Anutin, Xi to meet in Shanghai

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shanghai on Friday during his visit to China, with Thai-Cambodian border security expected to be high on the agenda.

While the official purpose of Mr Anutin’s July 16-20 visit is to attend the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in Shanghai and inaugurate a new overseas office of the Board of Investment (BOI) in Chengdu, Beijing has also arranged meetings with President Xi and Premier Li Qiang.

Mr Anutin said President Xi would receive him and his delegation in Shanghai on Friday, providing an opportunity to review progress on bilateral cooperation over the past year, including trade, investment and security.

The prime minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Premier Li before the two leaders meet again at upcoming international gatherings, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summits.

?However, the recent border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are also expected to be raised during the discussions.

Mr Anutin admitted that the talks would cover sensitive issues, including security, efforts to combat transnational crime and corruption, as well as economic cooperation. However, he declined to elaborate, saying such matters should be discussed privately between the two governments.

“China is a great friend that has supported Thailand every time, whether we ask for support or not,” Mr Anutin said.

Asked whether he would discuss reports of Chinese arms supplies to Cambodia, Mr Anutin declined to comment.

“As for security matters, I cannot discuss them publicly,” he said.

Before departing for China on Thursday, the prime minister held talks with Thailand’s military chiefs to review national defence and sovereignty protection plans, as well as the armed forces’ readiness to support the government’s security operations.

Asked what if China proposed to act as a mediator between Thailand and Cambodia, Mr Anutin said, “We are not opposed.”

The prime minister said Thailand and China had long enjoyed a close and mutually supportive relationship, and that the talks would cover a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

He said the agenda would also include pollution in the Kok River, which requires cooperation with Myanmar because the contamination originates upstream.

He also added China’s defence minister was scheduled to visit Thailand next week, allowing security discussions between the two countries to continue.

The leaders’ meetings come at a time when China’s ties with Thailand are facing growing public scrutiny. Reports of Chinese arms deliveries to Cambodia, despite Beijing’s insistence they are part of previously agreed contracts, have fuelled questions in Thailand over China’s neutrality amid border tensions with Cambodia.

The issue has coincided with broader public unease over a series of crimes involving Chinese nationals and transnational criminal networks operating in Thailand, further complicating ties.

Weekly horoscope for July 17-23

? Aries

Mar 21 – Apr 19

? A major deal or contract could get frozen, while current projects or carefully mapped-out plans may be cancelled or shelved. You may have to pivot into unfamiliar territory or step into something entirely new. Fear and worst-case thinking could creep in, but new possibilities and fresh income streams will slowly reveal themselves. You’ll soon realise you’re far more capable and resourceful than you ever imagined.

? You’re entering your de-influencing era. You’ve got the power to resist retail therapy and go full savings mode. Financial gambles may not pay off. An off-the-books side gig or under-the-radar work may pop up and pay nicely. Keep it to yourself.

?? You and your partner may get hit with an unexpected money matter or major asset decision. You may not see eye to eye at first, but you’ll land on the same page by the end. Flexibility and balance will be your relationship’s compass. Sneaking around? Your side fling’s real partner may show up and try to blackmail you.

? Your social calendar is about to get busy. Expect multiple conversations and maybe even back-to-back dates. While it’ll be fun to play the field and explore your options, vet your dates carefully. Someone might treat you like a walking wallet, cashing in on your generosity.

? Taurus

Apr 20 – May 20

? You’ll stay resilient, handling hurdles and drama with ease. Running on high responsiveness, you’ll fly through deadlines and anticipate your boss’s or clients’ needs before they speak. Expect the credit you rightfully deserve. Your expertise will be validated by those who matter. A trusted woman in your network may share insider intel on an opportunity that hasn’t been officially announced yet.

? You’re in your make-bank era and income will match your hustle. Your past efforts or investments finally pay off. The stars warn of enticing new get-rich-quick schemes designed to finesse you out of your hard-earned cash. Stay vigilant and realistic.

?? Disagreements will be short-lived. You and your partner will find creative compromises before things spiral. You two are the weird couple, fully embracing each other’s quirks. Your relationship is perfectly imperfect. The heat and intimacy between you will get a major upgrade. Think high-voltage chemistry and primal, unfiltered desire.

