Post-poll upswing continues on SET
Post-poll upswing continues on SETPhoto: 123RFThai shares rose for most of this week, with the SET index approaching the key psychological and technical resistance level of 1,500 points, before a dip prompted by profit-taking and geopolitical stress on Friday. We expect the SET index to stay rangebound between 1,480 and 1,500 points next week. POSITIVE FACTORSThe material change in transactions by investor groups continues to be a key supporting factor for the SET. If foreign players unload shares, domestic funds have the potential to absorb them. However, foreign investors remain net buyers and show no sign of imminent sales, reflecting a medium-term holding pattern rather than short-term speculation.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 23:08 UTC
Tudor faces huge challenge in first match at Tottenham
Tudor faces huge challenge in first match at TottenhamCroatian manager Igor Tudor. Spurs, on the other hand under new interim manager Igor Tudor, are battling with a possible relegation threat being in 16th place only five points above the bottom three. Whether the Croatian can halt the poor form that led to the departure of Thomas Frank remains to be seen. In his final months at Spurs, Frank had become used to hearing boos from the fans after disappointing performances. Tomorrow's game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should be a belter and Arsenal will be hoping the hosts don't experience an immediate "new manager bounce".
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 22:53 UTC
Zelensky tells AFP that Ukraine is not losing the war
Zelensky tells AFP that Ukraine is not losing the warUkrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky is coming under mounting pressure from Donald Trump to cede territory to Russia. (Photo: AFP)KYIV (UKRAINE) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told AFP on Friday that his country is not losing its war against Russia, has taken hundreds of square kilometres in a new counteroffensive, and that European troops should deploy right on the front line after any ceasefire. The question is whether we will win," Zelensky told AFP journalists at the presidential palace in the Ukrainian capital. Zelensky said Kyiv was taking advantage of the situation, but conceded to AFP that Ukrainian forces had also experienced interruptions due to the outages. And he told AFP on Friday that Kyiv wants European troops -- earmarked to be deployed in Ukraine in case of a halt in fighting -- to be positioned close to the front.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 22:52 UTC
'Not the end': Small US firms wary but hopeful on tariff upheaval
'Not the end': Small US firms wary but hopeful on tariff upheavalThe Supreme Court decision on tariffs does not mark an end to the difficult trade environment some businesses are dealing with. "It's certainly not the end of the difficult trade environment that we're trying to deal with," said Ben Knepler, co-founder of outdoor chair maker True Places. He was forced to radically scale back his Pennsylvania-based business last year after Trump imposed new tariffs on virtually all trading partners. Knepler had shifted his supply chain out of China to Cambodia at heavy cost after Trump's trade war with Beijing during his first presidency. He was "cautiously optimistic" over the Supreme Court ruling.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 22:51 UTC
Anxious Venezuelans seek clarity on new amnesty law
Anxious Venezuelans seek clarity on new amnesty lawFamily members have been gathered for weeks outside jails in Venezuela awaiting the release of their loved ones. (Photo: AFP)CARACAS - Families in Venezuela continued to wait anxiously outside prisons Friday, as questions swirled about a newly passed mass amnesty law pushed through by interim authorities following the US toppling of Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela's National Assembly unanimously adopted the law early Friday, providing hope that hundreds of political prisoners behind bars may be soon released. Many relatives of prisoners across Venezuela have waited outside jails for weeks for the potential release of their loved ones. He called for all other political prisoners to be freed and exiles to be allowed to return.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 22:51 UTC
US military assets in the Middle East
US military assets in the Middle EastAn image taken and released by David Parody on February 20, 2026 shows the USS Gerald R. Ford transiting the Strait of Gibraltar. Below, AFP examines key US military assets deployed in or near the Middle East. It is accompanied by three destroyers, and when in position will bring the total number of US warships in the Middle East to 17. It is rare to have two of the massive warships in the Middle East at the same time. - Air defenses -The United States has also reportedly boosted its land-based air defenses in the Middle East, while the numerous guided-missile destroyers in the region provide air defense capabilities at sea.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 22:51 UTC
Why fashion brands are now serving coffee
Dior's Café Dior sits inside Dior Gold House next to Central Chidlom, wrapped in architectural cues that mirror the brand's couture codes. A handbag purchase demands commitment, but a coffee does not. When a fashion house becomes a place to drink coffee on a weekday afternoon, something of that distance dissolves. Café Dior does not resemble a neighbourhood coffee shop. The question is not whether brands will continue serving coffee.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 22:46 UTC
Petrochemical sector faces stagnant year
Petrochemical sector faces stagnant yearIRPC's oil refinery facilities in Rayong's Muang district. Oversupply from China, geopolitical tensions and stricter environmental regulations are among the key factors dragging down the sector. Earlier IRPC, PTT and Boon Rawd Brewery jointly announced the successful patenting of a new recycled plastic blend. Meanwhile, PTT Global Chemical Plc (GC), another petrochemical flagship, reported signs of recovery. GC targets a 4-billion-baht cost reduction, supported by asset sales expected to generate 2.3 billion baht in cash in the first quarter.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 22:36 UTC
Thai Food Giants Lead Asia in Protein Disclosure, APB100 Finds
The benchmark finds that Thai companies lead regional peers on protein supply-chain disclosure. Of the 10 Thai companies assessed, six are placed in Tier 3 (Evolving Strategically), with the remaining companies in Tier 4 (Developing Efforts). Thai companies recorded the highest market average score in ARE’s 2024 edition of the benchmark. Governance, Protein Diversification and Nature Risks Remain Critical GapsAs with most Asian peers, Thai companies show low performance on governance related to protein sustainability. Moving from commitment to implementation will require clear targets, stronger supplier engagement and credible assurance across protein supply chains.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 21:00 UTC
