Democrats, Pheu Thai unveil rival visionsListen to this articleElection commission officials gather on the day candidates draw a number in their district for Thailand's upcoming February 8 general election in Bangkok, Thailand, December 27, 2025. The policy forum coincided with the Pheu Thai Party's rollout of its "Debt Relief Policy", a one-off package of five measures aimed at reducing household debt and restoring borrowers' dignity. He said the party would soon unveil 27 detailed policies to help free Thailand from poverty by 2026. Meanwhile, Pheu Thai deputy leader Paopoom Rojanasakul outlined the party's debt relief package, describing it as a one-time intervention. In addition, state banks would offer low-interest refinancing loans of 50,000 baht to help two million people clear informal debts.

Court issues warning on drink, drug driving at NYListen to this articleActivists organise a symbolic activity in December last year demanding law enforcement on drunk driving to prevent fatal accidents during the New Year. Among the most common offences is drunk driving under Section 43(2), which prohibits operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or other substances. If an offence results in death, penalties rise to three to ten years' imprisonment, fines of 60,000–200,000 baht, and permanent licence revocation. Section 43 prohibits the use of narcotics or mind-altering substances while driving, with penalties increased by one-third above those set under other laws. Khwaeng courts continue to hear cases with penalties of up to three years' imprisonment, such as drunk driving without injuries, which must be filed within 48 hours.

'No rush' to install solar panelsListen to this articleA solar installer of Gunkul Engineering prepares rooftop solar panels during the installation process. The government's tax rebate for households installing rooftop solar panels is expected to boost renewable energy adoption in the country. Homeowners should not rush into installing rooftop solar panels in the hope of securing tax rebates before the government's official programme begins, according to MEA Smart Energy Solution (MEAei), a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority. However, Poramate Pichitanont, renewable energy manager for MEAei, warned that early installations will not qualify for the incentives. The rooftop solar rebate programme is part of the Anutin Charnvirakul government's "Quick Big Win" policy to accelerate renewable energy adoption.

Thaksin’s woes hurt poll bidListen to this articleFormer PM Thaksin Shinawatra arrives at the Supreme Court to hear the ruling on his controversial stay at the Police General Hospital. The court therefore ordered him to be transferred back to prison to begin serving the one-year term. The court found the prosecution’s evidence insufficient to prove Thaksin’s guilt. Thaksin’s supporters had hoped he would re-emerge in time to help with Pheu Thai’s election campaigning. However, with Pheu Thai’s influence waning and Thaksin once again entangled in legal proceedings, such hopes remain a pipe dream for the foreseeable future.

PP leader hears fishermen's concernsListen to this articlePeople's Party (PP) leader Natthaphong RuengpanyawutPeople's Party (PP) leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut visited Samut Sakhon yesterday to hear concerns from local fishermen and promote policies aimed at reviving Thailand's fisheries sector. He was joined by Natthaphong Sumanotham, the party's MP candidate in Samut Sakhon District 1, in discussions with the Samut Sakhon Fisheries Association. He proposed a Fishermen's Rescue Fund Act to subsidise wages and fuel costs, so vessels can return to sea and help stimulate the economies of fishing communities such as Samut Sakhon. The PP leader also criticised the handling of the invasive black-chin tilapia problem, saying enforcement has burdened legal fishermen while those responsible face no accountability. Mongkol Mongkoltrilak, president of the Samut Sakhon Fisheries Association, said the marine fisheries sector has struggled for more than a decade and called for further legal revisions and decentralised enforcement tailored to local conditions.

Reignwood Group planning to zero in on Thai returneesListen to this articleSereno homes surround Reignwood Park's par-3 course. "A lot of Thai families living in places like the UK, Dubai and Hong Kong want to come home, and Reignwood Park has already caught their attention," he said, citing visibility from international sporting events hosted by the group. All units come with membership of Robinswood Golf Club, with Sonia buyers receiving a 30-year membership, while Sereno and Estate buyers are granted lifetime memberships. Development at Reignwood Park began five years ago on a 2,000-rai site along Lam Luk Ka Road in Pathum Thani, near Lam Luk Ka Khlong 11. Last year, the group opened KIS International School Reignwood Park on a 150-rai plot, investing 5 billion baht.

Patriotism ran high during the latest outbreak of border conflict. PATTARAPONG CHATPATTARASILLThe political situation in 2025 was marked by conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, escalating into armed clashes. Domestically, Thailand experienced two changes of government before parliament was dissolved in preparation for the Feb 8, 2026 election. Former PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra apologises for the controversy stemming from the leaked recording of her conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. Apichart JinakulLawmakers congratulate Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul on his election as prime minister. Chanat KatanyuFormer PM Thaksin Shinawatra arrives at the Supreme Court to hear the ruling on his controversial stay at the Police General Hospital.

