Supalai keen on warehouse ventureListen to this articleMr Prateep says Supalai is expanding into the warehouse business with a prominent Chinese partner. SET-listed developer Supalai is eyeing expansion into the warehouse business after forming a joint venture with Chinese investor AuGroup to develop a facility in Chon Buri, targeting tenants using Thailand as a tax-efficient export base. The total investment is estimated at 1.6 billion baht, covering land costs as well as construction of warehouse space and accommodation for executives from China. In 2026, Supalai expects residential presales of 45 billion baht and revenue of 37.5 billion baht. Presales will comprise 30 billion baht in Thailand, up from 26.3 billion baht last year, and 15 billion baht from Australia, rising from 14 billion baht.

(Photo: Reuters)Asia's premier aviation event is poised to showcase planes, ‌parts and weapons as the industry juggles growing demand for air travel with ​geopolitical challenges and chronic supply constraints. Airlines are working to solidify their post-pandemic recoveries and expanding fleets while manufacturers continue to grapple with lingering supply chain bottlenecks and trade restrictions. Like other manufacturers, Comac has also fallen short of its own delivery targets, primarily due to supply chain challenges. Sustainability will feature prominently at this year's event, particularly developments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and next-generation propulsion systems. "SAF is also caught up with ​supply chain, protectionism, and trade barriers.

Four-year-old accidentally rides Vespa through store doorListen to this articlePhoto: Poh Teck Tung Rescue Volunteers, Lat Lum Kaeo Police Station Branch FacebookPATHUM THANI - A four-year-old girl accidentally rode a Vespa full throttle into the glass door of a local convenience store in Lat Lum Kaeo, injuring herself and her aunt. Her four-year-old niece, who was sitting in front, accidentally twisted the throttle of the vehicle causing it to crash into the store's glass entrance door. The white Vespa Sprint motorcycle was found crashed inside the store’s entrance, surrounded by shattered glass and damaged goods. Photo: Poh Teck Tung Rescue Volunteers, Lat Lum Kaeo Police Station Branch FacebookKubang Luang rescue workers administered first aid at the scene before transporting the injured to Krung Siam Saint Carlos Hospital. Police officers from Kubang Luang Police Station arrived to question convenience store employees and motorcycle passengers.

SCG leans on AI, cost control in uncertain timesListen to this articleMr Thammasak, centre, and his fellow SCG executives are working to reshape the group's business units so they become stronger. In the cement business, cost reduction remains the main focus. This innovation has helped the company reduce costs by more than 2.1 billion baht, while supporting decarbonisation. SCG reported softer revenue but stronger profitability in 2025, with sales slipping 3% year-on-year to 497 billion baht, while net profit jumped 12% to 14.1 billion baht, reflecting the group's aggressive cost control and business restructuring. Adjusted earings before interst, taxes, depreciation and amortisation rose 6% to 55.5 billion baht, underscoring improved operational efficiency despite challenging market conditions.

Vietnam outshines Thai infrastructureListen to this articleThai tourism is seen as lagging behind Vietnam in terms of infrastructure development. Mr Barnett said Vietnam already has a huge number of hotel rooms and an impressive pipeline. Mr Barnett said Vietnam was closed to tourism from 1975 until the US lifted the trade embargo in 1994. "Vietnam will eventually undergo what Thailand faces, as Thailand is already a mature tourism market," said Mr Barnett. SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGEHe said another significant difference that is moving Vietnam away from Thailand is its rapid infrastructure development.

Arsenal seek fun factor as Frank searches for home comfortsListen to this articlePremier League leaders Arsenal are chasing glory on four fronts. (Photo: AFP)LONDON — Arsenal travel to Leeds on Saturday desperate to prevent a Premier League wobble becoming something more serious as Manchester City and Aston Villa wait to pounce. Mikel Arteta promised "beautiful" things lie ahead despite a stumble in the Premier League race that has given the chasing pack hope. Only Premier League basement side Wolves have a worse home record this season than Spurs -- who have mustered just two wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. FixturesSaturday (1500 GMT unless stated)Brighton v EvertonLeeds v ArsenalWolves v BournemouthChelsea v West Ham (1730)Liverpool v Newcastle (2000)SundayAston Villa v BrentfordManchester United v FulhamNottingham Forest v Crystal Palace (all 1400)Tottenham v Manchester City (1630)Monday

Process could run at least two years after first referendum, say expertsListen to this articleVoters ‍in Thailand's general elections ‍on Feb 8 will also be asked to decide if a new constitution should replace a 2017 charter. A majority "Yes" vote would give parliament a public mandate to begin drafting a new national charter. A majority "no" vote will leave intact the ‌current constitution, which took effect in 2017 after being drafted by a military-appointed committee following a 2014 coup. Critics say the 2017 constitution concentrated power in undemocratic institutions, weakened popular rule and limited decentralisations ⁠of power and meaningful checks and balances. Most mainstream ‌political ​parties, including the ruling Bhumjaithai Party as well as the opposition People's Party and Pheu Thai, back amending the constitution and are urging supporters to vote "yes" in the referendum.

