Unsafe sites, soft probes
Unsafe sites, soft probesListen to this articleBack-to-back fatal accidents in the past week have turned public construction sites -- especially along Rama II Road -- into danger zones. The repeated tragedies on Rama II and other public construction sites have reminded us that public safety standards, and the law enforcement meant to uphold them, are failing. So-called "fact-finding missions" have become performative and ceremonial exercises meant to cool public anger rather than uncover the truth. Most fact-finding missions are led and conducted by the same ministries and state agencies that awarded the contracts in the first place. This neutral body, chaired by independent experts appointed by lawmakers, should have the authority to conduct fact-finding missions into public accidents.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 22, 2026 02:54 UTC
How to feed the world's ten billion people
How to feed the world's ten billion peopleListen to this articleWith the world struggling to feed eight billion people today, how will we feed ten billion by 2050? At the same time, 1.66 billion hectares -- 60% of which is agricultural land -- have been degraded by the very practices we rely on to feed the world. Fortunately, research shows that optimising nitrogen use can boost yields by up to 19% and slash fertiliser use by 15-19%. That requires replacing one-size-fits-all industrial packages with resilient, context-specific systems finely tuned to local soils, water regimes, crops, and climates. Future generations will not ask whether the solutions existed; they will ask what took us so long to implement them.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 22, 2026 02:49 UTC
Rice exports beat 2025 goal on strong year-end demand
Rice exports beat 2025 goal on strong year-end demandListen to this articleRice exports tallied 7.9 million tonnes in 2025, surpassing the initial goal of 7.5 million tonnes, says the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT). Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the DFT, said rice exports were valued at 148 billion baht, or US$4.52 billion. White rice exports, accounting for 45.8% of total exports, fell by 39.9% to 3.62 million tonnes, while fragrant rice declined by 6.35% to 590,000 tonnes. Other varieties recorded growth, with Thai hom mali reaching 1.76 million tonnes, a 0.57% year-on-year increase, while parboiled rice rose by 18% to 1.51 million tonnes, glutinous rice increased by 10% to 330,000 tonnes and unpolished rice saw a 200% surge to 90,000 tonnes. The DFT set a rice export target of 7 million tonnes this year.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 22, 2026 02:38 UTC
Oil pipeline rules reformed in bid to increase transport
Oil pipeline rules reformed in bid to increase transportListen to this articleA section of an oil pipeline operated by Electricity Generating's subsidiary, TPN. The Department of Energy Business (DOEB) is preparing measures to promote oil transport via pipelines by removing legal barriers to the development of oil separation facilities. Current regulations require oil separation plants to be located strictly within industrial zones and away from residential areas. Oil separation plants are essential to pipeline operations, as different types of oil transported through the same pipes often mix, creating "interfaced fuel". While small amounts of interfaced fuel are manageable, it now accounts for 10-15% of total oil transported via pipelines, according to Mr Sarawut.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 22, 2026 02:38 UTC
Industrial confidence falls in December
Industrial confidence falls in DecemberListen to this articleSix civilians were injured and two houses damaged in December 2025 after BM-21 rockets launched by the Cambodian military struck residential areas in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district. Border trade in Si Sa Ket was disrupted by the conflict. Border trade was also not good, he added. The prolonged Thai-Cambodian territorial conflict has completely stopped border trade in Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. In contrast, issues such as government policy (40.3%), access to credit (25.3%) and loan interest rates (17.1%) drew less alarm.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 22, 2026 02:38 UTC
Office mulls higher small project cap of B10bn
Office mulls higher small project cap of B10bnListen to this articleThe State Enterprise Policy Office (Sepo) is considering amendments to the public-private partnership (PPP) law to redefine small-scale projects, potentially raising the investment threshold from 5 billion baht to up to 10 billion in a move aimed at accelerating public investment. The PPP Act was first enacted in 1992, when PPP projects valued at a maximum of 1 billion baht were considered small. In addition to revising a definition, Sepo plans to amend procedures to speed up PPP project approvals. Each year, the PPP Committee approves projects worth around 60 billion baht. Sepo also monitors and oversees PPP projects approved by the committee to ensure investments proceed according to the planned timeline.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 22, 2026 02:36 UTC
Land & Houses projects housing slump amid economic stagnation
Land & Houses projects housing slump amid economic stagnationListen to this articleSET-listed developer Land & Houses (LH) plans to launch only two residential projects worth a combined 3.66 billion baht in 2026, the lowest level in more than two decades, due to a sluggish economy and unpredictable housing market conditions. Notably, one of the two planned projects, Nantawan Prestige Ratchapruek-Prannok, valued at 2.22 billion baht, was a carryover postponed from 2025. Mr Achawin said LH has 69 projects in its portfolio with a combined value of about 80 billion baht, comprising low-rise projects worth around 70 billion baht and condo projects worth 11 billion baht. No new hotel projects are planned for 2027, while a 3.6-billion-baht hotel development in Bangkok's Chinatown area is scheduled for launch in 2028. LH aims to have 9.9 billion baht from recurring income properties, 15 billion baht in presales of residential units, and 17 billion baht in residential transfers by the end of 2026.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 22, 2026 02:25 UTC
Call for bonfire of digital rules to assist private tech sector
BUILD INFRASTRUCTUREYod Chinsupakul, chief executive of Line Man Wongnai, said several political parties believe Thailand should emphasise digital sovereignty. — Yod Chinsupakul, Chief executive, Line Man WongnaiHowever, the government should not build or operate its own digital platforms, said Mr Yod. "The government should focus on building the infrastructure, setting clear rules, and unlocking legal obstacles that hinder Thai companies from competing with foreign tech giants," he said. INCENTIVE FOR E-COMMERCEKulthirath Pakawachkrilers, president of the Thai E-Commerce Association, said the Pheu Thai Party's ambition to build a national e-commerce platform raises serious concerns based on past experience. The People's Party proposal to promote an open digital commerce network is more pragmatic and market-oriented, Ms Kulthirath said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 22, 2026 02:14 UTC
Shaping Thailand's tourism future
Shaping Thailand's tourism futureListen to this articleTourists arrive for an hour-long visit to Maya Bay beach at the Phi Phi Island National Park on Feb 26, 2023. Thailand's tourism industry has long thrived on its core strengths: genuine hospitality, generosity, and cultural attractions. Tourism Value MatrixA simple framework -- a tourism value matrix -- helps us segment travellers and understand the value they generate. It is about sharpening investment decisions, prioritising targeted segments, and improving policies and action plans to create an enduring value chain for Thailand's tourism industry. Which high-value segments align with Thailand's tourism resources and strengths?
