Booming export numbers on course to smash expectations

Exports are expected to grow by 6-7% this year, surpassing the previous target of 2-3%, according to the Commerce Ministry.

At an online policy briefing on Wednesday, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun outlined seven key policies as part of a “Quick Big Win” strategy aimed at addressing economic challenges and enhancing the country’s trade and export capabilities.

She said using these strategies, exports are projected to expand by 6-7% year-on-year, exceeding previous estimates of 2-3%. The average monthly export value is expected to reach US$24 billion in the last four months of the year, with total exports anticipated to exceed 12 trillion baht in 2025.

Mrs Suphajee said the priorities in the next four months include finalising the agreement on reciprocal tariffs with the US, updating the rules of origin, and fully digitising certificates of origin to enhance transparency and prevent fraudulent claims.

Despite the US government shutdown, she said tariff discussions between the two nations continue uninterrupted.

To increase exports in the final quarter, the ministry plans to promote the use of existing free trade agreements (FTAs) and explore new markets such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, India and Vietnam, as well as facilitate business matching.

Moreover, the ministry expects to finalise an FTA with South Korea by the end of this year and conclude key issues on a pact with the EU in the first quarter of 2026.

Mrs Suphajee said the ministry organised Blue Flag fairs to ease living costs in areas affected by the border dispute with Cambodia, and is providing a 100-baht-per-parcel transport subsidy with Thailand Post for small businesses in affected provinces.

Another goal is to develop alternative marketing channels and new markets to mitigate risks for businesses in the area, she said.

Cost of living

The ministry also signed a memorandum of understanding with more than 100 private hospitals to disclose medicine prices before payment, giving people the option to purchase medicines outside hospitals. This initiative is expected to save 32.4 billion baht annually, reduce overcrowding in public hospitals, and encourage greater use of private hospital services. A progress review is scheduled for Oct 7.

In addition, the ministry hosts around 1,300 Blue Flag fairs annually, helping consumers save more than 5 billion baht a year.

Stabilise crop prices

To support rice farmers, the ministry is offering low-interest loans to delay sales and prevent a glut, as well as subsidies of 1,000 baht per rai to 4.6 million farming households. Mrs Suphajee said the ministry is also pursuing rice trade deals with China, Japan and Singapore.

The ministry wants to strengthen the competitiveness and enhance the value of Thai products, with initiatives expanding access to new markets, providing credit support, and promoting quality certifications such as Thailand Trust Mark and Thai Select.

Artificial intelligence is being used to analyse supply and demand trends to ensure timely trade measures, while e-commerce channels are being expanded to connect local products with global markets.

True CyberSafe Wins 2025 National Innovation Award

True Corporation’s commitment to innovation has been recognised on the national stage as True CyberSafe, the company’s intelligent cyber-threat protection system, won the 2025 National Innovation Award in the Social and Environmental category. The achievement reflects True’s role in developing innovations that help build a safe, trusted and reliable digital society for every Thai connection. On this occasion, Dr Chutima Aimchotchawalit (right), Chairman of the National Innovation Board of Thailand, presented the 2025 National Innovation Award in the Social and Environmental category, Large and Medium Enterprise segment, to True Corporation Plc., represented by Mr Sharad Mehrotra (centre), Chief Consumer Business Officer, and Dr Naetchanok Wipatasinlapin (left), Head of Sustainability Division, in recognition of True’s outstanding innovation initiatives that deliver clear and lasting value to society and the nation.

At the event, Dr Sumet Tantivejkul, Chairman of the Thai Rice Foundation under Royal Patronage, together with Dr Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation), extended their congratulations to the True innovation team behind True CyberSafe at the 2025 National Innovation Day. The event was organised by the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, at Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Mr Sharad Mehrotra, Chief Consumer Business Officer of True Corporation Plc., stated: ‘The National Innovation Award that True CyberSafe has received this year is not only a proud achievement for True but also a reflection of our unwavering commitment to being an innovation-driven organisation. We are determined to leverage our robust digital infrastructure and comprehensive ecosystem to raise the standards of online safety. We believe that building a trusted digital society is a crucial step towards becoming a Customer Champion, delivering the best possible experiences to our customers. True CyberSafe was therefore developed with intelligent AI technology capable of detecting, blocking and alerting users to suspicious or harmful links in real time, enabling customers to navigate the digital world with confidence, safety and peace of mind, even as cyber threats grow increasingly complex alongside rapid technological advances. To date, the system has protected customers from more than 2.2 billion attempts to click on fraudulent links and answer dangerous phone calls. True will continue to develop innovations to build a safer and more sustainable digital society.’

