Trump looms large in 2026 local outlookListen to this articlePresident Trump's trade policies are expected to persist in 2026, though they may moderate as he focuses on winning the midterm elections, in preparation for the next presidential race. As a result, Mr Sompop said the likelihood of an intense trade war or technology war between the US and China next year is expected to decline. In addition, Trump is expected to continue to pressure the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates on an ongoing basis. If economic management falters, US bond prices could decline, Mr Sompop said. "Even the 19% import tariff proposed by the US on Thai goods already creates serious problems," said Mr Sompop.

This shift is already changing where goods are produced and how capital moves across borders, and analysts say 2026 will be a pivotal year. To become less reliant on the US-China supply chain, the government is expanding its trade footprint in the Middle East by promoting its agricultural strength. The government is also repositioning Thai rice under a new "Exquisite Rice" branding strategy, with the first speciality rice shipment of 450 tonnes valued at 16 million baht. In terms of agricultural commodities, Thailand recently finalised an agreement to supply 30,000 tonnes of cassava pellets to Saudi Arabia, highlighting rising global demand for Thai produce. As global competition intensifies, analysts say Thailand must accelerate reforms if it hopes to remain a leading food exporter.

The world is mourning as we lost so many talented people across film, television, music and more. imdb.comVal Kilmer (65)The beloved actor died on April 1, after a long battle with cancer and related respiratory complications. KEVIN WINTERBrian Wilson (82)Just two days later, on June 11, the world lost another musical titan. imdb.comTerence Stamp (87)On Aug 17, the British actor Terence Stamp died, leaving behind a body of work that spanned five decades. STAN HONDAD'Angelo (51)On Oct 14, the music world lost Michael Eugene Archer, professionally known as D'Angelo, after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer.

It's the time of year to get immersed in sports, flea markets, picnics and music, all presented on the same premises at the Princess's Cup Thailand 2025 at the 2nd Cavalry Division King's Royal Guard, Phahon Yothin Road, from Friday to Sunday. Running daily from 1pm to 10pm, "Weekend & Lifestyle" is a fresh new edition of the festive outdoor celebration that transforms the historic grounds of the King's Royal Guard into a lively open-air marketplace, perfectly complementing the thrill of equestrian competitions. Princess's Cup ThailandAlso, prepare to engage in activities such as the Dog Fun Run 20225 and Weekend Running Club to pony riding and feeding arranged for kids and families. The 2nd Cavalry Division King's Royal Guard can be accessed via BTS Sanam Pao. The event is pet-friendly and everyone is welcome to bring their furry companions along for the fun.

Port out of FA Cup for rule breachListen to this articlePort midfielder Peeradol Chamrasamee celebrates after scoring a goal. Port have issued a formal apology to supporters after being disqualified from the FA Cup for fielding too many foreign players in their victory over Bangkok United. Tournament regulations allow each side to field five foreign players plus two from Asean nations. Despite the team's strong performance against Bangkok United, we must respect the competition's regulations." Elsewhere, defending champions Buriram United advanced to the last 16 with a commanding 5-1 win over Customs United.

The Customs Department has partnered with online sales platforms to supervise and suppress the importation of illegal goods or those failing to meet legal standards. VARUTH HIRUNYATHEBThe Customs Department has partnered with online sales platforms to crack down on sales of non-certified products. "I believe searches for imported products without standards certification, or prohibited goods on online platforms, will become more difficult. "The collection of taxes on low-value imported goods is about creating a new system that ensures fairer competition for Thai small businesses," said Mr Phantong. Thamakorn Supathanarangsri, vice-president and head of government affairs at Lazada, said the company is not concerned about the tax and believes it will not affect online sales volumes.

Pannika files fake news complaintListen to this articlePannika Wanich, a core member of the Progressive Movement, has filed a police complaint against the administrators of several social media accounts for distorting her remarks and spreading fake news, which she says could undermine both the upcoming election and national security. Ms Pannika also said the edited content misled the public and damaged her reputation. The controversy originated from a viral post which surfaced on Nov 17, titled "How long will the fighting continue? Ms Pannika said the statement was not hers, noting that she did not appear on any programme or give interviews that day. Ms Pannika said fake news is being used to smear political parties ahead of the election and urged the public to be cautious of unverified content and manipulated videos.

The International Fashion Business Technology College (IFB) invites health enthusiasts and interested members of the public to join the IFB Run 2026, which will take place on Jan 18 at 5.30am. A collaboration with Dr Tiam Chokwatana Foundation, this is the 6th edition of the health-focused running event held under the concept of "H+H: Healthy & Happy - Run Together, Build Good Health, And Share Happiness". The event offers five race categories designed to accommodate runners of all ages and fitness levels. For the first four race categories, the top five finishers in each gender and age group will be awarded trophies from Dr Tiam Chokwatana Foundation. Registration fees range from 369 baht to 1,069 baht, with all proceeds going towards the college's Educational Innovation Fund.

