BoI eager to attract Chinese investorsAn electric vehicle charges at a previous Motor Expo. EV assembly is a major Chinese investment segment in Thailand. "Chinese investment in Thailand will not only strengthen our industrial base, but also support the country's transition towards sustainable and high-tech development," he said. The top three sectors attracting Chinese capital were electrical and electronics (174 billion baht), metals and materials (127 billion baht) and automotive and auto parts (74.2 billion baht). The BoI believes this policy will make Thailand more attractive to Chinese investors, generating broader economic benefits.

Dollar surges as US-Iran war pushes oil past $100 a barrelTankers are seen off the coast of Fujairah, as Iran vows to fire on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, March 3, 2026. REUTERSSINGAPORE: The dollar took ⁠another leg higher ⁠on Monday, jumping to a ​three-month peak on the euro as oil surged past $100 a barrel, stocks slid and investors headed for safety ​as protracted war in the Middle East threatened ‌to disrupt global energy supplies. The dollar was up 0.8% to $1.1525 on the euro, its highest since November, and rose almost 0.4% to 158.48 yen early in the Asia session. The ​Australian ‌dollar was down 0.7% to $0.6983 and the New Zealand dollar down 0.6% to $0.5860. Sterling slid nearly 0.8% to $1.3324, while the dollar even gained 0.5% on its fellow safe haven in the ​Swiss ⁠franc.

Hostel association targets reform and growthMs Naree says the association opposes allowing rooms in condos to be rented on a daily basis as it would disturb owners and long-term residents. The Hostel and Small Accommodation Association (Thailand) has urged the new government to continue pushing for a new accommodation act for small hotels, but strongly opposes allowing condo units to be registered as legal lodging. The association emphasised that safety remains a priority for hostels, and the new law should mandate basic safety measures suitable for hostels and small operators, especially to prevent fires, she said. "Attracting small accommodation operators into the regulatory system by providing licences can also prevent bribery, as many operators choose to offer bribes to officials to continue their businesses," she said. The association has around 40 hostel members and aims to reach 1,000 members this year, including hostels, boutique hotels, guesthouses and homestays.

New group to support small firmsMr Sangsuk, centre, says marketing is not only about promotion, but also building a competitive advantage, creating value and ensuring sustainable growth. The Thailand Entrepreneur Marketing Association (TEMA) has launched with a mission to strengthen Thai businesses through strategic marketing expertise, knowledge sharing and hands-on advisory support, positioning itself as a strategic partner for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigating mounting economic headwinds. "We aim to support 10,000 SMEs in 2026, create impact for 1,000 businesses, and ultimately reach 330,000 SMEs nationwide in the future," said Mr Sangsuk. "The world offers enormous opportunities for small SMEs," said Mr Sangsuk. Regarding responses to crises, Mr Sangsuk said entrepreneurs must work harder, be more diligent, and create more value rather than just lower prices.

Regulator to set digital TV direction with new roadmapThe NBTC board is expected to approve parts of the digital TV roadmap draft on March 18. The shifting digital TV industry should become clearer soon as the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board is expected to approve core parts of the digital TV roadmap draft on March 18. The approval sets a new direction for digital TV operators before their licences expire in 2029. Local digital TV operators have struggled to survive by developing various broadcasting platforms as they compete with popular over-the-top (OTT) services. The association said many satellite TV stations use the spectrum range to air programmes, while 60% of Thais view digital TV programmes via a satellite dish.

The new PDP seeks to accelerate renewable energy projects and introduce nuclear power into the mix, according to energy officials and executives. NDC 3.0Thailand's updated climate plan, known as NDC 3.0, underpins the push for more renewable energy. 2024 PDP SCRAPPEDThe 2024 PDP was jettisoned despite passing public hearings because of objections from analysts as well as political changes. Thailand first explored nuclear power in the 1970s, but abandoned the idea after discovering natural gas in the Gulf of Thailand. Nuclear energy was later included in the 2010 PDP, with a 2,000MW project slated for 2020-21.

Somchai PoomlardThailand could lose more than 40 billion baht in tourism revenue in the worst-case scenario, assuming the Middle East airspace closure lasts for eight weeks, says the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The ministry evaluated the tourism impact using three scenarios: if the Middle East airspace is closed for three, four and eight weeks. This would impact tourists across all markets, though short-haul would see the smallest adjustment. The decline would mostly stem from 429,809 fewer European tourists, with 146,419 fewer travellers from the Middle East and 19,646 from other regions. OUTBOUND IMPACTSome outbound trips were also affected by the Middle East conflict.

