National

Bank of Thailand Moves to Cut Banking Fees, Easing Burden on Citizens and SMEs Starting This July

The Bank of Thailand is cutting banking fees starting July to ease financial pressure on individuals and small businesses, with final assessments expected by May. The central bank also reports two of three newly licensed virtual banks could

7 May Khaosod

The Bank of Thailand is pressing ahead with cuts to banking fees to reduce the burden on individuals and SMEs, with effects expected to take hold in July this year. Bank of Thailand Governor Vithai Ratanakorn disclosed that the Bank of Thailand is currently soliciting feedback on restructuring banking fee schedules to lower certain charges. Final impact assessments are expected to be completed this May, with official implementation anticipated in July or possibly within 2-3 months thereafter, depending on circumstances. This will ease financial pressures on retail customers and SMEs. Regarding progress on establishing virtual banks—with three entities having received licenses—preliminary assessments suggest two virtual banks could be ready to commence operations by year-end. Licensed operators must establish internal systems, IT infrastructure, risk management procedures, and complete organizational structures before launching official services. If unprepared, they may request extensions under existing criteria. Given the complexity of establishing a bank, extensions are permitted. Operators are scheduled to begin setup and launch services by June this year, but those not yet ready can request an additional one-year extension or until June 2027. Regarding ongoing news developments, all virtual banks are believed to be making genuine efforts to comply, though the Bank of Thailand must assess what is appropriate and submit recommendations to the Finance Ministry for further consideration. All virtual banks are believed to be committed to establishing operations and providing credit services in areas traditional banks have not yet reached. The overall credit landscape continues to contract, a contraction attributed to slower economic growth.

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Tourism

Thailand Tourism Authority Launches Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 to Boost Mid-Year Shopping Tourism

Thailand's Tourism Authority is launching a mid-year shopping sale from June to August across major cities and beach destinations to boost foreign visitor spending. The campaign targets high-spending markets like China, Singapore and the US

7 May Khaosod

The Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) is organizing the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 to stimulate visitor spending during the mid-year period. TAT Governor Thaapanee Kiaatpaibuul emphasized that TAT is collaborating with both government and private sectors to drive Thailand's tourism industry as a vital mechanism for creating and distributing income to the people continuously, improving quality of life and promoting sustainable growth while showcasing Thailand's charm to international audiences. The focus is on quality tourism that generates revenue and distributes opportunities to tourist destinations throughout the country.

Based on statistics from 2023-2024, foreign tourists allocated 15-20% of their total spending to shopping and souvenirs, ranking third after accommodation and food and beverages. The primary markets with the highest purchasing power include the People's Republic of China, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Australia, India, South Korea, and Hong Kong respectively.

Therefore, the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 project has been prepared to offer discounts and special privileges in both major cities and tourist destinations to foreign visitors from June to August 2025, coinciding with the Green Season. Main activity areas include Bangkok, Chon Buri (Pattaya), Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Phuket, and Songkhla (Hat Yai).

The initiative aims to boost spending and support the "Unforgettable Experience" campaign by creating memorable experiences for tourists while promoting Thai charm through Thai brand products and supporting Thai designers. The offerings cover fashion, crafts, jewelry, and eco-friendly products made from recycled materials, providing a premium shopping experience that is accessible to all.

Nat Kruttsutr, TAT Deputy Governor for Goods and Tourism Business, stated that the preparatory meeting with business operators aims to invite participation in the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale project to stimulate spending and travel among foreign tourists, targeting both nearby and distant markets with strong growth.

The project establishes Thailand's image as a shopping destination and delivers truly memorable Thai travel experiences. Previous years' campaigns have successfully attracted and stimulated tourist spending effectively. Data from 2024 showed circulation revenue exceeding 700 million baht during the project period, with 92.92% tourist satisfaction and 98.67% willing to recommend the activities. The top five participating nationalities were Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, the People's Republic of China, and India, while the top five benefits sought included accommodations, restaurants, activities and travel packages, shopping venues, and health and beauty services.

For 2025, TAT is shifting the project concept from "Discount-driven" to "Discovery-driven," presenting Thai brand identity and advantages in both products and services, particularly community products, crafts, and environmentally friendly goods. The authority is developing creative tourism experiences that connect local stories through designed product and service routes tailored to different tourist groups and creating shopping routes recommending shopping destinations and lifestyle areas nationwide.

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Community

Bank Thiti Balances Acting Career With Three Coffee Shop Branches

Actor Bank Thiti balances a thriving entertainment career with managing three coffee shop branches while in a five-year relationship with girlfriend Pimthana, saying he's not ready for marriage until he secures his financial future.

