Testing times could prove govt mettle
Testing times could prove govt mettlePrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, leads party-list and constituency MPs to report for duty at parliament. Latest reports suggest the party's MPs will report to parliament today for registration, putting an end to the suspicions. As the war in the Middle East rages on, even US President Donald Trump cannot say when it will end. If the war drags on and oil supply disruptions continue, the crisis could reach catastrophic proportions. Yet this also presents an opportunity for the government to prove its worth and demonstrate its competence, wisdom, resilience and leadership in navigating this defining moment.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:28 UTC
War risks weigh on markets, crypto
REUTERSA prolonged Middle East conflict could weigh heavily on global financial markets, triggering a broad risk-off environment that pressures equities and cryptocurrencies while increasing volatility across asset classes. According to DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand), geopolitical crises typically affect equity markets through three main channels: a rising equity risk premium, disruptions to global energy supply and currency volatility. Despite the risks to broader markets, some sectors could benefit from prolonged geopolitical tensions, said the brokerage. Potential policies under Sections 301 or 232 -- which do not impose a maximum tariff ceiling -- could intensify inflationary pressures if implemented alongside an ongoing geopolitical conflict, noted Merkle. Short-term investors should reduce exposure as institutional investors and large market players have begun rotating out of risk assets amid risk-off sentiment.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:28 UTC
Nominees 'manipulating' fragrant coconut market
Nominees 'manipulating' fragrant coconut marketCoconuts at a plantation in Thap Sakae district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. File photoThe government is stepping up measures to stabilise the fragrant coconut market after investigations uncovered foreign-backed businesses allegedly manipulating prices and harming farmers. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Department of Business Development (DBD), said the agency held talks with 10 government bodies to address falling coconut prices and examine foreign investment in fruit-packing businesses. Investigators identified 15 companies suspected of using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders on behalf of foreign investors. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, deputy government spokesman, also warned some middlemen could intentionally depress prices to buy coconuts cheaply, potentially linked to foreign investors using Thai nominees.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:25 UTC
Russian envoy praises Thai neutrality
Russian Ambassador Evgeny TomikhinThailand has maintained a longstanding stance of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reflecting its balanced approach to international relations and the historical ties it shares with both nations, says Evgeny Tomikhin, the Russian ambassador to Thailand. He was speaking to the Bangkok Post on the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, which began on Feb 24, 2022. Mr Tomikhin also criticised the Western role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reaffirming Moscow's security concerns. Russia's actions were aimed at safeguarding national interests and the security of Russian citizens living in Ukraine, he said. Many Ukrainian people fled and some Ukrainian children crossed the border without parents or relatives.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:25 UTC
Energy assistance, 'principled diplomacy' needed
Semenov: Thailand well-poised to helpFour years after the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war, Ukraine's top diplomat in Bangkok says Thailand can play a meaningful role in mitigating the conflict through principled diplomacy and sustained humanitarian assistance. Mr Semenov said more than 7.5 million people have fled abroad, while about 4.6 million remain internally displaced. "In the difficult circumstances associated with the continuation of this energy terror, we would be grateful for further assistance, primarily in terms of energy equipment," Mr Semenov said. He said support for energy infrastructure is now Ukraine's most urgent priority. Drawing a historical parallel, Mr Semenov said Thailand has preserved its independence through turbulent periods in its own history.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:25 UTC
Anutin to sue over MotoGP graft claims
Anutin to sue over MotoGP graft claimsSereepisuth Temeeyaves (file photo)Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul plans to file a libel lawsuit against Sereepisuth Temeeyaves over allegations linking him and the party to corruption. Supachai Jaisamut, a senior BJT member, told reporters in Buri Ram on Sunday Mr Sereepisuth, leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, had made statements damaging the credibility of Mr Anutin and the party. "Mr Sereepisuth has repeated the same distorted information to the public for a second time. If wrongdoing is established, the case could be forwarded to court, and Mr Sereepisuth could lose his parliamentary status. Mr Supachai also said Bhumjaithai won't invite the Seri Ruam Thai Party to join the cabinet due to the dispute.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:25 UTC
Govt warns of increasing drowning risks as summer nears
Govt warns of increasing drowning risks as summer nearsA child learns how to stay afloat during a demonstration highlighting World Drowning Prevention Day at the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation swimming pool in July 2023. Pattarapong ChatpattarasillThe government has warned of rising drowning risks during the summer months after data showed nearly 1,000 people die each year. Airin Phanrit, deputy government spokeswoman, said Thailand records the highest number of drowning incidents between March and May. Overall, 76.5% of drowning victims died, reflecting how quickly and severely such incidents occur, making prevention the top priority, she said. The warning came as two boys drowned on Saturday in separate river and canal incidents while playing during the school holiday.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:25 UTC
Women can lead push for growth
