Analysts raise SET outlook following Bhumjaithai victoryBhumjaithai Party's landslide election victory could lead to a swift formation of the new government and policy continuity, prompting a post-election rally that saw analysts lifting their Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index estimates for 2026. Pichai Lertsupongkit, chief commercial officer at InnovestX Securities, said the poll results reflect a clearer political landscape following the election than analysts had earlier expected regarding the shape of the new government. The Bhumjaithai Party has already revealed names of key ministers, including finance, commerce and foreign affairs. Policy continuity is also likely on the cards for the new administration that is led by the current ruling party, Mr Pichai pointed out. Stock market analysts have consequently raised the SET index target, citing an improved political outlook.

Hotel sector braces for challenging yearTourists take snaps alongside the Chao Phraya River. Surat Thani, driven mainly by Koh Samui, recorded an occupancy rate of 77.7%, down from 78.5%, while Bangkok slipped to fourth place at 76.4%, from 78.8%. Chanthaburi recorded an occupancy rate of 60.5%, down from 60.7%, while Ubon Ratchathani stood at 54.4%, down from 58.1%. Si Sa Ket posted an occupancy rate of 50.4%, down from 51.6%, while Trat declined to 51.3% from 52.6%. Mr Martinez said hotel performance in 2026 is expected to remain rate-led, with the average daily rate more defensible than occupancy.

Association wants to expand co-payEateries offering a variety of different types of food on Bangkok's Banthat Thong Road. Thai Restaurant Association president Thaniwan Kulmongkol said the association is keen to see the reintroduction of the Khon La Khrueng schemeHowever, many association members operate medium-sized restaurants that exceed the scheme's income limits, making them ineligible for participation. As businesses earning 1.8 million baht or more a year are required to register for value-added tax (VAT), she proposed raising the VAT registration threshold from 1.8 million baht to 3 million baht annually. The association is calling on the government to promote Thai cuisine abroad by developing and selecting Thai food operators to participate in roadshows and overseas showcases. This initiative could extend to business-matching activities to help Thai food expand into fast food chains similar to those in Western countries.

Nutthawat WichieanbutThe private sector is optimistic about the formation of the new government, anticipating stability and policy continuity. This would help ease concerns among the private sector and investors during the post-election transition. "Businesses expect to see clear policy direction and effective implementation," he said. Mr Dhanakorn said that with clarity on economic policies, especially in investment, trade and target industries, the private sector could make decisions aligned with the country's development direction. "They worked closely with the private sector in an unprecedented way, which has bolstered confidence," said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries.

Online fraud rises, losses fallThe Anti Cyber Scam Centre (ACSC) has reported a sharp rise in online fraud cases, with nearly 8,000 cases recorded nationwide in just one week, though the average loss per case has declined. Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, assistant national police chief and deputy director of the Technology Crime Suppression Centre, on Monday revealed weekly statistics on online fraud cases recorded between Feb 1 and 7. During that period, a total of 7,845 cases were reported through the Thaipoliceonline system, with combined damages amounting to 428.3 million baht, or an average of 61.19 million baht per day. By volume, the most common form of fraud remained online product scams, accounting for as much as 69.2% of all cases. Authorities were able to halt suspicious transfers before the funds reached criminal accounts, protecting a total of 31 victims and preventing losses worth more than 5.3 million baht.

People's Party presses for recounts in disputed racesPeople’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, left, rides on the back of a truck in Bangkok’s Bang Kapi district on Monday to thank voters after preliminary results saw the party win in all constituencies in the capital. Varuth HirunyathebThe People's Party on Monday vowed to pursue recounts in constituencies where voting irregularities were suspected, particularly in Lampang and Khon Kaen, where narrow margins and unusually high numbers of invalid ballots were recorded. The party's legal adviser, Teera Suteevarangkul, has been appointed to lead a nationwide review of any anomalies, urging candidates and supporters to report suspected irregularities directly, said Mr Natthaphong. Addressing rumours that the People's Party was in talks with the Bhumjaithai Party to form a coalition government, Mr Natthaphong denied any such contact. "No one truly loses if the national interest comes first," he said, adding that every vote cast for the People's Party would continue to drive policy development and reform efforts.

Government HouseBhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul vowed to press ahead with the constitutional amendment process after the result of the referendum on Sunday showed strong public support for rewriting the charter. The referendum followed a Constitutional Court ruling, which requires public consultation before any attempt to rewrite the entire constitution. Unofficial election results showed the BJT winning 174 constituency seats and 19 party-list seats, a significant increase from the previous general election. Mr Anutin said the outcome exceeded expectations, noting the party had originally projected 130–170 seats. On coalition formation, Mr Anutin said the country needs a strong and stable government capable of functioning effectively.

