Roaring global growth is emerging
Roaring global growth is emergingA pedestrian walks past an electronic quotation board displaying the foreign exchange rate of the Japanese yen against the US dollar in Tokyo, yesterday. AFPThe chaotic newsflow, geopolitical shape-shifting and wild market swings of 2026 have clouded one basic signal: the global economy is racing forward. Financial stocks, too, have risen more than twice that of their global stock benchmarks, and small caps are revving up as well. Meanwhile, the catalysts for a global cyclical upswing are mounting. It's also entirely possible these loose global conditions will eventually come back to haunt the financial world via bond market ructions.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 11, 2026 01:39 UTC
Japanese PM Takaichi comes out on top
Japanese PM Takaichi comes out on topJapanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has just scored an unprecedented victory in the country's general election. Only moments after Ms Takaichi became the LDP's president last October, the party's coalition partner of a quarter-century, Komeito, abruptly defected. Ms Takaichi survived the first shock by forming a new coalition with a smaller party closer to her own policy line. Ms Takaichi wants to abolish this practice and rely on a single budget at the start of the year. Ms Takaichi wants to correct this, and she has made explicit recognition of the constitutionality of Japan's armed forces central to the LDP's identity.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 11, 2026 01:36 UTC
NACC timing questioned
NACC timing questionedAs winning political parties begin forming alliances and the public waits for a new government to address bread-and-butter issues, the National Anti-Corruption Commission's (NACC) decision to move against former MPs from the People's Party is, to say the least, poorly timed. On Monday, the NACC issued a statement announcing its unanimous decision to refer former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat and 43 other former lawmakers to the Supreme Court for alleged serious ethical violations. Regardless of political ideology, the case raises serious questions about the role of independent agencies in relation to parliament and elected lawmakers. Among them are People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, widely tipped to become leader of the opposition in the new House, deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun, and outspoken MP Rangsiman Rome. Leaving political ideology aside, the final court ruling could have far-reaching consequences for the parliamentary system.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 11, 2026 01:36 UTC
Reinvent Thailand to revive growth
Reinvent Thailand to revive growthThe Thai flag is seen against the skyline of the capital, the day after the general election on Monday. The message is simple but urgent: if Thailand is to return to a path of high, inclusive, and sustainable growth, economic reform is unavoidable -- but economic reform alone will not be enough. International indicators show that Thailand delivers relatively solid outcomes in infrastructure provision, macroeconomic management, public health, and poverty reduction. Thailand performs far less well in areas that matter most for future growth -- education and environment quality, innovation, and industrial policy. Especially in industrial policy, which is crucial to reviving economic growth and depends heavily on state capacity, several indicators show that Thailand scores below the global average and behind regional peers.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 11, 2026 01:36 UTC
TFEX to trade carbon credits, digital assets
The cabinet has approved a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) notification to expand the range of underlying assets allowed in the derivatives market. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said this will add carbon credits, greenhouse gas emission allowances, and digital assets as eligible references for trading on the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX). First, carbon credits will be upgraded from a mere reference variable to a "deliverable underlying asset," enabling trading through both physical delivery and cash settlement. Third, digital assets -- including cryptocurrencies and digital tokens -- will be recognised as underlying assets, expanding regulatory coverage and supporting both domestic and international investment in line with the rapid growth of digital asset markets. Many countries, he said, already trade carbon credits, emission allowances, clean energy certificates and digital assets in futures markets.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 11, 2026 00:33 UTC
Brokerages upbeat on investment
Under the proposal, individuals would be allowed to invest up to 500,000 baht per year through the TISA scheme. To accelerate early adoption, an additional special investment allowance of 300,000 baht per year would be granted during the first two years of implementation. Through successive enhancements to investment incentives and savings policies, the index has since climbed beyond 50,000 points, highlighting the long-term impact of structural capital market reforms, he noted. "We will submit the proposal to caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas in the near future on behalf of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations," said Mr Paiboon. Maybank anticipates the caretaker finance minister to push through his "FastPass" foreign direct investment approval process, which could help unlock 1.9 trillion baht in investment projects.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 11, 2026 00:32 UTC
PTTEP greenlights greenfield project
SET-listed PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) has decided to invest in a new offshore petroleum site in Malaysia, the company's first greenfield development project in the country, in a move to support long-term growth. PTTEP Sarawak Oil Limited, a subsidiary of PTTEP and the operator of the SK405B project, has made a final investment decision (FID) for the Sirung and Chenda fields in the Malaysian SK405B project. "This marks our first FID for greenfield developments in Malaysia, one of our strategic countries," said PTTEP chief executive Montri Rawanchaikul. First oil production is targeted for 2028, with a combined production capacity of approximately 15,000 barrels per day, said Mr Montri. PTTEP Sarawak Oil holds a 49.5% participating interest in the SK405B project, with Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd holding 25% and Mitsui Energy Development Co holding 25.5%.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 10, 2026 23:42 UTC
Govt clears visa revamp
