Category: The Bangkok Post

SET-listed banks recorded 12% year-on-year earnings growth in the third quarter of this year, supported by higher fee-based income despite a decline in interest income and loan contraction.

The 11 banks listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand reported a combined consolidated net profit of 73.3 billion baht, up 11.6% year-on-year.

Land and Houses Financial Group, a smaller bank, posted the sector’s highest net profit growth at 59.6%, reaching 924 million baht.

In contrast, CIMB Thai Bank was the only lender to record a profit decline, down 29.9% to 417 million baht.

Among Thailand’s six domestic systemically important banks (DSIBs), Krungthai Bank (KTB) achieved the highest net profit, reporting 14.6 billion baht for the third quarter, an increase of 25% year-on-year.

The other five DSIBs comprise Bangkok Bank (BBL), Kasikornbank (KBank), SCB X (the holding company of Siam Commercial Bank), Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya), and TMBThanachart Bank (ttb).

Overall profit growth was primarily driven by non-interest income, particularly from gains on investments and fee-based income related to wealth management businesses.

However, net interest income (NII) declined across the industry, in line with the central bank’s policy rate cut.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has lowered the policy rate four times since October 2024, reducing it by 100 basis points (bps).

In 2025, the MPC made three consecutive cuts of 25 bps each in February, April and August. The MPC has since kept the rate unchanged, maintaining it at 1.5%.

For the third quarter, the six DSIBs reported combined NII of 161 billion baht, down 7.69% year-on-year. The decline was led by ttb (-11.8%), followed by SCB X (-9.87%), BBL (-7.84%) and KBank (-6.91%). Krungsri was the only DSIB to record NII growth, rising 2.46%.

According to KTB’s financial statement for the third quarter, its improved net profit was mainly supported by a 3.7% increase in fee income, driven by wealth management, global markets and investment gains, while NII declined due to lower interest rates.

Amid sluggish Thai economic growth, the total outstanding loans of the six DSIBs fell to 13.1 trillion baht as of September 2025, representing a 1.36% decrease from the end of last year.

KTB, the country’s second-largest lender by assets, posted the steepest loan contraction at 3.94%, followed by ttb (-3.5%), BBL and SCB X (-3.2% each), and KBank (-2.7%). Krungsri was the only DSIB to report loan growth, rising 2.7% over the period.

Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zarum, as the newly appointed chairman of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), has pledged swift and decisive action to combat the rising use of e-cigarettes and narcotics among Thai youth despite the government’s short tenure.

Speaking after a ThaiHealth board meeting recently, Mr Sophon’s focus was on reports of the rapid spread of e-cigarette use that has been increasing tenfold among those aged 15-24 within a span of three years.

“I affirm that this government will not seek revenue from the vaping industry,” said Mr Sophon.

During the meeting, data was cited including how cigarette smoking remains a major global health threat, causing over 8 million deaths each year — among them, more than seven million deaths are caused by direct smoking and another 1.2 million by second-hand smoke.

Smoking increases the risk of heart disease two to four times and lung cancer up to 25 times.

In Thailand, smoking rates are steadily declining, with 9.8 million smokers, accounting for 16.5% of people aged 15 and over, down from 17.4% in 2021, according to 2024 figures from the National Statistical Office.

Men account for the vast majority of smokers.

Smoking is most prevalent in the South at 22.2%, followed by the Northeast (17.9%) and lowest in the Central Plains (14.2%).

But e-cigarette use has surged to around 900,500 users, including more than 251,600 youths aged 15-24. This sharp rise reflects how the tobacco industry has adapted its marketing strategies to attract younger users, the meeting concluded.

Other data on substance use was also discussed including the 1.9 million Thais who use kratom, 1.6 million who use narcotic substances and 1.5 million each who use cannabis and methamphetamine.

Among them, 330,000 people are in need of rehabilitation and 220,000 are suffering from mental health issues.

The meeting also noted a worrying trend that around 21,000 people, as of 2024, were using a mixture of illegal substances.

They are in need of specialised rehabilitation and are at risk of severe health complications as a result of multiple drug interactions.

The deputy PM also highlighted two major public health challenges: natural ageing and illness, which require heavy investment and advanced medical technology; and health problems arising from personal behaviour, such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), depression and drug abuse.

A new generation of regional golfers, including Thailand’s Pongsapak Laopakdee and Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat, is in Dubai this week, each with a dream in tow that was sparked by the heroics of Hideki Matsuyama.

