The Bank of Thailand introduced the 'SMEs Secure+' measure on May 11, 2025, designed to increase SME lending by temporarily relaxing assessment criteria for 12 months, with collateral value substituting for cash flow analysis to support business liquidity. Bank of Thailand Governor Vithai Rattanakorn explained that amid high uncertainty in the Middle East, the central bank has prepared support measures, with 'SMEs Secure+' being a key tool that allows financial institutions to consider collateral value alongside borrowers' cash flow rather than relying solely on current financial status, which may be temporarily affected and not representative of normal conditions.

The 'SMEs Secure+' program targets businesses with collateral but unable to access credit under normal circumstances, accepting two types of collateral: existing collateral from customers affected by Middle East developments whose cash flow has been disrupted and business income or profits have declined, and new or unencumbered collateral. The program's distinguishing feature is that the Bank of Thailand is sending unprecedented signals to financial institutions to relax guidelines, allowing banks to treat temporarily reduced cash flow or income during the affected period as a secondary factor rather than the primary consideration in credit assessment. Banks will be allowed to evaluate borrowers' normal-period income-generating capacity instead, and existing collateral will not require reanalysis, increasing opportunities for both financial institutions to disburse credit and businesses to obtain approval. The relaxation will be temporary, lasting 12 months.

Governor Vithai noted this is unprecedented in the central bank's history, stating: "The Bank of Thailand has never before relaxed cash flow assessment criteria on a temporary 12-month basis, but to support SMEs affected short-term by rising oil and raw material prices that have reduced profits or disrupted cash flow, we're making credit access easier. Banks are expected to roll out products within one to two months and continue communicating through their branches." Sakdachai Peechapatana, TISCO Group CEO, said the 'SMEs Secure+' program is Bank of Thailand policy developed with the Thai Bankers Association to help customers needing liquidity, as SME liquidity has contracted. The central bank adjusted criteria to be more flexible, emphasizing collateral from those owning land, homes, or vehicles as personal assets or family-owned property.

Sakdachai explained that this customer segment may previously have been classified as Stage 2 or special mention (SM), with financial institutions hesitant to lend due to visible cash flow weakness. This group, needing credit but unable to obtain it, might otherwise turn to non-formal lending or non-bank financial providers offering higher interest rates than the formal banking system.

Renewed demands for accountability have emerged concerning the 2010 political assembly dispersal that killed nearly 100 civilians and state officials, with over 2,000 more wounded or disabled. Known as the "99 Deaths Red Shirt Dispersal Case," Senator Thewerit Monechai recently questioned Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naorat before the Senate about the DSI investigation's progress. Of 181 total cases under review, the breakdown shows 13 prosecuted, 16 dismissed, 140 investigations halted, and 12 consolidated cases. The Justice Minister provided substantial details, emphasizing that the 13 prosecution cases involve violence against civilians and state officials—an issue society and families of victims have continually demanded justice for. Among these 13 cases, the DSI completed investigations and recommended charging the former Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister at that time. However, the Supreme Court ruled this involved official duties, falling under the National Anti-Corruption Commission's jurisdiction, which then dismissed the charges against both former officials. Subsequently, military officials were accused, but investigators recommended non-prosecution, forwarding the matter to military prosecutors who ultimately declined to prosecute. Based on the Justice Minister's explanation, the criminal charges against the former Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister on intentional murder charges appear effectively concluded. This represents a tragedy for Thai society, unable to bring those responsible for suppressing civilians to court for judicial determination. Within four years, if the statute of limitations expires, the 99 Deaths case will implicitly close with no further legal recourse against those involved.

Actor Great Warinthorn discussed his upcoming cat welfare initiative, explaining that the project was inspired by the loss of his beloved three-legged cat, Khai Toon. Rather than letting this loss consume him, Great decided to transform his grief into positive action by helping sick and stray cats in need. He recently shared progress updates during his appearance at the "Broken-Hearted Love Fin Meeting" event at Channel 3's Malinton Tower.

When asked about the current status of the project, Great explained: "I'm still developing the concept. I want to help cats that are genuinely sick—not just cancer cases, but all types of ailments. Stray cats, all of them. Lately, I've been getting multiple requests through various pages asking for help. Personally, I've been quietly transferring funds here and there. We verify the pages to make sure they're legitimate. My own formal project hasn't started yet, but it will definitely happen because I'm thinking of Khai Toon and want to help underprivileged cats."

Great outlined his initial plan: "The main concept involves organizing a Run Club event—basically a running activity—that could also function as a fundraiser. The idea is to spread awareness and get these cat rescue efforts more attention. Last year, I was a presenter for The Voice Foundation run by P'Gaew, and I was impressed by how genuine their help truly is. Each case they handle is quite serious. I want to follow that model but emphasize spreading the word as much as possible."

When asked if he'd focus on sick cats or strays, Great replied: "Both, actually. Stray cats are definitely part of it, but I think prioritizing sick cats would be more impactful. The stray cat issue is so broad that it's hard to address comprehensively. But sick cats—especially those who are also strays—likely suffer tremendously. I'm not sure how much help we can provide, but we're working on it. I may also need to consult with The Voice Foundation."

Great estimates the project could launch within two to three months, currently in the planning stages. He plans to invite celebrity friends who are animal lovers to participate, noting that he has a list of people on Instagram who own cats and enjoy running.

