Traders bullish on gold's skyrocket
Traders bullish on gold's skyrocketListen to this articleGold jewellery on display in a Korea Gold Exchange store. In Thailand, prices jumped by 2,150 baht per baht-weight, with gold bar trading at 77,000 baht, according to the Gold Traders Association (GTA). The most bullish price forecast is from Kritcharat Hirunyasiri, chairman of MTS Gold, who expects global gold to hit $6,400 per ounce, while domestic prices move in a range of 85,000-88,000 baht per baht-weight. "Geopolitical tensions spurred by Trump is the major driver of gold prices jumping by about 20% year-to-date." Domestic prices are on course to reach 80,000 baht per baht-weight, up from the recent estimate of 75,000 baht.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 29, 2026 01:46 UTC
Schemes for SMEs to generate at least B260bn
Schemes for SMEs to generate at least B260bnListen to this articleMr Sittikorn says TCG recorded cumulative new credit guarantees worth 35.7 billion baht during the first 11 months of 2025. According to TCG president Sittikorn Direksoonthorn, ongoing government stimulus packages aimed at enhancing liquidity for SMEs comprise three main programmes. The "SMEs Credit Boost" credit guarantee mechanism is implemented in collaboration with the Finance Ministry, the Bank of Thailand and commercial banks, expected to result in around 100 billion baht in additional new lending over 1-2 years. During the first 11 months of 2025, TCG recorded cumulative new credit guarantees worth 35.7 billion baht, enabling 45,300 SMEs to access financing, helping to preserve 467,000 jobs, and generating 46.6 billion baht in credit within the system. The overall economic benefit created is estimated at 147 billion baht, according to TCG.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 29, 2026 01:42 UTC
China targeting over 1.5m Thai visitors in 2026
China targeting over 1.5m Thai visitors in 2026Listen to this articleChina aims to attract at least 1.5 million Thai visitors this year, up from more than 1 million in 2025, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects to generate 35.4 billion baht from 1.25 million foreign tourists during the 10-day Chinese New Year holiday next month. The Thai Travel Agents Association projected China was the top destination for Thai travellers with more than 1 million visitors last year, and Zhang Ruoyu, chief of the Chinese National Tourist Office (CNTO) Bangkok, said it's possible Thai arrivals could reach more than 1.5 million this year. Mr Zhang said the influx of tourists to China was attributed to supporting policies, such as visa exemptions and instant tax refunds for shopping. According to the CNTO, the number of Thai tourists visiting China soared by 494% year-on-year in the first half of 2024, following the introduction of permanent visa-free entry on March 1, 2024. Overall revenue during the holiday should reach 42.2 billion baht, increasing by 13% year-on-year, noted the TAT.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 29, 2026 00:31 UTC
TSTH flags pressure from Chinese steel
TSTH flags pressure from Chinese steelListen to this articleSteel products manufactured by Tata Steel (Thailand). TSTH president and chief executive Tarun Kuma Daga said weakening demand and pricing pressure in China are pushing mills there to ship more steel overseas. "China will continue exporting steel across the world at an enhanced level, due to weakening domestic demand and pricing competition," Mr Daga said. Mr Pandey has worked across multiple Tata Steel business units in India for 32 years and relocated to Thailand in December 2025. "Competition in the steel business is certainly challenging, especially against steel coming from Chinese mills," Mr Pandey said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 23:52 UTC
Run to fund orthopaedic kit
The initiative aims to raise 100 million baht for 13 hospitals lacking orthopaedic equipment and encourage Thais to collectively run 60 million kilometres — the equivalent distance from Bangkok to Mars. The Royal College of Orthopaedic Surgeons of Thailand (Rocost) has announced a fundraising marathon to support 13 hospitals facing shortages of orthopaedic medical equipment. Saksit Maharattanawong, an orthopaedic surgeon and director of Langsuan Hospital in Chumphon, said his hospital has only two orthopaedists. A lack of surgical equipment often forces patients to be referred to the provincial hospital, where long waiting lists delay treatment. "Although we have an operating theatre, we do not have adequate surgical equipment.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 23:52 UTC
Hospitals ready for Nipah virus
Hospitals ready for Nipah virusListen to this articleRajavithi HospitalThe Department of Medical Services has confirmed that Rajavithi Hospital and other major medical facilities are fully prepared to handle suspected or confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection, even though no cases have yet been reported in Thailand. In Pattaya, mayor Poramet Ngampichet has ordered health and veterinary teams to collect samples from large colonies of fruit bats after residents expressed concern they could spread Nipah virus. The hospital confirmed no Nipah virus cases have been detected, and strict screening and monitoring remain in place. The Embassy of India in Thailand said that since December 2025, only two confirmed Nipah cases have been reported in West Bengal, while 196 close contacts tested negative. On Tuesday, at least 1,700 tourists underwent screening for Nipah virus infection at three international airports, with no detections reported, the Public Health Ministry said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 23:51 UTC
True eager to seek synergy with Arise, CP
True Corporation intends to harness the strength and resources of its group and those of incoming majority shareholder Arise Ventures Group to generate profit and dividend payments. The Arise Group includes True Internet Data Center Co Ltd (True IDC) and Ascend Money. True will explore how the company and Arise can better leverage these businesses together, True Group chief executive Sigve Brekke told the Bangkok Post. Norwegian telecom operator Telenor recently agreed to sell a 24.95% stake in True to Arise Digital Technology Co, a subsidiary of Arise Ventures Group. Arise Ventures Group is owned by Suphachai Chearavanont, the chairman of True Corp.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 23:04 UTC
FTI eyes 1.5m auto units as domestic demand increases
