SAO dodges blameListen to this articleCracked pillars are seen in the basement of the collapsed State Audit Office building in May. PATTARAPONG CHATPATTARASILLThe State Audit Office (SAO)'s latest statement on the collapse of its 30-storey headquarters is deeply disappointing. The SAO says the collapse of the 2-billion-baht building resulted from flaws in both design and construction that failed to meet legal safety standards. As the project owner, the SAO was responsible for overseeing the bidding process, appointing contractors and approving designs, permits and construction. In any public construction project, acceptance requires signatures -- and signatures carry responsibility.

Molpasorn ShoowongIn 2025, the Thai tourism industry faced its first contraction since the pandemic, with several setbacks consistently hampering tourist confidence. The Tourism Authority of Thailand downgraded its forecast for the year to only 33 million arrivals, ending the rising trend from 2021 to 2024, when numbers surged from 430,000 to 35.5 million. With a new government expected after the general election, tourism operators hope the industry will again become a priority, regaining its role as a key engine of the Thai economy. Chai Arunanondchai, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said 2025 was proof tourism is highly sensitive to uncontrollable factors. Tourism operators admitted they might have to wait for major stimulus projects until a new government is elected, causing Thailand to lose opportunities, he said.

Pattarapong ChatpattarasillThailand's electric vehicle (EV) insurance market is expanding at an unprecedented pace, tracking rapid growth in EV sales dominated by Chinese brands, which have overtaken Japanese automakers in market share. The accident frequency for EVs is 74.8%, compared with 47.2% for ICE vehicles, indicating that EVs are nearly 1.6 times more likely to generate claims, he said. As a consequence, EV loss ratios have climbed to 84.3%, far exceeding the 61.3% reported for ICE vehicles. The data underscores the mounting claims burden facing insurers underwriting EV risks, said Mr Somporn. "Looking ahead, TGIA and TIRD expect overall motor insurance premiums, both voluntary and compulsory, to expand by 2-3% in 2026.

Corporate tax refunds dent fiscal 2026 revenue collectionListen to this articleThe government's net revenue collection during the first two months of fiscal 2026 amounted to 385 billion baht, 7% below target, mainly due to accelerated refunds of corporate income tax. The uptick was attributed to carry-over remittances from certain state-owned enterprises from the previous year, along with stronger revenue collection by the Revenue Department and Excise Department. These quicker tax refunds led to higher overall refund deductions -- including those from the Revenue Department, Customs Department and VAT revenue allocations to local administrative organisations -- totalling 106 billion baht. The economy slowed in 2025, resulting in government revenue collection for fiscal 2025, which ended on Sept 30, falling short of its target. The Revenue Department collected 1.6% below target, the Excise Department fell short by 11.8% and the Customs Department by 2.5%.

Food lovers have until Jan 5 to indulge in delicious dishes during "Gourmet Winter Wondersquare 2025", at Em Market, ground floor of Emsphere, Sukhumvit Road. Hailed as Bangkok's most enchanting culinary carnival, the event transforms the space into a magical amusement park of flavours under the enchanting "Le Grand Merry Go Round" concept, bringing together over 40 carefully selected food, beverage and festive décor brands from 16 highlighted stores specially curated to capture the essence of the festive season. Other favourites for those with a sweet tooth include panettone, cannoli and traditional Italian cookies from Food Delite; aromatic Japanese shokupan from Shirokumaya Bakery; truffle doughnut from Tottori; premium chocolates from Le Souri Choco; a special bonbon collection from KanVela Craft Chocolate; and ultra-premium Japanese matcha from Yume Matcha. Also, discover premium sugar-coated apples from Yaorin Apple Candy, playful large strawberry-lookalike luk chub filled with whole strawberries from KinPloen and gift sets from Mandarin Oriental. Beyond food, the festival features licensed figurines and premium home decor from Enesco, festive decorations and plush toys from Up The Air, homeware in chic designs from Sardine, as well as the exclusive Monchhichi Thailand Collection and Holiday Exclusive Collection from Japan.

Both Sukontip and Voravuj agreed that Dib Bangkok, a contemporary art museum which opened in December, is a highlight of Thailand's art scene. He commented that as Petch collected contemporary art, in compliance to international standards, this will help Thai visitors and collectors understand more about contemporary art. As a key player with significant investment in establishing the art museum and systematically collecting work, Dib Bangkok will make contemporary art more visible and accepted to the public," Sukontip said. A spill over effect of Dib Bangkok will be that when international art enthusiasts come to visit Dib Bangkok, it might trigger their interest in exploring other art galleries in Thailand." In addition to Dib Bangkok, both art gallery founders noticed that art events are no longer limited to taking place only in Bangkok.

Somhatai MosikaAs competition in the global rice market rises, Thailand must redesign its strategies to maintain market share and explore new frontiers. She noted Thai hom mali rice remains the top choice of US consumers, with sales consistently rising despite high prices. For the 2025/26 crop, Thai hom mali rice is US$1,120 per tonne and Pathum Thani fragrant rice is $680 per tonne, while Vietnam's fragrant rice is $460-900 per tonne, depending on the variety, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association. To achieve this objective, the Commerce Ministry initiated the Khaopraneat project to promote Thai rice in a new segment. The scheme seeks to elevate Thai rice from a common commodity to a cultural product with distinctive flavour, identity and value.

