Category: The Bangkok Post

Thai Beverage (ThaiBev), the Singapore-listed food and beverage company, plans to invest around 9 billion baht in fiscal 2026.

ThaiBev’s 2026 fiscal year runs from Oct 1, 2025 to Sept 30, 2026.

A total of 4 billion baht is for its non-alcoholic beverage business, 2 billion for its spirits business, 2 billion for its beer business, and 1 billion for its food business.

Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, group chief executive, said the global and regional economies are experiencing slower growth and trade policy uncertainty.

Changes in US policy have created a negative impact on trade in Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia, he said.

Regarding politics, Mr Thapana said the Thai government’s growing stability is lifting confidence, driven by its economic team.

“There are positive signs from October as the new government emphasises improving the economy,” he said.

Despite the uncertain trade outlook, there is a clearer direction in multilateral trade negotiations, said Mr Thapana.

The company is continuing to strengthen its business foundations and implement its “Passion 2030” roadmap that comprises two strategic pillars: “Reach Competitively” and “Digital for Growth”.

The first pillar focuses on ensuring complete product delivery coverage across all channels, with seamless integration, high service quality, and cost competitiveness.

The second segment involves leveraging digital technology to enhance its growth potential by improving efficiency, effectiveness and insights, while increasing connectivity with its consumers and business partners to ensure responsiveness to their evolving needs.

Sopon Racharaksa, executive vice-president and chief of the spirits product group, said the company encountered headwinds from challenges in the business environment at home and abroad.

The company plans to allocate 2 billion baht for its spirits product group, with 1 billion in reserve for international investments, such as expanding production capacity in New Zealand and increasing warehouse capacity in the UK.

For the beer business, the company plans to invest 2 billion baht in fiscal 2026, most of which will be allocated to a new plant in Cambodia, said Michael Chye Hin Fah, chief of the beer product group.

Located in Kandal province, roughly 50 kilometres from Phnom Penh, the new plant has a production capacity of 50 million litres per year in the first phase.

The plant is under construction and is expected to open in the next few months, according to ThaiBev.

Kosit Suksingha, president and group chief operating officer for Thailand, said the company is set to invest 4 billion baht in the non-alcoholic beverage segment.

The majority of the budget will be allocated to its projects abroad, he said, including a dairy cattle farm and a dairy production facility in Malaysia, as well as a non-alcoholic beverage production site in Cambodia.

Mr Kosit said the project in Malaysia aligns with the company’s strategy to tap into the growing halal market, while the facility in Cambodia will enable the company to produce and distribute products more effectively.

Some 700-800 million baht of investment in Thailand will be directed towards upgrading existing production lines and reforming its beverage packaging, he said.

Non-alcoholic sales are projected to grow by double digits this year, said Mr Kosit. This segment contributes 5% of the company’s total sales.

Paisarn Aowsathaporn, first vice-president and chief of food business for Thailand, said the company plans to invest 1 billion baht in the food business in 2026.

The investment is focused on roughly 45 additional KFC outlets. ThaiBev also wants to refresh its Oishi Buffet and Oishi Ramen restaurants, following this year’s rebranding of Shabushi, aimed to attract both Gen Z and Gen X consumers, he said.

The company is promoting the restaurants under Food of Asia, its food business subsidiary, at One Bangkok to serve employees in the buildings, which is expected to tally 10,000 by the end of this year.

ThaiBev also launched the Sook Delivery application to provide vertical delivery options for office building residents.

Mr Paisarn said he expects the food business to grow by 9% per year from 2026-2030.

Spotify has deleted more than 75 million songs generated by artificial intelligence (AI) in the past 12 months, as the music streaming giant moves to tighten control over synthetic content that it says is flooding the platform and threatening artists’ income.

The company confirmed it will introduce new measures to regulate AI-generated music, following reports that automated uploads have reached unprecedented levels. Rival platform Deezer recently disclosed that around 28% of daily uploads, equivalent to about 30,000 songs per day, were created with AI tools.

