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- Thailand Privilege Card pledges to maintain rigorous screening standards
Thailand Privilege Card (TPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strict screening, pledging to bar individuals with suspicious backgrounds or links to grey businesses from using its membership as a front. The screening process involves multiple agencies, including immigration authorities and Interpol, with additional checks by the Anti-Money Laundering Office planned for applicants who have changed […]
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Thailand Privilege Card (TPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strict screening, pledging to bar individuals with suspicious backgrounds or links to grey businesses from using its membership as a front.
The screening process involves multiple agencies, including immigration authorities and Interpol, with additional checks by the Anti-Money Laundering Office planned for applicants who have changed nationality. Memberships will be terminated immediately if members are found to be involved in illegal activities.
TPC is also in talks with the government to reduce the impact of new tax measures on long-stay foreigners with overseas income, potentially seeking exemptions for retirees and pensioners. Despite recent concerns affecting tourism confidence, TPC expects membership growth of 10–20% this year, targeting 4,000 new members.
The company currently has around 40,000 members, who spend an average of 1.04 million baht annually, generating over 50 billion baht in economic impact. Key markets include China, Japan, the US and Europe, with growing interest from India, GCC countries and Myanmar. Popular long-stay destinations include Bangkok, Chon Buri and Phuket, which continues to attract high-end residents seeking a luxury lifestyle.
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18 January 18 2026Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=210962 - Activists Press Parties for Clarity on Cannabis Policy
Photo Credit: Varuth Hirunyatheb A coalition of medical professionals, academics and civil society organisations has urged political parties to clearly state their positions on cannabis policy during the ongoing election period. The appeal was made during a recent forum reviewing the effects of cannabis use on public health following its removal from the narcotics list […]
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Photo Credit: Varuth Hirunyatheb
A coalition of medical professionals, academics and civil society organisations has urged political parties to clearly state their positions on cannabis policy during the ongoing election period.
The appeal was made during a recent forum reviewing the effects of cannabis use on public health following its removal from the narcotics list in June 2022.
Bundit Sornpaisarn, a staff scientist at the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research in Canada, cited data from the Ministry of Public Health in one major tourism province showing that cannabis use has had a serious impact on public health over the past three years.
According to the data, cases of cannabis poisoning increased by 3.5 times compared with the August 2019 to June 2022 period when cannabis was still classified as a narcotic, rising from an average of 40 cases per month to 115. Mr Bundit added that hospitalisations linked to cannabis use in the province surged from zero to 90 cases within two years of legalisation, with foreigners accounting for about 80% of those patients.
He noted that cannabis has affected tourism, explaining that high-spending tourists tend to avoid areas where the smell of cannabis is widespread, while many low-spending visitors are drawn to Thailand by its relaxed cannabis regulations.
Dr Tappana Sumpatanarax of Vachira Phuket Hospital reported a similar trend in Phuket’s Thalang district, where hospital admissions related to the recreational use of cannabis have risen sevenfold, now surpassing the number of patients treated for amphetamine abuse.
Dr Tappana added that hospital staff are increasingly dealing with aggressive behaviour linked to cannabis consumption. Currently, 10 out of 12 beds for patients with mental health conditions at the hospital are reserved for cannabis-related cases.
Yodsakorn Khunphakdee, coordinator of the Youth Network Against Cannabis, said the government’s cannabis policy has failed to restrict use strictly to medical purposes due to ineffective regulation. He urged the next government to clarify whether cannabis will be designated for medical treatment only or permitted for recreational use, and called for its return to the narcotics list.
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14 January 14 2026Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=210959 - Phuket Property Market Remains Strong
Photo Credit: Travel Weekly Phuket’s property market continues to outperform Bangkok’s cooling residential sector as the island evolves from a seasonal resort into a year-round global living destination, attracting growing international investment, according to property consultants. Phattarachai Taweewong, research and communication director at Colliers Thailand, said strong demand from both Thai and foreign buyers is […]
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Photo Credit: Travel Weekly
Phuket’s property market continues to outperform Bangkok’s cooling residential sector as the island evolves from a seasonal resort into a year-round global living destination, attracting growing international investment, according to property consultants.
Phattarachai Taweewong, research and communication director at Colliers Thailand, said strong demand from both Thai and foreign buyers is driving sustained growth, particularly in condominiums and villas. Developers are increasingly shifting capital to Phuket to capture long-stay demand and benefit from the island’s expanding and more diversified economy.
