Newly Elected MP Declares Assets Worth Nearly 2 Billion Baht

Newly elected MP from Chaiyaphum Ms. Suchada Sang Thantrop declared joint assets of nearly 2 billion baht with her husband, including luxury items like diamonds, designer handbags, and Patek Philippe watches, according to the National Anti-

22 Jul Khaosod

On July 22, 2025, Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) released asset and liability declarations for high-ranking officials. Among the notable entries was Ms. Suchada Sang Thantrop, a newly elected Member of Parliament from Chaiyaphum province representing the Bhumjaithai Party.

Ms. Suchada declared joint assets with her husband Naiyang Sang totaling 1,974,908,877.24 baht. Ms. Suchada's personal assets amount to 130,026,048.20 baht, her husband's to 1,843,941,579.04 baht, and their minor children's to 941,250 baht. Combined liabilities are 454,286.88 baht.

Ms. Suchada's individual assets include deposits across 12 bank accounts (8.9 million baht), investments (16.1 million baht), four land parcels in Chaiyaphum (17.4 million baht), one vehicle valued at 11.3 million baht, and various rights and concessions (37.5 million baht). She reports annual income of approximately 1.7 million baht, including salary and office rental income, with annual expenses of 500,000 baht.

Her husband's assets total 1.843 billion baht, including deposits (154 million baht), investments (178 million baht), a major loan to Tree Aerials Capital Limited (1.44 billion baht), overseas condominium units, and various luxury items. Notable assets include a 9-rai property in Chaiyaphum valued at 15 million baht and a Lumpini condominium unit worth 37.5 million baht.

Luxury items declared include diamond ear studs (5 million baht), a 5-carat diamond ring (6.7 million baht), a Bulgari Serpenti Viper necklace (6.3 million baht), and several Patek Philippe watches ranging from 1.9 to 3.6 million baht each. An Hermes Kelly crocodile handbag is valued at 1.8 million baht.

The couple also owns artworks by Futura, an American graffiti and street artist from New York, with pieces valued between 5.4 and 7.8 million baht. Futura, originally known as Futura 2000, is a pioneering abstract graffiti artist from the 1970s who blended spray painting with hip-hop culture and has collaborated with global brands including Nike, Supreme, and Off-White.

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National

PM Opens Thailand-China Expo 2026, Marks Trade Investment Ties

Thailand's prime minister opened the Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2026, highlighting both nations' plan to deepen trade and investment ties during the next fifty years of their strategic partnership.

22 Jul Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthon Charnveerakul presided over the opening and keynote address at the Thailand–China Cooperation Expo 2026 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, joined by a coordination mechanism for sustainable Thai-Chinese business partnership involving three key organizations: the Thai Chamber of Commerce led by Pojn Aramwattananon, the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce headed by Narongsakdi Butthapornmongkol, and the Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Thailand led by Liu Chewian Lay. High-level officials and partners including Chinese Acting Chargé d'Affaires Wu Zhiou and IMPACT CEO Paul Kanchanapassorn attended alongside government and business representatives.

Prime Minister Anuthon stated the expo occurs at a critical moment in bilateral relations, with both nations needing to review strategies and set cooperative directions for mutual benefit. He noted Thailand and China share deep-rooted relations spanning generations, celebrated 50 years of diplomatic ties last year, and are now embarking on the next fifty years under a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. He emphasized the government's focus on foreign direct investment (FDI), infrastructure development, and business facilitation through the Thailand FastPass program, which has unlocked over 700 billion baht in investments, while expressing confidence that Thai-Chinese cooperation will bring prosperity to both nations and benefit ASEAN broadly.

Acting Chinese Ambassador Wu Zhiou called this year the beginning of a "golden fifty-year chapter" for China-Thailand relations, reaffirming China's priority commitment to developing ties with Thailand as a trusted strategic partner. He outlined three key expectations for the expo: serving as an effective communication platform between government and private sectors, deepening industrial cooperation through domestic procurement, R&D, and joint human resource development especially for Thai SMEs, and strengthening people-to-people bonds between the two nations.

Pojn Aramwattananon, chair of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and speaking for the Thai-Chinese business coordination mechanism, noted the inaugural expo last year was well-received and successfully created trade, investment, and networking opportunities between Thailand and China. This second edition aims to further elevate economic cooperation between the two countries.

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National

Wacoal Launches Bratop Bra Tank Tops for Modern Women

Thai lingerie brand Wacoal has launched Bratop bra tank tops targeting Gen Z consumers, featuring bamboo fiber technology for comfort and breathability suited to tropical climates.

