Kasikornbank reported first-half 2025 profit of 27.915 billion baht, up 6.22 percent, despite a slowdown in second-quarter economic activity. The bank expects a recovery in the second half driven by government stimulus measures, but faces ongoing risks from Middle Eastern conflict, energy prices, U.S. tariffs, and El Niño effects.

Kattiya Intravijai, president and chief executive of Kasikornbank, said Thai economic growth slowed in the second quarter amid mounting external pressures, particularly Middle East tensions, which have kept energy costs elevated and increased inflation and living-cost pressures domestically. Government stimulus measures have only partially flowed into the real economy, while tourism faces recovery constraints with foreign arrivals declining year-on-year. Electronics and AI-related exports performed strongly, but other export categories are weakening as trading partners' economies slow.

In the second half of 2025, Thai economic growth is expected to improve compared to the second quarter, with domestic spending supported by additional government economic stimulus measures. However, these efforts may prove insufficient to reverse the full-year slowdown, as the economy faces ongoing uncertainty from Middle East developments, which could keep global energy prices volatile and elevated. U.S. tariff policies, El Niño developments, and constraints on government spending disbursement and effectiveness remain significant challenges for Thai economic recovery in the remainder of the year.

Given the high-uncertainty economic environment, the bank is closely monitoring and assessing the situation to manage risks, adjust strategy, and implement operations flexibly while supporting customers through the uncertain period and backing government policy fully.

In the second quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter, the bank and subsidiaries posted net profit attributable to the bank of 13.247 billion baht, down 9.68 percent. Quarter-on-quarter net profit attributable to the bank declined 0.98 percent when adjusted for a one-time investment valuation gain of 1.455 billion baht in the prior quarter. Net interest income totaled 31.432 billion baht, down 1.64 percent, while non-interest income rose 4.14 percent to 18.291 billion baht. Operating expenses came to 20.750 billion baht, up 7.63 percent, primarily from increased marketing costs tied to revenue growth and technology spending to enhance customer service capabilities. Year-on-year, however, operating expenses fell 0.26 percent, reflecting the bank's ongoing efficiency management strategy. The bank also set aside 10.019 billion baht in expected credit loss provisions to cover economic uncertainty and future challenges, both domestic and international, which carry high volatility and require close monitoring.

Actress Grace Kanjchanarak has clarified that she does not look down on bachelor's degrees, emphasizing that all levels of education have their own value. In a video clip, Grace explained that she began working at age 15 while pursuing her studies, and during her university years she had no clear goals and felt like she was just going through the motions. She noted that her bachelor's degree gave her only a diploma, but her master's degree represented a life-changing moment and a new chapter for herself. This sparked some misunderstanding that Grace was disparaging bachelor's degrees.

At a recent press conference for the 8th National SMART Academic Conference at Dhurakij Pundit University, Grace clarified that she never intended to devalue undergraduate education. She explained that each level of education has distinct value: a bachelor's degree provides essential foundational knowledge, while master's and doctoral degrees involve deeper specialization. She emphasized that studying is an expression of responsibility to society, not simply finding information from Google or AI and repeating it.

Grace also revealed her special instructor persona—while she is naturally funny, she still delivers knowledge fully, creating classes that are both informative and entertaining with no sleepy students. When asked about her earlier comments that she gained little from her bachelor's degree beyond the diploma, Grace clarified: "That was taken as a short clip, but I wasn't saying undergraduate education is worthless. I got my degree and credentials, but I couldn't build upon what I learned then because my current career is acting. That field of study didn't support my professional path to the end."

She continued: "A master's degree is deeper study in a field, and a doctorate is the deepest specialization in that subject. It doesn't mean I have more knowledge overall. A bachelor's degree is foundational education meant to be applied in a career—every degree has its use, but a doctorate specifically goes deep into one subject. I don't diminish or look down on bachelor's degrees. My point is that if you want to know something, know it properly in that field, because it's a responsibility. As someone whose words carry weight, I can't just search Google or AI and repeat it. Studying is showing responsibility to society."

Buriram Marathon 2027, presented by Chang Natural Mineral Water, is launching its second decade with a pledge to become Asia's premier marathon destination while generating economic momentum through sports. The race will take place on the evening of Saturday, January 23, 2027, under the theme "Beat the Night, Run the Light," transforming Buriram's night into a festival of running and illumination. The event starts at the world-class Chang International Circuit and finishes at Chang Arena football stadium, offering four race categories: marathon (42.195 km), half-marathon (21.1 km), mini-marathon (10 km), and fun run (4.554 km).

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phanjaroen highlighted that Buriram Marathon has proven itself as a model mass-participation event linking sports, tourism, and the economy. Over the past 10 years, it has generated approximately 5.2 billion baht in economic circulation while distributing benefits to local communities through Buriram residents' participation and international-standard race management. The ministry is committed to supporting the event as part of efforts to position Thailand as a leading sports tourism destination in Asia.

