Stocks slide as Middle East conflict fans inflation fears
Stocks slide as Middle East conflict fans inflation fearsA 3D-printed oil pump jack, Iranian flag, and a rising stock graph appear in this illustration taken on Monday. "Economic policy uncertainty was already elevated and now with the Iran conflict, the geopolitical risk is expected to rise too," said Rupal Agarwal, Asia quant strategist at Bernstein in Singapore. "Last time both spiked was in 2022 during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which didn’t work well for Asian markets." In natural gas markets, benchmark European and Asian LNG prices leapt by around 40% on Monday. The odds of a June hold, previously below 50%, edged up on Monday and are now slightly better than a coin-toss.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 03, 2026 04:02 UTC
For the Straw Hat Crew
Netflix Thailand, in collaboration with TAT and BMA, will host an eight-day event to delight One Piece fans at Lumphini Park. Scheduled for March 8-15, "Grand Line In Thailand" will transform Bangkok's oldest public park into a legendary sea route which everyone can enjoy for free, especially the Straw Hat Crew. Of course, the event commemorates the premiere of "One Piece: Into The Grand Line" on March 10 only on Netflix. The epicentre is located at the lake near the pedal boat rental station. The highlight is Pirate Pedal Boat, where you can put your leg power to the test as a captain, choosing from three iconic designs: Going Merry, Baroque Works or Marine Battleship.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 03, 2026 03:16 UTC
Online shopping fraud complaints surge
Online shopping fraud complaints surgePhoto: 123RFComplaints about online fraud surged last week, with losses exceeding 440 million baht, according to the latest figures released by the Anti Cyber Scam Centre (ACSC) on Monday. The combined damages totalled 440.7 million baht during the period. The majority were about online shopping scams, with 4,996 reports, followed by employment, investment and the so-called "phone threat" scams. Although online shopping scams typically lead to lower losses per case, they occur frequently and affect a large number of people, making them one of the most pervasive threats. Losses in this category surged from 86.2 million baht to 117.8 million baht.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 03, 2026 02:10 UTC
GPO confirms medicine stocks sufficient amid Mideast tensions
GPO confirms medicine stocks sufficient amid Mideast tensionsThe Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) has confirmed it has not been affected by the recent unrest in the Middle East and has sufficient raw materials and medicine reserves to ensure continued production. The GPO has implemented systematic procurement and production plans, alongside comprehensive public health contingency measures in the event of an emergency. At present, the organisation has ensured adequate preparedness in terms of medicine production and raw material stockpiles. Advance procurement planning is conducted at least six months in advance, providing further assurance that medicine production and national supply will not be disrupted, she said. "We maintain adequate reserves of raw materials, finished pharmaceutical products and medical supplies to support ongoing production and distribution.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 03, 2026 01:47 UTC
ONCB cuffs two officers in drug probe
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has expanded its investigation into the transnational drug trafficking network led by alleged kingpin "Sia Jiw", arresting two military officers accused of involvement in money laundering and drug transportation. Data retrieved from a confiscated mobile phone led investigators to identify the alleged mastermind as Chutthithan, known as "Sia Jiw", a former heroin convict arrested in 2006. On Feb 12, the ONCB and Provincial Police Region 5 raided eight locations across Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nonthaburi and Bangkok. On Wednesday, authorities arrested a senior officer identified only as Lt Col Pan, attached to the permanent secretary's office, and his wife in Bangkok. Pol Lt Gen Suriya said that although Sia Jiw remains at large, the arrests have "cut off key financial and operational lifelines" of the network.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 03, 2026 01:36 UTC
Decoding dramatic economic events at home and abroad
Decoding dramatic economic events at home and abroadTwo significant events unfolded almost simultaneously last week. The MPC's decision to bring Thailand's policy rate down to 1.00% was a positive surprise for markets. The committee cited the need to support economic recovery, ease household debt burdens and anchor medium-term inflation expectations -- noting the current level is now "sufficiently accommodative". Nevertheless, we believe a policy rate of 1.00% may still fall short of pushing the economy back to its potential. InnovestX therefore maintains its US GDP growth forecast at 1.9% and views a tariff risk premium as a factor investors will need to monitor.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 03, 2026 01:12 UTC
Mapping system to bolster tax collection management
Mapping system to bolster tax collection managementPornchai ThiravejaThe Excise Department is developing a tax map system to bolster its tax collection management, according to Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the department. The map will cover all shops and service operators under the excise law, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the department's tax collection. The department is targeting 578 billion baht in tax collection in the 2026 fiscal year, up 5% from the previous year. Key sources of excise revenue were petroleum and petroleum products tax, valued at 84.1 billion baht, 5% above target; automobile tax of 21.3 billion baht, 5.73% above target; beer tax valued at 32.4 billion baht, 0.87% above target; liquor and spirits tax of 22.0 billion baht, 8.77% above target; tobacco tax worth 17.2 billion baht, 3.93% above target; and non-alcoholic beverages tax worth 9.08 billion baht, 6.87% below target. The department has adjusted its tax law, and has reduced some processes to make it more convenient for business operators to enter the tax system.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 03, 2026 01:12 UTC
Fire at US embassy complex in Riyadh after blast heard, sources say
