Piyasak Manason, head of economic research at InnovestX, said the impact on Thailand would likely unfold in phases, beginning with immediate shocks to energy prices and capital flows in the short term, followed by broader structural economic risks if the conflict drags on. These higher costs would likely pass through to consumers, fuelling cost-push inflation and squeezing profit margins for listed companies across several industries, he said. STAGFLATION SCENARIOIf the conflict extends beyond three months, the risks could shift from temporary price shocks to deeper structural damage, said Mr Piyasak. Global ratings agencies including Fitch Ratings and Moody's have maintained a negative outlook on Thailand's fiscal trajectory. Second is the maintenance of fiscal discipline, particularly in balancing public pressure for energy subsidies with the need to preserve fiscal credibility.

Viriyah mulls higher EV premiumsLeading motor insurer Viriyah Insurance may raise premiums for electric vehicle (EV) policies this year as the segment continues to operate at a loss, reflecting the evolving risk profile of the fast-growing EV market. According to Amorn Thongthew, managing director of Viriyah, the EV insurance business registers a combined ratio loss slightly above 10%, meaning total claims and operating expenses exceed the premiums collected. As a result, the company is considering adjusting EV insurance premiums this year to better reflect actual risk levels. Despite the underwriting losses, the EV insurance market continues to grow alongside Thailand's expanding EV adoption. Viriyah holds around a 40% market share in EV motor insurance, with total EV premiums reaching roughly 2.8 billion baht in 2025.

Buriram hit five goals past SharksBuriram United's Guilherme Bissoli, centre, celebrates his goal. PRDefending champions Buriram United underlined their title credentials with a commanding 5‑0 victory over Chonburi in Thai League 1 at Chang Arena on Saturday night. Buriram capitalised swiftly, Brazilian striker Guilherme Bissoli opening the scoring in the 16th minute before doubling his tally with a composed finish on 33 minutes. Supachai Chaided completed the rout in stoppage time, ensuring Buriram collected three points in emphatic fashion. Elsewhere, Muang Thong United finally ended their winless run, claiming a 1-0 victory over Uthai Thani at Thunder Dome Stadium.

Patama joins call for separate ministryKhunying Patama Leeswadtrakul is the latest key sport figure who has shown her backing for the proposal to separate the Ministry of Sports from Tourism. In a recent interview, Khunying Patama, member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and president of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), said she believes that the Ministry of Sports should be an independent ministry while Tourism should be integrated into the Ministry of Culture. "Having an independent Ministry of Sports will facilitate policy‑making and athlete‑development planning will be more continuous, focused, and will address specific needs more effectively. It will also ensure that development of youth sports, mass sports, professional sports and international sports are under the same strategy," she said. Separating sports into an independent ministry will allow for direct policy responsibility, the establishment of governance systems, ethical standards, and regulatory mechanisms appropriate to the specific characteristics of the sports sector.

During the discussion, several issues related to honorific titles were raised, with community members addressing concerns and potential impacts if individuals are allowed to voluntarily choose their honorific titles, as proposed by the People's Party. Nachale Boonyapisomparn, vice-president of the Thai Transgender Alliance, said gender titles are not the sole factor in medical assessment. "This means that gender recognition does not complicate treatment but rather helps make healthcare more accessible," she added. CALL FOR ACTIONDuring the event, the Thailand Trans Taskforce said self-determination in gender identity is a fundamental human right that should be respected. Four versions of a Gender Recognition Bill have been proposed by the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, civil society organisations and the former Move Forward Party.

Attack by Myanmar forces kills at least five near borderRenewed fighting along the Thai–Myanmar border has spilt into civilian areas, with Myanmar forces launching drone and mortar attacks that killed at least five people and forced hundreds of refugees to flee into Thailand. In the latest incident, four kamikaze-style drones were used to strike a hospital at a Karen refugee camp in Koh Manao, killing one refugee and seriously injuring another. Thai security forces were sent to monitor the situation and provide assistance. After the situation calmed, the refugees returned to their camp on the Myanmar side. Separately, resistance sources reported that a 120mm mortar round fired by Myanmar troops hit a dining hall near a casino in Phalu Noi village, killing four Chinese nationals -- three men and one woman -- and injuring 38 other Chinese and foreign nationals.

Farm-gate price of eggs goes upThe egg farmers’ cooperative network has raised the farm-gate price of mixed chicken eggs from 3.20 baht to 3.40 baht per egg, or six baht more per tray, effective on Monday. Chanuwat Siwamok, CEO of Kings Eggs (Thailand) Co, said the price increase is due to several factors including low prices for an extended period and rising production costs especially from higher animal feed costs that add pressure on small and medium businesses. He said high temperatures have also begun to affect egg-laying hens and egg production, reducing supply in the market. Demand, however, has increased as some consumers turn to eggs as an affordable source of protein amid concerns over the cost of living following the fighting in the Middle East, he said. He said future egg prices will depend largely on weather conditions and feed costs, which could be influenced by global energy and commodity prices.

