SCB Backs ‘Forestias’ Thailand’s Largest Green Development with ฿22 Billion Loan

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25 August 2025, 23:56

SCB-X5 — Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC) is advancing Thailand’s largest real estate development, “The Forestias”, with plans to complete the residential zone by 2026.

BANGKOK — Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) has committed 22 billion baht ($678 million) in project financing to support The Forestias, Thailand’s largest real estate development, as the project races toward completion of its residential zone by 2026.

The massive loan represents a significant vote of confidence in Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC)’s ambitious vision to create what it calls a “model city for sustainability” on 157 acres along Bangna-Trad KM7.

Forest Meets City Concept

The Forestias has garnered attention for its “Forest in the City” concept, which MQDC says aligns with all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The development combines residential buildings with extensive natural ecosystems, aiming to reduce carbon emissions while creating what developers describe as a harmonious community for both humans and nature.

“The district has been developed under the concept of ‘sustainnovation’ combining innovation with sustainability,” said Thippaporn Ahriyavraromp, MQDC’s founder. She emphasized the project’s focus on bringing forest into urban areas, using clean energy, and reducing environmental impact.

SCB X — From left – Mr. Suttha Ruengchaiphaiboon, CEO of MQDC, Mrs. Thippaporn Ahriyavraromp, founder of MQDC, Mr. Arthid Nanthawithaya, CEO of SCBX PCL, and Mr. Kris Chantanotoke, CEO of Siam Commercial Bank

Construction Accelerates

MQDC CEO Suttha Ruengchaiphaiboon revealed that construction is already 70% complete, with SCB’s financing enabling the company to maintain its 2026 completion timeline. The loan will specifically support the residential portion of the sprawling development.

The project encompasses multiple residential options, from completed condominium buildings like Whizdom The Forestias Petopia and Mytopia to upcoming projects including Six Senses Residences—the luxury brand’s first residential project in Southeast Asia.

Banking on Sustainability

For SCBX PCL, the parent company of SCB, the investment aligns with broader goals of supporting Thailand’s transition to a low-carbon economy. SCBX CEO Arthid Nanthawithaya noted that the bank has supported The Forestias “from its inception,” viewing it as an example of how Thai real estate can reach global standards through environmental innovation.

SCB X4 — The Forestias is an outstanding real estate development.

SCB CEO Kris Chantanotoke called The Forestias “an outstanding real estate development” that goes beyond concept to deliver “tangible results,” positioning it as a benchmark for sustainable urban development in Southeast Asia.

Mixed-Use Vision

Beyond residential towers and villas, The Forestias will feature a comprehensive mixed-use environment including a 6-star boutique hotel, business district, cinema, restaurants, offices, and an innovation building. Plans also include a museum and learning center integrated with the site’s natural ecosystems.

The development represents a significant test of whether large-scale sustainable urban projects can attract both financing and residents in Thailand’s competitive real estate market, with completion targeted for next year.

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Thailand Eyes 42,000 Refugees to Address Cambodian Worker Exodus

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Khaosod English

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25 August 2025, 20:06

ban laem — Cambodian workers at Ban Laem border crossing in Chanthaburi wait to return to Cambodia on August 7, with numbers significantly down from previous days.

BANGKOK — Thailand is considering allowing 42,000 refugees from nine camps to work legally as the country grapples with severe labor shortages following the mass exodus of Cambodian workers, according to Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director General of the Department of Employment.

The Ministry of Labor estimates demand for 25,000-30,000 Cambodian workers nationwide, but discussions with employers reveal broader labor needs across multiple sectors. The Cabinet will review the refugee employment proposal on August 26, with officials from the Ministry of Labor and Ministry of Home Affairs having already held preliminary talks.

Multiple Solutions Under Consideration

Beyond refugee employment, Thailand has approved recruiting Sri Lankan workers, though this process requires a bilateral memorandum of understanding and will take considerable time as new workers must learn Thai laws, language and culture.

Justice Minister Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong has proposed temporarily employing people under probation and correctional supervision—numbering several hundred thousand—to meet high labor demand. The Ministry of Labor continues discussions with the Justice Ministry on this initiative.

Another proposal would allow discharged soldiers and those nearing discharge to enter the workforce temporarily during seasonal labor peaks, particularly November’s agricultural harvest season.

