The Big Data Institute (BDI) under the Digital Economy and Society Ministry has laid out its strategic direction for advancing Thailand through data and artificial intelligence (AI). BDI developed D2 as a unified platform for data sharing and analysis across government bodies, private sector organisations and allied networks. "The platform promotes standardised and systematic data collaboration, enhances public sector decision-making capabilities, and will be rolled out in phases," she said. She said the system adheres to stringent principles of data governance, security and personal data protection. The institute also joined with Tourism Council of Thailand and Digital Economy Promotion Agency to use big data and AI to propel the tourism sector.

Omoda & Jaecoo ramps up Thai EV productionListen to this articleMr Cui expects Omoda & Jaecoo's factory in Rayong to help the company benefit from the popularity of BEVs in Thailand. "Thailand's manufacturing plant in Rayong is preparing to produce the Jaecoo 5 EV, Omoda 4, and Chery Q4 EV models next year," Mr Cui said. Omoda & Jaecoo earmarked 5 billion baht to build the plant, which is scheduled to begin operations in the final quarter of 2025. Between January and October 2025, Omoda & Jaecoo sold 12,000 vehicles, surpassing its earlier target of 7,000-8,000 units. The committee now allows companies to meet reduced production quotas if their BEVs are destined for export, offering greater flexibility to manufacturers such as Omoda & Jaecoo.

Deloitte forecasts 3% growth under stable governmentListen to this articleThailand can accelerate the economic growth to nearly 3% if the stable post-election government implements well-targeted investment policies, says Deloitte Thailand. Thailand can accelerate economic growth to nearly 3% if it secures a stable post-election government and implements targeted investment policies, says Deloitte Thailand, while reaffirming the nation's strong potential to emerge as a regional data centre hub. Metinee Jongsaliswang, country managing director at Deloitte Thailand, said the firm projects economic growth in 2026 at around 2% under its base-case scenario, factoring in multiple uncertainties beyond the country's control. However, if Thailand succeeds in forming a stable government and adopts investment policies that effectively stimulate economic activity and channel capital into the right sectors, growth could approach 3%, she said. Healthcare growth may moderate amid a sluggish economy, according to Deloitte.

Trade talks between Thailand and the US remain on track even as Thailand operates under a caretaker government. According to Chotima Iemsawasdikul, director-general of the Department of Trade Negotiations, Thailand is continuing technical negotiations with the US regarding the tariffs, which she reaffirmed remain at 19%. "Technical negotiations between Thailand and the US Trade Representative are ongoing," she said. "The issues in the technical negotiations are similar to those in trade liberalisation talks, covering market access for goods and services as well as investment. The US raised issues cited in its 'National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers', particularly non-tariff measures, which the US views as affecting trade and its economic security."

If government formation is delayed by three months, an analyst predicts subdued economic growth in the first quarter of 2026. However, the business sector remains concerned about governance continuity, particularly the potential economic impact if government formation is delayed, as was the case in 2023. According to data from 2023 when a government was formed three months after the election, GDP declined by 1.8 percentage points. If the election occurs on Feb 8 next year, a new government should be in place by March 8." In the upcoming election, no single party is expected to secure a majority, resulting in a fragmented coalition government, said Mr Aat.

Thailand turn their focus to Asian Games in NagoyaListen to this articleSports Authority of Thailand governor Gongsak Yodmani. Varuth HirunyathebThailand, who closed the curtain on the 33rd Southeast Asian Games with a commanding performance on home soil, have quickly shifted focus to next year's Asian Games in Japan. The SEA Games, staged between Dec 9 and 20, were hailed as a success both in terms of organisation and results. "The SEA Games have given us confidence, but the Asian Games demand a different approach," Gongsak said. The 20th Asian Games will take place from Sept 19 to Oct 4 next year in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture.

Michael Setter's relentless stream of vaccine fearmongering is equally frustrating as it is wrong. Vaccines are safe, they save lives and reduce the burden on public health by lowering the incidence of disease. Diane ArcherQuick solutionRe: "BoT cracks down on surging baht", (Business, Dec 17). The BoT could next announce that all these government bonds bought back will be declared "paid off" (let's call it "quantitative redemption"). That announcement would be a bazooka blow to the markets and weaken the baht in 15 nanoseconds.

Hun Sen's war is his last gaspsListen to this articleDamage to a casino caused by Thai strikes in Pursat province, amid clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Hun Sen, the patriarch of Cambodian politics and Senate President, has seemingly dusted off an old playbook: the "externalisation of internal problems." The immunity once enjoyed by Hun Sen's inner circle is evaporating. In this context, the border war is simply reduced to a cynical survival tactic. Hun Sen is not saving his legacy; he is mortgaging his country's future.

