Category: The Bangkok Post

Thai export prices retreated further this week and hovered near nine-year lows, hurt by ample supplies and meagre demand, while Indian prices edged up from three-year lows, supported by a slight improvement in demand.

Thailand’s 5% broken rice was quoted at US$345 per metric tonne on Thursday, its lowest since November 2016, down from the $350 quoted last week.

Traders attributed the price drop to flat demand.

Orders for Thai rice are mostly in small amounts and from regular buyers, a Bangkok-based trader said. Another said supply had been ample due to the ongoing harvest towards the tail end of the rainy season this month.

Thailand is keeping its export target at 7.5 million tonnes this year, a commerce ministry official said on Monday.

India

India’s 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted this week at $358 to $365 per tonne, up from last week’s $354-362.

Indian 5% broken white rice was priced at $369-375.

Prices had hit three-year lows around mid-September, due to weak export demand and higher supplies.

“Demand is a bit better than last week, as buyers seem to realise that prices have bottomed out and probably won’t drop any further,” said a New Delhi-based trader.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s 5% broken rice was offered at $440-$465 per tonne on Thursday, unchanged from a week ago, according to the Vietnam Food Association.

“Trading activity remains slow due to weak global demand,” said a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City.

Traders said prices are under downward pressure after the Philippines, one of the largest importers, decided to extend an import suspension beyond 60 days.

Bangladesh

Domestic rice prices in Bangladesh remained elevated despite healthy reserves and strong harvests.

The price of coarse rice – the benchmark variety for tracking market trends – is trading between 55 and 60 taka ($0.4538-0.4950) per kilogramme, around 15-20% higher than a year ago, according to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh.

The government has approved a central budget of 864 million baht for the Royal Thai Army to enhance border security amid rising tensions along the Thai-Cambodian frontier, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed on Wednesday.

The funds were approved during the cabinet meeting held immediately after his policy address to parliament on Tuesday, a move which underscores the urgency in addressing border issues and ensuring national sovereignty, Mr Anutin said. The premier said the approval had not been delayed and emphasised that the budget is designed to enhance the army’s readiness to respond to emerging security situations at the Thai-Cambodian border.

He declined to confirm whether the funds would be used for constructing border fencing, citing security concerns. However, he said the financial support would enable the armed forces to better protect the country’s sovereignty during this sensitive period. The matter will also be discussed at today’s meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), where several related issues, including the appointment of a new chair of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), are on the agenda. The current chairman’s term ends on the same day.

Responding to Cambodia’s recent petition to the International Court of Justice to rule on the ownership of the disputed Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temples, Mr Anutin said Thailand has a clear stance on this matter and would firmly uphold its national interests. “Cambodia has the right to file the case, but Thailand will continue to follow its established protocols,” he said.

New Second Army Region Commander Lt Gen Weerayut Raksin, who oversees the northeastern border area, said yesterday that Thai troops remain fully prepared and vigilant. “While Cambodia has at times employed military provocations, Thai forces are exercising restraint and avoiding escalation,” he said. Lt Gen Weerayut assumed the role of commander following Lt Gen Boonsin’s mandatory retirement.

As Thai businesses look to scale beyond borders, the question is no longer if they should go global – but where to begin. In today’s competitive landscape, choosing the right launchpad can make all the difference. More and more Thai founders are turning to Hong Kong – not just as a market, but as a launchpad for regional and worldwide success.

A Destination Thai Companies Are Already Choosing

This isn’t just a theory – it’s already happening. This is illustrated by brands such as RAVIPA, a Thai jewellery brand known for its celebrity endorsements by figures like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Jackson Wang, opened its second store in the city within a six-month period to tap into the Hong Kong’s international retail scene. Similarly, PAÑPURI has debuted its Thai luxury wellness concept in a prominent Hong Kong shopping mall and plans to further expand with two new locations in 2026, entering both prestigious department store and vibrant street-level site in Hong Kong. Alongside PAÑPURI, Big C is also bringing beloved Thai products to overseas consumers. These brands are already tapping into Hong Kong not just as a market, but as a strategic base to access consumers across Greater China and beyond.

