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CPN appoints ‘Chanavat Uahwatanasakul’ as New CEO, Effective May 1, 2026

16. January 2026

Central Pattana (CPN) announces the appointment of Chanavat Uahwatanasakul as its new CEO

The post CPN appoints ‘Chanavat Uahwatanasakul’ as New CEO, Effective May 1, 2026 appeared first on The Story Thailand.

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BOI rings in 2026 with seven data center approvals bolstering Thailand’s digital future

16. January 2026

Thailand's BOI approves 7 data center projects worth $3.1 billion (THB 96.88 billion) in early 2026

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SYNNEX unveils 2026 strategy: Transforming into a ‘Technology Empowerment Partner’

16. January 2026

SYNNEX Thailand hosts OPEN HOUSE 2026, targeting THB 53B revenue. Unveiling a smart warehouse

The post SYNNEX unveils 2026 strategy: Transforming into a ‘Technology Empowerment Partner’ appeared first on The Story Thailand.

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TikTok launches ‘2026 Thailand Election Center’

16. January 2026

TikTok, the global discovery platform, today officially launched its in-app "2026 Thailand Election Center"

The post TikTok launches ‘2026 Thailand Election Center’ appeared first on The Story Thailand.

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Thaipat marks 12 years as Thailand’s premier ESG rater

15. January 2026

Thaipat ESG Rating enters its 12th year, expanding its sustainability assessments to 1,000+ Thai companies.

The post Thaipat marks 12 years as Thailand’s premier ESG rater appeared first on The Story Thailand.

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Central Group unveils new board of directors

14. January 2026

Central Group appoints Prof. Emeritus Dr. Suthiphand Chirathivat as Chairman, alongside a new Board effective Jan 2026

The post Central Group unveils new board of directors appeared first on The Story Thailand.

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BMA x SCGC: Turning used lunchboxes into eco-friendly chairs

14. January 2026

Bangkok and SCGC transform 9,000kg of plastic waste into "Green Chairs" for public use. Each chair is made from 200 recycled lunchboxes

The post BMA x SCGC: Turning used lunchboxes into eco-friendly chairs appeared first on The Story Thailand.

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  • CPN appoints ‘Chanavat Uahwatanasakul’ as New CEO, Effective May 1, 2026

    Central Pattana (CPN) announces the appointment of Chanavat Uahwatanasakul as its new CEO

    The post CPN appoints ‘Chanavat Uahwatanasakul’ as New CEO, Effective May 1, 2026 appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    Central Pattana Public Company Limited (CPN), Thailand’s leading real estate and retail developer, has officially notified the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) regarding a major leadership transition. The Board of Directors has passed a resolution to appoint Chanavat Uahwatanasakul as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

    Succession Planning and Retirement

    Following the Board of Directors Meeting No. 1/2026 held on January 16, 2026, the board approved the nomination proposed by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Chanavat will succeed Wallaya Chirathivat, who is set to complete her term and retire from the CEO position.

    The appointment will officially take effect on May 1, 2026. Although stepping down from the executive leadership role, Wallaya Chirathivat will continue to serve the company as a member of the Board of Directors.

    TikTok launches ‘2026 Thailand Election Center’

    Central Group unveils new board of directors

    The post CPN appoints ‘Chanavat Uahwatanasakul’ as New CEO, Effective May 1, 2026 appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    16 January 2026
    Press Release
    https://www.thestorythailand.com/?p=177210
  • BOI rings in 2026 with seven data center approvals bolstering Thailand’s digital future

    Thailand's BOI approves 7 data center projects worth $3.1 billion (THB 96.88 billion) in early 2026

    The post BOI rings in 2026 with seven data center approvals bolstering Thailand’s digital future appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    At its first board meeting of 2026, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas, officially approved seven significant data center and data hosting projects. This decision highlights a strong commitment to enhancing the nation’s digital infrastructure and positioning Thailand as a premier Digital Innovation Hub in ASEAN.

    “As demand for digital services grows, Thailand needs strong and reliable infrastructure to support long-term growth,” stated Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). “These strategic investments are crucial for accelerating Thailand’s digital transformation. By building secure and high-performance data capabilities, we are fulfilling the rising demand and enabling businesses to innovate and prosper, both domestically and across the region.”