The move reflects a broader shift within the financial sector towards greener products that align with both national climate targets and global sustainability goals. The card also reflects sustainability principles, produced from 97% recycled materials and achieving international sustainability certification under the Card Eco-Certification (CEC) standard. The move builds on the Mastercard Sustainable Card Programme, launched in 2018. Urgent waste crisisThe push for sustainable cards comes amid growing concern over global waste management. Despite efforts by many countries to establish systematic waste management frameworks, recent data indicate only 15-20% of global waste is recycled.

Art toy lovers are invited to "Ulit House: Where Our Feelings Live", a special pop-up store by Tum Ulit, which is running at The Gallery Shop, 1st floor of River City Bangkok, Charoen Krung 24, until Jan 23. Held to celebrate the launch of Ulithouse Studio, his official art toy design studio, this pop-up store allows longtime followers of Tum's two-dimensional stories to step inside a tangible, three-dimensional world for the very first time. The space is transformed into a warm, quietly enchanting "home" where every emotion -- joy, sorrow, solitude, sweetness and every shade in between -- takes on a living presence through art toys created as emotional companions. At the pop-up store, fans can pre-order Tum's newest limited edition art toy collection -- an imaginative blend of sweet confections and his signature bittersweet storytelling. Tum Ulit is an artist and storyteller beloved for his unmistakable linework and followed by more than 1.7 million fans worldwide.

For Thai audiences, the experience was given a familiar and personable lens through Mario Maurer, Friend of Longines Thailand, who offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Longines Hong Kong International Races 2025. photo:Sosie, ridden by Maxime Guyon, claimed a thrilling victory in the Longines Hong Kong Vase, while Ka Ying Rising surged to success in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint under Zac Purton. The same jockey later steered Voyage Bubble to a commanding win in the Longines Hong Kong Mile, before the day culminated in the Longines Hong Kong Cup, where Romantic Warrior, partnered with James McDonald, showcased remarkable speed and stamina to secure the top prize. Against this backdrop of equestrian excellence, Longines introduced a creation that transforms cultural symbolism into wearable art: the Longines Master Collection Year of the Horse. From the thunder of hooves at Sha Tin to the quiet artistry of a finely engraved rotor, Longines' presence at the Hong Kong International Races 2025 captured its ability to bridge worlds.

Coach plots tactical shift for Asian CupListen to this articleThawatchai Damrong‑ongtrakulThailand U23 team head coach Thawatchai Damrong‑ongtrakul has confirmed that his side will adopt a more pragmatic approach at next month's AFC U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The War Elephants, who dazzled with attacking flair at the SEA Games, will now be asked to prioritise defensive organisation against stronger continental opposition. "These U23s are missing many of the SEA Games players," he said. "We cannot play offensively as at the SEA Games. They open against Australia on Jan 8 at Al Shabab Stadium, Riyadh, before facing Iraq on Jan 11 and China three days later.

Somaliland recognition prompts celebrations, condemnationListen to this articleThousands of people thronged the streets in the capital HargeisaMOGADISHU - People gathered in several towns in the breakaway region of Somaliland on Sunday to celebrate its recognition by Israel -- a decision condemned by the Somali president as a "threat" to stability in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland, which has for decades pushed for international recognition, enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own money, passport and army. The flag was hoisted alongside that of Israel in a ceremony broadcast live by Somaliland television stations. Somaliland will collaborate with Israel on improving the economy, agricultural production and on water, he added. Israel's recognition of Somaliland was criticised by the African Union, Egypt, Turkey, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

TMAC finds mines, rockets, after pactListen to this articlePrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inspects a previously recovered PMN-2 mine while receiving a briefing on border security at the 11th Infantry Battalion at Phu Makua, Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket, last month. It was the 10th incident involving Thai personnel injured by landmines along the border, said the TMAC. Col Siwa said the incident constituted a violation of the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of anti-personnel landmines. The spokesman urged Cambodia to cooperate by disclosing where the mines have been laid to assist in demining efforts, and support long-term peace. Thai and Cambodian officials are working toward a joint statement aimed at easing tensions and restoring stability along the border.

Trat officials to ramp up checks of ships in the GulfListen to this articleAuthorities check a sugar ship off Koh Kood on Saturday. Photo: Thai Maritime Enforcement Command CentreLocal authorities in Trat have been instructed to ramp up maritime inspections in the Gulf of Thailand to prevent the smuggling of energy products and military-related supplies to Cambodia. Under the directive, the Trat Provincial MECC is coordinating with state agencies, including Laem Ngop marine police station, the Marine Department’s regional office in Trat, and the Trat Area Excise Office, to ramp up inspections of vessels passing through their jurisdiction. While nearing the resort island of Koh Kood off the coast of Trat, crews were alerted to hostilities near the Thai-Cambodian border by local officials. Officials also briefed crews on maritime risk areas, urging heightened vigilance to prevent unintended navigation into hazardous waters.

Ceasefire agreement 'not a retreat'Listen to this articleCambodia's Defence Minister Tea Seiha and Thailand's Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit pose with documents during a special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting at a border checkpoint, in Chanthaburi province, Thailand, December 27, 2025. Thailand's acceptance of a ceasefire deal with Cambodia is a strategic move to test its commitment to ending the violence, not a form of retreat or surrender, said Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit on Sunday. The situation will be monitored for at least 72 hours to verify that the ceasefire is real and sustained, he said. Gen Natthaphon underlined that Thailand retains its inherent right to self-defence under international law should the ceasefire fail or be violated by Cambodia. Wanwichit Boonprong, an adviser to the defence minister, said in a Facebook post on Sunday the signing of the ceasefire agreement is in line with Thailand’s strategic objectives.