Institute for Trade and Development sees promise in region, South Asia
Global trade in 2026 is expected to grow more complex, driven by geopolitical tensions, protectionist policies, stricter environmental rules and shifting supply chains. Yet opportunities in neighbouring countries and South Asia persist in a divided world, according to the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD).

Jakarta to organise Asean championship draw on Thursday
The 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.

Appeal for full charter redo wanes
Three conservative parties reiterated their opposition to drafting an entirely new constitution, arguing that the move would be costly, unnecessary and potentially destabilising.

PP hands Isriya new role
The People's Party (PP) unveiled Isriya Paireepairit, a party-list election candidate, as a member of its "People's Government Management Team" under its The Professionals campaign, assigning him responsibility for the new economy.

PM orders aid for South after blasts
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) to urgently provide relief and compensation following coordinated bomb and arson attacks on 11 PTT petrol stations in the deep South.

Loan repayments set to hit record high
Kasikornbank (KBank) expects loan repayments to hit a record high in 2025, with loan growth in 2026 projected to increase marginally in line with Thai economic conditions.

BBL urges government emphasis on FDI
Bangkok Bank (BBL) has called on the new government to emphasise investment support to accommodate an anticipated increase in foreign trade and investment flows across Southeast Asia over five years.

Abhisit touts three laws for clean air
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.

Ekniti team to tout Thailand at WEF
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.

Parties vow to ban sales of cannabis
Three political parties -- the People's Party, Democrat and Pheu Thai -- have pledged to put cannabis back on the narcotics list and allow its use only for approved medical purposes, while operators urged the future administration to eliminate foreign businesses using nominees and unfair competition from illegal businesses.