Krungthai's Chief Investment Office (CIO) analyzed the week of May 11-15, 2025, finding global investment markets experiencing a notable recovery led by semiconductor and memory chip stocks following strong earnings reports from major technology companies. The recovery reflects continued growth in the technology and AI sectors, bolstered by investor expectations of a U.S.-Iran peace agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and President Donald Trump's diplomatic approach to easing geopolitical tensions.

On the U.S. economic front, while non-farm employment figures came in better than expected, they show signs of slowdown compared to the previous month, with wage growth still not accelerating. This has driven down government bond yields in both the U.S. and Thailand, as investors anticipate the Federal Reserve may not need to maintain high interest rates for much longer and could begin cutting rates by late 2025.

Despite many stock markets trading near record highs, Krungthai CIO believes valuations remain reasonable relative to strong earnings growth trends, particularly in AI-related and energy infrastructure sectors. The firm recommends investors employ three strategies: investing in core portfolios through diversified funds like KTWC, gradually accumulating quality stocks especially those benefiting from AI trends and increased electricity demand from data centers, and balancing risk with stable assets.

Krungthai CIO maintains a positive outlook on technology, semiconductor, and healthcare stocks, alternative energy themes, and markets in Japan and China. The firm also recommends Thai REITs for attractive dividend opportunities and suggests holding gold as a portfolio stabilizer. Investors should monitor upcoming meetings between Trump and Xi Jinping, Fed policy signals from incoming chair Kevin Warsh, and U.S. inflation data as key factors for near-term market direction.

A former migrant worker has made an emotional appeal to Thai workers in Korea to comply with regulations, revealing that while most initially go through proper legal channels, many refuse to return home when their contracts expire and instead flee to work illegally elsewhere, leading to four Thai provinces being blacklisted.

As of May 12, 2026, the Department of Employment announced that South Korea has blacklisted four Thai provinces—Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, and Maha Sarakham—prohibiting the recruitment of agricultural and fishing workers under the E-8 visa for one year from January 1 to December 31, 2026.

Reporters recently interviewed Suriya, a 40-year-old from Khon Kaen who has worked in South Korea for several years. Suriya explained that he worked in construction in Korea, earning 70,000 baht monthly initially, with some months reaching six figures with overtime. He later had to return home to Khon Kaen after an accident; otherwise, he would have continued working there.

Regarding the ban on workers from the four provinces, Suriya believes that some workers left Thailand legally but, upon contract completion after five years, fled to work elsewhere illegally without a visa—the primary reason for the blacklisting.

He urged everyone to migrate for work legally to avoid problems and difficult living situations abroad, and to prevent affecting other workers seeking overseas employment. He acknowledged that most workers who migrate illegally typically enter as tourists and then disappear to work, which is why the four provinces were blacklisted by Korea.

Meanwhile, Chatchaket Suphon Suebpimay noted that villagers previously traveled to Korea for work very frequently, earning between 50,000-60,000 baht to over 100,000 baht monthly. Many saved enough to buy houses, cars, and land. However, he recommended that people migrate legally, as this ensures access to help if problems arise and prevents situations that harm Thai workers, such as the current blacklist.

On May 12, 2026, a good citizen reported that a 68-year-old curry rice vendor had been struck with a sacred whip and suffered injuries that remained unhealed after 10 days, preventing her from conducting normal business and losing income. The incident occurred on the morning of May 3, 2026 at a market in Sai Noi district, Nonthaburi province.

When visiting the vendor, identified as Noi (pseudonym), reporters found extensive dark bruises on both her arms, two lacerated wounds, bruises on her shoulder and the back of her neck, and swelling on her head. She had filed a report at Sai Noi police station.

Noi recounted that on the day of the incident, she was sweeping under her table when the wife of the alleged assailant, a dried fish vendor, asked why she was sweeping, claiming her husband had already swept. Noi responded that she was only sweeping under her own table and it didn't concern them. She said her son told her to be quiet, but she couldn't help making a remark, though the neighboring family had been verbally abusive toward her for nearly 10 years. After the wife quieted down, the husband returned with a sacred whip and struck her multiple times while saying "It's good I'm not beating you to death." Someone intervened to stop him. He never came to help with her medical treatment afterward, and she paid for all her own expenses. Both her arms ached severely, making it impossible to cook or lift things.

Noi further explained that people told her the whip belonged to Luang Por Teh Kongthong of Watsamnguam Temple in Nakhon Pathom province. According to local belief, anyone struck with such a whip would go mad. Currently she experiences only arm pain, but during the first three days that Sunday, she felt disoriented and feared losing her mind. She has been unable to sell curry rice for nearly 10 days and doesn't know when she'll recover, with no income since she cannot work.

