Category: The Bangkok Post

For much of this century, Kim Eng was synonymous with Thailand’s securities industry. As the country’s No.1 brokerage firm for 16 consecutive years, it helped shape a generation of Thai investors and established one of the strongest brands in capital markets.

But the investment landscape did not stand still. The rise of digital investing, increasing access to global markets, changing investor expectations, and prolonged weakness in Thailand’s equity market fundamentally reshaped the industry’s economics.

Success was no longer defined solely by transaction volumes or market share. Investors increasingly sought professional advice, diversified portfolios, and long-term wealth creation.

Recognising this structural shift, Maybank Securities Thailand made a deliberate decision to reinvent itself — not by defending yesterday’s business model, but by building for tomorrow’s investors.

Now, after five years of transformation that began during the Covid-19 pandemic, Maybank believes it has reached an important milestone. What was once known primarily as a leading brokerage house has evolved into a fully integrated investment advisory firm, placing financial advice, portfolio construction, and long-term wealth creation at the heart of its strategy.

The transformation was far from straightforward. It required Maybank to redesign its customer value propositions, invest heavily in digital capabilities, modernise its operating model, and reshape its organisational culture — all while continuing to serve clients, support employees, and maintain business performance during one of the most challenging periods for Thailand’s capital markets.

“We believe the next decade will reward firms that help clients achieve meaningful financial outcomes — not those that simply execute the most transactions,” said Arapat Sangkharat, chief executive of Maybank Securities Thailand.

“Transformation was not optional. Investors have changed, markets have changed, and our role must evolve with them.”

END OF TRANSACTIONAL INVESTING

For decades, brokerage firms generated revenue primarily by encouraging trading activity and promoting investment products. While that model served investors well during a different era, today’s investment environment demands a broader approach.

Markets have become increasingly complex, influenced by geopolitical uncertainty, persistent inflation, interest rate cycles, technological disruption, and rapidly shifting global capital flows.

At Maybank Securities, investing is no longer about predicting the future — it is about preparing for multiple futures, he said.

Rather than attempting to forecast every market movement, the firm’s investment philosophy emphasises disciplined portfolio construction, diversification, and long-term decision-making that enables investors to navigate a wide range of market conditions.

“Our philosophy is simple,” said Mr Arapat. “Advice comes before products, and financial goals come before portfolios.”

Every investment journey begins with a thorough understanding of clients’ financial aspirations, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and personal circumstances. This forms the foundation for tailored investment solutions designed to help clients achieve their short, medium and long-term objectives while navigating the charging market cycle with confidence.

“Success should no longer be measured by the number of trades we execute, but by the financial outcomes we help our clients achieve,” he noted.

PROFESSIONAL YET ACCESSIBLE

Historically, professional investment advisory services have been available primarily to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth investors.

One of the central pillars of Maybank’s transformation has been making those same investment principles accessible to a much broader group of investors, including the mass affluent segment.

This vision recently took shape through the launch of the enhanced Maybank Invest (MBi) platform.

Rather than encouraging frequent trading, MBi is designed to encourage disciplined investing.

The platform incorporates portfolio construction methodologies commonly used by professional fund managers and combines them with digital analytics to help investors evaluate portfolio health, monitor asset allocation, identify deviations from long-term investment objectives, and receive timely portfolio rebalancing recommendations.

Personalised investment guidance is generated using each client’s investment objectives, risk profile, and behavioural characteristics.

By combining technology, data analytics, and investment expertise from its chief information officer, Maybank aims to democratise professional wealth management, bringing investment frameworks once reserved for affluent clients within reach of a much wider investor base.

THE NEXT GROWTH ENGINE

One of the company’s most significant strategic initiatives is entry into the private fund business, reflecting growing demand for professionally managed discretionary portfolios.

While many providers function like supermarkets with broad offerings, Maybank is taking a different approach.

“Our Private Fund business is built around deep specialisation — combining a sharply focused investment strategy with a dedicated team of unparalleled investment specialists,” said Gancanapol Van Compernolle, managing director of private funds.

This specialisation is combined with greater accessibility. Traditional private fund services have required minimum investments of 25-50 million baht. Maybank plans to lower that threshold substantially, opening institutional-quality portfolio management to investors with portfolios of 5 million baht.

Initial offerings will focus on Thai equity and Southeast Asian investment strategies before expanding into global mandates.

