On 30 June 2026 at 10:42 a.m. (local time), Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, departed Le Meurice Paris, Th...
On 30 June 2026 at 10:42 a.m. (local time), Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, departed Le Meurice Paris, Th...
Property experts caution that guaranteed-return condos shouldn't be evaluated on yields alone, warning buyers to scrutinize a project's ability to generate rental income and meet payment obligations. COVID-19 exposed serious risks, with man
Surachet Kongchip, research head at Cushman & Wakefield Thailand, notes that guaranteed-return condominiums remain a key sales strategy for developers, particularly as the condo market slows and inventory piles up. Unlike discounts or free transfer fees—short-term measures—these projects offer 5-9% annual returns over 2-7 years or longer, providing strong incentive for investors.
However, buyers should not focus solely on promised returns. They must assess the project's operational capability, since returns depend on rental income. If a project fails to meet revenue targets, it cannot pay guaranteed returns on schedule.
COVID-19 exposed serious risks. Many projects launched between 2017-2020 stalled mid-construction when tourism collapsed and rental income vanished overnight. Some developers still cannot operate normally; projects in secondary locations far from beaches or attractions underperform expectations, falling short on rental revenue and threatening return payments.
Phuket dominates the guaranteed-return market with over 6-7 major projects, followed by Pattaya, which has slowed due to excess inventory and reduced foreign investment, especially from Russians. Other markets like Hua Hin, Cha-am, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai have fewer such projects.
Buyers typically sacrifice unlimited access to rooms—usually limited to 14-30 days annually—in exchange for guaranteed returns. The rest of the year, developers rent units daily or monthly, with daily rentals preferred for higher income. This rental revenue funds the guaranteed returns and covers operating costs.
Coordinated bombings hit two PTT gas stations in Pattani province on June 28, with the Sai Buri branch suffering its fourth attack and forcing 20 workers out of their jobs. Extensive structural damage is estimated at 10 million baht, with r
Unknown perpetrators have carried out bombing attacks on two PTT gas stations in Pattani province—the Yaring and Sai Buri branches—causing severe damage in a coordinated strike on the night of June 28. This marks the fourth incident at the Sai Buri station, where previous attacks had targeted a Krungthai Bank ATM, a truck, and another ATM at an adjacent convenience store without directly damaging the station itself. However, this latest attack has caused extensive structural damage to both fuel and gas dispensers, forcing all approximately 20 staff members out of work. Branch Manager Abdulaziz revealed that damage assessment is ongoing in consultation with contractors, with repairs estimated to take roughly five months before reopening. The company has received some employee support assistance, though additional compensation from the company may be necessary. Preliminary damage is estimated at not less than 10 million baht. When asked if the repeated attacks have discouraged him, the manager acknowledged feeling disheartened but resigned to accepting the situation after multiple incidents.
Thailand's deputy prime minister defended the 2570 fiscal budget against opposition criticism, arguing the government's new approach is necessary to break chronic budgeting problems that previous administrations failed to reform.
Deputy Prime Minister Phrathat Pirisnanantakul on July 1, 2569, addressed parliament's consideration of the fiscal year 2570 budget bill, responding to criticism from Democratic Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. While agreeing with most of Abhisit's observations about budgeting obstacles, Phrathat disagreed on one point: calling the budget "vision-less." He argued that without this year's approach, continuing old methods in years 2571-2572 would truly be vision-less. The government, facing potential disaster, had no choice but to adopt this budget structure while acknowledging its imperfection due to time constraints and long-standing fiscal obligations. Phrathat noted this represents a chronic problem binding multiple governments, yet none had dared to reform budgeting procedures. He stated previous comments would benefit the country only if implemented, not merely used to gain parliamentary approval before reverting to old practices next year. Phrathat has discussed plans with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Interior Minister Eknit Nitithumphrapas, and Deputy PM Pakorn Nilpraphan to launch reforms, recruiting parliamentary allies believing budget system restructuring is essential. This requires parliament's cooperation on legislative changes and collective brainstorming. The Finance Committee is establishing a subcommittee to study and reform state revenue collection, aligning with Eknit's reform plans. Regarding borrowing and rising deficits, the government recognizes approaching debt ceilings and plans to reduce deficits while maintaining fiscal discipline. "This government won't follow old patterns," Phrathat said, emphasizing deficit reduction priorities. On transparency, the government proactively provided budget office Excel files for parliamentary analysis weeks before proceedings, a first. With clear PM directives to tighten budgets, the government also engaged budget offices in performance evaluation—an unprecedented undertaking.
