NBTC takes legal action over unpaid feesThe National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has told its legal unit to file a complaint against legally authorised persons, major shareholders or executives of Chakrawan Panich Holding, the licence holder of the shuttered JKN18 digital TV channel, demanding the remaining unpaid annual licence fees. The company has to pay the fee within 60 days of receiving the NBTC notification to revoke its licence, said NBTC acting secretary-general Trairat Viriyasirikul. JKN18, the digital TV channel owned by fugitive entrepreneur Jakkaphong "Anne" Jakrajutatip, ceased broadcasting on Jan 26. However, any platforms that purchased JKN channel content to air on their networks can consider taking legal action against it on their own, he said. "If set-top box viewers or satellite TV viewers are affected, they can complain to their network service providers.

CPN launches major B7bn expansion of Central PhuketConceptual photos of Central Phuket. Following the expansion, the total project value of Central Phuket should exceed 26 billion baht, with a total gross building area of 500,000 square metres, up from about 300,000 sq m.SET-listed Central Pattana (CPN) is spending 7 billion baht to expand its large mixed-use Central Phuket development. Central Phuket Festival is increasing its retail, fashion and activity spaces, with a goal to finish in the first quarter of 2028. Isareit Chirathivat, head of leasing fashion & luxury partner management at the company, said Central Phuket has a strong and sustained sales performance, which encourages global brands to increase store sizes, introduce flagship-level concepts, and launch Phuket-exclusive items available only at Central Phuket. By 2028, Central Phuket aims to reach a scale comparable to similar developments in Bangkok, positioning it as the most comprehensive luxury retail destination outside the capital.

PM orders vigilance over Trump's global tariff movePrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday assigned Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun to closely monitor the United States' plan to impose a flat 15% global tariff, a cabinet source said. The source said the prime minister acknowledged Thailand could benefit in the short term from lower tariffs but warned of possible longer-term impacts on the country's trade and economy. The move followed US President Donald Trump's recent announcement in a Truth Social post that he would raise global tariffs to 15%, just a day after he set them at 10%. Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Ms Suphajee said that in the short term Thailand would benefit because the country previously faced a 19% rate. "At this point, in the short term, we are considered to have benefited, because previously we received 19%.

Academic seeks Election Commission probe, People's Party's demiseAn independent academic on Tuesday petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to seek the dissolution of the People's Party (PP) over its alleged links with media-related firm Spectre C.The firm, which is located in the same building as the PP headquarters, came under the spotlight when former PP member Tisana Choonhavan revealed it carried out "intelligence operations" as part of political activities for the PP. The charter bars political parties or their members from involvement in media or press organisations. Thankawin Ratthawatankul said his petition was based on information identifying Spectre C as a company engaged in publishing, distribution, and online content. He added that the PP had not denied the allegation, which he argued could indicate acceptance of external control. Last week, activist Srisuwan Janya also asked the EC to seek the dissolution of the PP for being involved with media or press organisations.

One minor injury reported, officials keeping a safe distance but believe fire will not spreadFlames engulf an arsenal at the Border Patrol Police 21 camp in Muang district of Surin province on Tuesday night. (Screenshot from Surin provincial Public Relations Department Facebook)SURIN - Continuous explosions were heard as a huge wall of flames rose from the arsenal of the Border Patrol Police 21 command centre in this northeastern province bordering Cambodia on Tuesday night. Vibrations from the explosion were so strong that they were felt at Surin Rajabhat University, located 3km away, according to local media reports. The nearby flats of border patrol police and their families at the Surin Bhakdi Camp were evacuated. Communities beyond the camp were safe because they were far away and the arsenal complex was surrounded by a six-metre-high earth berm, Mr Chamroen said.

Chinese tourists extend stays over Lunar New YearMore Chinese tourists have chosen longer stays in Phuket for the Lunar New Year holiday after travel plans to Japan were disrupted, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Raweewan Sangcha, deputy director of the TAT Phuket office, said the island's tourism market is currently driven mainly by long-haul travellers. As a result, some Chinese tourists who had planned to visit Japan were unable to do so and instead looked for nearby destinations, with Thailand seen as a key alternative. She said Chinese arrivals during the period added momentum to the island's tourism sector, which continues to show positive signs. Lunar New Year revenue in Phuket is estimated at around 600 million baht, with most spending coming from Thai tourists, while foreign visitor demand remains strong.

Mr Vitai says Thai economic expansion requires both short-term stimulus measures and long-term structural support. Without stimulus programmes, vulnerable groups such as fragile households and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would be adversely affected, said Mr Vitai. Only 20-30 large corporations currently receive a significant share of new credit facilities, said Mr Vitai. In response, the authorities introduced SME Credit Boost, offering loan guarantees to support SME lending. The new regulations aim to help manage baht volatility and prevent illicit financial activities, said Mr Vitai.

