Pine Wealth keen on overseas equitiesListen to this articlePine Wealth Solution Securities, a subsidiary of One Asset Management, warns of heightened volatility in equities in 2026, noting that the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index could dip to 1,100 points if local political uncertainty worsens and border tensions with Cambodia persist. The specialist in individual wealth management recommends overseas allocation and structured products to preserve returns and mitigate downside risks from domestic factors. Piyatat Pasommanatsakul, head of investment strategy at Pine Wealth Solution, said the investment outlook for 2026 will be shaped by multiple global and local headwinds, including trade wars and tariff risks, geopolitical tensions, and domestic political uncertainty. Despite these risks, Pine Wealth Solution believes global equities can maintain an upward bias in 2026, though gains are unlikely to be as concentrated in US technology stocks as in previous years. Pine Wealth Solution continues to focus on personalised portfolio management, tailoring investment strategies to each client's objectives and risk tolerance.

Listen to this articleBLS recommends five high-potential investment themes for 2026: AI value chain, defence tech, quantum computing, health tech, and nuclear energy. The firm's wealth research team recommends a core-satellite portfolio strategy, balancing long-term stability with selective growth opportunities across five high-potential investment themes for 2026: AI value chain, defence tech, quantum computing, health tech, and nuclear energy. The first is the AI value chain focusing on large-cap technology leaders and companies entering new growth curves. Investors can combine retirement mutual fund (RMF) and Thai ESG funds to maximise deductions while building long-term savings. "Using RMF and Thai ESG funds together can significantly reduce tax liabilities while enhancing long-term investment outcomes.

Clashes bring ties to new lowListen to this articleA protester holds a sign denouncing Cambodia’s claim on Prasat Ta Muen Thom along the Thai-Cambodia border. Back in February, a group of Cambodian tourists were spotted singing the Cambodian national anthem in Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin. The Thai government insisted its soldiers carried out the attack in retaliation after they were shot at by Cambodian soldiers, pushing bilateral tensions to a new low. In the following weeks, more Thai soldiers were injured by landmines as they patrolled areas along the border with Cambodia. Across both rounds of fighting, dozens of Thai soldiers and civilians were killed, while hundreds were injured and thousands were forced to evacuate to shelters.

Anutin seizes opportunityListen to this articleLawmakers congratulate Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul on his election as prime minister. At the same time, the BJT reached out to the People’s Party (PP), seeking its support for Mr Anutin to become prime minister. In response, PP leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut announced three conditions for backing Mr Anutin. Following negotiations, the PP agreed to endorse Mr Anutin as prime minister. Mr Anutin moved quickly to dissolve the House, a step widely seen as a way to avoid facing an imminent no-confidence debate.

Hun Sen leak topples govtListen to this articleFormer PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra apologises for the controversy stemming from the leaked recording of her conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. Apichart JinakulThe incident came amid heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border in June, during which the administration of former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was already in a precarious position, struggling to govern under mounting political pressure. It came in the form of a leaked audio recording of a private conversation between Ms Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, which surfaced on June 15. The recording drew widespread public criticism, as Ms Paetongtarn could be heard suggesting to the Cambodian strongman that some Thai officials were not on her side. Following the leak of the recordings, political activists called on Ms Paetongtarn to immediately resign and urged parties in the ruling coalition to withdraw their support for her administration. Around the same time, a group of 36 senators petitioned the Constitutional Court to rule if Ms Paetongtarn should be dismissed as prime minister, under sections 82, 160 and 170 of the constitution.

In 2024, we put the spotlight on the region's climate victims and on a pygmy hippo from Thailand gone viral, Moo Deng. Criminal gangs largely operating out of Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia -- dateline "Scambodia" -- have defrauded billions of dollars from victims worldwide. Despite growing visibility, Asia's enslaved cyber scam victims earn the distinction of worst year in Asia, with sadly far too little hope for escape and rescue in sight. Good Year: Asia's 'Bamboo Economic Tactics'Resilience was in full display across Asia's slowing but still growing economies at year-end. Here's to a better, safer and more peaceful year for all in Thailand and around the region and world in 2026.

Meanwhile, critics, both at home and abroad, have often asked how Thailand managed to survive repeated shocks while tolerating political nincompoops. He was abducted after arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport and trafficked across the western border of Thailand to Myawaddy, Myanmar's scam centre. It moved swiftly on social media, portraying Thailand as the aggressor and accusing it of using disproportionate force. At one point, Cambodian media accused Thailand of using chemical weapons. Cambodia remains a flashpoint, while the situation in Myanmar remains unpredictable.

Institutional redesign in order for economic changeListen to this articleThe Nobel Prize in economics was awarded both this year and last year to scholars who, in different ways, emphasised the importance of institutions to economic growth. For the 2024 laureates -- Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A Robinson -- the key to economic prosperity lies in the rule of law and enabling institutions. When questions of institutional design emerge, they tend to be restricted to specific bodies, such as central banks. What is preventing less productive incumbent firms from exiting the market, which Prof Aghion and Prof Howitt found is crucial for economic dynamism? As people in advanced economies grow increasingly disillusioned with the economic establishment, the institutions underpinning it will inevitably change.