Early start for BhumjaithaiListen to this articlePM Anutin Charnvirakul delivers his policy statement in parliament. Meanwhile, the former ruling force, the Pheu Thai Party, widely regarded as part of the old establishment, has appeared largely powerless to intervene, left watching from the sidelines. Political “big houses” across regions have begun switching allegiances en masse, trading their former party colours for BJT’s signature blue. In the Northeast, influential clans previously aligned with Pheu Thai have defected in droves. Even the Leenawarat family, long considered close to Thaksin Shinawatra, a highly respected Pheu Thai figure, has made the switch.

Private credit funds, by contrast, deploy committed institutional capital from pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurers and endowments. Bloomberg notes this sequencing across the US and Europe: private credit funds shoulder early-phase complexity, and banks later refinance with cheaper capital. Private credit benefits because banks:Provide natural refinancing exitsOffer operational facilities that complement private-credit term loansMaintain corporate-banking relationships essential for long-term support. Thailand's financial system should become stronger because two complementary forms of institutional capital -- prudential banking capital and flexible private credit -- operate together, each addressing different stages of the credit lifecycle. We are of the view that as Thailand's private-credit market develops, private credit will increasingly operate alongside banks.

Listen to this articleArtificial intelligence (AI) identity threats, new insider risks from autonomous agents, and data poisoning will become the primary threats in the 2026 AI economy, according to global cybersecurity leader Palo Alto Networks. Palo Alto Networks revealed six predictions for the AI economy and cybersecurity in 2026. The first involves AI identity threats as flawless, real-time AI deepfakes or CEO doppelgängers making forgery indistinguishable from reality, said Ms Whitmore. While autonomous AI agents are the best solution for the massive cybersecurity skills gap, they also represent a dangerous new "insider threat". By 2026, the massive gap between rapid adoption and mature AI security (with only 6% of organisations having an advanced strategy) will lead to the first major lawsuits holding executives personally liable for rogue AI actions.

Ageless Innovation taps elderly marketListen to this articleAgeless Innovation, a US-based robotic therapy pet company, has entered the Thai market to capitalise on the ageing demographics. Under the agreement, SuanYai House is to introduce the pet products to Thailand. "We designed the Joy for All Companion Pets to support older adults seeking interactive companionship," Ted Fischer, co-founder and chief executive of Ageless Innovation Llc, told the Bangkok Post in an email interview. "Opportunities come from continuing to identify the needs of older adults," Mr Fischer said. The pet products are being utilised in therapeutic activities at the Dementia Day Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society.

Listen to this articleThailand is urged to address structural bottlenecks to improve its digital competitiveness. Thailand needs to address structural bottlenecks to improve its digital competitiveness, create innovation and fully leverage the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). The problems include low AI investment, a shortage of advanced skills and unfavourable regulatory frameworks. The country is still lacking innovations while also capitalising on AI technology at a slow pace. Part of the Thailand's decline in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025 reflects its weak private investment in AI.

Listen to this articleMr Warit said Egat has studied SMR technology from several countries, including China and South Korea. SMR ADVANTAGESWhile traditional nuclear power plants typically spark public safety concerns following the Fukushima disaster, SMR technology features a smaller reactor than traditional ones. Egat has studied SMR technology from several countries, including China and South Korea. He said South Korea is a good example of effective technology development, particularly SMR technology. Moreover, Kepco Nuclear Fuel is currently the only nuclear fuel manufacturer in the country that produces fuel cells for both light water reactors and heavy water reactors.

Pine Wealth keen on overseas equitiesListen to this articlePine Wealth Solution Securities, a subsidiary of One Asset Management, warns of heightened volatility in equities in 2026, noting that the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index could dip to 1,100 points if local political uncertainty worsens and border tensions with Cambodia persist. The specialist in individual wealth management recommends overseas allocation and structured products to preserve returns and mitigate downside risks from domestic factors. Piyatat Pasommanatsakul, head of investment strategy at Pine Wealth Solution, said the investment outlook for 2026 will be shaped by multiple global and local headwinds, including trade wars and tariff risks, geopolitical tensions, and domestic political uncertainty. Despite these risks, Pine Wealth Solution believes global equities can maintain an upward bias in 2026, though gains are unlikely to be as concentrated in US technology stocks as in previous years. Pine Wealth Solution continues to focus on personalised portfolio management, tailoring investment strategies to each client's objectives and risk tolerance.

Listen to this articleBLS recommends five high-potential investment themes for 2026: AI value chain, defence tech, quantum computing, health tech, and nuclear energy. The firm's wealth research team recommends a core-satellite portfolio strategy, balancing long-term stability with selective growth opportunities across five high-potential investment themes for 2026: AI value chain, defence tech, quantum computing, health tech, and nuclear energy. The first is the AI value chain focusing on large-cap technology leaders and companies entering new growth curves. Investors can combine retirement mutual fund (RMF) and Thai ESG funds to maximise deductions while building long-term savings. "Using RMF and Thai ESG funds together can significantly reduce tax liabilities while enhancing long-term investment outcomes.