Private funds represent more than a new business opportunity; they are a key stepping stone towards establishing a full asset management platform and entering Thailand’s mutual fund industry.

A NEW CHAPTER

While Thailand’s brokerage industry continues to evolve, Maybank believes future leadership will be defined less by transaction volumes and more by the ability to deliver comprehensive wealth solutions, trusted investment advice, and seamless digital experiences.

A key competitive advantage is the strength of Maybank Group, one of Southeast Asia’s leading financial institutions.

Through its regional network spanning Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and the UK, clients gain access to regional research, economists, investment specialists, and cross-border market insights that few firms operating in Thailand can match.

The transformation has also been driven by substantial investments in people.

Over the past several years, Maybank has strengthened its capabilities across investment advisory, relationship management, research, product development, portfolio management, and data analytics. Today, the firm’s equity research and multi-asset investment teams, or CIO Office, rank among the strongest within Thailand’s securities industry.

Looking ahead, Maybank believes the foundations built over the past five years position it for a new phase of sustainable growth.

“The firm that once helped define Thailand’s brokerage industry is now preparing for a different future,” said Mr Arapat.

“Our ambition is not simply to participate in the industry’s transformation — it is to help shape it. Leadership today is measured not only by market share, but by our ability to help clients build lasting financial success. That is the Maybank we are building.”

Thailand’s race to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 will depend not only on investment in clean technologies, but also on whether it can quickly build a workforce with the skills to support the green transition.

With the government bringing its net-zero target forward by 15 years, demand for workers with green skills is expected to accelerate across industries, from renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) to sustainable finance and climate reporting.

Green skills challenge

“One of the biggest challenges for Thailand in reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 is the workforce because we do not have enough people to deliver it,” Jason Lee, head of sustainability at CIMB Thai Bank, told the Bangkok Post.

At the 30th UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil, Thailand committed to bringing forward its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target from 2065 to 2050, while also pledging to reduce net emissions by 47% by 2035. The Thai government also promised to train 5 million workers as part of the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

According to Mr Lee, Thailand needs a growing number of workers in “green” jobs to design renewable energy projects, structure sustainable finance, prepare emissions inventories, and redesign production processes to make them cleaner and more efficient.

The shortage of these workers is already evident, and Thailand has less time than many countries to close the skills gap.

He said green jobs extend far beyond the common perception of installing solar panels. Most demand is not for entirely new occupations, but for existing roles that are taking on additional environmental responsibilities — what LinkedIn describes as “greening jobs”.

An accountant, for example, must now prepare climate disclosures under the International Sustainability Standards Board’s IFRS S2 standard. Procurement officers increasingly evaluate suppliers based on their emissions performance and source environmentally-friendly products. Mechanics trained to service internal combustion engines (ICE) must learn to work with electric drivetrains.

“The most important question for Thailand is not how many new green jobs will be created, but how many existing workers need retraining simply to continue doing their current jobs,” Mr Lee said.

This challenge is significantly larger than the number of newly created green jobs, yet it receives far less attention. While much discussion focuses on artificial intelligence, Thailand must urgently prepare its existing workforce for the transition to a green economy, he said.

Demand for talent

According to Thailand Development Research Institute, around 1 million job ads were posted in Thailand between 2022 and mid-2023. Around 70,000 positions or 7% were classified as green jobs, primarily in sustainability reporting, sustainable engineering, carbon management and energy modelling.

“The research found these jobs exist and pay well, but there are not enough qualified people to fill them,” Mr Lee said, adding Thailand’s shortage reflects a broader global trend.

Demand for green skills has roughly doubled over the past several years. Boston Consulting Group estimates the global shortage of skilled green energy workers could reach 7 million by 2030.

He said Thailand, as the region’s automotive manufacturing hub, is well-positioned to capitalise on the transition to EVs while retraining its workforce to meet the sector’s evolving needs.

Automotive manufacturing is one of Thailand’s core industrial strengths, contributing about 3% of GDP and supporting around 10% of economic activity indirectly through the broader supply chain.

Under the “EV30@30” policy, Thailand aims for zero-emission vehicles to account for 30% of total domestic vehicle production by 2030. The policy is expected to reshape not only consumer demand, but also industrial production.