Spotify said the surge in synthetic music had forced the firm to act, with concerns that the overwhelming volume of AI tracks could siphon off revenue from human musicians. The company unveiled three key steps aimed at restoring balance.

First, Spotify will strengthen checks to prevent AI-generated vocals from impersonating real artists or producing misleading content.

Second, it will improve filtering systems to ensure revenue shares do not go to AI-made tracks, directing income instead to genuine performers.

Third, the platform will introduce AI labels on songs, giving listeners transparency over which tracks were created or partially composed with AI.

Despite the crackdown, Spotify stressed that it remains supportive of AI as a creative tool when used responsibly. The company said content will continue to be treated equally across the platform, provided it is not misused to deceive audiences or undermine artists’ livelihoods.

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

The road surface collapsed around 10am on Wednesday.

A video posted online shows a large hole in the road surface, raising concerns about safety and disruption of traffic flow in the busy area. The collapsed section is several metres long.

Rescue teams and other agencies rushed to the scene to evaluate the damage, begin traffic control measures and prevent further accidents.

The cause of the collapse was still being investigated.

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

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

Kasikorn Asset Management (K-Asset) has emerged as a market leader in Thailand’s mutual fund industry, capturing more than half of total net inflows this year-to-date to drive its assets under management (AUM) close to 1.8 trillion baht.

Executive chairman Win Phromphaet said the company captured inflows of 134 billion baht this year, representing about half of the entire industry’s inflows. The increase was driven primarily by fixed-income funds, which attracted strong demand amid persistently high interest rates.

By year-end, total inflows could reach 170 billion baht, pushing K-Asset’s AUM beyond the 2-trillion-baht milestone, he said.

K-Asset sees signs of stabilisation for Thai equities over the next six months, supported by a rebound in GDP growth and a bottoming out of corporate earnings revisions.

K-Asset projects the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index to finish in a range of 1,300-1,340 points this year.

“While structural challenges, such as demographics, competitiveness and governance, still weigh on long-term growth, near-term sentiment is improving thanks to fiscal stimulus, reduced political risk and tax incentives,” said Mr Win.

He said interest rate policy will remain a key driver for stock market growth. K-Asset expects Thai policy rates to decline by 50 to 75 basis points (bps) over the next 12 months, with the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee meeting on Oct 8 proving pivotal. If rates are cut later than expected, such as in December, the market could respond positively, with each 25-bps cut potentially lifting the SET index by around 40 points, said Mr Win.

K-Asset continues to recommend high-dividend equities, particularly in the banking and energy sectors. The six largest banks and two smaller players offer dividend yields of about 8%, while major energy firms are delivering 6.3-6.5%.

“Historically, dividend-focused stocks have consistently outperformed the broader market,” he said, adding a new government and proactive policies on household debt are expected to further benefit these sectors.

Despite slow economic growth, dividend stocks remain a stable source of income. Average total returns from Thai equities are projected at 5% annually, with dividends contributing around 4%, noted K-Asset.

“Dividend-paying equities can help balance portfolios, generate consistent income, and protect value in a low-growth environment,” said Mr Win.

Long-term bonds have offered yields of 8-10% in 2025, making them particularly attractive to investors wary of the sluggish performance of domestic equities. However, K-Asset expects yields to normalise over the next 6-12 months.

“Bond yields could fall to around 3-4% once the interest rate downcycle takes hold. Investors should adjust their portfolios according to their risk appetite,” said managing director Wajana Wongsupasawat.

With bond returns likely to soften, there may be opportunities to diversify into other risk assets, including foreign equities and fixed income abroad, he said.

Bangkok, September 29, 2025 — The partnership between the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Etihad Airways marks a significant milestone in combining elite sport with global connectivity.

Under this collaboration, Etihad serves as the Official Global Airline Partner of the BWF, providing seamless travel and premium experiences for players, officials and fans, while amplifying badminton’s global reach. The alliance reflects both organisations’ shared mission to unite people across continents through sport, culture and shared values.

