Killing the goose that lays the Olympic gold medal
Killing the goose that lays the Olympic gold medalUS-born gold medallist Ailing Eileen Gu of China, middle, celebrates on the podium during the women's freeski halfpipe victory ceremony with silver medallist Li Fanghui of China, left, and bronze medallist Zoe Atkin of Britain. REUTERSThe Olympic Games have always been about more than sports, with the medal count serving as a measure of national vitality. For decades, the US has crowded the podium with the children of immigrants: Michelle Kwan (silver, 1998; bronze, 2002), Sasha Cohen (silver, 2006), Mirai Nagasu (bronze, 2018, team), Nathan Chen (gold, 2022), and, this winter, Ilia Malinin (gold, 2026, team) and Alysa Liu (gold, 2026). For example, the speed skater Apolo Ohno (gold, 2002, 2006; eight medals total) has a Japanese-born father, and the snowboarder Chloe Kim (gold, 2018; gold, 2022; silver, 2026) is the daughter of South Korean immigrants. The list grows longer if one includes champions descended from earlier migration waves, such as Polish-American Tara Lipinski (gold, 1998) and Japanese-American Kristi Yamaguchi (gold, 1992).
Source:Bangkok Post
February 24, 2026 01:21 UTC
The fuss about Thailand and the BOP
The main reason local media focused on the BOP was the presence of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, one of the 26 founding members. While Thailand is considering BOP membership, the prospective Anutin 2 government is weighing the broader implications for the country's eastern flank. Needless to say, Thailand seeks to maintain constructive relations with the United States, especially under Mr Trump. Many local commentators, both in mainstream outlets and on social media, feel Hun Manet has diplomatically outmanoeuvred Thailand during his recent foreign visits. Yet Hun Manet has avoided addressing those concerns, instead advancing unhelpful claims about Thailand.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 24, 2026 01:20 UTC
PTT seeks global LNG player status
PTT seeks global LNG player statusAn LNG receiving terminal operated by PTT in Map Ta Phut, Rayong. National oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc has unveiled plans to transform itself into a global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading firm, marking a major shift from its role as Thailand's LNG importer a decade ago. Southeast Asia alone hosts 14 LNG terminals with a combined capacity of nearly 60 million tonnes, with more facilities under development. According to the International Group of LNG Importers, the US's LNG supply is expected to double by 2031, with Qatar's output projected to rise 1.5 times. Last year, PTT traded 2.3 million tonnes under this model, and expects to reach 3 million tonnes this year.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 24, 2026 01:07 UTC
Digital lender sees Thai SME loans surge
Digital lender sees Thai SME loans surgeJain: Expects 30% more applicationsFunding Societies, Southeast Asia's largest SME digital financing platform, expects the total value of its loan applications in Thailand to reach 5.4 billion baht this year, with application volume growing 30% year-on-year, as it focuses on underserved SMEs with strong growth potential. Guided by prudent risk management principles, this approach is expected to be a key contributor to driving the company's loan portfolio growth by more than 30% over the assessed period. This disciplined approach is designed to enhance portfolio resilience, strengthen repayment visibility and support sustainable, quality-driven growth. Funding Societies Thailand's outlook is also supported by the group's regional footprint, across five Asean markets -- Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Regionwide, the company has recorded cumulative loan disbursements exceeding 157 billion baht across more than 5.2 million transactions, reflecting its ability to scale a sustainable digital lending platform.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 24, 2026 01:02 UTC
Central Pattana sees net profit surge by 13% in 2025
Central Pattana sees net profit surge by 13% in 2025A twilight view of Central Pinklao. Leading real estate developer Central Pattana Plc (CPN) has announced a strong performance for the 2025 fiscal year, delivering solid growth in revenue, net profit, dividends and foot traffic, reaching a new high for the third consecutive year. Its recent transformation projects, including Central Pinklao and Central Chiangmai Airport, have also received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Furthermore, CPN set a record of over 650 million visits a year to its shopping centres nationwide, attracting over 70 million visits from international tourists annually. Grade-A office space adjacent to Central shopping centres, including Central Park Offices, deliver fully integrated lifestyle solutions, with a portfolio of 11 office buildings across Bangkok situated in prime areas.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 24, 2026 00:07 UTC
