Outlook remains cloudy for 2026
Most executives in key economic sectors remain vigilant, hopeful that conditions could improve if a new government accelerates policies that effectively stabilise the economy. Online shopping to keep growing at breakneck paceThailand's e-commerce sector is expected to continue to grow by 15% annually, despite high household debt. Competitiveness hinges on embracing sustainabilityWhile the global economy is set to stabilise this year, uncertainty lingers given shifting trade policies, tariff structures and the urgent need for climate action. Climate change reshaping economic outlookClimate change is no longer limited to shifting weather patterns, but is a growing force reshaping Thailand's economic outlook in 2026, according to Treethep Palakavong Na Ayudhya, chief executive of Global Carbon Corporation, a local greenhouse gas management consultancy. Digital growth to support static prospects in 2026Thailand's challenging economic outlook in 2026 is partly offset by continued growth in the digital economy and a much-needed digital transformation of large and mid-sized companies, according to Sigve Brekke, group chief executive of True Corporation.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 02:26 UTC
Digital growth to support static prospects in 2026
Digital growth to support static prospects in 2026Listen to this articleMr Brekke says more Thais are adopting technology. Thailand's challenging economic outlook in 2026 is partly offset by continued growth in the digital economy and a much-needed digital transformation of large and mid-sized companies, according to Sigve Brekke, group chief executive of True Corporation. In fact, Mr Brekke said 2026 is the perfect year for businesses to leverage this technological transition. Businesses should understand the threats and opportunities that this perfect storm will cause for them, said Mr Brekke. Yet these difficulties coincide with an era of emerging technologies that present new opportunities for growth and efficiency, said Mr Brekke.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 02:26 UTC
Climate change reshaping economic outlook
Climate change reshaping economic outlookListen to this articleMr Treethep says all Thai firms must consider carbon output. Climate change is no longer limited to shifting weather patterns, but is a growing force reshaping Thailand's economic outlook in 2026, according to Treethep Palakavong Na Ayudhya, chief executive of Global Carbon Corporation, a local greenhouse gas management consultancy. Mr Treethep said the issue extends beyond exporters: all firms, from large corporations to small businesses, will face similar pressures starting this year. He said even companies that do not export to Europe, North America, Japan or Australia must change their mindset. Greater attention to climate responsibility is now essential, not only for protecting the planet but also for safeguarding revenues and profits, said Mr Treethep.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 02:26 UTC
Ministry launches new push to tap into 'medical economy'
Ministry launches new push to tap into 'medical economy'Listen to this articleThe so-called "medical economy" championed by the government is being positioned as a new growth engine for Thailand. Under Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat, the Ministry of Public Health is steering the sector toward a more diversified revenue model, reducing its heavy reliance on government budgets and funding from the National Health Security Office. The move comes as many public hospitals face growing debt, largely attributed to rising costs under the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme. While public hospitals remain committed to providing universal healthcare, he said they must also generate their own income to ensure financial resilience and strengthen the sector as a whole. Krithpaka Boonfueng, executive director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), said medical technology and innovation remain among the agency's flagship priorities.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 01:36 UTC
32.9m foreigners visited in 2025
32.9m foreigners visited in 2025Listen to this articleThailand welcomed 32.9 million foreign visitors in 2025, a 7.23% fall from 2024, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported. International tourism revenue dropped 4.71% to 1.53 trillion baht. The top five markets were Malaysia (4.5 million), China (4.4 million), India (2.4 million), Russia (1.8 million) and South Korea (1.5 million). Total tourism earnings reached 2.7 trillion baht. The agency aims to lift travel frequency and expand spending, pushing overall tourism revenue to 2.78 trillion baht, or 7% growth.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 01:16 UTC
Malaysian held after fatal crash
Malaysian held after fatal crashListen to this articlePHATTHALUNG: A Malaysian man has been arrested after a 75-year-old local resident was killed in a roadside collision in a local district. Pol Lt Col Nitikom Khunrong of Si Nakharin police said yesterday the incident occurred on Saturday at 5.40pm. When arrived at the scene, police found the victim, Praphol Dam-am, dead in a drainage ditch near his home. Preliminary reports indicate he was struck while standing outside his property. The driver, Ahmad Najmi Bin Sazali, 36, was taken into custody after his Malaysia-registered Honda was found with damage to the left front windscreen.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 01:09 UTC
What if you take away the slingshot?
What if you take away the slingshot? Thailand came away from those same Asean meetings as a party to a strategic minerals agreement with the United States that was apparently sprung at the last minute. Stakeholders throughout Thailand complained vigorously that there had been no consultation on the sudden agreement and warned of potential ramifications. The Trump Administration appealed that decision to the Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments on the case in November. The Supreme Court generally holds its most significant decisions to just before summer recess, synchronising explosive judicial opinions with July 4th fireworks.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 00:12 UTC
How world order looks after 2025
How world order looks after 2025Listen to this articleA photo shows Palestinians walking past a sand sculpture reading '2026' on the beach in Gaza City on Dec 31, 2025. But its significance goes far beyond numerical elegance -- it marks the year the postwar global order expired and a new one began. But, with hindsight, the postwar order carried the seeds of its demise. Some contours of the new world order -- three in particular -- are already visible. We have a chance to do better: to build a more plural, more equal and more ecologically grounded world order.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 00:12 UTC
What would happen if Khamenei falls?