What makes Hong Kong so attractive isn’t just its location. It’s the ease of doing business, the access to capital, and the international infrastructure that supports fast growth. Entrepreneurs can set up quickly, maintain full ownership, and benefit from one of Asia’s most efficient tax systems. With a robust legal framework and a deep pool of professional services, Hong Kong offers a solid foundation for scaling a business.

Where Culture, Capital and Connectivity Intersect

Hong Kong isn’t just business-friendly – it’s culturally familiar. The ties between the two places run deep, from tourism and food festivals to wellness and lifestyle trends. Thai brands already feel at home in the city, and local consumers are receptive to Thai products, culture, and design. This cultural connection reduces the learning curve and helps Thai businesses connect with customers more naturally and quickly.

On the capital side, Hong Kong offers one of the world’s most sophisticated financial markets – with access to funding, banking, and professional services that are essential for scaling internationally. The strength of economic ties between the two economies is clear: bilateral trade between Thailand and Hong Kong reached USD 20 billion in 2024, reflecting robust demand and growing cooperation across industries.

And when it comes to connectivity, few cities offer the same level of infrastructure – from integrated logistics and transport to high-speed data networks and IP protection – all within a highly efficient, English-friendly environment.

Support for Thai Entrepreneurs on the Ground

Expanding internationally can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Invest Hong Kong’s Bangkok office provides personalised, on-the-ground support to help Thai entrepreneurs enter the Hong Kong market with confidence. From business setup and licensing to partner introductions and access to international capital markets, their team is ready to guide you through every step of the journey.

A Launchpad for Global Dreams

As Thai enterprises seek new markets and regional growth opportunities, Hong Kong continues to stand out as a strategic and accessible destination. For many, it represents not just a gateway to Greater China, but a practical first step toward broader international engagement.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt is seeking an additional 32 billion baht from the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) to settle outstanding debts for operating and maintaining the extended sections of the Green Line electric skytrain.

Mr Chadchart, along with executives and councillors from all 50 districts, yesterday attended the fourth ordinary session of the year at the BMC chaired by Viput Srivaurai, a Bang Rak councillor from the Pheu Thai Party.

High on the agenda was Mr Chadchart’s proposal to seek 32.6 billion baht to settle the longstanding debt with the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC). He said the funds would be drawn from Bangkok’s accumulated reserves as a special expenditure.

As of Tuesday, which marked the end of the previous fiscal year, the BMA had debt obligations from 192 projects worth 75.7 billion baht.

The 2025 financial report shows the BMA’s reserves fell from 83.6 billion to 33.7 billion baht after deductions and allocations under the Act on Rules for Public Administration of Bangkok Metropolis.

The issue stems from unpaid costs for train operations and maintenance (O and M) on extensions one and two of the Green Line, some of which are under Administrative Court review while others are overdue, all incurring heavy interest.

The BMA’s business arm Krungthep Thanakom (KT) was instructed to negotiate directly with the BTSC.

The deal reached was that the BMA must pay debts directly to the BTSC by this month, with interest temporarily reduced from the Minimum Loan Rate +1 to the MLR, saving 286 million baht.

The Central Administrative Court ordered both the BMA and KT to pay 11.07 billion baht in arrears from June 2021 to October 2022 in line with earlier rulings by the Supreme Administrative Court which required payment of 14.5 billion baht, Mr Chadchart said.

He insisted the BMA would not appeal, covering all debts until August, totalling 32.6 billion baht including interest.

The BMA collects only 2.4 billion baht annually from fares on the Green Line, far below the 8.4 billion baht running cost, resulting in subsidies of around 6 billion baht. This is unfair on people who do not use this line, said the governor.

Three measures are planned to fix this: fare adjustments closer to real costs, initial central budget support and additional budgets for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has rejected the idea of amending the government contract for a high-speed rail linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports, stressing the original terms must be honoured.

Mr Phiphat, who is also a deputy prime minister, has firmly opposed a series of proposed amendments to the investment contract for the long-delayed high-speed rail project connecting the country’s three largest airports.