'Long-faced' Suvarnabhumi staff ordered to lighten upSuvarnabhumi airport has responded to an online influencer's complaint, ordering staff who x-ray passengers carry-on luggage to be more caring and polite. (Photo: Transport Ministry)Staff handling baggage scanning at Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan province have been told to lighten up after an online influencer complained about their "long faces". The promise was made after an influencer named Backpaeger posted on his Facebook page on Monday, asking why security staff at Suvarnabhumi who x-ray carry-on bags always had long faces. They should be better trained in how to talk to passengers and learn to control their temper, Backpaeger said. Airports of Thailand Plc, which operates Suvarnabhumi and other main airports in Thailand, employs a private firm to pass outbound passengers' hand luggage through X-ray machines before they enter the immigration area.

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has raised concerns about escalating conflicts between neighbours caused by dogs and cats allowed to roam free, warning pet owners to take greater responsibility or face legal consequences. In some cases, such conflicts have led to violence and animal cruelty, a criminal offence. Injuring, maiming, or killing an animal without reasonable cause violates the Animal Cruelty Prevention and Welfare Act B.E. 2557 (2014) with penalties of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. Owners are legally obligated to provide proper animal welfare and prevent pets from causing harm or nuisance.

'Lawyer Tum' gets confiscated funds backThe Civil Court yesterday ordered the return of more than 74 million baht in seized assets to prominent lawyer Sittra Biabangkerd, widely known as "Lawyer Tum", and his wife, ruling that authorities failed to provide sufficiently strong evidence to support forfeiture under anti-money-laundering laws. The case was filed by public prosecutors after the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) temporarily froze 26 assets belonging to the couple. Authorities alleged the pair had committed fraud and money laundering linked to a complaint by Jatuporn Ubonlert. Ms Jatuporn accused the couple of deceiving her into transferring more than 71 million baht to fund the development of an online lottery-trading application that was never delivered. In court, prosecutors presented one Amlo investigation specialist who summarised financial records and police findings.

Car exports decline by 6% in JanuaryVisitors check out automobiles showcased at Bangkok International Motor Show 2025, held at Impact Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi province in March. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)Thailand's car exports fell in January, dropping 6% year-on-year to 58,405 units -- the lowest level since May 2022 -- which was attributed to stricter environmental regulations and currency fluctuations, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The slowdown reflects broader challenges facing the global car market. Despite weaker exports, Thailand's overall car production rose 10.5% year-on-year to 118,386 units in January, buoyed by strong domestic demand, he said. Production for export rose modestly by 6% to 79,686 units, while domestic production jumped 20.7% to 38,700 units.

Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand's ⁠car production hit 118,386 units in January 2026, ‌up 10.53% year on year, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said on February 24, driven by ⁠local sales and electric vehicle (EV) output. The increase ‌followed a rise of 8.56% in December 2025 while domestic sales rose ⁠53.77% from a year earlier. Thailand is Southeast Asia's biggest auto production centre and an export base for some of the world's top carmakers, including Toyota and ‌Honda. Chinese EV makers like BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Great Wall Motors have ⁠set up plants in Thailand for ⁠local sales and exports. The FTI expects car production to rise by ⁠3% to 1.5 million units this year, after a 0.9% dip to 1.455 million in 2025./.

The industrial and logistics property sector continues to outperform other segments, driven by strong demand and consistent government support despite ongoing uncertainties. The industrial and logistics property sector continues to outperform other segments, supported by robust demand and ongoing government backing despite prevailing uncertainties, according to property consultancy CBRE Thailand. Chotika Tungsirisurp, head of consulting and research at the firm, said the industrial sector has been a standout performer over the past five years and is expected to extend its solid performance into 2026. She said rising demand for ready-built factories (RBF) is helping to drive the development of new supply chains, supporting second- and third-tier suppliers, alongside established manufacturers expanding production capacity. The modern logistics property sector remains dominated by major developers, with most new supply built on a pre-lease or build-to-suit basis.

CK Power posts 81% rise in 2025 net profitCK Power Plc (SET: CKP) reported an 81% year-on-year rise in core net profit for 2025, driven by higher water inflows and improved operating performance at its hydropower plants. Mr Thanawat Trivisvavet, managing director, said core net profit reached 2.32 billion baht, up 1.04 billion baht from the previous year. The increase was largely attributable to a stronger contribution from Xayaburi Power Co, which delivered share of core net profit of 1.81 billion baht, up 202% year-on-year. Nam Ngum 2 Power Company posted its highest performance since commencing operations, with electricity sales revenue rising 7% to 4.37 billion baht. Xayaburi also recorded higher water flows in January, benefiting output in the early months of the year.

Rape case causes rift at People's PartySasinan: Screening overhaul urgedThe People's Party (PP) is facing internal turmoil after a rape conviction involving one of its Maha Sarakham candidates triggered calls for urgent reform of its candidate-screening system. Sasinan Thamnithinan, a Bangkok MP candidate and prominent member of the party's Gender Equality Working Group, issued a public statement on behalf of the group yesterday, urging party executives to overhaul their screening procedures. In a statement posted on Facebook, the Gender Equality Working Group said the case had "gravely affected public trust" and undermined the party's long-standing commitment to gender equality. "Recognising problems honestly and making structural improvements will strengthen the party," the statement said, adding that reform would align the party with the human-rights and gender-equality standards it has championed in parliament. In a now-deleted social media post, he accused the working group of unfairly targeting the candidate-screening process and stressed the legal principle of presumption of innocence.