Category: The Bangkok Post

Energy Complex Company Limited (Enco) organised the seminar ‘Thailand’s Real Estate Outlook 2026’ to deliver in-depth insights and expert perspectives on the future of Thailand’s property sector. The program highlighted two key themes: ‘Thailand’s Real Estate Outlook 2026: Challenges and Opportunities’, which examined opportunities and challenges in the real estate market, and ‘Green Living, Smart City: Real Estate as a Pathway to Sustainable Cities’, focusing on strategies for sustainable urban development. The seminar served as a platform to deepen market understanding, encourage knowledge exchange, and strengthen collaboration across the private sector to drive high-quality growth in Thailand’s real estate industry with an emphasis on environmental responsibility and long-term societal well-being.

Mr Sirasak Chandrema, President of Energy Complex Co., Ltd. (EnCo), stated that the company operates under a vision to develop real estate and manage facilities with service excellence, enabling sustainable business growth. EnCo is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing toward the goal of Net Zero Emissions by 2050, in alignment with PTT Group’s policy framework. The company has developed the Energy Complex into a LEED Platinum-certified green building, serving as a hub for the energy sector designed with efficient resource utilisation. EnCo also integrates Smart City concepts and Green Living technologies to enhance operational efficiency, leading to a model of Smart and Green management. Through this approach, the company seeks to deliver long-term value to business, society, and the environment.

Thailand is currently undergoing transformations across multiple dimensions. To ensure that real estate development continues sustainably, supports the creation of Smart City, and advances toward the shared goal of Net Zero Emissions, EnCo has adopted diverse ideas and perspectives from across industries. The Thailand’s Real Estate Outlook 2026 seminar has been held consistently as a platform for integrating concepts of conservation and sustainable urban development. Looking ahead to 2026, EnCo aims to elevate the standards of its mixed-use office buildings by transforming them into Green Buildings, in line with sustainable property management and building improvement principles, while also supporting development in other sectors to achieve these shared goals.

Under the theme ‘Thailand’s Real Estate Outlook 2026: Challenges and Opportunities,’ the seminar featured insights from Mr Issara Boonyoung, Chairman of the Board, Real Estate Business Trade Association under the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Honorary President of the Housing Business Association. He shared his perspectives on business direction, growth opportunities, government stimulus measures, and real estate market trends in 2026, while also discussing investment strategies for both corporate investors and end users. In addition, Mr Chetthawat Songprasert, Senior Analyst at the Economic and Business Research Center, Siam Commercial Bank (SCB EIC), provided an analysis of Thailand’s economic outlook for 2026, addressing key influencing factors such as real estate lending, the slowdown in the property sector and its spillover effects on economic growth, as well as expectations from the private sector and the public regarding government measures to stimulate the economy.

The panel discussion ‘Green Living, Smart City: Real Estate as a Pathway to Sustainable Cities’ featured distinguished experts from across the industry, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kessara Thanyalakpark, Managing Director of Sena Development PCL; Mr Narongwet Wajanapanich, Managing Director of Quality Construction Products PCL (SCG Group); Mr Samatcha Promsiri, Chief of Staff at Sansiri PCL; and Ms. Phatsareephak Srikanchananon, Head of Property Management, CBRE Thailand. The session addressed key topics such as mega-trends in sustainable urban development, the prospects and challenges of green building adoption in Thailand, the application of international case studies, urban development potential, green building certification standards, and the critical role of government support in ensuring urban development progresses in a unified and sustainable direction.

Under the theme ‘Thailand’s Real Estate Outlook 2026,’ the seminar served as a key driver in shaping a sustainable real estate business model under the Sustainable Way approach, connecting the private sector, government, and stakeholders. EnCo plays a central role in advancing both ideas and implementation, with the goal of raising industry standards and positioning Thailand’s real estate sector for stable and sustainable growth in the future.

Phuket authorities have launched a sweeping infrastructure blueprint aimed at easing traffic congestion, improving water security, and upgrading marine transport links to boost the island’s role as a regional hub.

Governor Sophon Suwannarat recently chaired a seminar attended by 29 foreign consuls, state agencies, and the private sector. The forum highlighted progress on nine major road projects, a long-term water supply plan, and the Yamu Port upgrade into an Andaman marina hub.

