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National

SCB Wealth Expands Global Investment Options

Siam Commercial Bank's SCB Wealth is expanding offshore investment options for wealthy clients with new US dollar-denominated foreign mutual funds and structured notes, available through its InnovestX platform to support global portfolio di

2h ago Khaosod

SCB WEALTH is advancing its "Go Global" strategy to expand world-class investment opportunities for wealthy clients. The bank is launching two new offshore investment product categories: foreign mutual funds and structured notes with embedded derivatives, denominated in US dollars. According to Sorchai Sunetta, CFA and Deputy Head of High Net Worth and Affluent Banking at Siam Commercial Bank, the initiative aims to provide WEALTH clients with convenient access to offshore assets through dedicated financial advisors trained to international standards, with comprehensive product offerings available through the InnovestX platform.

This approach reflects SCB WEALTH's commitment to elevating the international investment experience, enabling clients to manage portfolios that better mirror global asset structures across geographic diversification, currency risk management, and exposure to long-term global economic growth themes. Against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty—from Middle Eastern conflicts affecting energy-dependent economies to volatile interest rates driven by central bank policy challenges and competing pressures of inflation and economic growth—portfolios have become increasingly complex. Many countries also face elevated sovereign debt burdens, making comprehensive portfolio strategy essential.

Despite these challenges, compelling investment opportunities exist in foreign markets, particularly in sectors and countries benefiting from technology and AI advancement, most of which are located overseas. WEALTH investors can leverage offshore investment strategies to diversify currency risk through foreign-currency-denominated assets while efficiently accessing growth-oriented opportunities.

SCB WEALTH currently offers two main categories of offshore foreign asset investment products: (1) Foreign mutual funds established by global asset management companies (Offshore Funds) offering WEALTH clients access to premier global funds covering diverse assets and investment strategies in US dollars; and (2) Offshore Structured Notes—investment instruments with embedded derivatives designed to align payoff structures with market outlook and client risk tolerance, issued by foreign financial institutions and distributed through the bank's platform and InnovestX.

Example products include Callable Inverse Floaters that provide interest rate-inverse returns, Fixed Coupon Notes (FCN) paying fixed returns tied to various securities, Knock-in Knock-Out (KIKO) notes with principal and returns tied to underlying assets like stock prices, and Shark Fin Notes (SFN) offering principal protection.

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National

Bank Athit Takes On First BL Series Without Pressure

Young actor Bank Athit makes his BL series debut in "Fool in Love," losing 8kg to commit to the role, emphasizing that good acting transcends genre and the script's quality matters more than the project type.

2h ago Khaosod

Young actor Bank Athit Tung Vibulyapanich is stepping into his first BL series without hesitation, taking on the role of Ing in the romantic-drama "Fool in Love," adapted from a hugely popular novel. To fully commit to the character, Bank lost 8 kilograms in a single month. The series is produced by iQIYI Original and premieres July 3, 2025.

At a blessing ceremony held at Union Mall on July 3, 2025, Bank explained his decision to take on the role. "Acting is acting, whether it's a drama, film, or BL series," he said. "The decision wasn't difficult at all."

When asked if being a BL series gave him pause initially, Bank admitted, "At first, maybe I was a bit shy. But not anymore, especially after we did workshops together. When you actually play the role, it's no different from anything I've done before. It's just a character with scenes and emotions."

Bank revealed that he had received other offers to act in BL productions before, but this script felt different. "I've had people approach me about casting in other projects, but after reading the scripts, I didn't feel they were right for me. But with this story, the character Ing just resonated with me. I felt like I could really bring something meaningful to it, so I wanted to take this role."

He emphasized that all actors receive such offers: "Every actor gets contacted for BL, GL, and other projects. It's not about that—it's about whether the script is right. All actors can play anything. Acting doesn't differentiate between genres anymore."

When asked what he liked about Ing, Bank said, "I understand why fans of the novel love this character so much. The character has a lot of charm. Does he feel pressured? Everyone feels pressure, but I try to help the other actors relax as much as possible. I want them to let go of that stress, because if we can't relax, our performance suffers. I keep telling them, 'Don't stress too much, just relax.'"

