In response to a sharp rise in mental health cases nationwide, Muang Thai Life Assurance (MTL) is studying the launch of Thailand's first life insurance policy covering depression. According to Thailand's Department of Mental Health, more than 1.5 million people aged 18 through retirement age -- or around 17% of the population -- are living with depression. The company recently introduced a new life insurance concept under its "ShieldLife" framework, offering flexible protection through the Muangthai Flexi Protection product. The plan allows customers to combine life and health coverage under a single policy, with premiums adjustable to individual needs. MTL continues to offer both lump-sum health insurance and co-payment plans to provide greater choice for customers.

Treasury touts stalled Mo Chit projectListen to this articleCars parked at the site of the old Mo Chit bus terminal. APICHIT JINAKULThe Treasury Department is moving ahead with the long-delayed land development project at the old Mo Chit bus terminal site, which has dragged on for more than 30 years, with a conclusion expected by September. The land development project at the old Mo Chit bus terminal, located opposite Chatuchak Park, sits on state-owned land supervised by the Treasury Department. At the time, the project was valued at 18.9 billion baht, but legal issues prevented the project from moving forward. Under the original conditions, the northeastern regional bus terminal, known as Mo Chit bus terminal, was to be relocated into the project.

TAT banking on Muay Thai FestivalListen to this articleTAT is holding the Amazing Muay Thai Festival this week and is expecting to attract around 18,000 people. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is optimistic about sports tourism growth this year as it hosts the Amazing Muay Thai Festival this week, expecting more than 18,000 visitors. The TAT and partner organisations will hold the Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026 at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin during Feb 4-7. Highlights during the event include the krop khru ceremony, which involves up to 1,500 Muay Thai boxers, a Muay Thai competition, four traditional Muay Thai style activities, and concerts. The Muay Thai market typical comprises three groups, namely regular audiences, people who opt to take part in health and self-defence activities, and hardcore Muay Thai fans, including coaches, athletes and referees.

However, analysts noted while these proposals could help restore confidence in the Thai capital market, any sustained recovery in Thai equities would ultimately depend on policy execution, regulatory consistency and political stability, rather than campaign rhetoric. "We focus on policies that can truly change Thailand's economy through innovation and tangible results, not just rhetoric," he said. CREDIBLE ENFORCEMENT REQUIREDKobsak Pootrakool, chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations, said Thailand's stock market faces multiple structural challenges. Mr Kobsak also supported the establishment of a Capital Market Court, reviving LTFs and promotion of new S-curve industries. Mr Kitipong also shared the same concern with some analysts, warning against economic policies solely focused on cash handouts.

Trump's recent announcement that he would nominate Federal Reserve critic Kevin Warsh to run the US central bank has sparked sharp turbulence across financial markets, particularly in precious metals. Market observers noted that the sell-off went beyond simple profit-taking and was driven by concerns over a potential shift in US monetary policy. Mr Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor, has long been perceived as hawkish on liquidity, particularly with regard to quantitative easing (QE). Mr Warsh, a former Fed governor, is widely viewed as a policy hawk, placing greater emphasis on fiscal discipline and financial stability than on aggressive monetary stimulus. At the same time, investors believe that Mr Warsh is unlikely to bow to political pressure from Trump.

RTAF moves to recruit female pilots for trainingListen to this articleThe Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has started taking applications for female pilots, marking a major step towards greater gender inclusion within the military. The shift is part of a wider campaign called "Next Generation Air Power -- Women Can Be Pilots", which is aimed at increasing the number of female recruits in the RTAF's pilot training programmes. He cited the example of female unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilots working at RTAF Wing 3 as proof that women can perform effectively alongside male pilots. RTAF spokesperson AM Jackkrit Thammavichai said applications are open until the end of February, with candidate selection scheduled for March. The selection process includes academic and physical fitness tests based on the same standards applied to male pilots.

Thais ready for Iraq test in last-8 duelListen to this articleThailand futsal coach Rakphol Sainetgam explains match tactics to his players. The Thais, runners-up in 2024 and winners of Group B this year, enter the tie as favourites. "We are ready to face whichever team we have to face," Rakphol said ahead of the match. "The last group game against Indonesia was incredible for the players to experience because you live to play in such conditions," Carlos reflected. The encounter at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, scheduled for 3pm local time, will be broadcast live on BG Sports YouTube.

Abhisit visits Songkhla, warns about vote-buyingListen to this articleAbhisit Vejjajiva, leader and prime ministerial candidate of the Democrat Party, greets supporters at Kim Yong Market in Songkhla's Hat Yai district. Democrat PartyDemocrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva hit the campaign trail in Songkhla on Monday, urging voters to reject what he described as "grey capital" politics and warning against vote-buying and corruption as the election enters its final stretch. Mr Abhisit and his team visited Khu Khut Waterfowl Park to assist the party's Constituency 4 candidate, Sitthiphat Senneam, a cousin of Thaworn Senneam, a former transport minister. Mr Abhisit said Amlo's action had sent a clear signal to voters around the country about the consequences of electing candidates with criminal backgrounds. Despite the Democrat Party's strong performance in several opinion polls, Mr Abhisit expressed concern about a rising trend of vote-buying in the region.