The Department of Highways reported nine schemes to address chronic traffic bottlenecks, particularly between Phuket city and the airport. Key works include the 650-million-baht expansion of Highway 4027 from Ban Thalang to Ban Muang Mai, due for completion in 2026, and a new highway link from Ban Muang Mai to the airport, targeted for 2028.

Other projects cover improvements to Highway 402 from Khok Kloi to Phuket town, costing 700 million baht, and construction of Highway 4030, from Thalang to Rawai Beach, for 325 million baht.

There are also a plan to build Highway 4025, from Tha Ruea to Choeng Thale, at a cost of 420 million baht and Highway 4031, from Mud Dok Khao to Phuket International Airport, with a 185 million baht price tag.

Some are also under survey and design, including a consultancy project for Highway 402-Sarasin Bridge, a feasibility study on a new highway route from Ban Pa Khlok to Ban Bang Khu and a plan for Highway 4023, from Phuket town to Cape Panwa, with a cost of 200 million baht.

Traffic management on Highway 402, Phuket’s main artery, is also being enhanced with redesigned intersections and safety measures across nine locations.

In parallel, the Provincial Waterworks Authority is advancing a plan to divert raw water from Ratchaprapa Dam in Surat Thani to Phuket, he said.

The proposal, structured as a public-private partnership, is undergoing feasibility and impact assessments. Officials expect tender documents to be ready by late 2027, ensuring long-term water security for Phuket and neighbouring provinces.

Marine infrastructure is another focus. The Marine Department is steering plans to redevelop Yamu Port in Thalang district into a community marina aligned with the government’s Andaman masterplan. The design phase is complete, with environmental assessments and dredging studies to follow. The project aims to provide year-round safe access for yachts, boost maritime tourism, and position Phuket as a competitive marina hub.

Governor Sophon said the integrated approach reflects Phuket’s vision of becoming a sustainable tourism and logistics centre.

“These projects are designed not only to relieve local problems such as traffic and water shortages but also to strengthen Phuket’s global connectivity and economic competitiveness,” he said.

A man was electrocuted and engulfed in flames before being swept away by strong currents in the Nan River after coming into contact with a high-voltage power line hanging from a bridge in Pichai district of Utttaradit province on Wednesday morning.

The man was attempting to secure a drifting fish raft to the bridge when the tragic incident happened in Ban Dong village Moo 3 in tambon Phaya Man of Phichai district in the northern province.

The fish raft, believed to have broken loose in tambon Tha Mafueang, was seen floating rapidly downstream due to strong currents.

Video captured the moment the raft passed under the bridge, showing a man aboard attempting to tie a rope to the structure. As the raft drifted past, the man came into contact with a hanging high-voltage cable, resulting in a powerful electric shock that engulfed his body in sparks.

He then fell into the river and disappeared beneath the fast-moving water, leaving onlookers in shock.

Jakapan Chanthrathippayarak, who chairs the Taluk Krathiam tambon administration in Phrom Phiram district of Phitsanulok province, told reporters that he had been alerted by officials in tambon Phichai earlier that a raft was drifting downstream towards his community.

A rescue volunteer and owner of the JT Motor Sound Audio business, Mr Jakapan said he drove to the bridge to assist. When the raft arrived, he recorded the video of the incident.

‘The raft was moving very fast. As soon as it passed under the bridge, the man tried to tie it but was suddenly electrocuted. His body fell into the river and disappeared,’ he said.

Rescuers later managed to retrieve the raft along the Nan River bank, but the man’s body has not yet been found.

A 21-year-old man set himself on fire at a bus stop and ran out into the traffic on Phahon Yothin Road in Bangkok on Tuesday, horrifying pedestrians and motorists.

It happened around 10am at a bus stop in front of the Land Development Department office in Chatuchak district.

A CCTV recording showed the man, whose name has not been released, standing behind the bus stop and holding a large jar containing a liquid believed to be petrol.

He poured the liquid over his body before setting himself on fire with a lighter.

According to 3 Plus News, he walked around while on fire, terrifying two university students waiting for a bus, before running out onto the road and falling to the ground, underneath Senanikom BTS Station.

The sight of his burning body shocked motorists. One motorcyclist fell off his bike and was injured. He was taken to nearby Paolo Hospital along with the burned man.

