Living with lower ratesBanks have continued to cut interest rates for both lending and deposit products in line with the central bank's policy rate reductions. Following the policy rate cuts, commercial banks started trimming interest rates on e-savings products late last year. Tailored digital savingsSeveral banks and their subsidiaries offer attractive interest rates on e-savings products, targeting various customer segments. However, depositors must make more deposits than withdrawals each month in order to qualify for the higher interest rate. He was later attracted by the higher interest rate and monthly interest payments.

The lack of consistent policies is among the obstacles Thailand faces in attracting foreign investment. Vietnam overtook Thailand in attracting Chinese tourists, welcoming 5.28 million visitors compared with Thailand's 4.47 million from the mainland. Vietnamese students score higher in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects than Thai students, and Vietnam produces more STEM graduates than Thailand. This competition results in lower electricity costs in Vietnam than in Thailand. The Board of Investment (BoI) reported a sharp increase in applications for its investment promotions during the first nine months of last year, attributed to large foreign investment projects.

The Finance Ministry plans to sell minority stakes in 10 companies this year as part of the government's asset management strategy. According to Tibordee Wattanakul, director-general of the State Enterprise Policy Office (Sepo), the plan to sell shares of companies in which the Finance Ministry holds stakes of less than 50%, both listed and unlisted, will continue this year. Sepo set a target to divest shares from its portfolio in about 10 companies this year. Sepo confirms this portfolio adjustment will enhance flexibility in state asset management and generate greater benefits than past fragmented shareholdings," said Mr Tibordee. These include minor stakes in companies such as True, worth only a few hundred thousand baht, or businesses in sunset industries, such as massage parlours acquired through asset seizures.

Promising Thai stars bring home 2 silversListen to this articleWinner Chen Yufei, right, and runner-up Pitchamon Opatniputh celebrate during the medal ceremony. China's Chen Yufei and Indonesia's Alwi Farhan proved too strong for the Thai rising stars, who competed in their first ever Super 500 finals. World No.36 Pitchamon, the former world junior champion, put up a brave fight before losing to top seed Chen 21-23, 13-21 in 52 minutes. They lost to Thai duo Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran in the India Open final the previous week. Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan of Malaysia took the women's doubles title after Japan's Arisa Igarashi and Miyu Takahashi withdrew from the title match.

City air pollution set to spikeListen to this articleHealth warnings have been issued for Bangkok as PM2.5 levels are forecast to rise this week, prompting potential work-from-home arrangements to limit exposure, says Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Stagnant atmospheric conditions could worsen pollution levels, particularly in downwind areas such as the central, northwestern and southwestern parts of Bangkok, he said. Mr Chadchart said air pollution in the capital is expected to remain at the "orange" level, which may affect health, from Feb 1–3. The PCD's Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation (CAPM) reported on Sunday that PM2.5 levels exceeded safety standards in 13 provinces, including Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Chon Buri and Nong Khai. In the long term, she called for the urgent passage of the Clean Air Act to ensure public health protection.

The closure follows a final ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court, which ordered the demolition of both buildings as far back as Oct 30, 2014. The Supreme Administrative Court upheld this ruling in October 2014, meaning the buildings should have been demolished by Dec 29 that year. The Central Administrative Court reiterated its orders, yet practical progress remained elusive. In July 2022, the Foundation for Consumers wrote to the Bangkok governor urging immediate compliance with the Supreme Administrative Court's ruling. Further warning letters followed, and in November 2024 the TCC submitted a report detailing alleged administrative negligence to both the BMA and the Administrative Court.

Port edge Ratchaburi as T1 fight for 2nd spot stays tightListen to this articlePort's Kaka Mendes celebrates after scoring against Ratchaburi. The home side struck almost immediately, taking the lead inside the opening minute when Brazilian forward Kaka Mendes finished clinically to put Port ahead. Despite sustained pressure from the visitors, Port held firm to close out a hard-fought win that underlined their credentials as title contenders. Elsewhere, hosts Bangkok United maintained their strong form with a narrow 1-0 victory over Chonburi. Meanwhile, Chiang Rai United were left frustrated at home, as the Beetles were held to a goalless draw by Ayutthaya United.

Anchaya shines, signs off with sixth goldListen to this articlePhiphatphong Sianglam reacts after winning the men's 800m T54 race. Anchaya, competing in the women's 50m freestyle S9, touched home in 31.53 seconds to complete a flawless week in which she triumphed in every event she entered. Sukrid Mueanpong took the men's 50m freestyle S11 crown in 29.22, while Nithikorn Jeampiriyakul impressed in the men's 200m butterfly S14, finishing in 2:12.08. Chaiwat Ratana won the men's 800m T34 in 1:46.51, while Phiphatphong Sianglam edged compatriot Putharet Khongrak in a thrilling men's 800m T54, 1:33.50 to 1:33.56. Thailand's relay squad broke yet another Games record in the 4x100m mixed universal relay, winning gold in 47.21.