7 May Khaosod

Actor Bank Thiti reveals he's in a busy growth phase, juggling packed shooting schedules for films and TV series while managing three coffee shop locations. Despite being exhausted and not yet breaking even, he pushes forward with support from family, his sister, and girlfriend Pimtha. During a recent concert rehearsal for "GDH Growing Together," Bank opened up about his acting projects, business expansion, and relationship.

"Things are pretty chaotic right now," Bank explained. "I have two projects filming simultaneously. Last year and this year have been quite packed with both films and TV series. I'll be playing a character who uses deception and tricks to manipulate people. After playing charming con artists, I've learned some tricks of the trade."

Regarding his youthful appearance limiting his roles, Bank noted: "There are still characters I can't take because they want someone older. What I can do is go to the gym to build up my physique."

Bank shared his approach to acting: "As I mature, I get more challenging roles far from my real personality. I've been taking more acting classes and gaining experience I can use on set. I genuinely love this profession and enjoy it all the time."

On his coffee business, Bank revealed: "We now have three branches—one in Khon Kaen as our first location, and two in Bangkok on Rama IV and the latest at Marketplace Thonglor. Anyone free should stop by. It may not be booming, but there's potential to expand and let Bangkok customers try our creations."

When asked about his business survival strategy amid economic challenges, Bank said: "My secret is planning everything on paper first, calculating return on investment before expanding. We face staffing issues with people coming and going, plus managing quality control across branches."

On pricing, Bank shared: "We haven't raised prices—only lowered them. Initially, we didn't have a business background, so we set prices without proper calculation. After crunching the numbers, we realized we could reduce prices to reach more customers."

Regarding his barista training, Bank noted: "I still adjust formulas and syrups behind the scenes, but I don't stand at the bar as much as when we first started.

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National

Taiwan-Thailand trade surges 47.8% in Q1 as TECO expands tech talent programme

Taiwan-Thailand trade surged 47.8% in the first quarter of 2026, driven by expanded tech talent recruitment programmes and investments in electronics and PCB industries. Taiwan is now Thailand's fourth-largest trading partner and sixth-larg

7 May Khaosod

Trade between Taiwan and Thailand rose by 47.8% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, marking a new high in bilateral economic relations.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand (TECO) said Taiwan is strengthening its role in Thailand's industrial and technology sectors through investment and talent development initiatives.

Since the launch of the "Taiwan-Thailand Tech Talent Service Platform" in late 2025, TECO said it has expanded recruitment and training programmes aimed at supporting Taiwanese businesses operating in Thailand.

In the first quarter of 2026, TECO and Taiwanese companies organised recruitment seminars at vocational colleges in Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Chonburi, reaching more than 3,000 students.

Taiwan has also established "International Talent Circulation Bases" in northern and northeastern Thailand under its INTENSE Programme, expanding technical training opportunities beyond Bangkok.

TECO said it is also working with printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturers and Thai industrial estates to improve employment pathways for Thai graduates.

According to data from Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI), Taiwan ranked as Thailand's fourth-largest trading partner and sixth-largest source of foreign investment.

In 2025, Taiwanese investment in Thailand totalled 131 projects worth 273.5 billion baht, mainly in electronics, ICT and PCB-related industries.

Educational exchanges also continued to grow, with nearly 2,000 Thai students studying in Taiwan in 2025, up 5% from the previous year.

Peter Lan, TECO's representative in Thailand, said Taiwan-Thailand cooperation is shifting from traditional manufacturing toward AI and smart technology industries.

"Taiwan is not just here for trade and investment; we are committed to local talent cultivation," he said.

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National

Pink Ploy Confirms She Withdrew from Drama Herself, Worried About Impact on Team; Contract with Channel 7 Remains

Actress Pink Ploy confirmed she withdrew from an upcoming drama due to health concerns, saying she's recovered about 90 percent and has no immediate projects lined up despite maintaining her contract with Channel 7.

7 May Khaosod

Following Channel 7's announcement of actress Pink Ploy Pappawadi's health issues that led to her withdrawal from an upcoming drama, the actress recently appeared at the "DIMOO HAPPY 9TH ANNIVERSARY" event at Siam Center to provide an update on her condition.

When asked about her recovery, Pink Ploy stated: "I'm gradually getting better. I'm starting to go out for events again. This is probably the first event I've attended since December." However, she declined to share specific details about her illness, saying she prefers not to disclose the nature of her condition as it could affect others.