As production shifts from ICE vehicles to EVs, the nature of work on factory floors will also change. Demand for traditional engine and transmission assembly will decline, while skills in battery systems, power electronics, high-voltage safety, diagnostics and software-enabled manufacturing will become increasingly important.

Mr Lee said the transition would not eliminate every automotive job, as many workers can adapt their skills and suppliers could diversify their capabilities.

However, occupations that rely heavily on ICE components will face increasing pressure, making workforce retraining essential, although it alone will not be enough ward off job loss, he noted.

“Some jobs will be transformed, some will move up the value chain, and some will not survive the shift. Without workforce upgrades to match industrial upgrades, Thailand risks creating a redundancy pipeline instead of delivering a just transition,” said Mr Lee.

Just transition

The International Labour Organization introduced its Just Transition Guidelines in 2015 to ensure the shift to a low-carbon economy is fair, inclusive and protects workers and communities most affected by the transition.

The principles are reflected in the Paris Agreement, which promotes decent work, social dialogue among governments, employers and workers, social protection for displaced employees, and a commitment to ensure that no one is left behind.

Mr Lee said Thailand has incorporated the concept of a just transition through a collaboration between the National Economic and Social Development Council, the UN and Thammasat University to develop the Just Transition Assessment Model.

The model is designed to assess the social and economic impacts of the energy transition, including its effects on employment, household income and energy systems.

“While Thailand’s just transition framework is now in place, my concern is execution. Although significant funding is available to support workforce and community adjustment, much of it remains untapped,” he said.

Mr Lee argued that green skills development cannot be treated as a standalone education programme.

“Skills development must become part of Thailand’s broader industrial strategy, supported by labour policies that facilitate workforce upgrades, redeployment and protection for displaced workers,” he noted.

To accelerate the transition, Mr Lee recommended three immediate policy priorities.

First, regulation should drive demand. As climate disclosure requirements become more stringent, companies will increasingly need professionals who can measure emissions, improve energy efficiency and assess climate-related risks. Stronger regulations will naturally stimulate corporate demand for green talent.

Second, training programmes should be designed around employment outcomes rather than certificates. Employers, workers and education providers should jointly develop curricula to ensure graduates acquire skills that match labour market demand and lead directly to hiring and workforce redeployment.

Third, Thailand should make greater use of sustainable finance. The country already has an established sustainable finance market, but the next step is to channel more of that capital into workforce development, he said.

Issuing “just transition bonds” would allow training, reskilling and workforce redeployment to qualify as eligible uses of proceeds, said Mr Lee.

Such instruments would be both technically credible and politically practical, provided that target beneficiaries, eligible expenditures and impact metrics are clearly defined.

Younger workers

As Thailand advances towards its net-zero targets, the green economy is rapidly evolving from a corporate social responsibility initiative into a major driver of economic growth and employment.

For fresh graduates entering an increasingly competitive job market, the message is clear: sustainability is no longer just an environmental issue; it is a significant source of career opportunities.

Employers face a growing shortage of professionals who can translate ambitious climate commitments into practical business solutions.

“The strategy for newcomers is simple: master one concrete green skill, such as carbon accounting, EV maintenance, or climate-risk analysis, and pair it with a traditional discipline like engineering, logistics, finance or law,” he said.

“This dual capability is incredibly rare, making candidates uniquely indispensable.”

For mid-career professionals, whether corporate managers in Bangkok, engineers in Rayong’s industrial hub, or technicians in Pathum Thani, the green transition is less about replacing existing expertise than enhancing it with new capabilities.

Mr Lee said an engineer who develops expertise in emissions reduction technologies is well-positioned to lead the low-carbon projects that are increasingly in demand.

A mechanic who masters EV systems and charging infrastructure gains access to a wider range of career opportunities than those who remain focused on conventional vehicles.

Likewise, a logistics manager who successfully implements fleet electrification is applying existing expertise in a more efficient, sustainable way while helping the business reduce its carbon footprint.

However, he cautioned the transition will not happen automatically.

Carbon-heavy roles will inevitably shrink, and the open market cannot protect everyone. Some workers will require substantial retraining, income support and structural redeployment. This is the essence of a just transition: it must be supported by deliberate public policy rather than left to market forces alone.

“For workers who have the opportunity to adapt, the message is clear: do not wait for your employer or the government to determine your future. Invest in new skills now because the transition is already underway,” Mr Lee said.