PP takes the lead in Isan university pollListen to this articlePeople's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut in a vote campaign. Chakkrapan NatanriThe People's Party has emerged as a national frontrunner in the Northeast as Bhumjaithai records a sharp rise in support ahead of the Feb 8 election, says a poll from Khon Kaen University. The latest Isan Poll conducted by Khon Kaen University places the People's Party (PP) first on the party-list vote, with 30.3% support. The Isan Poll also shed light on voter attitudes beyond party preference. Surveying 1,067 respondents between Jan 15-19, Nida found the PP leading in every major category.

Known in Thai as Banchee Ma (literally, "horse accounts"), these bank accounts are essential tools for scam syndicates, money launderers, and call-centre gangs. Three types of 'horses'While mule accounts come in many forms, police have recently coined new internal terms --known mainly within detective circles -- to describe three particularly critical types. The second type is the "fake mule account", referring to accounts belonging to scam victims. Unaware they have become the first link in a laundering chain, they effectively act as frontline mule accounts. Those who recruit or advertise for mule accounts face two to five years in prison and fines ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 baht.

Listen to this articlePiyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary-general of the Progressive Movement, speaks to People’s Party supporters at a campaign rally in Loei earlier this month. Speaking at a PP rally in Sakon Nakhon on Jan 24, Mr Piyabutr responded to repeated comments made on Pheu Thai campaign stages questioning whether PP would be able to form a government even if it won the election. Mr Nattawut urged voters to back Pheu Thai instead, saying it offered the safest route to unseat conservative power blocs. Separately, Chaturon Chaisaeng, a Pheu Thai Party party-list MP candidate, criticised PP's campaign slogan "No Orange, No Grey", calling it vague rhetoric that had backfired and distracted from substantive policy debate. "If you keep saying you won't cooperate with this party or that party, how can you expect to become the core party forming a government?

Arsenal rocked by Man Utd, Villa rekindle Premier League title bidListen to this articleArsenal's 3-2 defeat to Man Utd saw their Premier League lead remain at four pointsLONDON - Manchester United inflicted Arsenal's first home defeat of the season in a 3-2 thriller to blow the Premier League title race open on Sunday as Aston Villa beat Newcastle to close within four points of the Gunners. Not for the first time this season, despite their lofty league position, Arsenal were blunt as an attacking force from open play. Just moments later Cunha took aim from outside the box and delivered a telling blow to the Gunners' hopes of a first league title in 22 years. "We are competing against Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, Tottenham... Wow, the power they have!" Newcastle slip to ninth but still only four points outside the top five, which will likely be enough for a place in the Champions League.

Ekniti slams 'reckless' populismListen to this articleEkniti NitithanprapasFinance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, a key member of the Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party's economic "dream team", has criticised what he described as "irresponsible populist policies" rolled out by rival parties during the final stretch of the election campaign. Pheu Thai says it submitted 57 policies to the Election Commission (EC) with a total proposed budget of 243.3 billion baht. Pheu Thai later defended the proposal, describing it as an investment in national data infrastructure designed to expand the tax base and boost long-term state revenue. Mr Ekniti declined to directly criticise other parties' proposals, including Pheu Thai's daily millionaire policy. "The budget comes from taxpayers, so it must be used wisely and generate tangible economic recovery," he said.

Major political parties are locked in a contest of ever more generous handouts, welfare schemes and cash-based incentives, each attempting to outbid the other to secure votes. The People's Party has pushed for universal welfare policies requiring more than 172 billion baht annually. Across the political spectrum, the pattern is clear: policies revolve around injecting cash or reducing costs, with limited discussion of long-term fiscal trade-offs. He cautioned that expanded welfare commitments could create long-term fiscal burdens of up to 300 billion baht, potentially leading to higher taxes. Nonarit: 'Long-term fiscal burdens a risk'Paper tiger problemSomchai Srisutthiyakorn, a former election commissioner, has been among the most vocal critics of the EC's limited enforcement power.

WHO chief says reasons US gave for withdrawing 'untrue'Listen to this article'Unfortunately, the reasons cited for the US decision to withdraw from WHO are untrue,' said TedrosGENEVA - The head of the UN's health agency on Saturday pushed back against Washington's stated reasons for withdrawing from the World Health Organization, dismissing US criticism of the WHO as "untrue". And in a post on X, he added: "Unfortunately, the reasons cited for the US decision to withdraw from WHO are untrue." They accused the agency, of numerous "failures during the Covid-19 pandemic" and of acting "repeatedly against the interests of the United States". - 'Trashed and tarnished' -The two US officials said the WHO had "trashed and tarnished" the United States, and had compromised its independence. "As we do with every Member State, WHO has always sought to engage with the United States in good faith."