Thai stocks balloon as politics stabilises
Thai stocks balloon as politics stabilisesStock market investment sentiment has turned upbeat, backed by the Election Commission's (EC) endorsement of new MPs from the Feb 8 poll and the 2026 GDP upgrade by the Bank of Thailand, causing the Thai index to surpass 1,500 points on Wednesday. "The Bhumjaithai Party has a super-majority in the new coalition government, making the new administration and Thai politics more stable," he said. Isara Ordeedolchest, deputy managing director and head of investment research at BBL Asset Management (BBLAM), said the recent publication of fourth-quarter financial data indicated the Thai economy had posted substantial growth, backed by domestic consumption, private investment and government spending. "The healthy GDP expansion indicates the Thai economy has good prospects in the medium and long term," he said. BBLAM increased its 2026 GDP growth forecast from 1.6% to a range of 1.9-2.1%, while its SET index outlook is 1,520 points, up from a previous forecast of 1,450 points, said Mr Isara.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 23:35 UTC
Rice exports dip amid tariffs, global glut
Rice exports dip amid tariffs, global glutRice exports are expected to decline in the first half of 2026, following a 17.5% year-on-year drop to 530,287 tonnes in January, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association. White rice exports, accounting for 45% of total shipments, declined by 14.8%, while Thai hom mali rice dropped by 8.4% to 120,913 tonnes. Charoen Laothammatas, president of the association, said exchange rates have a significant impact on rice exports amid intensifying competition in the global market. For instance, this month Thai hom mali rice is priced at US$1,100 per tonne, while Vietnam's premium fragrant rice is about $600-800 per tonne and Cambodia's Malys Angkor fragrant rice is $830 per tonne. Thailand typically exports more than 800,000 tonnes of rice to the US annually, including 600,000 tonnes of Thai hom mali rice.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 23:35 UTC
BoT slashes rate in surprise move to support economy
BoT slashes rate in surprise move to support economyMr Don says the cycle of policy rate cuts has likely ended. The Bank of Thailand believes the cycle of policy rate cuts has ended, with Wednesday's reduction deemed sufficient to support the Thai economy. He said if the Thai economy progresses in line with the committee's assessment, the downward interest rate cycle can be considered over. "The latest rate cut may have surprised the market in terms of timing, but the market already expected the policy rate to be reduced to 1% this year," he said. "However, a reduction in the policy rate would help ease both financing costs and credit risks in the banking sector."
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 23:17 UTC
Stricter rules for online gold platforms in March
Tighter controls for online gold trading platforms are meant to reduce baht volatility, with enforcement set to take effect on March 1. Pornprom SatrabhayaThe Bank of Thailand has introduced tighter controls for online gold trading platforms in a move to curb their impact on the baht, with the new rules set to take effect on March 1. She said the central bank introduced regulations for gold trading on online platforms settled in baht to tighten oversight of high-value transactions, enhance transparency, and reduce risks to baht stability. Additional trading rules were introduced for online gold platforms settled in both baht and US dollars. Online gold trading can continue without any limitation," she told the Bangkok Post.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 23:17 UTC
Govt briefs France on Myanmar
Govt briefs France on MyanmarFrance has expressed strong interest in developments in Myanmar, while Thailand has emphasised its priority of safeguarding border security and promoting regional stability, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said. Speaking to reporters in Geneva on Tuesday, Mr Sihasak outlined the outcome of his talks a day earlier with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. France sought Thailand's perspective on the situation, particularly following Thailand's recent talks with Myanmar Foreign Minister Than Shwe in Phuket, Mr Sihasak said. Mr Sihasak said Thailand could not avoid engaging with Myanmar's military authorities and ethnic minority groups, given the shared border and the direct impact of instability on Thai territory. Thailand will continue engaging Myanmar, but progress must be mutual, Mr Sihasak said.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 22:51 UTC
EC files complaint over obstruction of re-count
EC files complaint over obstruction of re-countThe vote re-count in Kannayao on Feb 22. Varuth HirunyathebThe Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday filed a police complaint against members of the public who observed a vote re-count at a polling unit in Bangkok's Kannayao district, alleging their actions compromised the secrecy of the ballot. At the Central Investigation Bureau's complaint centre, EC deputy secretary-general Khanchit Charoen-in, accompanied by acting Sub-Lt Samphan Saengdamlert, director of the Bangkok election office, lodged a complaint after evidence emerged that ballot papers had been photographed. Mr Khanchit said the EC asked him to submit video clips circulated online, together with press photographs, relating to an incident during the Feb 22 re-count. The charge concerns an offence under electoral law relating to obstruction of officials in the performance of their duties.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 22:43 UTC
Tisana refuses to cave on ideology
Ms Tisana, 34, is an heir to the prominent Choonhavan political family. Ms Tisana has expressed support for the political ideals of her father, Kraisak Choonhavan, Chatichai's son, whose views centred on democracy and human rights. Ms Tisana said she has faced coordinated online attacks but has also received support from across Thailand's political spectrum. She works as a special lecturer in international law and human rights at George Mason University in the United States. She holds a bachelor's degree in international relations from Mahidol University International College and a master's degree in public international law (human rights) from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 22:43 UTC
Lawyer seeks investigation into ex-abbot
Lawyer seeks investigation into ex-abbotLawyer Ananchai Chaiyadet, left, and Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat Pankaeo, right. Ananchai Chaiyadet, a lawyer and chairman of the Dharma Army Lawyers Foundation, has filed a petition calling for an investigation into former abbot of Wat Sak Yai in Bang Kruai district, following media reports linking him to multiple women. The Dharma Army Lawyers Foundation had submitted the complaint to Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat, requesting an examination of the temple's financial records, including income and expenditure accounts, to determine whether they were managed lawfully. Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat said the CIB had taken an interest in the case and was coordinating with various agencies. Despite reports the former abbot has left the monkhood, Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat said financial matters must still be clarified.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 22:08 UTC