22 Jul Khaosod

Thai lingerie brand Wacoal is reinforcing its leadership position in women's undergarments by aggressively targeting the Gen Z market with its successful Bratop bra tank top line. Launched through online channels, the product has quickly become a bestseller, reflecting changing consumer behavior that prioritizes comfort and practicality in clothing choices for Thailand's tropical weather. The new collection features refined design based on body expertise, made with Bamboo fiber technology for smooth fit without indentation marks, breathable fabric, and skin-friendly materials aligned with Wacoal's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Dr. Supranie Ooyayasathian, executive director and head of Digital Business at Wacoal Thailand, stated that modern consumers increasingly value comfort in undergarments across various lifestyles including work, travel, and leisure. The Bratop line combines comfort with body support through Free Cut technology, natural bamboo fiber, and a selection of styles including tank tops, singlets, and t-shirts. Available in five sizes (S–2XL) with free shipping on all online platforms including www.wacoal.co.th, Shopee, Lazada, Central Online, ICC Shopping, TikTok Shop, and Wacoal stores, the product has set a sales target of 100,000 units. The success demonstrates that today's lingerie market prioritizes functionality, comfort, and quality alongside fashion, and Wacoal remains committed to developing high-quality products under environmentally friendly production standards.

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National

AIS Secures European Football Rights for Four Seasons

AIS has secured exclusive broadcasting rights to five major UEFA competitions across Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia for four seasons starting 2027/28, with all matches available live and on-demand through AIS PLAY.

22 Jul Khaosod

AIS President and Chief Executive Officer Prathana Leelaphanang announced the landmark partnership with UC3 to become the sole official broadcaster of men's European club football competitions in Thailand. The deal covers five UEFA competitions—Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Super Cup, and Youth League—across Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia for four seasons from 2027/28 to 2030/31, with all matches available live, with highlights, and in replay on AIS PLAY.

"I am proud that we can deliver the greatest European club football competitions to AIS customers and Thai football fans," Prathana said, noting that these tournaments attract massive Thai viewership because they feature top clubs and superstar players from Europe's elite leagues including the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 competing for continental supremacy.

The strategic partnership between AIS and UC3, in coordination with UEFA and the European Football Clubs association representing over 800 top clubs, integrates with AIS PLAY, Thailand's leading digital sports content hub. Combined with other world-class sports rights already held by AIS PLAY, the deal reinforces the platform's position as the premier destination for premium sports entertainment across the week. AIS PLAY is the exclusive channel carrying all content from these five competitions, with full technical infrastructure in place to support the four-year broadcast agreement.

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National

Red Shirts Scale Back Thaksin Birthday Celebration to Modest Merit-Making

Red Shirts in Pathum Thani Province are scaling back Thaksin Shinawatra's birthday celebration to a modest merit-making ceremony and cake-cutting on July 26, moving away from large-scale festivities of previous years.

22 Jul Khaosod

The Red Shirts of Pathum Thani have decided to forego large-scale festivities for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's birthday this year, instead holding only a simple merit-making ceremony and birthday cake-cutting on July 26. On July 22, 2025, Sarrarak Malaitong, a leading Red Shirt figure in Pathum Thani Province, announced that the group would scale back celebrations compared to previous years, keeping the event simple to show respect and remembrance for the former premier's work on behalf of the public.

Although there will be no major celebration, Red Shirts in each province can still express their support for Thaksin in appropriate ways, with all activities conducted within a framework suited to current circumstances. The central event will be held at the broadcast studio of TV Channel 24, fifth floor of the Imperial Building on Lat Phrao Road, featuring a merit-making ceremony with nine monks, cloth offerings for the Buddhist Lent season, and a simple birthday cake-cutting.

The group expects over 1,000 participants, with coordinators receiving ongoing confirmations of attendance. Multiple provinces across Thailand are preparing similar merit-making activities, taking advantage of the timing near the start of Buddhist Lent to combine charitable work with remembrance of the former prime minister. July is traditionally considered an auspicious month, making it an appropriate occasion for merit-making that brings spiritual benefit and peace of mind to all participants.

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National

BAM Surpasses 10 Billion Baht in Debt Purchases

BAM, Bangkok Bank's asset management subsidiary, purchased over 10 billion baht in nonperforming loans from Thai financial institutions in the first half of 2025, reinforcing its position as Thailand's leading AMC. The company expects portf

22 Jul Khaosod

BAM, the Asset Management Company of Bangkok Bank, announced it has acquired nonperforming loans exceeding 10 billion baht in the first half of 2025 from six major Thai financial institutions, including an exclusive large lot purchase from Bangkok Bank (SCB). This acquisition underscores BAM's financial strength and position as Thailand's top AMC and marks a significant step in expanding its asset portfolio.

The company is introducing a Cost Plus debt restructuring model to its existing portfolio, focusing on tailoring debt structures to match each debtor's financial capacity to help them return to financial stability more quickly. BAM expects the investment portfolio to generate returns exceeding 15% this year, supporting the company's growth targets.

