Thailand

The USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, docks in Pattaya, Thailand, after a record-long deployment of over 200 days in the Middle East. Nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines on shore leave are expected to spend $30 to $91 per day, providing a short-term economic boost. However, authorities warn of increased risks of sexual exploitation and sexually transmitted diseases, having detained 40-50 people for suspected prostitution. The prolonged deployment has also raised mental health concerns, including reports of attempted suicides and declining morale.

24 reports · 10 sources · Updated Sep 3, 07:43 AM UTC

The U.S. Navy is deploying the USS George Washington from Japan to the Arabian Sea to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for over 260 days supporting operations against Iran. Reports describe severe crew fatigue, food and supply shortages, sanitation issues, and multiple suicide attempts aboard the Lincoln. Lawmakers have called for oversight, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the accounts as misrepresented. The relief carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt, will not be ready until September.

41 reports · 15 sources · Updated Aug 25, 03:59 PM UTC

District Police Chief (Ernakulam Rural) K.S. Sudarshan announced that a key suspect in the Perumbavoor hybrid ganja case is operating from Thailand and efforts are underway to arrest him. The suspect, a native of Thamarassery in Kozhikode, has been absconding since a 2021 road accident in Ramanattukara that killed five people during an alleged gold heist attempt. Police have gathered evidence linking him to trafficking hybrid ganja from Thailand. The hybrid ganja network was uncovered after the seizure of 18 kg of suspected hybrid cannabis from a Vypeen-based couple on June 24. Separately, a 12-year-old girl reported missing from Karumaloor was traced to Pune and is being brought back to Kochi. The officer also stated that the organ trafficking case is still with the Crime Branch and has not yet been transferred to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) he heads.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:24 PM UTC

On July 28, 1976, the Madras Snake Park in Guindy received a new King Cobra, caught in the North Andamans rain forest on June 15 by Romulus Whitaker, the park's Honorary Director. The snake, a female, arrived in Madras on July 1 and was placed in a special enclosure designed to simulate its natural habitat. Previous King Cobras from Thailand and Karnataka had died in captivity, prompting efforts to air condition the enclosure. Whitaker noted that King Cobras are found only in specific rain forests and mangrove swamps in India, including the Sunderbans, Bhitarkanika sanctuary, and Western Ghats. The article describes the species' growth from 12-15 inches at hatching to a maximum of 19 feet, with females laying about 20 eggs that hatch in two months. It also clarifies that the King Cobra is not a true cobra, though it is also poisonous.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:01 PM UTC

Thailand's Food and Drug Administration has approved Nuzolvence (zoliflodacin), a first-in-class oral antibiotic for uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhoea, making it the second country after the United States to authorize the drug. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories led the priority review submission with support from the GARDP Foundation, while its subsidiary Aurigene Pharmaceutical Services contributed to product development. The drug was developed through a public-private partnership involving Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics. GARDP holds rights to register and commercialize zoliflodacin in over 75% of countries, including most low- and middle-income nations, while Innoviva retains commercial rights in major markets like North America and the EU. The approval highlights collaboration among global health organizations and pharmaceutical companies to address multidrug-resistant gonorrhoea.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 05:39 PM UTC

The Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P), a flexible trade arrangement launched in September 2025 with 14 founding members, is gaining momentum. On July 17, ministers from 21 countries met in New Zealand to advance the initiative, which now has 19 members representing nearly 20% of global goods trade. Spearheaded by Singapore, Switzerland, New Zealand, and the UAE, FIT-P focuses on practical collaboration to strengthen supply chains, remove non-tariff barriers, integrate digital technologies, and facilitate investment. Unlike traditional free trade agreements, FIT-P has no legally binding obligations; members can choose which initiatives to join. The Auckland meeting produced three separate declarations on non-tariff barriers, digital trade facilitation, and economic resilience. The initiative reflects a growing trend among smaller economies to diversify trade partnerships and pursue agile, adaptable cooperation outside major power blocs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:36 PM UTC

Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a criminal complaint against crypto exchange Bitkub and two former directors, Sakolkorn Sakavee and Thaweesap Rawan, for allegedly submitting false reports after a May 2021 cyberattack that drained 1.7 billion baht ($47 million) in digital assets. The SEC claims Bitkub's daily net-capital filings from May to October 2021 showed no significant change, hiding the loss in violation of the Digital Asset Business Decree. Bitkub stated the decision not to disclose the hack was to avoid a bank run, and its co-founders used personal funds to buy replacement assets, leaving customers unharmed. Former director Sakolkorn took sole responsibility, saying he altered filings without informing others. The case now moves to police and prosecutors. Bitkub, once Thailand's dominant exchange, has since been overtaken by Binance TH and shelved a planned IPO in November 2025, now considering a $200 million offering in Hong Kong.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 09:16 AM UTC

Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a criminal complaint against crypto exchange Bitkub and two former directors, Sakolkorn Sakavee and Thaweesap Rawan, for allegedly submitting false reports after a May 2021 cyberattack that drained 1.7 billion baht ($47 million) in digital assets. The SEC alleges that Bitkub's daily net-capital filings from May to October 2021 showed no significant change, hiding the loss in violation of the Digital Asset Business Decree. Bitkub stated the decision not to disclose was to avoid a bank run, and that co-founders used personal funds to buy replacement assets, leaving customers unharmed. Former director Sakolkorn admitted in a video statement to altering filings alone and apologized, resigning from boards. The case now moves to police and prosecutors. Bitkub, once Thailand's dominant exchange, has since been overtaken by Binance TH and shelved a planned IPO in November 2025.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 09:16 AM UTC

Thailand's manufacturing production index (MPI) for June 2026 fell 3.1% year-on-year, significantly underperforming market expectations of a 0.2% increase. The data, reported by the Business Times Singapore, also showed that the country's manufacturing output for the first half of 2026 (January to June) declined by 0.4% compared to the same period last year. The June reading marks a sharp contraction compared to the forecast, indicating ongoing weakness in Thailand's industrial sector. The report highlights persistent challenges for Thai manufacturers, potentially linked to subdued global demand or domestic economic headwinds. The publication date is July 27, 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 05:02 AM UTC

Thailand's manufacturing production index (MPI) for June 2026 fell 3.1% year-on-year, significantly underperforming market expectations of a 0.2% increase. The data, released by the Ministry of Industry, indicates continued weakness in the country's industrial sector. For the first half of 2026 (January to June), the MPI declined by 0.4% compared to the same period last year. The June reading marks a sharp reversal from the modest growth anticipated by analysts, highlighting ongoing challenges for Thai manufacturers amid global economic headwinds and subdued domestic demand. The report was published by The Business Times Singapore on July 27, 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 05:02 AM UTC

Thailand has shelved its ambitious one-trillion-baht 'land bridge' megaproject, which aimed to create an alternative trade route across the Kra Isthmus to bypass the Strait of Malacca. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced the decision on July 24, citing a government feasibility study that confirmed poor financial returns. The project would have involved constructing two deep-sea ports linked by a dual-track railway and six-lane motorway across 90 kilometers, requiring massive land reclamation in ecologically sensitive provinces. Instead, the government will pursue a downsized upgrade of Ranong Port, including modernization and a direct rail connection to the national network. The decision was welcomed by the Thai public, which opposed the project over environmental concerns and fears of excessive foreign capital. However, the heavy promotion of the project to international investors despite its questionable viability has damaged Thailand's credibility, especially as other major infrastructure projects like the high-speed rail linking three airports remain stalled.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 10:04 PM UTC