During the first nine months of 2025, more than 85 new residential projects were launched, totalling over 5,000 units and 73.1 billion baht in value. Sales performance set records, with some projects selling out within days. Condos accounted for 4,648 units across 18 projects worth 36.4 billion baht, while villa launches reached 872 units from 60 projects, valued at 36.7 billion baht.
Cherngtalay emerged as the key growth area, especially for villas, which now favour the 30–50 million baht luxury segment. Colliers expects villa supply to moderate after peaking in 2024, while Phuket increasingly positions itself as a long-term investment destination rather than a cyclical resort market.
Bill Barnett of C9 Hotelworks estimates total incoming residential investment at 455 billion baht, supported by rising tourism and shifting buyer demographics, including longer-stay European residents.
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14 January 14 2026Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=210956 - Credit Card Interest Rates Emerge as Trump’s Next Target
Photo Credit: Reuters US President Donald Trump has called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10% starting Jan. 20, but has offered few details on how the plan would be implemented or enforced. Trump reiterated a pledge he made during the 2024 election campaign, despite analysts previously saying such a move […]
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Photo Credit: Reuters
US President Donald Trump has called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10% starting Jan. 20, but has offered few details on how the plan would be implemented or enforced.
Trump reiterated a pledge he made during the 2024 election campaign, despite analysts previously saying such a move would require congressional approval. Credit card interest rates in the US currently range from about 21% to 24%.
Lawmakers from both parties have voiced concern about high credit card rates, though no legislation has yet become law. Republicans hold narrow majorities in both the Senate and House.
“Effective January 20, 2026, I am calling for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates of 10%,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, saying Americans would no longer be “ripped off” by card companies.
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said the proposal was meaningless without congressional action and criticised Trump for weakening the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The White House did not provide details, while major banks declined to comment.
Banking groups warned that a 10% cap would reduce credit availability and push consumers toward less regulated alternatives.
Several bipartisan bills proposing a 10% cap have been introduced in Congress, while investor Bill Ackman called Trump’s proposal a “mistake.”
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11 January 11 2026Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=210952 - Indian Rice Exports Jump 19% in 2025
Photo Credit: Reuters India’s rice exports climbed 19.4% last year to their second-highest level on record after New Delhi lifted all export restrictions, improving the country’s price competitiveness, government and industry officials said on Saturday. The increased availability of rice from the world’s largest exporter reduced shipments from competitors such as Thailand and Vietnam and […]
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Photo Credit: Reuters
India’s rice exports climbed 19.4% last year to their second-highest level on record after New Delhi lifted all export restrictions, improving the country’s price competitiveness, government and industry officials said on Saturday.
The increased availability of rice from the world’s largest exporter reduced shipments from competitors such as Thailand and Vietnam and pushed Asian rice prices to their lowest levels in nearly a decade, easing food costs for consumers in Africa and other importing regions.
“Indian shipments rebounded quickly once the government removed export restrictions in March,” a government official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.
India eliminated the remaining export curbs imposed during 2022 and 2023 as supplies improved following record production.
Total rice exports rose to 21.55 million tonnes from 18.05 million tonnes in 2024, nearing the 2022 peak of 22.3 million tonnes, the official said.
Non-basmati rice exports surged 25% to 15.15 million tonnes, while basmati shipments increased 8% to a record 6.4 million tonnes.
Shipments of non-basmati rice rose sharply to countries including Bangladesh, Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Djibouti. Demand for premium basmati rice also increased from Iran, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, another government official said.
India typically exports more rice than the combined shipments of the world’s next three largest exporters—Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan.
“Indian rice is highly competitive compared with supplies from other exporting countries, with lower prices helping India regain lost market share,” said Nitin Gupta, senior vice-president at Olam Agri India, speaking on the sidelines of the India International Rice Summit.
Thailand’s rice exports are expected to decline to 7 million tonnes this year from an estimated 8 million tonnes in 2025, as the strong baht has made Thai supplies less competitive against abundant Indian exports, the Thai Ministry of Commerce said last month.
During the first 11 months of 2025, Thailand’s rice shipments fell 21% year-on-year to 7.3 million tonnes, while export values dropped 30.3%. The country exported nearly 10 million tonnes in 2024.
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11 January 11 2026Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=210948 - Intense e-commerce competition ends NocNoc’s operations
The shutdown of NocNoc, Thailand’s last major Thai-owned e-marketplace, highlights the harsh realities of the e-commerce industry, where scale and rapid expansion are essential for survival. NocNoc’s closure echoes the earlier exit of JD Central, the joint venture between Central Group and China’s JD.com. JD Central shut down in 2023, demonstrating that even backing from […]
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The shutdown of NocNoc, Thailand’s last major Thai-owned e-marketplace, highlights the harsh realities of the e-commerce industry, where scale and rapid expansion are essential for survival.