Robot makers to invest B10bn in EEC
Robot makers to invest B10bn in EECPeople watch as humanoid robot performs a dance during celebrations on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Horse at the Niangniang Temple in Beijing, China, February 17, 2026. Mr Narit added that more companies are already showing an interest in setting up humanoid robot component facilities. Hangzhou Seenpin Electromechanical Transmission will invest 2.12 billion baht in Chon Buri to manufacture planetary roller screws and robot ball screws. Sanhua Intelligent Drives will invest 1.8 billion baht to produce actuators that control robot movement. Xusheng Group will invest 2.7 billion baht in Rayong to produce robot body, joint and bone components using lightweight, high-strength materials.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 23, 2026 23:28 UTC
Thai AirAsia to revamp flights to Seoul from May
Thai AirAsia to revamp flights to Seoul from MayMr Phairat (centre right) and TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool (centre left) launch the 'Fly your feelings' campaign covering eight domestic routes. Thai AirAsia will replace Thai AirAsia X in operating direct flights to Seoul from May 1, and aims to increase its domestic market share to 45% from 40% this year, despite intense competition from other low‑cost carriers that are aggressively expanding their fleets. Phairat Pornpathananangoon, chief executive of Asia Aviation PCL and Thai AirAsia, said Thai AirAsia will fly Airbus A320neos from Don Mueang International Airport to Incheon International Airport in Seoul commencing May 1, replacing Thai AirAsia X's operations with two flights a day. He said changing from Thai AirAsia X's wide-body aircraft to the single-aisle aircraft of Thai AirAsia wouldn't impact demand, as several airlines, both Thai and Korean, have been operating with narrow-body aircraft for a significant period. Most airlines might not be able to increase airfares on their domestic flights," he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 23, 2026 23:03 UTC
Thai growth upgraded after strong Q4
Thai growth upgraded after strong Q4Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul thanks voters after unofficial results show his party leads the poll. Three bank-affiliated research centres have upgraded their forecasts for Thailand's economic growth this year to around 2%, supported by a stronger-than-expected performance in the final quarter of 2025 and greater confidence in the new government. Amonthep Chawla, chief economist of the economic research centre of CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), said his bank raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast for Thailand to 2.1%, up from its previous estimate of 1.6%. This scenario would support Thailand's GDP growth in a range of 2–2.5% over the next few years. Separately, SCB Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC), the research arm of Siam Commercial Bank, has revised up its forecast for Thailand's GDP growth this year to 1.8%, from 1.5% earlier.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 23, 2026 22:57 UTC
Ekniti welcomes latest US tariff measures
Mr Ekniti says the 15% tariff is expected to boost exports, particularly in the short term during the 150-day period in which the measure remains in effect. The latest US tariff measures, which impose a uniform 15% import tariff on goods worldwide, is seen as a positive signal for the Thai economy and is expected to help push Thailand's GDP growth above 2%, says caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Previously, Thai products faced import tariffs as high as 19%, while competing countries such as Singapore were subject to tariffs of only 10%," said Mr Ekniti. Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council, said the 15% import tariff applied to all countries places every nation on the same level playing field. However, he warned that the US still has other trade-restrictive instruments, including the ability to raise import tariffs on specific products.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 23, 2026 22:50 UTC
Retailers call for more help than just spending stimulus
Nutthawat WichieanbutAs the Bhumjaithai Party prepares to lead the next government, one significant campaign pledge was to revive the "Khon La Khrueng Plus" co-payment scheme. However, people in the wholesale and retail sectors view this initiative as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution to the country's sluggish economy. The Khon La Khrueng Plus programme allowed registered individuals to pay only half the price of goods purchased from local shops, with the government subsidising the remainder. Mr Somchai added that retailers looking to sell online face high gross-profit fees, which increase costs for small players. The Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme will act as a pill that helps stabilise the country's economy, which has been facing critical challenges.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 23, 2026 22:45 UTC