Speaking at the Ministry of Transport, Mr Phiphat outlined the ministry’s priorities for the next four months under the current administration and the subsequent four-month caretaker period before the upcoming election.

He said there was a sense of urgency in pushing forward stalled infrastructure investments to stimulate disbursement of the budget, job creation, and economic recovery amid sluggish conditions.

The high-speed rail project, delayed for over six years, remains entangled in negotiations over contractual revisions.

Mr Phiphat disclosed plans to convene discussions with key stakeholders, including Asia Era One Co, Ltd (CP Group), the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), to explore viable solutions.

If the project cannot proceed as planned, alternatives such as expanding the double-track railway from Laem Chabang to U-Tapao and increasing train frequency may be considered.

Addressing the proposed shift to a “build-as-you-go” or instalment-based payment model, Mr Phiphat objected, saying it contradicts the original terms of the contract, which stipulate that government payments to the private sector occur only upon completion of construction. He added that such a change would likely fail to gain cabinet approval.

“I will not endorse anything that violates the contract or the law,” Mr Phiphat said.

Stelliers, one of Asia’s hotelier award platforms, unveiled the winners of the Stelliers Asia 2025 Awards at Capella Bangkok, recently.

The event, supported by Pernod Ricard, is held with an aim to elevate every hotel professional, so they feel seen, valued and inspired to lead. This year’s edition attracted a record-breaking number of applications from hoteliers across 12 countries in Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

Winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process led by a judging panel of industry leaders and global executives. Thailand hoteliers shone at the event with 11 winners coming from Thailand hotels and resorts, including General Manager Of The Year being awarded to Vidya Sagar from The Ritz Carlton Reserve, Phulay Bay.

Other Thai awards were: Butler Of The Year went to Wutthinan Jullao of The St. Regis Bangkok; Concierge Hotelier Of The Year to Ladawan Piirainen of The Peninsula Bangkok; Food and Beverage Hotelier Of The Year to Jeffrey Mak of Capella Bangkok; Front Office Hotelier Of The Year to Mayuree Laolugsanalerd of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok; Green Hotelier Of The Year to Payap Khunkhayan of Conrad Koh Samui; Housekeeping Hotelier Of The Year to Nittaya Ponglertvorakarn of lebua Hotels and Resorts; Hygiene and Food Safety Hotelier Of The Year to Sarawut Umthed of Rosewood Bangkok; Information Technology Hotelier Of The Year to Phutthaphon Phukmot of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok; and last but not least the Unsung Hero Of The Year award went to Varaporn Khundech of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Visit stelliers.com.

In today’s digital economy, more and more professionals are exploring trading-not just as a side interest, but as a strategic way to grow their income and take control of their financial future. Whether it’s about building a second stream of revenue, staying ahead of inflation, or simply making smarter use of savings, trading is becoming part of a broader lifestyle shift.

But trading successfully requires more than just market knowledge. It demands speed, precision, and access to the right tools-anytime, anywhere. That’s why XM’s launch of its new Progressive Web App (PWA) is making waves. This isn’t just a technical upgrade-it’s a rethinking of how trading fits into the lives of modern professionals.

Designed for a Life in Motion

Traditional trading platforms often force users to choose between power and portability. Desktop platforms offer robust tools but are tied to a desk. Mobile apps are convenient but often compromise on speed or functionality. For people who move between meetings, travel frequently, or manage multiple devices, this inconsistency can be a serious drawback.

XM’s new PWA solves this by offering a unified experience across all devices. Whether you’re using a browser on your work laptop, a phone during your commute, or a tablet at home, the interface remains consistent, fast, and fully functional. There’s no need to download multiple apps or adjust to different layouts. It’s seamless, intuitive, and built for flexibility.

Empowering Smarter Decisions

What makes XM’s PWA stand out isn’t just its accessibility-it’s how it helps users make better decisions, faster. The platform integrates TradingView charts, one of the most advanced charting tools available. This gives traders access to smart drawing tools, customisable layouts, and a wide range of technical indicators-all within the XM ecosystem.

For those who don’t have hours to analyse markets, this matters. You can spot trends, set alerts, and execute trades with minimal friction. The direct-to-trade interface ensures that opportunities can be seized instantly, without navigating through layers of menus or switching between apps.

