Thai stocks drop on escalating war in Mideast
Thai stocks drop on escalating war in MideastAn electronic board displaying the Korea Composite Stock Price Index and a news report on the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in the dealing room of a bank in Seoul on Monday. Thai shares also dropped in line with other markets. (Photo: Reuters)The Stock Exchange of Thailand dived on Monday amid the escalating war in the Middle East, as oil prices moved beyond US$100 a barrel. The SET index had dropped 55.96 points, or 3.97%, as of 10.05am, with the Thai bourse following the downward trend of its regional peers. The Thai market plunge was in the same direction as other Asian markets as investors unloaded holdings, worried about surging oil prices as the US-Israel versus Iran war entered its second week with no end in sight.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 03:40 UTC
How the AI age is transforming us as people
When we talk about AI transformation, we often point to systems, strategy and structure. The AI age is not only redesigning how companies operate. But learning in the AI age is different. To thrive, individuals must create intentional rhythms: moments of deep work, moments of learning, moments of reflection. The AI age is not asking us to become machines.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 03:38 UTC
Trump, Starmer discuss Iran, after US says no need for UK help
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed military cooperation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday (March 8), Starmer's office said, after Trump dismissed the need for Britain's help to win the war with Iran.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 03:33 UTC
Turning biotechnology into hope for farmers
Turning biotechnology into hope for farmersChallika Kaewborisuth. In 2022, Thailand's pig farming industry faced a major crisis when African swine fever spread across the country. Nearly half of the breeding pigs were lost, and about 40% of small- and medium-sized pig farmers had to close their businesses. For many families, pig farming was a lifelong tradition, so the outbreak was devastating. In recognition of her work, Ms Challika received the L'Oréal Thailand For Women in Science Award.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 03:30 UTC
Hezbollah says fighting Israeli forces in east Lebanon
Hezbollah says fighting Israeli forces in east LebanonLebanon was drawn into the Middle East war when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei during US-Israeli attacks. afpBEIRUT- Hezbollah said on Monday it was engaging Israeli forces that landed in eastern Lebanon by helicopter across the Syrian border, the second such operation since the outbreak of the latest conflict with Israel. Two Hezbollah officials in the Bekaa region, where Nabi Sheet is located, told AFP that an Israeli helicopter was downed. In the south, Hezbollah said on Monday that it targeted Israeli soldiers entering the Lebanese border towns of Odaisseh and Aitaroun with artillery shells. Lebanon's health minister Rakan Nassereddine said on Sunday that Israeli strikes on Lebanon had killed 394 people over the past week, including 83 children and 42 women.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 03:09 UTC
Fake AI satellite imagery spurs US-Iran war disinformation
Fake AI satellite imagery spurs US-Iran war disinformationThe rise of generative AI has turbocharged the ability to fabricate convincing satellite imagery that can be exploited during conflicts. afpWASHINGTON - The satellite image posted by an Iranian news outlet looked real: a devastated US base in Qatar. But it was an AI-generated fake, underscoring the accelerating threat of tech-enabled disinformation during wartime. Reports of fake satellite imagery created or edited using AI also followed the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the four-day war between India and Pakistan last year. The company's own satellite imagery helped confirm that the photos were fake, almost certainly generated using AI, Vantor's Tomi Maxted told AFP.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 03:06 UTC
Thaifex-Horec Asia expo highlights hospitality trends
Thaifex-Horec Asia 2026 will present top-class products, equipment, technology and solutions tailored for hospitality and foodservice businesses, at Impact Challenger Hall 1-2, Muang Thong Thani, from Wednesday to Friday. This is the third edition of Southeast Asia's premier trade show which provides a focused platform for hospitality leaders and operators to evaluate solutions, strengthen operational capabilities and connect with partners relevant to their business needs. The show is back with an increased emphasis on how hospitality businesses operate day to day, from kitchen workflows and service processes to housekeeping, coffee and workforce execution. The exhibition floor remains central to the event, with equipment, systems and solutions demonstrated through live workflows, skills programmes and operating environments. There will also be a Workshop Zone featuring hands-on training in bakery techniques, wellness cooking, bartender training and wine masterclasses, led by experienced industry practitioners.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 02:11 UTC
BoI eager to attract Chinese investors
BoI eager to attract Chinese investorsAn electric vehicle charges at a previous Motor Expo. EV assembly is a major Chinese investment segment in Thailand. "Chinese investment in Thailand will not only strengthen our industrial base, but also support the country's transition towards sustainable and high-tech development," he said. The top three sectors attracting Chinese capital were electrical and electronics (174 billion baht), metals and materials (127 billion baht) and automotive and auto parts (74.2 billion baht). The BoI believes this policy will make Thailand more attractive to Chinese investors, generating broader economic benefits.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 02:07 UTC
Dollar surges as US-Iran war pushes oil past $100 a barrel
