BLS eyes Q4 earnings growth for SETListen to this articleListed Thai companies are expected to post solid year-on-year earnings growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, with momentum likely to continue into the first quarter of 2026, even as political uncertainty weighs on market sentiment, says Bualuang Securities (BLS). Excluding one-off items, BLS estimates core profit for the SET to increase 11% year-on-year and 1% quarter-on-quarter during the period. Packaging companies are expected to post earnings growth, supported by sales expansion and lower raw material costs. In the hotel sector, earnings momentum is expected to diverge by operator, reflecting variations in revenue per available room. A buy-on-dips strategy with selective sector rotation is recommended by BLS, focusing on stocks with clear earnings visibility from the fourth quarter to the first quarter of 2026.

Listen to this articlePolitical parties are urged to focus on bolstering digital infrastructure to ensure sustainable national development. Political parties need to pay more attention to restructuring the digital economy and bolstering digital infrastructure to ensure sustainable national development, say state executives overseeing digital policies. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, president and chief executive of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency, said the digital policies of Bhumjaithai Party, Pheu Thai Party and the People's Party are "not bad", rating them 3.5 out of 5, but they lack focus on how to restructure the digital economy. Although the parties have discussed how to develop the digital economy, Mr Nuttapon said none of them have addressed the fundamental infrastructure needed to ensure national sustainable development. She said the major parties should develop their digital policies to address obstacles in many industries, especially the agriculture sector as farmers have low incomes and high debt.

'Heartbroken' Timberwolves resume NBA play amid Minneapolis turmoilListen to this articleMinnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch talks to reporters before a game in Minneapolis, where a second US citizen was shot and killed by federal agents amid a Trump administration immigration crackdownMINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said the NBA team was "heartbroken" by events unfolding in Minneapolis, where federal agents shot dead a second US citizen amid the Trump administration's mass immigration crackdown. "As an organization, we are heartbroken for what we are having to witness and endure and watch. Both coaches praised the decision to postpone the game, with Timberwolves players especially "uneasy" on Saturday amid the uproar in their city. "Following the news of yet another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, a city that has been on the forefront of the fight against injustices, NBA players can no longer remain silent," the union said. Two-time NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, who plays for the Indiana Pacers, posted on X: "Alex Pretti was murdered."

Lawyer gets off lightlyListen to this articleA recent high profile case involving a well known Thai lawyer has ignited a fierce public debate, not only about alleged sexual misconduct but about how society responds to such allegations. What is startling is that public comments and questions went beyond the sexual misconduct of the lawyer, who is a member of the Lawyers Council of Thailand board. In this case, netizens seem to have reached the conclusion that consent is equal to willingness. In this case, netizens have given leeway to the accused. When the collective response to an allegation is to dissect a victim's timeline or demeanour, others sexual victims might think twice before going public.

Future will be decided in classroomsListen to this articleStudents at a state school in Thailand. Preparation for the future must begin with education, and currently it is failing far too many children. Education is not just one policy issue among many, it's the foundation on which all successful policies for Thailand's future rest. We hope leaders who care about Thailand's future will see young people as equal partners they can trust and work with us through meaningful, continuous collaboration." Thailand's future will be written by its young people.

Asian defence firms eye win amid global tensionListen to this articleA Dec 8, 2022, photo shows people looking at weapons kept on display at the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2022, in Hanoi, Vietnam. One surprising market winner from all this could be Asian defence firms. Europe's armaments demand is increasingly being met by Asian defence companies, with South Korean firms taking the lead. The Asian defence story is also rooted in the rising "insourcing" of defence manufacturing. While Asian defence firms appear well positioned to outperform this year, significant headwinds remain.

Living with lower ratesBanks have continued to cut interest rates for both lending and deposit products in line with the central bank's policy rate reductions. Following the policy rate cuts, commercial banks started trimming interest rates on e-savings products late last year. Tailored digital savingsSeveral banks and their subsidiaries offer attractive interest rates on e-savings products, targeting various customer segments. However, depositors must make more deposits than withdrawals each month in order to qualify for the higher interest rate. He was later attracted by the higher interest rate and monthly interest payments.

The lack of consistent policies is among the obstacles Thailand faces in attracting foreign investment. Vietnam overtook Thailand in attracting Chinese tourists, welcoming 5.28 million visitors compared with Thailand's 4.47 million from the mainland. Vietnamese students score higher in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects than Thai students, and Vietnam produces more STEM graduates than Thailand. This competition results in lower electricity costs in Vietnam than in Thailand. The Board of Investment (BoI) reported a sharp increase in applications for its investment promotions during the first nine months of last year, attributed to large foreign investment projects.

