Krung Thai Bank achieved sustainable growth in the second quarter of 2025, recording a net profit of 12.125 billion baht, a 9 percent increase from the same period last year, reflecting quality growth amid careful asset quality management amid challenges in the Thai and global economies. Total lending grew 5.1 percent year-on-year, driven primarily by retail credit, large business lending, and government sector loans. Net interest income declined 13.5 percent in line with downward interest rate trends and the bank's proactive interest rate reductions to support borrowers, combined with efficient financial cost management, resulting in a net interest margin of 2.45 percent. The bank continues to increase the proportion of non-interest income to strengthen revenue sustainability, with net fees and service income rising 10.3 percent from growth in the wealth business through three main drivers: digital, product innovation, and distribution, as well as expansion of other income from money market and capital market businesses. The bank maintained efficient cost management, bringing the cost-to-income ratio down to 38.9 percent from 42.3 percent due to improved operational efficiency and reduced asset management expenses. Simultaneously, the bank continues investing in technology and digital capabilities to enhance competitive strength and support long-term growth. Asset quality remains strong, with an NPL ratio of 2.92 percent, appropriate credit costs at 0.95 percent, and a consistently high coverage ratio of 205 percent to adequately cushion economic uncertainty. For the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, the bank and subsidiaries posted a net profit of 24.562 billion baht, an increase from the prior year period.

Dr. Ko Theerasak, a devoted dog lover, was thrilled to learn that a relative of his beloved dog Hero had given birth to five puppies. He immediately drove to Axotic Cafe in the Ladprao 71 area to welcome these premium new family members—the offspring of "Cheese"—consisting of three females and two males. The standout feature is that they are Samoyden Doodles, representing among the first of this breed produced in Thailand, with an irresistibly cute and fluffy appearance.

Ko Theerasak explained the exclusive appeal of this litter: "The genetic excellence comes from both sides. On the mother's side, Cheese is descended from the grandfather 'Poseidon,' a purebred Samoyed imported from China, and grandmother 'Judy,' a Goldendoodle imported from America. On the father's side is Dark, a sturdy Goldendoodle house champion." When combined perfectly, they produce puppies with distinctive features, soft fluffy coats, endearing faces, and are expected to grow into beautifully structured adult dogs.

Axotic Cafe is now offering these puppies for reservation. They represent exceptional value compared to imported purebred lines. Beyond meeting the new puppies, visitors can also interact and play with over 34 rare dog breeds at the cafe. Anyone wanting to be among the first owners of this world-class new breed should act quickly.

GO Wholesale, a fresh food wholesale center for business operators under Central Food Wholesale Company Limited (Central Retail), is continuing its partnership with the Commerce and Interior ministries to drive Phase 2 of the "Thai Help Thai" program at district offices nationwide, aimed at continuously reducing living costs for citizens through affordable product booths at district offices near or housing GO Wholesale branches in Mueang Samut Prakan, San Kamphaeng Chiang Mai, Mueang and Bang Lamung Chon Buri, Kratu and Mueang Phuket, Nong Wua So Udon Thani, Ko Sum Phisai Maha Sarakham, Hat Yai Songkhla, and Mueang Rayong. Booths will operate every other Friday from 08:30–16:30 on July 3, 17, 31, August 14 and 28, and September 11 and 25, 2026.

Oruwan Sirichotirattanat, Senior Assistant Managing Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at Central Food Wholesale Company Limited, stated that GO Wholesale recognizes ongoing economic volatility affecting consumer spending and business operator cost management. The company prioritizes supporting government economic stimulus measures to strengthen grassroots economies, including the expanded "Thai Help Thai" program now in Phase 2, with ten GO Wholesale branches participating in booths selling consumer goods and affordable food ingredients.

"For Phase 2, we selected quality consumer products with special promotions up to 50% off, covering our own brands A-Choice, Supersave, SIPP, and Yim, plus many alternative brands, to help reduce public spending burden and provide access to quality ingredients at fair prices for small retailers during difficult times," Oruwan stated.

According to the Department of Business Development under the Commerce Ministry, Phase 1 of the "Thai Help Thai" program across 878 locations generated 135.40 million baht in sales, involved 51,491 participating shops, attracted over 1.08 million shoppers, and saved citizens 29.62 million baht in living expenses. GO Wholesale has supported the program since its launch on May 1, 2026, alongside the "Thai Help Thai: Reduce Burden, Lower Living Costs" campaign across all 14 branches and online channels to expand access to quality affordable products and support government efforts to ease public spending pressures.

BANGKOK: The Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG) is preparing to provide credit guarantees for nanofinance loans to help small entrepreneurs gain greater access to formal financing.

On July 20, 2025, Wannee Mahaneeranont, secretary-general of the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund (ARDF), announced that the organization is now accepting applications to recruit qualified individuals as board members from both government and private sector backgrounds. The recruitment opens an opportunity for knowledgeable and experienced professionals to participate in formulating policies and operational guidelines for agricultural assistance and development programs nationwide.

Deputy Prime Minister Yasachon Wongsawasdi, in his capacity as ARDF board chairman and recruitment committee chair, signed the recruitment announcement dated July 17, 2025. Qualified candidates will be recommended to the board chairman before Cabinet consideration for formal appointment under the 1999 Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund Act.

Areas of Expertise Sought: Candidates from both government and private sectors must demonstrate knowledge, expertise, achievements, and experience in one of the following fields: • Financial management or banking • Local economic rehabilitation and development • Community-based industries • Agricultural technology • Water resource development • Conservation and restoration of natural resources and the environment

Qualifications for Private Sector Applicants: Private sector candidates must have no legal disqualifications, including: • Not holding political office, political party positions, or local government roles • Not serving as a political party board member, advisor, or officer • Not currently employed as a civil servant or state enterprise official with permanent status • No history of dismissal from state or state enterprise positions due to misconduct

Government sector applicants must obtain written approval or endorsement from their respective agency heads before nomination.

Required Documents: • Two passport-style photographs (2 inches) • Copy of national ID card or government employee card (1 copy) • Copy of house registration document (1 copy) • Copy of educational credentials or work achievement certification from organization (if available)

Application Period and Locations: Interested candidates may submit applications in person between July 21–26, 2025 (including public holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Bangkok Headquarters: Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund Office, CEC Building No. 68/12, Floors 3–5, Kamphaengphet 6 Road, Ladyao Subdistrict, Chatuchak District, Bangkok 10900

Regional Branches: Applications also accepted at ARDF provincial branch offices nationwide

For more information, contact the ARDF head office at 080-0702991 or 080-070-2334.

On July 22, 2025, Election Commission Chairman Nrong Klunvarin addressed the progress of fraud investigations into the national election day, stating that the review is proceeding on schedule with four more rounds of consideration remaining and more than half the work already completed. When asked whether any political figures identified by the Thai Raksa Chart Party and iLaw in their disclosure of Surat Thani provincial election data are included in the commission's investigations, Nrong said he did not know what information they had released but assured the public that the commission is reviewing all cases based on evidence and on schedule, with nothing to worry about. Regarding criticism and pressure from political parties and civil society groups calling for all cases to be referred to court, Nrong emphasized that the commission considers cases based on evidence alone and does not view such pressure as interference, stating the commission is simply fulfilling its duty and will do so to the best of its ability. On the matter of the performance evaluation of Election Commission Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee for 2024, the chairman laughed and said to ask the secretary-general directly, while Sawaeng declined to comment.