In the second half of 2025, BAM will continue its aggressive investment strategy and is currently negotiating three additional major nonperforming loan deals worth approximately 5 billion baht. The company views these investments not merely as portfolio expansion but as converting dormant assets back into value-creating instruments. BAM's debt management approach prioritizes finding appropriate solutions for individual debtors to enable sustainable financial recovery, which the company believes will generate both economic value and strong returns.

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National

Thailand Urged to Build Intergenerational Harmony for Aging Society

Thailand must shift from demographic anxiety to "demographic literacy" as it faces rapid aging and falling birth rates, with experts calling for youth empowerment, family support systems, and rights-based policies to address economic uncert

22 Jul Khaosod

Bangkok, July 16, 2025 – As Thailand faces its most challenging demographic transition, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Thailand and Chulalongkorn University organized a World Population Day 2025 event to promote a new population agenda grounded not merely in demographic statistics, but in hope, rights, choices, and human dignity across all age groups.

The event, held under the theme "Fulfilling Youth's Hope and Dreams for Today and Tomorrow: Empowering All Ages for a Sustainable Thai Future Amid Demographic Change," took place at Chulalongkorn University's Chulalongkorn 60th Anniversary Building. Participants from government, academia, youth networks, civil society, the private sector, UN agencies, media, and influencers exchanged views on Thailand's demographic future.

Thailand's population landscape is changing rapidly as the nation enters a super-aged society, with fertility rates falling below replacement level to below 1.0. Young people face economic uncertainty, rising living costs, job insecurity, housing concerns, unequal family care responsibilities, and shifting expectations about relationships and family life. These factors challenge the economy, labor market, care systems, and quality of life for people of all ages, highlighting the need for demographic preparedness grounded in rights, choices, and human dignity.

Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, UNFPA Country Director for Thailand and UNFPA Representative for Malaysia, emphasized in a video address at the World Population Day celebration and launch of the 2025 Population Future Survey that Thailand must shift from "demographic anxiety" to leveraging "demographic literacy and capacity." She called for evidence-based policymaking to prepare for demographic change, proposing four key actions: investing in youth decision-making and wellbeing; strengthening comprehensive family support systems and reducing women's burden; bridging age gaps; and driving policies that protect rights and choices, promote equality, and span the entire life course.

Ms. Siriluck Chiang-Wong, Head of UNFPA Thailand, stated: "Demographic change is not just about statistics—it is about hope, dignity, and opportunity. Thailand's falling birth rate and aging society should not be discussed only in numbers of newborns. Behind these trends are real lives of young people deciding their education, careers, relationships, family formation, and futures amid economic uncertainty and social change. Many young people still aspire to good-quality jobs, meaningful relationships, and the chance to build their families and contribute to society."

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National

Husband Denies Abandoning Bedridden Wife After Childbirth

A Buriram woman paralyzed by post-cesarean complications remains bedridden and on a ventilator, while her husband denies abandonment claims, saying he visits regularly despite health issues.

22 Jul Khaosod

A 28-year-old woman from Buriram province has been bedridden for over ten months following a cesarean delivery complication that occurred just 24 hours after surgery. She remains on a ventilator with a tracheostomy, unable to speak or move her limbs, and can only blink her eyes in response. On July 22, her 29-year-old husband stated he has continuously visited and never abandoned her, explaining his absence was due to stomach pain that has since improved. He pledged to bring her home once she recovers. His mother, 50, corroborated that the family regularly visits, buys supplies, and has prepared a small house for the patient's eventual return home. However, the patient's 50-year-old aunt disputed the husband's account, saying he has never visited or even called, though she acknowledged the mother-in-law's visits are genuine. The aunt clarified her criticism was directed at the husband alone and expressed no anger at anyone, having only stated facts when asked.

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Regional

Phuket Officials Say Aceh Quake Poses No Risk

PHUKET: Phuket officials have assured residents and tourists there is no cause for alarm after a moderate earthquake in Indonesia was felt in parts of the island today (July 22).

22 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: Phuket officials have assured residents and tourists there is no cause for alarm after a moderate earthquake in Indonesia was felt in parts of the island today (July 22).

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National

Bangkok to Host World Travel & Culture Expo in October 2026

Thailand will host the World Travel & Culture Expo in Bangkok from October 29-31, 2026, aiming to boost tourism, trade and investment while positioning the country as an ASEAN tourism hub.

22 Jul TAT Newsroom

Bangkok, 22 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) and Guangdong Grandeur International Exhibition Group, today announced the World Travel & Culture Expo 2026 (WTCE 2026), scheduled to take place from 29–31 October at IMPACT Mueang Thong Thani. The event aims to drive tourism, trade and investment while reinforcing Thailand’s role as an ASEAN hub for tourism and entertainment.