What would happen if Khamenei falls? The last round of demonstrations, arrests and a few executions really engaged only the more secular and better educated part of the population -- half, at most. Non-violent protesters came out in ever greater numbers, offering themselves up to be slain by the "security" forces. Could the protesters who are now chanting "Death to the Dictator" bring down the regime by force? Almost half the entire population was displaced internally or abroad, and most of the country is still in ruins.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 00:12 UTC
Poll is a test of courage
Poll is a test of courageListen to this articleThailand has now entered election campaign mode, with barely a month before the next general election takes place on Feb 8. If all these promises were deliverable, Thailand would resemble a welfare state more generous than many advanced economies. This election should serve as a platform for politicians to show their political courage to break away from populism as usual. Energy costs have a direct impact on household expenses and national competitiveness. Whether any party is prepared to pursue meaningful reform remains doubtful, given the undeniable influence of energy sector funding in politics.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 00:12 UTC
Retro vibes come to Central Embassy
Everyone is invited to travel to an 80s-era space universe full of friendship and imagination during "MrKreme: The Fluffy Galaxy", which will take place at Open House, 6th floor of Central Embassy, Phloenchit Road, from Friday to March 1. The Fluffy Wormhole at the tunnel connecting Central Embassy and Central Chidlom on the 2nd floor will warp everyone into the retro galaxy filled with neon-coloured graphics and immersive installations. The fun continues at the Pixel Galaxy zone with a games arcade featuring classic machines free to play. Also, the exclusive MrKreme: The Fluffy Galaxy collection will be launched for the first time and available only at the Open House. Highlights include the Fluffy Galaxy special edition figure, limited edition figures, specially designed sculptures and a range of lifestyle items such as T-shirts and jackets.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 04, 2026 23:40 UTC
That's a wrap
As the year comes to a close and awards season begins to take shape, the conversation around cinema inevitably narrows. With so many films and series released, even regular viewers may have missed something truly worthwhile. From its opening seconds to its final, pulverising image, this is a film of absolute control -- bracing, vicious and darkly exhilarating. Season 4 harnesses the show's signature chaos with renewed precision, delivering moments of genuine warmth amid the shouting and stress. The result is a season filled with deeply rewarding character moments, sharper narrative momentum and some of the ensemble's finest work to date.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 04, 2026 23:40 UTC
Minor sees opportunity to focus on quality over quantity
Minor sees opportunity to focus on quality over quantityListen to this articleMr Rajakarier says Thai tourism fundamentals are strong. "We view this moment as an opportunity to focus on quality over quantity, with growth driven by those seeking premium and luxury experiences." According to Minor Hotels Travel Trends Report 2026, 94% of respondents will maintain or increase their leisure trips in 2026, compared with 2025. In addition, Minor expects to launch a hotel real estate investment trust soon, as well as an initial public offering for Minor Food. In 2025, Minor signed a joint venture agreement to expand hotels in Japan and Egypt, including the first Anantara hotel in Japan.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 04, 2026 23:34 UTC
Call for more stimulus to revive flagging economy
Call for more stimulus to revive flagging economyListen to this articleMr Wilson is pushing for targeted stimulus schemes. Barring unanticipated domestic or international developments, the Thai economy will likely be weaker in 2026 than last year, said Thomas Wilson, country manager, president and chief executive of Allianz Ayudhya Assurance. In addition, both the export and tourism sectors are challenged by the global slowdown, Mr Wilson said. "A lower monetary policy rate is likely to only weakly stimulate private consumption and investment given the high level of private indebtedness and uncertain economic outlook," said Mr Wilson. In addition, attracting foreign headquarters may make Bangkok a rival for a diminished Hong Kong and increasingly expensive Singapore, said Mr Wilson.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 04, 2026 23:34 UTC
Event organisers still buoyant
Despite Vietnam's massive investment in new venue infrastructure, event organisers in Thailand remain confident the country can still compete for event and festival tourism, banking on a variety of venues and its ability to attract both high-spending attendees and repeat visitors. Organisers believe Thailand still has potential to host events though it lacks a large-scale indoor venue. Meanwhile, retractable roofs are not the most important component for new facilities as organisers can decide in advance which events should held indoors or outdoors, he said. The government should support the private sector by subsidising the licences for international events, such as Tomorrowland, as the previous government approved a budget to host the event from 2026 to 2030, said Mr Upathum. Thailand can look forward to new events next year, while popular shows are set to become even bigger, said Mr Upathum.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 04, 2026 23:28 UTC