A witness told police the man had a heated phone conversation with someone before setting himself ablaze. His mother said she learned her son had been having a problem with his girlfriend over the past few days.

His condition was not known.

Central Pinklao, Central Pattana’s third shopping centre and a fixture in Bangkok for more than 30 years, is set to redefine retail in western Bangkok with its most significant transformation in three decades. Backed by an investment of over 1.7 billion baht, the redevelopment introduces the concept of the ‘New Soul of the District,’ positioning the complex as the area’s premier lifestyle landmark across 360,000 square metres of space.

The new Central Pinklao aims to meet the demands of customers with strong purchasing power across all generations, featuring more than 500 leading brands and over 150 new trending names. Its refreshed design combines a classic-modern façade with an interior that balances elegance and creativity. The grand reopening is scheduled for 6 November 2025, with expectations that ‘quality traffic’ will rise by 25-30%.

Dr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Chief Marketing Officer of Central Pattana Plc, said: ‘Throughout its 30 years, Central Pinklao has grown into a lifestyle hub for the people of Pinklao. This transformation is a new sensation for Bangkokians that reflects the potential of Thonburi. We have curated more than 500 leading brands across fashion, lifestyle, health, beauty, technology and education, making Central Pinklao the city’s new landmark. Over 150 new and popular brands will appeal to the ‘Young Gen’ and ‘New Wealth,’ while we continue to serve our loyal base of residents and families within a catchment of over three million people.’

A highlight of the redesign is ‘The Park on Fifth,’ an open-air lifestyle destination on the fifth floor featuring dining, cafés and food patios surrounded by greenery and natural light – a first for Bangkok. The renovation also includes the revival of the 6.2-metre-tall Statue of Augustus, restored with a new look.

As the first mixed-use project in the area, Central Pinklao combines a shopping centre with two office towers in a prime location connected to Silom, Sathorn and Yaowarat CBDs, along with three train lines: the MRT Blue and Orange lines, and the SRT Light Red line. Surrounded by schools, hospitals, government offices and premium residences, the revamped Central Pinklao is expected to strengthen Central Pattana’s western Bangkok portfolio. Notably, Tops Food Hall at Central Pinklao ranked third nationwide in sales in 2025, while the Central department store branch ranked fourth, underscoring its role as a premium retail and lifestyle hub.

Over 500 Leading Brands Defining the City’s New Landmark

International Culinary Hub – discover over 200 brands such as Tops Food Hall with ‘New Variety’ from premium dining, casual lifestyle, grab and go, street food, Michelin restaurants, authentic cuisine, international restaurants, organic healthy restaurants, family restaurants, sweets and desserts, speciality coffee, matcha and tea. The G Floor features the ‘Gastronomy Hub’ for food lovers, while the 5th Floor debuts the ‘Brand New Soul Green Wonder’ with refreshing hangout spaces.

First-time in Thailand – welcoming Hama Sushi, a popular conveyor-belt sushi brand with high quality and affordable prices; Ootoya Oki, Thailand’s first ‘crab fat shabu’; and Sotory, offering steak and French fries in a hand-held portable container, among others.

Popular restaurants with new concepts such as Bar B.Q. Plaza, Ootoya Tokusen, On the Table, The Pizza Company Express, Mister Donut, Kumpoon and Baan Bangkok are ready to serve exclusive menu choices only at Central Pinklao.

First branch in the neighbourhood – discover BHC Chicken, Canton Paradise, Hasul, Kiani, La Meow, Lehaha Lanzhou Noodles, Long John Silver’s, LT FISH, Myeong Ryun Jinsa Galbi, Nong Geng Ji, ONKIJUNG, Pasta Ama, PONN, Ramen Neo, Ramyun Kitchen, RED PANDA Yakiniku, SHABU BARU, Songfa, Sukiya, Xiao Gu Jie Jie, YAKINIKU LIKE, Yonny, YUENAN, Zaabeli, Phra Nakhon Boat Noodles, Krua Muang Ve, An’s Fried Chicken Noodles, Ohkajhu and many more.

Popularly queued restaurants such as Chicha San Chen, Gongcha, One to Two, Solsot, Sushiro, Yolk and Uno Coffee.