The 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, set to begin from today, will bring together 120 of the brightest young talents such as Japan’s Rintaro Nakano and China’s Zhou Ziqin, all eager to make their mark. They’ll be walking a path first cleared by Matsuyama, whose teenage breakthrough at the same Championship some 15 years ago became the first steps towards a Masters Green Jacket.

The Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course, which is set against the gleaming Dubai skyline, will host the region’s premier amateur men’s Championship where at stake is not just the coveted silverware, but golf’s two golden tickets — an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament and an exemption into The Open Championship.

No figure looms larger over the Asia-Pacific Amateur than Matsuyama who is now arguably the greatest male golfer Asia has produced. A two-time Asia-Pacific Amateur champion, the 32-year-old parlayed his 2010 victory into a trophy-laden professional career that now boasts 11 PGA Tour victories and, most memorably, the 2021 Masters, where he became the first Asian man to slip on the prized Green Jacket.

“Winning the 2010 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship gave me the opportunity to play in the Masters Tournament,” Matsuyama recalled. “Making the cut that week helped me realise I could actually have a career playing golf,” said Matsuyama.

“I owe a great debt of gratitude to Augusta National and will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to play in the Masters and helping me reach my dream to play professional golf. Winning the 2010 AAC was life-changing for me.”

All eyes will be on the 18-year-old Ratchanon, known better as ‘TK’.

Three years ago, he won a professional tournament on the Asian Tour to signal his promise in the game, and he will be eager to challenge for the Championship, having finished T13 in his previous appearance at the 2022 edition in Thailand.

The Stanford University sophomore said: “This tournament is the biggest amateur event in the region and is very important because the champion earns invitations to play in two majors, The Masters and The Open, next year which is a dream for amateur golfers. I want to seize that opportunity, but I won’t put too much pressure on myself. I’ll stay focused on my game plan, take it one shot at a time, and enjoy the game as much as possible.”

Pongsapak Laopakdee, 20, finished T5 in the 2022 edition and will be amongst the frontrunners in Emirates Golf Club. Ranked 53rd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, the Arizona State University junior plans to use his US collegiate experience to challenge for the Asia-Pacific Amateur crown this week and become the first golfer from Thailand to achieve the feat. The nation’s best finisher in the history of the Championship is a tied third finish by Tanapat Pichaikool in 2019.

“I’m ready to compete in this tournament,” said Pongsapak, who was an International Team member at the Junior Presidents Cup in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2022. “It will be my first time playing in the UAE, which is different from what I’ve experienced before. This is one of the biggest tournaments in the region, and the champion will earn invitations to the majors. I’ll use my past playing experience to improve and adapt, but even if I don’t win, it’s fine. I just want to give it my very best and I see this as a valuable experience in my golf journey.”

Japan’s Rintaro Nakano, who will make his third start in the Championship, will spearhead his country’s seven-man charge where they hope to follow in Matsuyama’s footsteps, and also of Takumi Kanaya and Keita Nakajima who won the Asia-Pacific Amateur in 2018 and 2021 respectively.

After finishing third at Taiheiyo Club in Gotemba last year and T28 at Royal Melbourne in 2023, the 21-year-old is fired up to win the prestigious Championship.

“I think this will be my last AAC, so I want to enjoy it. Of course, I have winning in mind, and I want to play with my full effort while appreciating this tournament that has helped me grow,” said Nakano, who was the 36-hole leader before finishing two strokes behind champion Ding Wenyi of China last year.

Note: The writer worked for the PGA Tour and Asian Tour for 25 years, leading their communications efforts in the region. He now runs his own PR consulting firm in Malaysia.

The Commerce Ministry, in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank), plans to offer loans worth over 239 million baht at a fixed rate of 3% to prospective franchise businesses.

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the collaboration aims to support prospective franchises in expanding their operations.

The pilot project includes seven participating brands: Manoi bubble milk tea; Bear Wash; Punjaros Boat Noodles; Laundrybar; Trendy Wash; 24 Wash; and Punthai Coffee.

The department estimated that this initiative will generate over 1.14 billion baht in economic circulation.

Moreover, the bank is offering a special loan programme with a fixed interest rate of 3% a year for up to three years to franchises of all sizes, with a total credit line exceeding 20 billion baht.

Mrs Suphajee said this initiative also focuses on minimising barriers for new entrepreneurs by facilitating easier access to funding, allowing inexperienced business operators to apply for loans.

The ministry and the bank will carefully screen potential entrepreneurs to ensure they are capable and possess growth potential.

She said the franchise business continues to thrive with a projected growth rate of about 10-15% this year.

She said Thai franchises have expanded their businesses to international markets, with over 40 franchises now operating in more than 30 countries.