Dr Naetchanok Wipatasinlapin, Head of Sustainability Division of True Corporation Plc., added: ‘True is committed to harnessing innovation to create long-term value for society, and True CyberSafe is a clear example of how we integrate technology with social responsibility. Receiving this award serves as strong motivation for us to continue innovating – from nurturing new-generation innovators and developing patented technologies to delivering digital solutions that empower people to live and work online with confidence and safety. Currently, more than 1,040 employees are continuously innovating and developing technology to enhance the customer experience, with over 116 patents and petty patents already registered. By 2030, True aims to cultivate an additional 500 innovators, generate no less than 15% of its revenue from innovation, and register up to 200 intellectual property assets, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to building a safer and more sustainable digital society.’

Exploring the Innovation Behind True CyberSafe, Winner of the 2025 National Innovation Award

True CyberSafe is a cyber protection service for over 60 million True customers. Providing protection across True’s mobile and home internet networks, it is free to use with no registration or app download required. It offers three key features:

Real-time malicious link blocking

Blocks links on the blacklist from Thailand’s Cyber Police and government agencies immediately when clicked.

If the link is not on the blacklist but is suspicious, the system shows a warning ‘Caution: This may be a dangerous website’ and gives the user 60 seconds to decide.

Has already protected users from over 2.2 billion fraudulent link clicks, averaging 8 million per day (from 3 December 2024 to 30 September 2025).

Currently tracks over 455,000 suspicious links, with the list growing continuously.

Call AI Filter – AI screens or warns against incoming scam calls

Uses data from over 300,000 suspicious numbers provided by Thailand’s Cyber Police.

Instantly alerts users to potential scam calls.

SMS AI Filter – AI detects scam SMS to analyse scammer behaviour (coming soon).

In addition, the 9777 Scam Report service allows the public to report scam calls easily, quickly and safely, with investigation results provided within 24 hours.

How China’s ladies are shaping sport

When the Women’s China Open first teed off in 2006, the occasion was quietly significant. At the time, women’s golf in the Middle Kingdom was still taking fledgling steps in the global game. The domestic circuit was modest, the talent pool limited and the pathway to elite professional circuits like the LPGA Tour seemed distant, if not daunting.

Yet that first swing in Xiamen coincided with the dawn of a new era, one in which the nation’s most talented women would soon find their footing at home before spreading their wings abroad to challenge the best of the best and eventually write Chinese golf into the pages of sporting history.

Nearly two decades after the inaugural event, the transformation has been profound in China. From Feng Shanshan’s trailblazing major victory in 2012 to the steady rise of top players such as Janet Lin Xiyu, Yin Ruoning and Miranda Wang on the LPGA Tour, and milestone Olympic Games moments in Rio de Janeiro and Paris where Feng and Lin earned bronze medals, women’s golf in China has certainly been propelled to the forefront with great force.

Such has been the impact and growth in China that golfers from across Southeast Asia, including a strong representation of Thai players such as Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong, Onkanok Soisuwan and Kan Bunnabodee, are now looking at the CLPG Tour as the career springboard as they dream of the stars.

At the heart of this rise has been the Women’s China Open. It is not just another stop on the calendar, it is the flagship event on the CLPG Tour, where every talented golfer aspires to join her idols and attain world-class stature.

For Feng, the country’s first major champion and its most iconic player, the Women’s China Open was an early inspiration especially when she saw firsthand how Korean superstars Shin Jiyai, Kim Hyo-Joo and Park Sung-Hyun dominated on Chinese soil by winning the Open five times amongst them. Shin is a former world No.1, Kim and Park are major champions and the trio holds a staggering 109 professional victories combined.

“Growing up as a young golfer, the Women’s China Open was a tournament that held special meaning for me. The experiences I gained over the years played a pivotal role in shaping my career,” said Feng, who has 22 career wins including 10 on the LPGA Tour.

Feng’s victory at the Women’s PGA Championship in 2012, one of golf’s majors, broke barriers for Chinese golf, but she has never overlooked the foundation that events like the Women’s China Open and the CLPG Tour provided.

“I am proud to see Chinese golfers achieving success on the LPGA Tour, and I believe the future of women’s golf in China is exceptionally bright.”