Coffee, Tea and Dessert Paradise – 50 popular brands including Bake a Wish, Barron’s Bar, BEARHOUSE, BLENDIES, Boost Juice Bar, Bonjour, BreadTalk, CHONGDEE, D Bake, Eric Kayser, Fruit Slush, HAAB, Jian Cha Tea, Karamizu, KIKI Matcha, Luca, Matcha Eki, Mikka, Minimelts, Molly Tea, Mr Shake, Molto, MX Cake and Bakery, Nose Tea, Old School Brownies, Oranginal, o-li-no, Rowie’s, Saint Etoile, Self, SOOD’s, Sotory, Souri, The Summer Coffee, Tokyo Sweets, TP Tea, Teaory Teahouse, Umami, Yolé Yoghurt, Yoguruto, Zus Coffee, Kin Tokyo, Khem, Everyday Thai Tea, Namtaohuu Pu Pla, Pung Siam, Yok Sod, Luemton, Roon Egg Cake, Fighting Thai Tea, and more.

Leading fashion and lifestyle brands such as Adidas, Anta, Bath and Body Works, Beyond the Vines, Birkenstock, Carnival, Calvin Klein, Charles and Keith, Gentlewoman, JD Sports, Mango, Marimekko, MUJI, MLAB, New Balance, Nike, Pandora, Rituals, Sephora, Skechers, Swarovski, Wilson, Victoria’s Secret, Uniqlo, Zara, and more.

Central Group companies join forces to present new concepts – led by Central Department Store as a flagship branch, unveiling ‘The Brightest Star to the West’ to inspire and elevate a complete lifestyle shopping experience for every generation. Highlights include world-class brands at Beauty Galerie: Armani Beauty, Burberry, Chanel, Charlotte Tilbury, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, Elemis, Gucci Beauty, La Mer; Contemporary Fashion Shop-in-Shop: Coccinelle, Furla, Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith; the new Central Home with a modern design for home and small appliances; plus Family and Kids, Fashion Men and Women, and Watch and Jewellery. Food lovers can indulge at Central Eats and Treats with Muumuu Mama Italian cuisine, Chamcham herbal drinks, Thawang Songkhla egg cake, 96 Chá milk tea, PASH cold-pressed juices, Praow coconut yoghurt, Kaew Boutique Thai desserts, and a pop-up My Eureka Popcorn from Malaysia-bringing the best experiences to Thonburi and nearby provinces.

B2S will debut a new concept, while Power Buy launches ‘Power Buy 3.0’, a technology hub designed to elevate shopping in the digital era and enhance the seamless omnichannel experience. Supersports will unveil ‘Supersports 3.0 – Sports Destination for All’, offering a new look and experience that highlights its leading position as Thailand’s number one sports retailer. Spanning over 2,000 m², it brings together products and services from over 2,000 global sports brands.

37 leading ‘Edutainment’ and ‘Play Land’ brands including First Class Preschool, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools and Kidzoona Safari.

Wellness Hub – discover more than 72 beauty centres and clinics and experience the new-look Fitness First.

Entertainment – Major Cineplex IMAX with Laser and Soundcheck Karaoke.

Central Pinklao has enjoyed continued success as one of the company’s main assets and remains a key driving force for CPNREIT’s stable income, supporting long-term growth potential. Get ready for the grand re-opening celebrations on 6 November 2025 at Central Pinklao.

The government’s Khon La Khrueng (half-half) co-payment economic stimulus scheme will begin on Oct 29, with registration expected to open soon after cabinet approval next week, according to Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

Mr Ekniti, also deputy prime minister, said registration would use the same system, based on the Pao Tang app, that consumers are familiar with from 2020-22 when the programme was first introduced to stimulate the pandemic-hit economy.

The programme will last for two months, with the daily co-payment limit increased to 200 baht from 150 baht previously, aimed at delivering a ‘quick big win’ to stimulate spending and the economy.

The increase is part of a dual-pronged ‘Plus’ enhancement – a higher subsidy and broader inclusion, said the minister.

‘Quick’ refers to the speed of implementation – with the project ready for immediate rollout following cabinet approval. ‘Big’ represents an increase in the co-payment share, said Mr Ekniti.

