In an uncertain world, gold is a comfortListen to this articlePeople queue outside Hua Seng Heng's Yaowarat Road branch on Jan 29 as gold hit another new high hovering above 81,000 baht per one baht of gold bullion before gradually sliding down to around 75,000 baht per unit as of Wednesday. Under the gold standard, the money supply is tied to a country's gold reserves, as people can exchange paper currency for physical gold. Under a strict gold standard, world economic growth would therefore be constrained to the same rate. Let me return to the title: "In a world of uncertainty, gold provides comfort." There is therefore a strong possibility that gold prices may rise further in the short term, as global uncertainties persist.

Himalayan dam, regional stakesListen to this articleSituated on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra), China's latest Himalayan mega project promises enough electricity to power hundreds of millions, yet its effects could ripple far beyond Tibet, shaping water security, agriculture, and climate resilience across South and Southeast Asia. The Yarlung Tsangpo -- as this gigantic dam project is named -- comprises five cascade dams along a steep Himalayan gorge at the river's dramatic 'Great Bend.' China's pursuit of the Yarlung Tsangpo project reflects converging economic, energy, and technological priorities. The Yarlung Tsangpo could help the country achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower project embodies China's attempt to combine economic growth, low-carbon transition, and technological advancement with strategic positioning along a sensitive frontier.

Pax Silica, by contrast, reflects a growing recognition that energy dominance is no longer just about extracting hydrocarbons but also about converting energy and raw materials into computational power. Unlike the unilateralist Donroe Doctrine, Pax Silica functions as a buyers' club: it spreads risk, builds capacity, and links countries through comparative advantage. Instead, Pax Silica rests on the premise that competing with state-led economies requires active coordination across borders and industries. The US and its partners must demonstrate that Pax Silica is backed by real investment, not merely parallel domestic initiatives. Building an AI supply chain is futile if state-subsidised competitors can flood the market and drive new entrants into insolvency.

The Mall Group Co Ltd views fresh government stimulus measures, improved baht exchange rates and tourism as key drivers in reviving consumer spending this year. She urged the new government to prioritise policies that stimulate consumption, alongside measures to manage the strong baht and support tourism. Ms Voralak said two key drivers could help revive the local retail sector this year: fresh consumer spending stimulus from the new administration, and improvements in currency and tourism dynamics. "Thailand's strong baht and fluctuating tourist arrivals have weighed on spending momentum," she said. For 2026, The Mall Group's growth strategy focuses on three priorities: driving spending, intensifying promotions and organising highly targeted events.

On Wednesday, the EC assured voters that Sunday's general election will proceed smoothly and will not repeat problems encountered during advance voting on Feb 1. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)The Election Commission (EC) assured voters that Sunday's general election will proceed smoothly and will not repeat problems encountered during advance voting on Feb 1. The EC's pledge came after the commission faced criticism for mishandling advance voting last Sunday. EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee said on Wednesday that voting on election day is fundamentally different from advance voting, both in scale and logistics, and the same problems will not occur. While advance voting saw voters from about 400 constituencies gathering at designated locations, election day voting will take place across roughly 100,000 polling units nationwide, he said.

It aims to strengthen cooperation between two countries in the field of scholarship, Mr Szijjártó told the Bangkok Post. The second MoU was the Cooperation Agreement in the economic training between the Thailand Chamber of Commerce University and Hungary University. Mr Szijjártó said Hungary offers the most attractive investment environment in Europe. Hungary offers the lowest tax rates in Europe. Mr Szijjártó said the country has a flat tax rate of 15% of personal income while the corporate tax rate is 9%, the only single-digit corporate tax rate in Europe.

(Photo: Pheu Thai Party)The Pheu Thai Party has unveiled its three prime ministerial candidates, with Yodchanan Wongsawat -- widely known as "Ajarn Chain" -- named as the party's top choice and first in line to assume the premiership should Pheu Thai win the upcoming general election. His political involvement with Pheu Thai spans several years. He has served as a lecturer and thought leader in the party's Pheu Thai Young Professionals Programme (YPP) and previously ran as a Pheu Thai candidate for Chiang Mai's Constituency 3 in the 2014 election, which he won before the poll was later annulled. On Jan 23, Mr Yodchanan delivered a keynote vision speech at Pheu Thai's second major rally, titled "Overhauling the Thai Economy -- Pheu Thai Can Do It," in Bangkok. Long-term goalsLooking ahead, Mr Sueksit said a Pheu Thai government under Mr Yodchanan would aim to build a high-income economy, starting with restoring dignity and stability to citizens' lives.

Democrats rule out early talksListen to this articleDemocrat Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Abhisit Vejjajiva smiles during a campaign visit to Saengthip Market in Bangkok's Watthana district on Wednesday. On the Election Commission's decision to disqualify 28 election candidates for failing to meet qualifications, he said such rulings were normal under the law and should not affect the overall election. If a disqualification involves failure to vote in previous elections, Democrat candidates must provide an explanation, he said. He said no talks had yet been held with leaders of other political parties about forming a coalition, as all sides were focused on campaigning. However, he said the Democrats had come under repeated attacks in the South from Piphat Ratchakitprakarn of the Bhumjaithai Party.