Deaths of 70 tigers at Chiang Mai park probed
The operators of the Tiger Kingdom attractions in Thailand say they do not chain their animals, which have been bred in captivity and are comfortable around humans. The privately run Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai has barred all non‑authorised entry and begun facility‑wide disinfection while laboratory tests are conducted on the tiger carcasses sent to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University, according to provincial livestock officials. Kritsayarm Kongsatri, director of the Protected Areas Regional Office 16 (Chiang Mai), said he had received reports of a large number of tiger deaths — around 70 — at the popular tiger park. The Chiang Mai Provincial Livestock Office is overseeing the formal investigation, he said, while the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation would dispatch a team to observe and support. Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai is operated by Khum Sue Trakarn Co Ltd, which also manages Tiger Kingdom Phuket and three Tiger Park attractions — two in Phuket and one in Pattaya.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 19:56 UTC
Thailand to raise international passenger fee in June
Airports of Thailand defends 53% hike but critic asks whether travellers will see better serviceOutbound travellers look at a flight departure screen at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday. (Photo: Bangkok Post)Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced on Friday that the passenger service charge (PSC) on outbound international travellers will rise to 1,120 baht per person from 730 baht from June 20, 2026. The 53% increase will apply at the six airports run by the company: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The domestic passenger fee remains unchanged at 130 baht, AOT said. Although AOT maintains that the PSC increase is in line with international practice, critics question whether passengers are getting value for money.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 18:50 UTC
Lee and Jeeno dazzle at Honda LPGA Thailand
Lee So-Mi of South Korea came close to becoming only the second player in LPGA history to shoot a 59 on the second day of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2026 tournament on Friday. (Photo: Pakawich Damrongkiattisak)PATTAYA - Lee So-Mi of South Korea seized the halfway lead at the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament in spectacular fashion on Friday, while Thai favourite Jeeno Thitikul celebrated her 23rd birthday with a magical masterclass. With a 36-hole aggregate of 17-under 127, Lee heads into the weekend with a three-stroke advantage over second-placed Jeeno, who posted a nine-under 63, her second successive bogey-free round. Lee won the Dow Championship last year in partnership with compatriot Im Jin-Hee but is still awaiting her maiden solo LPGA Tour triumph. Only one further birdie at the 18th followed, but Jeeno was delighted to spend such a special day for her in the company of many hundreds of the Jeeno Thitikul Fan Group.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 18:36 UTC
TIDLOR unveils the story behind its growth amid challenges in 2025 letter
TIDLOR unveils the story behind its growth amid challenges in 2025 letterManaging director highlights human capital, digital fluency and 'antifragile' resilience in latest reportTIDLOR Holdings Public Company Limited (TIDLOR Holdings or TIDLOR) reported quality growth in 2025, with net profit rising 17.4% year-on-year. The performance reflects the group’s strong business fundamentals and adaptability amid a challenging external environment in 2025, spanning economic headwinds, international conflicts and severe natural disasters. Most recently, Mr Piyasak Ukritnukun, managing director, shared his perspectives and the story behind the group’s success beyond the financial statements in the 21-page 2025 Letter to Shareowners. Collectively, these stories reflect TIDLOR Holdings’ defining "antifragile" properties — exhibiting not only resilience through crises but also the ability to grow potentially stronger and more adaptable. Shareowners and investors interested in insights beyond the financial statements can access the full 2025 Letter to Shareowners at www.TIDLORinvestor.com.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 18:27 UTC
SEC files criminal complaint against Bitazza
Regulator says Thai digital asset platform operations should have been separated from Bitazza GlobalThe Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand has filed a criminal complaint against Bitazza Co Ltd, an affiliate and two executives for operating a digital asset exchange without authorisationNamed in the complaint were Bitazza International Ltd (Bitazza Global); Bitazza Co Ltd; Kavin Phongpandecha the co-founder and former chief executive of Bitazza Thailand; and Tanawat Sutuntivorakoon, the company’s current CEO. The SEC said Bitazza Global and Bitazza, which is licensed in Thailand as a digital asset broker, jointly provided a digital asset trading or exchange platform and collected transaction fees. As well, Bitazza was found to have provided key operational systems to Bitazza Global. Bitazza Thailand said it had addressed the SEC’s concerns and that the operations, systems and communications of Bitazza Thailand and Bitazza Global are now clearly segregated. Public access to the Bitazza Global platform will be blocked effective March 22, 2026, it said.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 18:03 UTC
ONE Championship: Myanmar’s Vero Nika eyes title mix with KO, bonus at Friday Fights 143
The 29-year-old Myanmar striker headlines ONE Friday Fights 143 at Lumpinee Stadium tonight against Israel’s Shir Cohen, knowing a third consecutive win could propel her into the atomweight Muay Thai title conversation. “If I win against her, I want to fight the champion,” Vero told the Bangkok Post after Thursday’s weigh-ins. Rodrigues, meanwhile, defends her belt against atomweight kickboxing champion Phetjeeja next month at ONE Fight Night 41 in Bangkok. “But it’s hard without support.”Vero and Shir Cohen at the ONE Friday Fights 143 face offs in BangkokFor now, her focus is firmly on Cohen – a strong kickboxer returning with unfinished business. A future Muay Thai clash with Stamp Fairtex remains on her radar, as the former three-sport champ searches for a tune-up bout amid her comeback from a long injury layoff.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 20, 2026 17:58 UTC