Tisco introduces 3-year strategic plan
Tisco introduces 3-year strategic planListen to this articleTisco Financial Group sees selective business expansion, greater operational efficiency through artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions, and disciplined risk management as critical for it to deliver sustainable growth from 2026-2028 amid a challenging economic backdrop. The parent of Tisco Bank revealed its three-year strategic plan yesterday, aiming to strengthen its resilience and enhance competitiveness in the digital era. Under the plan, Tisco focuses on businesses where it has strong expertise and clear growth potential, while leveraging AI, automation and data analytics to streamline processes, enhance accuracy and improve agility. Tisco targets total loan growth of 0-5% this year, in line with a modest GDP growth outlook of 1.6%. In 2025, Tisco reported net profit of 6.7 billion baht, down 3.5% year-on-year, reflecting higher credit loss provisions amid elevated economic risks.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 07:43 UTC
No more bodies found at Korat train crash site
All 32 bodies recovered have been transferred to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for identification procedures, which began at 9am on Thursday. Only body fragments were recovered and they have been sent for forensic identification, said Pol Maj Gen Narongsak. On Thursday morning, relatives of those killed began arriving at the forensic department of Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. The forensic identification process began at 9am, after which families would be able to take the bodies for funeral rites from noon onwards. In a related development, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen have expressed deep concern and sorrow over the deadly accident in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 07:37 UTC
Anti-Money Laundering Office deals with high-profile cases
Anti-Money Laundering Office deals with high-profile casesListen to this articleThe Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) yesterday announced the results of its first transaction committee meeting of the year, revealing asset seizures and forfeitures linked to narcotics, corruption, fraud and online gambling cases, worth 252 million baht in major cases. It decided to take action against assets connected to serious offences, including narcotics trafficking, corruption by state officials, public fraud, habitual fraud, online gambling and other related crimes. The committee also forwarded 17 cases to public prosecutors, seeking court orders to permanently transfer assets worth about 769 million baht to the state. These cases include corruption involving a former abbot of Wat Rai Khing and several large-scale online gambling networks. In addition, Amlo approved measures to return or compensate assets worth around 127 million baht to victims in 14 fraud-related cases.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 00:54 UTC
More funding planned for green energy research
More funding planned for green energy researchListen to this article(Photo: 123RF)Thailand is stepping up efforts to support R&D in alternative energy, with officials preparing to allocate more financial resources to projects that advance clean technologies such as hydrogen. Funding is to be distributed through the Energy Conservation Fund, which backs initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency and conservation. Rathachat Siripanich, manager of the fund's office, said the exact budget will be determined by the government, but stressed that authorities are not ignoring the importance of alternative energy. The Energy Conservation Fund has provided 9.4 million baht to support the project, recognising its importance for Thailand's energy transition. Despite these hurdles, officials believe hydrogen could play a central role in Thailand's clean energy future, helping to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 00:50 UTC
Royal Thai Army signs VN1 pact with China
Royal Thai Army signs VN1 pact with ChinaListen to this articleThe army has signed a deal to buy additional VN1 wheeled armoured vehicles from China. (Photo: China Defence)The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has moved to strengthen its combat capabilities by signing a procurement agreement worth about 1 billion baht for additional VN1 wheeled armoured vehicles from China under the 2025 fiscal year defence budget. Lt Gen Natthaporn Khwan-yam, chief of the Army Ordnance Department, held talks with Liu Jinkui, senior vice-president of China North Industries Corporation (Norinco), before jointly presiding over the signing of the agreement between the Thai and Chinese governments. The contract covers the procurement of additional VN1 8×8 armoured personnel carriers, completing the army's planned acquisition programme under the current budget cycle, reports say. The RTA says the acquisition is part of its long-term modernisation plan rather than a response to any incident.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 00:47 UTC
Mass Rapid Transit Authority picks winning bids for Red Line
Mass Rapid Transit Authority picks winning bids for Red LineListen to this articleThe Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) has selected the winning bids for two major construction contracts under the Red Line commuter rail expansion project, says a source in the MRTA. The contracts relate to the Dark Red Line extension from Rangsit to Thammasat University's Rangsit campus in Pathum Thani, and the Light Red Line extension covering the Siriraj–Taling Chan–Salaya section. The Light Red Line project includes three new stations: Rama VI, Bang Kruai–Egat, and Baan Chim Phli. The Dark Red Line Rangsit–Thammasat University section spans 8.84 kilometres and will be built entirely at ground level. The Light Red Line expansion will consolidate previously planned sections into a single contract covering the entire 20.5-kilometre route.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 00:45 UTC
Kunlavut keeps run going with 3-game win in India
Kunlavut keeps run going with 3-game win in IndiaListen to this articleThailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn in action during his men's singles round of 32 match against Japan's Koki Watanabe. World No.2 Kunlavut, who claimed his maiden Super 1000 title at the season-opening Malaysia Open on Sunday, will take on Lu Guangzu in the next round. Three-time winner Ratchanok will play Mia Blichfeldt of Denmark today while Busanan will meet fourth seed Chen Yufei of China. Mixed doubles pair Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai also progressed after they defeated Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto of India 21-15, 21-14. Top-ranked An, who completed a Malaysia Open hat-trick on Sunday, will play Huang Yu-hsun of Taiwan in the last 16.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 00:39 UTC
Ant expands AI-powered product portfolio
