It's the economic history, stupidListen to this articleTraders work on Wall Street in New York on Jan 1, 1930. The title of the course I'm teaching -- "Economic History" -- draws a similarly dejected reaction from my students: "Meh." Her boss didn't call it "economic history", she told me, but the company's strategy meetings turned on insights from the past. In Spain as elsewhere, standalone economic history departments have vanished or merged with more general programmes. At EHU, "Public Policy and Economic History" is still part of our department's name, and we maintain a real presence -- courses, faculty, and research.

Turning ageing into opportunitiesListen to this articleThe Labour Ministry runs an event to provide job opportunities for senior citizens and retirees to boost their financial security, in this March 13, 2019, file photo. The Silver SurgeBy 2033, Thailand's ageing economy could expand to 3.5 trillion baht, growing nearly 5% each year. Europe promotes healthy ageing through the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA), which supports innovation, strengthens industry, and opens new business opportunities for older consumers. A Path Forward for ThailandTo turn ageing into opportunity, Thailand must support older people both as consumers and producers. Policymakers and businesses must recognise the needs of women and LGBTQIAN+ seniors so everyone benefits equally from the ageing economy.

Moderate global growth masks regional strainsListen to this articleGlobal economic growth still continues, but at a moderate pace. The United States remains the engine of global growth, projected at 2% in 2026, up from 1.9% in 2025, supported by monetary and fiscal easing. Economic growth in India is projected to moderate from an impressive 7.4% in 2025 to 6.6% in 2026. The significant decline in inflation, especially energy prices in key economies such as the United States, is a prime reason for economic growth. The UN Report adds, "Global growth remains subdued amid high uncertainty and persistent structural headwinds.

Thai bond market follows global trendListen to this articleThailand's bond market overtook the equities market in 2025, with outstanding value climbing to 17.9 trillion baht, cementing its role as a pillar of financial stability, according to the Thai Bond Market Association (ThaiBMA). Thailand's total financial market tallied 51.8 trillion baht last year, equivalent to 279% of GDP. Thailand's bond market expansion mirrors a broader global trend, said Mr Somjin. Similar structures are seen across Europe and Japan, where bond markets serve as key shock absorbers during periods of economic stress. ThaiBMA sees a continued deepening of the bond market as crucial for Thailand to enhance financial stability, absorb global volatility and support sustainable economic growth.

National Telecom board rejects most Universal Service Obligation projectsListen to this articleAn internet service centre under the NBTC's USO project. The board of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) recently approved only three out of 15 Universal Service Obligation (USO) projects submitted by its office. The 15 projects required a budget of more than 18 billion baht. Other projects requiring revision include the provision of high-speed internet services in underserved areas, budgeted for 1.88 billion baht for five years. This project also suffered from a lack of clarity in targeted areas for internet service provision and may overlap with areas already served, added the source.

Yongtanit Pimonsathean, an expert on heritage conservation, said the court's guilty verdict will entail ordering the BMA to revoke a construction permit for Block 33. The problem is, unlike historic sites, community heritage is not protected by any law," he said. Yongtanit said that while national heritage -- state-owned and uninhabited -- is safeguarded under the ancient monument law, community heritage is privately-owned and vulnerable to destruction. "If Thailand introduced a conservation law for this kind of heritage, it would change the direction of urban development," he said. Heritage conservation should be decentralised to ensure public participation.

Cannabis activists demand parties clarify stanceListen to this articleMembers of the ‘Writing the Future of Thai Cannabis’ network express their stance on attempts to reclassify cannabis as a controlled herb, at the Ministry of Public Health in July last year. The group also declared their intention to camp overnight in an effort to advocate for a clear cannabis policy direction. VARUTH HIRUNYATHEBA network of medical staff, academics, and civil society groups has called on political parties to clarify their cannabis policies and positions during the election season. "However, there is a huge number of low-spending tourists who are happy with the relatively free and open cannabis policy in Thailand." He said the hospital's medical staff had to contend with more aggressive patients as a result of cannabis consumption.

Cops, lawyers probed after Chinese detainees let goListen to this articleChinese detainees at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok. File photoThe Immigration Bureau (IB) has opened an investigation into whether police officers, lawyers or other officials were involved in the allegedly unlawful release of two Chinese detainees. Mr Atchariya has accused police officers, lawyers and influential figures of colluding to fabricate criminal cases to remove Chinese detainees from the Suan Plu Immigration Detention Centre and facilitate their escape to a third country. Pol Maj Gen Phanop said the controversy emerged after Mr Atchariya submitted documents to the justice minister requesting an inquiry into alleged misconduct. Between 2021 and 2025, investigators from the Metropolitan Police Bureau and other police commands formally requested custody of 131 Chinese detainees for prosecution.