? Seeing someone? You’ll start questioning whether they’re truly ‘the one’, leaving you tempted to explore other options and wonder if your heart belongs elsewhere. Window shopping feels fun, but stay sharp. A romance scammer, silver-tongued gold digger or reckless bed-hopper could charm their way into your heart.

? Gemini

May 21 – Jun 20

? Your track record and performance won’t go unnoticed. Higher-ups may tap you for a top-secret assignment tied to restructuring or a high-level internal initiative. Friction with one or two colleagues is likely. Expect some personality clashes and crossed wires. An old boss or senior colleague could show up with a job offer. Read the fine print on pay and perks first.

? A chance to monetise your expertise or turn unused items into quick cash will surface. Your past efforts or investments finally bear fruit. A windfall or inherited asset might land in your lap, but it will come with hefty maintenance costs or hidden fees. Your debtor may suddenly disappear. Say no to gambling.

?? Arguments could spark more easily between you and your partner. The walls of silence you’ve built around your problems are about to crumble. A major outburst will leave you with no choice but to lay all your cards on the table. An unexpected event will act as a wake-up call, forcing you both to reassess where this relationship is headed.

? Seeing someone? A third party, or worse, their spouse, could show up and kill the vibe. You’ll cut ties without much hesitation since your feelings for them are pretty shallow. A fresh face may slide into your DMs, but talking to them may feel like speaking different languages.

? Cancer

Jun 21 – Jul 22

? Buried complications will suddenly combust into a dumpster fire, throwing you into crisis mode. Surprise travel, last-minute meetings and on-the-fly training will scramble your schedule. Your ability to juggle priorities and tap the right connections will come in handy. Take a closer look at the fine print in business and employment agreements.

? Your expenses outpace your income. Money you’ve been counting on may be delayed. Surprise costs tied to travel or fixing a key work tool could pop up. If you’re investing with friends, expect some friction. Keep your wallet on lockdown.

?? A stressful situation may arise, but it won’t pull you two apart. You’ll hold each other close, put your heads together and slowly find a way through. Shared struggles have a way of deepening your connection. Expect a social detox day or a new healthy routine to help you both reset and recharge.

? A friend may give you butterflies, or you could suddenly realise the one stealing your heart has been beside you all along. But crossing the line from friendship to something more may feel too risky. You’ll swallow your feelings to keep the connection intact, knowing they only see you as a friend. A hook-up hunter or two may slide into your DMs.

? Leo

Jul 23 – Aug 22

? Your workplace is turning into a full-on shark tank, with senior colleagues poking holes in your ideas and competition coming in hot. You’ve got the skills to outmanoeuvre them. Juggling a heavy workload, multiple fires to put out solo and the pressure to maintain your standards may feel draining, but the payoff will be worth the chaos.

? A generous uncle or big bro in your circle may come through with financial support or good news. You’re in your make-bank era and income will match your hustle. You’ll feel the urge to splurge on a shiny new gadget or work gear. A little lifestyle inflation is in the cards. Cover essentials before you spend.

?? You’ll likely be locked in on your grind, your own world and chasing goals. This could create mixed signals with your partner. Between the mismatched expectations and miscommunication, they may wonder if someone else is in the picture.

? If you’re seeing someone, brace for full confusion. They’ll ghost you, block you and vanish into thin air. Rough? Yes. Fatal? No. A few new faces could slide into your DMs, but you’ll be in no rush to entertain anyone. Your peace matters most.

? Virgo

Aug 23 – Sept 22

? A shiny new tool or an unexpected ally will emerge to smooth the path and help you get things over the line. A shelved project may return to your desk with a “need this done Asap” note attached. You could also be pulled into a top-secret assignment tied to restructuring or your organisation’s next strategic move.

? A well-connected friend may bring an opportunity to monetise your craft or productise your expertise. You may discover a new source of income but it could take several weeks or months of fine-tuning before it begins to generate real money. Urgent costs involving your vehicle or a must-have everyday device may take a bite out of your wallet.