Bank works closely with his co-stars, offering guidance without imposing his own acting style. "I want them to grow as actors in their own way, not become copies of me. I guide them but don't direct them too heavily," he explained.

He has developed a close bond with the cast through their constant work together on set and in activities. Bank has also done his homework, reading the source novel twice to understand the character and respect the expectations of fans. "Fans already have their vision of who Ing is, so I read the novel twice and gave it my all in the adaptation. At first, the other actors were nervous, but I told them not to worry. Remember how everyone had expectations for the new Harry Potter films? We made sure to do it justice, and we'll do the same here. We're committed, and we won't betray the characters."

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National

Thailand Taekwondo Targets Gold Medal At Asian Games

Thailand's taekwondo team aims for at least one gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan next October, with 10 athletes competing after training in South Korea and undergoing injury-prevention programs developed with Mahidol University.

2h ago Khaosod

Thailand's Taekwondo Association has set a goal to capture one gold medal at the 20th Asian Games, while the Thai Sports Authority supports measures to help the national team reduce injuries during training and ensure athletes are fully prepared before competition.

Thailand's taekwondo team will compete in the 20th Asian Games taking place September 19 to October 4, 2025, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The association is sending 10 athletes total—8 in sparring competition and 2 in poomsae (forms). The sparring team is led by Yu Ballangk Thabtimdan, who won a gold medal in the men's 63-kilogram division at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and will compete in the men's 68-kilogram division this time.

Recently, Thanathit Raktabut, secretary-general of Thailand's Taekwondo Association, announced that the team will compete at two events in Chuncheon, South Korea: the World Cup Team Championship series (July 14-16, 2025) and the Korea Open (July 18-22, 2025), before returning to Thailand for another two months of training. The association aims for one gold medal from sparring and one bronze medal from poomsae.

Thanadit further noted that throughout training camp, the Thai Sports Authority has provided comprehensive support, including sports science oversight and sports psychologists to work with athletes. A collaboration between the association and Mahidol University, supported by the Thai Sports Authority, has implemented a program analyzing athlete injury data with specialist doctors providing close care. "When we know where athletes are injured, we can customize training plans for each person," he said. "This program has been in use for over two months and has proven invaluable, enabling athletes to arrive at these Asian Games in optimal condition."

Taekwondo competition at the 20th Asian Games runs October 1-3, 2025, with 11 gold medals available: 8 in sparring, 2 in poomsae, and 1 in virtual taekwondo.

Thailand's 10-member taekwondo team comprises 8 sparring athletes: Siriwich Mahammad (58kg men), Yu Ballangk Thabtimdan (68kg men), Kritayachon Prompatchai (80kg men), Jack Woody Mercer (87kg+ men), Patchrakanya Pulkoed (49kg women), Nattakamol Wasana (57kg women), Sashikarn Thongjanthor (67kg women), and Kanyaluk Chunsukklin (67kg+ women), coached by Saichhai Che. The two poomsae athletes are Navin Pintasutr (men's single) and Thitaree Kaewolararawasu (women's single), coached by Lee Nah Yeon.

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National

PTTEP Reuses Oil Platform Successfully For First Time In Thailand

PTTEP has successfully reused an entire oil platform for the first time in Thailand, cutting construction time by 70% and costs by 35-50% while eliminating thousands of tons of CO2 emissions per platform. The company plans to redeploy 10 ad

2h ago Khaosod

PTTEP has successfully reused an entire oil wellhead platform structure for the first time in Thailand, with plans to expand the initiative to 10 additional platforms during 2025-2027 under circular economy principles. PTTEP President Montri Rawaloichaikul announced that the company has implemented circular economy concepts combined with modern engineering and technology to give new life to oil production platforms that have reached the end of their initial operation. The breakthrough achievement occurred at the JKWK wellhead platform from the Funan field in the G 1/61 project, where the topside, jacket structure, and partial piles were relocated and reinstalled in the same field.

The reuse effort dramatically reduced project timelines from approximately 20 months to just 6 months for construction and installation—a 70% reduction—while cutting construction costs by 35-50% compared to building entirely new platforms. Beyond cost savings, the approach eliminates approximately 3,270 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per platform by reducing steel and equipment manufacturing requirements.