NocNoc’s closure echoes the earlier exit of JD Central, the joint venture between Central Group and China’s JD.com. JD Central shut down in 2023, demonstrating that even backing from a global e-commerce leader was not enough to maintain momentum in Thailand’s highly competitive market.
According to a filing by Siam Cement Group (SCG) to the Stock Exchange of Thailand on Jan 9, BetterBe Marketplace Co Ltd—the operator of NocNoc, in which SCG holds an indirect 50% stake—has informed the Electronic Transactions Development Agency that it will cease NocNoc’s operations effective midnight on Feb 9.
SCG expects to record a non-cash accounting loss of approximately 1.8 billion baht in the fourth quarter of 2025 as a result of the shutdown. In 2024 alone, BetterBe contributed an estimated loss of 650 million baht to SCG’s consolidated financial results.
Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, a prominent e-commerce expert, told the Bangkok Post that NocNoc was the last local platform attempting to establish itself as Thailand’s national e-marketplace.
He said the closure reflects the mindset of shareholders in SET-listed companies, who tend to be unwilling to tolerate prolonged losses and remain focused on short-term profitability.
“In e-commerce, success depends on scale and growth rather than immediate profit,” Mr Pawoot said, noting that the same issue contributed to JD Central’s downfall.
He contrasted local firms with global e-commerce giants, whose investors are more willing to accept early-stage losses in exchange for long-term market dominance in an intensely competitive industry.
Unsustainable pricing strategy
Mr Pawoot said NocNoc initially focused on home and living products before expanding into the broader lifestyle segment in an effort to compete with foreign platforms. However, its heavy reliance on subsidised pricing led to unhealthy competition and was ultimately unsustainable.
Thanawat Malabuppha, chief executive of e-commerce and marketing platform Priceza, described NocNoc as the largest remaining local e-marketplace operator in Thailand.
“Its closure shows that shareholders were no longer willing to absorb continued losses, despite strong cash reserves,” he said. “Economic pressures and rising competition made it increasingly difficult to continue operations.”
Following NocNoc’s exit, Thailand’s e-commerce market is now dominated by three foreign players: Shopee, which continues to perform strongly; TikTok, which is growing rapidly; and Lazada, which remains stable and resilient.
Rise of instant commerce
Mr Thanawat said the industry is expected to move toward “instant commerce” this year, combining ultra-fast delivery—often within hours—with multi-channel sales strategies.
He noted that large retail and modern trade operators have invested heavily in technology, strengthening their online platforms and integrating them with offline operations. This omni-channel approach could help them compete more effectively with foreign e-marketplaces.
Brands, he said, must adopt diversified sales strategies, including instant commerce platforms such as Line and Grab, partnerships with modern trade retailers that have online capabilities, affiliate marketing, and direct-to-consumer websites that allow brands to retain control over customer data.
“Local companies can still survive by leveraging their offline strengths,” Mr Thanawat said.
He added that vertical marketplaces focused on specific sectors—such as home and living (DoHOME, HomePro) or electronics (Jib)—still have growth potential.
Shopee, meanwhile, is expanding into instant commerce by rolling out fast-delivery services and targeting offline merchants.
“This mirrors China’s Taobao model, where deliveries can arrive in under an hour,” Mr Thanawat said.
Kulthirath Pakawachkrilers, president of the Thai eCommerce Association, noted that NocNoc had never reached breakeven during its six years of operation. By comparison, Shopee and Lazada took more than a decade to become profitable.
Data from business analytics firm Creden Data shows that BetterBe generated revenue of more than 322 million baht in 2024, down 21.8% year-on-year, while posting a loss of 1.12 billion baht.
Between 2015 and 2024, BetterBe recorded accumulated revenue of 3.26 billion baht and accumulated losses of 4.52 billion baht, having reported losses every year since 2017.
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10 January 10 2026Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=210944 - Thailand Businesses Advised to Target Opportunities in India
The Commerce Ministry is urging Thai businesses to tap into India’s supply chains, especially in green construction, real estate and e-commerce. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun led a Thai delegation to meet Tata Group executives on Jan. 8 in Mumbai to explore practical ways to link Thai private-sector firms with Indian companies and platforms. “We explored […]
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The Commerce Ministry is urging Thai businesses to tap into India’s supply chains, especially in green construction, real estate and e-commerce.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun led a Thai delegation to meet Tata Group executives on Jan. 8 in Mumbai to explore practical ways to link Thai private-sector firms with Indian companies and platforms.