Since January 2025, the airline has connected badminton’s worldwide fan base of 744 million people, most of whom are in Asia, with its expanding network and services.

At the recent TotalEnergies BWF World Championships in Paris, BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul met with Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, to celebrate the role the airline has played in elevating the sport this year.

“To align ourselves with a global leader in air travel such as Etihad Airways signals the sport’s expanding footprint,” Khunying Patama said. “Etihad’s dedication to fostering connections through sport mirrors our mission of uniting people through badminton’s universal appeal.

“We are proud to partner with a sponsor that shares our vision to elevate badminton to world-class status, and for Etihad to take an active role in developing the sport globally. Together, we aim to enhance the fan experience, elevate the sport’s visibility and deliver unforgettable experiences at our premier tournaments.”

De underlined the synergy between the two organisations. “Our partnership with the BWF reflects Etihad’s commitment to connecting people through sport, culture and travel,” he said.

“Badminton is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, uniting millions of fans across Asia and beyond. As we expand our network across Southeast Asia, we are proud to engage with badminton fans everywhere and support a sport that is so deeply loved in the region.”

Beyond celebrating the partnership, Khunying Patama herself embodies the global aspirations of the sport. A billionaire entrepreneur turned philanthropist, she has channelled her resources into sport, youth development, art, music and culture.

She became Thailand’s first female member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2017, the fourth Thai overall to hold the post. Earlier this year, she was elected unopposed by 204 national member associations as president of the BWF for the 2025-2029 term, making her not only the first Thai but also the first woman ever to lead the BWF.

In Thailand, she serves as President of the Badminton Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, where she has spearheaded grassroots development, talent-building initiatives and the hosting of world-class events.

Her influence extends well beyond sport. She is active in numerous charities supporting education, health and social development, while also serving as patron of cultural, art and music organisations.

With business interests ranging from steel and property to hospitality and logistics, Khunying Patama has long been recognised as a leading figure in both corporate and philanthropic circles. In 2024, she was honoured by the Thai Sports Journalists’ Association with the title “Olympic Queen” for her contributions to Thai and international sport.

Through her leadership, generosity and vision, Khunying Patama has not only shaped the trajectory of badminton worldwide but has also inspired countless young people in Asia and beyond.

Rukchanok Srinork, People’s Party (PP) MP for Bangkok, called on newly appointed Labour Minister Trinuch Thienthong to urgently address lingering issues within the Social Security Office (SSO), including the controversial purchase of the SKYY9 building.

Speaking during the parliamentary debate on the government’s policy statement, Ms Rukchanok urged the labour minister to expedite an investigation into the SSO’s purchase of SKYY9 at an overpriced rate, demanding that those responsible, whether ministers or senior officials, be held accountable within three months.

Opposition MP Rukchanok also pointed out that several ministers in the current government had links to the SKYY9 purchase, including Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin, Public Health Minister and former building owner Pattana Prompha and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who was the former labour minister, as well as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who formed the probe committee to investigate the purchase of the building.

She further raised concerns about ongoing efforts to derail the Social Security Board election by amending regulations within the SSO, which would exclude employee representatives.

Ms Rukchanok also questioned whether the election would still take place in February 2026.

She added that proposals to change the system to an internal selection process were raised by a Senate committee member who had previously lost the Social Security Board election.

Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited (STGT) welcomed ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from 21 countries on an official visit to its Anvar Branch factory in Songkhla and Sri Trang Group’s rubber plantations, underscoring the strength of Thailand’s rubber glove industry and the promise of the southern border provinces.

The delegation included envoys from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. They were joined by officials from the National Security Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Songkhla authorities and members of the media. The visit formed part of a project to enhance international understanding and cooperation, jointly organised by the National Security Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

STGT, one of the world’s largest producers of natural rubber and nitrile gloves, operates 14 manufacturing facilities across southern Thailand. The tour highlighted the company’s fully integrated supply chain, traceability systems and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives under the theme ‘Clean World Clean Gloves.’ Visitors also observed glove production driven by innovation and AI, alongside natural rubber tapping demonstrations.