PP deputy chief denies charge
PP deputy chief denies chargeRangsiman Rome (photo: parliament)Deputy People's Party leader Rangsiman Rome on Monday pleaded not guilty in a defamation case brought by Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, over remarks made during a parliamentary debate. Mr Mauerberger, through his authorised representative Thanadol Suwannarit, filed both criminal and civil complaints, seeking 100 million baht in damages. The lawsuit stems from statements by Mr Rangsiman in the House of Representatives alleging that Mr Mauerberger was linked to a scam syndicate and money-laundering operations. Arriving at court, Mr Rangsiman said the hearing focused on entering a plea and setting dates for witness examination. Amlo has asked prosecutors to seek confiscation of the assets, which authorities believe belong to Cambodian businessman Yim Leak and Mr Mauerberger.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 23, 2026 22:36 UTC
Teacher accused of sexual assaults on four students
Teacher accused of sexual assaults on four studentsPavena Hongsakul listens to complainants on Monday. (Screenshot from the Facebook page of her foundation)Four families have filed complaints with the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, alleging that their sons, all 12-year-old Grade 6 students, were sexually assaulted by a male teacher. The ministry pledged to pursue serious disciplinary action against the teacher and provide psychological support for the victims. The boys will undergo medical examinations, while prosecutors and social workers will oversee the process. Ms Pavena said the foundation will monitor the case closely to ensure criminal prosecution and disciplinary measures proceed to the fullest extent.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 23, 2026 22:35 UTC
Emojis mask thriving online drug trade
Varuth HirunyathebCriminal groups are relying on secret codes using emojis and slang to evade social media detection systems while luring young people into the drug trade, according to a report from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). Papasi Khaiyanan, director of the ONCB's Narcotics Prevention and Solutions Development Bureau, said the report -- conducted in collaboration with Chiang Mai University -- outlines patterns and trends in the online drug trade since 2016. To avoid detection, dealers use emojis and slang to advertise their products. The findings have led to greater success in apprehending online drug dealers, with at least 2,000 to 2,500 accounts taken down annually, the ONCB said. The ONCB will cooperate with popular online platforms to monitor evolving drug-related jargon and strengthen enforcement efforts.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 23, 2026 22:32 UTC
Fraud complaints 'declining'
Between Feb 15 and 21, authorities received 6,736 complaints through the Thaipoliceonline system, with total reported damages of 429.3 million baht. By volume, online shopping fraud remained the most common offence, accounting for 70.1% of reported cases. However, when measured by financial damage, investment scams conducted via computer systems ranked first. Losses from such schemes jumped sharply from 93 million baht the previous week to 123 million baht. Job-related transfer scams ranked second in total damage, while online shopping fraud placed third.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 23, 2026 22:32 UTC
Pressure rises over barcodes
Pressure rises over barcodesA legal expert from the People's Party (PP) says the use of traceable barcodes and QR codes on ballot papers used in the election could violate the principle of secret voting outlined in the constitution. Citing rulings issued in 2009 by the Administrative Court and the Constitutional Court, Mr Theera stressed that any electoral process which undermines ballot secrecy could render the vote unconstitutional. According to Mr Somchai, MP ballots must display a serial number on the detachable stub so officials can verify that the number of ballots in each booklet matches the quantity and serial numbers printed on the cover. "The absence of serial numbers on individual ballots opens the door to fraud," he wrote. He said that if ballot stubs do not carry serial numbers as required, the EC could be considered in breach of its own regulations and may face legal challenges as a result.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 23, 2026 22:32 UTC