Fire at US embassy complex in Riyadh after blast heard, sources sayPeople pray outside the Iranian Embassy, where flowers and toys were placed following strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, in Moscow, Russia March 1, 2026. REUTERSA loud blast was heard and flames were seen at the U.S. embassy in Riyadh early on Tuesday morning, three people familiar with the matter said, with one person saying the fire was minor. An embassy spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did the Saudi government media office. Black smoke was seen rising over Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, which houses foreign missions, two of the people said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 03, 2026 00:56 UTC
Rubio says Israel's strike plan triggered US attack on Iran
Rubio says Israel's strike plan triggered US attack on IranUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio addresses the press before briefing House and Senate leaders on US military action in IranWASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - The United States attacked Iran only after learning that ally Israel was going to strike and fearing Tehran would retaliate against US forces, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday. Rubio, who was preparing to brief key US lawmakers, said that Iran had told field commanders to respond automatically against US forces if there was an attack. Asked if the United States faced an imminent threat from Iran -- a key threshold in the United States as Congress constitutionally has the power to declare war -- Rubio again pointed to the Israeli plans. Rubio, however, said that President Donald Trump's administration believed in the need to strike Iran, regardless of how the timing was triggered. Rubio said that the United States would like to see the overthrow of the Iran's clerical state but that that was not the goal.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 03, 2026 00:21 UTC
Police ask EC to back up poll complaint
VARUTH HIRUNYATHEBThe Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has asked Election Commission (EC) officials to provide additional statements to support allegations of interference by observers during the vote-counting process in Bangkok's Khannayao district on Feb 22. The EC claimed such actions interfered with its work as the poll organiser. Separately, Senator Nantana Natavaropas said the EC is engaging in a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP). She said the problems observed during the election process were the result of the agency's incompetence and inefficiencies. "The EC can try to silence the people, but their voice will only become louder."
Source:Bangkok Post
March 03, 2026 00:17 UTC
When a white coat meets the public spotlight
When a white coat meets the public spotlightIn recent weeks, Thai social media has been animated by a striking image: a physician standing before the headquarters of the Medical Council, announcing her intention to relinquish her medical licence in protest at an impending disciplinary disclosure. A medical licence is not merely a permit to practice. When disciplinary processes intersect with this new media landscape, disputes that once remained within professional circles become public spectacles. The recent public drama should therefore be viewed not merely as an individual act, but as a symptom of systemic strain. Public trust in medicine is a national asset.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 02, 2026 23:58 UTC
Why gold beat the Dow in a race
Why gold beat the Dow in a raceTrays of 100 gramme gold bars at the Polish mint, also known as Mennica Polska SA, in Warsaw, Poland, on Feb 12. On Jan 26, gold hit $5,000 (157,342 baht) an ounce for the first time, and eleven days later, the Dow Jones Industrial Average cracked 50,000. At that point, the Dow was already 61% of the way towards its big round number, while gold was just 37% of the way there. Extrapolating data trends from 1985 through 2020, you would have expected the Dow to reach 50,000 by 2027 and gold not to hit the $5,000 target until 2035. The World Gold Council reported a 28% year-over-year increase in the population's purchases of gold bars and coins in 2025.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 02, 2026 23:58 UTC
Can Russia 'rise' again in Asean?
Can Russia 'rise' again in Asean? Senior Asean officials are considering Russia's request to hold a second special summit in Moscow to commemorate the 30th anniversary of its dialogue partnership with Asean. Coming during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the proposal signals Moscow's effort to rejuvenate its overall ties with Asean. Under Asean practice, commemorative summits are normally held every decade, either ahead of or back-to-back with the Asean Summit at the end of the year. Without meaningful progress in the peace process, however, Asean could opt to host the summit in the Philippines, possibly immediately after the 49th Asean Summit scheduled for early November.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 02, 2026 23:58 UTC
The next step to equality
The next step to equalityA heated exchange on a pageant stage has ignited a debate that extends far beyond television. Earlier this year, Thailand took a historic step by becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise marriage equality. The move was widely celebrated as evidence that Thai society had matured beyond symbolic tolerance towards substantive equality. Or it can approach the issue as the next logical step in its equality journey, one that requires legislative clarity, not viral soundbites. Allowing the debate over honorifics to devolve into anatomical litmus tests risks undercutting the international standing Thailand gained through marriage equality.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 02, 2026 23:54 UTC
Two key renewable projects face delay
Two key renewable projects face delayWater pumps in an irrigation canal provide water for farmland in Suphan Buri's Muang district. Bangkok Post file photoTwo key renewable energy projects pushed by the caretaker government of Anutin Charnvirakul need to be delayed until a new government is formed, says energy permanent secretary Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo. The solar-powered water pump project is among the projects under Mr Anutin's 'Quick Big Win' policy, which emphasises immediate, impactful and inclusive projects. Another project which will face a further delay is the direct PPA scheme, aimed at facilitating clean power trade by enabling businesses to buy renewable power directly from power companies. The government previously invited foreign companies specialising in data centre development to invest in Thailand, but they sought clarity regarding the direct PPA policy.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 02, 2026 23:54 UTC