Another standout feature is the XM AI assistant, which sits right next to the charts. It provides instant answers to trading questions-without interrupting your workflow. Whether you’re checking a technical term, looking for market insights, or exploring strategies, the assistant is there to help. It’s like having a knowledgeable partner by your side, 24/7.

Built for Real-World Conditions

One of the most overlooked aspects of trading platforms is how they perform under less-than-ideal conditions. Poor internet connections, outdated devices, or sudden updates can derail trades and cost money. XM’s PWA is built to handle these challenges. It’s lightweight, fast, and reliable, even under weak connections. Updates happen automatically in the background, so users always have the latest tools without interruptions.

This is especially relevant in dynamic environments-whether you’re working remotely, traveling, or simply navigating a busy schedule. The platform adapts to your lifestyle, not the other way around.

More Than Just Trading

XM’s PWA isn’t just about placing trades. It’s a comprehensive hub for managing your financial journey. Users can fund and withdraw accounts, chat with support, watch live educational sessions, and access promotions-all from the same interface. This holistic approach reflects a deeper understanding of what modern traders need: not just tools, but an ecosystem that supports learning, execution, and growth.

For those new to trading, this is especially essential. The learning curve can be steep, but XM’s integrated education and support features make it easier to get started and stay informed.

Setting a New Standard

The timing of this launch is no coincidence. XM recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, and the PWA is part of a broader strategy to reinforce its ‘clients first’ philosophy. With two successful promotions already this year and hints of a major bonus campaign on the horizon, the broker is clearly investing in its user base.

But beyond marketing, the PWA signals something more profound: a shift in industry standards. As competition among brokers intensifies, platforms that fail to offer seamless, intelligent, and reliable experiences will fall behind. XM is not just keeping up-it’s setting the pace. Sign Up Here

If you’re someone who values efficiency, clarity, and control in your financial decisions, XM’s new PWA is worth exploring. It’s not just a tool-it’s a strategic asset. By removing friction, enhancing decision-making, and offering a consistent experience across devices, it allows traders to focus on what really matters: making smart moves in the market.

In a world where time is money and opportunities don’t wait, having the right platform can make all the difference. XM’s PWA delivers that edge.

Explore the platform and start trading smarter today.

The number of arrivals and revenue from the Malaysian tourism market can increase by 20-30% if bribery at the border is resolved and the new government extends the operating hours of border checkpoints, according to Hat Yai tourism operators.

To enhance the economy, the cabinet on Tuesday proposed extending the opening hours at Thailand-Malaysia border checkpoints in response to a request from the tourism and sports minister.

Songchai Mungprasitthichai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, said the move should ease congestion at the border, particularly at the Sadao checkpoint.

He said during Malaysia’s national holiday last month, tourist cars and buses faced queues of 3-4 hours to pass through the Sadao checkpoint when entering and leaving Thailand.

As the checkpoint closed around midnight, hundreds of Malaysian tourists were unable to return in time and had to stay in hotels or sleep in their cars.

This situation created an opportunity for some border officials to extort 500-1,000 baht per car from Malaysian tourists who wanted to cross during closing hours, said Mr Songchai.

If the opening hours were extended, this leverage for bribery would be eliminated, he said.

Mr Songchai said the government should consider opening the Sadao checkpoint 24 hours a day, similar to the Malaysia-Singapore border.

The government could implement a six-month trial period for all Thailand-Malaysia checkpoints, he said.

A 24-hour operation should ease late-night traffic congestion and allow tourists to plan their trips more flexibly.

There are roughly 4,000-5,000 Malaysian arrivals daily on weekdays via the Sadao checkpoint, and 20,000 on weekends and holidays.

The number could increase by 20-30% if the opening hours were extended, he said.

Regarding concerns over increased security breaches and drug trafficking from extended border hours, Mr Songchai said the government should deploy more officers to patrol the area.

Suspicious vehicles involved in drug trafficking are often trucks, not tourist buses, and can be targeted with stricter inspection measures, he said.