Economic Impact Remains Unclear

Associate Professor Kiriya Kulkolkarn from Thammasat College’s Faculty of Economics, who studies migrant worker impacts, said while effects aren’t yet widespread, certain industries heavily dependent on Cambodian labor—construction, fishing, and agricultural work—have been significantly affected.

fishermen1 — Fishing is another occupation that employs a large number of migrant workers in Thailand.

“There is no official figure confirming how many Cambodian workers have returned home. The government is unlikely to release this information due to security concerns,” she said. NGO reports suggest 300,000-400,000 Cambodian workers, or about 90% of the total, have returned home.

Kiriya recommended the Ministry of Labor and Immigration Department jointly survey and publish exact numbers of departed Cambodian workers to highlight the problem’s extent and promote comprehensive solutions.

Previous Measures Fall Short

Earlier government leniency programs allowing undocumented migrant workers to continue working have failed to address the crisis, as most workers already had jobs outside the legal system with little incentive to register officially.

The researcher suggested Thailand should consider legally readmitting Cambodian workers who returned home but are attempting illegal re-entry due to lack of work opportunities in Cambodia.

“Even though current conflict threatens Thailand’s security, allowing illegal re-entry only increases insecurity. If we admit them legally, we can properly identify them,” Kiriya said. “I believe many Cambodians who returned will inevitably come back once the situation stabilizes.”

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Israeli Airstrike on Southern Gaza Hospital Kills 19 Including 4 Journalists

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Associated Press

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25 August 2025, 18:19

Israel Palestinians Gaza — Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli airstrike in the northern Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli strike hit a southern Gaza’s main hospital Monday, killing 19 people, including four journalists, said Zaher al-Waheid, the head of the Gaza Health Ministry’s records department.

The victims on the fourth floor of Nasser Hospital were killed when one missile hit and was followed in the same spot by another missile moments later as rescue crews arrived, the ministry said.

Khan Younis’ Nasser Hospital, the largest in southern Gaza, has withstood raids and bombardment throughout 22 months of war, with officials citing critical shortages of supplies and staff.

Among the 19 killed were four journalists including 33-year-old Mariam Dagga, a visual journalist who had worked for The Associated Press throughout the war.

Dagga was a freelancer who regulary reported from Nasser Hospital, including on doctors struggling to save children from starvation. Al Jazeera and Reuters also confirmed their journalists and freelancers were among those killed.

AP25237361061936 — Freelance journalist Mariam Dagga, 33, who had been working with the Associated Press and other outlets since the start of the Gaza war, poses for a portrait in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, June 14, 2024. She was among at least 19 people, including at least four journalists, killed Monday in an Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

The Israel-Hamas war has been one of the bloodiest conflicts for media workers, with a total of 192 journalists killed in Gaza in the 22-month conflict, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Neither Israel’s military nor the Prime Minister’s office immediately responded to questions about the strike.

In addition to those killed at Nasser Hospital, hospital officials in northern Gaza also reported deaths from strikes and gunfire along the route to aid sites.

Three Palestinians, including a child, were killed in a strike on a neighborhood in Gaza City, where Israel is preparing for a broader ground invasion in the coming days, Shifa Hospital said. Al-Awda Hospital reported six aid-seekers trying to reach a distribution point in central Gaza were killed by Israeli gunfire in an incident that also wounded 15. Israel’s military did not immediately respond to a question about the aid seekers.

AP25237225869922 — An Israeli armoured personnel carrier (APC) moves through the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Israeli strikes and raids on hospitals are not uncommon. Multiple hospitals have been struck or raided across the Gaza Strip, with Israel claiming its attacks had targeted militants operating inside the medical facilities, without providing evidence.

A June strike on Nasser Hospital killed three people and wounded 10, according to the health ministry. At the time, Israel’s military said it had targeted Hamas militants operating from a command and control center inside the hospital. A March strike on the hospital’s surgical unit days after a ceasefire broke down killed two people.

The health ministry said Sunday that at least 62,686 Palestinians have been killed in the war. It does not distinguish between fighters and civillians but says around half have been women and children. The U.N. and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on war casualties. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own.

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Thai EV Sales Overtake Gasoline Cars in July on Better Affordability

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Khaosod English

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25 August 2025, 16:39

BANGKOK — Thailand’s domestic vehicle sales climbed 5.84% to 49,102 units in July 2025, boosted by a 36.12% jump in electric vehicle sales to 9,304 units as lower prices attracted more buyers, according to Surapong Paisitpattanapong, advisor to the chairman and spokesperson of the Automotive Industry Group at the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

However, Thailand’s automotive production dropped 11.39% year-on-year to 110,616 units in July 2025, with gasoline passenger cars seeing the steepest decline due to manufacturers discontinuing certain export models for vehicle transitions.