The Thai government aims ?to complete the construction of a 250-kilometre (155-mile) section of a high-speed rail line that will connect it to China by 2030, as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul concluded a five-day visit to the country.

Thailand’s new rail projects are intended to be part of Beijing’s vision for ?a 3,900-km rail network that would connect the southwestern Chinese city of Kunming to as far south as Singapore.

Thailand aims to complete the first high-speed line – connecting the capital Bangkok with Nakhon Ratchasima province – by 2030 and is preparing to start construction of a second high-speed line from ?Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, the government said in a statement on Monday.

The Thai rail project will connect to neighbouring Laos, which has a high-speed line to Kunming in southern China.

Thailand was separately advancing on construction of another project, a link to a conventional rail line that will connect with Laos to the north and Malaysia to the south, it said in the statement.

Thailand has asked China, its second-largest export market, to import more Thai ?fruit and processed food, according to the statement.

Thailand and China also agreed during Mr Anutin’s trip to establish ?a foreign affairs and defence mechanism and to expand defence industry cooperation and personnel development, the statement said.

Thailand and China would also share intelligence and transaction data ?to help tackle online scams and financial fraud, it added.

Thailand has been part of a regional effort to dismantle sprawling “scam centres” that have proliferated across Southeast Asia, including in Myanmar and Cambodia, where illegal online schemes operate to ?defraud people globally in an industry worth billions of United States dollars.

Opponents of the newly approved Peaceful Society Promotion Bill should accept the majority decision, says Adul Khiewboriboon, chairman of the Committee of Relatives of the Black May 1992 Heroes.

He made the remarks on Sunday following parliament’s approval of the bill, saying no side can get everything it wants in a democracy.

The bill passed after the Senate amended the version approved by the House, removing a provision granting amnesty to people under the age of 18 charged under Section 112, the lese-majeste law.

The revised bill cleared parliament with 307 votes in favour and 141 against, and is now awaiting royal endorsement before publication in the Royal Gazette.

Mr Adul thanked all members of parliament for participating in the debate, regardless of how they voted.

“Those who supported the bill and those who opposed it all acted with good intentions for the country, even if they held different opinions,” he said.

Political demonstrators from opposing camps had also acted out of what they believed to be the national interest, he added.

He said the original draft had been framed as an amnesty bill but was later renamed the Peaceful Society Promotion Bill to better reflect its purpose.

Parliament has the authority to enact such legislation but cannot grant amnesty for Section 112 offences because doing so would conflict with the constitutional powers of the monarchy, he said.

People facing lese-majeste charges should instead seek a royal pardon through the established legal process, he argued.

Most people under the age of 18 accused of Section 112 offences have already completed rehabilitation through the Juvenile and Family Court system, Mr Adul added.

It is an internationally accepted principle that corruption cases involving former national leaders should not be covered by blanket amnesties, he said.

He cited South Korea as an example, where former presidents convicted of corruption were pardoned by the country’s head of state to reduce political conflict, although public protests continued.

He acknowledged some groups remained disappointed the bill excluded Section 112 cases, but insisted the compromise must be accepted. “If opponents reject the entire bill simply because it does not include Section 112 offences, more than 6,000 people from all political camps will remain tied up in legal proceedings and the seeds of conflict will remain,” he said.

“In a democracy, no side gets everything it wants. The minority must accept the majority’s decision. Thailand is facing serious challenges, so everyone should look ahead and work together to build a peaceful society,” he added.

Student activist Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal was on Monday sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for one year, for his refusal to take part in the military conscription process.

His boycott decision became a landmark move – the first time a Thai has cited “conscientious objection” as the reason for not participating in the military draft process.

The Samut Prakan lower court on Monday rejected his defence and found him guilty of breaching the Military Service Act (1954), according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

The student activist was sentenced to six months in prison. The court suspended his sentence for one-year because he had not been jailed before. If he stays out of trouble he will probably not serve time.

The court completed the witness examination stage in September last year. The ruling was deferred for almost a year as the judges allowed Mr Netiwit and his legal team to forward the case to the Constitutional Court. They wanted a ruling on the constitutionality of compulsory conscription.

The charter court ruled that the conscription law is in line with the constitution, leading to the Samut Prakan court announcing judgement and sentencing him on Monday.

Mr Netiwit was ordered to report for conscription in Samut Prakan in 2024. Failing to comply with the Military Service Act carries a maximum sentence of three years.