The Finance Ministry plans to sell minority stakes in 10 companies this year as part of the government's asset management strategy. According to Tibordee Wattanakul, director-general of the State Enterprise Policy Office (Sepo), the plan to sell shares of companies in which the Finance Ministry holds stakes of less than 50%, both listed and unlisted, will continue this year. Sepo set a target to divest shares from its portfolio in about 10 companies this year. Sepo confirms this portfolio adjustment will enhance flexibility in state asset management and generate greater benefits than past fragmented shareholdings," said Mr Tibordee. These include minor stakes in companies such as True, worth only a few hundred thousand baht, or businesses in sunset industries, such as massage parlours acquired through asset seizures.

Promising Thai stars bring home 2 silversListen to this articleWinner Chen Yufei, right, and runner-up Pitchamon Opatniputh celebrate during the medal ceremony. China's Chen Yufei and Indonesia's Alwi Farhan proved too strong for the Thai rising stars, who competed in their first ever Super 500 finals. World No.36 Pitchamon, the former world junior champion, put up a brave fight before losing to top seed Chen 21-23, 13-21 in 52 minutes. They lost to Thai duo Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran in the India Open final the previous week. Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan of Malaysia took the women's doubles title after Japan's Arisa Igarashi and Miyu Takahashi withdrew from the title match.

City air pollution set to spikeListen to this articleHealth warnings have been issued for Bangkok as PM2.5 levels are forecast to rise this week, prompting potential work-from-home arrangements to limit exposure, says Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Stagnant atmospheric conditions could worsen pollution levels, particularly in downwind areas such as the central, northwestern and southwestern parts of Bangkok, he said. Mr Chadchart said air pollution in the capital is expected to remain at the "orange" level, which may affect health, from Feb 1–3. The PCD's Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation (CAPM) reported on Sunday that PM2.5 levels exceeded safety standards in 13 provinces, including Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Chon Buri and Nong Khai. In the long term, she called for the urgent passage of the Clean Air Act to ensure public health protection.

The closure follows a final ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court, which ordered the demolition of both buildings as far back as Oct 30, 2014. The Supreme Administrative Court upheld this ruling in October 2014, meaning the buildings should have been demolished by Dec 29 that year. The Central Administrative Court reiterated its orders, yet practical progress remained elusive. In July 2022, the Foundation for Consumers wrote to the Bangkok governor urging immediate compliance with the Supreme Administrative Court's ruling. Further warning letters followed, and in November 2024 the TCC submitted a report detailing alleged administrative negligence to both the BMA and the Administrative Court.

Port edge Ratchaburi as T1 fight for 2nd spot stays tightListen to this articlePort's Kaka Mendes celebrates after scoring against Ratchaburi. The home side struck almost immediately, taking the lead inside the opening minute when Brazilian forward Kaka Mendes finished clinically to put Port ahead. Despite sustained pressure from the visitors, Port held firm to close out a hard-fought win that underlined their credentials as title contenders. Elsewhere, hosts Bangkok United maintained their strong form with a narrow 1-0 victory over Chonburi. Meanwhile, Chiang Rai United were left frustrated at home, as the Beetles were held to a goalless draw by Ayutthaya United.

Anchaya shines, signs off with sixth goldListen to this articlePhiphatphong Sianglam reacts after winning the men's 800m T54 race. Anchaya, competing in the women's 50m freestyle S9, touched home in 31.53 seconds to complete a flawless week in which she triumphed in every event she entered. Sukrid Mueanpong took the men's 50m freestyle S11 crown in 29.22, while Nithikorn Jeampiriyakul impressed in the men's 200m butterfly S14, finishing in 2:12.08. Chaiwat Ratana won the men's 800m T34 in 1:46.51, while Phiphatphong Sianglam edged compatriot Putharet Khongrak in a thrilling men's 800m T54, 1:33.50 to 1:33.56. Thailand's relay squad broke yet another Games record in the 4x100m mixed universal relay, winning gold in 47.21.

PP takes the lead in Isan university pollListen to this articlePeople's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut in a vote campaign. Chakkrapan NatanriThe People's Party has emerged as a national frontrunner in the Northeast as Bhumjaithai records a sharp rise in support ahead of the Feb 8 election, says a poll from Khon Kaen University. The latest Isan Poll conducted by Khon Kaen University places the People's Party (PP) first on the party-list vote, with 30.3% support. The Isan Poll also shed light on voter attitudes beyond party preference. Surveying 1,067 respondents between Jan 15-19, Nida found the PP leading in every major category.