?? Relationship tension may rise. Mismatched expectations and work-life imbalance could spark verbal daggers, icy silence or subtle mind games that leave you emotionally drained. Distance may settle in and you’ll both seem to be running more on obligation than on real connection.

? Seeing someone? They may grow distant, then ghost you out of nowhere. Travel, work or a networking event could spark intense chemistry with someone clearly off-limits. They’ll have all the right words to lure you into a secret romance kept firmly behind closed doors. The secret is never just yours to keep.

? Libra

Sept 23 – Oct 22

? Your backlog will start clearing up. A challenging project demanding precision and grit may land on your desk. Completing it will raise your profile and open new doors. You’ll also be the team’s fixer, handling problems and drama without flinching. Difficult or toxic people will meet their match in you. In bids, pitches or any competition, you’ll have the upper hand.

? A refund, reimbursement or repayment may land in your account. Socialising costs will rise, but a profitable side hustle or extra income opportunity could come your way. Don’t co-sign anyone’s debt. Keep your name out of other people’s financial mess. Avoid investing based on social media hype.

?? You’ll be caught up in socialising, spending time with friends and focusing on your career, leaving a growing rift between you two. Small misunderstandings could turn into repeated arguments. Bringing friends into your relationship issues may fan the flames and your partner won’t love the audience. What feels like damage control to you might come off as controlling.

? Someone in your circle or online might catch your eye. They’ll likely keep plenty of options open, play hard to get and take advantage of your attention. An ex could slide back in after fighting with their partner. They’re looking for comfort, not a comeback.

? Scorpio

Oct 23 – Nov 21

? Your high-priority project or consistent effort will show visible, measurable results. More responsibility and greater resources may land in your hands, with a higher-up backing you through office politics and power plays. Global opportunities in finance, entertainment or service fields might surface if you’re job-seeking. Business owners, you could begin talks or strike deals with government agencies or foreign firms.

? You could come into a windfall through travel or score a prize from a contest or lucky draw. Financial support or a new income stream is within reach, but the strings attached could be seriously stressful. You’ll manage to balance your spending and savings surprisingly well. Watch your step with investments and financial contracts involving friends or relatives.

?? Conflicting schedules and nonstop responsibilities may create distance and quiet resentment between you and your partner. A family member might stir the pot and spark an argument. A canon event or a life-changing curveball will hit out of nowhere and force you both to reset, rethink and step into unfamiliar territory.

? If you’re in your healing era, you’ll break the loop and stop doom-scrolling your memories. You’ll start looking ahead instead of backwards. Someone through work or a networking circle may show a little extra interest in keeping the conversation going beyond business and into personal areas.

? Sagittarius

Nov 22 – Dec 21

? Your high-priority assignment or top project will hit targets and deliver visible, measurable results. Compelling new opportunities will come your way, but read every line before you sign anything. If you’re in a family biz, you may be thrust into a power seat unexpectedly. A few family members might grumble, but they’re all bark, no bite and nowhere near your level.

? A gift or inheritance is on the cards. An off-the-books side gig or under-the-radar work may pop up, pay well and let you stretch your creative muscles. Keep it discreet. It’s a perfect time to tackle debt, optimise taxes and get your finances properly sorted.

?? You two may butt heads over work-life balance, household duties or who’s carrying more of the load. Things may feel more like a rulebook than a relationship, with your partner coming off as a little too controlling. Still, you’ll both have the chance to sit down, talk things through and find some middle ground.

? You’ll likely be locked in on your goals, your grind and your own world, leaving little room to focus on your love life. Honestly, you’re not mad about it. But don’t be surprised if someone older or a foreigner tries to slide into your life. They’re interested. Are you?

? Capricorn

Dec 22 – Jan 19

? Progress will be slow. Your usual playbook no longer serves you. You may find yourself feeling a bit lost or far away from the finish line. Expect to be pulled into draining drama and petty politics. Unfair evaluations from above could wear you down. A tempting opportunity elsewhere or a career pivot could appear, but read the fine print on pay and perks before you sign anything.