When petroleum resources in a field become depleted, old wellhead platforms that remain structurally sound and safe can be given new purpose and extended utility. The latest relocation and dismantling process employed modern engineering by using wet tow operations to move the jacket structure through water, further reducing energy consumption while minimizing impacts on marine life that inhabit the platform structures.

"PTTEP plans to expand this initiative continuously, with plans to redeploy approximately 10 additional structurally sound and safety-certified wellhead platforms during 2025-2027," the company stated, emphasizing its commitment to advancing circular economy principles in petroleum operations while promoting sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship in offshore operations.

This success demonstrates the practical application of circular economy concepts in petroleum exploration and production, representing efficient resource management that reduces operational timelines, minimizes new resource consumption, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. The approach creates value across economic, energy security, and environmental dimensions simultaneously.

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Tourism

Ranong's Twin National Parks Showcase Ancient Mangroves and Waterfalls

Ranong province offers two premier ecotourism destinations: Mu Ko Ranong National Park, home to Thailand's largest ancient mangrove tree and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and Khlong Kraburi National Park, featuring the scenic three-tier

2h ago Khaosod

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is inviting tourists to explore two exceptional national parks in Ranong province: Mu Ko Ranong National Park and Khlong Kraburi National Park, highlighting their ecotourism appeal.

Mu Ko Ranong National Park, formerly named Mu Ko Payam National Park until 2010, covers 356.70 square kilometers and is managed by two ranger stations on Koh Chang and Koh Sai Dam islands. Located on Thailand's Andaman coast, the park features extensive mangrove forests recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997—Thailand's fourth such designation and the world's first mangrove biosphere reserve. It is also under consideration for designation as a natural world heritage site protecting the Andaman marine conservation area.

Key attractions include Koh Chang (Turtle Bay), Koh Khom, Koh Thalu, nature trails, and a giant mangrove tree over 200 years old standing approximately 30 meters tall with a circumference of about 2 meters—Thailand's largest dwarf mangrove specimen. The park offers kayaking through mangrove scenery, accommodation, and camping facilities.

For waterfall enthusiasts, Khlong Kraburi National Park in Ranong is a must-visit destination. Covering 169.49 square kilometers, it was established in 1999 and spans three districts. The park's landscape features three distinct zones: the Kraburi River (Thailand's border with Myanmar), mangrove forests along riverbanks and islands, and wet evergreen forests including three national forest reserves.

The park's main attraction is Phunyaban Waterfall, a three-tiered cascade flowing from a small stream within the La-Un-Ratchakrut National Forest Reserve, easily accessible from the main highway. Recently, both Phunyaban Waterfall and Haad Yai Hot Spring received excellent-level tourist destination quality certification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

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Police

Former SEA Games Sprinter Dies in Motorcycle Crash

Former SEA Games gold medalist sprinter Abhisit Promkaew, known as "Khlui," died in a motorcycle crash near his Pathum Thani home on July 2, sustaining fatal neck injuries in a collision with an electrical pole.

2h ago Khaosod

The Thai athletics community mourned a tragic loss in the early morning of July 2 when Abhisit Promkaew, a former national team sprinter, died in a motorcycle accident. Known as "Khlui," Abhisit was a decorated athlete who won gold medals in the 4x100-meter relay at two consecutive SEA Games—the 27th in Myanmar in 2013 and the 28th in Singapore in 2015. He died from fatal neck injuries sustained when his motorcycle collided with an electrical pole near his home in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani. The news sparked an outpouring of condolences from the athletics community, teammates, and close friends, including national sprint record holder Phuripol Bunsonn, who posted tributes to the fallen athlete.

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National

CP Group Launches True Alpha Program to Develop Next-Generation Leaders

CP Group's True Alpha Internship Program is developing next-generation leaders through hands-on innovation challenges, with 26 selected students working in startup-style teams to solve real business problems. The program held its mid-stage

2h ago Khaosod

Bangkok – The Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) is advancing its human development strategy by creating a comprehensive learning ecosystem that connects education, technology, and business. The initiative aims to provide young professionals opportunities to learn from real-world experience, develop their potential through actual business challenges, and grow into future leaders who can create value for their organizations, society, and country.

