Gold climbs above $4,500 for first time on geopolitics, rates
Gold rose to a record above $4,500 an ounce on escalating tensions in Venezuela and expectations for more US rate cuts. Silver and platinum also advanced to all-time peaks.

Thailand holds its breath as election approaches
The 2026 general election marks a pivotal moment in the nation's volatile political landscape.

New import duty a double-edged sword
The Customs Department's imposition of import duties on goods valued less than 1,500 baht starting on Jan 1, 2026 will have both positive and negative impacts for Thailand.

A year of transition
Thailand heads into the Year of the Horse with a full slate of political, economic and social milestones that will shape the country's trajectory in the years ahead.

World Cup set to provide major economic boost
Among the world's largest events, the Fifa World Cup attracts a massive global audience, extending far beyond the 48 countries competing for the trophy.

Virtual banks to shake up Thai finance next year
By mid-2026, Thais are expected to be able to access virtual banks, offering expanded options for people underserved by formal financial services.

Safety first for Chinese
Thai tourism started 2025 with a scandal as Chinese actor Wang Xing was abducted and taken to a scam centre in Myanmar, then an earthquake shook Bangkok, natural disasters persisted throughout the year, and a border skirmish between Thailand and Cambodia remains ongoing.

Thailand tipped for major tourism revival
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) expects 39 million foreign arrivals next year, including 9 million Chinese tourists, while announcing its readiness to help stimulate 3 billion baht via its trade show in January.

Call to address capital inflows hurting exporters
The Thai National Shippers' Council (TNSC) is concerned about baht appreciation because it may be influenced by foreign capital inflows and not aligned with the real economy.

Call for weaker baht to reverse car export slump
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is upbeat about the Bank of Thailand's efforts to deal with baht appreciation to prevent direct and indirect impacts to the auto industry, which is grappling with sluggish sales.