? You might earn a little extra cash from a freelance gig or an online part-time job. Saving may slip down your priority list while retail therapy, entertainment spending and treat culture take over. Your debtor could suddenly disappear. Stay away from gambling. The odds won’t favour you.

?? You’ll lean into your “my way or the highway” energy, taking control of nearly every decision. Your partner may not always agree, but they’ll still stand by you, loving every version of you. Flaws, ego and all. Expect some sweet quality time that turns up the heat.

? If you’ve been stuck in a going-nowhere situationship or haunted by an old love, expect clean closure at last. You’ll likely switch up your look. Your inner hunter will wake up and you’ll be on the prowl, catching eyes and sparking conversations with ease. Just do a little digging first. Don’t end up barking up an occupied tree.

? Aquarius

Jan 20 – Feb 18

? Your people skills will carry serious weight. Negotiations, client talks and team coordination will move forward smoothly. Any friction you’re facing will be resolved. Dull routine tasks will feel easier to manage and you’ll handle curveballs with surprising calm. Support or a promising opportunity could come through a senior woman. Any campaign or event you launch will win hearts, wallets and screen time.

? A new stream of income is heading your way, far exceeding your expectations and proving your hard work was well worth it. Selling property or brokering a deal for someone else could succeed. If you’re carrying multiple debts, one might be wiped clean.

?? Clouded by doubt and suspicion, your partner may question your loyalty and show signs of jealousy. You’ll feel like your relationship is limiting your freedom. Money may also become a pressure point, especially if you’ve been keeping secret savings. Your partner could find it out, leading to a heated argument.

? Your heart might skip a beat for someone who looks like they stepped out of your fantasies. But remember, stunning packaging doesn’t always mean a long-term contract. This connection burns hot and fast, then fades out by morning.

? Pisces

Feb 19 – Mar 20

? Your communication, negotiation and coordination skills will hit new heights. You’ll outmanoeuvre office politics and nip drama in the bud with ease. Difficult or toxic people will meet their match in you. You’ll crush every deadline and still stay ahead of the chaos. Luck is on your side in exams or competitions. Job hunting? Look for opportunities in service, creative or entertainment fields.

? Opportunities to generate income are opening up. The numbers in your bank account could make you smile. A contest prize, surprise windfall or long-forgotten money may land unexpectedly. Be extra careful with investments and financial contracts involving friends or relatives.

?? You’ll be caught up in socialising, hanging with friends and chasing career goals, leaving a growing distance between you two. Your partner may get jealous over how close you seem to someone, perceiving your interactions as micro-cheating. Avoid serious relationship talks through text. One badly worded message could spiral into arguments or cold silence.

? You might meet someone through your social circle or at a party. But being on different wavelengths and having mismatched mindsets could turn a promising start into friction instead of romance.

Cloud 11 project targets creative hub status in Bangkok

Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Ltd launched “Cloud 11” on Thursday, a landmark project in Bangkok with an investment of over 20 billion baht, aiming for this facility to become the centre for the creative economy and an innovation hub in Asia.

Paul Sirisant, chief executive of Cloud 11, said the Thai creative industry is experiencing rapid growth, with Thai films, series, music, games, and other Thai creative arts gaining global recognition.

However, “creative infrastructure” is essential to advance the industry, facilitating the bringing together of business, brand, investors and customers together.

According to a report from the Creative Economy Agency, the gross value added (GVA) of Thailand’s creative economy was around 8% of the national economy in 2023, valued at over 1.44 trillion baht.

“Cloud 11 has been developed as a dedicated ecosystem, serving as a hub for the creative industry by providing spaces and experiences that foster creation, learning, experimentation, and innovation,” Mr Paul said.

He added that the project has been developed to promote cross-business collaboration, uniting creators, business operators and investors in an environment that supports the creative economy and lays a strong foundation for its long-term growth in Thailand.

Located in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district in the South Sukhumvit area within walking distance of the Punnawithi BTS station, the project spans 250,000 square metres.

The company aims to create the country’s creative economy hub on Sukhumvit Road, from Onnut to the Bangna area, with Cloud 11 and True Digital Park as the centre of the innovation district.

