Robot makers to invest B10bn in EECPeople watch as humanoid robot performs a dance during celebrations on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Horse at the Niangniang Temple in Beijing, China, February 17, 2026. Mr Narit added that more companies are already showing an interest in setting up humanoid robot component facilities. Hangzhou Seenpin Electromechanical Transmission will invest 2.12 billion baht in Chon Buri to manufacture planetary roller screws and robot ball screws. Sanhua Intelligent Drives will invest 1.8 billion baht to produce actuators that control robot movement. Xusheng Group will invest 2.7 billion baht in Rayong to produce robot body, joint and bone components using lightweight, high-strength materials.

Thai AirAsia to revamp flights to Seoul from MayMr Phairat (centre right) and TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool (centre left) launch the 'Fly your feelings' campaign covering eight domestic routes. Thai AirAsia will replace Thai AirAsia X in operating direct flights to Seoul from May 1, and aims to increase its domestic market share to 45% from 40% this year, despite intense competition from other low‑cost carriers that are aggressively expanding their fleets. Phairat Pornpathananangoon, chief executive of Asia Aviation PCL and Thai AirAsia, said Thai AirAsia will fly Airbus A320neos from Don Mueang International Airport to Incheon International Airport in Seoul commencing May 1, replacing Thai AirAsia X's operations with two flights a day. He said changing from Thai AirAsia X's wide-body aircraft to the single-aisle aircraft of Thai AirAsia wouldn't impact demand, as several airlines, both Thai and Korean, have been operating with narrow-body aircraft for a significant period. Most airlines might not be able to increase airfares on their domestic flights," he said.

Thai growth upgraded after strong Q4Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul thanks voters after unofficial results show his party leads the poll. Three bank-affiliated research centres have upgraded their forecasts for Thailand's economic growth this year to around 2%, supported by a stronger-than-expected performance in the final quarter of 2025 and greater confidence in the new government. Amonthep Chawla, chief economist of the economic research centre of CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), said his bank raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast for Thailand to 2.1%, up from its previous estimate of 1.6%. This scenario would support Thailand's GDP growth in a range of 2–2.5% over the next few years. Separately, SCB Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC), the research arm of Siam Commercial Bank, has revised up its forecast for Thailand's GDP growth this year to 1.8%, from 1.5% earlier.

Mr Ekniti says the 15% tariff is expected to boost exports, particularly in the short term during the 150-day period in which the measure remains in effect. The latest US tariff measures, which impose a uniform 15% import tariff on goods worldwide, is seen as a positive signal for the Thai economy and is expected to help push Thailand's GDP growth above 2%, says caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Previously, Thai products faced import tariffs as high as 19%, while competing countries such as Singapore were subject to tariffs of only 10%," said Mr Ekniti. Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council, said the 15% import tariff applied to all countries places every nation on the same level playing field. However, he warned that the US still has other trade-restrictive instruments, including the ability to raise import tariffs on specific products.

Nutthawat WichieanbutAs the Bhumjaithai Party prepares to lead the next government, one significant campaign pledge was to revive the "Khon La Khrueng Plus" co-payment scheme. However, people in the wholesale and retail sectors view this initiative as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution to the country's sluggish economy. The Khon La Khrueng Plus programme allowed registered individuals to pay only half the price of goods purchased from local shops, with the government subsidising the remainder. Mr Somchai added that retailers looking to sell online face high gross-profit fees, which increase costs for small players. The Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme will act as a pill that helps stabilise the country's economy, which has been facing critical challenges.

PP deputy chief denies chargeRangsiman Rome (photo: parliament)Deputy People's Party leader Rangsiman Rome on Monday pleaded not guilty in a defamation case brought by Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, over remarks made during a parliamentary debate. Mr Mauerberger, through his authorised representative Thanadol Suwannarit, filed both criminal and civil complaints, seeking 100 million baht in damages. The lawsuit stems from statements by Mr Rangsiman in the House of Representatives alleging that Mr Mauerberger was linked to a scam syndicate and money-laundering operations. Arriving at court, Mr Rangsiman said the hearing focused on entering a plea and setting dates for witness examination. Amlo has asked prosecutors to seek confiscation of the assets, which authorities believe belong to Cambodian businessman Yim Leak and Mr Mauerberger.

Teacher accused of sexual assaults on four studentsPavena Hongsakul listens to complainants on Monday. (Screenshot from the Facebook page of her foundation)Four families have filed complaints with the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, alleging that their sons, all 12-year-old Grade 6 students, were sexually assaulted by a male teacher. The ministry pledged to pursue serious disciplinary action against the teacher and provide psychological support for the victims. The boys will undergo medical examinations, while prosecutors and social workers will oversee the process. Ms Pavena said the foundation will monitor the case closely to ensure criminal prosecution and disciplinary measures proceed to the fullest extent.

Varuth HirunyathebCriminal groups are relying on secret codes using emojis and slang to evade social media detection systems while luring young people into the drug trade, according to a report from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). Papasi Khaiyanan, director of the ONCB's Narcotics Prevention and Solutions Development Bureau, said the report -- conducted in collaboration with Chiang Mai University -- outlines patterns and trends in the online drug trade since 2016. To avoid detection, dealers use emojis and slang to advertise their products. The findings have led to greater success in apprehending online drug dealers, with at least 2,000 to 2,500 accounts taken down annually, the ONCB said. The ONCB will cooperate with popular online platforms to monitor evolving drug-related jargon and strengthen enforcement efforts.

