Finnomena bullish on local equities
Finnomena bullish on local equitiesListen to this articleMr Jessada, centre, says Thailand still has multiple fiscal stimulus tools available that could provide further upside to economic growth once implemented. Jessada Sookdhis, chief executive and co-founder of Finnomena Funds, said the outlook represents a clear break from prevailing market sentiment, which has remained cautious on Thai equities despite historically attractive valuations. Finnomena observed foreign investors have slowed net selling of Thai equities, while domestic investors have begun returning to the market. GLOBAL ALLOCATIONChayanon Rakkanjanan, chief executive and co-founder of Finnomena, said global investment dynamics are undergoing a structural shift. As a consequence, Finnomena sees stronger upside in AI-related equities in South Korea, Taiwan, Europe and Japan, particularly chipmakers and power infrastructure providers.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 04:09 UTC
Celebrities call for action against US immigration raids
LOS ANGELES — Celebrities from movie stars to pop singers are speaking up with calls to action against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids after two Americans were shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. Jamie Lee CurtisOscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis also joined the call for national protests against ICE raids. Billie EilishThe 24-year-old singer-songwriter called out other celebrities to speak on Pretti's death. "Hey my fellow celebrities u gonna speak up?" Eilish has since shared posts denouncing tactics used by ICE during their immigration raids.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 04:07 UTC
Kaset Fair 2026 will honour the Queen Mother's agricultural vision
The much-anticipated Kaset Fair will return with myriad activities and products for nine days at Kasetsart University, Bang Khen campus, from Friday to Feb 7. The fair is divided into 13 zones covering 2,000 shops from entrepreneurs to community enterprise groups and foundations, 238 student stalls and 19 food shops by student clubs. A highlight is "Eternal Bloom", an exhibition in honour of HM Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, to be held in front of Chakrabandhu Pensiri Hall. It portrays how the university has integrated knowledge and developed the country in a sustainable way in all dimensions. A string of activities includes a painting contest for young students, a dog-grooming competition, a K9 dog show, a dog fancy contest, a wild fighting fish contest, a fruit contest, an aquascaping competition, an ornamental plant competition, and an agricultural innovation and technology competition.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 04:02 UTC
B35m suit splurge questioned
B35m suit splurge questionedListen to this articleSahassawat Kumkong, a People's Party (PP) MP candidate for Chon Buri's Constituency 7, has questioned whether a 35-million-baht budget for tailoring suits for 7,000 Social Security Office (SSO) officials was taken from the Social Security Fund (SSF). Documents surfaced showing the SSO secretary-general in 2023 approved a procurement project worth 35 million baht to produce official uniforms, he said. Each recipient received a blue suit with trousers or skirts, one long-sleeved white shirt and one short-sleeved shirt. The material is a viscose rayon-polyester blend designed to be wrinkle-resistant, breathable, colourfast and resistant to sunlight and chemicals. Although the SSO had previously said only 5 billion baht of the 20-billion-baht ceiling was used, he questioned how contributors' money was being spent.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 03:51 UTC
'Grey' list exploitation
The move is part of a plan by Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob to release the names of 10 "grey politicians". The order effectively derails the political career of Dr Supat, a known critic of the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration and the current Bhumjaithai-led government. Before resigning, Dr Supat had publicly criticised the caretaker government for failing to deliver compensation to flood victims in Hat Yai. He noted that Dr Supat retains the right to appeal. The fact that the released names belong to members of parties rivalling the Bhumjaithai Party only substantiates accusations of "lawfare".
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 01:51 UTC
Loud threats, quiet retreats from Trump
By the time Mr Trump and his retinue landed in a fleet of four military helicopters, however, the wind had changed. Mr Trump is an instinctive autocrat who demands supremacy in the Western Hemisphere but might not permanently erase US democracy. And while neither Mr Trump nor Mr Putin wants it back, they are both mortal men. Six months ago, Mr Trump might have pulled off this brazen attempt to hijack the UN, at least for a while. Mr Trump has taken to calling Prime Minister Carney "Governor" Carney again, and Canadians know what that may imply.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 01:36 UTC
SCGD invests B599mn in Vietnam plant
SCGD invests B599mn in Vietnam plantListen to this articleGlazed porcelain tiles are becoming more popular in Vietnam as its economy grows. Prime Dai Loc, SCGD's joint venture operating the tile plant, reported record sales of glazed porcelain both domestically and abroad. Ideal for residential and commercial use, glazed porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles finished with a glass coating for added beauty and extra protection. SCGD also cut production costs by more than 330 million baht in 2025 through renewable energy initiatives. However, revenue fell by 11% year-on-year in the final quarter of 2025 to 5.3 billion baht, with full-year revenue down 11% to 22.7 billion baht.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 01:35 UTC
People's Party vows B250bn 100-day economic plan
People's Party vows B250bn 100-day economic planListen to this articleNatthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, fifth from right, front row, and his team pose for a photo with Kriengkrai Thiennukul, president of the Federation of Thai Industries, sixth from right, and FTI executives after discussions on economic policy at the FTI headquarters in Bangkok's Sathon district on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of People's Party)The People's Party (PP) has pledged to roll out an ambitious "first 100-day" economic plan worth 250 billion baht if elected to form the next government. The plan aims to revive Thailand's economy by boosting liquidity for entrepreneurs, tightening fair competition and stimulating domestic demand, while continuing the current co-payment scheme. Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut outlined the proposal after a meeting on Tuesday with executives of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). He said the initial phase would focus on plugging structural economic loopholes and restoring fairness for Thai businesses and workers.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 28, 2026 01:05 UTC
Chinese implore DSI to resolve 'berry farm scam'