During the State Visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand to the French Republic on 29 June 2026, Her Majesty Queen Suthida elegantly showcased two distinguished ensembles from royally ...
During the State Visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand to the French Republic on 29 June 2026, Her Majesty Queen Suthida elegantly showcased two distinguished ensembles from royally ...
Deputy PM Songsak Tongsak is moving forward with legal action against Pongsakorn Saoton over a false audio clip, saying an apology is insufficient despite Grit's denial of involvement and admission to authorities.
Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Tongsri stated on July 1, 2569 at Government House regarding Grit (Pongsakorn Saoton) that he acknowledged having no involvement with the audio clip falsely attributed to Songsak. According to Grit's account, he provided this information to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) as well, consistent with his interview with a news channel. When asked if he was aware that Grit had apologized and denied Songsak's involvement, the Deputy Prime Minister said that while Grit spoke in that manner, he remained unsatisfied because the person who made the statements caused him damage and then retracted them while society was still watching. Songsak stated he believed the public remained skeptical of him, prompting him to assert his rights over being named and damaged, seeking justice for the harm caused. Therefore, the complaint against Grit will continue. He emphasized using all legal rights because his name was used to cause damage through false information, requiring maximum accountability from those responsible. He noted that when such news circulates widely among hundreds, thousands, and millions of people, they will believe it, which is psychologically damaging. He questioned how proceeding with the complaint addresses this. "When damage occurs, is an apology alone sufficient?" he asked. "But for society and the public who learn of my name being involved, how much can they really reverse their beliefs? Because bad news spreads widely while good news reaches far fewer people."
Thailand's stock market is headed for 1,619 points by year-end as foreign capital inflows and AI investment drive economic growth, with analysts upgrading 2025 GDP forecasts on stimulus and infrastructure spending. Undervalued Thai shares a
Thailand's Investment Analysts Association released findings from 25 firms showing a broadly positive outlook on Thailand's economy and capital markets for the second half of 2025. Growth drivers include government stimulus, domestic consumption recovery, infrastructure investment, and artificial intelligence and data center technology, which analysts see as critical market boosters. The survey upgraded Thailand's average 2025 GDP growth forecast to 1.93% from 1.72% previously, within a range of 1.5-2.7%, assuming crude oil at $84.80 per barrel and a risk-free rate of 2.11%.
Analysts weighted foreign capital inflows as the strongest positive factor, cited by 92% of respondents, followed by AI technology investment at 88%. Resolution of U.S.-Iran-Israel tensions was seen as beneficial for regional capital flows by 80%. On downside risks, 68% flagged potential changes to major central bank policies and quantitative easing, while 56% cited U.S. interest rate direction.
All analysts expect Thailand's policy rate to hold at 1% through year-end. Projected 2025 earnings per share rose to 96.04 baht from 87.64 baht previously, with expected 10.2% EPS growth. The SET Index is forecast to close third quarter at 1,608 points within a 1,496-1,655 range, with year-end target of 1,619 points. Money is increasingly rotating from AI stocks into undervalued Thai shares, as the market remains attractively priced amid improving economic fundamentals.
Results from Laos's official Development Lottery drawing on July 1, 2025, have been announced, with prizes ranging from 60 to 6,000 times the ticket purchase amount depending on matching digits.
Results from the Lao PDR government lottery, officially known as the Development Lottery and administered by the Development Lottery State Enterprise under the Ministry of Finance, for the drawing on July 1, 2025, are as follows:
6-digit prize: XXXXXX 5-digit prize: XXXXX Last 4 digits: XXXX Last 3 digits: XXX Last 2 digits: XX
5/45 Development Lottery drawing for 1/7/69 The 5/45 format numbers drawn are: XX, XX, XX, XX, XX
Lao Lottery Payout Rates and Prize Calculation Ticket holders can calculate winnings based on purchase amount in kip as follows:
4 digits: 6,000 times payout (example: 1,000 kip purchase yields 6,000,000 kip) 3 digits: 500 times payout (example: 1,000 kip purchase yields 500,000 kip) 2 digits: 60 times payout (example: 1,000 kip purchase yields 60,000 kip)
About the Lao Lottery or "Development Lottery" The official Lao lottery, called the Development Lottery, is operated by the Development Lottery State Enterprise under oversight of the Lao PDR Ministry of Finance. It is the legally authorized government lottery of Laos.
Schedule and Broadcasting Channels Drawing days: Monday through Friday, with 5/45 drawings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Time: Live broadcast begins at 8:00 p.m. Thailand time Channels: Lao National Radio and Lao National Television Channel 1 (LNTV)
How to Check Lao Lottery Results The lottery system draws one 6-digit number, which is then broken down into multiple prize categories based on regional preferences. The most common format uses the last 4 digits. The lottery also includes dream number (4/40) and animal name games, which are unique to Laos.