IEAT chief eyes strategic rebootListen to this articleYuthasak: Reform is neededThe next government is urged to reform investment strategy and streamline working processes to lift economic growth, including attracting high-value sectors such as wellness tourism, high-tech industry and green infrastructure. Tourism recorded a decline in arrivals, while domestic consumption remained fragile and the export sector was pressured by global economic uncertainty. The global FDI trend shifted towards high-quality sectors such as high-tech industry, digital economy, artificial intelligence and clean energy, said Mr Yuthasak. Mr Yuthasak said Thailand needs mechanisms that help absorb technology, knowledge and production standards from overseas, along with strengthening domestic innovation to build up commercial purposes. "Thailand's economy is not yet at a dead end, but this is a crucial moment to reset the country," said Mr Yuthasak.

PTTEP preps carbon capture facilityListen to this articleThe Arthit gas block in the Gulf of Thailand, operated by PTTEP. PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) is preparing to build Thailand's first carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility at its Arthit gas field this year, marking a major step in the country's efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reach its net-zero target. Chief executive Montri Rawanchaikul said the project, approved in September 2025, will be capable of capturing and storing up to 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. PTTEP's initiative is expected to accelerate Thailand's climate ambitions, as policymakers reset its net-zero target from 2065 to 2050. Once completed, the hub could store up to 60 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, while Thailand's current emissions total 320 tonnes per year.

Thanathorn casts poll as turning pointListen to this articleProgressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit helps a People's Party MP candidate campaign in Trat on Tuesday. JAKKRIT WAEWKRAIHONGThe upcoming election will be a defining test for the country's future, pitting forces of progress against those seeking to hold it back, according to Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. "Thailand's future lies in everyone's hands," he told a crowd who turned out for the People's Party (PP) poll campaign in Trat on Tuesday. "The 2026 election is a wager on Thailand's future and that of our children," Mr Thanathorn said. Also on Tuesday, PP unveiled Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, party-list candidate No.7, as part of its expanded "People's Government Management Team".

Abhisit sees gains in SouthListen to this articleAbhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, greets residents during a campaign visit to Ratchawat Market in Dusit district Tuesday morning. Democrat PartyDemocrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva says he is increasingly confident the party will win many constituency seats in its traditional stronghold in the South, as the election campaign gains momentum. However, he said the party must continue working hard in other regions to raise its standing. While campaign momentum was close to expectations, more effort was needed to convert public enthusiasm into votes, he added. "If the cheers and hugs we receive turn into votes for the Democrats, my confidence will grow even more," he said.

Dead whale marks 1st seen in Thai watersListen to this articleLocals discover a rare deep-sea Longman's beaked whale washed ashore dead on a beach in Chanthaburi. TV Screen CaptureMarine authorities have confirmed the first recorded sighting of a Longman's beaked whale, or Indopacetus pacificus, in Thai waters after one of the rare species was discovered dead on a beach in Chanthaburi province. Mr Kongkiat said the species, also known as the tropical bottlenose whale, belongs to the beaked whale family (Ziphiidae). The finding increases the number of species of whales now found in Thai waters to 29, according to ThaiWhales, a Facebook page. The Longman's beaked whale is among the rarest cetaceans.

Police photoPheu Thai and the People's Party (PP) have criticised remarks by a Cambodian minister urging Thai voters to support them in the Feb 8 election while attacking the Bhumjaithai Party. The remarks have sparked strong reactions, with both parties viewing them as an unusual and inappropriate intervention in domestic politics. Julapun Amornvivat, Pheu Thai leader and prime ministerial candidate, said the Cambodian minister's remarks urging Thai voters to back Pheu Thai and the PP over Bhumjaithai amounted to inappropriate interference in Thailand's internal political affairs. "The remarks were abnormal both in timing and context," Mr Julapun said, adding that the statements were not beneficial to either Pheu Thai or the PP. PM Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was asked by the media whether the remarks constituted interference in Thai politics.

SET offers products to lure fresh fundsListen to this articleThe SET plans to revise listing rules for new-economy companies, making it easier for innovative and growth-oriented businesses to list on the bouse, says Mr Asadej. According to Mr Asadej, the exchange is seeking strategic partners to help expand liquidity and investors' participation in the derivatives market. "Gold trading gained in popularity last year, with gold futures on TFEX recording high trading activity. The exchange plans to reduce contract sizes to improve access and broaden retail participation," he said. Contract sizes for gold products will he reduced to lower entry barriers, he said.