BANGKOK: Power, not land prices, has become the biggest hurdle for data centre investors evaluating Thailand, as growing demand is increasingly constrained by limited electricity and water infrastructure, according to property consultancy Savills Thailand.

The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2026, one of the year's most anticipated film festivals, officially opened on July 31 at House Samyan cinema in Bangkok. The festival kicked off with "Bird of Paradise," a critically acclaimed drama-comedy that has screened at numerous international film festivals. The opening ceremony drew actors and directors from both Hong Kong and Thailand, creating a vibrant atmosphere that impressed attendees.

The event was presided over by Parson Lam, director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, and was attended by Rani Ittharat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture. Lam emphasized Hong Kong's continued government support for regional film industry development and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening cultural and trade cooperation between Hong Kong and Thailand, marking a significant elevation of bilateral relations and reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a bridge for cultural exchange between East and West.

Prominent Hong Kong directors and actors included Joey Wu (director) and Catherine Chau (actress) from "Bird of Paradise," Ronald Lam from "Unidentified Murder," and Yukki Tai from "Dog Day Evening." Four accomplished Thai actors joined the event to collaborate and exchange perspectives with their Hong Kong counterparts: Nongkul Chanan Santintarakul from "Clever Con Game," Meen Peeravichya Atsit Sathaporn from "Tha Rae," Phan Panthita Boonchaun from "Term 4," and Biw Chakraphan Pootha from "KinnPorsche the Series."

The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2026 features seven rare, high-quality Hong Kong films running from July 31 to August 9, 2026 at House Samyan, giving Thai film enthusiasts a chance to experience Hong Kong's distinctive culture, identity, and diverse stories through cinema.

Thailand's Commerce Ministry is chairing negotiations on the ASEAN-China free trade agreement, with both sides targeting full implementation of the upgraded ACFTA 3.0 by the end of 2024. Deputy Director-General Umapon Futtrakul of the International Trade Negotiation Department was assigned by Director-General Chotima Eamswaddikul to lead the ASEAN delegation alongside Lin Feng, director-general of China's Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs, at the 17th ASEAN-China Free Trade Area Joint Committee (ACFTA-JC) meeting on July 23–24, 2024, conducted via videoconference.

This is the first ACFTA-JC meeting in three years since 2022, as ASEAN and China have been negotiating to upgrade the trade framework to ACFTA 3.0. Both sides have agreed the upgraded pact will take effect within 2024 to allow ASEAN and China's leaders to announce success at the ASEAN-China Summit scheduled for November 2024. Seven ASEAN member states, including Thailand, have already completed their domestic ratification processes, and once China finishes, the protocol will take effect within 60 days, enabling businesses to benefit from the modernized and streamlined ACFTA framework.

The meeting also reviewed progress on key ACFTA commitments, including updating tariff schedules to the HS 2022 standard and developing an electronic Certificate of Origin exchange system (EODES) to reduce paperwork and processing time for origin verification. Thailand is currently discussing the system's development with China. Discussions also covered allocation of funding from a China-backed development fund to support ASEAN economic cooperation initiatives and prepare for new ACFTA 3.0 areas such as digital trade, green trade, and supply chain connectivity.

China has been ASEAN's top trading partner for 16 consecutive years. In 2023, ASEAN-China trade totaled $916.15 billion, up 18.59 percent year-on-year, with Thailand ranking as China's third-largest trading partner in ASEAN after Vietnam and Malaysia. In the first three months of 2024, ASEAN-China bilateral trade reached $238.45 billion, with ASEAN exports to China valued at $77.48 billion and imports from China at $160.97 billion. ASEAN's key exports include electrical machinery and components, nuclear reactors and parts, mineral fuels, steel, and edible fruits and nuts, while main imports include electrical machinery, reactors, plastics, steel, and vehicles and automotive components.

On August 3, 2025, at 10:35 a.m., the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) issued summons for 22 suspects in an illegal forex trading case. The charges include conspiracy to commit fraud, unauthorized securities trading, unregistered futures contracts, computer data falsification, and money laundering. Film, officially named Rathaphoomi Tokongthrop, was called to acknowledge charges and provide explanation regarding financial transactions linked to Ether Wealth Limited, a designated brokerage network, and a money transfer of 6,000,100 baht from an individual named Purithat on June 26, 2014. Total accumulated transaction value reached 142,919,860.13 baht. Investigators also discovered his financial connections to HF Markets (SV) Ltd, registered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and other offshore jurisdictions including Seychelles, the United Kingdom, and the Cayman Islands—jurisdictions chosen to evade Thai regulatory oversight. Film's attorney, Pramuan Lueangwattanawanich, stated before the meeting that his client would clarify all points raised by investigators and provide any necessary documentation later. The attorney emphasized that payment gateway transfers and other disputed matters were unrelated to Film and that any fraudulent activity would need to be traced through the full money flow chain involving other accused parties.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anuthín Charnvirakul said at the Ministry of Interior on August 3 that he is doing his part, but clarification should come from those responsible. The government has no involvement with the Senate and is not the party that needs to explain the matter. When asked if a complaint has been filed against Yingcheep Atchananont, director of the Internet Law Project (iLaw), Anuthín said legal proceedings are underway. His lawyer, Suphachai Jaisamut, a lawmaker on Bhumjaithai's party list, is handling the case.

Prime Minister Anuthín Charnveerakul and Interior Minister addressed the royal decree process regarding the removal of Dr. Sorn Bunyopachaipruk, a clinical professor and NBTC chairman, on grounds of failing to meet statutory qualifications. Anuthín stressed that the action complied fully with the law and all procedures, which he has assigned Deputy PM Pakorn Nilpraphan (legal affairs) to verify. He confirmed that the Prime Minister had no discretion in this case and was bound to follow the law and prescribed steps exactly as written.