Relief payments on way, insists Anutin
Relief payments on way, insists AnutinListen to this articlePrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned against politicising the handling of flood relief payments in Hat Yai, insisting compensation is being processed in line with established procedures and is now the responsibility of the Interior Ministry to carry forward. Mr Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, was responding to calls by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chairman of the Progressive Movement, to expedite compensation payments for residents affected by flooding in Hat Yai. Mr Anutin said the cabinet had recently approved additional relief funds for Hat Yai, adding that while many affected residents had already been compensated, others had missed out because they had not initially registered. This is routine administrative work handled by the responsible agencies, particularly the Interior Ministry through the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation," he said. He stressed that the cabinet had already granted full authority to the Interior Ministry to proceed, and any follow-up inquiries should be directed to the permanent secretary.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 00:40 UTC
Testing a technocrat path
Questions surrounding the ethical background of some of the PP's proposed cabinet nominees have further complicated the narrative. These concerns risk undermining the PP's claim that its cabinet list represents a clean break from old-style politics and patronage systems. Ultimately, the PP's cabinet line-up gambit reflects the evolving dynamics of electoral politics, where managerial competence, policy delivery and public trust increasingly outweigh ideological rhetoric. "In constituencies where competition is tight, offers could easily rise to 2,000 baht per vote or more," he said. Voters are urged not to sell their votes in every election cycle, yet the data suggest the practice continues almost everywhere.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 00:27 UTC
Klatham admits candidate vetting flaws
Klatham admits candidate vetting flawsListen to this articleThe Klatham Party has admitted shortcomings in its candidate vetting process after two of its MP candidates in Phuket and Nakhon Si Thammarat were disqualified by election authorities, prompting an internal review and legal appeals. Party strategic chairman Anudith Nakornthap said yesterday that although the party had carried out extensive background checks, gaps remained, particularly in identifying candidates' media shareholdings. His comments followed a Supreme Court ruling ordering the disqualification of a Klatham Party candidate in Phuket for breaching election rules by holding shares in a media-related business. "This should be a lesson not only for the Klatham Party, but for all political parties," he said. This was the second disqualification involving the party, following an earlier EC decision to remove Kongkiat Ketsombat, the Klatham Party candidate in Nakhon Si Thammarat constituency 7, over a previous theft-related conviction.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 00:27 UTC
Same-sex marriages reach 26,000 mark
Same-sex marriages reach 26,000 markListen to this articleA female couple gets married on Jan 23, 2025, the day the Marriage Equality Act came into effect. The legislation allows same-sex couples to legally register their marriages and grants them the same legal rights, protections and benefits as opposite-sex couples. The organisation also stressed that legal equality remains incomplete, noting that approximately 50 related laws still require amendment. Delays in revising these laws continue to create practical barriers for LGBTQ+ couples seeking full and equal access to their rights. "The enactment of the Marriage Equality Bill is only the first step toward equality," the post said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 00:23 UTC
LGT calls for disciplined investing amid market volatility
LGT calls for disciplined investing amid market volatilityListen to this articleLGT Private Banking Asia Pacific expects global risk assets to gain traction this year, but cautions that investors should be prepared for a more volatile and uneven market, advising disciplined portfolio construction and active risk management. While the broader investment environment remains constructive, volatility and policy-driven market swings are likely to become a structural feature of 2026, he said. The policy environment remains broadly supportive in the US as the country heads towards the November 2026 midterm elections. In Europe, corporate earnings growth is expected to lag that of the US in 2026, limiting the region's potential to outperform. Despite near-term investment challenges, LGT remains confident in the long-term growth potential of Thailand's wealth management market, driven by family businesses, corporates and foundations.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 00:23 UTC
Trump's strategic retreat in Europe
Trump's strategic retreat in EuropeListen to this articleIf anyone wonders why gold prices have surged past $4,900 and silver has touched $90 per ounce, the answer lies in Donald Trump's appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. Yet Trump didn't back down, referencing Venezuela where the new government immediately struck a deal after a show of American force. This is perception management: calming markets short-term while maintaining pressure on Europe. Trump could assert tariffs are negotiating leverage if the court accepts this reasoning in the landmark case it is now deciding. Trump's deal-making involves: start with high demands (seizing Greenland), demonstrate strength (invade Venezuela), use economic tools (tariffs), then negotiate for special rights without using force.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 00:22 UTC
EIC sees new government by May
EIC sees new government by MayListen to this articleSCB's Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) expects the formation of a new government to take around five months, which could weigh on the economy, with growth projected at less than 1% in the first half of this year. EIC, the research arm of Siam Commercial Bank, estimates the new government to take office in May following the general election scheduled for Feb 8. These reforms span multiple areas, including household debt, competitiveness, infrastructure investment, environmental risks, demographic challenges, labour quality, inequality, social welfare and public sector governance. Against the backdrop of delayed fiscal budget disbursement and external risks, EIC projects GDP growth of only 1.5% this year, with expansion in the first half less than 1%. Exports are expected to decline this year after strong growth in 2025, as clearer US import tariffs and intensifying global competition weigh on external demand, noted EIC.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 00:17 UTC