“We explored how Thai firms can fit into Tata Group’s operations in e-commerce, construction materials and other emerging sectors,” she said.
Discussions included potential co-production in Thailand for exports to India, targeting construction and green-building projects and the development of affordable housing for low-income Indian citizens.
They also exchanged views on the steel sector, artificial intelligence and zero-waste initiatives—areas of strategic interest for Tata Group.
Mrs. Suphajee noted India’s emphasis on building eco-friendly cities amid climate challenges and highlighted opportunities for Thailand to supply sustainable construction materials such as rubber-based products, wood alternatives, engineered wood, green chemicals, technical interior textiles and modular construction solutions suitable for mass production.
Given Thai products’ premium image in India, the ministry asked Tata Group—particularly its e-commerce arm Tata CLiQ—to showcase Thai goods like jewellery, apparel and home décor on its platform to raise awareness and demand.
Tata Unistore, the owner of Tata CLiQ, has discussed featuring Thai jewellery brands with the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand to highlight distinctive Thai designers. Tata CLiQ also expressed interest in Thai handicrafts including clothing, accessories and home décor.
Representatives from the platform were invited to attend the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair from Feb. 22–26.
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10 January 10 2026Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=210941 - Viral ‘Chinese Trump’ Clip Amuses Audiences Worldwide
Photo Credit: AFP Stretching his arms in Donald Trump’s signature pose, impersonator Ryan Chen reproduces the US president’s voice and gestures with such uncanny accuracy that he has become a viral sensation through his comedic videos. The 42-year-old from southwest China avoids political satire — a sensitive area that can lead to account suspensions — yet he […]
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Photo Credit: AFP
Stretching his arms in Donald Trump’s signature pose, impersonator Ryan Chen reproduces the US president’s voice and gestures with such uncanny accuracy that he has become a viral sensation through his comedic videos.
The 42-year-old from southwest China avoids political satire — a sensitive area that can lead to account suspensions — yet he has built a massive following across Instagram, TikTok and Chinese social media platforms.
“Trump is an endless source of material. No one generates online attention like he does,” Chen told Agence France-Presse (AFP) in his hometown of Chongqing, which itself has gained online fame for its maze-like urban layout and fiery cuisine.
Chen’s rise to fame came unexpectedly. His popularity surged in 2025 after Trump returned to the White House. A fan of American sitcoms such as Friends and The Big Bang Theory, Chen — who had never visited the United States before this year — initially began posting videos to teach English as a backup plan while working in architecture, a sector badly affected by China’s property slowdown.
His content saw only modest success until a friend dared him to impersonate Trump. The gamble paid off. His appearance in April on a livestream with IShowSpeed, an American YouTuber boasting more than 47 million subscribers, further propelled him into the spotlight.
Chen says Trump has become so ingrained in his daily routine that he now feels a sense of familiarity with him, “like a neighbour next door.” He views himself as a cultural bridge, connecting international audiences curious about urban China with Chinese viewers eager to understand foreign humour and global culture.
The impersonator now commands over one million followers on Instagram, nearly the same on TikTok, and more than 2.5 million across Chinese platforms, and is regularly recognised on the streets.
Chen, whose real name is Chen Rui, learned English through American television and believes sounding like a “native speaker” is key to his success. He also stays closely tuned to Trump-related news, which he calls “a goldmine of comedic material,” while drawing inspiration from American Trump impressionists.
Today, Chen earns his living through advertising, events and corporate performances. “My main income comes from advertising,” he said, noting that brands ranging from automobiles and digital products to games and dairy companies hire him for promotional campaigns.
In a sign that his work has caused no diplomatic discomfort, Chen recently announced in a video that he had obtained a US visa and is now visiting the country for the first time. With Trump expected to travel to China later this year, Chen has invited the president to visit Chongqing and “try our hotpot,” known for its intense spiciness.
While meeting the real Trump might be “cool,” Chen said he has no strong desire to pursue it, as such an encounter would quickly turn political. “I’m just a comedian,” he said. “I have no political ambitions.”
In his videos — filmed in English with Chinese subtitles — Chen playfully introduces Chinese food, traditions and cultural contrasts, jokes with foreigners and dances to the Village People’s “YMCA,” one of Trump’s signature rally songs. His performances are filled with Trump’s unmistakable expressions and catchphrases such as “tremendous” and “amazing.”