    The approved projects collectively represent a substantial investment of over USD 3.1 billion (THB 96.88 billion) and significant technological advancement, reflecting strong confidence in Thailand’s digital future:

    • True Internet Data Center Co., Ltd.: 3 data center projects with total investment of around USD 1.4 billion (THB 45.3 billion), with a combined IT load of 223 MW, located in Chonburi and Samut Prakan.
    • GSA Data Center 05 Co., Ltd.: 2 projects with total investment of roughly USD 1.2 billion (THB 37.2 billion), located at WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 5 (Rayong) and in Samut Prakan, with a combined IT load of 120 MW.
    • Stellar DC Co., Ltd.: Total investment of USD 0.3 billion (THB 8.1 billion); a STECON Group project co-developed with SC Zeus Data Centers (Singapore), located in Bangkok, supporting an IT load of 25 MW.
    • Freyr Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd.: a Singapore-based entity with total investment of USD 0.2 billion (THB 6.3 billion) in data hosting project, with facilities located in Rayong and Samut Prakan.

    In 2025, the BOI has received a cumulative total of 36 data center projects, representing a combined investment value exceeding USD 23.1 billion (THB 728 billion). These facilities are located across key provinces including Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Pathum Thani, Rayong, and Samut Prakan.

    Data center projects are expected to generate significant economic benefits. These projects are anticipated to lay the foundation for the future creation of highly skilled jobs for Thai professionals in critical technology fields. The sector’s ongoing focus on high-efficiency “Green Data Centers” aligns with global sustainability trends and supports Thailand’s commitment to responsible development. Furthermore, these widespread investments will foster a robust domestic supply chain, from infrastructure providers and hardware manufacturers to facility management services and a thriving ecosystem of online businesses in e-commerce, fintech, and AI.

    “By expanding our domestic data center capabilities, we ensure faster data access (low latency), bolster cybersecurity, and strengthen data sovereignty. This makes Thailand an even more attractive destination for global digital players and a true Digital Innovation Hub for ASEAN,” added Narit.

    BMA x SCGC: Turning used lunchboxes into eco-friendly chairs

    Thaipat marks 12 years as Thailand’s premier ESG rater

    The post BOI rings in 2026 with seven data center approvals bolstering Thailand’s digital future appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    16 January 2026
    Business
    https://www.thestorythailand.com/?p=177035
  • SYNNEX unveils 2026 strategy: Transforming into a ‘Technology Empowerment Partner’

    SYNNEX Thailand hosts OPEN HOUSE 2026, targeting THB 53B revenue. Unveiling a smart warehouse

    The post SYNNEX unveils 2026 strategy: Transforming into a ‘Technology Empowerment Partner’ appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    SYNNEX (Thailand) PCL, the country’s leading IT distributor, officially hosted “SYNNEX OPEN HOUSE 2026,” marking a pivotal shift in its business model. Under the theme “Empowering the Future Together,” the company announced its evolution from a traditional distributor to a Strategic Technology Partner, aiming to capture the massive AI investment wave with a projected revenue target of THB 53 billion.

    Synnex Technology Showcase: Immersive Innovation

    The event debuted the “Synnex Technology Showcase,” Thailand’s first fully integrated large-scale exhibition designed to demonstrate real-world applications of AI and emerging tech. The showcase featured five immersive zones:

    • Living Future: Smart-home ecosystems integrated with Solar & Energy Storage (ESS).
    • Synnex Smart Town: AI-driven city management for security, traffic, and smart parking.
    • Future Workplace: Hybrid-work solutions backed by AI-ready data centers and cybersecurity.
    • Smart Learning Hub: Next-generation hybrid classrooms.
    • Smart Wellness: Elevating healthcare through Medical IoT and telemedicine.

    Smart Warehouse: Infrastructure for Sustainable Growth

    SYNNEX unveiled its state-of-the-art Smart Warehouse, a 9,000-square-meter facility powered by the System 5 platform. This intelligent logistics hub is Thailand’s first of its kind, capable of handling over 12.8 million items annually.

    • Automation & Robotics: Featuring HaiPick intelligent picking robots and ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System), the facility processes up to 10,000 items per hour.
    • Operational Excellence: The system is designed to support a 62% increase in sales volume, ensuring speed, accuracy, and scalability for the long term.

    2026 Strategic Roadmap: Riding the AI Wave

    Sutida Mongkolsuthree, CEO of SYNNEX (Thailand) PCL, emphasized that 2026 is the year of transformation. The company is pivoting to a Value-Driven Growth strategy, focusing on:

    1. AI Upgrade Cycle: Driven by the surge in AI PCs and AI Smartphones.
    2. Infrastructure Expansion: Capturing the expansion of Cloud, Data Centers, and AI Infrastructure spurred by global capital inflows.
    3. End-to-End Solutions: Moving beyond hardware sales to provide complex, high-value technology services for both public and private sectors.