According to the FTI's Automotive Industry Club, the target includes 950,000 units for export and 550,000 units for the domestic market. While the export figure remains unchanged, domestic production is set to increase by 50,000 units. Thailand's domestic car sales are forecast to reach 640,000–650,000 units in 2026, supported by rising BEV demand. Domestic car sales in December surged by 47.2% year-on-year to 75,121 units, boosted by the Thailand International Motor Expo, which recorded total bookings of more than 80,000 vehicles and motorcycles. For 2025, overall domestic sales rose by 8.47% to 621,166 units.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 23:04 UTC
Thai exporters told to make better use of free trade deals
Thai exporters told to make better use of free trade dealsListen to this articleCaretaker commerce minister Suphajee SuthumpunCaretaker commerce minister Suphajee Suthumpun is urging Thai exporters to make fuller use of free trade agreements (FTAs) to unlock untapped trade potential, after finding that 54% of eligible companies currently utilise FTA privileges. The Commerce Ministry stands ready to provide support and facilitation to help increase export capacity and competitiveness," Mrs Suphajee told a forum co-hosted by the SET on Wednesday. Thailand exports around US$14 billion worth of goods to India, and imports $4 billion worth of Indian goods here. "If certification procedures can be streamlined while maintaining standards, export values could increase meaningfully," Mrs Suphajee said. Regarding trade negotiations with the US, Mrs Suphajee said Thailand received approval for a tariff rate of around 19%, broadly in line with neighbouring countries.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 23:04 UTC
Pundit: Chinese goods the main threat
The influx of low-priced goods from China has a far more severe impact than US tariffs on Thai products, notes an analyst. In terms of direct effects, it can almost be ignored," said Mr Somkiat. Mr Somkiat said the more damaging factor for Thailand is the influx of Chinese goods into the domestic market, which was a problem before tariffs were introduced. Thailand must ensure the US does not view it as a transit base for Chinese goods destined for the American market, said Mr Somkiat. Without adaptation, such as amending laws that pose structural obstacles, Thailand's economy will be unable to recover, said Mr Somkiat.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 23:04 UTC
Call-centre gangs shift to using corporate accounts
Call-centre gangs shift to using corporate accountsListen to this articleThe Anti-Online Scam Centre (ACSC) has uncovered a new operational model used by call-centre gangs, which have shifted from using individual mule accounts to corporate "mule accounts" to defraud victims, evade scrutiny, and launder larger sums of money, police said. These entities, he said, are then used to open bank accounts in the name of juristic persons, which function as mule accounts to receive funds transferred by scam victims. Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop said corporate mule accounts are increasingly favoured by fraud syndicates, particularly in investment scams, because victims tend to view corporate accounts as more credible than personal ones. As it moves to counter the threat, the ACSC has coordinated closely with the DBD to roll out stricter preventive and enforcement measures against nominee arrangements and corporate mule accounts from late last year until early this year. Among the measures: the DBD has issued six new regulatory instruments to tighten company registration and verification procedures.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 22:59 UTC
Abhisit vows clean politics, 5% growth
Clean governanceMr Abhisit said the Democrats are campaigning on a platform of clean politics, a systematic crackdown on illicit capital, and governance led by experienced professionals. Addressing scepticism over the ambition of that target, Mr Abhisit asked why Thailand should accept lower expectations when neighbouring Asean countries have managed stronger growth. Mr Abhisit said his return to frontline politics is driven by a desire to see a more honest society. Mr Abhisit linked corruption to major public-sector tragedies and project failures, arguing that secrecy in procurement and project management has been a root cause. "A clean country with a growing economy can regain confidence from all sides," Mr Abhisit said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 22:59 UTC
BoT plans to issue new gold trading measures
The central bank will continue to monitor gold trading transactions, which are linked to baht movements and could contribute to the currency's appreciation against the US dollar, he said. After the regulator sought cooperation from financial institutions, banks reported several suspicious cases, which the central bank is now investigating. If it detects any irregular fund flows, the central bank will take further legal action, said Mr Vitai. "For example, we identified two suspicious cases involving cash withdrawals worth 250 million baht and 200 million baht per transaction," he said. As the issuer of banknotes in circulation, the central bank needs to play a greater role in addressing these issues, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 22:59 UTC
PAO official, wife linked to gambling
PAO official, wife linked to gamblingListen to this articleThe Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has found evidence directly linking a Kalasin provincial councillor and his wife to an online gambling network, as officers race to locate the couple. "That allowed us to expand the case and uncover a major gambling network in Kalasin," he said. He said financial analysis later revealed Mr Patthanun and his wife were central figures. The couple later attempted to obscure the money trail after Mr Patthanun entered local politics last year, forcing police to revisit transactions dating back to 2019. The Criminal Court issued warrants on Monday for Mr Patthanun and his wife on charges including organising illegal online gambling and money laundering.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 22:59 UTC
Sena puts focus on affordable housing
Sena puts focus on affordable housingListen to this articleMs Kessara says Sena will further introduce Pre-LivNex, an upgraded version of the LivNex programme this year. This year, Sena will launch eight projects worth 10.7 billion baht, comprising seven condo projects and one housing project. A majority of six projects will be in the affordable segment, priced 1–2.5 million baht per unit, worth 4.1 billion baht in total. Ms Kessara said Sena had already secured the largest market share of 20% in Bangkok for condos priced 1–2 million baht. This year, Sena is targeting revenue of 10.6 billion baht, including 9.3 billion baht from the real estate business, about 339 million baht from the service and management business, and around 1 billion baht from the renewable energy business.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 22:50 UTC