Regarding her recovery progress, she indicated she's improved about 90 percent and is currently in a self-care phase. She explained that "not feeling well" isn't just about physical illness—there are other matters involved—which she prefers to keep private to avoid further impact on her surroundings.

As for her acting career, Pink Ploy confirmed she currently has no new projects scheduled but maintains several more years on her contract with Channel 7. She emphasized that the network has been supportive, checking in on her condition and indicating they'll welcome her back when she's ready.

When asked about her hiatus duration, Pink Ploy was cautious about committing to a timeline, saying she doesn't want to rush her return as it could affect both her work and personal well-being. She noted that since her illness came unexpectedly, she prefers to take things as they come rather than set a strict deadline for her return to work.

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National

Deputy PM Supa Jumsai Leads Team Thailand+ Delegation to SelectUSA 2026 Summit in Washington, D.C., Advancing Thai-U.S. Trade and Investment Cooperation

Deputy PM Supa Jumsai led a Thai business delegation to the SelectUSA 2026 Summit in Washington D.C. in May, promoting Thai-U.S. trade and investment across energy, agriculture, and technology sectors with over $17 billion in existing Thai

7 May Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supa Jumsai na Ayudhya announced that her visit to Washington, D.C. on May 4-5, 2026 aimed to promote economic cooperation, trade, and investment between Thailand and the United States, Thailand's most important economic partner. She participated in key activities and held comprehensive discussions with both U.S. government and private sector representatives. The visit demonstrated the Thai government's commitment to strengthening economic ties with the U.S. across all dimensions—trade, investment, and public-private cooperation—with Thailand ready to collaborate closely with all sectors of the U.S. to drive sustainable and concrete economic outcomes.

Supa Jumsai stated that she participated in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 as part of "Team Thailand+" alongside Panapriay Pahittanakul, advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, and Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand. The coordinated effort among the Commerce Ministry, Foreign Affairs Ministry, and Thai Chamber of Commerce, supported by leading Thai businesses, aimed to promote Thai investment in the U.S., particularly in sectors where Thailand has competitive advantages such as energy, processed agriculture, and advanced technology industries. This reflected Thai private sector confidence in the U.S. economy and Thailand's role as an important investment partner.

During the summit, Supa Jumsai met with U.S. Department of Commerce representatives, who responded positively and expressed readiness to facilitate Thai private sector investment in the United States. She also met with representatives from several U.S. states including Texas and Utah, which offer significant investment opportunities in energy, technology, and future industries, all expressing willingness to welcome Thai investments moving forward.

Supa Jumsai noted that the participation of leading Thai private enterprises from the energy, petrochemical, food, and electronics sectors reflected Thailand's plan for continued investment expansion in the U.S. Current Thai investment in the U.S. exceeds $17 billion with a growing upward trend. The summit also provided opportunities for Thai businesses to connect with U.S. business partners and government agencies to expand cooperation in supply chain and target industries. Following the SelectUSA Investment Summit, Supa Jumsai met with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), presenting Thailand's vision and inviting U.S. businesses to invest in Thailand. She emphasized Thailand's economic policies aimed at enhancing competitiveness, restructuring the economy for the future, and promoting target industries such as food innovation and the digital economy, sectors that offer potential for strengthening supply chain linkages between Thailand and the U.S.

U.S. private sector representatives expressed interest in expanding cooperation and investment in Thailand in sectors with mutual potential and support, including food technology and innovation, tourism and hospitality, and partnerships to enhance supply chain resilience.

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National

True Corporation Reports First Quarter 2025 Results with Fifth Consecutive Quarter of Profitability

True Corporation reported its fifth consecutive quarter of profitability in Q1 2025, with net profit of 6.6 billion baht and EBITDA up 10.9% year-over-year, driven by subscriber growth and network modernization.

7 May Khaosod

May 7, 2025 – True Corporation announced its first quarter 2025 financial results, maintaining consistent profitability driven by continuous growth in service subscribers, improved customer experience through network modernization initiatives, and disciplined cost management. The company posted a net profit of 6.6 billion baht with EBITDA reaching 28 billion baht, up 10.9% year-over-year, supported by frequency spectrum licensing gains. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, True Corporation sustained positive performance across its core mobile and online businesses.

Sigve Brekke, Group Chief Executive Officer of True Corporation Public Company Limited, stated: "Performance from all our business segments in the first quarter of 2025 showed strong growth. The key highlight isn't just outstanding financial results, but also record-high customer satisfaction levels. We continue to monitor increasing macroeconomic pressures while advancing toward our financial targets. Continuous network modernization, coupled with business and organizational restructuring, represent key strengths that differentiate us and enhance customer experience, operational efficiency, and long-term competitive advantage for our stakeholders."