    “In 2026, AI is no longer just a tool but the core pillar of the digital economy. SYNNEX is stepping up as a Technology Empowerment Partner to ensure our customers and partners can fully leverage the potential of this era for stable, long-term growth,” Sutida stated.

    TikTok launches ‘2026 Thailand Election Center’

    Salesforce launches Thai-ready ‘Agentforce’ for Agentic Enterprise Era

    The post SYNNEX unveils 2026 strategy: Transforming into a ‘Technology Empowerment Partner’ appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    16 January 2026
    Business
    https://www.thestorythailand.com/?p=177033
  • TikTok launches ‘2026 Thailand Election Center’

    TikTok, the global discovery platform, today officially launched its in-app "2026 Thailand Election Center"

    The post TikTok launches ‘2026 Thailand Election Center’ appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    TikTok, the global discovery platform, today officially launched its in-app “2026 Thailand Election Center” in collaboration with the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), COFACT, and Thai PBS Verify. This strategic initiative is designed to provide our Thai community with access to reliable, verified information, ensuring they are equipped to make informed decisions for the upcoming General Election on February 8, 2026.

    The 2026 Thailand Election Center can be accessed through in-app search prompts and informative banners and will provide users with links to authoritative sources. The center houses centralized information on voting procedures, polling locations, and candidate lists sourced directly from the ECT, ensuring that users can access authoritative information when they search for election-related terms. 

    Sawaeng Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), stated: “Collaborating with TikTok for the 2026 Thailand Election Center is a significant step toward ensuring that voters have access to accurate and timely information. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering Thai citizens to participate in the electoral process with confidence.”

    To safeguard the platform, TikTok employs a proactive approach to content integrity, including removing harmful misinformation regarding civic processes and labeling unverified claims. According to TikTok’s latest Community Guidelines Enforcement Report in 2025, TikTok achieved a 99.5% proactive removal rate for violative content in Thailand, meaning that the vast majority of violative content was removed before it was reported to us. The platform also maintains a strict ban on political advertising and prohibits accounts belonging to politicians, governments, or political parties (GPPPAs) from accessing monetization features. 

    hanida Klyphun, Director of Public Policy – SEA, TikTok
    hanida Klyphun, Director of Public Policy – SEA, TikTok

    “Elections are pivotal moments for community dialogue. We remain focused on keeping our community safe while protecting the integrity of the TikTok platform,” said Chanida Klyphun, Director of Public Policy – SEA, TikTok. “By enforcing robust policies and collaborating with experts like the ECT, COFACT, and Thai PBS Verify, we aim to foster an environment of digital literacy and responsible participation.”

    “Our safety measures are built to stay ahead of evolving threats. By deploying industry-leading technology like Content Credentials to detect AI-generated content (AIGC) and providing users with reporting tools to flag misleading information, we ensure that TikTok remains a secure space for electoral discourse.” Klyphun added. 

    TikTok’s Three Core Approaches for 2026’s Thailand Election Integrity

    • PROTECT: Safeguarding Platform Integrity through Proactive Defense – protects the integrity of the election by removing harmful misinformation regarding civic and electoral processes. Our safety model is driven by proactive measures and supported by tens of thousands of safety professionals globally, Furthermore, TikTok is the first video platform to implement Content Credentials (C2PA) technology to automatically detect and label AI-generated content (AIGC), ensuring the platform remains a safe and authentic space for everyone.
    • EMPOWER: Connecting Users to Authoritative and Reliable Information – empowers our community by providing a direct gateway to reliable information from authoritative sources. Through the launch of the in-app “Thailand Election Center,” we connect millions of voters to official data from the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), including voting procedures, candidate lists, and other essential details. This ensures that users can easily access facts that have been thoroughly vetted for accuracy.
    • PARTNER: Collaborating with Experts to Counter Emerging Threats – partner with a global and local ecosystem of experts to maintain the highest safety standards. We collaborate with 20 global fact-checking organizations and local leaders such as COFACT and Thai PBS Verify to validate claims and disrupt coordinated Influence Operations (IO). Additionally, we ensure that accounts belonging to politicians or political parties cannot access TikTok’s advertising or monetization tools.

    Supinya Klangnarong, co-founder of COFACT, said: “As misinformation continues to challenge elections, we are excited to build on our collaboration with TikTok. We aim to help Thais navigate the digital landscape safely through digital literacy and verified information.”

