New project to help riders switch to EVsThe Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has partnered with the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) on a project to support motorcycle taxi riders in switching to electric vehicles. Officials say the move could reduce riders' operating costs by as much as seven times and cut fine dust emissions by about 16 tonnes a year. The initiative, dubbed the "EV for Motorcycle Taxi Riders", was launched yesterday as part of the Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility and Climate. Under the pilot project, more than 200 motorcycle taxi riders and BMA street sweepers in the Din Daeng and Phaya Thai districts will have the opportunity to test various EVs at a cost of 75–140 baht. From this group, 30 riders will be eligible to join a one-month free trial designed to gather detailed operational data for potential expansion.

Myanmar expels East Timor envoy after rights group complaint against junta​Myanmar has ordered ⁠the ⁠head of East Timor's diplomatic ​mission to leave the country within seven days, state media quoted the foreign ministry ​as saying on Monday, in an ‌escalating row over a criminal complaint filed by a rights group against Myanmar's armed forces. Myanmar's Chin state Human Rights Organization (CHRO) last month filed a complaint with the justice department of East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, ‌alleging that the Myanmar junta had carried out war crimes and crimes against humanity since the 2021 coup. In January, CHRO officials also met East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta, who last year led the ⁠tiny Catholic nation's accession into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Myanmar is also a member. In early February, CHRO said East Timor's judicial authorities had opened legal ⁠proceedings against the Myanmar junta, including its chief Min Aung Hlaing, following the complaint filed by the rights group. East Timor's embassy in Myanmar did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent via email.

AI 'partners' reshaping hospitalsRobots named Pro 4 & AI Nose (OPD) donated by Sahamitr Pressure Container PCL at Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital in Bangkok. In clinical settings, AI systems can draft medical notes, summarise research, structure differential diagnoses and assist in imaging interpretation. From personal experience integrating AI into analytical writing and professional tasks, its value became clear only after disciplined use. Other healthcare systems are investing heavily in AI-driven workflow optimisation and research acceleration. If Thai medicine engages deliberately -- grounded in ethics and governance -- AI can function as a cognitive amplifier.

Morimoto: Data-driven risk predictionInspired by Japan's long-term success in reducing road fatalities, Thailand is entering a critical period of learning and reform in road safety, a message underscored at the 3rd Thailand Road Traffic Safety Forum. They were advancing safety technology, adopting a "safe system" management framework and fostering a nationwide culture of road safety. Japan's Road Safety Plan (2021–2026) aims to cut annual fatalities to below 2,000 by 2026, down from 2,839 in 2021. Takamiya: Improve local infrastructureThailand's traffic fatalitiesTomoaki Takamiya of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation offered insights through his presentation "Typical Road Traffic Safety Involving Infrastructure from Vehicle Manufacturer Viewpoint." "The findings underline the need for coordinated action between policymakers, automotive manufacturers, and urban planners to achieve Thailand's road safety goals," he said.

Ajahn Brahm, abbot of Bodhinyana monastery in Western Australia, will deliver a dhamma talk on the theme "Selflessness Creates The Path To Peace", at the World Fellowship of Buddhists on Sunday from 3pm to 5pm. Ajahn Brahm is one of the most respected and widely followed Theravada Buddhist monks in the world. Born in the UK, he was educated at Cambridge University before ordaining as a monk in Thailand under the renowned meditation master Ajahn Chah. The talk will be conducted in English and followed by a guided meditation session. The World Fellowship of Buddhists is located at Benjasiri Park, next to Emporium, Sukhumvit 24.

BJT's chance to rebuildWith 193 seats, the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) has secured far more than a clear electoral victory. For the first time, a party that came only third in the 2023 national election now holds enough leverage to call the shots and shape the national political landscape in its own image. While a large majority makes it easier to implement policy and pass fiscal bills, it can also weaken democratic checks and balances. Above all, Bhumjaithai must remember that a huge majority does not automatically confer legitimacy or public trust. This is not a mere statistical fluctuation, but a reflection of a corrosive problem that deters investment and deepens public disillusionment.

Anutin 2 govt's foreign policy outlookForeign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul are seen at Government House having a secure-line telephone conversation with a foreign leader on Dec 12, 2025. courtesy of Government HouseTo say that diplomacy under the upcoming Anutin 2 government will differ significantly from its first, short-lived period in power would be an exaggeration. Last Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a meeting of senior ministers chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to discuss Thailand's outlook. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuengketkeow were also in attendance. At first glance, the outlook for Anutin 2's foreign policy closely resembles that of the previous administration. The incumbent foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeaw, is expected to remain in his post and continue the work left unfinished when the House was dissolved in early December.