For Janet Lin Xiyu, who has taken a temporary leave of absence from the LPGA Tour for the arrival of her first child, the Women’s China Open was both a launching pad and a personal milestone. She became the first Chinese golfer to lift the trophy in 2019, an achievement she cherishes as much as her achievements abroad, including a podium finish at the Paris Olympic Games last summer.

“That achievement will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am proud to have contributed to the growth of our country’s golfing history,” said Lin, who owns seven CLPG Tour victories. “From the time I began competing, the Women’s China Open stood out as one of the most important tournaments on the calendar. It inspired me to push harder and strive for excellence. Like all great national Opens, it has played a pivotal role in developing women’s golf, providing a stage for Chinese players to challenge themselves.”

From the inaugural edition in Xiamen to this year’s groundbreaking move to Shanghai where the tournament will be played at Enhance Anting Golf Club from Oct 17-19, all eyes will be on the next wave of Chinese and regional aspiring stars. The local starlets include a group of amateurs such as 18-year-old Wang Zixuan, Xu Ying, 16, and 15-year-old Zhou Shiyuan — all of whom have won on the CLPG Tour this season.

The CLPG Tour has also provided opportunities for regional and aspiring golfers from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia to sharpen their professional teeth, with the likes Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong (THA), Onkanok Soisuwan (THA), Kan Bunnabodee (THA), Jocelyn Chee (MAS), Ng Jing Xuen (MAS), Amanda Tan (SIN) and Patricia Sinolungan (INA) benefitting immensely. With Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul rising to world No.1 recently, the importance of women’s golf growth across the Asia-Pacific is not lost on many.

Kan, 24, was in the national team with Jeeno during their amateur days and believes the CLPG Tour offers a career pathway to the top as the No.1 from the points list will secure playing rights on the Korean LPGA Tour.

“Seeing Jeeno’s success on the LPGA Tour, I’m really proud of her. It was amazing to see her reach world No.1 which is motivating me to want to achieve it too,” said Kan.

The upswing in fortunes is certainly testament to the fact that the Women’s China Open is proving to be just the origin of greatness for women’s golf in the country, and region wide.

New stimulus to turbocharge GDP

New Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas says the government’s economic stimulus plan will enable GDP expansion of more than 1% in the fourth quarter, up from an earlier forecast of just 0.3%.

In the first quarter of this year, the Thai economy grew by 3.2%, dipping to 2.8% in the second quarter. For the third quarter, growth is projected at 1.7%, while for the final quarter, the initial forecast was a mere 0.3%.

However, Mr Ekniti said five measures in the fourth quarter should help lift GDP by another 0.2-0.4 percentage points, raising growth to around 1%.

Regarding the “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme, which will be submitted to the cabinet on Oct 7, he said registration for the public will be open from Oct 20-26, with the scheme starting on Oct 29. Total spending under this scheme is estimated at 66 billion baht.

Shops wanting to participate can register from Oct 15 until the programme ends in December.

The tourism stimulus scheme for secondary cities will be submitted to the cabinet on Oct 14, with hotels allowed to deduct expenses from taxes up to double the amount, said Mr Ekniti.

This measure was previously implemented in 2018, resulting in only 200 million baht in lost state revenue.

In terms of government spending, ministries and state enterprises with budgets allocated for seminars will be required to accelerate spending over the next four months, front-loading their budgets, he said.

This budget for seminars is estimated at 6-8 billion baht and is intended to stimulate the economy, said Mr Ekniti.

Regarding the issue of baht appreciation, he said the currency has already started to weaken, as the recent appreciation mainly stemmed from a current account surplus driven by exports and capital inflows.

In terms of gold exports to Cambodia, Mr Ekniti said the converted value was only US$2 billion, which is small compared with total capital inflows.

A working group has been established to monitor inflows from untraceable transactions, sometimes considered “off the books” or “grey money”, which could affect baht appreciation. The working group comprises representatives from the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Fiscal Policy Office.

In a related development, finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit said Khon La Khrueng Plus conditions will differ from the previous scheme when only small retailers who were not registered as juristic persons were allowed to receive payments.

This time, micro small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small businesses registered as juristic persons are also eligible to participate.

In the Revenue Department’s system, there are roughly 3,000 micro SMEs with annual revenue of under 1.8 million baht, and another 2,000 micro SMEs with annual revenue of between 1.8 million and 30 million baht.