Govt clears visa revampThe cabinet on Tuesday endorsed a comprehensive visa package proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to boost tourism, attract long-stay visitors and stimulate the economy. Deputy government spokeswoman Aiyarin Phanrit said the measures, implemented in phases, aim to enhance Thailand's appeal to tourists, remote workers and long-term residents. With visa-free entry for nationals of 93 countries for up to 60 days, and an expanded Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme for 31 territories in effect, the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) caters to remote workers, while the Non-Immigrant ED Plus visa allows foreign students to work while they study. In the medium term, the MFA will streamline non-immigrant visas, with the target of reducing the categories from 17 to seven by Aug 31 this year. while future plans include adding eight more countries to the VoA scheme and revising the criteria for long-stay retirement visas.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 10, 2026 23:31 UTC
Telecom urges quicker state digital reforms
Telecom urges quicker state digital reformsThe new government is being advised to prioritise regulatory easing to attract greater foreign investment in digital infrastructure, enhance workforce skills, and promote the adoption of new technologies. Col Sanpachai Huvanandana, president of National Telecom (NT), said a one-stop service should be set up to facilitate foreign investment in digital infrastructure. In addition, Thai telecom operators should not compete too aggressively to woo customers, as this leads to overinvestment in infrastructure, said Col Sanpachai. Another technology that has attracted global attention is roadside infrastructure for the development of autonomous vehicles, he said. Mr Suebsak said the development of autonomous vehicles requires expertise in vehicle development, transport infrastructure and telecom.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 10, 2026 23:13 UTC
Digital tech central to national upgrade
Digital tech central to national upgradeMr Ekniti says strong agricultural production must be paired with access to markets. The government has pledged to leverage digital technology to upgrade agricultural supply chains. APRACA is a regional international organisation that aims to strengthen agricultural finance, using financial mechanisms to enhance national agricultural products through international cooperation. Discussions at the forum focus on developing agricultural products into premium products. Financial mechanisms can be used to upgrade agricultural products to the premium segment.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 10, 2026 23:13 UTC
Electrical goods sales flat due to stagnant economy
Electrical goods sales flat due to stagnant economyHaier products on display at a Bangkok mall. The sluggish economy continues to cast a shadow over Thailand's electrical appliance industry this year, though warm weather and the World Cup may propel sales. Thai Samsung Electronics plans to tap into the commercial washing machine segment this year by supplying products to launderette operators. Sarat Aksaralikitsanti, head of home appliances and consumer electronics at Thai Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, said the company will import products from South Korea. Meanwhile, the Thai TV market is expected to remain flat this year, according to Thai Samsung.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 10, 2026 23:08 UTC
IT policies may spike sector by 6%
IT policies may spike sector by 6%Most political parties vowed to leverage digital technology to improve the performance of state agencies. Most political parties vowed to leverage digital technology to improve the performance of state agencies, such as promoting data connection among state agencies, providing public services and sending natural disaster alerts. The parties' digital policies require investment to install equipment and software by the state and private sectors, which would benefit three IT business groups, he said. System integrators with expertise in application development are expected to secure deals from state agencies to develop applications and data exchange platforms. The third group is educational institutes with AI and data courses as they can provide training courses featuring international standards to state agencies and individuals.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 10, 2026 23:00 UTC
Ratchaburi eye ACL Two progress, face stiff Persib test
Ratchaburi eye ACL Two progress, face stiff Persib testLamphun's Anan Yodsangwal, top, celebrates his goal with Suriya Singmui. Lamphun Warriors Facebook PageRatchaburi host Indonesia's Persib Bandung in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League Two Wednesday night in a clash which has been billed as an Asean derby. Ratchaburi advanced from Group F, finishing second behind Japan's Gamba Osaka but ahead of Vietnam's Nam Dinh FC and Hong Kong's Eastern FC. Persib, meanwhile, topped Group G in convincing fashion, finishing above Bangkok United of Thailand, Singapore's Lion City Sailors and Malaysia's Selangor FC. Warriors held at homeLamphun Warriors were forced to settle for a point after being held 1-1 at home by Kanchanaburi Power in Thai League 1 on Monday night.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 10, 2026 22:58 UTC
UOB: Economic growth depends on stability
With the Bhumjaithai Party winning the election and leading the formation of the new government, existing economic policies are expected to continue in the initial phase, supporting Thai economic growth and helping to attract both foreign capital inflows and FDI, he said. This year UOB Thailand forecasts GDP growth of 1.8%, below the country's potential growth rate of 2.7%. Assuming smooth administration and effective policy execution, economic growth could exceed this baseline, noted the bank. UOB Thailand said its baseline forecast reflects a combination of sectoral strengths and structural challenges. UOB Thailand expects the Monetary Policy Committee to cut the policy rate once this year, reducing the benchmark rate to 1.0%.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 10, 2026 22:58 UTC
Foreign funds drive baht gains, market rally
Foreign funds drive baht gains, market rallyContinuous foreign fund inflows into both stock and bond markets following the Feb 8 election are likely to push the baht to appreciate beyond 31 against the US dollar, as Thailand's political uncertainties have eased, pundits say. According to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research), Thailand's bond market attracted 53.4 billion baht worth of foreign inflows since the start of the year to Feb 9, while 31.4 billion baht flowed into the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) over the period. On Monday alone, the SET attracted 16.5 billion baht in foreign funds, while bond purchases totalled 3.13 billion baht. "We are observing capital inflows into the Thai financial market, and we expect capital flows to continue into emerging market Asia, with Thailand among the beneficiaries of this trend," Mr Wachirawat noted. Strong foreign fund inflows drove the SET's daily trading value to more than 100 billion baht for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, double last week's daily average of 50 billion baht.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 10, 2026 22:58 UTC