    The 2026 Election initiatives are built upon TikTok’s long-standing commitment to safety in Thailand. This includes the successful #ThaisAware project, a multi-year digital literacy program conducted in partnership with over 12 government and civil society agencies. 

    TikTok remains dedicated to collaborating with both public and private sectors to ensure its safety policies continue to evolve and meet the specific needs of the Thai community.

    The post TikTok launches ‘2026 Thailand Election Center’ appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    16 January 2026
    Technology
    https://www.thestorythailand.com/?p=177026
  • Thaipat marks 12 years as Thailand’s premier ESG rater

    Thaipat ESG Rating enters its 12th year, expanding its sustainability assessments to 1,000+ Thai companies.

    The post Thaipat marks 12 years as Thailand’s premier ESG rater appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    Thaipat Institute, through its “Thaipat ESG Rating” unit, reaffirms its commitment to rating organizations with outstanding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. Aiming to elevate sustainability disclosure among Thai businesses—not limited to listed companies—the institute is prepared to expand its ESG assessments to over a thousand Thai enterprises within 2026.

    Since Thaipat Institute established the Thaipat ESG Rating unit in 2014, it has pioneered the development of sustainability data for Thai businesses. It was the first in Thailand to initiate ESG ratings for listed companies based on publicly disclosed information, utilizing assessment frameworks and sustainability reporting standards that are internationally recognized.

    Thaipat Institute’s ESG ratings are conducted independently as an entity external to the capital market. The assessment process adheres to the principles of the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) Code of Conduct for ESG ratings and data products providers. Thaipat ESG Rating produces results from its annual assessment categorized into the following lists:

    ESG100 List: The list of 100 securities recognized for outstanding ESG performance and profitable financial results within the assessment year. Established in 2015, this list caters for investors who prioritize investments in securities that are socially and environmentally responsible with no evidence presents sufficient ground for regulatory enforcement during the assessment year, aligning with sustainable investment goals. 

    ESG Emerging List: The list comprises securities with proactive ESG initiatives or ongoing activities that drive revenue growth or cost saving, so that they offer promising long-term returns for investors. Launched in 2020, the ESG Emerging List serves as an additional investment universe to the ESG100, based on company ESG initiatives’ potential during the assessment year.

     ESG Turnaround List: The list includes securities that have experienced negative earnings or have underperformed the market during the assessment year but show potential for recovery through their core business, supported by ESG factors. Introduced in 2023, this list provides an alternative for sustainable investment beyond the ESG100, capturing return opportunities from securities in a recovery phase.

    Notably, The ESG100 list has now established itself as the cornerstone for sustainable investing. The constituents of ESG100 list are used to construct Thaipat ESG Indices based on the liquidity criteria calculated and maintained by S&P Global, a leading global index provider. Since 2018, the indices have been made available to global investors via Bloomberg and Reuters platforms. These indices also serve as benchmarks for asset management companies offering ESG-themed investment products (for more details, visit S&P Dow Jones’ Custom Indices[1]).

    Thaipat ESG Indices are the only ESG indices in Thailand to employ equal weighted methodology where each constituent in the indices has the same weight, regardless of its market capitalization, to avoid concentrating into a few large securities. By eliminating the market capitalization constraint, the equal weighing scheme gives more exposure to smaller cap securities compared to cap weighting. This will give opportunities to small market cap securities with good ESG taking effect in the indices as well as the large market cap ones.

    Furthermore, Thaipat ESG rating results – provided as in-depth, entity-specific ESG Rating Reports – offer participating enterprises valuable insights into their annual ESG performance. This enables them to address operational gaps in line with internationally accepted ESG indicators and serve as input data for continuously improving company ESG performance and disclosures.

    Currently, the Thaipat ESG rating data covers 953 entities (as of year-end 2025), including listed companies, funds, private companies, and other enterprises. It is anticipated that this number will surpass 1,000 in 2026.

    Central Group unveils new board of directors

    Salesforce launches Thai-ready ‘Agentforce’ for Agentic Enterprise Era

    The post Thaipat marks 12 years as Thailand’s premier ESG rater appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    15 January 2026
    Press Release
    https://www.thestorythailand.com/?p=176936
  • Central Group unveils new board of directors

    Central Group appoints Prof. Emeritus Dr. Suthiphand Chirathivat as Chairman, alongside a new Board effective Jan 2026

    The post Central Group unveils new board of directors appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    Central Group, Thailand’s leading retail and service conglomerate with a business footprint spanning Southeast Asia and Europe, has announced the appointment of its new Board of Directors. The new appointments came into effect from 1 January 2026, following the completion of the outgoing Board’s term on 31 December 2025.