The production decline was driven primarily by export manufacturing, which fell 15.35% to 74,100 units, corresponding with a 13.27% drop in actual exports to 72,439 units amid global trade uncertainties. Several gasoline passenger car models were discontinued as manufacturers prepare for significant model changes.

Historic EV Milestone

Despite the overall decline, Thailand achieved a historic milestone by exporting 167 electric passenger cars and pickup trucks in July – marking the first year Thailand has successfully exported EVs as the government and private sector collaborate to establish the country as a production base for both conventional and electric vehicles targeting trading partners with varying policies and infrastructure readiness.

ev factory — 2025 marks the first time Thailand has successfully exported EVs.

“We’re on the right track promoting electric vehicle production and domestic adoption as the world moves toward carbon neutrality,” Surapong said. “However, global economic uncertainty and stricter safety equipment requirements from trading partners have reduced automotive exports this month across Asia, Australia, Oceania, and North America, though engine, parts, and component exports continue to grow.”

Domestic Market Shows Mixed Results

Domestic production reached 36,516 units, down 2.08% year-on-year, while domestic sales climbed 5.84% to 49,102 units – the fourth consecutive month of growth. This increase was driven by passenger car sales, particularly affordable electric vehicles that are now more accessible than gasoline cars.

Pickup truck sales continued their decline for over 30 months, dropping 16.3% to just 11,022 units (compared to the pre-COVID average of 35,973 units per month in 2019).

Toyota 2025 — Toyota showcases new vehicles at the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show (Motor Show 2025), March 24-31.

Despite July’s domestic sales growth, the seven-month total (January-July 2025) remains negative at 351,796 units, down 0.74% from last year due to stricter pickup truck loan approvals amid high household debt and Thailand’s modest 2.8% Q2 economic growth.

Economic Outlook

Surapong expressed optimism about the 2026 fiscal budget boosting economic growth and thanked the Monetary Policy Committee for cutting interest rates to reduce borrowers’ burden and enable greater debt repayment.

He also praised the Thai negotiating team for securing a 19% US import tariff rate through discussions with President Trump’s team, which should attract more foreign and domestic investment for exports and job creation, helping reduce household debt through actual repayment rather than reduced lending.

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Jeff Satur Brings Joy to Fans at BRAND’S “ADD FLAVOR TO YOUR LIFE” Event

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Contributor

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25 August 2025, 15:47

BRAND’S Bird’s Nest Ready-to-Drink with Vitamin by Suntory Beverage & Food Thailand, the leader in health enrichment products in Thailand and Indochina under the “BRAND’S” trademark, created unforgettable moments of joy for #Saturdayss fans at the ADD FLAVOR TO YOUR LIFE exclusive event with Jeff Satur. As the presenter of BRAND’S Bird’s Nest Ready-to-Drink with Vitamin, artist Jeff Satur delivered a full entertainment experience to 200 lucky winners from the ADD FLAVOR TO YOUR LIFE campaign, including special memorabilia, a mini-concert, and fun games on stage for opportunities to capture memorable photos with him. The event, which took place at SF World Cinema on the 8th floor of Central World, perfectly combined health with entertaining experiences, filling the venue with smiles and laughter throughout.

Presented by BRAND’S Bird’s Nest Ready-to-Drink with Vitamin, the ADD FLAVOR TO YOUR LIFE exclusive event with Jeff Satur was designed to offer fans a special opportunity to connect with their favorite artist while embodying the campaign’s concept of “Add flavor to your life and enjoy every day to the fullest.” The campaign encourages people to live life to the fullest while staying healthy and refreshed with BRAND’S Bird’s Nest Ready-to-Drink with Vitamin.

Jeff Satur shared his thoughts about the event: “I’m thrilled to bring fun and surprises to everyone today, and I’m even happier to see people taking better care of their health. For me, taking good care of myself is essential because my days are filled with various activities. If my body isn’t ready, it affects my confidence and energy because I always give 100% to everything I do. BRAND’S Bird’s Nest Ready-to-Drink with Vitamin has become my perfect companion, offering benefits from genuine bird’s nest and vitamins, providing both great taste and refreshment that help me live life to the fullest in my own style.”