US, Ukraine hail 'productive' Miami talks but no breakthroughListen to this articleWashington last month stunned Ukraine and its European allies by presenting a 28-point plan to end the warMIAMI - US and Ukrainian envoys issued a joint statement on Sunday that hailed "productive and constructive" talks in Miami, but did not announce any apparent breakthrough in efforts to end the war with Russia. It has since been redrafted following Ukraine and Europe's involvement, though its contents have not been publicly disclosed. A video on Russian state media showed Dmitriev arriving in a motorcade to Witkoff's Shell Bay luxury golf club. Moscow, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, sees Europe as pro-war and argues its participation in the talks only hinders them. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier described the talks as "constructive" and said they were "moving at a fairly rapid pace."

Nigerian government frees 130 kidnapped Catholic schoolchildrenListen to this articleIt is unclear who kidnapped the hundreds of children and staff from St Mary's school in Niger state, NigeriaABUJA - Nigerian authorities have secured the release of 130 kidnapped schoolchildren taken by gunmen from a Catholic school in November, a presidential spokesman said Sunday, after 100 were freed earlier this month. "Another 130 abducted Niger state pupils released, none left in captivity," Sunday Dare said in a post on X. In late November, hundreds of students and staff were kidnapped from St Mary's co-educational boarding school in north-central Niger state -- though the exact number, and whether all are free, has been in dispute. A UN source told AFP that "the remaining set of girls/secondary school students will be taken to Minna", the capital of Niger state, on Tuesday. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said 315 students and staff were kidnapped.

Ex-minister launches New Opportunity PartyListen to this articleJatuporn: Words into actionFormer commerce minister Jatuporn Buruspat launched a new political outfit called the New Opportunity Party on Sunday, which he said will focus on tackling the nation's debt problem and economic inequality. The party will also work towards creating a welfare state and protecting the nation's royal institutions, he said. Mr Jatuporn said the party does not seek to gain power or secure important positions, but genuinely solve the nation's problems. Responding to critics who called the party "a graveyard where former civil servants come to gather", he said the party features many knowledgeable people who can help Thais. He said Thailand must focus on its tourism sector and reform the education sector to boost growth.

Senate called in to vet appointmentsListen to this articleThe Royal Gazette has published a royal command convening an extraordinary session of the Senate on Dec 24 to consider nominations for the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Election Commission (EC). The royal command was issued following a petition by the Senate president. The Dec 24 sitting will set up a committee to scrutinise the two EC nominees, Chirute Visalachitra and Monton Sudprasert. The session will conclude before the royal decree closing the extraordinary parliamentary session takes effect on Thursday. They claim this would help avoid conflicts of interest, particularly regarding the appointment of election commissioners.

Jakkrit WaewkraihongTrat: The tourism sector in Thailand's eastern border province of Trat is gradually regaining confidence following reassurances from security officials. Transport services are operating normally and year-end activities ready to welcome visitors, say tourism authorities and operators. Korakot Opas, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Trat Office, said conditions along the eastern coastal border have improved after the Royal Thai Marine Task Force regained control of affected areas. Bangkok Airways still operates three daily flights between Bangkok and Trat, while ferries to Koh Chang run from 6.30am to 6.30pm. Operators remain ready to host year-end celebrations, including countdown events, as tourism continues its steady recovery.

Observers note Thailand's geographic location makes it a convenient transit point for cross-border grey money. These images have also raised questions about Thailand's ability to prevent money laundering effectively and whether the country could be used as a haven for grey or illicit funds. "I'd say all of this allows grey capital to establish a foothold in Thailand, using money, networks and influence to entrench itself within the country," he said. Election risksAs the election approaches, concerns are growing that grey capital may increasingly be channelled into political campaigning. Asked about claims that grey networks actively seek political connections, Mr Sutin said it is true that some individuals attempt to gain access to people with authority or influence.

Listen to this articleBueng Kan province is preparing for a historic moment later this month as the Fifth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge officially opens on Dec 25, linking Bueng Kan province in northeastern Thailand with Bolikhamxay province in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Ministry of TransportBueng Kan province is preparing for a historic moment later this month as the Fifth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge officially opens on Dec 25. The announcement was made by Bueng Kan Governor Surapol Charoenphumee, accompanied by Deputy Governors Somwang Aree-ua and Nakhon Siriprinyanan. The bridge spans the Mekong River, linking Bueng Kan province in northeastern Thailand with Bolikhamxay province in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Local leaders and residents have expressed optimism about the bridge's potential to transform Bueng Kan into a regional trade hub.