Passenger charge raised at six Thai regional airports

The Department of Airports has announced an increase in the passenger service charge – commonly known as ‘airport tax’ – for outbound passengers at six regional airports in Thailand.

Both domestic and international travellers will now pay an additional 25 baht per person.

The affected airports are Krabi, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phitsanulok.

The fee for international passengers has risen from 400 baht to 425 baht per person, while domestic passengers will now pay 75 baht per person, up from 50 baht. The fee is included in the ticket price.

Local media reported that passengers travelling between domestic airports have already seen the airport tax listed at 75 baht per person under the ‘fees and taxes’ section, in line with the department’s announcement, which took effect on Wednesday.

The increase applies only to department-operated airports that have introduced three new passenger processing technologies: automated boarding pass checks, self-service check-in kiosks, and self-service baggage drop systems, which allow travellers to manage their luggage independently.

Inquiry kicks off into call centre bribe offer claims

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed zero tolerance for corruption as Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob launches a probe into an alleged 40-million-baht monthly bribe linked to call centre scams.

Mr Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, on Thursday voiced full support for Mr Chaichanok, who is pressing ahead with the inquiry into the bribery allegation.

He insisted the minister would not relent in pursuing the matter and guaranteed that no corruption would be tolerated under his government.

The controversy erupted after Mr Chaichanok, son of Bhumjaithai patriarch Newin Chidchob, told parliament that a group connected to call centre gangs had offered him a monthly payment of 40 million baht in exchange for refraining from legal action against their operations.

DES permanent secretary Patchara Anantasilp said Mr Chaichanok had instructed that an independent central fact-finding panel be set up to ensure transparency.

The committee, expected to be named within days, will include representatives from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo). Mr Patchara will be the only DES official involved.

The panel has been given 30 days, with findings due by the end of October.

‘If any evidence implicates officials, the committee will act in accordance with the law. There will be no exemptions, even for DES staff,’ the permanent secretary said.

Former Democrat Party MP Nipit Intarasombat said he would petition the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the bribery allegations, claiming no political party was taking the matter seriously. He said he would act in his personal capacity as a citizen.

Responding to Mr Nipit’s move, Mr Anutin said: ‘Everyone has the right to call for an investigation. The facts must be clarified. This government has only been in office for two days, so any past irregularities must be uncovered. If wrongdoing exists, Mr Chaichanok will never let it slide.’

The prime minister dismissed suggestions that Mr Chaichanok’s disclosure could backfire, saying the minister was committed to integrity.

‘He is not corrupt, he despises dishonesty, and nothing can stop him,’ he added.

Moonlight Cruise Marks Mid-Autumn Luxury Celebration

Siam Paragon, the global destination long recognised as the number one ‘Top of Mind’ choice among Thai customers and international visitors, together with ICONSIAM, the world-class landmark on the Chao Phraya River, continue to create experiences beyond expectations. Driven by the strategy of Customer-Centric Experience, both destinations are committed to delivering superior service and ‘Meaningful Moments’ for their valued customers.

Most recently, the two destinations organised the exclusive event ‘Moonlight Dinner Cruise: A Mid-Autumn Celebration’, extending invitations to ONESIAM Black members for a special evening on the Chao Phraya River. The elevated dining experience was co-created with Okura Cruise, specially designed to present a memorable, one-night-only culinary journey. The event was graced by Saruntorn Asaves, Executive Vice President – Customer Centricity and Relationship Management, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., and Thanaporn Tantiyanon, Managing Director of ONESIAM Shopping Center Business Group, who warmly welcomed ONESIAM Black members including Varunya Chatphiriyaphan, Grit Supadechoochai, Supatra Yoovidhya, Nipa Cholsaipan, Nam Cholsaipan, Chanya Sawangchit and Dao Sathienthirakul.

Commencing at ICONSIAM Pier, the evening began with a delicate welcome drink on the deck as 25 ONESIAM Black member couples admired 360-degree panoramic views and captured sunset photographs along the river’s most iconic landmarks. Guests then savoured the highlight of the evening-the Okura Cruise Seasonal Kaiseki, a premium Japanese haute cuisine experience co-created by Siam Paragon, ICONSIAM and Okura Cruise. Designed as a ‘First and Only’ menu, it combined refined flavours, textures, colours and presentation to reflect the beauty and philosophy of Japanese nature, crafted exclusively for this night.