Thailand has officially shelved the one-trillion-baht 'land bridge' megaproject across its upper southern provinces, which aimed to create an alternative trade route to the Strait of Malacca via two deep-sea ports linked by rail and highway. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced the decision on July 24, citing a government feasibility study showing unfavorable financial returns. The project faced multiple obstacles: cumbersome cargo loading/unloading operations that could take longer than the Malacca route, severe environmental damage from reclaiming 13,000 rai of sea area in ecologically rich provinces, and fierce public opposition over environmental concerns and fear of excessive foreign capital. Instead, the government will pursue a downsized infrastructure upgrade focusing on modernizing Ranong Port and connecting it to the national rail network. The decision comes with no monetary loss as no land acquisition or construction had begun, though it raises questions about Thailand's credibility after heavily promoting the project to international investors. The article notes that the land bridge concept could return if Ranong Port modernization succeeds.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 10:04 PM UTC

Thailand has shelved its ambitious one-trillion-baht 'land bridge' megaproject, which aimed to create an alternative trade route across the Kra Isthmus to bypass the Strait of Malacca. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced the decision on July 24, citing unfavorable findings from a government feasibility study. The study confirmed skeptics' concerns that projected financial returns did not justify the massive capital outlay, and that the operational requirement to repeatedly load and unload goods would be cumbersome and time-consuming. Environmental damage was another major issue, as construction would have required reclaiming approximately 13,000 rai of sea area in two ecologically rich provinces. Instead, the government will pursue a downsized infrastructure upgrade focused on modernizing Ranong Port and connecting it to the national rail network. The decision comes with no monetary loss since no land acquisition or construction had begun, though it raises questions about Thailand's credibility after heavily promoting the project to international investors. The land bridge concept, rooted in centuries-old ideas of a Kra Isthmus canal, could potentially return if Ranong Port modernization succeeds.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 10:04 PM UTC

KB Kookmin Bank, South Korea's largest bank, announced on July 26, 2026, that it will launch a blockchain-based payment service for import and export companies starting in August. The service will initially process US dollar payments over JPMorgan's Kinexys blockchain network, formerly known as Onyx. Kinexys has processed over $4 trillion since its launch, with average daily transactions exceeding $7 billion. The service will support dollar remittances to 10 countries including the US, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, South Africa, and South Korea itself. Korean branches and KB Kookmin's Singapore office will offer the service. This follows the bank's recent selection for a government-backed deposit token payment project run by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Internet & Security Agency.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 06:00 PM UTC

Portuguese wheelchair racer Mamudo Baldé set a new world record in the T54 class 100 meters at the Portuguese Outdoor Championships in Lisbon, clocking 13.49 seconds. The 21-year-old athlete from Academia João Correia shaved five seconds off the previous record held by Thailand's Athiwat Paeng-Nuea, set in May in Switzerland. Baldé finished ahead of Rafael Neto (14.37 seconds) and Guilherme Alves (16.38 seconds). This achievement follows his fifth-place finish in the T54 100 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 11:09 PM UTC

Anthony Joshua recovered from two first-round knockdowns to knock out Kristian Prenga in the second round in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 26, 2026. The victory, dedicated to two friends killed in a December 2025 car crash that Joshua survived, moves him closer to a heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury. Contracts for the all-British fight, likely in November, have been signed, with potential venues in the USA or Wembley Stadium.

6 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 26, 11:11 AM UTC

This is a prepared remarks transcript from The Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCVPY) Q2 2026 earnings conference call, hosted by Seeking Alpha. The call was moderated by Sikachi from SCG Investor Relations. Management, including CEO Thammasak, SCG Chemicals CEO Sakchai, SCG Cement-Building Materials CEO Wiroat, and CFO Chantanida, presented consolidated results, business updates, and outlook for the second quarter of 2026. The session covered financial performance across SCG's segments, including Chemicals, Cement-Building Materials, and Packaging, followed by a Q&A session. The transcript indicates a structured analyst briefing with both online and offline participants.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 07:50 PM UTC