Aumruay, 85, a retired civic volunteer who intervened to stop the fight, said he witnessed them arguing before the altercation began. He noted that both shops frequently quarrel due to their close proximity, possibly over trash issues. The temple later called police to take the assailant for questioning. Last Sunday, neither shop came to sell because the temple has a rule that both parties cannot sell if they quarrel.

Somboon, 69, a temple monk, stated that this is now a police matter. He explained that the two have frequent disputes over various issues including sweeping garbage and boundary encroachment, though he hasn't been involved in the details. The temple generally issues warnings as it has no special measures, but this is now an assault case. The victim's injuries are severe with extensive bruising. Regarding the weapon, some say it was an electrical cable while others say it was a whip, but he didn't see clearly—only the wounds, which are pitiful.

Initially, police have gathered evidence and are awaiting medical results before summoning the alleged assailant to acknowledge charges and proceed with legal action.

Easy Money is advancing its corporate role through the 'Vision of Merit' project, a quality-of-life CSR initiative aimed at creating opportunities for children, youth, and elderly people to access quality vision care. The company provides free eye examinations and glasses to children and seniors in communities around its branches, with plans to expand nationwide 3-4 times annually, serving 1,500-2,000 participants per year.

On May 12, 2025, Sithiwich Tangthanakiart, Chairman of Easy Money Group, revealed that the company has been conducting CSR activities consistently for 21 years across health, religion, environment, and community assistance. However, most previous projects were implemented according to specific local contexts and needs. A major turning point came when the company recognized that 'vision problems' are a quality-of-life obstacle affecting people of all ages, particularly vulnerable groups unable to access eyeglasses.

"We believe that 'good vision' is the starting point for life opportunities," said Sithiwich. "When people can see clearly, they have greater opportunities to learn, work, and live confidently. We developed the 'Vision of Merit' project to help disadvantaged groups who cannot access proper eye examination and eyeglass services."

Easy Money selected 'Kehara Rom Klao' community in Bangkok as the pilot area for the first Vision of Merit project due to its concentration of elderly residents, children, and low-income families. The team spent over two months surveying needs and conducting eye examinations.

Suthee Panavorn, Chief Executive Officer of Easy Money Group, stated that vision problems are a 'basic necessity' for everyone, but income limitations prevent many from accessing quality services. The company's vision is to serve as a platform unlocking Thai people's potential, not just financially but also in quality of life. Easy Money specifically targets the elderly and youth, as these two groups are most affected by vision problems—youth face impacts on education and future prospects, while elderly face impacts on quality of life and safety.

The first Vision of Merit project successfully distributed glasses to 252 participants at the Kehara Rom Klao branch within 30 days of eye measurement. The company aims to make this a long-term program, distributing glasses 3-4 times annually, totaling approximately 1,500-2,000 glasses per year, with expansion across all 98 Easy Money branches nationwide.

On May 12, 2569, Prime Minister Anutthin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister held a press conference at the Narcotics Control Bureau addressing the case of Ming Chen Sun, a Chinese national accused of war weapons, explosives, and security violations involving Thai politicians. The PM stated the suspect is undergoing investigation and that any involvement with Thai politicians would depend on whether they participated in criminal activity. He noted that knowing someone is normal, and the suspect has lived in Thailand for years, but anyone involved in criminal conduct will face prosecution.

When asked about the suspect's level within criminal networks, the PM referred questions to the Royal Thai Police, stating it was an investigative matter. Regarding alleged coordination with Cambodian authorities, the PM emphasized the focus is on criminal charges resulting from the investigation, using interrogations of the suspect and witnesses. He stated that if anyone is implicated, they will all face prosecution.

Regarding the discovered equipment and the suspect's intentions, the PM indicated some details are sensitive information. Addressing public and tourist safety concerns, he assured that citizens and visitors can continue normal activities, with the Thai government and police guaranteeing public safety.

The PM described the suspect as an ordinary person, not a terrorist or someone seeking to harm the general public. Police have the capability to trace the case to its roots, extending investigations to the suspect's wife and networks. When asked if the suspect could be a mercenary, the PM stated he appears to be an ordinary person.

Regarding politicians connected to the suspect, the PM said nothing should be stated and hoped no one would provide support for illegal activities. On whether decisive action would be taken, the PM responded rhetorically that no one has ever successfully fled.

Addressing whether security measures failed to prevent the suspect from storing C-4 explosives and ten firearms, the PM clarified this was not a security lapse but criminal conduct. Private individuals cannot legally possess firearms unless they are government officials, and storing explosives at home is illegal. Carrying weapons anywhere is illegal.

The PM announced that as Interior Minister he did not renew gun permits, maintaining the same policy as Prime Minister with oversight from police, the Interior Ministry, and Defense Ministry. Currently there are no active gun permits, and all existing permits expire this September. After that, only authorized government officials may carry firearms.