Listen to this articleTransport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has unveiled a plan to transform the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) into a global entertainment and tourism hub, anchored by a proposed "Disneyland Thailand". Mr Phiphat, also a deputy prime minister, said the project aims to position Thailand as a leading economic and tourism centre, while firmly ruling out any casino element. Addressing concerns over grey-area businesses, Mr Phiphat said the project would be strictly free of gambling. Mr Phiphat said it would create tens of thousands of jobs across sectors such as engineering, performing arts and event management, while helping distribute income to local communities nationwide. Meanwhile, U-Tapao International Aviation and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office yesterday signed a management agreement to kick-start the long-delayed U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aerotropolis project.

Housed in a Breguet Gold case, Expérimentale 1 is powered by the manually-wound Calibre 7250. The novelty technically boasts the maison's very first high-frequency (10Hz) tourbillon with a magnetic escapement that delivers constant force to the balance. Innovative 10Hz tourbillon with a constant-force magnetic escapement. The aesthetic is enhanced by the combination of the subtly-pink Breguet Gold and a navy-blue coating. Composed of gold enriched with silver, copper and palladium, Breguet Gold is distinguished by its brilliance, resistance to discolouration and stability over time.

(File photo: Somchai Poomlard)WASHINGTON - The US Treasury Department kept Japan on its currency watchlist and added Thailand on Thursday, saying both countries will be monitored for potentially unfair foreign-exchange practices as part of its biannual report to Congress. In its latest semi-annual currency report, the Treasury said no major trading partner met all three criteria for enhanced analysis of currency practices during the last half of 2024 and the first six months of 2025. The department did not designate any trading partner as a currency manipulator, which could result in the imposition of US sanctions. Traditionally, the Treasury's three main criteria for analysing foreign exchange and determining manipulation are a trade surplus ⁠with the US of at least $15 billion, a global current account surplus above 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) and persistent, one-way net foreign ​exchange purchases that reach 2% of GDP. The Treasury did not label China a currency manipulator, avoiding a potential escalation in trade tensions with Beijing, despite what it called "depreciation pressure" facing its yuan currency.

Mule gangs to face stiffer penaltiesListen to this articleThe Anti Cyber Scam Centre (ACSC) has reached a consensus with the Office of the Attorney General to pursue more serious criminal charges against networks linked to call centre scam syndicates. The charges will target those who recruit and control mule accounts and cash-withdrawal operatives, including offences related to criminal association and organised crime. The meeting yesterday resulted in an agreement to consider upgrading charges against suspects who act as mule recruiters, supervisors, and cash withdrawers for call centre scams. These suspects may now face charges including participation in a criminal association, operating an organised crime ring, aiding and abetting public fraud, and money laundering. Officials said imposing stiffer penalties on mule account networks is meant to dismantle the support infrastructure behind call centre scams.

Army cuts training on polling dayListen to this articleThe Royal Thai Army is preparing to suspend field training at the Khao Chon Kai Territorial Defence Student Training Camp on Feb 8 and to shorten the programme from five days to four. The move follows concerns that Matthayom 6 (Grade 12) students could be deprived of their right to vote and take part in a referendum. In a televised interview yesterday, army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree explained that the schedule for this year's field training for 50,000–60,000 Territorial Defence students was finalised in October. However, the dissolution of parliament in December resulted in the election being scheduled during the training period. As a result, the five-day training programme will be reduced to four days, with the remaining content delivered through more intensive instruction or incorporated into other parts of the curriculum.

Bhumjaithai leader silent on Phiphat views on patriotic partiesListen to this articlePrime Minister and Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul on Thursday sidestepped questions about remarks by Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn urging voters to choose "patriotic parties". Mr Anutin insisted his priority has been to deliver on his responsibilities ahead of polling day, rather than engage in campaign rhetoric linked to the Bhumjaithai Party. Mr Anutin said he had not yet heard the remarks in full and suggested reporters seek clarification directly from Mr Phiphat. On whether he would instruct party executives to exercise greater caution in their final-stage campaigning, Mr Anutin said all members were fully aware of legal boundaries. He admitted to some concern over the performance of certain candidates, noting that low public recognition in some constituencies suggested inadequate grassroots engagement.

The foreign POWs stuck in Ukrainian prison limboListen to this articleUkraine has captured many foreign soldiers fighting for Russia. Agence France-Presse (AFP) spoke to several in a rare visit to a prison in western Ukraine holding captured foreign prisoners of war (POWs). Then came the lure of the Russian military, offering a salary more than 10 times what he could get in Togo. Since November, most foreign men aged 18 to 65 must register with the Russian military to obtain permanent residence or a passport. Other citizens from several African countries have repeatedly told AFP they were forcibly recruited into Moscow's army, lured by deceptive civilian job offers.

Reality check for Social Security FundListen to this articleThe Social Security Fund (SSF), the largest welfare fund in the country, has never been far from controversy. Meanwhile, the Social Security Office, an administrative body that falls under the Ministry of Labour, has also come under fire for its questionable spending. The SSF is now a poster child for bad management, while the SSO is shaping up as a social villain. This week, SSO executives have been trying to clear the air by talking to the media. SSO executives are keeping their collective guard up.