Thai-Saudi ties deepen at DavosListen to this articleMr Ekniti, right, talks with Mr Falih at the summit in Switzerland. Thailand is pushing investment cooperation with Saudi Arabia, opening up new opportunities in the automotive, healthcare and financial sectors. According to caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, who led Thailand's delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Davos, Switzerland from Jan 19-22, the trip advanced investment cooperation between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. Sanden Intercool (Thailand) Plc is building a factory in Saudi Arabia to produce commercial freezers and beverage coolers. Saudi Arabia also encouraged Thai parts manufacturers to establish production bases and develop automotive clusters in key areas of that nation.

Parties told to put economy before political bargainingListen to this articlePosters of election candidates are littered along a Bangkok sidewalk, urging people to cast ballots for them on Feb 8. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has called on political parties to prioritise economic expertise over political bargaining as they scramble to form a new government following the general election. The group warned that relying on traditional quota-based appointments could put the country at risk amid mounting global economic uncertainty. The JSCCIB believes appointing capable professionals could restore confidence in the economy and attract investment, helping Thailand to overcome its slowdown. Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said delays in forming a government could harm the economy by slowing budget disbursement.

The deal marks one of the largest digital infrastructure transactions in Southeast Asia. Upon completion, KKR and Singtel will own stakes of 75% and 25% respectively in STT GDC, taking into account the conversion of existing redeemable preference shares that both KKR and Singtel hold in STT GDC. Budsarin Pradityont, country head of STT GDC (Thailand) Co, said there is no change in management or the direction of local operations. STT GDC is well-positioned within this landscape, with a diversified footprint, strong development pipeline and a leadership team with a clear vision for global scale, he said. Arthur Lang, group chief financial officer of Singtel, said the acquisition is a significant step towards scaling SingTel's new growth engine in digital infrastructure.

Ukraine says Abu Dhabi talks with Russia 'substantive and productive'Listen to this articleThe US-mediated talks are the latest round of negotiations in a flurry of diplomacy that has so far failed to strike a deal to halt the war, unleashed by Russia's February 2022 invasion. (Photo: AFP)ABU DHABI - A first day of talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States seeking to broker an end to the war in Ukraine concluded Wednesday in Abu Dhabi with Kyiv describing the negotiations as "substantive and productive". While there was no apparent breakthrough in the most recent round of discussions, the negotiations were set to carry on into a second day, Kyiv said. Russia occupies around 20 percent of Ukraine, but Kyiv still controls around one-fifth of the Donetsk region. Following the first round of US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi last month, Ukrainians were sceptical that a deal could be struck with Moscow.

Gunmen kill at least 162 in new Nigeria attackListen to this articleKwara, Nigeria. (Google Maps)KWARA — Gunmen killed at least 162 people in Nigeria's Kwara state in one of the deadliest attacks in the country in recent months, a Red Cross official said Wednesday. The attack was confirmed by police, who did not provide casualty figures, and the state government, which blamed "terrorist cells". Kwara state governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the attack as "a cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells following the ongoing counterterrorism campaigns in parts of the state". Last month, the military said it had launched "sustained coordinated offensive operations against terrorist elements" in Kwara state and achieved notable successes.

Experience Central Pattana’s ‘Love in Motion’ campaign nationwideCentral Pattana Sets Love in Motion This Valentine’s with ‘Love in Motion’ Campaign - Delivering All-Round Experiences Nationwide from Feb 6 to 16, 2026. Elevating Central shopping centres across Thailand as Valentine’s Day landmarks and a Journey of Love spanning every dimension of love, the campaign runs from Feb 6 to 16 at Central shopping centres nationwide. LOVE NOTES – enjoy a super adorable pop-up space where you can write heartfelt messages on Special Edition postcards created by illustrator ‘Newyear’, along with amazing photo spots at Central Pinklao, Central Westgate, Central Rama 9, Central Udon Thani, Central Ubon Ratchathani, Central Ayutthaya, Central Chonburi, Central Si Racha, Central Mahachai, Central Phitsanulok, Central Chiangrai, Central Samui and Central Krabi. LOVE LANDMARK – every corner offers positive memories, with photo spots of adorable characters at Central Westgate, Central Pinklao, Central Udon Thani, Central Phitsanulok, Central Chiangmai Airport, Central Chiangrai, Central Hatyai, Central Krabi and Central Pattaya. LOVE MOMENTS SPECIAL – experience all aspects of Valentine’s Day with various activities, including marriage registration at Central Westgate, Central Ubon Ratchathani, Central Nakhon Ratchasima, Central Ayutthaya and Central Pattaya, handcrafted gift workshops at Central Pinklao, Central Westgate, Central Ramindra, Central Ubon Ratchathani, Central Nakhon Ratchasima, Central Ayutthaya, Central Chaengwattana, Central Rayong, Central Nakhon Si Thammarat, Central Chiangmai Airport, Central Nakhon Sawan and Central Pattaya, fortune telling sessions with renowned astrologers at Central Westgate, Central Udon Thani, Central Ubon Ratchathani and Central Rayong and many more activities designed to fulfil the celebrations for all forms of love.

WTO must 'reform or die': talks facilitatorListen to this articleThe WTO headquarters, next to Lake Geneva. GENEVA - Successfully reforming the WTO is a matter of life and death for the organisation, warns the facilitator of talks on revamping the global trade body. "We need to reform," Norway's ambassador to the WTO Petter Olberg told AFP in a recent interview. A full 72% of global trade still operates under WTO rules. And it has permitted India especially to repeatedly block the adoption of plurilateral trade agreements into the WTO framework.