The Thai Diabetes Association launched an e-learning program to help type 2 diabetes patients achieve remission through weight loss and lifestyle changes, as cases in Thailand rise to approximately 6 million with 100,000-200,000 new patient
The Thai Diabetes Association, in collaboration with WHO-CCS NCDs, the Ministry of Public Health, and partner agencies, is expanding a model for managing type 2 diabetes remission through an e-learning program. Prof. Wanni Nithiyananth, chair of the Thai Diabetes Association, presented the DM Remission project results at Bangkok City Hall 2, aiming to develop service frameworks that help type 2 diabetes patients achieve remission in the Thai context.
According to Prof. Nithiyananth, diabetes remains a serious concern in Thailand. Physical examination surveys show prevalence increasing from 6.6% in 2004 to 10.6% in 2567-2568, with only one in three patients maintaining good blood sugar control. Behavioral changes that reduce blood sugar to non-diabetic levels without medication represent sustainable health promotion, reduce medical staff burden, lower state healthcare costs, and support WHO goals to halt rising diabetes cases and reduce premature non-communicable disease deaths by one-third by 2030.
"The key principle for achieving diabetes remission is reducing body weight by at least 10% in obese type 2 diabetes patients through appropriate dietary management combined with physical activity—both aerobic and resistance exercise—under medical supervision," Prof. Nithiyananth explained.
Assoc. Prof. Petch Rodaree, First Vice Chair of the Thai Diabetes Association, noted that diabetes cases in Thailand continue rising, with approximately 6 million current patients and 100,000-200,000 new cases annually. Without intervention, accumulating cases risk increases in diabetic kidney disease and kidney failure.
"Managing diabetes toward remission, particularly in patients within five years of diagnosis, requires strict behavioral modification through diet and exercise to achieve 10% weight loss. This restores pancreatic function and reduces insulin resistance in obese patients, addressing the disease's root cause and reducing treatment and medication expenses while improving long-term public health," Assoc. Prof. Petch said.
Assoc. Prof. Petch added that recognizing diabetes's behavioral origins, the Association recognizes that health behavior change requires multidisciplinary expertise and care system management for diabetes remission programs. This demands more patient engagement and closer monitoring than traditional treatment, necessitating information system development, staff training, Ministry of Public Health policy support, and budget allocation from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation for research projects like Eliminate DM. These efforts ensure comprehensive coverage, patient accessibility, and clinical and health economic evidence.
Dr. Kritsada Hanbanjerd, WHO-CCS NCDs consultant and chair, noted the program supported development of guidelines for diabetes remission, remote e-learning systems, and information systems tracking blood pressure, weight, diet, steps, and blood sugar levels.
Charoensuk Shabu permanently closed its The Scene Town in Town branch on June 29, following temporary shutdowns of two other Bangkok locations this month.
Charoensuk Shabu, a popular buffet restaurant chain based in Bangkok, has announced the permanent closure of its The Scene Town in Town branch. The branch closed its doors on June 29 after operating for an extended period. In a Facebook announcement, the restaurant thanked all customers for their continued support, trust, and patronage. The management expressed hope of welcoming customers again in the future and promised to announce any updates regarding potential reopening. This closure follows temporary shutdowns of two other Charoensuk Shabu locations: the Anusawari branch on June 15 and The Jazz Rama Intra branch on June 23.
A Thai man opened fire on Myanmar nationals in Chon Buri after a card game dispute, killing one and injuring two others on July 1.
On July 1, 2569 at 12:30 p.m., police in Ban Bo Win subdistrict, Sri Racha district, Chon Buri province received a report of a shooting with casualties at a rental room. Officers arrived to find Aung Myo Min, a 40-year-old Myanmar national, deceased from a gunshot wound to the head.
Two others were injured: Zar Zar Tun, 39, a Myanmar national, sustained a gunshot wound to the right chest area requiring hospitalization at Laem Chabang Hospital; and a 35-year-old Myanmar man named Myo suffered a minor graze wound to the right hand.
Police arrested the suspect, Saiyut (surname withheld), 43, a Thai national. He confessed that he had been playing eight-nine poker the previous day and lost money. After finishing his factory shift at 7 a.m., he joined the gambling group but they had already dispersed. He invited the Myanmar nationals to play another round, but they mocked and ignored him. Enraged and humiliated, he retrieved a 9mm modified pistol and fired at the group, causing the casualties. Police are proceeding with legal charges.