PP to lodge complaint against election body
The People's Party (PP) is filing a criminal complaint against the Election Commission (EC), alleging misconduct in the administration of the Feb 8 general election and seeking a court summons for the ballot-printing contractor. PP deputy leader Dr Wayo Assawarungruang said on Wednesday the party would file complaints against seven election commissioners, along with the EC secretary-general and the director of election support -- nine officials in total. Speaking on the television programme Kammakorn Khao Khui Nok Chor, Dr Wayo said the petition would be submitted to the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. Dr Wayo said the party is not seeking to nullify or cancel the election. Dr Wayo said that the party would likely file the case within the next one or two days.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 22:07 UTC
Thaksin eligible for parole on May 9
Thaksin eligible for parole on May 9Thaksin: Freedom beckonsThe Department of Corrections (DoC) on Wednesday confirmed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be eligible for parole on May 9 after serving two-thirds of his one-year prison sentence. The clarification followed comments a day earlier by Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthaphon Naowarat, who said Thaksin will have completed eight months in prison on May 9 -- equivalent to two-thirds of his one-year sentence -- meeting conditions for parole. Under regulations, inmates who have served two-thirds of their sentence may apply for parole, subject to approval by prison, corrections and Justice Ministry committees. DoC spokesman Yutthana Nakreungsri said the Klong Prem Central Prison committee has not yet finalised the list of inmates eligible for parole. He estimated that fewer than 500 inmates at the prison may qualify.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 22:06 UTC
PM, China envoy talk trade deal
Mr Anutin and Ms Suphajee attended a dinner meeting on Tuesday night at the Chinese embassy in Bangkok at Mr Zhang's invitation. The prime minister thanked China for its support in importing Thai rice and for its important role in the tourism sector. Both sides reviewed progress on trade cooperation, particularly Thailand's rice exports under an agreement to supply 500,000 tonnes to China. On Chinese investment, Mr Zhang said China does not condone illegal conduct by its investors or business operators and is ready to cooperate with Thailand in law enforcement and regulatory oversight. During the meeting, Mr Zhang praised Mr Anutin's leadership, citing his achievements in a short period and his dedication to duty.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 22:06 UTC
Cabinet starts to take shape
Nutthawat WichieanbutA new cabinet line-up is beginning to take shape as coalition partners negotiate the distribution of ministerial posts under an agreed formula, with the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) emerging as the dominant force in the prospective administration led by Prime Minister-designate Anutin Charnvirakul. Media reports on Wednesday said Bhumjaithai has secured 19 cabinet seats spanning 14 ministries, underscoring its central role in assembling a parliamentary majority. Of these, five positions fall within the prime minister's quota, including deputy prime ministerial posts combined with key ministerial portfolios. The Pheu Thai Party has been allocated eight seats and is expected to take charge of the Agriculture and Cooperatives, Education, Labour and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation ministries. He said the party is not seeking ministerial portfolios and Capt Thamanat Prompow, the party's chief adviser, himself does not wish to assume any cabinet position.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 21:42 UTC
FM rebuts Cambodian claims
FM rebuts Cambodian claimsForeign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow highlighted transnational online scams as a global human rights crisis while addressing the High-Level Segment of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council at UN Headquarters in Geneva. Foreign Affairs MinistryForeign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Tuesday rejected accusations from his Cambodian counterpart about border tensions during the High-Level Segment of the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. In response, Mr Sihasak said: "I intended to talk more about human rights challenges and the important work of this council. But once again, I find myself compelled to respond to far-fetched remarks made earlier by my Cambodian colleague." Do you choose the path of peace or the path of continued tensions and conflict, which unfortunately leads to more losses and suffering?"
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 21:41 UTC
Trump, Zelensky speak before Ukraine-US talks in Geneva
Trump, Zelensky speak before Ukraine-US talks in GenevaVolodymyr Zelensky thanked Donald Trump for his 'active involvement' in negotiationsKYIV (UKRAINE) - US President Donald Trump spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of a fresh round of talks Thursday aimed at ending Russia's invasion, a White House official told AFP. Zelensky wrote on social media that he had spoken with Trump, and that his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were on the call. - Preparatory talks -Zelensky said his call with Trump "discussed the issues that our representatives will address tomorrow in Geneva during the bilateral meeting, as well as preparations for the next meeting of the full negotiating teams in a trilateral format at the very beginning of March". "We expect this meeting to create an opportunity to move talks to the leaders' level. This is the only way to resolve all the complex and sensitive issues and finally end the war," he added.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 21:10 UTC
Cuba coastguard kills 4 on Florida-registered boat
Cuba coastguard kills 4 on Florida-registered boatHAVANA - Cuba's coastguard shot dead four people and injured six others travelling in a US-registered speedboat in an exchange of fire off the Cuban coast on Wednesday, the interior ministry in Havana said. The "illegal" Florida-registered boat was detected one nautical mile from Falcones Cay in Villa Clara province, the ministry said in a brief statement. As a coastguard vessel approached to identify the boat "shots were fired from the boat," injuring the commander of the Cuban vessel, the ministry added. Before Maduro's capture by US forces on January 3, Cuba had relied on Venezuela for about half its fuel needs. Faced with an outcry from Caribbean leaders, worried that starving Cuba of oil would cause the economy to quickly collapse, Washington said it would allow shipments of Venezuelan oil for "commercial and humanitarian use."
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2026 21:10 UTC