At 9:00 AM on May 25, 2026 (Paris local time, 5 hours behind Thailand) at Salon Foch in Le Cercle de l'Union interalliée in Paris, Prime Minister Anuthine Charnveerakul and Interior Minister met with the French Employers' Association (MEDEF International) and delivered remarks at an Exclusive Meeting with the Prime Minister of Thailand. The event featured François Corbin, MEDEF International Vice President and Chairman of the Franco-Thai Business Council, alongside representatives from MEDEF International and over 38 companies.

The Prime Minister welcomed the strong interest from leading French companies and business leaders, reflecting French private sector confidence in Thailand and positioning this as a critical moment to invest in the country. He emphasized Thailand's potential as a key gateway to ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region. France ranks as Thailand's 4th trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral trade valued at nearly 4.2 billion euros in 2025. Over the past five years, the Board of Investment (BOI) received investment promotion requests from nearly 100 French companies worth over 725 million euros.

The Prime Minister invited French private sector participation in new industries including clean and renewable energy, transportation infrastructure, aircraft maintenance and repair services (MRO), advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, digital industry, artificial intelligence (AI), biotech, electric vehicles (EV), and advanced battery technology. He assured investors that Thailand offers world-class infrastructure, integrated logistics systems, capable human resources, strong supply chains, and a business-friendly environment with attractive investment incentives.

The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) receives full government support and is emerging as a modern industrial and technology hub for advanced industries and long-term technological cooperation. Thailand is transitioning to clean energy with easier access to renewable power, while the Thailand FastPass program facilitates strategic investment projects by significantly reducing approval and licensing timeframes.

Thailand's strengths include competitive costs, skilled workforce, strong local partnerships, and gateway access to ASEAN's market of over 700 million people and Asian markets. Advancing Thailand-France relations toward a strategic partnership and negotiating a Thailand-EU free trade agreement will create deeper cooperation opportunities. Thailand's OECD membership process demonstrates commitment to raising legal standards to international levels.

The Prime Minister welcomed MEDEF International delegates planning a Thailand visit in June, with plans to follow up on today's discussions and build economic partnership between Thailand and France.

Globlex Securities (GBS) estimates Thailand's stock market index will trade sideways this week between 1,510-1,560 points, buoyed by falling crude oil prices following positive US-Iran peace negotiations and continued strong foreign investment flows into Thai businesses. Foreign direct investment reached over 129 billion baht in the first four months of the year, up 124% year-over-year, with exports expanding 17% in the first quarter, prompting EXIM Bank to raise Thailand's full-year export forecast to 7% from the previous 0-2% projection.

Global economic conditions are supported by US jobless claims falling to 209,000, below analyst expectations, and US assurances it will not use military force to seize Greenland. However, market risks remain including Iran's decision to suspend enriched uranium exports and renewed geopolitical tensions as the US pursues regime change in Cuba and deploys 5,000 additional troops to Poland.

Domestically, Thailand's real estate sector continues facing pressure from higher interest rates and stricter lending standards, with mid-to-lower tier condominium transfers slowing while upper-tier horizontal property sales remain resilient. Investors should closely monitor this week's important economic data including international trade reports, industrial production indices, Bank of Thailand's economic assessment on May 29, US consumer confidence and employment figures, Q1 GDP estimates, and China's industrial profit reports.

Globlex research director recommends a selective stock-picking strategy focusing on two main groups: stocks benefiting from the MSCI Global Small Cap index rebalancing effective May 29 (recommending MRDIYT and TFG while avoiding TOA which is being removed), and retail and consumer stocks positioned to gain from the Thai Help Thai Plus stimulus initiative.

Thai youth badminton players delivered outstanding performances at the 'MITH Pathumthanee U13 U15 U17 International Junior 2026' tournament at Spirit Stadium in Pathum Thani province, with finals held on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The tournament was graced by Air Chief Marshal Montol Satchugyok, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, alongside other government and sports officials who presented awards to the competitors.

The standout achievement came from Natpha 'Buké' Kerikrit in the U-15 girls category, who claimed an impressive triple championship across three events. In the girls' singles, the fifth-seeded Buké defeated Chanthida 'Cinderr' Phiphatthanabodee 2-0 with scores of 21-7, 21-11. She then paired with Chanathip 'Mirin' Waenthongkham to capture the girls' doubles title, defeating Kanda 'Kiwi' Luyyapong and Sarisa 'Bai Plu' Saengbrang 2-0 (21-15, 21-7). Finally, Buké partnered with Techapart Simyindie to win the mixed doubles, overcoming Nopphorn Chaiyapa and Sarisa 'Bai Plu' Saengbrang 2-0 (21-13, 21-18).