Women can lead push for growthMembers of the State Enterprises Workers' Relations Confederation call for better welfare for women labourers during a demonstration on March 8, 2021. Women's rights begin with physical security. But a major obstacle is that women's rights organisations -- which are best positioned to address gendered poverty and violence -- face persistent funding gaps. The economic case for boosting investment in women's rights organisations, and for ensuring that financing and budget decisions strengthen women's safety and autonomy, has long been settled. Investing in women's rights is not charity; it is a form of giving that generates outsize gains for all.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:25 UTC
It's never been more important to strengthen ties
It's never been more important to strengthen tiesAustralia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong talks with Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan during an Asean-Australia Ministerial meeting in Phnom Penh on Aug 4, 2022. Meanwhile, Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 increasingly strengthens diversification across supply chains in semiconductors, renewables and critical minerals. Firstly, strengthen cooperation in key areas of mutual interest under Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. Existing initiatives, including the Asean-Australia Energy Cooperation Package, Canberra can help Asean accelerate progress by fast-tracking implementation of the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (2026–2030). The time to strengthen Asean-Australia ties, on mutually beneficial terms, is now.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:25 UTC
Thailand braces for fallout from Mideast war
However, SCB Financial Markets sees the Thai currency returning to an appreciation trend once the Middle East war ends. If the fighting continues, it could potentially drive up global energy prices and push inflation higher, which is a major concern. The caretaker government said last week it expects the war in the Middle East to persist for at least four weeks. The Russia-Ukraine war began on Feb 24, 2022, and global oil prices surged sharply when the war broke out, with Brent crude rising above $100 per barrel. In contrast, during the new Iran war oil prices peaked at $80-85 per barrel, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:25 UTC
Impressive debut for Tasanapol
Impressive debut for TasanapolTasanapol Inthraphuvasak (photo supplied)Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak finished sixth in his debut race in the FIA Formula 2 Championship at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne on Sunday. The ART Grand Prix driver clocked 56:17.427 minutes and picked up a total of 13 points (five from the sprint race and eight from the feature race) from the season-opening race. Bulgarian driver Nikola Tsolov of Campos Racing won the race in 56:05.248 while Brazilian Rafael Camara of Invicta Racing (56:06.917) and Laurens van Hoepen of Trident (56:08.765) came second and third respectively. In Formula 3, another Thai rookie Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi of DAMS Lucas Oil did not finish the race, which was won by American Ugo Ugochukwu of Campos Racing. The Formula 2 and 3 Championships head to Bahrain next month, with the races being held between April 10-12.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:25 UTC
Conflict clouds outlook for Thai vehicle exports
The first direct impact would be reduced car exports to the Middle East, as shipping is disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz, he said. These factors will impact Thailand's car exports to the region, he said. Last year car exports to the Middle East increased, making it the third-largest market after Asia and Australia, said Mr Surapong. The war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance adds to concerns over Thailand's stagnant car exports, he said. The club announced earlier this year a vehicle manufacturing target of 1.5 million units for 2026, up from 1.45 million units last year, driven by expectations of stronger domestic demand and growing production of battery electric vehicles.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:25 UTC
Kunlavut's run ends in semi-finals
Kunlavut's run ends in semi-finalsKunlavut Vitidsarn bowed out in the semi-finals of the US$1.45 million All England Open in Birmingham on Saturday. The Thai second seed went down to Taiwan's Lin Chun-yi after a three-game battle, 14-21, 21-18, 16-21, in 78 minutes at Utilita Arena Birmingham. Lin, who reached his first Super 1000 final, was to face India's Lakshya Sen, who overcame Canada's Victor Lai 21-16, 18-21, 21-15 in a 97-minute battle. Despite the defeat, reaching the semi-finals of the sport's oldest tournament was Kunlavut's best effort in Birmingham. The 24-year-old had previously fallen at the last 16 stage on six occasions at the Birmingham tournament.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 00:22 UTC
NY police say device thrown near anti-Islam protest was IED
NY police say device thrown near anti-Islam protest was IEDA man flees after throwing a device during a protest organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang outside the official residence of the New York mayorNEW YORK - A homemade incendiary thrown near anti-Islam protesters outside the New York mayor's residence was a viable improvised explosive device "that could have caused serious injury or death," police said Sunday. Two suspicious devices were thrown by a man identified by police as Emir Balat near the protest Saturday led by a far-right influencer to oppose public Muslim prayer. It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device (IED)," the NYPD said in a statement Sunday. Balat dropped dropped the device near a line of police before vaulting a crash barrier. Balat threw a similar device near Lang's group of protesters.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 23:10 UTC
Iran names Khamenei's son as new supreme leader
Iran names Khamenei's son as new supreme leaderMojtaba Khamenei is regarded as a conservative figure, notably because of his ties with the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the Islamic republic's militaryTEHRAN - Iran's ruling clerics on Sunday appointed the slain leader's son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, as the country's new supreme leader, defying threats from the United States and Israel to oppose him. Nine days after US-Israeli strikes killed the elder Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and plunged the Middle East into war, the clerical government's Assembly of Experts convened to choose their next leader. "If he doesn't get approval from us he's not going to last long," he told ABC News before the announcement was made. Several blasts were heard over Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv after the Israeli military said it had detected a salvo of missiles from Iran. Trump has suggested Iran's economy could be rebuilt if a leader "acceptable" to Washington replaces the late supreme leader.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 23:10 UTC