After his refusal to serve, prosecutors took him to court, calling two witnesses, one an army officer and the other a policeman.

Mr Netiwit showed no surprise in his X message responding to Monday’s sentencing. He said success does not happen overnight. He also urged younger generations to not give up hope on the issue.

“It’s quite normal to lose (a case),” he wrote. “The campaign over student hairstyles did not find success in one day when I was at school.”

Mr Netiwit has been an activist since he began studying political science at Chulalongkorn University. He is now pursuing a master’s degree in theological studies at Harvard University in the United States, starting this academic year.

The running boom across Thailand shows no signs of slowing this year, fuelling a major surge in fitness technology where advanced gadgets like smart rings, bone-conduction headphones and glowing water bottles have become essential survival tools for anyone braving the country’s tropical heat.

As more locals and expatriates take to the streets and parks, wearable tech is proving as crucial to the running experience as a good pair of trainers and grit. The emphasis has shifted from merely getting fit to collecting the most impressive health data possible-to boast to friends while avoiding heatstroke.

Running clubs across Bangkok and Chiang Mai are flourishing, turning these devices into potent social currency. Conversations that once centred on weekend dinner plans now mostly revolve around recovery scores, training loads and oxygen saturation.

There is, naturally, a humorous side to this technological obsession. Your modern smartwatch can log every heartbeat, your titanium ring can analyse sleep patterns in fine detail and your flashing water bottle can nag you into staying hydrated. Yet none of these pricey gadgets have learned to run a five-kilometre race for their owner. That painful task remains stubbornly dependent on your own two legs.

A stroll through public spaces like Benjakitti Park or Lumphini Park before sunrise reveals a sea of determined people pacing themselves under the warm Bangkok sky. What immediately stands out is the sheer volume of technology strapped to their bodies. Where runners once relied on a simple mechanical watch and a plastic bottle, many now monitor performance with sophisticated devices such as the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Huawei Watch Fit 4. These modern timepieces use global positioning system (GPS) to map exact routes while continuously measuring heart rates to tell runners precisely when they’re slacking off.

One of the most notable shifts in the health market is the rapid rise of the smart ring. Compact devices like the Samsung Galaxy Ring, the Oura Ring 4 and the RingConn Generation 2 have grown popular because they collect precise health data without leaving an awkward tan line on your wrist. Runners value how these lightweight rings monitor sleep quality and resting heart rate overnight. Getting enough high-quality rest is vital when you have to wake at four in the morning just to jog before the midday sun softens the pavement.

Staying entertained on a long run requires the right audio gear, but safety remains paramount on chaotic local streets. Bone conduction headphones, especially models like the Shokz OpenRun, have become a staple because they sit outside the ear canal and transmit sound through the cheekbones. This clever design lets runners enjoy music while staying alert to their surroundings. Hearing a speeding motorcycle or an angry street dog approaching from behind can be a genuine lifesaver when navigating a new neighbourhood.

Footwear technology has also entered a new era. The latest high-performance running shoes, such as the Nike Vaporfly 3 and the Adidas Adizero, feature stiff carbon-fibre plates and thick foam midsoles designed to propel runners forward. These responsive shoes significantly reduce impact on tired joints during long weekend races. Some newcomers joke that wearing them feels like strapping miniature trampolines to your feet, but the markedly improved race times are no laughing matter.

Hydration is a serious medical concern in this climate, and tech has delivered clever solutions to keep athletes safe. Smart water bottles from brands like HidrateSpark are now common at local tracks and marathon events. These bottles pair with smartphone apps and light up to remind runners to sip based on sweat loss and activity level. For those who frequently forget to drink enough in the sweltering heat, a glowing bottle nagging you to hydrate is highly effective.

Apparel makers are also joining the tech race with ultralight shirts woven from advanced cooling yarns that actively lower body temperature. Popular options this year include the Adidas Adizero running singlet. These high-tech fabrics wick moisture so quickly that athletes no longer finish morning workouts looking like they fell into a pool. The material also offers natural UV protection, which is vital for anyone spending hours on the road. For newly arrived expatriates still adjusting to the humidity, investing in cooling gear can be almost as important as learning a few basic local phrases.

Numerous innovative running gadgets enhance your workouts, but don’t overdo it. As a big person myself, I usually choose brisk long walks to protect my knees.