The highlight arrives on New Year's Eve with a breathtaking 20-minute 4D sky show titled In Eternity Reverence, staged along a 1.4km stretch of the Chao Phraya River. Iconsiam's riverfront dining scene offers one of Bangkok's most coveted New Year's Eve settings, pairing front-row fireworks views with exceptional cuisine. As fireworks light up the sky and reflections ripple across the Chao Phraya River, guests dine against a backdrop that few cities in the world can rival. IconsiamWith live broadcasts reaching global audiences and thousands gathering along the river, Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026 is more than a celebration. It is a defining Bangkok moment -- where the Chao Phraya becomes the stage, the skyline, the scenery, and Iconsiam the city's most dazzling place to welcome the New Year.

Association plans to set up Natural Catastrophe FundListen to this articleThe flood-damaged Hat Yai Hospital in Hat Yai district, Songkhla. Nutthawat WichieanbutThe Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA) plans to establish a permanent Natural Catastrophe Fund in the first half of 2026 amid increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters in the country, with an initial sum of 50 billion baht. “The catastrophe fund will be a permanent mechanism, unlike the temporary fund established after the 2011 floods,” he said. “The permanent catastrophe fund is critical to maintaining financial stability and confidence in the insurance sector, as Thailand is increasingly classified as a high-risk natural disaster zone,” said Mr Somporn. The scale of damage has accelerated reforms in catastrophe risk management.

Pheu Thai fields three PM hopefuls on party listListen to this articleYodchanan Wongsawat, centre, Julapun Amornvivat, right, and Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The Pheu Thai Party has confirmed that its three prime ministerial candidates will be included on the party-list roster, though their final ranking has yet to be determined. Among them, Mr Yodchanan has seen a notable rise in poll support since his public debut on Dec 16. Mr Prasert attributed this to Mr Yodchanan's image as a new-generation leader and his academic background, calling him a strong asset for the party. Mr Prasert also addressed Chaturon Chaisang's resignation as head of the party's strategic committee, clarifying that Mr Chaturon remains with Pheu Thai and will focus on referendum and constitutional issues.

Prasert issues Singapore MoU denialListen to this articlePrasert JantararuangtongPheu Thai Party secretary-general Prasert Jantararuangtong denied wrongdoing in the Singapore MoU case, saying he has not yet received a summons from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Mr Prasert on Monday spoke to the media regarding the DSI's plan to question officials about the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) and Singaporean company Prime Opportunity Fund VCC. He added that he did not know how Mr Mauerberger came to appear at the event, stating that he attended solely as a witness. According to him, the signing itself was conducted by government officials and a representative of the Singaporean company. He also denied having any personal relationship or interaction with Mr Mauerberger.

Big cat hybrids given regulated species statusListen to this articleA liger is a hybrid animal resulting from the mating of a male lion and a female tiger, both belonging to different species within the same genus (Panthera). Sriayuthaya Lion Park Facebook PageThe Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has issued a new regulation designating ligers (male lion–female tiger hybrids) and tigons (male tiger–female lion hybrids) as regulated wildlife species which require official possession permits under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act. The move is meant to close legal gaps, enhance animal welfare protections, and improve public safety. Previously, hybrids such as ligers and tigons were not classified as regulated species requiring registration, allowing individuals to keep them without permits or oversight, which created risks in terms of animal care, safety, and traceability. By classifying them as regulated species, authorities can now monitor housing conditions, enforce safety standards, and ensure proper welfare management, reducing risks to both owners and surrounding communities.

Each year, the architectural paint industry looks to TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited for insight into emerging colour directions. For 2026, TOA moves beyond the idea of colour as mere decoration, introducing a new concept titled “The Pigmentum,” which positions colour as a source of energy, inspiration and momentum in everyday life. TOA describes its 2026 colour trends not simply as stylistic choices, but as an invitation to reconnect with calm inner energy and rediscover balance through thoughtful colour selection. TOA Color Trends 2026 – The Pigmentum therefore present colour as a dynamic force that supports emotional growth, creativity and confident living. Consultation and design services are available through the TOA IdeaColor team at www.toagroup.com for homeowners seeking tailored colour solutions.

Aranyaprathet train station closed because of fightingListen to this articleThe Aranyaprathet railway station connects with Ban Khlong Luk border station, which adjoins Cambodia. (Photo: State Railway of Thailand)The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced the temporary closure of Aranyaprathet railway station in the eastern border province of Sa Kaeo because of the border conflict with Cambodia. The announcement on Sunday night followed an escalation of the fighting along the border in Sa Kaeo. Services now terminate at Sa Kaeo station. Train 279: Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) - Sa KaeoTrain 280: Sa Kaeo - BangkokTrain 275/276: Bangkok - Sa Kaeo – BangkokAranyaprathet station connects with the eastern line's last stop, Ban Khlong Luk border station, which adjoins Cambodia.