Mitsubishi Motors plans to invest Bt16 billion ($473.23 million) in Thailand by 2030 to support the country's electric vehicle (EV) transition, according to a Thai government spokesperson. The investment will focus on EV technology, including the development of an electric variant of the Pajero SUV and potential manufacturing and export of pickup trucks, with Thailand as the production hub. Thailand, Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, already hosts major automakers like Toyota, Honda, and BYD. Japanese automakers face pressure from expanding Chinese EV brands. Mitsubishi announced in May that the Pajero nameplate will return globally in autumn 2026 after a five-year absence. The news follows Thailand's approval of a Bt15 billion investment from Isuzu in April and Xpeng's exploration of a manufacturing facility in the country.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:13 PM UTC

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach has announced the launch of three new facilities: Kanpai, La Cala, and the Splash Zone. La Cala offers a refined Italian dining experience, Kanpai provides authentic Japanese cuisine, and the Splash Zone is an interactive family pool with a water slide and fountains. These additions aim to enhance the guest experience for leisure travelers and families, reinforcing the resort's position as a premier destination in Phuket, Thailand. The resort, part of Marriott Bonvoy, features 414 rooms, 10 dining venues, a spa, multiple pools, and eco-initiatives including solar energy and marine conservation. The announcement was made via a company press release distributed by PRNewswire.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:00 AM UTC

Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach has been recognized in the TripAdvisor Best of the Best awards, achieving a top 15 status. The award celebrates the resort's transformation since its rebranding in late 2023, which blended Thai hospitality with modern amenities. The resort features 445 guestrooms, five outdoor pools, and nine restaurants and bars. Located steps from Patong's nightlife and attractions, it offers a day-to-night experience for families, couples, and corporate guests. The general manager expressed gratitude to guests for their feedback and support. The property is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:02 AM UTC

Thailand's exports surged 20.8% in June 2026 compared to the same month last year, significantly exceeding market forecasts. The strong performance was driven by a 44.3% increase in shipments to the United States, Thailand's largest export market. For the first half of 2026, Thai exports rose 17.6% year-on-year, indicating robust trade momentum. The data suggests continued demand for Thai goods, particularly from the US, and reflects positively on Thailand's economic recovery.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:03 AM UTC

Thailand's exports surged 20.8% in June 2026 compared to the same month last year, exceeding market forecasts. Shipments to the United States, Thailand's largest export market, rose sharply by 44.3% year-on-year. For the first half of 2026, Thai exports increased by 17.6% year-on-year. The data indicates strong external demand, particularly from the US, driving Thailand's trade performance.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:03 AM UTC

OCBC Bank and Thailand's Asset World Corp (AWC) have signed a US$200 million sustainability-linked loan agreement. The tie-up is designed to support AWC's growth-led strategy across its hospitality, commercial, and lifestyle destination portfolio. The loan is structured to incentivize AWC to meet predetermined sustainability performance targets, aligning the company's financial strategy with its environmental and social goals. This partnership reflects the growing trend of integrating sustainability criteria into corporate financing in Southeast Asia, particularly in the real estate and hospitality sectors. The deal was announced on July 24, 2026, and was reported by The Business Times Singapore.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:03 AM UTC

OCBC Bank and Thailand's Asset World Corp (AWC) have signed a US$200 million sustainability-linked loan agreement. The loan is designed to support AWC's growth-led strategy across its hospitality, commercial, and lifestyle destination portfolio. The agreement ties the loan's terms to AWC's achievement of predefined sustainability performance targets, aligning financial incentives with environmental and social goals. This partnership reflects the growing trend of integrating sustainability criteria into corporate financing, particularly in the real estate and hospitality sectors in Southeast Asia. The deal was announced on July 24, 2026, and was reported by The Business Times Singapore.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:03 AM UTC

