Globlex Securities (GBS) projects the Thai stock index will experience volatility within the 1,470-1,545 point range throughout May 2025, driven by Middle East tensions particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty in US-Iran peace negotiations, which continue to create global investment uncertainty and oil price volatility. However, Thailand is positioning itself as an attractive safe haven, with Moody's rating the country as better prepared than many emerging markets to withstand future global economic shocks, reflecting improved risk balance for the Thai economy.

Domestically, optimism is bolstered by a revised GDP growth forecast from the Bank of Thailand following the government's authorization of a 400 billion baht borrowing decree, raising 2025 GDP growth estimates to 2.1% from 1.5%, while 2026 projections are lowered to 1.6% from 2% due to high base effects. Global markets remain supported by strong performance from Wall Street's technology and AI sectors, which drove S&P 500 profits to multi-year highs, while a US trade court ruling partially invalidating tariffs provides additional tailwinds to global trade.

Key domestic events investors should monitor this month include May 15 (first quarter 2025 financial statement deadline), mid-May investor confidence surveys, May 18 (Q1 2025 GDP announcement), the third week (automotive production and export figures), May 29 (Bank of Thailand economic report), and late May releases from the Commerce Ministry on international trade and various economic indices. Internationally, China's April consumer and producer price indices on May 11 will provide important economic signals during this volatile period.

At 10:00 AM on May 11, 2025, at the Phakdi Bodin Building at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister chaired a national committee meeting to prepare for the annual meetings of the World Bank Group's Board of Governors and the International Monetary Fund's Board of Governors.

The Prime Minister stated that Thailand's hosting of these annual meetings in October represents a major undertaking comparable to the financial Olympics of the world. The conference is expected to draw approximately 15,000 participants from 200 member nations, including national leaders and high-level economic and financial policymakers ranging from finance ministers to central bank governors, financial institution representatives, and senior executives. This makes it an important forum for international economic and financial discussions.

The PM noted that Thailand's selection as host demonstrates the international community's confidence in Thailand within the global financial sector, and emphasized the need for cooperation from all relevant parties. He highlighted the significance of leveraging the event to attract international capital and investment into Thailand.

"The World Bank meeting brings the world's money holders to our country, so it's crucial that we maximize the opportunities to keep as much of that capital flowing into Thailand as possible," the PM said. He stressed the importance of welcoming these important figures, facilitating their needs, and ensuring their security throughout their stay, noting that some attendees hold positions as heads of state. He emphasized the need for cooperation from security agencies, police, military, and administrative officials.

The PM recalled that Thailand previously hosted such a conference 35 years ago in 1992 (B.E. 2534), and observed how Thailand has since elevated its status in the global financial sphere, opening up to international finance markets, capital markets, and financial instruments—developments that followed that first World Bank meeting.

For this year's event, held under the theme "Thailand's New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience," the PM said Thailand will incorporate the principles of the Sufficiency Economy, which has significant value and worldwide recognition, presenting new opportunities for the country.

The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment hosted the 16th National Mangrove Seminar for 2025 under the theme "From Royal Grace to People: The Mangrove Botanical Garden" to commemorate National Mangrove Day. Minister Suchart Chamklin opened the event and led participants in ecosystem enhancement activities, planting over 10 plant species and releasing approximately 9,999 aquatic animals, while visiting exhibitions from Thailand Mangrove Alliance partners including PTT, SCG, and Dow Thailand, as well as research networks and community product booths from Chanthaburi province.

The seminar served as a national-level mangrove academic forum, featuring special presentations from Prof. Dr. Sanit Aksornkoae, chairman of the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), and Dr. Pinsak Surasawadee, director of the marine and coastal resources department. Minister Suchart emphasized that the government considers mangroves a "strategic resource" and is leveraging blue carbon mechanisms as a key tool to achieve Thailand's net-zero emissions target by 2050, reflecting the nation's readiness in knowledge, research, and public participation to develop a sustainable blue economy. Mangrove ecosystems serve as critical nature-based infrastructure that maintains the land-sea interface balance, reduces wave and wind severity, filters pollution, and functions as a powerful global carbon storage system.

Prof. Dr. Sanit Aksornkoae noted that mangroves today face multifaceted challenges from climate change, rising sea levels, and unsustainable resource use, requiring integrated mechanisms combining academic knowledge with proper management, and crucially, "building awareness and participation across all sectors" from local to international levels. He stressed that creating correct understanding and awareness of mangrove values forms the foundation for sustainable conservation and use.

Dr. Pinsak Surasawadee added that the department remains committed to rigorous and continuous mangrove conservation, restoration, and protection against encroachment.

The Department of Foreign Trade revealed that Thai rice garnered strong interest at SIAL Canada 2026, Canada's largest international food and beverage trade show held April 29 - May 1. The event attracted over 850 exhibitors from 55 countries and 23,000 visitors from 78 countries, including importers, wholesalers, retailers, distributors, and restaurant operators.

Department Director General Arada Fuengtong explained that the trade delegation elevated Thailand's rice presentation under the concept "Think Rice Think Thailand," focusing on showcasing the distinctive qualities of Thai rice in terms of quality and standards while connecting Thai rice to the country's renowned food culture. The presentation highlighted how Thai rice serves as the foundation of Thai cuisine and can be adapted to international dishes.