“I don’t imitate him to mock him,” Chen explained, tipping his white cowboy hat. “I do it to attract attention. And with that attention, I can grow my career while promoting China and my hometown.”
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9 January 09 2026Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=210937 - THAI Begins Strategic Restructuring Process
The board of Thai Airways International (THAI) Plc has established four key subcommittees and is preparing to convene next month to develop the airline’s future business strategy. Board Chairman and Permanent Secretary for Finance Lavaron Sangsnit said a special board meeting held yesterday marked a major step forward for the company, which had experienced operational […]
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The board of Thai Airways International (THAI) Plc has established four key subcommittees and is preparing to convene next month to develop the airline’s future business strategy.
Board Chairman and Permanent Secretary for Finance Lavaron Sangsnit said a special board meeting held yesterday marked a major step forward for the company, which had experienced operational delays due to the absence of legally required subcommittees.
In accordance with regulations governing large publicly listed companies with 15 directors, THAI appointed four core subcommittees: the Executive Committee, Risk Management Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, and Audit Committee.
Mr Lavaron noted that the appointment process was complex due to legal requirements. All members of the audit committee must be independent directors — with at least three required — and are prohibited from serving on certain other subcommittees.
The meeting also approved new authorised signatories to replace individuals whose terms had expired or who had left their positions. Previously, a Civil Court order had suspended certain corporate actions, preventing the appointment of signatories and delaying important transactions. Once the restrictions were lifted, THAI moved quickly to restore operational continuity.
Mr Lavaron emphasised that the meeting did not include any agenda item related to the purchase of new aircraft.
Looking ahead, he said the company will hold a regular board meeting on January 19, followed by a general meeting in February to define THAI’s strategic direction. Newly appointed professional directors will participate and present their visions for the airline’s future.
“We are preparing for a strategic meeting to outline the company’s long-term business direction, with an emphasis on professionalism and transparency,” Mr Lavaron said. “Establishing a strong governance structure will enhance investor confidence and support sustainable growth. Our goal is to achieve solid performance so that dividend payments can eventually resume, benefiting both investors and shareholders.”
Regarding creditor cooperatives that converted debt into equity and plan to sell their shares, Mr Lavaron said this falls within their rights. He added that all restrictions related to the lock-up period will expire on February 4.
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9 January 09 2026Aviationhttps://bangkokone.news/?p=210934 - Central Bank Warns of Rising Economic Uncertainty
The Bank of Thailand expects that recent US military operations in Venezuela will amplify global uncertainty across military, trade and financial sectors this year and into next. At the central bank’s Monetary Policy Forum on Wednesday, Deputy Governor Piti Disyatat, who is also a member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), said the US action increases geopolitical risks and could deepen instability in global security, […]
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The Bank of Thailand expects that recent US military operations in Venezuela will amplify global uncertainty across military, trade and financial sectors this year and into next.
At the central bank’s Monetary Policy Forum on Wednesday, Deputy Governor Piti Disyatat, who is also a member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), said the US action increases geopolitical risks and could deepen instability in global security, commerce and financial markets.
He noted that the world is already confronting heightened tensions due to ongoing conflicts and expanded use of military force, with the United States playing a central role in shaping international security norms, further contributing to uncertainty.
Mr Piti warned the military operation may mark the start of an intensified global trade war. He highlighted that recent US trade policies have already caused significant shifts in international production networks and trade patterns.
On the financial side, he said the operation could lead to greater volatility in global monetary policies and financial markets, especially with a possible change in leadership at the US Federal Reserve expected soon. “There could be significant implications for global financial conditions toward the end of the year,” Mr Piti said, adding that the MPC will closely monitor developments.
Concerning China-US relations, Mr Piti explained that tensions between the two largest economies carry direct impact for Asia, and the Bank of Thailand is tracking these dynamics for potential spillover effects. He observed that geopolitical developments are increasingly influencing regional economic outcomes, often outweighing traditional economic factors.
Despite the uncertainties, the MPC will maintain an accommodative monetary policy stance to support the Thai economy. Mr Piti said the committee sees room to ease policy further due to the economic slowdown and rising risks, in order to ensure supportive financial conditions and help reduce debt burdens for vulnerable groups.
He added that lower interest rates would also enhance the effectiveness of other financial measures and government policies. The committee noted that interest rates in financial institutions and markets have fallen in line with earlier policy rate cuts, although the transmission of those cuts to borrowing costs has varied across sectors.
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8 January 08 2026Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=210930