    This transition aims to further strengthen corporate governance, enhance the effectiveness of organizational oversight, and support the Group’s long-term strategic direction.

    Following the completion of the shareholder appointment process, the newly appointed Board convened a special meeting and passed resolutions to appoint the Chairman and Vice Chairmen as follows:

    Central Group Board of Directors

    1. Prof. Emeritus Dr. Suthiphand Chirathivat Chairman
    2. Yuwadee Chirathivat Vice Chairman
    3. Kobchai Chirathivat Vice Chairman
    4. Sudhisak Chirathivat Director
    5. Sudhitham Chirathivat Director
    6. Dr. Prasarn Trairatvorakul Director
    7. Nidsinee Chirathivat Director
    8. Suthilaksh Chirathivat Director
    9. Narongrit Chirathivat Director
    10. Wallaya Chirathivat Director
    11. Prin Chirathivat Director
    12. Thiradej Chirathivat Director
    13. Tos Chirathivat Director
    14. Suparat Chirathivat Director
    15. Natira Boonsri Director

    New Leadership Trio

    The newly appointed Board has elected a leadership team that blends academic mastery with world-class operational expertise:

    • Prof. Emeritus Dr. Suthiphand Chirathivat (Chairman): An internationally acclaimed economist and expert in macroeconomics and regional integration. His appointment signals a focus on navigating the complex global economic landscape.
    • Yuwadee Chirathivat (Vice Chairman): A retail icon and the first female President of the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS). Her expertise in brand building and international customer experience remains a cornerstone of the Group’s luxury retail strategy.
    • Kobchai Chirathivat (Vice Chairman): A specialist in commercial real estate and investment with deep experience in corporate structuring and board oversight for major listed entities.

    Additionally, the Board has appointed Suthikiati Chirathivat as Honorary Chairman, ensuring the Group maintains the foundational wisdom that has driven its success for decades.

    Growth Anchored in Governance and Sustainability

    Prof. Emeritus Dr. Suthiphand Chirathivat, Chairman of Central Group, stated:

    “At the heart of organizational development is the creation of shared value that grows alongside Thai society. Central Group is committed to creating quality living spaces that reflect the unique identity of each community, while connecting people, businesses, and society—much like a large family built on deep local roots and growing into a presence on the national and international stage.

    In a rapidly changing world, progress must be grounded in strong corporate governance, comprehensive oversight, and the ability to adapt across all contexts. With a firm base and the collective strength of all stakeholders, I am confident that Central Group will continue to move forward with stability while expanding its positive contribution to the economy, society, and the country over the long term.”

    The appointment of the new Board of Directors marks an important milestone in further strengthening Central Group’s governance structure and advancing its organizational capacity to meet future challenges. Building on the continuity of vision from past stewardship, Central Group is confident that this transition will elevate management standards, sharpen competitiveness, and reaffirm the Group’s contribution as a key driving force for social and economic advancement in the countries in which it operates, toward sustainable development and growth.eader in the global retail arena.

    Salesforce launches Thai-ready ‘Agentforce’ for Agentic Enterprise Era

    ITD Unveils 2026 Roadmap: Scaling Thai trade via ‘3I’ strategy and AI

    The post Central Group unveils new board of directors appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    14 January 2026
    Press Release
    https://www.thestorythailand.com/?p=176787
  • BMA x SCGC: Turning used lunchboxes into eco-friendly chairs

    Bangkok and SCGC transform 9,000kg of plastic waste into "Green Chairs" for public use. Each chair is made from 200 recycled lunchboxes

    The post BMA x SCGC: Turning used lunchboxes into eco-friendly chairs appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    In a significant step toward a circular economy, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt today officially received a fleet of “Environmentally Friendly Chairs” born from the city’s “Mai Te Ruam” (No Mixed Waste) initiative. This collaboration between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and SCG Chemicals (SCGC) turns urban plastic waste into high-durability public furniture.

    The Anatomy of a “Green Chair”

    เก้าอี้รักษ์โลก

    These chairs are more than just seating; they are a feat of advanced material science and civic cooperation.

