gqSbgCfmna – Page 120 – Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

CREIT declares 10th consecutive flat dividend

Merkado BarkadaNovember 12, 2025 | 8:00am

Citicore Energy REIT [CREIT 3.40, up 0.3%] [link] declared a Q3/25 dividend of P0.049/share, payable on Jan. …

Merkado Barkada

November 12, 2025 | 8:00am

Citicore Energy REIT [CREIT 3.40, up 0.3%] [link] declared a Q3/25 dividend of P0.049/share, payable on Jan. 12, 2026 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 11, 2025. The dividend was unchanged both q/q and y/y. In compliance with the REIT requirement to distribute at least 90% of its distributable income—which totaled P304.49 million for the quarter—CREIT’s latest payout amounts to P274 million.

MB bottom-line: Longtime readers will know that I’m a big fan of CREIT’s structure, and a huge fan of CREIT’s management team. CREIT has been a very stable and dependable investment through a period of PSE chaos and global underperformance. Since its first P0.49 dividend back in Q2 of 2023, CREIT’s repeatedly delivered stable dividends while its stock has appreciated 45%. Over the same span of time, the PSEi has fallen nearly 17%. So CREIT would have been a good choice for most portfolios over that span. The thing that kills me, though, is the lack of growth. Two and a half years is a long time to wait for a reward. I’m not prepared to lump this all on the executive team, as I’ve heard that there may be regulatory issues getting in the way of efficient transfers between CREIT and its sponsor, but if this is a rules issue, then who are we waiting for to act? The SEC? The ERC? Renewable energy is a massive component of our country’s future growth and energy security, and being able to recycle capital in this capital-intensive industry to continue development is a vital part of our strategy to fuel that growth. So what the hell is going on? The PSE is filling up with public renewable energy companies, but they’re all doing prefs and bond sales to raise capital, presumably due to this same issue. Sayang.

Merkado Barkada is a free daily newsletter on the PSE, investing and business in the Philippines. You can subscribe to the newsletter or follow on Twitter to receive the full daily updates.

Power bill price speculation ‘inconclusive’

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Thailand's data centre industry is still in its early stages with no clear figures on consumption patterns or peak demand, Mr Kan noted. 123RF.com — Thailand’s data centre industry is still in its early stages with no clear figures on consumption patterns or peak demand, Mr Kan noted. 123RF.com

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) says it is too early to conclude that electricity prices will fall as more data centres are developed in the country.

Kan Saengruang, deputy secretary-general of the ERC, said that projections by stock market analysts suggesting lower power bills remained “inconclusive”.

Analysts argue that the arrival of electricity-hungry data centres could reshape the country’s power payment system, potentially easing costs for households and businesses.

At the centre of the debate is the availability payment (AP), a mechanism under power purchase agreements (PPAs) that requires the government to pay electricity producers for contracted supply, even if actual usage is lower. While the AP guarantees a stable electricity supply during demand surges, it also raises tariffs, which directly affect consumer bills.

Analysts believe data centres, which consume vast amounts of electricity, could help to absorb part of this financial burden. That would mean households and businesses pay less for unused electricity.

But Mr Kan cautioned that Thailand’s data centre industry is still in its early stages, with no clear figures on consumption patterns or peak demand.

“The start of the data business in Thailand may consume little electricity,” he said, adding that the Provincial Electricity Authority and Metropolitan Electricity Authority have not reported significant increases in demand from data centres.

Thailand’s peak electricity usage this year was recorded on March 29, when consumption hit 33,658.3 megawatts at 8.33pm, with temperatures exceeding 36°C. That figure was well below the country’s contracted capacity of nearly 52,000MW as of June, leaving a 36% surplus.

Data centre operators can purchase renewable energy directly under a new direct PPA scheme starting in January.

ERC secretary-general Poonpat Leesombatpiboon said the pilot programme, with a generation capacity of 2 gigawatts, is designed to attract investment by allowing power producers to sell electricity directly to clients.

Although peer-to-peer renewable energy trading is not permitted in Thailand, the direct PPA scheme offers data centre operators access to clean power. Details of the programme, including third-party access rules, wheeling charges for using state transmission lines and trade regulations, will be finalised after approval by the Energy Policy Administration Committee.