#BrandsXJeff #AddFlavorToYourLife #BrandsBirdsNestVitaminDrink #BrandsBirdsNest

Sole Survivor of Australian Mushroom Poisoning Grieves Loss of Wife and Friends

By

Associated Press

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25 August 2025, 15:18

Australia Poisonoius Mushrooms — Erin Patterson arrives at Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (Jason Edwards/NCA Pool via AP)

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The sole survivor of a deadly lunch laced with toxic mushrooms said on Monday he felt only half alive following the death of his wife and he continued to grieve the loss of his two closest friends.

Ian Wilkinson read the first victim impact statement in at a sentencing hearing for Erin Patterson at the Victoria state Supreme Court.

The 50-year-old will be sentenced on Sept. 8 on three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. The prosecution argued for a life sentence without possibility of parole, while defense lawyers want her to become eligible for release after serving 30 years.

“The offending here is horrendous,” Justice Christopher Beale told the court.

A jury convicted Patterson in July of murdering Wilkinson’s wife Heather Wilkinson, her sister Gail Patterson, and her husband Don Patterson with a lunch of beef Wellington pastries and foraged death cap mushrooms in July 2023.

Erin Patterson was also convicted of attempting to murder Ian Wilkinson, who spent weeks in hospital and survived after receiving a liver transplant.

Poisoning survivor describes grief

Wilkinson, a Baptist pastor, described his wife as a woman who took her faith seriously and was full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.

“I only feel half alive without her,” Wilkinson said before weeping.

AP25237097336431 — Ian Wilkinson departs walks from the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court in Morwell, Australia, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (James Ross/AAP Image via AP)

“It’s one of the distressing shortcomings of our society that so much attention is showered on those who do evil and so little on those who do good,” he added.

He described Gail and Don Patterson, the parents of Erin Patterson’s estranged husband Simon Patterson, as the closest people to him after his wife and family.

“My life is greatly impoverished without them,” Wilkinson said.

“I’m distressed that Erin has acted with callous and calculated disregard for my life and the lives of those I love. What foolishness possesses a person to think that murder could be the solution to their problems, especially the murder of people who have only good intentions towards her?” he added.

Wilkinson offered Patterson his forgiveness for the harms she had done to him.

“I say ‘harms done to me’ advisedly. I have no power or responsibility to forgive harms done to others,” Wilkinson said.

“My prayer for her is that she will use her time in jail wisely to become a better person,” he added.

Erin Patterson attended the Melbourne court in person on Monday, wearing a paisley top with a light brown jacket. She appeared emotionally moved as Ian Wilkinson spoke.

Seven relatives of victims either read impact statements to the court on Monday or had them read on their behalf.

Patterson could face decades in prison

Erin Patterson faces a potential life sentence for each of the murders and 25 years for attempted murder.

She will have a month after her sentencing to lodge an appeal against her sentence and conviction.

The defense submitted that Erin Patterson claimed she had been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and that her husband believed she suffered from anxiety, high-functioning autism and possible ADHD.

The judge said the evidence of Asperger’s “doesn’t have a lot of credibility.”

Prosecutor Jane Warren dismissed the claims of mental health conditions as hearsay evidence.

She said Beale should show Erin Patterson no mercy. She likened the case to one in 2017 when Michael Cardamone was sentenced in Victoria to life in prison without possibility of parole for the murder of a neighbor whom he burnt alive.

“It is a crime that is so cruel and so horrific that, in our submission, the offender is not deserving of this court’s mercy,” Warren said.

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Marriott Bonvoy Charity Golf Day Returns to Phuket

By

MC Marketing

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25 August 2025, 13:55

The fourth annual edition of Thailand’s biggest charity golf event will be staged at Phuket’s Blue Canyon Country Club on November 7th, 2025, to raise funds for two local children’s charities in Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand: August 25, 2025 – Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, has announced that its popular “Marriott Bonvoy Charity Golf Day” will return to the Thai resort island of Phuket this November, for its fourth consecutive year of fun and fundraising on the fairways!

Thailand’s biggest charity golf event, the Marriott Bonvoy Charity Golf Day has generated over THB 7.8 million for its charitable partners since it was first launched in 2022. Now, organizers are hoping to break through the THB 10 million barrier with an exhilarating, action-packed day of sport on Friday, November 7th, 2025, as amateur golfers from around the world flock to Phuket’s Blue Canyon Country Club (Lake Course).