Mr Veerasith Sinchareonkul, CEO of Sri Trang Group, and Ms Jarinya Jirojkul, CEO of STGT, led the welcome. Mr Veerasith said the occasion was both an honour and an opportunity to showcase Thailand’s industrial potential while fostering sustainable cooperation.

‘This visit is not only a chance to highlight our capabilities but also a platform to build bridges for economic collaboration, social exchange and sustainable development,’ he said.

The event reinforced Thailand’s status as a global leader in rubber gloves and the industry’s role in driving growth in the South.

The Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) and the Government of Saskatchewan, Canada, represented by the Ministry of Trade and Export Development, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate industrial decarbonisation and knowledge exchange in support of Thailand’s Net Zero by 2050 roadmap.

The MOU outlines collaboration in clean energy and advanced CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage) technologies, as well as long-term pilot projects within the Saraburi Sandbox. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, and senior representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan.

The Government of Saskatchewan brings extensive expertise in low-carbon technologies, while TCMA has long been committed to advancing Thailand’s cement industry towards its 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap.

Mr Nopadol Ramyarupa, Vice-Chairman and Acting Chairman of TCMA, said the agreement marks an important step in expanding international partnerships to accelerate progress. ‘TCMA is delighted to sign this MOU with the Government of Saskatchewan. This collaboration aims to accelerate the Thai cement industry’s transition to Net Zero by 2050 through technological innovation in clean energy and CCUS. A potential pilot project in the Saraburi Sandbox could also serve as a role model for industry decarbonisation, inspiring the region and beyond.’

The partnership will establish a joint working group to develop projects, share knowledge, and track progress through annual reports. It also emphasises capacity building, training, workshops, seminars and business linkages between Saskatchewan and Thailand.

Hon. Warren Kaeding, Minister of Trade and Export Development of Saskatchewan, said: ‘This partnership demonstrates how Saskatchewan’s expertise in clean energy and innovation is creating global opportunities. The collaboration with TCMA not only allows us to share knowledge with Thailand and ASEAN, but also reinforces Canada-Thailand relations in addressing climate change while expanding trade and investment opportunities.’

Mr Pavich Kesavawong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, commended the partnership, noting that it will give Thailand access to advanced technologies critical for achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets. He added that the department stands ready to integrate economic opportunities with social benefits, aligning policies to drive Thailand towards a low-carbon society.

Mr Panotson Sujayanont, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, said carbon reduction is a priority for the industrial sector and key to enhancing competitiveness. He stressed that the department is prepared to support the adoption of advanced low-carbon technologies to help industries transition to sustainable development.

This MOU establishes a framework for exchanging expertise and fostering collaboration between Thailand and Saskatchewan, marking a key milestone for TCMA in advancing Thailand’s efforts to achieve its climate commitments.

Marking three decades of success in Vietnam, Thailand’s leading paint and chemical manufacturer is charting an ambitious path forward. Under the theme ‘Painting Dreams, Building Futures,’ TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited or TOA has unveiled a vision to expand its business, strengthen its leadership in innovation, and drive sustainable growth in the Vietnamese market, reinforcing its standing as a trusted brand for consumers and partners alike.

Founded as Thailand’s No. 1 paint brand, TOA has steadily expanded across ASEAN. Beginning with the import of premium-quality paint from Japan in 1964, the company entered Vietnam in 1995 with the establishment of TOA Paint (Vietnam) Co., Ltd., reflecting its philosophy of ‘fishing in the ocean’ by growing beyond domestic borders to become a key regional player.

Today, TOA’s comprehensive product portfolio spans decorative paints, wood coatings, industrial coatings, construction chemicals, ready-mix mortars, tiles, gypsum boards, and JOMOO sanitary ware. Its breadth of offerings has enabled it to outperform several global top-five competitors and consolidate its position as a major force in ASEAN. The company now operates production plants in seven countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia, underlining its regional success and growth potential.