From premium pet food and health supplements to insurance, luxury boarding services and even pet strollers, owners around the world are spending more than ever on their four-legged companions. The trend, known as the pet economy, is creating new business opportunities globally while positioning Thailand to become one of the world’s leading producers of premium pet food.

According to Bnomics, a digital analysis platform under Bangkok Bank, Thailand is well-placed to capitalise on the industry’s rapid expansion and strengthen its position as the “Kitchen of the World for Pet Food”.

Family members

Changing lifestyles have fundamentally reshaped the relationship between people and their pets. Rather than simply owning animals, many people now consider themselves pet parents, treating their dogs and cats as integral members of the family.

This shift, often referred to as pet humanisation, has changed consumer spending patterns. Instead of purchasing only basic necessities, pet owners are increasingly investing in premium nutrition, dietary supplements, preventive healthcare, pet insurance and smart devices that monitor their pets’ health.

“What begins as love and companionship has evolved into a rapidly expanding economic force known as the pet economy,” said Kusuma Thanavong, an economist at Bnomics.

According to Euromonitor International, the global pet care market is estimated at US$207 billion in 2025, with annual growth of roughly 5%. The industry’s expansion is being driven not only by a growing pet population, but also by rising expenditure per animal — a trend known as premiumisation.

In many countries, the number of pets is now increasing faster than the number of newborns, reflecting broader demographic changes, including ageing populations, smaller families, urbanisation and more people living alone.

Rising Costs

As pets become part of the family, caring for them has become a significant household expense.

According to Rover’s 2025 True Cost of Pet Parenthood report, owning a dog costs between $1,390 and $5,295 per year, with lifetime expenses averaging $34,550. Annual costs for cats range from $760 to $3,495, while their average lifetime cost is estimated at $32,170.

Cats are emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments of the pet economy. Between 2020 and 2025, the global cat food market was estimated to expand by an average of 6% annually, significantly outpacing the expected 3.8% growth for dog food.

The trend reflects changing lifestyles, as more people live in cities, occupy smaller homes or condos, and choose pets that require less space and are relatively easier to care for.

“Pets generate far greater economic value than many people realise. The pet economy now extends far beyond food production to include veterinary hospitals, pet insurance, pet cafés, pet-friendly hotels, pet-friendly housing, wearable health-monitoring devices and subscription-based pet food delivery services,” noted Bnomics.

Research suggests Thailand has an opportunity to expand into higher-value industries, including veterinary healthcare, pet-friendly tourism and integrated pet care services, creating new engines of economic growth.

Pet food opportunity

According to Ms Kusuma, Thailand has established itself as one of the world’s leading pet food exporters.

The country is the second-largest pet food exporter globally behind Germany, accounting for around 10% of the market.

As worldwide demand continues to rise, Thailand can build on its established strengths in agriculture and food manufacturing by producing higher-value pet products, she said.

The country’s abundant agricultural and seafood resources, internationally recognised manufacturing standards and competitive production costs have made it a major production hub for premium pet food.

Another factor supporting long-term growth is the industry’s resilience. Even during periods of economic uncertainty, many pet owners continue to prioritise spending on their animals.

“The pet industry is expected to be recession-resistant, demonstrating greater resilience during economic downturns than many other sectors,” noted Bnomics.

Priorities

For many pet owners, the willingness to spend on their pets is deeply personal.

Nartnaree Siripaiboon, a 22-year-old university student, owns two cats and carefully manages her finances to ensure they receive proper care. She keeps separate budgets — one for herself and another for her cats.

“I receive a monthly allowance of 10,000 baht from my parents, while my cats’ expenses are around 5,000 baht a month,” she said. “To ensure I have enough money for both myself and my cats, I work part-time to earn additional income.”

Every summer, Ms Nartnaree joins a work-and-travel programme overseas during her university break. The income she earns helps build her savings while also providing financial security for her cats’ future expenses.

Her story reflects a growing trend among younger generations, whose willingness to invest in their pets is helping fuel one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer industries, which could offer Thailand significant economic opportunities in the years ahead.

The driver and two elderly passengers of a tuk-tuk were killed when a BMW driven by a man returning home after watching the World Cup final hit their vehicle on a road in a housing estate in Nonthaburi early Monday morning.

The two women passengers, aged 77 and 82, were leaving home to sell desserts at the local market when the collision occurred at 4.30am on the main street inside a housing estate in tambon Sano Loi, Bang Bua Thong district.