Listen to this articleBhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul gestures during a vote campaign in Suphan Buri province on Monday. Bhumjaithai PartyBhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, on Monday expressed confidence that his party is well placed to secure the most seats in the general election. Asked about seat projections of up to 180 seats, Mr Anutin said he deliberately avoided giving a precise figure as it could be seen as exaggeration. Pheu Thai won one seat in Bangkok in the previous election. Mr Anutin said his party now has many capable members of similar age and perspectives, allowing the party to formulate policies that resonate across generations.

Overseas voting 'about 64% completed'Listen to this articleWararoj Engsombun, head of the Overseas Voting Coordination Centre, gives an update on voting at 95 polling stations worldwide at the Department of Consular Affairs in Bangkok on Monday. Varuth HirunyathebThailand's overseas voting process is about 64% completed, according to the Overseas Voting Monitoring System (OVMS), a real-time tracker run by the Department of Consular Affairs. Wararoj Engsombun, head of the Overseas Voting Coordination Centre, said the OVMS provides real-time updates from 95 polling stations worldwide. As of Monday, voting had been completed at 61 polling stations, with ballot boxes from these stations already on their way to Thailand. "This is the largest single-day arrival since overseas voting began," he said.

Listen to this articleRoyal Thai Air Force’s Squadron 601 showcases F‑16 and Gripen fighters in the skies for National Children’s Day 2026 on Jan 10. RTAF spokesman, AM Jackkrit Thammavichai, said the air force will continue to monitor the situation along the border, amid reports of provocation following the ceasefire announcement. Thai positions were also targeted by lasers from the Cambodian side, prompting Thai forces to fire a warning shot. Mr Sihasak said both sides must focus on building mutual trust, noting that some incidents may have stemmed from misunderstandings. The foreign minister stressed the need for a sustainable ceasefire free of inflammatory rhetoric.

Trump cuts India tariffs, says Modi will stop buying Russian oilListen to this articleUS President Donald Trump hailed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'one of my greatest friends'WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with India on Monday, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to stop buying Russian oil over the war in Ukraine. India's refusal to stop buying oil from Russia -- which Washington says funds Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- has been a bone of contention for months as Trump seeks an elusive end to the war. Trump added that Modi "agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. Russian oil has been the major hurdle. Trump also said in October that Modi had promised to stop buying Russian oil, but an agreement did not materialize at the time.

Similar levels of participation were reported in many provinces, with a wide range of problems reported across the country, including errors in addressing envelopes raising fears that ballots could be misallocated or invalidated. Other issues included incomplete or missing candidate lists, the disappearance of candidate leaflets, outdated QR code data and confusion among officials. In some cases, voters were initially denied their right to vote despite their names appearing in the system. Rukchanok Srinork, a PP list candidate, said candidate lists were missing from notice boards in several provinces. When questioned, some EC officials reportedly told voters that the party's candidates had been disqualified, a claim she said was untrue.

Dr Suphat's dismissal 'unfair'Members of a civil network wear personal protective equipment while submitting a petition at the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission against Dr Supat Hasuwannakit's recent dismissal for his purchase of Covid-19 test kits in 2021. The CSC says serious doubts remain over the fairness and completeness of the disciplinary process that led to his removal from public service. Dr Suphat was dismissed for alleged serious misconduct linked to the procurement of Covid-19 ATKs and the mobilisation of rural doctors to conduct mass testing in Bangkok during the 2021 pandemic. The coalition raised four key demands, including a call for a fresh investigation on the grounds that Dr Suphat was not given a full opportunity to provide an oral defence, as stipulated under civil service law. They argued that the inquiry process was incomplete, casting doubt on the legality and legitimacy of the dismissal order.

Sakda denies link to viral audio clipListen to this articleSakda VicheansilPolitical tensions have escalated following the circulation of an audio clip allegedly featuring a voice similar to that of Deputy Interior Minister Sakda Vicheansil of the Bhumjaithai Party. Lawyer Pattharapong Supaksorn has submitted a formal petition to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, calling for an investigation into the audio clip, along with other video clips of political conversations currently circulating online, due to concerns over their legality. The disputed audio clip went viral late on Saturday. Mr Sakda has denied responsibility for the clip and filed a police complaint in Kanchanaburi against those who released and circulated the recording. He added that he would talk to Mr Sakda about the matter when he had a chance.