The project brings together 11 key sectors driving Thailand’s creative economy, including fashion, film, music, dance, art, sports and wellness, gaming, content creation, festivals, and urban parks.

Facilities include content production and music studios, galleries, event spaces, cinemas, and a year-round programme of activities.

The developer has invested over one billion baht to develop one of the region’s most comprehensive content production infrastructures.

This includes international-standard studios, recording studios, dance rehearsal rooms, post-production studios, and live commerce studios.

This integrated ecosystem enables every stage of commercial creative production to occur seamlessly in one location.

At present, the project accommodates creative business operators in one location. This includes 1500 Sound Academy, a US-born music academy and studio; Doc Club and Friends, an independent cinema; and Trendy Gallery, a contemporary art gallery; and other partners such as Pad Thai Padel, SM True, theCOMMONS, TrueVisions, Kantana, and Cat Radio.

According to the company, theCOMMONS Cloud 11 spans 5,420 sq m and features over 40 food and beverage outlets in a single location.

Doc Club and Friends will also feature a bar designed as a gathering place for people in the film industry and beyond. The venue includes a dedicated space for film-related activities, and is set to host this year’s Bangkok International Film Festival.

The company said Cloud 11 will continue to partner with leading organisations in Thailand and globally to facilitate knowledge exchanges and co-development, attracting talent, investors, and leading brands across the globe to further advance the creative ecosystem.

Government bonds worth B4bn on sale

Government retail bonds dubbed “Aom Plus” (Savings Plus) worth 4 billion baht go on sale at the end of this month, designed to encourage more working-age people to save.

According to Jindarat Viriyathavikul, director-general of the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), the bonds are an initiative of the Finance Ministry meant to encourage Thais to build long-term savings through government bonds. The offering comprises 3-year bonds with a fixed annual interest rate of 1.80% and 10-year bonds with a fixed annual interest rate of 2.80%. Interest is paid every three months.

The bonds are available through two distribution channels, including PDMO Wallet on the Paotang app operated by Krungthai Bank, with an allocation of 2 billion baht. Purchases can be made from 8.30am on July 31 until Aug 31, or until the allocation is fully subscribed, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each bond is priced at 1 baht per unit, with a minimum purchase of 100 units (100 baht) and a maximum investment of 3 million baht per transaction. There is no limit on the number of transactions, but the total investment per investor is capped at 50 million baht. Purchasers must be Thais aged 15 or older. Those under 20 must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian.

The second distribution channel is the Bond Connect platform. Investors must have a securities trading account with a participating securities company. A total of 24 securities firms are participating in the offering, while subscriptions can also be made through six participating banks.

Orders must be placed via the streaming application during the subscription period of Aug 3-5. The allocation for this channel is 2 billion baht, with the same bond maturities and interest rates as those offered through the Paotang app.

Unlike the first-come, first-served method, subscriptions through Bond Connect use a “small lot first” allocation method, ensuring all eligible subscribers receive at least some allocation.

The minimum subscription is 1,000 baht (one unit). There is no maximum investment limit and no limit on the number of subscription orders. Investors are scheduled to be informed of their final allocation on Aug 6.

Buyers must be Thais, while minimum age requirements are determined by each participating securities company. Savings Plus bonds purchased through this channel may also be used as collateral for securities trading.

Mrs Jindarat said the bonds are intended to encourage Thais to build long-term savings through secure government bonds. Around 150,000 individual investors hold government savings bonds, with about half of them 60 or older.

Interest earned on the bonds is subject to a 15% withholding tax. However, even after tax the net return remains higher than the interest offered on bank deposits.

This is the first issuance to be conducted entirely through a digital platform. The bonds are scripless, meaning no physical bond certificates or bond passbooks are issued.

The next issuance of Savings Plus bonds totalling 4 billion baht is scheduled for Sept 4, with interest rates to be announced in mid-August.

Power plan for data centres readied

Thailand’s energy authorities are intensifying efforts to finalise considerations for the country’s pilot direct power purchase agreement (PPA) scheme, which is expected to support the rapid growth of data centres and cloud service businesses.