Asian stocks rally as global investors diversify
Asian stocks rally as global investors diversifyListen to this articleRECAP: Asian stocks rose yesterday as non-US assets found favour with global investors concerned about more policy unpredictability from Donald Trump, even after he dropped his latest tariff threats and softened his position on Greenland. Brokerage firms were net buyers of 7.03 billion baht, followed by foreign investors at 2.47 billion and retail investors at 1.39 billion. The International Monetary Fund has revised its 2026 global GDP growth forecast to 3.3% from 3.1% forecast in October, citing resilience amid trade adjustments and increased AI investment. InnovestX Securities sees positive catalysts led by expectations of a rally ahead of the Feb 8 election, alongside easing geopolitical tensions. Investors should closely monitor the Fed decision (due around 2am Thursday Thailand time) for signals on monetary policy direction.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 00:16 UTC
A symphony of remembrance
His words made it clear that remembrance is a burden which lies with us all, no matter our nationality and that future generations must never be allowed to forget. The concert opened with Henryk Górecki's Symphony No.3 -- Symphony Of Sorrowful Songs -- which became a global phenomenon, selling over a million copies, when it was recorded in 1992 by the London Sinfonietta with soprano Dawn Upshaw. The symphony is built from the ground upwards, opening with a sparse theme on the double basses and rising to full orchestral radiance, played by the Siam Sinfonietta with a haunting beauty. King's College International School BangkokThe soprano part demands enough dramatic power to soar over a full symphony orchestra, while retaining the ability to sustain high-lying phrases with exquisite delicacy. In the face of such unimaginable suffering, where language proves inadequate, this concert of great music became a shared act of remembrance.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 00:13 UTC
The fields of fortune
A decade later, it reads less like a novelty and more like a preview of the direction Thailand's tourism economy is taking. Instead, it has entered the global festival circuit in a way few predicted. This matters because Thailand's tourism machine was built on predictability. Global festival brands go wherever conditions suit them. What began with Wonderfruit no longer sits at the edge of Thailand's cultural map.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 00:13 UTC
Is demographic decline reversible?
Is demographic decline reversible? But the decline in the fertility rate was inevitable, like a boulder rolling down a hill. China's current policies are a scaled-down version of Japan's ineffective response to demographic decline. With China facing even deeper structural demographic constraints, it is not surprising that its fertility rate has already fallen below Japan's. Worse, the share of unmarried women aged 25-29 surged from 9% in 2000 to 33% in 2020, and to 43% in 2023.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 23, 2026 23:53 UTC
Campaign for referendum gains pace
Campaign for referendum gains paceListen to this articleA 2015 photograph shows a draft of the 20th constitution during a vote by members of the country's National Reform Council (NRC) in parliament. On Feb 8, eligible voters will give their opinion in a public referendum on whether the country needs to write a new one. (Photo: Reuters)Despite a rough start, the campaign for the Feb 8 charter referendum has gained momentum, with a higher chance of public approval. Now that the referendum campaign has become a public issue, the former ruling party has decided to jump on the charter-rewriting bandwagon. Yet a major obstacle lies ahead, as the referendum requires a double majority -- a majority of eligible voters and a majority of those casting ballots.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 23, 2026 23:53 UTC
Pitchamon, Panitchaphon soar
Thai rising stars Pitchamon Opatniputh and Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul advanced to the semi-finals of the BWF Indonesia Masters on Friday but Ratchanok Intanon was forced to pull out with an injury. World No.6 Ratchanok pulled out of her match against Nozomi Okuhara of Japan after what appeared to be a knee injury. Men's singles hope Panitchaphon matched Pitchamon's success and made it to the Super 500 semi-finals for the first time. The 21-year-old knocked out seventh seed Lakshya Sen of India 21-18, 22-20 in the quarter-finals on Friday. However, fourth seeds Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue of France lost to sixth seeds Jafar Hidayatullah and Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu of Indonesia 13-21, 22-20, 21-16.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 23, 2026 23:37 UTC
Bhumjaithai builds momentum
(Photo: Bhumjaithai Party)Since entering politics in 2008, the Bhumjaithai Party has never experienced the momentum and opportunities it now enjoys under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Mr Jatuporn said that historically, Bhumjaithai struggled to gain traction in general elections. And the Bhumjaithai Party has done a great job," he said. "At the time being, Mr Anutin is the politician who fits with the Thai political context," Mr Jatuporn said. Despite his optimistic outlook for the party, Mr Jatuporn warned that electoral success alone would not guarantee national progress.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 23, 2026 23:36 UTC
CPN invested B1.7bn to update Central Pinklao
CPN invested B1.7bn to update Central PinklaoListen to this articleThe façade of Central Pinklao after the renovation. SET-listed Central Pattana (CPN) has invested more than 1.7 billion baht to transform the shopping mall Central Pinklao into a premier lifestyle landmark. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, chief marketing officer at CPN, said Central Pinklao was the company's third mall and has been part of western Bangkok for more than three decades. The property's refreshed design combines a classic-modern façade with an interior that balances elegance and creativity, according to CPN. Following the renovation, total sales at Central Pinklao increased by around 30%, noted CPN.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 23, 2026 23:27 UTC