The average price of carbon certificates ranges from €60-100 per tonne of carbon, representing an additional cost for business operators. Following the introduction of CBAM, EU importers are expected to increasingly favour products with lower carbon footprints because they bear the cost of purchasing the carbon certificates. "If Thai exports cannot meet the required standards, they will lose competitiveness and potentially access to export markets," she said. Apichart JinakulFeeling the squeezeAccording to Ms Kannika, PIER's study identified five impacts from CBAM on Thai exporters. Finally, the impacts of CBAM are uneven for Thai exporters, with small firms experiencing more severe negative effects than large firms.

Testing times could prove govt mettlePrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, leads party-list and constituency MPs to report for duty at parliament. Latest reports suggest the party's MPs will report to parliament today for registration, putting an end to the suspicions. As the war in the Middle East rages on, even US President Donald Trump cannot say when it will end. If the war drags on and oil supply disruptions continue, the crisis could reach catastrophic proportions. Yet this also presents an opportunity for the government to prove its worth and demonstrate its competence, wisdom, resilience and leadership in navigating this defining moment.

REUTERSA prolonged Middle East conflict could weigh heavily on global financial markets, triggering a broad risk-off environment that pressures equities and cryptocurrencies while increasing volatility across asset classes. According to DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand), geopolitical crises typically affect equity markets through three main channels: a rising equity risk premium, disruptions to global energy supply and currency volatility. Despite the risks to broader markets, some sectors could benefit from prolonged geopolitical tensions, said the brokerage. Potential policies under Sections 301 or 232 -- which do not impose a maximum tariff ceiling -- could intensify inflationary pressures if implemented alongside an ongoing geopolitical conflict, noted Merkle. Short-term investors should reduce exposure as institutional investors and large market players have begun rotating out of risk assets amid risk-off sentiment.

Nominees 'manipulating' fragrant coconut marketCoconuts at a plantation in Thap Sakae district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. File photoThe government is stepping up measures to stabilise the fragrant coconut market after investigations uncovered foreign-backed businesses allegedly manipulating prices and harming farmers. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Department of Business Development (DBD), said the agency held talks with 10 government bodies to address falling coconut prices and examine foreign investment in fruit-packing businesses. Investigators identified 15 companies suspected of using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders on behalf of foreign investors. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, deputy government spokesman, also warned some middlemen could intentionally depress prices to buy coconuts cheaply, potentially linked to foreign investors using Thai nominees.

Russian Ambassador Evgeny TomikhinThailand has maintained a longstanding stance of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reflecting its balanced approach to international relations and the historical ties it shares with both nations, says Evgeny Tomikhin, the Russian ambassador to Thailand. He was speaking to the Bangkok Post on the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, which began on Feb 24, 2022. Mr Tomikhin also criticised the Western role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reaffirming Moscow's security concerns. Russia's actions were aimed at safeguarding national interests and the security of Russian citizens living in Ukraine, he said. Many Ukrainian people fled and some Ukrainian children crossed the border without parents or relatives.

Semenov: Thailand well-poised to helpFour years after the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war, Ukraine's top diplomat in Bangkok says Thailand can play a meaningful role in mitigating the conflict through principled diplomacy and sustained humanitarian assistance. Mr Semenov said more than 7.5 million people have fled abroad, while about 4.6 million remain internally displaced. "In the difficult circumstances associated with the continuation of this energy terror, we would be grateful for further assistance, primarily in terms of energy equipment," Mr Semenov said. He said support for energy infrastructure is now Ukraine's most urgent priority. Drawing a historical parallel, Mr Semenov said Thailand has preserved its independence through turbulent periods in its own history.

Anutin to sue over MotoGP graft claimsSereepisuth Temeeyaves (file photo)Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul plans to file a libel lawsuit against Sereepisuth Temeeyaves over allegations linking him and the party to corruption. Supachai Jaisamut, a senior BJT member, told reporters in Buri Ram on Sunday Mr Sereepisuth, leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, had made statements damaging the credibility of Mr Anutin and the party. "Mr Sereepisuth has repeated the same distorted information to the public for a second time. If wrongdoing is established, the case could be forwarded to court, and Mr Sereepisuth could lose his parliamentary status. Mr Supachai also said Bhumjaithai won't invite the Seri Ruam Thai Party to join the cabinet due to the dispute.

Govt warns of increasing drowning risks as summer nearsA child learns how to stay afloat during a demonstration highlighting World Drowning Prevention Day at the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation swimming pool in July 2023. Pattarapong ChatpattarasillThe government has warned of rising drowning risks during the summer months after data showed nearly 1,000 people die each year. Airin Phanrit, deputy government spokeswoman, said Thailand records the highest number of drowning incidents between March and May. Overall, 76.5% of drowning victims died, reflecting how quickly and severely such incidents occur, making prevention the top priority, she said. The warning came as two boys drowned on Saturday in separate river and canal incidents while playing during the school holiday.