Other notable finals results included: In U-17 girls' singles, Kung Kaew Kakanik defeated Natthapon 'Maime' Sangthai 2-0 (21-12, 21-12). In U-17 mixed doubles, Thanaphat Gerdsiripun and Praephloy Sutthiwaryannon defeated Prinyaa 'Ping' Puttipaisokul and Pimpha 'Fah Sai' Thanutanantpong 2-1 (10-21, 21-18, 21-16). In U-17 girls' doubles, Chachanon Buajanthorn and Natthapon 'Maime' Sangthai won 2-1 (9-21, 21-17, 25-23) against Chanthrasma Matdakul and Praephloy Sutthiwaryannon. In U-17 boys' singles, Ung Hautong (fifth-seeded Malaysian player) defeated Prinyaa 'Ping' Puttipaisokul (8th seed) 2-0 (21-12, 21-14). In U-17 boys' doubles, Yuthasak Nadi and Nathassit Ratsadonsak (2nd-seeded pair) lost to Malaysian pair Chern Jonas and Chen Fengkuor (4th-seeded) 1-2 (14-21, 21-7, 18-21).

In U-15 boys' doubles, Nopphorn Chaiyapa and Ratchai Wongwai defeated Malaysian players Yeow Julius and Suhaime Shahadsriel 2-0 (21-16, 21-18). In U-15 boys' singles, Techapart Simyindie lost to Hong Kong's Pun Hu Long 1-2 (15-21, 21-16, 21-10). In U-13 boys' singles, Phumimit Fuenfuetrap defeated Pachon Cheutong 2-1 (16-21, 21-15, 21-18). In U-13 girls' singles, Chiratcha Wattanasangsuk defeated Kannika 'Sali' Tanmanee 2-1 (16-21, 21-12, 25-23). In U-13 boys' doubles, Pachon Cheutong and Thananan 'Artie' Pithassasarn defeated Papapong Pongkuna and Kritin Phuttawailai 2-0 (21-19, 21-11).

Here's your chance to experience aerobics like never before—floating above the city center! MBK Center, in collaboration with Pathum Wan District Office and BTS Group, is inviting dance enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and tourists to join the high-energy AEROBIC PARTY in celebration of National Health Day on Thursday, May 28, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Skywalk plaza in front of MBK Center. Admission is completely free!

Expect an electrifying fitness atmosphere in the heart of Bangkok, featuring special aerobics choreography that blends fitness, fun, and fantastic music. The event will be led by renowned dance instructor Kru Mongkol, known for his entertaining yet easy-to-follow teaching style suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Joining him are health and wellness trainer Sara Pongsapanya and beauty queens from various pageants, including Menus Sirayutsanee (Mrs. Globe 2022) and Krokamol Bunche (Mrs. Noble Queen Thailand 2020), along with artists from Love is and LE7EL and DiDi Dada record labels. Additional activities will cater to active lifestyle enthusiasts and health-conscious participants.

For more information about MBK Center's events and promotions, visit https://www.mbk-center.co.th/ or follow their Facebook page (mbkcenterth) and Instagram (mbkcenter).

Deloitte announced the launch of the Board-Ready Women Programme in Thailand on May 25, 2569, aimed at building knowledge, networks, and confidence among high-potential female executives aspiring to corporate board roles in both public and private sectors. The programme runs from May through August 2569 and features senior corporate directors, regulators, and business leaders who share expertise on corporate governance, board responsibilities, personal branding, cybersecurity, and AI governance.

Thailand currently faces significant challenges regarding women's representation in senior management positions, particularly on corporate boards. Women hold only 20 percent of board positions at listed companies on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, marginally higher than Asia's 18 percent average according to the 2569 United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative report.

Methini Jongsrituwat, Managing Director of Deloitte Thailand and Laos, emphasized that modern corporate boards face unprecedented complexity from digital transformation, shifting geopolitics, and intensified governance expectations. Diversity of experience and perspective, she noted, is both a strategic imperative and a governance principle for organizations seeking effective performance.

The programme brings together leading figures from prominent Thai organizations, including representatives from the Thai Institute of Directors and the Stock Exchange of Thailand, providing participants with valuable networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities with business leaders shaping Thailand's economic direction.

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkoon, Chairman of Kasikornbank, reinforced that Thailand has made significant progress developing female business leaders but must continue advancing women's board representation. She stressed that potential transcends gender and that diverse boards are better equipped to handle evolving organizational expectations.

Kulpatthra Sirodm, Honorary Chair of the Thai Institute of Directors, added supporting remarks on the programme's importance in creating pathways for new-generation leaders to corporate board positions.

Trai Samuthorn has fired back at Leena Chang following her public criticism suggesting he apologize to his mother and forgive his brother Pai Sunistha Scott. Trai explained that he didn't listen to Leena's interview because she appears mentally unstable, and he deliberately chooses to listen only to people with strong moral principles and peaceful minds. When asked about Leena's suggestion that he reconcile with his mother, Trai responded: "I don't know. It's difficult to advise people on how to manage their own lives. I don't know if I'm a good example for sharing life lessons." Regarding his reputation for giving brief but sharp responses despite being fluent in English, Trai stated: "I just take what I know and try to speak as concisely as possible so people understand. I feel that people who don't matter in my life shouldn't get more of my words, air, or time than they deserve."