Between Feb 15 and 21, authorities received 6,736 complaints through the Thaipoliceonline system, with total reported damages of 429.3 million baht. By volume, online shopping fraud remained the most common offence, accounting for 70.1% of reported cases. However, when measured by financial damage, investment scams conducted via computer systems ranked first. Losses from such schemes jumped sharply from 93 million baht the previous week to 123 million baht. Job-related transfer scams ranked second in total damage, while online shopping fraud placed third.

Pressure rises over barcodesA legal expert from the People's Party (PP) says the use of traceable barcodes and QR codes on ballot papers used in the election could violate the principle of secret voting outlined in the constitution. Citing rulings issued in 2009 by the Administrative Court and the Constitutional Court, Mr Theera stressed that any electoral process which undermines ballot secrecy could render the vote unconstitutional. According to Mr Somchai, MP ballots must display a serial number on the detachable stub so officials can verify that the number of ballots in each booklet matches the quantity and serial numbers printed on the cover. "The absence of serial numbers on individual ballots opens the door to fraud," he wrote. He said that if ballot stubs do not carry serial numbers as required, the EC could be considered in breach of its own regulations and may face legal challenges as a result.

The incoming Bhumjaithai-led administration will not raise the value-added tax (VAT) rate to 10% over the next three years, a BJT executive said, adding that the party's immediate focus is economic recovery. BJT deputy leader Siripong Angkasakulkiat gave the assurance on Monday in response to a proposal floated by a Senate sub-committee on economic, monetary and fiscal affairs last week. The sub-committee suggested gradually restructuring the tax system -- including a phased VAT increase to 10% -- sparking speculation that the incoming government might consider raising the VAT ceiling, which is currently capped at 7%. Mr Siripong dismissed concerns about a possible VAT hike, saying the government has no plans to raise VAT in the short term. "The first priority is to restore the economy, not to collect more revenue through charging higher VAT," said Mr Siripong.

PP leader ready to step asideNatthaphong RuengpanyawutNatthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People's Party (PP), has declared he is prepared to step down if a court orders him to suspend his duties, as legal uncertainty continues to hang over 44 party MPs. "If the court orders me to stop performing my duties, I am ready to relinquish the leadership and take on other responsibilities." The case, which is expected to become clearer around April, concerns MPs accused over their role in proposing legal amendments. Mr Natthaphong said any change in party leadership, which would also affect the position of leader of the opposition, must be decided by the party's general assembly. Despite the legal cloud, the PP is focusing on rebuilding after its electoral setback.

Pheu Thai denies cabinet talksJulapun AmornvivatThe Pheu Thai Party has firmly denied reports it is scheduled to meet the Bhumjaithai Party on Tuesday to negotiate cabinet quotas as part of coalition government formation, insisting no such appointment has been arranged. Speaking at party headquarters, Pheu Thai leader Julapun Amornvivat said that while senior figures had previously held discussions following an earlier invitation, there had been no further talks since. When pressed on whether Pheu Thai would attend talks if approached again, Mr Julapun reiterated that no coordination had taken place. Asked if a projected 300-seat coalition would provide political stability, Mr Julapun said Pheu Thai had not engaged in such calculations. Over the 10 days since the vote, Pheu Thai has concentrated on monitoring the electoral process, submitting more than 100 complaints to the Election Commission.

Phuket to refile bid for expo with longevity theme to promote sustainable tourism, reviving Mai Khao plan after 2027 loss and pushing for infrastructure upgradesAn artist’s rendition shows the site Phuket had proposed for Specialised Expo 2028. Phuket plans to submit a bid for the Specialised Expo again this year, aiming to host the event in 2032 or 2033 under a new “longevity” theme, promoting the island’s wellness and sustainable tourism sectors. Mr Bhummikitti said the previous development plan on a 141-rai area of Mai Khao in Phuket would be revived for the new expo bid. According to the previous bid, Phuket Expo was presented under a “Future of Life, Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity” theme, and was expected to draw 4.9 million visitors, generating 49 billion baht revenue and 113,000 jobs. Mr Bhummikitti said that as the Specialised Expo is held every five years, the new proposal must be submitted to the Bureau International des Expositions before the Serbia Expo commences.

In honour of International Women's Day on March 8, "Women In Gastronomy" returns at the Banyan Tree Bangkok. At Moon Bar, Wannaporn "Fang" Jumpa from Mahaniyom and Nattarika "Tangmo" Pho-ong from Scofflaws take over the bar with inventive cocktails. • On March 8, "Women Iin Gastronomy 2026" concludes aboard Saffron Cruise with the "HERitage Of Taste – A Grand Culinary Gala", bringing together culinary heritage, female leadership and refined gastronomy. At Moon Bar, Siriwan and Piyada "May" Mo-on of Supanniga Group close the week with cocktails designed to leave a lasting impression. Proceeds after expenses from "Women In Gastronomy 2026" will be donated to the Half Way Home For Protection And Development Of Mental Disabilities For Women in Pathum Thani province.