A key component of this strategy is the True Alpha Internship 2026 program, operated by True Corporation Public Company Limited, which implements action-based learning principles. The program transforms traditional internships into an 'Innovation Sandbox' using a Hackathon-style format. Twenty-six students were selected and divided into five cross-functional teams to work like startup teams, developing ideas, testing prototypes, and presenting solutions to real business challenges faced by CP and True, with close mentorship from executives and experts.

Recently, the program held a major milestone event titled 'True Alpha 2026: Mid-demo Pitching' at the CoE Digital & AI Innovation Lab at True Digital Park West. All five teams pitched their business innovation projects to a panel of senior executives including Dr. Thirapol Thanomsakdiyuth, Chairman of the Corporate Sustainability and Strategic Development Committee at CP; Sarinthara Wongsuphaluksana, Head of Human Resources at True Corporation; Ekkaraj Panjveenan, Head of Digital at True Corporation; and Kittipong Veeratecha, Head of Brand and Communications at True Corporation. Each team presented their projects and answered questions to refine their concepts before advancing to the final pitching round scheduled for July 30, 2026.

Dr. Thirapol Thanomsakdiyuth stated that CP's approach to developing future leaders aligns with Senior Chairman Thaninut Chearavanont's vision of creating 'leaders who develop leaders.' He emphasized that organizational sustainable growth comes not only from advanced technology but from people who are ready to learn, think critically, take action, and develop the next generation. "CP Group is creating a learning ecosystem that exposes young talent to real business challenges from the start, because we believe leadership cannot be developed in classrooms alone but through solving problems, collaborating with diverse teams, and learning from real experience," he said.

Sarinthara Wongsuphaluksana, Head of Human Resources at True Corporation, noted that the True Alpha Internship Program is distinctly different from conventional internships. It simulates a startup Hackathon work environment, giving participants the opportunity to think, create, experiment, and develop innovative solutions in a real-world context.

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National

GULF Wins Asian Excellence Award For Third Consecutive Year

Real estate developer Gulf Development won five awards at the Asian Excellence Award 2026, including Asia's Best CEO and CFO, for the third consecutive year of recognition from the prestigious governance awards program.

2h ago Khaosod

Gulf Development Public Company Limited (GULF) has claimed prestigious honors at the international Asian Excellence Award 2026 for the third consecutive year, organized by Corporate Governance Asia magazine, Asia's leading publication on corporate governance. The awards demonstrate the vision of GULF's management team in collectively driving organizational growth within a comprehensive ESG framework across all dimensions, alongside internationally recognized investor relations efforts.

GULF's awards this year include Asia's Best CEO, presented to Saratcha Ratanawadet, President and Chief Executive Officer, recognizing his pivotal role as top leader in driving organizational strategy and growth while building confidence among shareholders, investors, and all stakeholders. The company also received Asia's Best CFO, awarded to Yupapim Wangwiwat, Chief Financial Officer, for her leadership in financial strategy management, efficient financial structure administration, financial discipline, and maintaining strong cash flow amid economic volatility. GULF was also named Best Investor Relations Company – Thailand for its excellence in investor communication, delivering quality and timely information with full transparency to facilitate investor understanding and informed decision-making.

Additionally, GULF received the Sustainable Asia Award, recognizing the company's excellence in conducting business sustainably under an ESG framework with comprehensive social responsibility and stakeholder care. The company also earned the Best Environmental Responsibility award for the first time, reflecting its concrete commitment to environmental policies and efforts to drive the organization toward a low-carbon society.

The 16th Asian Excellence Award 2026, organized by Corporate Governance Asia magazine, a leading Hong Kong and Asia-based publication on corporate governance, has been held annually since 2011 to honor individuals and organizations excelling in management, finance, investor relations, corporate social responsibility, and corporate governance. Winners are selected based on organizational performance evaluated alongside surveys of investors, analysts, and experts across the Asia region.