Operational Highlights for Q1 2025 Mobile phone subscribers increased by 614,000 lines compared to the previous quarter, reflecting improved churn management and active retention measures. Participation in the Ministry of Education's "Study Anywhere Anytime" program contributed to total mobile subscribers reaching 48.1 million lines. Home internet users grew by 36,000, marking the highest growth since the merger, driven by network stability and improved service quality. Continuous network improvements reduced online business network downtime and boosted customer Net Promoter Scores. Increased adoption of digital self-service channels reduced call center contact volume, improving both customer experience and operational efficiency. 5G subscribers reached 18.4 million by quarter-end.

Nakul Sehgal, Chief Financial Officer of True Corporation Public Company Limited, commented: "First quarter results reflect the financial discipline we've maintained since the merger. While PayTV subscription revenue faced some headwinds, mobile and online businesses remained strong through subscriber growth and network investments alongside customer experience improvements. Operating expenses declined significantly year-over-year through frequency spectrum licensing benefits, merger synergies realization, and rigorous cost control, driving EBITDA growth."

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Breaking

Mother Pleads with Paveena for Help Finding Biological Child Swapped by Caregiver for Three Years

A 24-year-old mother is seeking police help finding her biological daughter, who was swapped by a caregiver three years ago and allegedly sold to a Myanmar couple. The caregiver has been arrested but refuses to reveal the child's whereabout

7 May Khaosod

At 2:00 PM on May 7, 2025, at Bang Lamung Police Station, Paveena Hongskul of the Paveena Hongskul Foundation for Children and Women, accompanied by Janchira Thaibandit from Chachoengsao Provincial Police Region, brought Joy (pseudonym), age 24, to meet Lt. Col. Sarawut Nuchanatro, Bang Lamung Police Chief, to request help locating her biological 3-year-old daughter. The child was placed with a caregiver named Vichuda, or "Som," age 32, from birth. Som allegedly swapped the biological child and returned a different child to Joy when the girl was just 5 months old. Police have arrested Som, who was sentenced to imprisonment at the lower court and later released on bail pending appeal. However, Joy remains unaware of her biological daughter's whereabouts. Som has remained silent about the child's location, claiming a Myanmar couple took the child away. Joy's biological mother, an individual known as "Ann," recently contacted Joy asking what to do next, prompting a request for police investigation.

Joy recounted that in 2022, she became pregnant unplanned and had a conflict with her boyfriend, so they separated. Wanting to keep it from her family, she consulted a friend who introduced her to Som, who lived in a rental room with her husband and four children in Bang Lamung, Chachoengsao. Som claimed to love children and agreed to adopt Joy's daughter. Joy moved in with Som for about 20 days and gave birth on October 6, 2022. Initially wanting to give the child up for adoption, Joy agreed to pay Som 8,000 baht monthly for childcare while she worked in construction in Chachoengsao, living at the work site.

After one month, Som told Joy that a Myanmar couple wanted to raise an infant (as they had no biological children) and offered 20,000 baht, but Joy refused. She continued paying Som for childcare and visited occasionally. When the child turned 5 months old on March 1, 2023, Som suddenly brought the baby to Joy, claiming it was temporary, but never returned. Joy then left the child with her mother in Chachachoengsao before resuming work.

Paveena stated that she has coordinated with Maj. Gen. Ponphan Vongmanetest, Chachoengsao Provincial Police Commander, and assigned Lt. Col. Sarawut to urgently pursue two leads: locating the Myanmar couple Som claimed gave the child to, and finding "Ann," the woman who contacted Joy claiming to be the child's biological mother. If evidence confirms the child was sold, it would constitute human trafficking charges against the Myanmar couple. Most recently, Ann called Joy asking what to do next, prompting a request for police investigation into the facts.

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National

Suchart Briefs Parliament, Reaffirms Government's Push to Address Mekong River Contamination and Land Rights Issues in Forest Communities

Environment Minister Suchart Choomklin told Parliament the government is tackling Mekong River contamination and securing land rights for over 800,000 forest residents by 2027, while establishing task forces to monitor water quality and pro

7 May Khaosod

On May 7, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Choomklin addressed Parliament regarding Mekong River contamination and solutions for land and livelihood rights of people in forest areas. The government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin prioritizes improving public quality of life while conserving natural resources, coordinating relevant agencies for sustained, concrete problem-solving.