The U.S. Treasury Department released its semi-annual currency report on July 23, 2026, concluding that no major U.S. trading partner manipulated its currency for trade advantage during 2025. However, ten economies—China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland—remain on the Treasury's monitoring list for close scrutiny of their currency practices and macroeconomic policies. The report noted that Thailand, Singapore, and Switzerland each met only one of the three criteria for enhanced analysis and could be removed if they fail to meet at least two in the next report. The Treasury also expanded its monitoring scope to include resistance to depreciation pressure, not just appreciation, reflecting a broader approach to exchange rate surveillance.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:04 PM UTC

The Vita Coco Company has acquired Copra, a New York-based producer of super-premium Thai Nam Hom coconut water, for an initial purchase price of $175 million. The deal, announced on July 22, 2026, includes potential additional earnout payments of $45 million to $100 million in 2029 based on Copra's 2028 financial performance. Copra, which also produces coconut food products and operates a production site in Thailand, expects annual net sales to exceed $100 million this year, primarily in the Americas. Vita Coco executives highlighted Copra's 50% net sales CAGR over the past three years in the cold-chain coconut water segment and see the acquisition as a way to expand market share, capacity, and product offerings. Vita Coco raised its 2026 guidance, now projecting net sales of $720-$735 million and adjusted EBITDA of $132-$138 million.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 01:14 PM UTC

The 2026 Asian Games men's football group draw has been announced, placing China in Group B alongside the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and North Korea. The draw, reported by Hupu on July 23, also revealed Group A featuring Japan, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, and Hong Kong China; Group C with Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Philippines, and Kuwait; and Group D comprising South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The article notes reader reactions calling the group a 'group of death' and expressing hope for China to top the group. The tournament is scheduled to take place in 2026, though specific dates and venues were not provided in this report.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 05:44 AM UTC

On July 22, 2026, the SEA-H2X international submarine cable, led and invested by China Mobile, completed system acceptance tests and launched commercially. The 5,746-kilometer cable connects Hainan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore, with a design capacity exceeding 200 Tbps. China Mobile, as the largest investor and operator of the Network Operations Center, secured over 100 Tbps of dedicated bandwidth. The project employs open cable access technology and aims to create a 30-millisecond low-latency computing power circle between China and Southeast Asia. It will integrate with existing Asia-Pacific and intercontinental cable systems to establish a cross-continental transmission corridor. The launch is positioned as a milestone under the Belt and Road Initiative, supporting digital infrastructure and overseas expansion of Chinese enterprises.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:00 AM UTC

According to an exclusive report by the Financial Times, King Power International Group, Thailand's largest duty-free operator and parent company of Leicester City Football Club, has hired Citigroup to manage the sale of the club. The club, which won the Premier League title a decade ago, has suffered a sharp decline, being relegated for two consecutive seasons and now set to play in England's third-tier league. Financial pressures are severe: the club posted a loss of £71.1 million on revenue of £186.5 million for the year ending June 2025, and was deducted six points by the English Football League for breaching financial rules. The club's former owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, died in a 2018 helicopter crash; his son Aiyawatt currently runs the club. The sale process is in early stages, with Citigroup handling the evaluation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:56 PM UTC

On July 22, 2026, the SEA-H2X international submarine cable, led and invested by China Mobile, launched commercially after completing system acceptance tests. The 5,746-kilometer cable connects Hainan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore, with a design capacity exceeding 200 Tbps using eight fiber pairs and open cable access technology. China Mobile, as the largest investor, secured over 100 Tbps of dedicated bandwidth and operates the Network Operations Center. The cable aims to create a 30-millisecond low-latency computing power circle between China and Southeast Asia, supporting AI-era computing demands. It integrates with existing Asia-Pacific and intercontinental cable systems to form a cross-continental transmission corridor. The project is positioned as a key infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative, linking the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Hainan Free Trade Port with Southeast Asian markets to support Chinese enterprises' overseas expansion and regional digital development.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:00 PM UTC