Amorn Umpairungruang, chief executive Dou Means Bean Co Ltd, owner of the Dou Soy Milk franchise, said a rising number of layoffs had prompted many individuals to start their own businesses.

This trend would likely boost the franchise sector, particularly in segments requiring small investments of around 500,000-600,000 baht.

He said last year the franchise sector saw a surge of Chinese franchises such as snowball and bubble tea as well as ice cream brands, which achieve success due to their efficient systems.

However, this year Thai franchises are beginning to improve, supported by better logistics and supply chain systems for distributing products and raw materials, said Mr Amorn.

He said the Thai franchise sector, established for over three decades, has seen many businesses enter and exit the market, as the sector often aligns with trends.

Younger generations increasingly aspire to become entrepreneurs now, said Mr Amorn.

He suggested educational institutions should include the franchise business in their curriculum and urged the government to support the sector through low-interest financing and the establishment of franchise-related laws to provide proper oversight and development for the industry.

A decade ago, Myanmar reached what many viewed as a historic milestone on Oct 15, 2015. The signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) between the government and several ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) brought renewed hope. After more than seven decades of internal conflict, the country seemed to be stepping towards a peaceful and inclusive future.

The NCA was more than a ceasefire. It embodied a shared political vision — building trust, reducing armed conflict, and preparing for inclusive political dialogue. It was witnessed by international observers, including the United Nations and neighbouring countries, and welcomed as a significant step in Myanmar’s modern history.

Ten years later, that optimism has been severely tested. Following political developments since February 2021, Myanmar’s situation has deteriorated. Widespread resistance, renewed fighting, and the collapse of political dialogue have placed serious pressure on the NCA’s foundations. Several original signatories have withdrawn recognition or declared the agreement void, citing violations by military authorities.

The Karen National Union, one of the NCA’s leading signatories, declared in 2023 that the military had undermined the agreement’s core, especially Chapter 1, which commits all parties to political dialogue and federal democracy.

In October, the KNU, All Burma Students’ Democratic Front, and the Chin National Front jointly announced that the NCA had lost its legitimacy in the current political environment. They urged the international community to reject any peace process lacking meaningful political reform. Taking a more moderate stance, the Restoration Council of Shan State called for renewed trust-building between the military and EAOs, grounded in federalism and supported by international witnesses. These varied responses reflect deepening mistrust and a lack of confidence in the peace process.

Meanwhile, Myanmar’s military continues to treat the NCA as a valid legal framework. During the 10th anniversary ceremony held in Nay Pyi Taw on Oct 15, military leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement. However, ongoing hostilities and the absence of inclusive dialogue paint a different picture on the ground.

The anniversary event — attended by representatives from several countries, including Thailand — served both as a commemoration and a reminder of unfulfilled promises. While the ceremony emphasised peace and federal unity, conditions across the country highlight a widening gap between official narratives and lived realities.

Although general elections are being planned, the military has acknowledged that voting will not take place in many areas due to continued conflict and limited administrative control. This raises concerns about the legitimacy of the process and the exclusion of key ethnic voices.

While elections are a vital component of democracy, they cannot substitute for inclusive political dialogue. Without trust, broad representation, and a shared national vision, elections alone cannot heal deep-rooted grievances. The elections must instead be viewed as “part and parcel” of a wider peace process — one that prioritises dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual respect.

Thailand, as Myanmar’s immediate neighbour and long-standing friend, has a deep interest in the country’s peace and stability. With over 2,000 kilometres of shared border and close people-to-people ties, Thailand’s stake in Myanmar’s future is both diplomatic and humanitarian. Refugee flows, cross-border trade, and regional security are all affected by the situation in Myanmar.

Thailand has consistently supported peace efforts in Myanmar, including through informal dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and its role within Asean. At the NCA’s 10th anniversary, Thailand’s message was clear: peace cannot be achieved by procedure alone. It requires trust-building, inclusion, and the active participation of various stakeholders.

The key lesson from the past decade is this: peace is not a document or a ceremony. It is a long, fragile process that must be continuously nurtured. The NCA was, and still can be, a foundation for lasting peace, but only if adapted to today’s realities and revitalised through genuine political will.

Myanmar’s future must be determined by its people, supported by neighbours and international partners who respect its sovereignty while encouraging its democratic aspirations. As the country approaches another crossroads, the spirit of 2015 can still be renewed not by looking back, but by creating a new, inclusive path together forward.

Hope may waver, but it does not have to fade. The experiences of the past decade — both achievements and disappointments — should guide Myanmar on its continued journey towards sustainable peace and reconciliation.