There is a very important difference between a résumé and a CV. It stays on your personal computer forever, but from which you pick the relevant text when creating the all-important personal résumé. Changing a 5-page CV into a 2-page résumé will likely take you more time than it took to do the 5-page version. I often see candidates who have paid a fee to a résumé writer and received a beautifully designed document. The ATS is a stupid app that will parse or populate your CV or résumé into software used by recruiters and HR.

Hotel operators call for restructure of land taxHotel operators suggest the new government amend the land and buildings tax. Land prices are scheduled for appraisal every four years, with the next round effective in 2027. Over the past two years, many hotels and other businesses were affected by rising costs from tax collection, which are now based on land appraisal prices, not revenue. The land and building tax affected small businesses and low-income earners in particular, especially those located in prime areas, said Mr Thienprasit. "Since the beginning, appraisal prices have served as a criterion for evaluating collateral and calculating land transfer values in sales.

By Kean TanKevin Warsh Photo: REUTERSThe nomination of Kevin Warsh as the new chairman of the US Federal Reserve turned into a nightmare for the precious metals complex on Jan 30. In our view, it is clear that neither the nomination of Mr Warsh nor the related rebound of the US dollar was in any way sufficient to explain the sell-off. Global gold demand reached a record in the fourth quarter of last year, driven by strength in investment demand and central bank buying. In our opinion, Mr Warsh has a good chance of defending the Fed's image as an independent institution. At the same time, Mr Warsh argues that the prospect of AI-driven productivity increases justifies lower policy rates by allowing higher growth with lower inflation.

Food industry growth fuelled by healthVisitors examine a display featuring new technology during last year's ProPak Asia. The Thai food industry is continuing to grow this year, particularly in the healthy food sector focused on promoting longevity. Innovation is crucial to developing new offerings that meet consumer demand, say food industry veterans. He pointed out that innovation is crucial for processing raw materials into high value goods, making Thai food products answer health and wellness needs and proving they are genuinely good for health to create new selling points. "Innovation, international markets and sustainability are essential for the food industry.

State firms told to avoid borrowing when investingThe Finance Ministry may require state-owned enterprises planning new investments to rely primarily on their own revenues to reduce the burden on public debt. Under the PDMO's definition, borrowing by state-owned enterprises is classified as public debt. As of December 2025, the government's public debt tallied 66.1% of GDP, or 12.5 trillion baht, while the statutory ceiling is 70%. In fiscal 2027, the deficit is projected at 3.9% of GDP and public debt at 69.4% of GDP. In fiscal 2030, the deficit level is projected at 2.1% of GDP and public debt at 68.2% of GDP.

Emerging markets to triumph in 20262026 is expected to see a decisive rotation in global asset allocation, with emerging markets (EM) positioned to outperform developed markets (DM) as the US dollar enters a weakening cycle, according to analysts. Secondly, valuations remain attractive as EM equities, particularly in Asia and China, are trading below long-term historical averages on a cyclically adjusted price-earnings basis. "Within emerging markets, Asia stands out. For Thailand, Krungsri expects economic growth in 2026 to remain modest at slightly above 2%, below long-term potential and regional peers. The bank favours selective exposure to DMs outside the US, where valuations are relatively more reasonable and earnings growth could broaden if global growth stabilises.

NCB frets over potential uptick in informal debtThe National Credit Bureau (NCB) has expressed concern about a potential rise in informal debt amid subdued loan growth in the banking sector and an easing household debt-to-GDP ratio. "While demand for personal loans remains robust, overall credit growth in the financial system continues to be subdued. Under this scenario, we are concerned about a rise in informal debt," she said. However, the NCB does not have reliable data to accurately assess the size of informal debt. Higher incomes would strengthen debt-repayment capacity and help ease the country's household debt problem.

CaptionThailand's economy has now "left the intensive care unit [ICU]", reflected in fourth-quarter growth of 2.5%, which surpassed the earlier projection of 1.8% and lifted full-year 2025 growth to 2.4%, above the 2% forecast, said caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Regarding economic growth this year, Mr Ekniti said the government will seek to push Thailand's economy to expand by more than 3%. The global economic conditions, meanwhile, also present downside risks as geopolitical rifts have intensified, particularly tensions between the US and Iran. Regarding the economic growth projection of 2% for 2026, Mr Poj said several risks remain, particularly from the global economy, trade dynamics and the baht's strength. He added that collaboration is essential to address challenges, support economic recovery and tackle global economic uncertainty.