Buriram Governor Piya Pichinam credited the marathon's success to provincial unity, from cheering squads and volunteers to local residents serving as hosts along the race route. He announced that the province aims to elevate the event across all dimensions to accommodate the growing influx of international tourists and runners. Surapol Utindoo, managing director of Chang Natural Mineral Water, expressed pride in supporting the marathon's growth for 11 years and pledged to continue enhancing the experience through entertainment, lights, colors, sound, and special activities for both returning and new runners.

Bangkok Asset Management (BAM) has purchased non-performing loans worth over 6 billion baht from Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) in an exclusive large-lot transaction, reinforcing its position as Thailand's premier asset management company. According to Raksa Worakitpokathon, BAM's Chief Executive Officer, this acquisition marks another significant step in expanding the company's asset portfolio and strengthening its growth potential.

BAM will immediately apply its "Fresh Start with BAM" program to borrowers in the acquired SCB portfolio, focusing on restructuring debts to match each borrower's financial capacity. The goal is to increase opportunities for debtors to achieve financial stability and make sustainable repayment, aligning with BAM's role as a creator of financial opportunities and a driver of economic recovery.

"We expect this investment to generate returns exceeding 15% and to collect no less than 500 million baht in cash from the portfolio by the end of 2025, which will be another important factor supporting the company's performance growth according to targets," Raksa stated. He noted that the debt purchase reflects BAM's confidence in the non-performing loan market's potential and underscores the company's disciplined investment strategy coupled with careful risk management. Beyond asset management, BAM continues its mission to revive the economy, create opportunities for borrowers to re-enter the financial system, enable productive assets to generate economic value again, and drive sustainable organizational growth.

On July 21, Wimol Suangam, 77, a resident of Muang Ti subdistrict in Muang district, Surin province, has submitted documentation multiple times seeking a state welfare card, or poor person's card, but has never been approved. Her latest application is even more troubling: her name does not appear in the system for eligibility verification, despite her physical disability, living alone, and extreme poverty with no means to eat.

Out of desperation, Wimol hitched a ride with a neighbor to inquire directly at Krung Thai Bank. Each time bank officials checked, they found no record of her in the system. They advised her to register again, but no one could tell her when new registrations would open.

Recently, Srachai Suphimars, chief of the Muang Ti subdistrict administration, along with community development officers and relevant agencies, visited Wimol's home to investigate and seek solutions. The moment Wimol saw the subdistrict chief, she rushed to embrace him and wept with relief, finally having an official body listen to her problem and offer help.

Initial investigation revealed that Wimol had completed a registration form in 2026 to verify eligibility for state welfare benefits for those left out of the census survey who face income and livelihood hardship. The village headman submitted her documents to Muang Surin District Office following proper procedure, but her information never appeared in the system.

Srachai stated that upon learning the elderly woman's name was missing from the system despite having submitted documents, he immediately went to verify the facts. He confirmed he would urgently trace every step to find where the documents were lost, not to blame any agency, but to resolve the problem quickly. He acknowledged that while the welfare card amount is small, it holds tremendous value for someone with nothing. "Though the money is modest, it matters greatly to someone truly in need," he said, his voice catching with emotion.

Wimol's home, built from salvaged materials years ago when she was strong enough to work as a laborer in Bangkok, now reflects her dire circumstances. She lives alone, in poor health, surviving on only 1,500 baht monthly in disability and elderly allowance—her sole possessions.

"The state welfare card may not seem significant to many, but for an impoverished elderly person like you, every baht carries profound meaning. We will do everything we can to ensure you receive the benefits you rightfully deserve," Srachai declared.

The village headman produced registration evidence confirming the documents were properly submitted, but acknowledged not knowing where the error occurred. He is now preparing to help Wimol file an appeal with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC).

Wimol, tearfully opening her heart, expressed her bewilderment at why her information disappeared from the system despite following every step the headman instructed. She added that her physical condition makes travel difficult, and she cannot frequently inquire in person. Living alone after losing her child, she has struggled to understand why help remains out of reach.

Parameter has apologized after glass shards were discovered in a gelato product, injuring a customer's mouth. A young woman posted about the incident on social media on July 21, 2025, reporting that she found glass fragments in her cup while eating at the trendy gelato shop, which cut her lip and caused bleeding; she also accidentally swallowed some of the glass. The customer clarified she was not attacking the restaurant but expressed disappointment with the company's response and accountability measures.

Parameter released a statement acknowledging the accident and expressing sincere apologies, recognizing the impact on the customer's trust and confidence. The company's management and staff immediately assisted the customer, recommending medical treatment and covering all related medical expenses while monitoring her condition. After becoming aware of the social media posts, staff reached out to hear the customer's feedback and offered additional support if needed.

Parameter has reviewed and upgraded safety measures across all service stages, including glass container handling, pre-service inspections, operational standards review, and staff training to prevent similar incidents. The company stated that this incident is an important lesson that will drive improvements in customer care and safety standards. Parameter pledged to demonstrate its responsibility through continuous improvements and asked customers to trust in their commitment to ensuring confidence with every visit.