Thailand to face Spain, UK in voteThailand is competing with the United Kingdom and Spain to host WorldPride 2030, which if successful could make it the first Asian country to stage the global LGBTQ+ event. Bangkok Pride announced Thailand had become a candidate through a joint bid with For SOGI, the Thai Transgender Alliance and the Thai Pride Network. Licensed by InterPride, WorldPride is organised by member groups to promote international awareness of LGBTQ+ rights and issues. The first WorldPride was held in Rome in 2000 after InterPride members voted for the Italian capital to host the inaugural event. However, Ratee Taesombat, director of the Thai Transgender Alliance, warned Thailand must also make progress in inclusive legislation, particularly legal recognition for transgender, non-binary and intersex people.

Asean states to bolster energy cooperationAsean member states are stepping up coordination to mitigate the potential fallout from the Middle East conflict, particularly risks to regional energy security and the safety of Southeast Asians, Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said. Beyond potential economic pressures, such as inflation and food supply disruptions, the ministers warned the war could affect energy supplies in Southeast Asia and the welfare of Asean nationals in the Middle East. To prepare for possible supply disruptions, Asean members discussed the potential use of the Asean Petroleum Security Agreement, a mechanism that allows member states to voluntarily supply petroleum to neighbours facing temporary shortages should they need help. While several Asean countries, including Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, produce petroleum, most of the output is used domestically. Ministers also discussed strengthening long-term regional energy cooperation, including power grid projects linking Laos with Singapore, as well as a proposed electricity interconnection between Brunei and the Philippines.

Doctors' incentives a hitA new quota system offering faster specialist training and higher pay attracts 446 applicants for 239 postsThe Ministry of Public Health says a new set of incentives aimed at sending doctors to shortage areas has attracted strong interest, with 446 medical graduates applying for 239 special-quota positions -- an oversubscription of around 87%. The ministry has doubled on-call allowances for those working outside official hours in designated areas and shortened the compulsory service period, allowing doctors to enter specialist training earlier than under the current system. It has also allocated 239 special-quota posts for the 2025 academic year cohort specifically for these high-need provinces. Dr Somruek said the response from soon-to-graduate medical students exceeded expectations, suggesting the revised benefits address key concerns among young doctors. He added some doctors serving their compulsory term in ministry hospitals have also requested transfers to the special promotion zones to take advantage of the new incentives.

The war in the Middle East has disrupted the global oil market, heightening concerns over energy supplies. Thailand has enough oil supplies despite war in the Middle East, Mr Anutin said. He said the government would continue to manage supplies and stabilise prices through mechanisms such as the Oil Fuel Fund. Mr Anutin said oil companies, including Thai Oil, Bangchak Corporation, Shell and Star Petroleum Refining, had confirmed there were no signs of shortages and that supplies remained adequate. Sarawut Kaewtathip, director-general of the Department of Energy Business, said recent inspections of oil depots nationwide found about 1.4 billion litres of commercial oil reserves and another 3.4 billion litres required under law.

DSI halts Buri Ram land probeThe Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has defended its decision to halt a seven-month investigation into an alleged land encroachment at Khao Kradong in Buri Ram province, citing overlapping inquiries by other agencies. Pol Maj Woranan Srilam, a DSI spokesman, addressed public concerns after the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) confirmed it had received case files from the DSI. The files relate to accusations of illegal occupation of 4,414 rai of land belonging to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Under the 2018 Anti-Corruption Act, the DSI was required to submit its own investigation records to the NACC as well. "We believe the information gathered will be useful for Buri Ram's governor and various local offices to continue addressing the matter," Pol Maj Woranan said.

Park-goers let their pet roam off-leash at the newly opened Dog Park zone in Lumpini Park following the area’s recent renovation and expansion. Nutthawat WichieanbutBangkok's Lumpini Park -- long regarded as the city's green heart -- is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation. "Lumpini Park remains one of the most popular public spaces in the city," he said. One of the newest additions is the Lumpini Dog Park, located near Witthayu Road. Originally opened in 1925, Lumpini Park was the first public park in Thailand.

Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul (photo: Government House)Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul said on Sunday talks with coalition partners on ministerial quotas will start once his premiership is formally confirmed. He said a parliamentary meeting will be called to select the prime minister once the appointments of the House speaker and deputies receive royal approval. "Discussions with coalition parties about allocation of cabinet seats will take place after the prime minister selection,'' he said. He urged coalition partners to carefully screen their candidates for cabinet positions, noting the Constitutional Court has already set clear guidelines regarding ethical qualifications for cabinet members. Mr Anutin said he will treat all coalition partners equally during the selection process.

Troubled Spurs snatch late draw at Liverpool, Man Utd boost top-four bidTottenham striker Richarlison celebrates after scoring against LiverpoolLONDON - Troubled Tottenham rescued a 1-1 draw at Liverpool thanks to Richarlison's late leveller, while Manchester United bolstered their bid to qualify for the Champions League with a 3-1 win against Aston Villa on Sunday. But Brazil striker Richarlison netted in the 90th minute to spare Tottenham from a sixth successive Premier League defeat. Sitting third in the Premier League, United are three points clear of top-four rivals Villa. Bruno Fernandes now has 16 Premier League assists this term, moving the United captain past David Beckham's previous club record of 15 in 1999-2000. Nottingham Forest climbed out of the relegation zone after a 0-0 draw against Fulham at the City Ground.