Air unhealthy in many parts of ThailandListen to this articleThick smog is seen on Thursday morning in Bangkok, where higher vehicle emissions have been singled out as the main contributor to pollution in inner areas of the city. (Photo: Jetjaras Na Ranong)Air pollution is worsening in Thailand, with Bangkok and numerous other provinces blanketed with unsafe levels of PM2.5 on Thursday morning. Of the capital’s 50 districts, five reported red (seriously harmful) readings: Prawet (83.3), Bang Rak (81.8), Lat Krabang (78.9), Bang Na (77.2) and Chatuchak (76.6). Forty-five others were all at orange levels, which start to affect health. As of 8am, red levels were also measured in 41 other provinces and orange levels in 19 provinces, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda).

Listen to this articleA man takes video at the site where a crane collapse killed two people on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon on Thursday. Two people were killed and five injured when parts of a construction crane collapsed onto Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon on Thursday morning. A day earlier, a crane collapsed onto a moving train in Nakhon Ratchasima, killing 32 and injuring dozens. It’s a crane collapse again in front of me.”“That was close,” the first person says. A crane collapse in November 2024 killed at least three workers, while local media reported two more deadly accidents in May 2023 and January 2024.

Tisco introduces 3-year strategic planListen to this articleTisco Financial Group sees selective business expansion, greater operational efficiency through artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions, and disciplined risk management as critical for it to deliver sustainable growth from 2026-2028 amid a challenging economic backdrop. The parent of Tisco Bank revealed its three-year strategic plan yesterday, aiming to strengthen its resilience and enhance competitiveness in the digital era. Under the plan, Tisco focuses on businesses where it has strong expertise and clear growth potential, while leveraging AI, automation and data analytics to streamline processes, enhance accuracy and improve agility. Tisco targets total loan growth of 0-5% this year, in line with a modest GDP growth outlook of 1.6%. In 2025, Tisco reported net profit of 6.7 billion baht, down 3.5% year-on-year, reflecting higher credit loss provisions amid elevated economic risks.

All 32 bodies recovered have been transferred to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for identification procedures, which began at 9am on Thursday. Only body fragments were recovered and they have been sent for forensic identification, said Pol Maj Gen Narongsak. On Thursday morning, relatives of those killed began arriving at the forensic department of Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. The forensic identification process began at 9am, after which families would be able to take the bodies for funeral rites from noon onwards. In a related development, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen have expressed deep concern and sorrow over the deadly accident in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Anti-Money Laundering Office deals with high-profile casesListen to this articleThe Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) yesterday announced the results of its first transaction committee meeting of the year, revealing asset seizures and forfeitures linked to narcotics, corruption, fraud and online gambling cases, worth 252 million baht in major cases. It decided to take action against assets connected to serious offences, including narcotics trafficking, corruption by state officials, public fraud, habitual fraud, online gambling and other related crimes. The committee also forwarded 17 cases to public prosecutors, seeking court orders to permanently transfer assets worth about 769 million baht to the state. These cases include corruption involving a former abbot of Wat Rai Khing and several large-scale online gambling networks. In addition, Amlo approved measures to return or compensate assets worth around 127 million baht to victims in 14 fraud-related cases.

More funding planned for green energy researchListen to this article(Photo: 123RF)Thailand is stepping up efforts to support R&D in alternative energy, with officials preparing to allocate more financial resources to projects that advance clean technologies such as hydrogen. Funding is to be distributed through the Energy Conservation Fund, which backs initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency and conservation. Rathachat Siripanich, manager of the fund's office, said the exact budget will be determined by the government, but stressed that authorities are not ignoring the importance of alternative energy. The Energy Conservation Fund has provided 9.4 million baht to support the project, recognising its importance for Thailand's energy transition. Despite these hurdles, officials believe hydrogen could play a central role in Thailand's clean energy future, helping to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Royal Thai Army signs VN1 pact with ChinaListen to this articleThe army has signed a deal to buy additional VN1 wheeled armoured vehicles from China. (Photo: China Defence)The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has moved to strengthen its combat capabilities by signing a procurement agreement worth about 1 billion baht for additional VN1 wheeled armoured vehicles from China under the 2025 fiscal year defence budget. Lt Gen Natthaporn Khwan-yam, chief of the Army Ordnance Department, held talks with Liu Jinkui, senior vice-president of China North Industries Corporation (Norinco), before jointly presiding over the signing of the agreement between the Thai and Chinese governments. The contract covers the procurement of additional VN1 8×8 armoured personnel carriers, completing the army's planned acquisition programme under the current budget cycle, reports say. The RTA says the acquisition is part of its long-term modernisation plan rather than a response to any incident.

