Thai soldiers in full control of 2 villages bordering CambodiaListen to this articleExplosive devices are found by Thai soldiers in a battlefield in Ban Khlong Pagne in Ta Phraya district in Sa Kaeo province. (Photo: First Army Region)The Thai army is in firm control of two villages along the border with Cambodia in Sa Kaeo province and continued to exchange gunfire and heavy artillery with Cambodian forces at another location. Thai and Cambodian soldiers were still fighting in Ban Nong Chan, as Cambodia continued to reinforce its troops and deploy heavy weapons in an attempt to seize the village, it added. The Burapha Task Force, the main fighting unit in Sa Kaeo, seized four sets of explosive devices and two landmines left behind by Cambodian soldiers in Ban Khlong Phaeng. Clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers have continued for 17 days.

K-Asset touts disciplined portfoliosListen to this articleMr Win advises investors to build a diversified portfolio that can withstand the next phase of the global investment cycle. "The 2026 global economy is expected to slow, but it is unlikely to slip into negative growth," said Mr Win. He acknowledged the global investment environment in 2026 will be shaped by monetary policy transitions, a new global trade order, geopolitical realignment and rapid innovation driven by AI. Global growth withstood US reciprocal tariffs and export controls on semiconductors and rare earths, with no major economy slipping into recession. "Investors who focus on diversification, disciplined risk management and long-term strategy will be better positioned to navigate the next phase of the global investment cycle."

Iron, steel sectors brace for impact of CBAMListen to this articleThe steel manufacturing process at Millcon Steel factory in Rayong. Thailand's iron and steel industry is expected to be the hardest hit when the European Union (EU) begins enforcing its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on Jan 1, 2026, according to analysts. The initial list covers iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertiliser, electricity and hydrogen. Iron and steel, along with aluminium, are expected to face the earliest and most direct impact. Thailand exported US$95.1 million worth of iron and steel to the EU last year, while aluminium shipments totalled $56.7 million.

Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa application fee upheld by judgeListen to this articleA national flag of the United States, a passport, mock US dollars and US H-1B Visa application forms are seen in this illustration taken on Sept 22, 2025. Daryl Joseffer, the Chamber’s executive vice president, said in a statement the $100,000 fee makes H-1B visas cost prohibitive. The H-1B visa programme is a cornerstone of employment-based immigration, allowing companies in the United States to hire college-educated foreign workers for specialised occupations. H-1B visas are awarded based on a lottery system but are used primarily in the tech industry. Their lawsuit focuses on the projected impact to the public sector, particularly in the fields of health care and education, that also rely on the H-1B visa programme.

Italian-Thai Business Forum celebrates 10th anniversaryListen to this articleBusaba Chirathivat, second from left, hosted the 10th ITBF and congratulated Mr Cavagna, third from left, and Mr Jiraphant, fourth from left, on their appointments as the new co-chairs. The Italian-Thai Business Forum (ITBF) is marking its 10th anniversary as economic cooperation between the two nations continues to advance steadily, supported by resilient trade growth and expanding business collaboration. To mark its 10th anniversary, an event was jointly organised in Bangkok by the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Italian-Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the embassies of both nations. The forum aims to enhance trade and investment potential between Thailand and Italy, while strengthening cooperation networks across targeted industries. The Thai and Italian ambassadors attended, as well as business leaders from Central Group, Mitr Phol, Cavagna Group, and Thaivivat Insurance.

Gold climbs above $4,500 for first time on geopolitics, ratesListen to this articlePedestrians look at gold jewelry for sale in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday. (Photo: Bloomberg)Gold rose to a record above $4,500 an ounce on escalating tensions in Venezuela and expectations for more US rate cuts. The rally in precious metals has been underpinned by elevated central-bank purchases and inflows into exchange-traded funds. Spot gold rose 0.6% to $4,513.87 an ounce as of 8.54am in Singapore (7.54am Thai time). Silver advanced 0.6% to $71.89.

Trump ready to act after 'solving eight wars'Listen to this articleUS President Donald Trump has claimed credit for resolving "eight wars", adding that Thailand is "starting to shape up" amid renewed attention on Thai–Cambodian tensions. "I've solved eight wars and Thailand is starting to shape up… they started with Cambodia, they started up again. According to Cambodian reports, Mr Trump referenced the Thai–Cambodian situation while highlighting what he described as US mediation in armed conflicts. She added that in a recent conversation between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and President Trump, both sides agreed that further discussions would proceed at the foreign minister level. Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit said the confrontation extends beyond the military sphere, involving political, diplomatic and socio‑psychological offensives.

Listen to this articleThailand heads into the Year of the Horse with a full slate of political, economic and social milestones that will shape the country's trajectory in the years ahead. From a snap election, slated for one month earlier than planned following conflicts in parliament over the drafting of a new constitution, the formation of a new government amid internal and external challenges, and global events hosted on Thai soil, 2026 is poised to be a year of transition and recalibration.