“A public hearing and service fee discussions have already been completed,” said Mr Poonpat.

Authorities have spent months pushing for the launch of the direct PPA scheme after the National Energy Policy Council approved in June last year a pilot direct PPA to support foreign investors who want renewable energy to run their businesses.

The government previously invited foreign companies specialising in data centre development to invest in Thailand, but they sought clarity about the direct PPA policy.

UN lauds Philippines preparedness as it warns of worse typhoon risks

Philstar.comNovember 12, 2025 | 7:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations warned that powerful storms like Typhoon Fung-wong, locally known as Uw…

Philstar.com

November 12, 2025 | 7:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations warned that powerful storms like Typhoon Fung-wong, locally known as Uwan, will become more frequent as the climate crisis warms the seas around the Philippines.

“Strong typhoons such as Fung-Wong will unfortunately be more likely as the climate crisis drives sea temperatures in the region higher, making our joint preparedness work more important than ever,” Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, said Monday, November 10, in a daily press briefing in New York.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs was quoted as saying that the Philippine government is leading response and early recovery efforts after one of the country’s largest pre-emptive evacuations on record.

More than 1.3 million people were evacuated in 13 of 18 regions before the storm made landfall, with about 480,000 people still displaced and over 6,000 evacuation centres operating as of Monday.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Arnaud Peral commended the country’s readiness, saying its efficient preparedness, pre-emptive evacuations and other timely responses “undoubtedly saved lives,” Haq said.

Floods, landslides and a rising toll

On Tuesday, November 11, rescuers using backhoes and chainsaws began clearing debris as floodwaters receded in hundreds of villages.

Fung-wong, which displaced 1.4 million people, weakened into a severe tropical storm as it dumped rain on Taiwan ahead of an expected landfall there on Wednesday.

It was the second major typhoon to hit the Philippines in days, after Typhoon Kalmaegi (locally named Tino) rampaged through the central islands last week, killing 232 people, according to the latest figures.

This photo shows an aerial view of a submerged under construction road with flood waters in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan province, north of Manila on November 11, 2025, as flood waters continue to inundate homes due to heavy rains brought about by Super Typhoon Fung-wong.

AFP/John Dimain

In coastal Isabela province, a town of 6,000 remained cut off from help, with parts of neighbouring Nueva Vizcaya similarly isolated, a regional civil defense spokesman told Agence France-Presse.

“We are struggling to access these areas,” Alvin Ayson said, adding that landslides had prevented rescuers from reaching residents.

‘I am very tired of this’

National civil defense deputy administrator Rafaelito Alejandro said many of those killed had died in landslides, most of them in the Cordillera mountain range.

“The greatest challenge for us right now is the restoration of lifelines, road clearing, and restoration of power and communication lines, but we are working on it,” Alejandro said.

In Catanduanes Island’s Virac town, resident Jossa Floranza, 34, said another typhoon had already forced her to move neighbourhoods, only to see her new home destroyed.

“We thought we were safe here,” she said. “My neighbors said this was the first time that they experienced flooding in this area. I am very tired of this. So tired.”

Scientists warn that storms are becoming more powerful due to human-driven climate change. Warmer oceans allow typhoons to strengthen rapidly and a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, producing heavier rainfall. — reports from Camille Diola/Philstar.com and Agence France-Presse

Analysts predict business loans to increase in Q4

Business loans will likely pick up this quarter from the prior three months, both from large corporations and small businesses, while the Bank of Thailand’s regulations to support the government’s debt relief programme provide financial institutions op…

Large corporate loan demand will increase quarter-on-quarter in the final three months of 2025 for the purposes of investment, while small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will likely require more loans for working capital, said Weerapat Wonk-urai, an analyst at CGS International Securities (Thailand).

In addition, consumer loan demand is expected to rise for auto loans thanks to year-end promotions from car manufacturers and the International Motor Expo in December.

Demand for housing loans and credit card loans will likely remain unchanged from three months prior, he said, citing findings from the central bank’s Senior Loan Officer Survey.