All proceeds from this year’s event will be donated directly to Save the Children Thailand and Operation Smile Thailand, who work tirelessly to support disadvantaged young people all across Thailand. The funds raised will help these non-profit organizations to continue their vital community work in providing opportunities for young people and improving their health, education, and overall livelihoods.

Musical Friendship Concert Set for Sept4 at Thailand Cultural Centre

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Contributor

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25 August 2025, 13:18

BANGKOK — Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO), in memory of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, presents Musical Friendship — an exciting evening of music on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre.

This special concert is held in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, and supported by B.Grimm.

Under the baton of returning conductor, Maestro Douglas Bostock, this concert begins with Johannes Brahms’ Piano Concerto No.2 in B-flat major, featuring the guest pianist Oliver Schnyder, the founder of Oliver Schnyder Trio which released its first CD in 2013. Born in 1973, Oliver Schnyder made his debut in the Kennedy Centre after winning the Grand Prize in the Pembaur Competition.

Since winning the Grand Prize at the Pembaur Competition in Berne (1999) and making his debuts at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. (2000) and with the Tonhalle Orchestra under David Zinman (2002, Orpheum Young Soloists on Stage), he has performed in many of the most renowned concert halls across Europe, North America, and Asia.

He collaborated with Maestro Douglas Bostock for the Camille Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 recording. This concert not only celebrates the 3 years friendship between the RBSO and Maestro Douglas Bostock, but also the special friendship between the two artists.

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Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok Marks 5th Anniversary with a Grand Celebration

By

MC Marketing

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25 August 2025, 11:26

Highlighting five years of success, the destination continues to elevate its appeal through a comprehensive marketing strategy and the ongoing addition of world-class luxury brands.

Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, Thailand’s first and only premium outlet destination, proudly marks its 5th anniversary. The milestone highlights the success of its comprehensive business strategy that spans marketing, customer engagement with both Thai and international shoppers, and strengthening international brand recognition through a distinctive and exceptional shopping experience.

Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok is managed by Siam Piwat Simon Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Siam Piwat Group—Thailand’s leading real estate and retail developer—and Simon Property Group from the United States, a real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations. This powerful partnership has enabled Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok to set itself apart and achieve outstanding success within just five years, securing its position as Thailand’s only world-class premium outlet destination.

Phuket Police Nab Driver for Alleged Sexual Assault of South African Woman

By

Khaosod English

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25 August 2025, 02:19

safrica phuket2 — Police arrest a 19-year-old Bolt taxi driver at his rented room in Thepkrasattri Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province on August 24, 2025, for allegedly sexually assaulting a South African teacher.

PHUKET — Police have arrested a 19-year-old Bolt taxi driver accused of sexually assaulting a South African teacher during a late-night ride in Thalang District.

The suspect, identified as Chalermphetch from Trang Province, was apprehended at his rented room in Moo 7, Thepkrasattri Subdistrict before midnight on the same day the complaint was filed.

Following an investigation of the victim’s app usage records, Thalang Police Station detectives tracked down and arrested the suspect at his accommodation. Officers found evidence including the South African teacher’s belongings in his possession, leading to his immediate transfer to investigating officers at Thalang Police Station for prosecution.

The Incident

The 28-year-old victim, who works at a private school in Phuket, filed her complaint on the morning of August 24, alleging she was sexually assaulted while being transported to her accommodation in Pa Klok Subdistrict.

safica phuket1 — A South African teacher points to the location where she alleges a sexual assault occurred in the Somboonsab area, Sri Sunthon Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province on August 24, 2025.

The victim stated that on Saturday night she had been drinking with fellow teachers at a restaurant in the Bang Tao area of Cherng Talay Subdistrict. Between 1:00-1:30 a.m. on Sunday, she called for a Bolt taxi service. During the journey, after dropping off another passenger, the driver allegedly stopped the white sedan in the Somboonsab area of Sri Sunthon Subdistrict and sexually assaulted her in nearby bushes.

A good Samaritan discovered the incident, causing the driver to flee. The citizen called emergency services, and police responded to assist the victim. She initially only requested police escort to her accommodation but filed a formal complaint the following morning. Investigating officers took her statement and arranged medical examination at Thalang Hospital to collect evidence.

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Poisoning survivor describes grief

Patterson could face decades in prison

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