Regarding his personal life, Great confirmed he remains single and is currently focusing on caring for his one remaining beloved cat. He also touched on receiving strange direct messages, saying: "I get weird messages, quite a few actually. Some people chat as if we live in the same house, but we've never even met or exchanged names. I don't think I get as many strange messages as my friend Boy, but I do get odd ones."

Spanish defence company Navantia has proposed building a new frigate for the Royal Thai Navy entirely in Thailand, alongside a technology transfer programme aimed at strengthening the country's shipbuilding industry.

Speaking at a briefing at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel on 8 May, Jose Ignacio Navas Rubio, Navantia's regional director for Asia in commercial and business development, said the company had submitted a "low-risk" proposal after being approached by the Royal Thai Navy over plans to build a frigate domestically.

Under the proposal, the frigate would be constructed 100% in Thailand through cooperation with local shipyards and Thai companies, while Navantia would provide the design, technical oversight and technology transfer needed for production, integration and testing.

Rubio said the project would maximise participation from local operators and help develop Thailand's capabilities in advanced naval shipbuilding.

Suradet Tanpaiboon, president of the Thai Shipbuilding and Repairing Association, said Thai industry was ready to support the project in areas including engineering adaptation, manufacturing engineering, construction and quality control. He added that technology transfer, supply chain development and construction experience from the project would benefit Thailand's future development of warships and other high-technology vessels.

Navantia is one of six companies that submitted proposals for the Royal Thai Navy's frigate procurement programme. Other bidders include South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean, Singapore Technologies Engineering, and Turkish firms Askeri Fabrika ve Tersane İşletmeleri and TAIS Gemi İnşa ve Teknoloji.

A navy-appointed committee is currently reviewing the proposals, including technical capabilities, industrial offset packages and pricing. The selection process is expected to take more than one month.

Work or surveillance? A woman shares her shocking interview experience at a company offering work-from-home flexibility with a catch—constant webcam monitoring and computer screenshots every 10 minutes.

Guli, an Indian woman, became the center of online discussion after revealing how a seemingly promising job interview took a troubling turn when she rejected the position due to disagreement with the company's monitoring methods.

She explained that the position initially appeared suitable for remote work, and the interview proceeded smoothly until the company unveiled its employee monitoring system for remote workers, which made her deeply uncomfortable.

The company required employees to keep their webcams on at all times while working and take computer screenshots every 10 minutes to verify work efficiency. This was the breaking point that made her immediately decide the job wasn't right for her.

"I understand that checking work performance is important," she said, "but doing it this way feels more like torture. Every 10 minutes? I can't even sit still for that long."

After the video went viral, it sparked significant debate on social media. Many questioned whether such monitoring crossed the line on employee privacy. Critics suggested that if companies genuinely need to track work, they should provide company laptops that allow monitoring of work hours without requiring constant webcam access.

Many also argued that being under constant surveillance—camera on and monitored throughout the day—creates stress and anxiety for employees rather than boosting productivity.

Source: hindustantimes Reported by the Sanook Online News Team

UOB Thailand has joined forces with Minor Food Group to introduce a "Franchise Business Loan" program designed to support SMEs in investing in six prominent restaurant brands within the Minor Food portfolio, offering a maximum credit facility of 30 million baht without requiring collateral. The program aims to create more opportunities for new entrepreneurs and accelerate franchise network expansion across Thailand, supporting Minor Food's aggressive expansion plan to reach 4,000 locations by 2572 (2029).

On May 11, 2026, Sayumrat Maranet, Senior Vice President of SME Business at UOB Thailand, revealed that while Thailand's overall franchise market is valued at over 300 billion baht and growing 15-20% annually, many SME entrepreneurs still face significant barriers in accessing funding, particularly when starting new ventures or expanding existing operations.

UOB Thailand and The Minor Food Group Public Company Limited have launched the franchise loan program to support SME entrepreneurs looking to establish or expand businesses under five leading Minor Food brands with a maximum credit limit of 30 million baht and no collateral requirement.

The bank recently approved loans for two new franchise brands, including Korean fried chicken chain Bonchon and beverage shop GAGA, which are building their customer base in Thailand. The program also covers well-established brands familiar to Thai consumers, including Dairy Queen, Swensen's, and The Pizza Company, which continue to expand nationwide.

"Franchise business is a highly scalable model for systematic business expansion. Sustainable growth requires solid financial foundations," said Sayumrat. "Through our partnership with Minor Food, the bank has designed a lending approach that aligns with franchise business characteristics, supporting entrepreneurs at every growth stage, from those just starting out to those seeking to expand."

Thanyanches Ekawechvit, Chief Business Development Officer of Minor Food Thailand, stated that Minor Food currently operates over 2,700 restaurants, with 49% operating as franchises. The company plans to expand its network to over 4,000 locations by 2572 (2029).

"This reflects our confidence in franchise market growth potential," he added. "We offer comprehensive franchise support, from operational standards and training to pre-opening preparation. UOB's financial support will make it easier for interested entrepreneurs to start businesses and help existing franchisees expand efficiently to support long-term growth."

The franchise loan program supports entrepreneurs investing in all five restaurant brands without requiring collateral, within a maximum credit limit of 30 million baht, and offers special interest rates throughout the loan period. Funds can be used for opening new branches, renovating existing stores, transferring ownership (refranchising), refinancing, or compensating capital for shops operating no more than six months.

Interested entrepreneurs can contact Minor Food Group's franchise department at https://www.minorfood.com/th/partner#franchise for guidance and application information, or contact UOB Biz Call Centre at 0 2343 3555 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM) for franchise loan inquiries, or Line @ UOBSME.