An energy official who requested anonymity said the second phase of the direct PPA scheme is being prepared, though major issues with the first phase must be resolved.

The project is designed to allow private renewable energy producers to sell clean electricity directly to large corporate buyers through the state-operated transmission system, bypassing restrictions on peer-to-peer power trading.

The timeline for implementation of the initial phase has not been announced.

The Energy Ministry is weighing several critical factors, including setting clear targets for data centres relocating to Thailand and assessing the broader economic and environmental impacts, the official said.

Initially planned for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the scheme with a power generation capacity of 2 gigawatts is expected to extend to other regions.

The Energy Regulatory Commission emphasised that expansion will depend on the availability of renewable energy generation and transmission infrastructure.

The rollout reflects the government’s ambition to attract foreign data centre investors before opening access to other industries such as electronics, printed circuit boards and electric vehicles, all of which require clean energy to operate efficiently.

Data centres are known for their heavy consumption of electricity and water, particularly for cooling systems.

The official said new data centres will bring structures tied to artificial intelligence and digital industries, which will share resources with other industrial sectors. This makes it crucial to balance investment burdens between government transmission infrastructure and private sector electricity production, while safeguarding long-term energy security and ensuring fair energy prices across sectors, noted the official.

Energy Minister Akanat Promphan recently noted demand for electricity from digital and data centres in the EEC alone is projected to reach nearly 10GW. The government is prioritising measures to enhance power supply security to meet this surge.

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, who also chairs the Board of Investment, established a panel on energy management to support data centre investment.

Analysts believe the direct PPA scheme will benefit several major energy companies.

Gulf Development Plc, Thailand’s largest energy firm by market value, is well-positioned with its renewable energy portfolio and partnerships in technology and data centres.

Global Power Synergy Plc, the power generation arm of PTT Plc, is expected to gain from its focus on clean energy and battery innovations.

Gunkul Engineering Plc, specialising in solar energy, could secure direct PPAs with mid-sized and large data centre operators.

Other major players such as B.Grimm Power, Electricity Generating Plc, WHA Utilities and Power and BCPG — a subsidiary of Bangchak Corporation Plc — are also likely to benefit.

Power plan for data centres readied

Thailand’s energy authorities are intensifying efforts to finalise considerations for the country’s pilot direct power purchase agreement (PPA) scheme, which is expected to support the rapid growth of data centres and cloud service businesses.

An energy official who requested anonymity said the second phase of the direct PPA scheme is being prepared, though major issues with the first phase must be resolved.

The project is designed to allow private renewable energy producers to sell clean electricity directly to large corporate buyers through the state-operated transmission system, bypassing restrictions on peer-to-peer power trading.

The timeline for implementation of the initial phase has not been announced.

The Energy Ministry is weighing several critical factors, including setting clear targets for data centres relocating to Thailand and assessing the broader economic and environmental impacts, the official said.

Initially planned for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the scheme with a power generation capacity of 2 gigawatts is expected to extend to other regions.

The Energy Regulatory Commission emphasised that expansion will depend on the availability of renewable energy generation and transmission infrastructure.

The rollout reflects the government’s ambition to attract foreign data centre investors before opening access to other industries such as electronics, printed circuit boards and electric vehicles, all of which require clean energy to operate efficiently.

Data centres are known for their heavy consumption of electricity and water, particularly for cooling systems.

The official said new data centres will bring structures tied to artificial intelligence and digital industries, which will share resources with other industrial sectors. This makes it crucial to balance investment burdens between government transmission infrastructure and private sector electricity production, while safeguarding long-term energy security and ensuring fair energy prices across sectors, noted the official.

Energy Minister Akanat Promphan recently noted demand for electricity from digital and data centres in the EEC alone is projected to reach nearly 10GW. The government is prioritising measures to enhance power supply security to meet this surge.

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, who also chairs the Board of Investment, established a panel on energy management to support data centre investment.

Analysts believe the direct PPA scheme will benefit several major energy companies.

Gulf Development Plc, Thailand’s largest energy firm by market value, is well-positioned with its renewable energy portfolio and partnerships in technology and data centres.