Mr Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon, CEO of TOA, noted that entering the Vietnamese market three decades ago was a strategic step that embodied TOA’s philosophy of ‘thinking ahead, acting first.’ Leveraging its expertise and innovation from Thailand, the company successfully tapped into Vietnam’s dynamic real estate sector and resurgent industrial production, paving the way for sustained growth and recognition as a regional industry leader.

TOA Vietnam’s performance has been outstanding, recording average annual sales revenue of over THB 1.5 billion in the past three years. Its distribution network now covers more than 1,200 retail stores and major projects nationwide. TOA’s commitment to R and D has yielded climate-appropriate innovations, such as heat-reflective coatings, mould-resistant formulas and eco-friendly solutions. These advances earned the Golden Dragon Awards 2023 in the ‘Premium Products’ category, further cementing support from contractors and designers. Overseas markets currently contribute around 15% of TOA’s total revenue.

In November 2023, TOA (Vietnam) opened a state-of-the-art distribution centre in Ho Chi Minh City to bolster production and logistics capacity. Equipped with automated systems and LEED Gold-certified processes, the centre enables a fivefold increase in storage and distribution while cutting CO‚ emissions through reduced fossil fuel use, a tangible step in TOA’s sustainability journey, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the environment and reducing impacts on climate conditions.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its market coverage and product portfolio, with a strong focus on construction chemicals to provide end-to-end solutions. It will continue investing in eco-friendly innovations, including low-VOC paints certified with Singapore’s Green Label, aligning with both consumer demand and government sustainability policies. Brand reinforcement will involve closer collaboration with customers, partners and distributors, restructuring distribution channels, and establishing more regional hubs in remote provinces to serve millions of consumers more effectively. This also includes increasing the production efficiency to strengthen the TOA’s sustainable growth along with consumers.

Mr Jatuphat emphasised that over its 61 years in Thailand and 30 years in Vietnam, TOA has consistently upheld its leadership in paints and chemicals across Southeast Asia. ‘We are committed to sustainable growth founded on good governance and transparency, aiming to create long-term happiness for future generations while supporting community and environmental development,’ he said.

He expressed gratitude to stakeholders, customers, partners and employees, whose trust and dedication have been central to TOA’s success. With decades of experience, he added, TOA is confident it will continue to hold a strong place in consumers’ hearts while advancing its presence across ASEAN.

A court has backed prosecutors and denied bail for Nopparat Benjawatananun, the former National Office of Buddhism (NOB) chief who fled to the United States after he was accused of embezzling subsidies for the restoration of temples across the country, the Office of the Attorney-General announced on Monday.

Mr Nopparat, who was extradited to Thailand on Saturday, was taken into police custody as he had two active warrants against him.

The warrants, issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 7 and Region 9 in 2023, accused him of diverting funds meant to go towards the renovation and development of over 65 temples across the country.

The warrants also noted his alleged involvement in the embezzlement of funds allocated to a further 65 temples in the deep South.

Mr Nopparat fled to the US after the scandal broke out eight years ago. The US Marshals Service finally located and detained him in April.

OAG, in cooperation with the Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), secured the extradition of Mr Nopparat last weekend.

According to OAG spokesman, Sakkasem Nisaiyok, Mr Nopparat was brought to the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 7 Monday morning to acknowledge the charges against him.

Mr Nopparat will remain in custody until Oct 10 as prosecutors opposed bail, calling him a flight risk.

Mr Nopparat is accused of misappropriating properties, corruption and malfeasance under sections 83, 147, 151 and 157 of the Criminal Code, after authorities detected irregularities in the renovation of Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan in Ayutthaya.

Mr Sakkasem said the allegations against Mr Nopparat carry severe penalties as they involve large sums of money that he and his associates allegedly embezzled from the government.