‘Win’ means this round will be expanded to include small legal entities in addition to individual vendors, in response to public feedback and a desire to distribute benefits more broadly among small business operators and taxpayers.

‘Plus’ means that people who pay tax will qualify for an additional 2,400 baht in co-payment benefits, reflecting the government’s intent to reward those who participate in the tax system. ‘Plus’ also represents the focus on digital skill development, said the minister. Participating vendors will be encouraged to adopt digital tools, use e-commerce platforms, and basic accounting systems to enhance financial literacy and competitiveness among Thai small businesses.

During the debate on the government’s policy statement on Tuesday, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed criticism that the scheme is a thinly veiled attempt at pre-election campaigning.

Khon La Khrueng proved popular and effective during the pandemic, as it subsidised purchases of selected daily-use goods, easing household burdens while injecting cash directly into the economy.

The scheme had a total budget of 208 billion baht from 2020-22. Thais 18 and older who did not hold state welfare cards were eligible, with about 30 million participants in total.

The budget for the 2025 version of the programme has not been confirmed but it is expected to be around 50 billion baht.

An Asian man fell from a condominium tower in Pattaya, landing on a wall below that tore his body apart, early on Wednesday morning.

The gruesome discovery was reported to Pattaya City police about 12.30am, Pol Lt Col Sutheeraphan Thapsri, a chief investigator, said.

The condominium complex consists of three buildings: Tower A with 44 floors, Tower B with 32 floors, and Tower C with 7 floors. The body was discovered between Towers A and B. The dead man was believed to be an Asian male aged 30 to 40 years and was found wearing a black T-shirt and shorts.

His falling body landed on top of the condo wall, which split it into upper and lower halves and scattered his internal organs across the road.

Police investigators had yet to confirm which floor of which building he fell from. (continues below)

A witness reported hearing a loud thud, as though an object had landed violently on the ground. On investigating, he found the man’s body in its gruesome condition.

Investigators did find cigarette butts on the 32nd floor rooftop balcony of Tower C and traces indicating someone may have been sitting on the ledge.

The investigation was ongoing.

Central Restaurants Group Co Ltd (CRG) is strengthening its Japanese portfolio with the launch of Ootoya Oki, a premium shabu and sukiyaki restaurant that delivers authentic flavours at Central Pinklao mall in Bangkok.

The new brand offers Thailand’s first “Oozuwai Kani Shabu”, a signature crab fat soup prepared with a whole Zuwai crab, catering to the growing demand for premium Japanese dining experiences and driving sustainable growth for CRG’s Asian cuisine business.

Thirawat Loetthiraphan, head of Asian cuisine at CRG, said the launch represents a milestone for its Japanese portfolio as it taps Thailand’s shabu market, valued at more than 20 billion baht and continuing to expand.

CRG aims to position Ootoya Oki as a flagship brand that appeals to health-conscious diners, shabu lovers and customers who value authenticity and quality, and to elevate the standard of Japanese dining in Thailand.

The company plans to open at least five locations of Ootoya Oki within three years, strategically focusing on leading shopping centres and community malls.

He said CRG is confident this new concept will delight customers and set a new benchmark for Japanese dining experiences in the country.

In the trial over the fatal shooting of former Cambodian MP Lim Kimya, the victim’s wife on Tuesday demanded the maximum penalty against the defendant.

Ana Lim Ani, the French wife of the 73-year-old politician, appeared in court as the plaintiff in the case. She detailed her loss to the court.

Lim Kimya was allegedly shot by Ekkalak Phaenoi, the defendant, in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district on Jan 7 of this year.

A section of Charoen Krung Road near the Electricity Authority in Bangkok suddenly subsided on Wednesday morning and the road has been partially closed to traffic.

The road surface collapsed around 10am on Wednesday.

A video posted by the Ruamkatanyu Foundation’s Bang Phongphang unit shows a significant depression in the road surface, raising concerns about safety and disruption of traffic flow in the busy area. The collapsed section is several metres long.

Rescue teams from the Charoen Krung emergency centre and other agencies were rushed to the scene to evaluate the damage, implement traffic control measures and prevent further accidents.

The cause of the collapse was still being investigated.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and use alternative routes until repairs are completed and the road fully reopened.

The incident follows the recent major subsidence on Samsen Road outside Vajira Hospital.