Justice system testedListen to this articlePol Gen Surachate "Big Joke" HakparnThe latest accusation involving Pol Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn is causing considerable harm to the image of justice and the law enforcement system in Thailand. Pol Gen Surachate heard the police charges on Saturday and has denied all accusations. Meanwhile, the accused NACC commissioner on Monday sent a lawyer to file charges against those who provided information to the police regarding the gold bar allegations. The NACC is probing the case but has remained silent since the gold bar scandal broke on Friday, which is damaging to its image. Without transparency, accusations will gain more ground, and those who suffer most will not be the NACC-accused persons, but the country's justice system.

Listen to this articleThe Bank of Thailand (BoT) has stepped up regulatory oversight of inbound foreign exchange transactions to ease baht appreciation pressure and prevent misreported or undesirable capital inflows, a senior official said. Pimpan Charoenkwan, assistant governor for Financial Markets at the BoT, said the central bank has tightened rules governing the verification of documents for foreign currency sale transactions by residents, both individuals and legal entities. The tightened oversight aims to ensure that sources of foreign currency brought into the country are consistent with those declared and reduce the risk of undesirable or potentially illicit transactions. Under the revised rules, the enhanced scrutiny will cover the following cases: sale of foreign currency for baht and transfers into Foreign Currency Deposit (FCD) accounts; foreign currency proceeds from gold sales; and sale of foreign currency banknotes. As for foreign currency proceeds from gold sales, when commercial banks sell or receive foreign currency derived from such sales, they must verify documentation for the overseas sale of gold.

The defence of its sovereignty came at a human cost. Between Dec 8 and Dec 27, 27 Thai soldiers lost their lives in clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border. For this reason, the Bangkok Post names the fallen soldiers, the wounded, and all members of the armed forces who took part in defending and reclaiming Thailand's claimed territorial integrity as its Person of the Year 2025. By honouring a collective rather than a single individual, the Bangkok Post seeks to reflect a truth that this year laid bare. Yet their actions and their losses came to define the year more clearly than any policy decision or public figure.

13 Central department stores across Thailand will host New Year countdown festivities until Dec 31, with the highlight being “centralwOrld Bangkok Countdown 2026 The Original – A Tribute to Love” at CentralWorld. In total, 500 music headliners will perform free concerts at participating Central branches. Free concerts at Central Ayutthaya feature Saran & Dieout, Bowkylion, Silly Fools, Paradox, Dax & Musketeers and more. Central Phitsanulok countdowns to 2026 with 2,500 shots of fireworks and free music from Paradox, Your Mood, Safeplanet and RachYo. Central Hatyai sends off 2025 with free concerts from D Gerrard, Maiyarap, The Darkest Romance and, of course, fireworks.

Chinese attack, stab Pattaya bar guardsListen to this articleA Chinese national involved in the knife attack at The Garden 168 bar in Pattaya is given first aid behind a rescue vehicle, while being detained by police on Sunday night. (Photo: Amporn Sangkaew)PATTAYA – Three security guards were stabbed when attacked by a gang of Chinese nationals after one them was ordered to leave a South Pattaya bar following a heated argument with a woman there on Sunday night. The incident occurred about 11.36pm at The Garden 168 on South Pattaya Road in Bang Lamung district. Rescuers from Sawang Boriboonthammasatan called to the scene reported that three security guards had suffered knife wounds. Shortly afterward, the Chinese man returned with some companions and used a knife to attack the guards, the manager said.

Hired cleaning maid accused of poisoning baby’s milkListen to this articleThe cleaner working in the house (screenshot from FB: Yokey R.)A Thai family has reported a daily-hire cleaner to the police after discovering disinfectant had been deliberately poured into their baby’s milk bottle, an incident that shocked social media users and prompted a warning to other parents. Everything appeared normal until around midday, when the baby’s grandmother prepared a baby's milk bottle that had been left out earlier that morning. The mother examined the baby’s bottle, and confirmed it contained disinfectant, describing a bitter, cooling taste. A subsequent review of the family's security camera footage showed the cleaner taking a half-full baby's bottle from an upper floor, adding disinfectant on another floor and then returning the bottle to the baby’s bedside. The footage also revealed other disturbing behaviour, including taking photographs around the house when she should have been cleaning.

Netanyahu to meet Trump in Florida for crucial Gaza talksListen to this articleIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, will meet again with President Donald Trump, their fifth such meeting in the United States this year. (afp)PALM BEACH, Florida - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Donald Trump in Florida on Monday, with the US president pushing to move to the next stage of the fragile Gaza truce plan. Trump, who said Netanyahu had asked for the talks, is reportedly keen to announce -- as soon as January -- a Palestinian technocratic government for Gaza and the deployment of an international stabilization force. Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said Netanyahu would discuss the second phase, which involves making sure that "Hamas is disarmed, Gaza is demilitarized". Mekelberg said Netanyahu could be attempting to shift attention from Gaza onto Iran as Israel enters an election year.