Mass Rapid Transit Authority picks winning bids for Red LineListen to this articleThe Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) has selected the winning bids for two major construction contracts under the Red Line commuter rail expansion project, says a source in the MRTA. The contracts relate to the Dark Red Line extension from Rangsit to Thammasat University's Rangsit campus in Pathum Thani, and the Light Red Line extension covering the Siriraj–Taling Chan–Salaya section. The Light Red Line project includes three new stations: Rama VI, Bang Kruai–Egat, and Baan Chim Phli. The Dark Red Line Rangsit–Thammasat University section spans 8.84 kilometres and will be built entirely at ground level. The Light Red Line expansion will consolidate previously planned sections into a single contract covering the entire 20.5-kilometre route.

Kunlavut keeps run going with 3-game win in IndiaListen to this articleThailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn in action during his men's singles round of 32 match against Japan's Koki Watanabe. World No.2 Kunlavut, who claimed his maiden Super 1000 title at the season-opening Malaysia Open on Sunday, will take on Lu Guangzu in the next round. Three-time winner Ratchanok will play Mia Blichfeldt of Denmark today while Busanan will meet fourth seed Chen Yufei of China. Mixed doubles pair Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai also progressed after they defeated Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto of India 21-15, 21-14. Top-ranked An, who completed a Malaysia Open hat-trick on Sunday, will play Huang Yu-hsun of Taiwan in the last 16.

Ant International, a Singapore-based global digital payments and financial technology provider, is expanding its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered portfolio of financial and commerce solutions. The company sees Thailand as a "centrepiece" for its cross-border strategy due to its status as a leading tourist destination, said Douglas Feagin, president of Ant International. The company's Antom platform provides merchant payment solutions, enabling platforms such as Netflix and Shein to reach users beyond traditional banking. Ant International recently introduced Bettr lending solutions to the Thai market. Agentic PaymentHe said Ant International is looking into agentic payment, where AI agents integrate into chat applications to handle checkouts on behalf of consumers.

Manoyont raises stake in Borneo Technical to 100%Listen to this articleMr Ratta, left, and Mr Porametr are confident the takeover should lead to greater revenue opportunities as Thailand promotes clean energy. Porametr Leegomonchai, executive director of Manoyont Group, said the company raised its stake in Borneo from 34% to 100%, driven by confidence in the growth potential of the combined business model. Ratta Urusopone, managing director at Borneo Technical, said the company aims to expand internationally and increase service channels. "We believe Manoyont Group can support and build strong value chains in the future," he said. Borneo Technical projects revenue growth from 3 billion baht to 5 billion within five years (2026-2030) after the acquisition.

Salesforce bullish on local AI marketListen to this articleMr Apisit says AI is already fuelling Thailand's digital transformation. Thailand's artificial intelligence (AI) market is estimated to post annual growth of 32.3% and a market value of 233 billion baht by 2031, according to AI customer relationship management firm Salesforce. Apisit Kuparatana, country leader and managing director at Salesforce Thailand, said AI is already fuelling Thailand's digital transformation. To cash in on this transformation, Salesforce unveiled its Agentforce agentic AI platform in the Thai language. One is agentic AI to help spread innovation, allowing entrepreneurs to pursue ideas and launch new business models with minimal investment and at scale.

Cyber-incidents deemed top Thai business riskListen to this articleCyber-incidents, including cybercrime, data breaches, ransomware and service interruptions, are the top business risk in Thailand for 2026, followed by natural catastrophes and risks related to climate change, according to the latest Allianz Risk Barometer. Cyber-incidents rose four spots to become the top business risk in Thailand, according to 37% of respondents, up from 21% last year, noted the annual corporate risk survey conducted by Germany-based Allianz Group. Total claims from the earthquake could surge to 50 billion baht (US$1.53 billion), according to the Thai General Insurance Association. Artificial intelligence (AI) creates emerging risks as well as business opportunities. In Thailand, AI is a new entrant, ranking as the fourth biggest risk (22%) for businesses, citing implementation challenges, liability exposure and misinformation.

Ekniti team to tout Thailand at WEFListen to this articleThe collection of Thai delegates, with Mr Ekniti fifth from right, at the Davos summit. Caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas is leading Team Thailand to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, aiming to position Thailand on the global investment map. The delegation plans to present Thailand's policies, strategic direction and investment opportunities, reinforcing investor confidence during the government transition period, said Mr Ekniti. According to Mr Narit, the forum presents a significant opportunity to strengthen Thailand's presence on the global stage, particularly in trade and investment. Mr Ekniti is scheduled to speak at the "New Pathways for Asean Growth and Productivity" and "What's Ahead for the Global Economy" panels.

Jakarta to organise Asean championship draw on ThursdayListen to this articleThe official draw for the 30th anniversary edition of the Southeast Asian football championship takes place in Jakarta on Thursday, with Thailand eager to wrest back the crown from Vietnam. Thailand will be gunning for their eighth title at the 2026 Asean Hyundai Cup, formerly known as the Suzuki Cup. The Thais lost to Vietnam in the 2024 final but will be determined to reclaim supremacy when the group phase begins in July. Nine nations -- Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- will be drawn into two groups, while Brunei and Timor-Leste contest a home-and-away playoff in June to decide the tenth team. The Asean Championship, regarded as the jewel in the crown for Southeast Asia's national teams, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year under new title partner Hyundai.