    • The Power of 200: Each individual chair is manufactured using approximately 200 discarded plastic food containers.
    • High-Performance Material: The post-consumer plastics—primarily food packaging and drinking cups collected from major events like the Red Cross Fair 2025—were processed into High-Quality PCR PP Resin (Post-Consumer Recycled Polypropylene) under the SCGC GREEN POLYMER brand.
    • Engineered for Durability: Leveraging SCGC’s expertise in material formulation, the chairs are specifically engineered for strength and longevity, ensuring they can withstand heavy use in real-world public environments.
    • A Symbol of Service: The BMA has designated these chairs for use in high-profile Royal Ceremonies and public activities, serving as a visible reminder of the value of waste separation.

    Impact by the Numbers

    The initial delivery of 150 chairs represents a massive reduction in Bangkok’s environmental footprint:

    • 9,000 Kilograms of post-consumer plastic diverted from landfills.
    • 17,000 Kilograms of CO2e emissions avoided—the equivalent of planting 770 trees.
    • Cost Efficiency: With Bangkok spending 7 billion baht annually on waste disposal, Governor Chadchart highlighted that turning waste into valuable assets is essential for the city’s fiscal and environmental health.

    Driving the Circular Economy

    To sustain the momentum, SCGC has also provided 17,500 recycled plastic garbage bags to the BMA. These will be distributed to residents participating in the “Baan Nee Mai Te Ruam” program, which rewards households for separating waste with reduced collection fees.

    “This collaboration with SCGC is a clear example of how used packaging can be effectively transformed back into valuable resources,” said Governor Chadchart. “It demonstrates to the public that when we don’t mix our waste, we create something useful for the entire city.”

    Salesforce launches Thai-ready ‘Agentforce’ for Agentic Enterprise Era

    Alibaba Cloud unlocks Thai business Growth with Multi-Agent AI for 2026

    The post BMA x SCGC: Turning used lunchboxes into eco-friendly chairs appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    14 January 2026
    Sustainability
    https://www.thestorythailand.com/?p=176727
  • Salesforce launches Thai-ready ‘Agentforce’ for Agentic Enterprise Era

    Salesforce Unveils 'Agentforce' with Full Thai Support, Steering Businesses Toward 'Agentic Enterprise' Era

    The post Salesforce launches Thai-ready ‘Agentforce’ for Agentic Enterprise Era appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    Salesforce has announced a new strategic vision for the Thai market, aiming to propel businesses beyond digital transformation into the era of “Agentic Enterprise Transformation.” The move centers on the launch of Agentforce, an AI Agent platform now fully supported in the Thai language, designed to help organizations overcome data fragmentation and accelerate their transition into Intelligent Enterprises.

    Addressing the AI Adoption Gap The launch comes as Thailand’s AI market is projected to reach 233 billion baht (approximately $6.9 billion) within the next five years, growing at an average of 30% annually. While 84% of senior executives view AI as critical to business success, implementation remains a challenge.

    Apisit Kuparatana, Country Leader and Managing Director, Salesforce Thailand, revealed a critical insight regarding the current landscape: over 95% of AI projects fail before ever going live.

    “The common pitfall for many organizations in AI development stems from ineffective, inaccurate, or siloed data,” said Apisit. “Attempting to bolt AI onto existing systems as an afterthought, rather than integrating it seamlessly into the platform, leads to inefficiencies. This disconnect is the primary reason why the vast majority of AI initiatives fail to launch.”

    Salesforce’s approach addresses this by unifying CRM, Data, and AI onto a single platform. This integration ensures data and AI work in concert, enabling an “Intelligent Enterprise” where humans work side-by-side with AI Agents to enhance productivity, speed, and decision-making accuracy.

    Unlocking Potential with Localized AI

    The introduction of Thai language support in Agentforce removes significant barriers to entry for local businesses. The platform includes Employee Agents to support internal workflows and Service Agents for customer engagement, both capable of processing and communicating fluently in Thai.

    Key benefits of the localized Agentforce platform include:

    • Accessibility: Allowing SMEs to access enterprise-grade technology through cloud systems without being hindered by legacy infrastructure.
    • Scalability: Centralized data and service management facilitates expansion into new regions with reduced complexity.
    • Real-time Operations: Enabling 24/7 personalized service and faster time-to-market for new products.

    “Transitioning to an Intelligent Enterprise is no longer an option but a necessity for survival. Organizations that hesitate risk losing opportunities and falling behind in a rapidly changing landscape,” Apisit added.

    Technical Foundation: Data 360 and Trust

    Rabos Suvanamas Solution Lead, Salesforce Thailand elaborated on the technology driving this shift. He highlighted that “Digital Transformation” is evolving toward “Agentic Enterprise Transformation,” where AI Agents take a proactive role in driving business outcomes.