According to the Tourism Ministry, during the first eight months, Songkhla welcomed over 5 million Thai and foreign visitors, a 0.67% year-on-year decrease, generating 35.2 billion baht in revenue.

As of Sept 28, Thailand had welcomed over 23.9 million foreign tourists, a 7.52% year-on-year drop.

Malaysia was the largest inbound market with 3.46 million arrivals, surpassing China, which recorded 3.38 million arrivals.

Mr Songchai said the tourism outlook for Hat Yai and Songkhla in the fourth quarter should remain on par with last year.

He said the government’s “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme should at least help stimulate sluggish domestic spending in the coming months.

Nowadays, there’s an expensive price tag and a high social currency associated with wellness and longevity. The latter already sparked a viral online debate in Thailand mere weeks ago, with thought leaders and influencers sharing their interpretation of longevity, and whether it’s turned into a measure of wealth, therefore creating pressure for the aspiring class and demanding you keep up appearances by investing in ice baths, wearing tech devices and measuring your sleep quality. Whilst advocating for wellness is all well and good, there are more ways to live a balanced life than constantly quantifying and tracking your wearables.

This trend is seeping through everywhere, even in luxury hotels. In 2024, Aman appointed tennis legend Novak Djokovic as its first Global Wellness Advisor in a multi-year partnership.

Thailand is well-positioned for a wellness ecosystem. Our country’s wellness economy was valued at 1 trillion baht in 2024. Just look at some world-class establishments we have on hand – from Chiva Som, which ranks high on every wellness retreat list, to RAKxa Wellness Retreat in Bang Krachao, a newer player that launched in 2020 but quickly gained traction due to its facilities and reputable services. These retreats have emerged as a new status symbol.

There are various layers of segmentation to our country’s wellness ecosystem, from retreats to clinics, spas, boutique gyms and restaurants offering clean food.

An Aston Martin or a Richard Mille on your wrist may shout it from the rooftops, but in today’s wellness and longevity-minded culture, contemporary urbanites also measure success with measures of time, flexibility and their Whoop devices. Nowadays, an indication of wealth may be someone who squeezes in a vitamin IV drip on a Tuesday afternoon and checks into RAKxa for a weekend of mindful treatments.

Think of all the conversations you have at dinner tables. Aside from discussing where the best Ulthera treatment is, mentions of blood sugar levels, sleep treatments, and anti-aging regimens likely dominate if you’re over 32. These conversations may be anecdotal, but they’re translating to real money spent. We’ve never been more obsessed with tracking not only how many hours of sleep we’re getting per night, but also the quality of such sleep. We’re pouring money into this whole new urban lifestyle, and hacking our bodies to live longer.

There’s an exhaustive list of activities to spend time on and multiple customised tests to pay for.

At home party recovery drips? Check. Cryotherapy? Check. There’s a lot of social pressure to participate in and join this wellness movement, even if we’re not entirely sure of its benefits.

As Thais, we love following the latest trends and joining in on the hype, and there are endless benefits to wanting to live longer and better. However, we must also not forget the very basics that hold our health together: rest, exercise and hydration.

The colourful lighting system on the roofed walkway at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya is ready to welcome tourists during the high season, creating a new landmark in the beach city in Chon Buri.

Pattaya mayor Poramet Ngampichet visited the pier on Wednesday night to inspect the completion of the makeover.

The walkway’s roof had been completed for some time under a city project to protect residents and visitors travelling to and from Koh Lan from sun and rain.

A new electrical system was installed along the bridge, with lights synchronising with the iconic Pattaya City sign on its right. Eight different lighting styles are available and they can be adjusted to match each festival season, Mr Poramet said.

With a total of 31 lighting strips, the system automatically turns on from 6pm to 6am daily.

‘The roofed walkway not only provides convenience for travellers but also serves as a new landmark for capturing the beauty of Pattaya, both day and night,’ the mayor said.

The display is complemented by LED screens newly installed at entrances of the Walking Street to modernise the area, he added.

The makeover of Bali Hai Pier, the boarding point for coral island ferries, speedboat charters, fishing and scuba diving trips, is expected to attract tourists and boost the local economy during the upcoming high season.