Source:Bangkok Post
January 22, 2026 01:37 UTC
35 parties plan meet to discuss charter referendum
35 parties plan meet to discuss charter referendumListen to this articleRepresentatives from 35 political parties will present their views and stances on the looming constitutional referendum next Tuesday, according to the Election Commission (EC). Party representatives will report at 9am followed by a draw to determine the speaking order. The EC said 35 parties had registered to take part in expressing views on the upcoming national referendum, following an invitation issued between Jan 17-19 via an Open Chat Line group. The process to select party representatives will take place on Friday at 10am via a Zoom meeting hosted by the EC at its headquarters. Parties will be divided into two main groups -- supporters and opponents -- each tasked with selecting five representatives, except for the three parties with alternative views, the EC said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 22, 2026 00:27 UTC
DES minister told to name politicians linked to scams
DES minister told to name politicians linked to scamsListen to this articleThe Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) on Wednesday urged Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob to disclose the names of all politicians allegedly linked to scam networks and online gambling operations. PPRP deputy spokesman Pol Lt Gen Piya Tawichai said the issue was drawing strong public attention, and so the DES minister should reveal their names to meet public demand and keep these individuals out of the political sphere. Pol Lt Gen Piya also called on the DES minister to clarify details surrounding a controversial memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in March 2024 between the DES Ministry and a Singapore-based company with alleged links to controversial foreign businessman Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as "Ben Smith". Pol Lt Gen Piya raised a series of questions including whether the MoU involved online sports gambling or "Sport Rating Online Gaming" and whether such activities would violate the anti-gambling law. He said the names could not yet be disclosed until the review of evidence is completed.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 22, 2026 00:14 UTC
Israeli arrested at pot farm
Israeli arrested at pot farmListen to this articleAn Israeli national has been arrested in Krabi after authorities raided a cannabis farm accused of operating through Thai nominees and breaching multiple laws. The operation was carried out Wednesday morning at Cannazon Farm in Mueang district, after more than two months of investigation, said Pol Maj Gen Sukkasem Nakonvilai, commander of Krabi Provincial Police. The search team was led by Krabi Governor Angkura Siladhewakul and accompanied by ML Bhuthong Thongyai, deputy director-general of the Department of Business Development. At the scene, Mr Moshe (surname withheld), the Israeli national identified as the business owner, was stopped as he attempted to leave the premises. Pol Maj Gen Sukkasem said the suspect used Thai nominees to obtain licences, prompting authorities to suspend Cannazon Farm's licence for 60 days pending permanent revocation.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 23:47 UTC
Police net Thai mule account holders linked to Chinese scam gang
The arrested Thai nationals acted as mule bank account holders and received benefits from fraudulent schemes, Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chaowanasai, head of the Central Investigation Bureau, said at a briefing on Wednesday. Investigators also identified a Malaysian suspect, Lee Yong Hann Jovan, who served as the cash courier transporting money out of Thailand, Pol Lt Gen Natthasak said. The woman was told not to hang up on the call with the gang and not to inform any bank staff, Pol Lt Col Natthasak said. The group was also found to be linked with four other scam cases and to have worked for other scam gangs, with total losses exceeding 30 million baht, Pol Lt Gen Natthasak added. They were taken into custody at the Muang Pathum Thani police station for legal proceedings, Pol Lt Col Natthasak said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 23:37 UTC
Top Democrat battles 'smear' campaign
Netizens speculated the post must have referred to Mr Chaichana, whose nickname is Tan, prompting widespread criticism during the election campaign period ahead of the February election. But there has been no verified link to Mr Chaichana so far, they said. Satit Wongnongtaey, another deputy leader of the Democrat Party, said the checks had found nothing to back up the claims made online. He also said the content of an earlier speech by Democrat Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Abhisit Vejjajiva remained firmly in place, adding it would not protect any members found guilty of wrongdoing. Meanwhile, police in Nakhon Si Thammarat denied reports that officers were preparing to search the home of a Democrat Party deputy leader on Wednesday, dismissing them as completely groundless.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 23:35 UTC
Executive publishes warning for the SET
"If the problems are not addressed seriously and promptly, the consequences could extend beyond the capital market and threaten the long-term sustainability of Thailand's economic system," he said. The SET ranked among the world's worst performers in 2025, when only six stock markets globally posted negative returns. They require a strong and functioning capital market as a primary source of funding." While the Thai stock market still has hope, he said it was unlikely to recover on its own without strong and credible government support. The other recommendation is reviving liquidity, starting with domestic investors, as liquidity has declined due to foreign selling and capital outflows.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 23:24 UTC