    Salesforce has reimagined its Customer 360 platform as Agentforce 360, functioning as a hub connecting Sales, Service, Marketing, and Commerce.

    “The heart of this system is Data 360 (formerly Data Cloud) and Trust,” explained Rabob. “Data 360 acts as a contextual layer, aggregating structured and unstructured data from CRM, ERP, billing systems, and external Data Lakes. This eliminates the need for new data transformation processes, making data immediately usable by AI.”

    To address security concerns, the platform is built on a Trusted Layer featuring Zero Retention, Data Masking for Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and Toxicity Detection, ensuring strict data governance.

    Open Architecture and the “Buy Over Build”

    Strategy Agentforce operates as an Open System, compatible with leading Large Language Models (LLMs) such as OpenAI, Gemini, and Anthropic, and supports “Bring Your Own Model” (BYOM) strategies. It utilizes standard protocols like A2A (Agent to Agent) and MCP (Multi-Context Protocol) to orchestrate workflows between Salesforce agents and third-party systems.

    Rabos noted a market shift from “Building” to “Buying” AI solutions. Building internal AI capabilities is often costly and risky due to infrastructure requirements and a shortage of data scientists. Salesforce addresses this with “out-of-the-box” industry templates for sectors like finance, healthcare, and insurance.

    For SMEs, Salesforce has introduced a pay-as-you-go pricing model to lower investment barriers.

    A Real-World Thai Use Case Demonstrating the platform’s Thai capabilities, Rabob cited a tax advisory use case. By ingesting unstructured data such as tax laws and Revenue Department regulations, Agentforce can answer complex tax queries via LINE, summarize key points, and seamlessly hand off sensitive cases to human agents with full context preservation.

    Salesforce projects that 30% of the market in key industries—particularly Banking, Healthcare, and Services—will adopt Agentforce this year to elevate customer experience and enable round-the-clock operations.

    ITD Unveils 2026 Roadmap: Scaling Thai trade via ‘3I’ strategy and AI

    Alibaba Cloud unlocks Thai business Growth with Multi-Agent AI for 2026

    The post Salesforce launches Thai-ready ‘Agentforce’ for Agentic Enterprise Era appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    14 January 2026
    Ai/Big Data
    https://www.thestorythailand.com/?p=176708
  • Alibaba Cloud unlocks Thai business Growth with Multi-Agent AI for 2026

    2025 marks the rise of the AI Agent. Alibaba Cloud explores how the shift from passive chatbots to collaborative Multi-Agent Systems

    The post Alibaba Cloud unlocks Thai business Growth with Multi-Agent AI for 2026 appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    As the tech industry navigates the rapid evolution of Generative AI, a clear consensus has emerged: 2025 marks the dawn of the AI Agent era. According to a new analysis by Alibaba Cloud, the enterprise landscape is shifting from passive knowledge tools, like chatbots and copilots, toward proactive, action-oriented AI Agents capable of independent goal-setting and complex decision-making.

    The transition represents a “major leap in agentic capability,” moving beyond simple text generation to performing real-world, multi-step tasks with human oversight.

    The Evolution: From Knowledge to Action

    While 2024 was defined by experimentation with Large Language Models (LLMs), industry experts—including those at McKinsey—identify the next frontier as the shift from knowledge-based to action-based tasks.

    By 2026, agentic AI is expected to mature from isolated corporate experiments to broad, systemic deployment. This acceleration is fueled by advancements in eight key areas:

    1. Autonomy (Independent execution)
    2. Context Awareness (Deep environmental understanding)
    3. Tool Integration (Using external software)
    4. Multimodal Capabilities (Processing text, image, and voice)
    5. Personalization
    6. Long-term Memory
    7. Security
    8. Alignment (Staying within human-defined guardrails)

    Tailoring Accuracy: The End of Hallucination

    A significant hurdle for widespread enterprise adoption remains the “hallucination” inherent in general-purpose models. Alibaba Cloud notes that for AI Agents to solve day-to-day business issues accurately, they must be specialized.

    Whether it is a healthcare agent in a clinic or a legal agent in a law firm, service providers must work closely with enterprise clients to develop tailored agents. This requires a focus on flexible tool use, real-time intervention control, and intelligent context management to ensure high-precision results.

    The Multi-Agent System (MAS): Strength in Numbers

    The true “unlock” for enterprise value lies not in standalone agents, but in Multi-Agent Systems (MAS). While a single monolithic model often fails to orchestrate sophisticated processes, a coordinated “herd” of specialized agents can tackle complex business problems with ease.