Global Power Synergy Plc, the power generation arm of PTT Plc, is expected to gain from its focus on clean energy and battery innovations.

Gunkul Engineering Plc, specialising in solar energy, could secure direct PPAs with mid-sized and large data centre operators.

Other major players such as B.Grimm Power, Electricity Generating Plc, WHA Utilities and Power and BCPG — a subsidiary of Bangchak Corporation Plc — are also likely to benefit.

Government bonds worth B4bn on sale

Government retail bonds dubbed “Aom Plus” (Savings Plus) worth 4 billion baht go on sale at the end of this month, designed to encourage more working-age people to save.

According to Jindarat Viriyathavikul, director-general of the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), the bonds are an initiative of the Finance Ministry meant to encourage Thais to build long-term savings through government bonds. The offering comprises 3-year bonds with a fixed annual interest rate of 1.80% and 10-year bonds with a fixed annual interest rate of 2.80%. Interest is paid every three months.

The bonds are available through two distribution channels, including PDMO Wallet on the Paotang app operated by Krungthai Bank, with an allocation of 2 billion baht. Purchases can be made from 8.30am on July 31 until Aug 31, or until the allocation is fully subscribed, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each bond is priced at 1 baht per unit, with a minimum purchase of 100 units (100 baht) and a maximum investment of 3 million baht per transaction. There is no limit on the number of transactions, but the total investment per investor is capped at 50 million baht. Purchasers must be Thais aged 15 or older. Those under 20 must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian.

The second distribution channel is the Bond Connect platform. Investors must have a securities trading account with a participating securities company. A total of 24 securities firms are participating in the offering, while subscriptions can also be made through six participating banks.

Orders must be placed via the streaming application during the subscription period of Aug 3-5. The allocation for this channel is 2 billion baht, with the same bond maturities and interest rates as those offered through the Paotang app.

Unlike the first-come, first-served method, subscriptions through Bond Connect use a “small lot first” allocation method, ensuring all eligible subscribers receive at least some allocation.

The minimum subscription is 1,000 baht (one unit). There is no maximum investment limit and no limit on the number of subscription orders. Investors are scheduled to be informed of their final allocation on Aug 6.

Buyers must be Thais, while minimum age requirements are determined by each participating securities company. Savings Plus bonds purchased through this channel may also be used as collateral for securities trading.

Mrs Jindarat said the bonds are intended to encourage Thais to build long-term savings through secure government bonds. Around 150,000 individual investors hold government savings bonds, with about half of them 60 or older.

Interest earned on the bonds is subject to a 15% withholding tax. However, even after tax the net return remains higher than the interest offered on bank deposits.

This is the first issuance to be conducted entirely through a digital platform. The bonds are scripless, meaning no physical bond certificates or bond passbooks are issued.

The next issuance of Savings Plus bonds totalling 4 billion baht is scheduled for Sept 4, with interest rates to be announced in mid-August.

Back with a bang, Tossawat targets Hyundai Cup glory

Tossawat Limwannasatien is delighted to have made his return to the national team after three years and the Ratchaburi midfielder is aiming to make the most of the opportunity and help Thailand go all the way to win the upcoming Asean Hyundai Cup.

“I’m happy to be back with the national team again. I feel honoured to have the opportunity to serve the national team. This selection isn’t much different from before as I get to work with senior and junior players who are very talented. I think it will be easy to play together,” said Tossawat ahead of the team’s training session on Thursday.

He added, “Working with [national team] coach Anthony Hudson, I’ve learned many new things. My goal in this tournament is to go as far as possible and try to do my best in whatever way I can. This is my first time in this tournament, and I want to win the championship. The other nations in our group have prepared well and I think they have improved.

“We can’t underestimate any team,” he added.

Tossawat is one of the 25 national players called up by English coach Hudson for the Asean Championship, which is set to kick off on July 24.

The War Elephants will play a closed-door warm-up match against Thai League 1 side Port tomorrow. They will face Laos in their opening Group B game on July 25 at Laos National Stadium in Vientiane.

The other teams in the group are Malaysia, the Philippines and Myanmar.

Group A consists of Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia and Timor-Leste.

