by the International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion was a powerful showcase of innovation. The pavilion featured 14 award-winning companies and cutting-edge smart medical products, highlighting Taiwan as leadership in advancing global healthcare.
The layout was designed for maximum impact, with specialized zones for Smart Clinics, Smart Operating Rooms, and Smart Wards that captivated attendees and generated significant business interest.
The response from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with the pavilion consistently bustling with activity. Companies reported strong engagement and positive feedback on their solutions, which included AI-assisted diagnostics, digital health platforms, and precision testing.
Ms. Mia Liang, Director of Taiwan Trade Center in Bangkok, reflected on the success: "The level of interest from thousands of visitors confirms that Taiwan's medical technology is in high demand. Our companies are returning home with a great sense of satisfaction, knowing their hard work and innovative products have been recognized."
The pavilion, under the theme "From Taiwan with Care," solidified Taiwan’s reputation as a global leader in the medical and healthcare industry. Participating companies are optimistic about the new connections and business opportunities generated, and Taiwan Excellence looks forward to future collaborations that will continue to benefit the global healthcare ecosystem.
Following its standout performance at Medical Fair Thailand 2025, Taiwan Excellence has solidified its position as a key innovator in the global healthcare industry.
The event demonstrated strong engagement and valuable partnerships. This success sets a high bar, demonstrating that the future of healthcare is moving toward connected, data-driven systems that prioritize efficiency and patient care.
Taiwan Excellence will continue leading in innovative, patient-centered medical technology. Harnessing strengths in AI diagnostics, telemedicine, minimally invasive surgery, and hospital- support systems, Taiwan is committed to shaping a healthier future for all—delivering care that is smarter, more accessible, and always with compassion: “From Taiwan, with Care.”
Wells International School Chairman Dr. Chang Yao-Lang (center) joins faculty and staff in celebrating the school's 27th anniversary.
Wells International School Celebrates 27 Years of Excellence:
A Community of Opportunity Where Students Grow, Thrive, and Lead
School Plans Campus Expansion to Meet Growing Demand for Quality International Education
BANGKOK – Wells International School, a leading international school in Thailand for over 27 years, continues to distinguish itself by fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community that empowers students to reach their full potential.
With over 1,000 students across four campuses, Wells offers a student-centered approach that balances rigorous academics with a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, guided by dedicated and passionate teachers. The school is managed by Everclever Education Group, Ltd. and led by Dr. Chang Yao-Lang, Chairman of Wells International School.
Wells prides itself on cultivating strong student-teacher relationships within a positive, respectful, and safe environment—creating a nurturing space where students develop holistically.
The school offers a rich variety of cultural events and extracurricular activities that enable students to explore their creativity, engage in athletics, excel in STEM, and take on leadership roles, helping them thrive in and beyond the classroom.
Through its accredited American curriculum, alongside Advanced Placement (AP) and IB Diploma programs, Wells prepares students for admission to top universities worldwide—including UC Berkeley, Caltech, Cornell, and King’s College London. The school emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and practical skills, supplemented by internships, community service, and international study opportunities.
Mission and Vision
Dr. Chang emphasizes, “Our mission is to provide quality education in a nurturing environment that inspires lifelong learning and responsible global citizenship. We foster a truly welcoming community that supports every student’s unique talents and aspirations.” This vision is realized through continuous investment in professional development for faculty and in upgrading technology and facilities across all campuses.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
At Wells, “The world is your classroom.” Experiential learning is embedded in the student journey through diverse programs—from local community projects to global cultural exchanges and innovative technology initiatives. The school’s integrated learning approach nurtures effective communication, problem-solving, healthy habits, and respect for cultural diversity.
Growth Strategy
Responding proactively to the rapidly expanding international education market, Wells is planning further campus development including expansion of its Chonburi campus with new dormitory facilities and modern classrooms. Affordable tuition fees make Wells accessible to a broad socioeconomic spectrum, ensuring educational excellence is not limited by cost.
“We are committed to maintaining high teaching standards while providing personalized support for university preparation, including intensive tutoring and tailored college counseling,” said Dr. Chang. “Our graduates consistently gain admission to prestigious institutions globally, showcasing the effectiveness of our comprehensive educational approach.”
About Wells International School
Founded 27 years ago and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Thailand’s Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA), Wells International School offers an internationally recognized American curriculum to students from nursery through high school. With a diverse student body representing over 30 nationalities, Wells is dedicated to cultivating responsible global citizens prepared for success in a changing world.
Malaysian tourists arriving for passport inspection at Betong border checkpoint, Yala Province, to enter Thailand during Malaysia's long holiday weekend on September 16, 2025.
BANGKOK — Thailand is ramping up efforts to cater to the growing Muslim tourist market by training tourism operators to provide Muslim-friendly services, aiming to strengthen the country’s position as a global destination.
Jaturon Phakdeewanich, Director-General of the Tourism Department, revealed that Muslim tourists represent a high-growth segment with significant impact on the global tourism economy.
According to the Tourism and Sports Economics Division under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Malaysian visitors have exceeded 3 million arrivals since the beginning of the year, ranking among the top three foreign tourist groups and reinforcing Thailand’s popularity as a Muslim travel destination.
The Tourism Department is conducting training programs for tourism operators and staff to provide Muslim-friendly services.
Building Service Excellence
“Thailand has comprehensive readiness in terms of diverse attractions, service standards, and friendly hospitality,” Jaturon said. “Developing personnel capabilities to properly understand and accommodate Muslim tourists’ needs will be key to building confidence and enhancing Thai tourism industry competitiveness on the global stage.”
The training program will focus on helping tourism operators and staff gain knowledge and skills to provide services aligned with Muslim lifestyles and beliefs, while maintaining standards of safety, cleanliness, fairness, and sustainability.
Nationwide Training Initiative
The department will conduct four training sessions targeting at least 600 participants across Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Krabi, and Pattani provinces. The program emphasizes practical knowledge and implementable concepts to create meaningful learning outcomes.
Jaturon expressed confidence that the initiative will elevate service standards among tourism operators and personnel, enabling them to serve the Muslim tourist market with quality that creates positive impressions and enhances Thailand’s image while strengthening the tourism industry’s sustainable development.