To elevate the experience further, Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM collaborated with Boucheron, the world-renowned high jewellery Maison, to present an exclusive showcase of exquisite masterpieces on board. This intimate presentation offered ONESIAM Black members a rare opportunity to view Boucheron’s finest creations up close.

The evening culminated in a surprise performance by legendary artist J Jetrin Wattanasin, whose vibrant stage presence transformed the dinner cruise into an unforgettable celebration. His dynamic performance created moments of joy, excitement and exclusivity-embodying the promise of ‘Extraordinary and Money Can’t Buy Experiences’ that Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM are dedicated to curating for their most valued customers.

This event marked yet another ‘Meaningful Moment’ designed especially for ONESIAM Black members, reinforcing Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM’s commitment to delivering world-class, unforgettable experiences.

House fire kills four adults and three children in Rayong

RAYONG – Seven people, including three small children, were killed when fire destroyed their house early on Thursday.

Police and rescuers were called at about 2.20am to the scene in a housing estate in tambon Tha Pradu of Muang district, according to Pol Lt Col Chaikrit Taurat, an inspector at the Muang Rayong police station.

A fire truck from Rayong municipality office was deployed to the scene. Firefighters encountered flames engulfing house No. 66/16 and spreading to three others, police said.

The house where the fire originated was destroyed, and seven dead bodies were discovered inside. They were one man and three women, aged 29-57, and three children aged under 3.

It took about 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control. Residents of the other affected houses were injured from inhaling smoke and were taken to hospital.

The chief of Muang Rayong district, Anusorn Sangkla, said the cause was believed to have been a short circuit,

The victims appeared to have been sleeping on the second floor and tried unsuccessfully to escape after the fire started, as some of them were found at a bedroom door, he said.

Swedish companies praise sustainability commitment

Sweden and Thailand share a deep commitment to sustainability, blending tradition with innovation to achieve shared environmental goals, according to Anna Hammargren, the Swedish ambassador to Thailand.

.Speaking on Thursday at the Swedish-Thai Sustainable Talk Stage and Networking Reception during the the SX Sustainability Expo 2025, Ms Hammargren said ‘tradition and innovation, together, are the key to achieving our common sustainability goals’.

According to her, a new collaboration between the two countries under Thailand’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, which is aligned with Swedish values and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, has transformed ambitious visions into tangible actions.

She said partnerships with government, academia and the private sector are driving new solutions, with Swedish companies in Thailand showcasing how cutting-edge technologies, research and circular practices are accelerating the green transition.

Viktor Friberg, Cluster President for South East Asia and Oceania at Alfa Laval, during the talk highlighted his company’s role in redefining industrial efficiency.

Specialising in heat transfer, separation and fluid handling, Alfa Laval’s technologies address critical challenges in energy transition, clean water, sustainable food and marine transportation, he said.

With 40% of global emission reductions expected to come from efficiency improvements, Mr Friberg said, Alfa Laval’s solutions can cut energy consumption by up to 70%.

Last year, the company set a new emissions reduction target for 2027, reinforcing its commitment to operational sustainability, he said.

Strategic partnerships, including MoUs with other Swedish firms, are accelerating innovation, reducing costs and delivering transformative solutions, he said.

Alexis Richard, General Manager of Electrolux Thailand, shared how the Stockholm-based home appliance giant has been leading the shift towards greener living since 1992.

Electrolux designs products that offer sustainable choices without compromising quality of life, he said. In 2023, the company achieved a 31% reduction in product-related greenhouse gas emissions – three years ahead of its climate targets, he added.

He said key initiatives include a zero-landfill programme, responsible sourcing and supplier environmental footprint monitoring.

Collaborating with brands like AEG and Frigidaire, he said, Electrolux continues to innovate in taste, care and well-being, with upcoming launches of highly energy-efficient laundry and vacuum products.

Ratanasiri Tilokskulchai, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Thailand, meanwhile, emphasised that the company’s mission to ‘protect what’s good – food, people and the planet’ goes beyond packaging.

Tetra Pak’s innovations tackle climate, nature, circularity and social sustainability, she said.

By reducing aluminium in its packaging, the company has cut carbon emissions by 33%, and in 2024, achieved a 25% reduction in greenhouse gases, she said.

With more fibre-based and recyclable designs, Tetra Pak is reshaping the food system with circularity at its core, she said.

EnCo Leads Real Estate Outlook Towards Sustainable Cities

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

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

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

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

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

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