Everyone is invited to immerse themselves in a world of thrills and chills with a wide array of festive Halloween activities during “Em District Haunted Halloween 2025”, which is running at Emporium, EmQuartier and Emsphere until Nov 2.

Besides “Under The Castle”, a world-renowned attraction that has brought an immersive haunted experience at Emsphere every day until Nov 2, visitors are invited to embark on a culinary adventure to discover frightfully delicious dishes across participating restaurants throughout Em District until Oct 31.

Alternatively, stop by top dining and nightlife venues at Em Wonder, 5th floor of Emsphere, that present live performances by famous artists and DJs and exclusive Halloween menus and promotions. Among the hotspots are Kaiwa, Mami Rose, Raze Arcade and Tokyo Highball.

For kids, there are “Spooky Playtivities” workshops at Emjoy, 2nd floor of EmQuartier, where they will learn to make cookies and spooky claywork, on Saturday and Sunday. Also, prepare to have fun with adorable little ghosts at the spooky parade and the trick-or-treat adventure on Saturday.

A highlight will be “Haunted Twilight”, the first-ever skyline Halloween festival in Bangkok where devils dance and spirits awaken under a crimson glow. Scheduled for Nov 1 from 5pm to late at Em Tower, 14th floor of Emsphere, the night will take everyone to immerse in mesmerising visuals, surreal decor and world-class DJ performances by three international acts.

They include Flight Facilities, a boundary-breaking electronic duo known for their euphoric energy; Hunee, a DJ who weaves deep spiritual rhythms and cosmic mystery; and The Illustrious Blacks, an Afrofuturistic duo of unstoppable beats, fashion and joy.

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has broken its silence, unveiling the reasons behind the shock dismissal of Japanese head coach Masatada Ishii — a sensational move that has left Thai football fans stunned and furious.

The surprise decision came just days after Ishii guided the War Elephants to back-to-back victories over Taiwan that revived Thailand’s hopes of reaching the 2027 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.

Unconfirmed reports from the FAT headquarters yesterday said Englishman Anthony Hudson will take over the national team’s reins as interim coach.

According to the FAT, Thailand’s early exit from the World Cup second round qualifiers, the team’s failure to defend their Asean Championship title after losing both home and away to Vietnam, and a first-ever defeat to the Philippines in 52 years were among the main factors behind the sacking.

The Japanese tactician was also blamed for Thailand’s inability to retain their King’s Cup crown this year and for a 3-1 away defeat to Turkmenistan, which has jeopardised the country’s Asian Cup campaign.

The FAT further alleged that Ishii overlooked in-form domestic players in favour of those struggling for game time at their clubs.

The decision has ignited a firestorm across Thai football. Media reports say social media has erupted with outrage, with furious fans flooding the Facebook page of FAT president Nualphan Lamsam.

Nualphan, in a social media post on Wednesday, attempted to appease the angry fans and sought their understanding in the matter.

Also under fire are two senior FAT figures — vice president Dr Charnwit Polcheewin and board member “The Tuk” Piyapong Pue-on — accused of orchestrating Ishii’s ouster in what supporters are calling a “cold-blooded ambush.”

Fans argue Ishii was the best thing to happen to Thai football in years. Under his leadership, Thailand’s Fifa ranking climbed from outside the top 100 to 96, and his win rate of over 50 percent was the second-best of any Thai national team coach in history.

Ishii himself said he was blindsided. In a bombshell Instagram post, he revealed he had been summoned for what was supposed to be a routine performance review — only to be abruptly dismissed.

“They weren’t sincere,” he wrote, a remark that resonated deeply with fans already seething over the decision.

Attention now turns to Ishii’s succes- ­sor as the fulltime national team coach.

The frontrunner is Hudson, the Englishman who previously managed BG Pathum United and now serves as FAT’s technical director. Hudson brings international pedigree, having coached Bahrain and New Zealand.

Another name in the frame is Shin Tae-Yong, the South Korean tactician who famously guided his country to the 2018 World Cup and masterminded a shock victory over Germany.

There is also speculation that a Thai coach could be handed the reins. Former national team boss Kiatisuk “Zico” Senamuang, along with domestic stalwarts Sasom Pobpasert (PT Prachuap) and Totchtawan Sripan (Bangkok United), have all been mentioned as possible candidates.

Whoever takes charge will debut in November’s Fifa international window, with Thailand scheduled to face Singapore in a friendly on Nov 13 before travelling to Sri Lanka for their fifth Asian Cup qualifier.