“Although we believe sector loan growth will accelerate in the fourth quarter from the prior three months, we maintain sector aggregate loan growth estimates at -3.3%, 1.1% and 2% for 2025, 2026 and 2027, respectively,” noted Mr Weerapat, adding aggregate loan growth was -3% in the first nine months of this year from year-end 2024.

The survey revealed financial institutions are likely to tighten further credit standards for SME loans this quarter, although interest rates have fallen since the last three months of 2024.

“In our view, lenders are cautious about SME borrowers as many are vulnerable amid slow economic growth. However, banks believe the asset quality of large corporate borrowers will improve quarter-on-quarter thanks to their declining funding cost,” he said.

The Finance Ministry and central bank’s project to tackle household debt “will help offload NPLs from banks’ balance sheets and provide troubled debtors the chance to clear their missed payment record in the credit bureau system,” said Mr Weerapat.

Chayaporn Tocharoen, an analyst with Krungsri Securities, said the economy remains highly uncertain going forward due to domestic and international factors, which may affect the recovery of business and household income, particularly vulnerable groups. This outlook may continue to impact credit quality, prompting financial institutions to come up with more flexible mechanisms to accommodate non-performing assets that may gradually increase, she said.

The central bank is likely to allow commercial banks, specialised financial institutions and non-banks to jointly invest with asset management companies or legal entities engaged in asset management on a temporary basis, which should increase efficiency in debt collection and provide financial institutions with additional options for managing NPLs, noted the brokerage.

Analysts see stock market revival in Q4

Company earnings prove robust
Analysts expect the Thai equity market to stage a meaningful rebound in the fourth quarter, supported by stronger earnings from listed compani…

Company earnings prove robust

Analysts expect the Thai equity market to stage a meaningful rebound in the fourth quarter, supported by stronger earnings from listed companies, an improving global risk appetite, and easing geopolitical tensions between the US and China.

Clearer signals that the US Federal Reserve may begin cutting interest rates again in early December are also stimulating the risk-on trend across global markets. Locally, stock market sentiment is improving as government stimulus programmes accelerate and corporate earnings surprise on the upside, according to analysts.

The government’s “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment programme is a significant tailwind for consumption-linked equities, said Krungsri Securities (KSS).

Beneficiaries include Krungthai Bank (KTB) and CP All (CPALL), alongside tourism-related stocks such as Airports of Thailand (AOT) and Central Plaza Hotel (CENTEL). Infrastructure and technology stocks are recording positive earnings revisions, with Advanced Info Service (ADVANC), True Corporation (TRUE), and Gulf Development (GULF) standing out.

KSS’s top picks are KTB, AOT, CENTEL, and Muangthai Capital (MTC) based on the theme of declining interest rates, the brokerage noted.

“A potential resolution to the longest US government shutdown in history coupled with weakening consumer confidence have raised the probability of a Fed rate cut in December, lifting global risk assets,” added KSS.

China adds another layer of support. The October consumer price index and producer price index data beat expectations, reflecting early benefits from state-led stimulus and improved holiday consumption. This change boosted sentiment towards China-play stocks, particularly refiners and petrochemical producers, noted the brokerage.

Domestically, the government is preparing the second phase of the co-payment scheme, injecting more than 80 billion baht or roughly 0.4% of GDP to support year-end spending and reinforce Thai economic momentum, said KSS.

The brokerage said fourth-quarter performance is underpinned by robust earnings, as listed companies delivered results that were 4.6% above forecasts and jumped 26.7% year-on-year, pushing 2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates towards 87 baht.

“With the equity risk premium at a high 4.8%, analysts view the market as undervalued,” said KSS.

Tisco Securities maintained a positive outlook for the next 3-6 months for the SET, emphasising that Thai stocks have significantly lagged global and Asian peers, leaving appealing valuations.

Key catalysts include a shift towards monetary easing in both Thailand and the US. Seasonal inflows from retirement mutual funds and Thai ESG funds are expected to contribute 10-15 billion baht during November and December.

Thailand’s dividend yield of 4.3%, far above the global equity average of 2.6% and the US 10-year treasury yield of around 4%, makes high-quality value stocks more attractive, said Tisco.

Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) anticipates listed company earnings will accelerate in the fourth quarter due to last year’s low base and recent upward EPS revisions. The brokerage recommends focusing on domestic-driven beneficiaries, including tourism, hospitality, consumption and financials, many of which remain laggards versus regional markets.

ASPS picks for the fourth quarter include tourism and hotels, retail and consumption, finance, and global consumption-themed stocks.

Bangkok housing price index declines in third quarter

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Developers compete for customers by offering more discount to accelerate sales amid sluggish market. (Wisuttipong Rodpai)

The price index of new condos, single detached houses and townhouses in Greater Bangkok dropped in the third quarter of 2025 as developers offered discounts to stimulate sluggish sales from the previous quarter.

According to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), the price indices for new condos, single detached houses and townhouses tallied 158.3, 136.3 and 129.1, respectively, down 0.5%, 1% and 0.7% quarter-on-quarter.

The decline in condo prices marked the second consecutive quarter of decreases, driven by rising unsold supply amid slow sales, prompting developers to launch marketing campaigns to clear inventory.

In Bangkok, the condo price index was 161.4, down 0.2% year-on-year and 0.5% quarter-on-quarter.

The sharpest year-on-year drop was in inner Sukhumvit, with units priced between 5.01-7.5 million baht.

In Samut Prakan and Nonthaburi, the index was 144.9, down 2.1% year-on-year and 0.5% quarter-on-quarter, with Muang Nonthaburi-Pak Kret posting the steepest decline for units priced from 1.01-2 million baht.

The indices for new single detached houses and townhouses fell for the first time after rising for four and two consecutive quarters, respectively. The main reason was the same — increasing unsold supply forcing developers to cut prices.

Developers adjusted their pricing strategies to encourage purchasing decisions amid heightened market competition, REIC said.

However, single detached house prices rose 1.8% year-on-year, continuing a steady uptrend since the third quarter of 2022, reflecting sustained momentum in the upper end, partly driven by higher construction costs year-on-year.

In Bangkok, the sharpest year-on-year rise was in Min Buri, Nong Chok, Klong Sam Wa and Lat Krabang for homes priced higher than 10 million baht.

In Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan, the highest increase was recorded in Muang Nonthaburi-Pak Kret for homes priced higher than 10 million baht.

The townhouse price index declined by 0.1%, extending a three-quarter downtrend, as developers with older projects slashed prices to stimulate demand and drain stock.

In Bangkok, the largest drop occurred in Bang Khen, Sai Mai, Don Mueang and Laksi, where units priced from 3.01-5 million baht had the steepest decline. In Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan, townhouse prices fell the most in Bang Kruai, Bang Yai, Bang Bua Thong and Sai Noi in Nonthaburi, within the same price range.

In the third quarter, condo developers offered more promotional campaigns, with free gifts rising to 44.3% of respondents, up from 39.8% in the previous quarter. The share of developers waiving transfer-day expenses increased to 32.4%, up from 21.4% in the second quarter, but cash discounts declined to 23.3% from 38.8%.

For new low-rise houses, most promotions were free gifts such as air conditioners, water pumps, storage tanks, common area fees or utility meters, accounting for 37.9%. Offers covering transfer-day expenses rose to 35.2%, while cash discounts dropped to 26.8%.

Bad debt scheme to be launched in New Year

Problem loans are to be restructured

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Problem loans are to be restructured

A grilled chicken and som tam vendor near Chao Pho Suea Shrine at Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. A new state scheme aims to help small borrowers. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)

The government plans to roll out the new debt resolution programme “Clear Debt, Move Forward” in January next year, offering measures such as interest payment waivers and reductions of principal for qualified borrowers.

The Bank of Thailand, in collaboration with the Finance Ministry and financial institutions, on Tuesday launched the initiative to address bad loans through the purchase of retail debt by asset management companies (AMCs). The programme is slated to take effect in January 2026, according to Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

Speaking after a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony among the relevant agencies on Tuesday, Mr Ekniti said the scheme aims to help small borrowers break free from the cycle of non-performing loans (NPLs) and return to the formal financial system.