Ant International, a Singapore-based global digital payments and financial technology provider, is expanding its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered portfolio of financial and commerce solutions. The company sees Thailand as a "centrepiece" for its cross-border strategy due to its status as a leading tourist destination, said Douglas Feagin, president of Ant International. The company's Antom platform provides merchant payment solutions, enabling platforms such as Netflix and Shein to reach users beyond traditional banking. Ant International recently introduced Bettr lending solutions to the Thai market. Agentic PaymentHe said Ant International is looking into agentic payment, where AI agents integrate into chat applications to handle checkouts on behalf of consumers.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 00:03 UTC
Manoyont raises stake in Borneo Technical to 100%
Manoyont raises stake in Borneo Technical to 100%Listen to this articleMr Ratta, left, and Mr Porametr are confident the takeover should lead to greater revenue opportunities as Thailand promotes clean energy. Porametr Leegomonchai, executive director of Manoyont Group, said the company raised its stake in Borneo from 34% to 100%, driven by confidence in the growth potential of the combined business model. Ratta Urusopone, managing director at Borneo Technical, said the company aims to expand internationally and increase service channels. "We believe Manoyont Group can support and build strong value chains in the future," he said. Borneo Technical projects revenue growth from 3 billion baht to 5 billion within five years (2026-2030) after the acquisition.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 00:03 UTC
Salesforce bullish on local AI market
Salesforce bullish on local AI marketListen to this articleMr Apisit says AI is already fuelling Thailand's digital transformation. Thailand's artificial intelligence (AI) market is estimated to post annual growth of 32.3% and a market value of 233 billion baht by 2031, according to AI customer relationship management firm Salesforce. Apisit Kuparatana, country leader and managing director at Salesforce Thailand, said AI is already fuelling Thailand's digital transformation. To cash in on this transformation, Salesforce unveiled its Agentforce agentic AI platform in the Thai language. One is agentic AI to help spread innovation, allowing entrepreneurs to pursue ideas and launch new business models with minimal investment and at scale.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 00:03 UTC
Cyber-incidents deemed top Thai business risk
Cyber-incidents deemed top Thai business riskListen to this articleCyber-incidents, including cybercrime, data breaches, ransomware and service interruptions, are the top business risk in Thailand for 2026, followed by natural catastrophes and risks related to climate change, according to the latest Allianz Risk Barometer. Cyber-incidents rose four spots to become the top business risk in Thailand, according to 37% of respondents, up from 21% last year, noted the annual corporate risk survey conducted by Germany-based Allianz Group. Total claims from the earthquake could surge to 50 billion baht (US$1.53 billion), according to the Thai General Insurance Association. Artificial intelligence (AI) creates emerging risks as well as business opportunities. In Thailand, AI is a new entrant, ranking as the fourth biggest risk (22%) for businesses, citing implementation challenges, liability exposure and misinformation.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 00:03 UTC
Ekniti team to tout Thailand at WEF
Ekniti team to tout Thailand at WEFListen to this articleThe collection of Thai delegates, with Mr Ekniti fifth from right, at the Davos summit. Caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas is leading Team Thailand to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, aiming to position Thailand on the global investment map. The delegation plans to present Thailand's policies, strategic direction and investment opportunities, reinforcing investor confidence during the government transition period, said Mr Ekniti. According to Mr Narit, the forum presents a significant opportunity to strengthen Thailand's presence on the global stage, particularly in trade and investment. Mr Ekniti is scheduled to speak at the "New Pathways for Asean Growth and Productivity" and "What's Ahead for the Global Economy" panels.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 14, 2026 23:36 UTC
Jakarta to organise Asean championship draw on Thursday
Jakarta to organise Asean championship draw on ThursdayListen to this articleThe official draw for the 30th anniversary edition of the Southeast Asian football championship takes place in Jakarta on Thursday, with Thailand eager to wrest back the crown from Vietnam. Thailand will be gunning for their eighth title at the 2026 Asean Hyundai Cup, formerly known as the Suzuki Cup. The Thais lost to Vietnam in the 2024 final but will be determined to reclaim supremacy when the group phase begins in July. Nine nations -- Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- will be drawn into two groups, while Brunei and Timor-Leste contest a home-and-away playoff in June to decide the tenth team. The Asean Championship, regarded as the jewel in the crown for Southeast Asia's national teams, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year under new title partner Hyundai.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 14, 2026 23:32 UTC
ITD sees promise in region, South Asia
Yet opportunities in neighbouring countries and South Asia persist in a divided world, according to the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD). New trade rules related to sustainability, such as the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), as well as digitalisation and artificial intelligence, are reshaping global trade. Investors see our stability and safety, but we must find ways to integrate ourselves into global supply chains," he said. NETWORK EXPANSIONWimon Punkong, deputy executive director of academic at ITD, said there are opportunities and potential markets in neighbouring countries and South Asia amid a divided world. The institute is focusing on international cooperation with the Global South, where trade measures are expanding rapidly.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 14, 2026 23:32 UTC
Abhisit touts three laws for clean air
Listen to this articleDemocrat Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Abhisit Vejjajiva, fourth from left, leads his party members to campaign at Lumpini Park on Wednesday. (Photo: Democrat Party)Democrat Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Abhisit Vejjajiva took his campaign to Lumpini Park on Wednesday, pledging stronger legal frameworks and incentives to address Bangkok's worsening air pollution. He was joined by fellow prime ministerial candidate Karndee Leopairote, deputy party leader Sakoltee Phattiyakul, and Bangkok MP candidates for Constituency 1, Peerawut Pimsomrudee, and Jedsada Lertthanasarn for Constituency 2. He said three laws are needed to ensure improve people's quality of life, namely the Clean Air Act to protect people's right to clean air, a circular economy law to reduce waste and pollution at the source, and a climate change law to prepare the country for long-term environmental risks. Mr Abhisit also promised to raise rubber prices to 80 baht per kilogramme through value-added processing, while ensuring fair pricing for palm oil.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 14, 2026 23:30 UTC