Dollar surges as US-Iran war pushes oil past $100 a barrelTankers are seen off the coast of Fujairah, as Iran vows to fire on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, March 3, 2026. REUTERSSINGAPORE: The dollar took another leg higher on Monday, jumping to a three-month peak on the euro as oil surged past $100 a barrel, stocks slid and investors headed for safety as protracted war in the Middle East threatened to disrupt global energy supplies. The dollar was up 0.8% to $1.1525 on the euro, its highest since November, and rose almost 0.4% to 158.48 yen early in the Asia session. The Australian dollar was down 0.7% to $0.6983 and the New Zealand dollar down 0.6% to $0.5860. Sterling slid nearly 0.8% to $1.3324, while the dollar even gained 0.5% on its fellow safe haven in the Swiss franc.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 01:59 UTC
Hostel association targets reform and growth
Hostel association targets reform and growthMs Naree says the association opposes allowing rooms in condos to be rented on a daily basis as it would disturb owners and long-term residents. The Hostel and Small Accommodation Association (Thailand) has urged the new government to continue pushing for a new accommodation act for small hotels, but strongly opposes allowing condo units to be registered as legal lodging. The association emphasised that safety remains a priority for hostels, and the new law should mandate basic safety measures suitable for hostels and small operators, especially to prevent fires, she said. "Attracting small accommodation operators into the regulatory system by providing licences can also prevent bribery, as many operators choose to offer bribes to officials to continue their businesses," she said. The association has around 40 hostel members and aims to reach 1,000 members this year, including hostels, boutique hotels, guesthouses and homestays.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 01:29 UTC
New group to support small firms
New group to support small firmsMr Sangsuk, centre, says marketing is not only about promotion, but also building a competitive advantage, creating value and ensuring sustainable growth. The Thailand Entrepreneur Marketing Association (TEMA) has launched with a mission to strengthen Thai businesses through strategic marketing expertise, knowledge sharing and hands-on advisory support, positioning itself as a strategic partner for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigating mounting economic headwinds. "We aim to support 10,000 SMEs in 2026, create impact for 1,000 businesses, and ultimately reach 330,000 SMEs nationwide in the future," said Mr Sangsuk. "The world offers enormous opportunities for small SMEs," said Mr Sangsuk. Regarding responses to crises, Mr Sangsuk said entrepreneurs must work harder, be more diligent, and create more value rather than just lower prices.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 01:29 UTC
Regulator to set digital TV direction with new roadmap
Regulator to set digital TV direction with new roadmapThe NBTC board is expected to approve parts of the digital TV roadmap draft on March 18. The shifting digital TV industry should become clearer soon as the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board is expected to approve core parts of the digital TV roadmap draft on March 18. The approval sets a new direction for digital TV operators before their licences expire in 2029. Local digital TV operators have struggled to survive by developing various broadcasting platforms as they compete with popular over-the-top (OTT) services. The association said many satellite TV stations use the spectrum range to air programmes, while 60% of Thais view digital TV programmes via a satellite dish.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 01:20 UTC
Climate pressure spurs Thailand's energy revamp
The new PDP seeks to accelerate renewable energy projects and introduce nuclear power into the mix, according to energy officials and executives. NDC 3.0Thailand's updated climate plan, known as NDC 3.0, underpins the push for more renewable energy. 2024 PDP SCRAPPEDThe 2024 PDP was jettisoned despite passing public hearings because of objections from analysts as well as political changes. Thailand first explored nuclear power in the 1970s, but abandoned the idea after discovering natural gas in the Gulf of Thailand. Nuclear energy was later included in the 2010 PDP, with a 2,000MW project slated for 2020-21.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 01:15 UTC
Thai tourism faces B40bn revenue collapse
Somchai PoomlardThailand could lose more than 40 billion baht in tourism revenue in the worst-case scenario, assuming the Middle East airspace closure lasts for eight weeks, says the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The ministry evaluated the tourism impact using three scenarios: if the Middle East airspace is closed for three, four and eight weeks. This would impact tourists across all markets, though short-haul would see the smallest adjustment. The decline would mostly stem from 429,809 fewer European tourists, with 146,419 fewer travellers from the Middle East and 19,646 from other regions. OUTBOUND IMPACTSome outbound trips were also affected by the Middle East conflict.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 01:08 UTC
Exporters confront carbon footprints
The average price of carbon certificates ranges from €60-100 per tonne of carbon, representing an additional cost for business operators. Following the introduction of CBAM, EU importers are expected to increasingly favour products with lower carbon footprints because they bear the cost of purchasing the carbon certificates. "If Thai exports cannot meet the required standards, they will lose competitiveness and potentially access to export markets," she said. Apichart JinakulFeeling the squeezeAccording to Ms Kannika, PIER's study identified five impacts from CBAM on Thai exporters. Finally, the impacts of CBAM are uneven for Thai exporters, with small firms experiencing more severe negative effects than large firms.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:59 UTC