Central bank governor Vitai Ratanakorn said the new measure is a one-time, special initiative targeting unsecured NPLs. The programme covers individual borrowers with total NPLs across all financial institutions of less than 100,000 baht per person as of Sept 30, 2025.

In the initial phase, the programme covers around 1.6 million loan accounts, or 1.2 million borrowers, from commercial banks and their affiliated financial businesses, representing roughly 43.6 billion baht in debt.

Sukhumvit Asset Management Co (SAM), the country’s second-largest AMC under the supervision of the central bank, is purchasing these loans and offering flexible debt restructuring to help borrowers resume repayments.

Mr Vitai said the central bank plans to reposition SAM as a “social AMC”, focused on public debt resolution rather than profit generation. For the next phase, the programme’s scope may expand to allow SAM to purchase debts from other types of financial service providers, he said.

“Borrowers participating in the programme will receive debt restructuring under more favourable terms than usual, such as waivers of all accrued interest and fees, and partial principal reductions,” said Mr Vitai. “These measures will enable borrowers to repay debts faster, improve their credit records, and regain access to formal credit channels.”

The programme provides two repayment options: lump-sum settlement, allowing borrowers to pay a portion of their debt to immediately close their account; and instalment repayment, allowing repayment in instalments for up to three years, during which no interest will be charged if the borrower meets the programme’s conditions.

For borrowers from specialised financial institutions, assistance is provided through Ari AMC, which is to purchase and restructure about 330,000 loan accounts under similar principles.

The programme is expected to assist up to 1.9 million retail debt accounts nationwide.

Thailand revs up for high-octane race

Opener tickets vanish in just three minutes!

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Opener tickets vanish in just three minutes!

A digital backdrop showcases that the Grandstand tickets were snapped up within three minutes and 21 seconds of the official launch on Tuesday.

Thailand will once again take centre stage in the world of motorsport when it hosts the immensely popular PT Grand Prix of Thailand for the seventh consecutive year in February 2026.

Organisers on Tuesday confirmed their readiness for the Feb 27–March 1 event at Buri Ram’s Chang International Circuit, which will serve as the curtain‑raiser for the MotoGP season for the second year running. A pre‑season test will also take place at the same venue on Feb 21–22.

Under the concept “More than a Race”, the 2026 event promises to deliver a turbocharged, action-packed, and immersive fan experience. Thailand aims to deliver the most memorable stop on the MotoGP calendar and is targeting to hit new attendance records.

“Thailand hosting MotoGP for the seventh consecutive year and serving as the season-opening race for the second year in a row, is no coincidence. It is the result of the dedicated efforts of all involved sectors,” said Dr Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) during a press conference on Tuesday.

“Thailand aims to give every visitor an authentic taste of Thailand’s charm and leave a lasting impression that stands out from any other circuit in the world.”

“Thai GP is more than just a race, it is a strategic tool that drives the economy through sport tourism, generating both direct and indirect economic value across tourism, hotels, transportation, and supply chains. These tangible benefits demonstrate the impact Thailand has achieved as a MotoGP host,” he added.

Dr Gongsak also confirmed that the government has approved a plan to extend Thailand’s tenure as a host of the MotoGP race from 2027 to 2031 after the end of its current contract next year. Thailand has hosted a MotoGP race since 2018.

“Following a recent cabinet meeting, the government approved a five-year extension for Thailand to host the event from 2027 to 2031. Thai GP is a strategic asset that enhances the country’s global image, attracts international visitors, and fosters sustainable economic circulation,” he said.

“The Sports Authority of Thailand has been tasked with positioning the country as a regional motorsport hub by supporting competitions, developing young riders and leveraging soft power to showcase Thailand’s identity and values to the world.”

Dorna Sports, the MotoGP rights holder, expressed gratitude to Thailand for their outstanding collaboration and commitment in hosting the race.

“Thailand is recognised as a highly significant market for MotoGP in the region, with a strong and passionate fan base and great potential to further expand its audience. Thai GP is among the most attended races on the MotoGP calendar, offering fans a world-class experience both on and off the track,” said Amparo Porto, senior director of Dorna Sports.