VARUTH HIRUNYATHEBAt least 113 complaints alleging election irregularities have been lodged to date, with vote-buying comprising the vast majority, the Election Commission (EC) said on Monday. Pol Gen Kittharath confirmed that several election law and criminal offences had been reported, including vote-buying, ballot destruction, and illegal distribution of alcohol. He said that at least seven vote-buying cases have been identified and are currently under police investigation. Pol Gen Kittharath said that vote-buying cases have been reported in Police Regions 4, 5, 6, and 7, with one case each, and Police Region 8 with three cases, totalling seven. Pol Gen Kittharath said that the most frequent offence involved torn ballots.

PP secretary-general steps down over poll resultsSarayut: Making way for new ideasPeople's Party (PP) secretary-general Sarayut Jailak said on Monday he would resign after the party's election performance fell below expectations. Asked whether the PP's loss stemmed from its decision to vote for Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister before declining to join the government, Mr Sarayut said this was not the main factor, noting that the results were mixed rather than a total defeat. We also lost in some of the constituencies we had won because Bhumjaithai has been a stronger party," he said. "I've worked behind the scenes with the party for a long time and have had considerable influence," Mr Sarayut said. The case involves three PP constituency MPs and 12 party-list MPs, and the party would wait for the final ruling before taking further action.

Varuth HirunyathebThe 2026 election has redrawn Thailand's political landscape, as Bhumjaithai secured a commanding 194 seats, up 123 from 2023. People's PartyThe People's Party fell short of expectations after pre-election polls widely predicted a first-place finish. For the People's Party, the results suggest the party may have already passed its political peak, leaving its future prospects contingent on how convincingly it recalibrates its strategy and rebuilds momentum. Pheu Thai PartyThe election also proved deeply disappointing for Pheu Thai, which lost 65 seats compared with 2023. Thai political history offers numerous examples of similar parties that rose rapidly through defections, only to fade in subsequent elections.

US trial lawyer says Meta, YouTube 'engineered addiction' in childrenLOS ANGELES (UNITED STATES) - Meta and Google-owned YouTube "engineered addiction" in children, a lawyer for the plaintiff said on Monday as a landmark trial on the effects of social media on minors began in earnest in a California court. "This case is about two of the richest corporations in history who have engineered addiction in children's brains," the attorney, Mark Lanier, told the jury in his opening statement. The Los Angeles trial before Judge Carolyn Kuhl focuses on allegations that a 20-year-old woman identified as Kayley G.M. suffered severe mental harm because she became addicted to social media as a child. The lawyer described Instagram as an "endless feed" of people's "filtered lives" where users "spend time waiting for social validation."

What next for Vonn after painful end to Olympic dream? She, and her coach Aksel Lund Svindal, had insisted she could compete for medals after completing two training runs in Italy. But competition is another matter entirely and with eventual gold winner Breezy Johnson's leading time to aim for, Vonn had to push harder. Vonn went under the knife twice at the Ca' Foncello hospital in Treviso to stabilise a fractured femur bone, according to Italian news agency ANSA. So far the fracture is the only injury to be confirmed by the USA Olympic team but that will likely be enough on its own to bring an end to what had been a phenomenal season in which she still tops the World Cup downhill standings.

Starmer vows to remain as UK PM amid Epstein falloutKeir Starmer has accused Mandelson of lying about his ties to financier Epstein. McSweeney's departure deprives the beleaguered UK leader of his closest adviser and the man who helped Starmer drag Labour back to the centre after succeeding leftist leader Jeremy Corbyn in 2020. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden said he believed Starmer would still be leader this time next year, saying he had a five-year mandate. 'Purpose'Labour has trailed Nigel Farage's hard-right Reform UK party by double-digit margins in the polls for the past year. Starmer also faces a crucial by-election on February 28, defeat in which would add to his woes.

PP concedes defeat in Songkhla Constituency 2Dr Supat Hasuwannakit (photo: People's Party)People's Party candidate Supat Hasuwannakit thanked voters in Songkhla for their support before conceding defeat to Democrat's Juri Namkeaw, who as of Monday looked set to win the seat for Constituency 2. According to unofficial results released on Monday, Mr Juri received 30,686 votes, while Dr Supat received 21,162 votes. Speaking to the media on Monday, Dr Supat congratulated Mr Juri for earning the trust of voters in Constituency 2. Instead, he plans to continue his political journey by working with the People’s Party and people from all sectors to push for national reform. Mr Juri also addressed the media, thanking voters for their trust and pledging to work to the fullest if officially certified, with a focus on local development and flood recovery efforts.

Bangkok, February 5 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today announced Amazing Thailand Chinese New Year 2026, marking the Golden Horse year and the 51st anniversary of Thailand–China diplomatic relations. Maj. Gen. Kris Warit, Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, reflected strong institutional and regional cooperation in delivering the festival. Ms Thapanee said “Through our flagship events in Bangkok and Hat Yai, the TAT is projecting confidence and vitality at a national scale. In Hat Yai, Songkhla, the TAT is presenting Amazing Thailand Chinese New Year 2026 @Hat Yai, taking place from February 17-20 along Saneha Nusorn Road. Beyond the two flagship destinations, the TAT is supporting Chinese New Year celebrations in regions with distinctive Thai–Chinese heritage to extend tourism benefits nationwide.