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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Listen to this articleAltogether 3,325 special cases have been closed with total prevented damages exceeding 730 billion baht, including several high-profile cases involving corporate fraud, transnational crime, drug trafficking, and bid rigging, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) said. The DSI says completed cases comprised 1,198 economic crime cases, preventing losses of 538 billion baht; 580 cybercrime and intellectual property cases, preventing more than 19 billion baht in damages; 473 consumer protection and environmental cases, preventing 44 billion baht in losses; and 1,074 international and special crime cases, preventing 137 billion baht in damages. Total damages exceeded 14 billion baht. The DSI also pursued cases involving foreign nominee shareholding in Phuket, recommending prosecution of eight corporate and individual suspects under the Foreign Business Act. Authorities further dismantled a transnational scam network operating through more than 100 front companies and 2,000 fraudulent websites, using over 500 mule accounts to launder money, with total losses exceeding 2 billion baht.

Rapid population ageing is also reducing labour supply and domestic purchasing power, further weighing on growth prospects. GDP growth slowed to around 2.1 to 2.2% last year and is expected to drop further to about 1.5 to 1.6% this year. As a result, fiscal year 2026 and 2027 budgets may be postponed to the extent that government spending contributes almost nothing to GDP growth. However, this remains below Thailand's estimated potential growth of 2.7% and well short of the 3.5 to 5% achieved in earlier decades. Without decisive action to lift investment and productivity, the governor cautioned, economic growth is likely to remain structurally subdued.

Anutin says polls not final verdictListen to this articlePrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Progressive Movement chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, who was helping the People’s Party, had a brief but friendly chance encounter during campaign visits in Ayutthaya on Wednesday. Bhumjaithai PartyBhumjaithai Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Anutin Charnvirakul on Wednesday dismissed opinion polls suggesting his party is running neck and neck with the People's Party (PP), saying the true test of public support will come on Feb 8, election day. Speaking during a campaign visit to Chaoprom market in Ayutthaya's Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, Mr Anutin addressed his chance encounter with Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, a key campaign figure for the PP. Asked whether images of the two shaking hands signalled a possibility of future political cooperation, Mr Anutin said they were acquainted and had always greeted each other politely. Mr Anutin said the handshake gesture merely reflected mutual goodwill, shared patriotism and a common desire to work for the benefit of the country and its people.

(Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)Recipients of the Prince Mahidol Award 2025 have called for global cooperation to strengthen public health security amid geopolitical uncertainty and conflict. The two American honourees — Professor Dr Walter C Willett (public health) and Dr Terry Dean King (medicine) — attended the award ceremony on Wednesday in Bangkok. The war in Ukraine, he said, has disrupted the global supply of sunflower oil, a kitchen staple, while the US withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) has posed challenges to global health security. It requires regional and global cooperation to limit the impacts by strengthening and empowering public health systems,” he said. “Thailand has made great advances in public health and medicine due to the prince’s efforts,” he said.

Suspect confirmed to be sister of notorious ‘Minnie’Listen to this articleA police officer takes photos of assets seized from an online gambling network during a search at a house in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham)Police have seized assets worth more than five million baht in a follow-up investigation into an online gambling network during a search at a luxury house in Bangkok. Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deepor, commander of Cyber Crime Suppression Division 1, said the operation is part of an expanded investigation into an online gambling operation known as Ufinance11. The network was found to have about 57 million baht in circulation each month, or an estimated 680 million to 700 million baht a year, he said. Ms Saowalak was later confirmed to be the sister of Thanyanant, also known as “Minnie”, a key suspect in several online gambling cases, in which some police officers have also been implicated.

High-tide alert for seven provinces from Jan 31-Feb 4Listen to this articleA man manoeuvres a boat along a road that was flooded when water levels in the Chao Phraya River rose sharply at the Nonthaburi Clock Tower pier and overflowed sandbag barriers on Nov 11, 2025. (Bangkok Post file photo)Low‑lying communities along major rivers in seven provinces have been warned to brace for possible impact from exceptionally high tides expected between Jan 31 and Feb 4. Sections of Sukhumvit Road, Suksawat Road and Rama II Road may also face short‑term flooding during peak tide hours. The agency added that saltwater intrusion may affect tapwater production and water quality for both household use and farming. Authorities in all seven provinces have been urged to maintain close monitoring and prepare mitigation measures throughout the high‑tide period.

'Animals in a zoo': Players back Gauff call for more privacyListen to this articleIga Swiatek has backed calls for more privacy during tournaments. "The question is, are we tennis players, or are we animals in the zoo where they are observed even when they poop, you know?," she said. It would be nice also to, I don't know, have your own process and not always be observed. "I don't think it should be like that because we're tennis players," she said. People have something to talk about, but for us I don't think it's necessary."

NikeSkims releases rift satin starring LisaPhoto: NikeNot long after choosing K-pop superstar Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal of Thailand as its brand ambassador, Nike has released the first look at the brand’s NikeSkims “head-to-toe system of dress” debut. “The NikeSKIMS collection is so comfortable and light that I feel confident wearing it everywhere — from rehearsals to travelling or even relaxing at home. Crafted to fit every curve, while allowing for functional layering, this spring collection introduced five apparel collections made by five different material collections: Matte, Stretch Knit, Ribbed Seamless, Weightless Layers and Woven Nylon. Although this is not the first time we have seen Nike utilising the iconic “tabi-toe” in their footwear, the NikeSkims Rift Satin marks the first time we are seeing a full-satin upper with a sole as thin and flexible on the “rift” model. The NikeSkims Spring 2026 Collection is set to launch on Feb 5, in select retailers and online.