Emergency responders called to the scene reported that three people were killed, including the tuk-tuk driver, who was also a woman. They were found beside the severely damaged tuk-tuk, which was lying on its side.

Nearby was a black BMW with a damaged front end jammed against a streetside tree.

Namploy, the 38-year-old niece of the two elderly victims, told local media she was at home and awake, and she heard the crash. She rushed outside and discovered that Aunty Pat and Aunty Lamai had been killed.

The 32-year-old BMW driver, identified only as Yossathorn, told her he also lived in the housing estate and was returning from a restaurant on Ratchaphruek Road where he had watched the World Cup final.

When asked whether he had been drinking, he did not reply, Ms Namploy said.

The BMW driver remained at the scene until police arrived and said he would take responsibility for his actions, local media reported.

According to Bang Bua Thong police, Yossathorn had a blood alcohol level of 152 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit for driving is 50mg per 100ml.

Security camera recordings showed that he was driving at speed before crashing into the small open-air vehicle and losing control of his car, which then hit a tree.

The victims’ families were devastated by their sudden loss.

The tuk-tuk driver, identified as 37-year-old Prathum, had two children studying in Grades 7 and 3, according to her 49-year-old husband, Rungsak.

Mr Rungsak said his wife had picked up the two elderly vendors every day for many years and taken them to Bang Bua Thong Market.

He learned of his wife’s death from a motorcycle taxi driver and initially could not believe it. He was devastated when her death was confirmed and did not know what to do.

The couple had been together for more than 20 years and he now faces raising their two children alone – all because of a tragedy that should never have happened, Mr Rungsak said.

The BMW driver will be prosecuted, police said.

City officials will inspect about 1,100 entertainment venues in the capital over the next 60 days to ensure they comply with public safety regulations, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said.

He was speaking after police and city officials inspected venues on Thonglor and Ekamai roads on Sunday night.

He said the checks would start with premises considered to be at high risk, that serve crowds of customers, or already face safety complaints.

Officials would set a limit on the number of customers each place could safely accommodate, to prevent future overcrowding, in addition to enforcing other safety requirements, he said.

Officials investigating the deadly fire at Rong Beer Na Ladprao beer hall on July 12 had compiled a fresh list of safety standards for entertainment places and the likes.

The safety requirements relate to the building’s structure, electrical systems, fire-prevention systems, fire exits and decorative materials used, and emergency response measures.

The list would be delivered to business operators so they could make any and all necessary changes to meet safety requirements.

“Checks will be done regularly because some places may make changes after being checked the first time. Fire exits may have been blocked, emergency lighting broken, or fire exit signs since obscured. This affects the safety of their customers,” Mr Chadchart said.

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelabut, who took part in the inspections on Sunday night, said the fire at Rong Beer Na Ladprao showed that joint inspections were necessary.

“When officials from many organisations make the checks together, duplications and opportunities for bribe-taking are reduced,” he said.

Watthana district chief Pimjutha Sakunsitthada said some entertainment places must have wider fire exits and smoke control doors. She ordered the temporary closure of any venues where many faults were found, until they were brought up to standard.

A Thai student team won two silver and two bronze medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO 2026), held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from July 10-19, reflecting the country’s strong performance in one of the world’s leading science competitions.

Thiradet Jiarasuksakun, director of the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST), said on Sunday the four-member Thai team competed against 362 contestants from 92 countries.

The silver medallists were Nonthapawit Koheng and Chanathan Paruemon, both from Kamnoetvidya Science Academy in Rayong. The bronze medals went to Phatthanaphong Tantravorasin of The Prince Royal’s College in Chiang Mai and Phattharaphon Phutthachaksri of Triam Udom Suksa School in Bangkok.

The team was led by Nattapong Paiboonvorachat, an assistant professor at Chulalongkorn University, with Pumidech Puthongkham, also an assistant professor at the university, serving as deputy leader.

Thanthapatra Bunchuay of Mahidol University, Natthawat Semakul of Chiang Mai University and Charoensak Mueangkaew of the IPST also joined the delegation.

This year’s competition awarded 41 gold, 71 silver and 112 bronze medals, along with 30 honourable mentions.

The US won the highest practical score, China claimed the highest theoretical score, while the overall highest score went to a contestant from Russia.