A selection of 200 artists of various generations and art styles from around the world will showcase their works during “Bangkok Illustration Fair (BKKIF) 2025”, which kicks off today at 2pm and run daily from 11am to 8pm until Sunday. The venue is CentralWorld Pulse, 7th floor of CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road.

Organised by Happening magazine and What If, this fifth edition of the fair is a platform for 132 artists from Thailand and 68 artists from 16 countries, collectively called BKKIF Artists 2025, plus an artist who won the popular vote at last year’s event, to present their illustrations, share experiences with their fans and find opportunities to expand on what they love and are passionate about.

Experts in the creative circle from Thailand and abroad will act as BKKIF Reviewers. They will review the illustrations by the 201 artists and select their favourite artist(s) to receive reward(s). The rewards come in the form of opportunities in different formats.

Also displayed are the works by six guest artists from Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. They include Noma, Panatthorn “Skill” Fakthong, Pol Huiprasert, Urban Sketchers Thailand, Whosming and Veerachai Duangpla, aka The Duang.

Many activities have been arranged to support both artists and participants. They include a space for artists to interact and present their works through B2A (business-to-artist) matching, Portfolio Review in which all artists can bring artworks to receive comments and advice from professional artists, and Message To Artist which invites visitors to share positive messages with their favourite artists.

The works of all BKKIF 2025 applicants who submitted their creations via the website will be displayed at the BKKIF Candidate Showcase. Also expect to see the works of four illustrators and character creators — Cat Me Five, Cheesy Duck, ThisisBoringday and Switch Panda.

Another special activity is Central Tham Mascot Design Contest which is accepting entries under the theme “Illustrating Impact” from all artists, designers and creators until Nov 1.

Tickets cost 150 baht for one-day pass (200 baht at the door and free for children) and can be purchased from eventpop.me.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will visit Singapore on Nov 7 to strengthen bilateral cooperation, said Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who was in the city state on Wednesday to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Mr Sihasak, who met Singapore’s foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, on Tuesday, said both sides are preparing for the Thai prime minister’s official visit.

The main focus will be expanding cooperation in the green economy, food technology and food security.

Singapore, in particular, has shown interest in securing additional rice supplies from Thailand.

During their meeting, the ministers discussed supporting Singapore’s food security through trade agreements on rice and agricultural products, attracting Singaporean investment in target industries such as data centres and semiconductors and enhancing collaboration in public health, the digital economy and the green economy.

The two also exchanged views on regional issues, including reinforcing Asean unity, addressing the impact of US tariff measures and discussing the situation in Myanmar and Cambodia.

In this regard, Thailand emphasised the importance of resolving Cambodian-related issues peacefully through bilateral mechanisms and expressed hope that Cambodia would cooperate sincerely.

Mr Sihasak also said he co-chaired the 15th Civil Service Exchange Programme (CSEP) during his Oct 21-22 visit.

The programme, themed “Partners in Progress: Shaping a Green and Digital Future,” brought together senior officials from both countries to promote sustainable economic growth and human resource development.

Other key areas include Thailand aiming to attract further investment from Singapore, said Mr Sihasak.

Currently, Singapore has the largest investment value in Thailand, particularly in data centres, electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy.

Thailand aims to renew its existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on digital cooperation with Singapore to ensure continuity.

Thailand is Asean’s chair for digital cooperation framework negotiations.

The country is also looking to join the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement, which currently includes Singapore, South Korea, Chile, and New Zealand, said the minister.

Thailand’s PromptPay and Singapore’s PayNow digital payment systems could be integrated into a regional network under “Nexus Pay” to simplify cross-border payments, it was discussed.

Police seized nearly 14,000 substandard hair salon items after raiding nine locations in several provinces on Tuesday.

The raid followed the death of a 10-year-old girl electrocuted by a hairdryer in northeastern Thailand.

Officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) were prompted by the girl’s case, who died on Oct 10 in Buri Ram while using a hairdryer believed to be substandard and purchased online by her mother.

An investigation revealed the dryer was bought in January through an online platform for 89 baht, with a Chinese label and without approval from the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS), Pol Maj Gen Kongkrit Lertsitthikun, commander of the CPPD, said on Wednesday.

The raids took place in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Ratchaburi at warehouses, distribution centres and shops.

Authorities seized 13,929 illegal products, including hairdryers, hair irons and electric combs. The items are worth more than 10 million baht, Pol Maj Gen Kongkrit added.

According to investigators, the goods were imported from outside Thailand through online channels, priced from 100 to 1,000 baht per item. Some products were found to have TIS labels from other legal products to deceive customers.

The investigation was continuing to identify the importer, Pol Maj Gen Kongkrit said.