World Cup set to provide major economic boostListen to this articleTourists watch live football matches at a Bangkok bar. Restaurants might not benefit from the 2026 World Cup due to the time zone. Nutthawat WicheanbutAmong the world's largest events, the Fifa World Cup attracts a massive global audience, extending far beyond the 48 countries competing for the trophy. However, he said the 2026 World Cup would not help restaurants reap as many benefits as in the past due to the time zone. For the upcoming World Cup, it will be almost impossible for restaurants to promote such activities," said Mr Thienprasit.

SAFETY FIRSTHuang Hulong, deputy general manager at Hainan Wenhua Travel Industry Group Co, said the most critical factor for Chinese tourists when making travel decisions is safety. Mr Huang said Chinese travellers' concerns about safety largely depend on how the situation is reported in the Chinese media. However, safety concerns about Thailand among Chinese travellers have eased compared with the past, thanks to state campaigns to restore confidence, he said. However, their confidence is expected to improve as the Thai government has consistently pledged to maintain safety for Chinese tourists, said Mrs Ye. RETURNING CHINESETo encourage the Chinese to visit, he said Thailand should continue to focus on convincing tourists about safety.

Rayong oil spill lawsuit dismissedListen to this articleA lawsuit seeking environmental rehabilitation and 5 billion baht in compensation from Star Petroleum Refining Plc and PTT Global Chemical Plc over a crude oil spill that occurred in waters off Rayong in early 2022 has been dismissed. The Rayong Provincial Court dismissed the lawsuit on Monday that was filed by a small-scale fisheries association in Rayong and 832 fishermen. It said there was no reliable data showing reductions in marine species, income losses, or tourism decline attributable to the spill. Scientific assessments by Chulalongkorn University marine experts also indicated no measurable drop in marine abundance, species diversity, or breeding capacity linked to the incident, the ruling said. Accordingly, the court dismissed the case and ordered that the litigation costs be borne as per procedure.

Group expects non-life sector to maintain growthListen to this articleTGIA president Somporn SuebthawilkulThe non-life insurance industry is projected to maintain steady growth in 2026, with written premiums surging 2.5-3.5% to 303 billion baht despite rising risks from climate change, technology disruption and global economic uncertainties, says the Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA). TGIA president Somporn Suebthawilkul said the sector posted direct written premiums of 215 billion baht in the first nine months of this year, up 2.89% year-on-year. "Although 2025 has been marked by multiple risk factors, including natural disasters, accident-related losses and economic volatility, the non-life insurance industry has remained resilient and adaptive," Mr Somporn said. Amid increasingly volatile risk conditions, the non-life insurance industry is reinforcing its long-term resilience through catastrophe risk modelling, more efficient reinsurance programmes and closer public-private cooperation to stabilise the health insurance system and manage medical inflation. These strategic adjustments are essential to ensuring the sustainable growth and financial stability of Thailand's non-life insurance industry in an era of heightened and evolving risks, said Mr Somporn.

Thamanat to be Klatham Party's sole PM candidateListen to this articleCapt Thamanat PrompowCapt Thamanat Prompow, who serves as deputy prime minister, has declared himself the sole prime ministerial candidate for the Klatham Party. Capt Thamanat also revealed plans to run as the No.1 candidate on the party list, while his younger brother will contest in Phayao province. Asked if being the sole candidate makes him a bigger target, Capt Thamanat shrugged off any concerns: "I've been attacked all along. Capt Thamanat called for realistic expectations on the number of MPs: "We must keep targets low at first. About 60 MPs have joined Klatham so far, but Capt Thamanat said the goal is higher.

The "Thailand Tourism and Mice Next 2026" is scheduled for Jan 23, with 1,200-1,500 participants from Thailand and overseas, and is expected to generate at least 3 billion baht in revenue. Atta president Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn said the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and other partners put up half of the 10-million-baht budget to host the event. For 2026, Atta plans to hold several roadshows in China and visit other prominent markets. "39 million arrivals is not a far-fetched target for 2026, if the tourism sector works proactively," said Mr Thanapol. Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of Atta, said the Bank of Thailand and the government should tackle the persistently strong baht, which is hampering tourism and exports, making Thailand lose competitiveness with other destinations in Asia.

Thailand holds its breath as election approachesListen to this articleElection posters from various political parties are displayed in front of the Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai–Japan) in Din Daeng district. Nutthawat WicheanbutThe 2026 general election marks a pivotal moment in the nation's volatile political landscape. "Thailand needs political parties in the election to present a new economic structure for the nation in order to drive an economic recovery," he said. Whichever party forms a government and can keep the Thai economy moving forward is likely to remain in power for a long time, said Mr Kiatanantha. He expects the election to produce a multi-party coalition government, with bargaining over interests and competition for economic ministries.