Chinese implore DSI to resolve 'berry farm scam'Listen to this articleTwo Chinese investors have filed a complaint with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), alleging they were defrauded by a Thai businessman in a strawberry farm project in a coastal province, resulting in damages of more than 20 million baht. The complaint was submitted by lawyer Kritsada Intamara, alongside investors identified as Chun, 36, and Laila, 60, at the DSI headquarters on Chaeng Watthana Road. In 2024, a Thai businessman identified as "Mr T" persuaded the investors to join a strawberry farm project, claiming to have 100 rai of land and political backing. He said the case represents a serious threat to the economy, and urged the DSI to dismantle the network and restore investor trust. Somkiat Phetpradap, director of complaint reviews at the DSI, formally received the petition and said he would forward it to senior officials.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 23:35 UTC
ICE-linked security ‘not welcome’ at Winter Olympics
(Photo: AFP)ROME - A branch of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will help with security for the Winter Olympics in Italy, officials confirmed on Tuesday, sparking anger and warnings they were not welcome. In a statement to AFP, ICE said: “At the Olympics, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is supporting the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and host nation to vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organisations. “All security operations remain under Italian authority.”It’s not known whether the HSI has in the past been involved in the Olympics, or whether this is a first. The protection of US citizens during Olympic Games overseas is led by the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). The International Olympic Committee when contacted by AFP about the matter replied: “We kindly refer you to the USOPC (the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee)”.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 23:06 UTC
Gold traders seek clarity on new trading rules
Gold traders seek clarity on new trading rulesListen to this articleThe Gold Traders Association (GTA) is asking the Bank of Thailand to clarify all the regulations it is set to enforce regarding gold trading, asking for more time to comply, particularly with the measure for online gold trading using dollar-based transactions. "It will take several months for gold shops to be ready to comply, especially for online gold trading to be conducted in dollars." MORE TO COMETaking effect on Tuesday, gold traders with annual gold trading volumes of 10 billion baht or more are required to report their transaction data to the central bank. Gold and currency traders view the recent regulation requiring major gold traders to report their trading volumes to the central bank as having a limited impact in slowing baht strength, but gives the regulator room to better monitor gold trading. "As long as there is no tax imposed on gold trading, which could affect both gold businesses and our customers, we won't oppose it," she told the Bangkok Post.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 22:50 UTC
Tourism index dips in fourth quarter
Apichart JinakulThe tourism confidence index in the fourth quarter of 2025 dropped year-on-year, marking a sluggish recovery due to southern flooding, the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict and the strong baht, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT). The council's survey of 740 operators between Nov 10 and Dec 10 tallied a tourism confidence index of 72, down from 75 year-on-year, though improving from 66 in the third quarter. All regions across Thailand, except the central and western regions, recorded a year-on-year dip in tourism confidence in the fourth quarter. Tourism operators' revenue recovered by only 50% of the pre-pandemic level. For the first quarter of 2026, the TCT forecast the tourism confidence index improving to 80, with arrivals reaching 9.3 million, mainly driven by European tourists and the Chinese New Year holiday.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 22:50 UTC
Adaptation 'is key' to water management
Nutthawat WichieanbutThailand must urgently upgrade its flood and water management systems as climate change intensifies extreme weather, experts warned at the Water Resilience Forum 2026 on Monday. He cited global engineering solutions such as Singapore's "sponge city" concept, Japan's giant underground flood tunnels and the Netherlands' sea barriers, saying Thailand should develop its own flood management model suited to local conditions. Integrated measures to reduce upstream water flows and divert excess water to the sea have helped prevent major inundation, he said. "We don't have a dam to control water at the river's mouth, which makes Bangkok highly vulnerable to climate change," Mr Chadchart said. Victoria Elema, team lead for international water affairs at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, told the event that the Netherlands has successfully reduced flood risks through the Delta Works programme, which includes dams, sluices, locks, dykes and storm surge barriers.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 22:39 UTC
Pheu Thai says 'wanted' councillor already cut ties
Pheu Thai says 'wanted' councillor already cut tiesListen to this articlePheu Thai's PM candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat speaks during a rally at Thap Kwang Municipal Stadium, Kaeng Khoi district, Saraburi province. Pheu Thai PartyThe Pheu Thai Party said a Kalasin provincial councillor had already resigned from the party after authorities issued arrest warrants over alleged links to an online gambling and scam network. The male was identified as Patthanun Chandorn, a member of the Kalasin Provincial Administrative Organisation Council. Another provincial councillor, whose name has yet to be disclosed, reportedly fled abroad on Jan 15. The party confirmed Mr Patthanun had been a member but said he had resigned earlier and no longer held any status within Pheu Thai.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 22:39 UTC
Doubt clouds status of PP candidate
Doubt clouds status of PP candidateListen to this articleDr Supat Hasuwannakit (photo: People's Party)It remains unclear if Dr Supat Hasuwannakit -- who is running for the Feb 8 election under the banner of the People's Party (PP) -- has been removed from civil service due to a procurement scandal, according to Narong Klanwarin, chair of the Election Commission (EC). If Dr Supat is indeed disqualified, the provincial EC director in Songkhla would be required to petition the Supreme Court to revoke his candidacy, Mr Narong said. He said it falls on the EC provincial director in Songkhla to file a petition to the Supreme Court to revoke Dr Supat's candidacy. Mr Narong said he learned of the alleged dismissal from media reports, but it was unclear whether Dr Supat had actually been dismissed from the civil service. Dr Supat is running as a constituency MP candidate in Songkhla.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 22:38 UTC