Presiding over the launch, Mr. Pasakorn Rangsiwatanasak, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, “WTCE 2026 demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to harnessing tourism, culture, sport, entertainment and creative industries as engines of economic growth. The event will stimulate investment, deepen international cooperation and strengthen Thailand’s position as a gateway connecting ASEAN with global markets.”

Joining the launch were Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; Lieutenant Anek Nurak, Committee Member of the TCT; Mr. Wang Zhaoyun, CEO of Grandeur Exhibition Group; Police Major General Pongsiam Meekanthong, Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau; TAT executives; and representatives of partner organisations.

WTCE 2026 reflects the Thai-Chinese partnership behind the event and builds on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. It also aligns with China’s “Thousands of Sails Go to Sea” policy encouraging Chinese enterprises to expand internationally into Thailand, China and ASEAN for tourism, business and investment cooperation.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “TAT’s Value over Volume direction, supported by Healing is the New Luxury campaign, places meaningful experiences, sustainability and quality tourism income at the centre of tourism development. WTCE 2026 advances this direction by connecting tourism with culture, sport, and the creative industries, while opening new channels for investment, knowledge exchange, and business cooperation. As an official partner, TAT will promote international participation and help connect Thai businesses with investors, technology providers and creative-industry partners across regional and global markets.”

WTCE 2026 builds on the 2025 edition, which featured 300 exhibition booths showcasing leading global brands from 23 countries, welcomed participants from 36 countries and achieved a 98 per cent success rate in business negotiations and partnerships, according to the organisers.

Held under the theme “Smartly Link the World”, the 2026 expo will unite culture, innovation and commercial opportunity. The expo will feature five specialised expositions:

The Thailand Amusement and Attraction Parks Expo (TAAPE) will focus on amusement and water parks, family entertainment and safety standards.

The Thailand (Bangkok) Billiards Expo (TBE) will showcase billiards, snooker and indoor leisure sports.

The ASEAN LED Display, Prolight, Sound and Entertainment Technology Expo (ASE) will present LED displays, professional lighting, sound systems and entertainment technologies.

The Asia Film, Television and Equipment Technology Expo (APE) will cover production equipment, virtual production, extended reality and intellectual-property licensing.

The ASEAN Global IP Expo will expand business opportunities across the intellectual property (IP) and the creative industries.

The launch also featured a “Future Trends of Tourism” panel discussion with Lieutenant Anek Nurak; Mr. Jeerayu Jarukittivorakan, TCT Secretary-General and a member of the TAT Board of Directors; Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific; and Police Major General Pongsiam Meekanthong. The session addressed tourism safety, sustainability and visitor experience, with an emphasis on risk management, environmentally responsible practices and immersive technologies.

China remains Thailand’s leading international visitor market. From 1 January to 20 July 2026, Thailand recorded 2,877,039 arrivals from China, up 14.76 per cent year-on-year. TAT forecasts more than 5.13 million Chinese visitors and at least 288.385 billion Baht in tourism revenue in 2026. WTCE 2026 will provide a strategic platform to convert this market strength into broader tourism, investment and business partnerships across the region.

The post Bangkok to host World Travel & Culture Expo 2026 in October appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

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National

Thai Housing Bank Disburses 123 Billion Baht in First Half

Thailand's Government Housing Bank disbursed 123 billion baht in new loans during the first half of 2025, a 14.85% increase year-over-year, with over half going to low- and middle-income borrowers seeking homes under 3 million baht.

22 Jul Khaosod

The Government Housing Bank (GHB) has exceeded 123 billion baht in new loan disbursements during the first half of 2025 (January–June), covering 114,184 customer accounts, according to Managing Director Mahattana Ampornpisit. The figure represents a 14.85% increase compared to the same period last year and accounts for 49.90% of the bank's 246.8 billion baht annual target. These new loans primarily serve low- and middle-income earners with loan amounts not exceeding 3 million baht, totaling 58,685 accounts and marking a 7.39% increase. The bank's non-performing loan ratio stands at 5.54%, with provisions against doubtful debts at 150.76% of NPL and a capital adequacy ratio (BIS Ratio) of 15.47%, well above the central bank's minimum requirement of 8.50%.

As of end-2024, the GHB's total outstanding loans reached 1.93 trillion baht, up 2.14%, with total assets of 2.10 trillion baht (up 4.41%) and total deposits of 1.85 trillion baht (up 5.10%). The bank has successfully helped over 1.01 million customers, or 80.68% of those in its income-support programs, restructure their debts and maintain their homes. For the second half of 2025, the GHB plans to leverage digital technology, artificial intelligence, and real estate data to enhance service delivery under its "Beyond Housing Bank" concept, including five strategic pillars: supporting clean energy transition through green loans with preferential rates for energy-efficient homes; introducing flexible lending strategies tailored to customer segments; and expanding sustainable housing finance options such as solar roof financing, which already generated 8.54 billion baht (40.65% of target) in the first half.

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