Gold beats banksListen to this articleRe: "Strength of baht spurs fear", (BP, Dec 24). Now, witness the latest misstep from a central bank, alas from the Thai governor Vitai Ratanakorn, blaming the baht's appreciation on capital inflows from abroad, and into the gold market. Gold is a hedge against inflation, and people with half a brain can see that inflation is eroding their purchasing power, hence the gold price is soaring. But I'm reminded of a wise saying: gold is the money of kings, silver is the money of gentlemen, and debt is the money of slaves. The US dollar is down almost 10% against the Thai baht year-to-date.

Time for Indo-Pacific unity is nowListen to this articleWe are living in an age of global disruption. The same is true of a stable regional order -- a lesson the countries of the Indo-Pacific should take to heart. A bold expansion into the Indian Ocean would open unique opportunities for Asean and enhance Indo-Pacific stability. India and the UAE are thus reshaping Indo-Pacific trade in accordance with Abe's vision of a "broader Asia" formed by a "dynamic coupling" of the region's countries. Indo-Pacific unity is not only possible.

Another wasted year in Thai politicsListen to this articleCaretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the Bhumjaithai Party leader and its sole prime ministerial candidate, poses for a photo during an event on Wednesday to unveil policies ahead of the February general election. If it had taken place, a no-confidence debate could have been deeply damaging to Mr Anutin and his Bhumjaithai-led government. The People's Party was poised to bring out such skeletons and more from the Anutin government's closet. While early indications suggest a three-horse race among Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai and the People's Party overshadowing smaller banners, the ruling party enjoys a considerable incumbency edge. Mr Anutin could well be Gen Prayut in a civilian guise.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the agency forecasts tourism receipts of 70-76.5 billion baht for the New Year holiday, down 2-9% from last year. Between Dec 20 and Jan 1, foreign arrivals are estimated at 1.4-1.5 million, down 6-12% year-on-year, with revenue dipping 4-15% to 51.6-58 billion baht, said Ms Thapanee. She said domestic trips and revenue are expected to grow 7% year-on-year to 4.96 million trips and 18.5 billion baht between Dec 31 and Jan 4. The nine countdown events organised by the TAT are projected to generate 4.83 billion baht, an 8% increase year-on-year, from 859,300 local trips. During the first half, outbound travel grew nearly 20% year-on-year, before slowing in the second half due to declining confidence stemming from border skirmishes.

Klatham rejects Abhisit snubListen to this articleMembers of the Klatham Party cheer after announcing 500 constituency and party-list MP candidates, along with the party's prime ministerial candidate, at BITEC Bangna. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)The Klatham Party has pushed back strongly after Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva declared during a televised debate that his party would not join hands with Klatham following the 2026 general election. Capt Thamanat Prompow, deputy prime minister and agriculture minister and chief adviser to the Klatham Party, said he had not watched the debate and stressed that such forums require proper coordination, particularly when party names or individuals are used without prior consent. By the present constitutional law, any party that has at least 25 MPs will be able to nominate a candidate for prime minister. He also rejected criticism that former Democrat MPs, led by ex-party chief Chalermchai Sri-on, had defected to Klatham, saying they had joined because they genuinely wished to serve the public.

"I have repeatedly said in order for foreign criminals to launder money through Thailand's economic system, they must receive cooperation from Thai nationals," wrote Mr Korn, now a member of the Democrat Party. Such transactions could facilitate scammers in moving or fleeing with illegal funds, particularly in the case of large block trades, said Mr Korn. They are highly motivated, and we cannot afford to be slow," said Mr Korn. The SEC noted its investigations focus on the shareholding structures of listed companies, not their business operations or trading activities on the SET. However, investigations are not directly related to companies' operating performance or the trading of their shares on the exchange.

Mr Natthaphong said he would no longer support Mr Anutin as prime minister, raising questions about future political cooperation. Mr Anutin said it was Mr Natthaphong's right to take such a position and stressed that he respected differing opinions. As long as that position remained unchanged, Mr Anutin said, cooperation would not be possible. "Which parties choose to work together is their own decision," Mr Anutin said. Commenting on Mr Natthaphong's remark that "no one should go to jail because of words", Mr Anutin said he disagreed.

After meeting on a ferry where Tor seeks casual encounters, Marianne explores the possibility of spontaneous intimacy, questioning societal norms. SpongeBob journeys to the ocean's depths to face the Flying Dutchman's ghost, encountering challenges and uncovering marine mysteries. Premieres on Dec 282025 Super Junior De Fan Party De Home ComingWho’s in it? At a cosmic idol festival on mysterious AiAi Island, Uta and friends face chaos when monsters attack and time warps. Based on "Romance Of The Three Kingdoms", one of China's greatest literary treasures, a saga of strategy, betrayal, loyalty and destiny.

Recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s most respected honours, the awards highlight companies and individuals driving innovation, excellence and sustained progress across the property sector, reinforcing the programme’s position as the region’s premier real estate awards platform. “We are honoured to be recognised as Developer of the Year at the Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2025. “After an incredible year of Dot Property Awards events across the region, it was inspiring to welcome our winners, partners and guests to Bangkok for this grand finale,” said Mr Adam Sutcliffe, director of Dot Property Group. Our winners embody excellence, and it is our honour to create a platform worthy of their success.”The luxury segment also shone brightly this year, with Anchan Villas once again securing major recognition by winning both Best Luxury Villa Developer and Best High-End Villa Brand. The Dot Property Awards series will continue in 2026, with entries opening on 1 January.

In collaboration with Kasikorn Bank, Siam Paragon presents a spectacular lineup of world-class events, creating moments of joy beyond expectations through special international performances. Visitors can also enjoy delightful surprises from Santa Santy and a spectacular fantasy parade, bringing a joyful Christmas atmosphere to every corner of Siam Paragon. A strong lineup of artists will take part in countdown celebrations from 24–31 December 2025 at NEXTOPIA, 5th Floor, Siam Paragon, with the venue open until midnight (24.00 hrs.). Exclusively for ONESIAM Kasikorn Credit Card and Kasikorn Credit Card holders, dining privileges are also available at participating restaurants within Siam Paragon. In addition, diners can enjoy “Eat Free Every Friday” by presenting a dining receipt from participating restaurants using an ONESIAM Kasikorn Credit Card or Kasikorn Credit Card, with no minimum spending required, to redeem a buy-one-get-one-free beverage at participating outlets.

Listen to this articleThe Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum in Phangnga, which is locally known as the 'Orange-Blue Boat Museum', was built as a learning centre and memorial for the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. Ban Nam Khem today is defined by rows of concrete houses, rebuilt by various agencies after the tsunami. "There is a tsunami museum in every Japanese city that has ever encountered the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami," he said. The Pakarang Cape in Phangnga is where traces of corals washed ashore by the 2004 tsunami can still be seen. She has since remarried and still lives in Ban Nam Khem surrounded by fellow tsunami survivors.

Consumer trust and brand credibility took centre stage as Ngern Tidlor was named a recipient of the Superbrands Thailand 2025 award, recognising its position as a vehicle title loan brand trusted by customers nationwide. The award was received on behalf of Ngern Tidlor by Mr Thitided Srimarayat, senior vice-president of marketing and business development at Ngern Tid Lor Public Company Limited, a subsidiary of Tidlor Holdings (TIDLOR). Trusted Through TransparencyBeing selected as one of Superbrands Thailand 2025 marks another milestone in Ngern Tidlor’s brand excellence, following evaluation across three key criteria: brand quality, brand affinity and brand personality. For more information, visit www.tidlor.com, the Ngern Tidlor Facebook fan page, or contact the call centre at 088-088-0880, available 24 hours a day. The Superbrands Thailand 2025 award is organised by Superbrands, an independent organisation that evaluates brand excellence through publications and awards programmes.

Moreover, he said ongoing geopolitical tensions and severe climate conditions are likely to impact agricultural exports. Enhanced agricultural exports could provide additional support. This year, these sectors have recorded a steeper decline in export growth than others. Agricultural products, which account for roughly 8% of total exports, contracted for the first 11 months, highlighting their vulnerability to a stronger baht. For the first 11 months, exports rose by 12.6% to $311 billion, while imports grew by 12.4% to $316 billion.

Co-pay scheme drives up Grab salesListen to this articleA spread of dishes from Mee Laph, which had the highest sales among upcountry restaurants for GrabFood during the co-payment scheme. Grab, a leading super-app in Southeast Asia, is sharing lessons from two local eateries about how the "Khon La Khrueng Plus" co-payment scheme drove delivery sales growth. However, the co-payment scheme has played a tangible role in stimulating the economy and encouraging people to make purchases. "Sales on GrabFood have grown steadily, and during the co-payment scheme, revenue more than doubled," said Mr Narongsak. Mee Laph's success was underscored by its position as the highest-selling upcountry merchant participating in the co-payment scheme on GrabFood.

Thailand has denied that its removal of a Hindu statue erected by Cambodian troops in a disputed border area was a mark of religious disrespect, amid a growing outcry from Indians as well as Cambodians. “We have seen reports on the demolition of a statue of a Hindu religious deity … located in an area affected by the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute,” it quoted spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal as saying. “A destroyed statue cannot be compared with the limbs our soldiers have lost, nor can it be compared with acts of desecration. (Story continues below)The reported demolition of a Vishnu icon at the Cambodia–Thailand border is deeply troubling. Sacred religious symbols are not collateral damage; they represent living traditions, history, and identity for millions.