    Example: An Investment Decision Workflow

    • Finance Analytics Agent: Researches fundamentals and valuation.
    • Report Analytics Agent: Summarizes past investment firm reports.
    • News Agent: Provides an overview of brand reputation and media coverage.

    By working as a coordinated team, these agents generate tangible, compound value that a single chatbot simply cannot match.

    AgentScope: Building the Future of Collaboration

    To catalyze this shift, Alibaba Cloud has introduced AgentScope, an open-source, developer-centric framework built for creating controllable, production-ready multi-agent applications.

    Evolving from ModelScope (which democratized individual AI models), AgentScope covers the full lifecycle of agent development, including:

    • Construction & Orchestration: Building and organizing the “team.”
    • Deployment & Execution: Putting agents to work in live environments.
    • Visual Monitoring: Ensuring performance and alignment in real-time.

    “The future of enterprise AI should not be solitary; it should be collaborative and coordinative,” the article concludes. By moving toward a multi-agent paradigm, businesses can finally harness AI at a scale sufficient to generate transformative growth.

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    The post Alibaba Cloud unlocks Thai business Growth with Multi-Agent AI for 2026 appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    14 January 2026
    Technology
    https://www.thestorythailand.com/?p=176631
  • ITD Unveils 2026 Roadmap: Scaling Thai trade via ‘3I’ strategy and AI

    ITD announces its 2026 roadmap featuring the "3I Strategy" (Insight, Impact, Integration).

    The post ITD Unveils 2026 Roadmap: Scaling Thai trade via ‘3I’ strategy and AI appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    The International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) has officially launched its 2026 strategic roadmap, centered on the “3I: Insight – Impact – Integration” framework. The initiative marks a significant pivot for the institute, transitioning from a traditional academic body to an “Action-based Incubation” hub that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to navigate the complex “New Global Trade Order.”

    The strategy is designed to build economic resilience for Thai SMEs—the backbone of the national economy—amidst a global landscape defined by digital transformation and stringent green trade regulations.

    The 3I Strategy: A Proactive Response to Global Shifts

    Suphakit Chareonkul, Executive Director of ITD, highlighted that 2026 presents a “high-complexity” environment. Thai businesses face mounting pressures from geo-economic fragmentation and environmental mandates like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

    To address these, the 3I Strategy focuses on:

    • INSIGHT: Transforming ITD into a Strategic Trade Intelligence Hub. By utilizing AI and Big Data to process regional trade databases, ITD will provide accurate, real-time forecasting to help stakeholders move away from outdated business models.
    • IMPACT: Shifting from theory to Action-based Incubation. ITD will provide intensive strategic guidance and advisory support to ensure entrepreneurs produce actionable business plans that meet international standards.
    • INTEGRATION: Acting as a central platform to synchronize policies between the government, private sector, and academia. This ensures that financial mechanisms, knowledge resources, and market access are unified for maximum efficiency.

    “ITD Expert Anywhere”: Democratizing Trade Knowledge

    Mr. Panumas Thepthong, Deputy Executive Director (Management), reported significant success for the “ITD Expert Anywhere” platform. Entering its fourth year, the platform has recorded over 390,000 visits, with total users reaching 77,813 by the end of 2025.

    Goals for 2026 include:

    • Adding 8,000 new users to the platform.
    • Launching nationwide roadshows to support localized SMEs.
    • Integrating with state-owned banks to facilitate easier access to credit and funding for small-scale entrepreneurs.

    Navigating the Green and Digital Transition

    According to Mr. Wimon Punkong, Deputy Executive Director (Academic), global trade is undergoing a structural shift toward the Global South. Emerging economies are becoming new manufacturing hubs and high-potential consumer markets.

    ITD’s research indicates that Sustainability and Digital Transformation are no longer optional. AI will play a critical role in analyzing personalized consumer behavior and ensuring supply chain traceability. ITD aims to help Thai SMEs leverage Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and diversify risks to avoid overreliance on traditional markets.

    “As an agency under the Ministry of Commerce, ITD stands ready to advance Thailand’s competitiveness,” Suphakit concluded. “Our 3I strategy ensures that Thai entrepreneurs are not just surviving but leading in the evolving global trade architecture.”

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    The post ITD Unveils 2026 Roadmap: Scaling Thai trade via ‘3I’ strategy and AI appeared first on The Story Thailand.

    14 January 2026
    Business
    https://www.thestorythailand.com/?p=176611