Tuesday’s event also marked the official launch of ticket sales for the 2026 race. Early sales have already generated overwhelming buzz, with the Grandstand tickets selling out within three minutes and 21 seconds.

Tickets come with the special “3-in-1 Global Exclusive” privileges, offering free access to three main experiences: the pre-season test, the main race and admission to entertainment activities.

Fans can purchase tickets at Counter Service All Ticket in 7-Eleven stores nationwide, or online via the AllTicket website. For more information and updates, fans can follow the Chang Circuit Buri Ram Facebook page or stay connected through Line by adding @changcircuit.

Expect improved security nationwide – Army Chief

Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, on Tuesday assured Nigerians that the Army would intensify efforts to improve security nationwide.
The Army Chief st…

Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, on Tuesday assured Nigerians that the Army would intensify efforts to improve security nationwide.

The Army Chief stated this while fielding questions from State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Shaibu, who was recently appointed Chief of Army Staff, said he was at the Villa to brief the President on the outcome of his visits to the North East.

Describing the visit as eye-opening, the COAS said confidently, when asked what Nigerians should expect in the coming weeks, “Improved security across the country.”

On the overall security situation, he simply said it was “satisfactory,” reflecting enhanced coordination among security agencies and sustained pressure on criminal networks.

“I came to brief the President on the outcome of my visit to the Northeast region and then look at other security situations across the country, which was satisfactory within this period” he stated.

School soccer team wins govt support

PUBLISHED : 12 Nov 2025 at 05:05

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PUBLISHED : 12 Nov 2025 at 05:05

Worakorn 'Te' Changkhiandee, one of the standout players from the Mon Thong Wittaya School football team, is cheered on at a venue in Bangkok. The seven-player team from the school in Chachoengsao province became an internet sensation for beating the odds to win pivotal matches at the weekend. Somchai Poomlard — Worakorn ‘Te’ Changkhiandee, one of the standout players from the Mon Thong Wittaya School football team, is cheered on at a venue in Bangkok. The seven-player team from the school in Chachoengsao province became an internet sensation for beating the odds to win pivotal matches at the weekend. Somchai Poomlard

Mon Thong Wittaya School in Chachoengsao has received government backing for urgent school renovations and athletic development after its seven-player football team became an internet sensation for winning matches despite their limited means.

Suthee Pongpianchob, assistant secretary to the education minister, visited the school in Bang Nam Prieo district on Tuesday after Deputy Prime Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow and Education Minister Naruemon Pinyosinwat pledged educational development support and backing for other equipment for underdeveloped schools in parts of Thailand.

Mr Suthee received a report on the school from Wongsakorn Prakobnan, director of the Provincial Secondary Educational Service Area Office, and Yai Yotying, its director.

“The school reported the need for support for essential renovations, such as repairing a burnt laboratory costing at least 1.8 million baht, installing an additional electricity meter, and building an artificial turf football pitch,” said Mr Suthee.

He said both ministries aimed to promote Mon Thong Wittaya School as a model school for sports development to create equal opportunities for youths nationwide.

Its football team became a nationwide sensation after the story broke on social media of their coach driving the players in an old song thaew (open-air passenger truck) to matches across Thailand. The truck has been dubbed “the dream carrier”.

The underdogs made it to second place in the 7HD Champion Cup 2025 final last weekend, losing to Chai Nat Provincial Administrative Organisation School 2–1.

The 20,000-seat Suphachalasai Stadium in Bangkok exceeded capacity that day due to the overwhelming number of spectators.

During Mr Suthee’s visit, the Capt Thamanat Prompow Foundation presented the team with a 150,000-baht education scholarship and ten footballs.

Kulpornpath Wongmajarapinya, chief executive officer of Thai Smile Bus (TSB) Company, also presented the school with an electric-driven bus, aiming to replace the ageing vehicle that went viral.

Ms Kulpornpath said the team’s story was inspiring, especially the warmth between the teammates and their coach.

“TSB believes in supporting youth development as it is a long-term investment for the nation,” she said.

Mr Yai said the new bus will be used as a mobile classroom to open up more opportunities for learning and activities for all students.