The briefing followed inquiries from MP Kriengyos Sudlapa regarding land and housing security in forest communities, and MP Moltida Chaiyabal of Chiang Rai concerning the river contamination's impacts on health, economy, and tourism.

Suchart stated the government has closely monitored the Mekong situation since 2024, establishing a task force to assess impacts and develop solutions through cooperation with neighboring countries via the Foreign Ministry to reduce ecosystem and watershed impacts. The Pollution Control Department continuously collects and analyzes water and sediment samples, while health and fisheries agencies jointly assess public health and aquatic safety impacts.

The ministry is securing backup water sources for water supply in at-risk areas, upgrading village water systems, cleaning wells, and assisting affected schools, temples, and communities to ensure adequate, safe clean water access.

Regarding economic impact, the government is preparing assistance measures for businesses and communities affected by water quality concerns, particularly tourism-dependent areas, to restore confidence and reduce income losses.

On land rights, the government is accelerating land title documentation for over 800,000 people by 2027 to ensure housing and livelihood security, while promoting community forests currently covering over 6 million rai with over 4 million users. The government is also advancing carbon credit revenue systems for sustainable community income and resource management.

Additionally, the government is addressing electricity costs for forest community residents, pushing for rates equal to permanent meter holders to reduce expenses and ensure fair access to basic utilities.

"The government aims for people to live harmoniously with natural resources, with secure farmland, good environment, and fair economic opportunities. All agencies will continue addressing these issues comprehensively," Suchart said.

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National

MCOT Board Unanimously Votes Prof. Dr. Veerasak Purivirojkul as New Board Chairman

Chulalongkorn University rector Prof. Dr. Veerasak Purivirojkul was unanimously appointed chairman of Thailand's public broadcaster MCOT on May 7, bringing AI-driven communication expertise to transform the network into a "Learning Station"

7 May Khaosod

The board of directors of MCOT Public Company Limited unanimously appointed Prof. Dr. Veerasak Purivirojkul, rector of Chulalongkorn University and chairman of the Association of University Administrators of Thailand (AUAT), as the new chairman of MCOT on May 7, 2025.

The board expressed confidence in his broad vision and expertise in modern AI-driven communication strategy, which will serve as a critical mechanism to help MCOT navigate changing consumer behavior and compete effectively with foreign platforms.

Prof. Dr. Veerasak is a distinguished scholar combining academic expertise with international-level business management experience. He holds degrees from leading Thai universities Chulalongkorn and Thammasat, a master's degree from Yale University, and a doctorate from Oxford University. He has worked with global organizations including IBM, P&G, and Hakuhodo.

Currently, he serves as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) and chairman of the ASEM LLL Hub, both internationally recognized organizations. He also pioneered the establishment of Chula XL (Extension and Lifelong Learning), a new college integrating knowledge across all disciplines and systematically connecting with people of all ages to support social and labor market changes.

With his comprehensive experience spanning both academia and media business, his appointment is seen as a crucial turning point for MCOT's adaptation to a new era, elevating the national broadcaster's role to serve as "a mechanism for creating learning opportunities" and "a true driving force for society."

Upon taking office, Prof. Dr. Veerasak announced an urgent policy to revitalize the business by transforming Channel 9, MCOT HD, and all affiliated media into a "Learning Station" that integrates all platforms to develop professional skills and knowledge for Thais of all ages, while creating sustainable economic opportunities for the nation.

Prof. Dr. Veerasak is the second university rector to serve as MCOT board chairman. The first was Prof. Surapol Nitikraipetch, former rector of Thammasat University, who served in the position from 2008 to 2011.

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Breaking

Heavy Rain Causes Roof Leaks at Surat Thani Hospital, Staff and Patients Scramble

Severe roof leaks flooded Surat Thani Hospital during heavy rain on May 7, affecting patients and staff in both an aging OPD building and a newly constructed special ward.

7 May Khaosod

Heavy rain in Surat Thani city caused significant roof leaks at Surat Thani Hospital at 1:30 PM on May 7, 2025, with water pouring down like an open faucet and affecting both staff and patients receiving care.

A Facebook page named 'Mon Mai Surat Thani' posted a video of water cascading into the hospital, appealing for help and expressing concern for hospital personnel and patients during the heavy rainfall in the city at that time.

The page later noted that the hospital's 2-story OPD building is very old and has been in use for a long time, with roof leaks occurring after just half an hour of rain. Commenters suggested this is not surprising and that urgent renovations may be necessary until a new building can be constructed. However, they also noted that the new 7-story special ward building is also experiencing leaks, which is concerning.

The hospital is expected to issue a clarification statement regarding the situation.

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