Khon Kaen zoo’s lion picks Spain to win World Cup final

‘Boy’, a white lion at Khon Kaen Zoo, has predicted Spain will beat Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup final, and that France will finish third by beating England.

At 1pm on July 17, zoo director Thipawadee Kittikhun led staff in a prediction event, hanging pieces of pork, the lion’s favourite food, beneath the flags of competing nations.

‘Boy’ was left to sniff out and pounce on the food, with the flag he chose twice out of three attempts taken as his pick.

For the third-place playoff between France and England, kicking off at 4am on Sunday, July 19 (Thailand time), ‘Boy’ pounced on the food hung by the French flag twice, tipping France for the win.

For the final between Spain and Argentina, kicking off at 2am on Monday, July 20 (Thailand time), he went for the Spanish flag twice, tipping Spain to be crowned champions.

Previously, ‘Boy’ had correctly picked both semi-final results, choosing Spain and Argentina to advance to the final, giving him a 100% accuracy record so far and drawing strong interest from visitors and football fans.

The director stressed the activity was designed purely to enrich the animal’s natural behaviour, encouraging movement, exercise, foraging and use of the senses, with benefits for the lion’s physical and mental wellbeing.

It was not an official forecast of match results, she added, and was not intended to encourage, promote or be used for gambling or betting of any kind. She stated the event was held solely for educational purposes, animal welfare promotion and to encourage tourism.

Cloud 11 project targets creative hub status in Bangkok

Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Ltd launched “Cloud 11” on Thursday, a landmark project in Bangkok with an investment of over 20 billion baht, aiming for this facility to become the centre for the creative economy and an innovation hub in Asia.

Paul Sirisant, chief executive of Cloud 11, said the Thai creative industry is experiencing rapid growth, with Thai films, series, music, games, and other Thai creative arts gaining global recognition.

However, “creative infrastructure” is essential to advance the industry, facilitating the bringing together of business, brand, investors and customers together.

According to a report from the Creative Economy Agency, the gross value added (GVA) of Thailand’s creative economy was around 8% of the national economy in 2023, valued at over 1.44 trillion baht.

“Cloud 11 has been developed as a dedicated ecosystem, serving as a hub for the creative industry by providing spaces and experiences that foster creation, learning, experimentation, and innovation,” Mr Paul said.

He added that the project has been developed to promote cross-business collaboration, uniting creators, business operators and investors in an environment that supports the creative economy and lays a strong foundation for its long-term growth in Thailand.

Located in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district in the South Sukhumvit area within walking distance of the Punnawithi BTS station, the project spans 250,000 square metres.

The company aims to create the country’s creative economy hub on Sukhumvit Road, from Onnut to the Bangna area, with Cloud 11 and True Digital Park as the centre of the innovation district.

The project brings together 11 key sectors driving Thailand’s creative economy, including fashion, film, music, dance, art, sports and wellness, gaming, content creation, festivals, and urban parks.

Facilities include content production and music studios, galleries, event spaces, cinemas, and a year-round programme of activities.

The developer has invested over one billion baht to develop one of the region’s most comprehensive content production infrastructures.

This includes international-standard studios, recording studios, dance rehearsal rooms, post-production studios, and live commerce studios.

This integrated ecosystem enables every stage of commercial creative production to occur seamlessly in one location.

At present, the project accommodates creative business operators in one location. This includes 1500 Sound Academy, a US-born music academy and studio; Doc Club and Friends, an independent cinema; and Trendy Gallery, a contemporary art gallery; and other partners such as Pad Thai Padel, SM True, theCOMMONS, TrueVisions, Kantana, and Cat Radio.

According to the company, theCOMMONS Cloud 11 spans 5,420 sq m and features over 40 food and beverage outlets in a single location.

Doc Club and Friends will also feature a bar designed as a gathering place for people in the film industry and beyond. The venue includes a dedicated space for film-related activities, and is set to host this year’s Bangkok International Film Festival.

The company said Cloud 11 will continue to partner with leading organisations in Thailand and globally to facilitate knowledge exchanges and co-development, attracting talent, investors, and leading brands across the globe to further advance the creative ecosystem.