The booth displayed diverse Thai rice varieties alongside popular Thai menu images, emphasizing "Thai Rice: The Heart of Thai Cuisine" while promoting Thai jasmine rice certification marks to build consumer confidence in quality and standards. Special attention was given to health-conscious options including brown rice and riceberry, which attracted over 1,000 visitors from multiple countries including Canada, the United States, Germany, France, China, South Korea, South Africa, and Ghana.

Visitors praised Thai rice, particularly Thai jasmine rice, for its excellent taste, soft texture, and aroma. They noted that Thai rice is readily available in Canadian supermarkets and Asian specialty shops. There was significant interest in health-oriented rice varieties like brown rice and riceberry due to their high nutritional value.

Arada noted that Canada is a major import market for Thai rice, especially premium varieties like jasmine rice. In 2025, Thailand ranked third in jasmine rice exports to Canada. Rice consumption in Canada is expanding due to growing Asian-Canadian populations and the popularity of Thai restaurants. Tourism also plays a key role, as travelers who experience Thai food during visits to Thailand increasingly purchase Thai rice domestically.

Canada represents a high-potential market with strong purchasing power and growing health consciousness among consumers. Thailand's diverse rice offerings—from premium jasmine rice to health-focused varieties—position Thai rice for continued growth in the Canadian market.

On May 11, 2025, Deputy Police General Pattanasak Bubphasuwon ordered a raid that resulted in the arrest of Arun, alias "Lam Nayong," age 42, at an unnamed rental house in Chiao Khao subdistrict, Chaloem Phrakiat district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. He was wanted under arrest warrants from Trang Provincial Court dated February 25, 2011, for charges including attempted murder, premeditated murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and carrying firearms in public without authorization.

The original incident began on November 21, 2010, at approximately 10 p.m., when the victim, Mr. E, age 42, was riding a motorcycle near a hospital in Yan Ta Khao district, Trang province. Two assailants fired at him with a handgun but missed. On December 13, 2010, at approximately 10:30 a.m., four gunmen in a white Isuzu pickup truck ambushed and shot him dead with M16 rifles on a road in Yan Ta Khao district. The victim was found slumped over his Honda Dream motorcycle, struck by two gunshot rounds.

Investigation revealed the victim's wife had hired the assassins. The first failed attempt involved four perpetrators: Jarun (organizer), Aphichat (planner), Therdsakdi (gunman), and Arun (motorcycle driver). The fatal second attempt also involved four men: Jarun (firing a .357 pistol), Aphichat (planner), Somjai (driver), and Arun (firing an M16 from the truck bed).

Police have apprehended most suspects. Jarun and Somjai received death sentences, while others received life sentences. Only Arun had evaded capture for over 15 years, hiding across multiple provinces including Trang, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Phanom, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The Criminal Investigation Division Region 5 finally tracked him down to Chaloem Phrakiat district in Nakhon Si Thammarat and arrested him.

During interrogation, Arun denied all charges. He has been remanded to investigators at Yan Ta Khao Police Station in Trang for further legal proceedings.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is actively tackling drought in Kalasin province by accelerating water storage development and promoting 'Khao Khao Vang,' a regional rice variety, to nearly double its yield and create additional value for both domestic and international markets, supporting grassroots economic stability and sustainable farmer income.

On May 11, 2026, Deputy Agriculture Minister Watcharapol Khaokhwam visited Na Thun subdistrict in Kham Muang district, Kalasin province, to meet with local farmers and assess water shortage problems. He inspected the water levels in the Huai Laeng royal-initiative reservoir at Ban Non Kho community hall and pledged coordinated government action to secure water resources. "We are here to listen directly to the needs of the community and farmers, and we will coordinate all relevant agencies to develop urgent assistance measures, particularly in securing adequate water sources for consumption and agriculture, so people can live and work with stability," Watcharapol said.

Na Thun subdistrict faces challenging conditions, situated in elevated terrain without large-scale water retention facilities to capture seasonal rainfall. Additionally, groundwater is saline and unsuitable for consumption. The Agriculture Ministry, through the Kalasin Irrigation Project, has surveyed a new reservoir that will store over 1.2 million cubic meters of water, providing adequate supply for five villages with approximately 4,000 residents.

Watcharapol then visited the Lam Pa Yang upper reservoir in Song Phraleuk subdistrict, Khao Vang district, to assess water conditions and meet with local farmers about agricultural challenges. The medium-sized reservoir holds an average of 4.6 million cubic meters and supports irrigation for over 5,600 rai through an 18.05-kilometer pipe network, enabling year-round cultivation.

The reservoir has boosted production of 'Khao Khao Vang,' a native rice variety of Khao Vang district, from 273 kilograms per rai to 501 kilograms per rai, demonstrating improved efficiency and water management. The Ministry is also promoting high-quality rice cultivation, market development, and value creation to make 'Khao Khao Vang' competitive in both Thai and international markets, increasing farmer income.

Additionally, Watcharapol distributed aquatic species seeds, rice seeds, and eggs to farmer representatives to enhance food security and reduce production costs.