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National

Sirikunnya Denies Backup PM Rumors

Pheu Thai deputy leader Sirikunnya Tansakul denied rumors of a backup prime minister from the Democrat Party, saying such an arrangement would violate the 2560 Constitution and require massive party defections unlikely to occur.

2h ago Khaosod

At 1 p.m. on July 3, 2569 at Parliament, Sirikunnya Tansakul, Pheu Thai party list MP and deputy party leader and prime ministerial candidate, addressed rumors that a backup prime minister with the abbreviation 'S.' from the Democrat Party is being held in reserve in case of political accidents, with some suggesting this could be her.

Sirikunnya stated that if this were true, it would require a massive party defection, which she does not believe is the case. She suggested that those circulating the rumors may not be aware of the 2560 Constitution, which prohibits nominating candidates outside those previously proposed during elections. Even with alternative mechanisms, she noted, extreme circumstances would be required for such an appointment, making the rumors more likely speculation than fact.

When asked whether political conflicts might be driving these rumors, Sirikunnya said that if conflicts do exist, they would more likely stem from internal divisions within the ruling coalition parties rather than other factors. She emphasized that no external event could change the prime minister except internal party conflicts.

Sirikunnya further explained that if coalition partners defect or switch sides, this would constitute a different scenario entirely, not a backup prime minister arrangement. She suggested that internal conflicts within the ruling coalition—similar to previously reported tensions between party leaders and spiritual leaders—are the more probable cause.

When pressed on whether a failed budget or rejected royal decrees could trigger a prime ministerial change, Sirikunnya responded that such circumstances would require political accountability from someone with a strong sense of integrity. She noted that Thailand's political history rarely sees prime ministers resign due to policy failures alone.

"We don't often see this in Thai politics—a prime minister resigning because of a wrong political decision," she said. "I believe internal coalition conflicts are the primary driver, or if anything changes, it would more likely stem from disputes among coalition partners. The budget situation is one indicator of this."

Sirikunnya acknowledged that coalition partners whose budgets were reduced may harbor some dissatisfaction, as some line items were cut without opportunity for revision. She explained that once the budget passes the cabinet and public hearing phase, there is typically room for adjustments, but this round appears to have had a tight schedule with no subsequent revisions, leaving some coalition ministers with significant budget cuts and no chance to address them.

Regarding a shadow cabinet meeting planned for next week, Sirikunnya noted that many issues need consideration, as one meeting was skipped. However, topics for July 8 consideration would need to be selected carefully, including matters of local administration fraud and proposals to reduce future corruption risks in local personnel management.

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National

Thai Expressway Offers 50% Cashback on July 7

EXAT offers 50% cashback on toll fees for Easy Pass users on July 7, 2026, across eight Thai expressways, with refunds automatically credited to accounts.

2h ago Khaosod

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is offering a special promotion called "7.7 EASY PASS," providing 50% cashback on toll fees for all transactions made using Easy Pass on July 7, 2026, across eight expressways: Chaloemmahanakorn, Sirat, Chaloem Rat, Burapa Withi, Udon Ratthaya, Bagna-Achanusorn, Kanchanaphisek (Bangpli-Suksawat), and Prachuap Ratthaya. Refunds will be automatically added to Easy Pass accounts, and users can check their balance, transaction history, and top up through the EXAT Portal application. Those without an Easy Pass card can apply at EXAT headquarters or toll collection buildings across seven expressways, or register through TrueMoney Wallet, with cards delivered to their homes within 3-5 business days so they can benefit from the promotion immediately. The authority emphasizes that July 7 is the date to prepare your Easy Pass card and take advantage of this valuable campaign.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Justice Minister Defends Missing Parliament Question on Senate Election Probe

Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naovorat denied avoiding parliamentary questions about a Senate election fraud probe, citing prior budget meetings as the reason for missing the July 3 session.

2h ago Khaosod

Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naovorat denied evading opposition lawmakers' questions at Government House on July 3, 2569, after Democrat Party MP Pritsth Wattrasindhu alleged he avoided answering live parliamentary questions about the Senate election fraud probe being handled by the DSI. Rutthapol clarified that over the past three days he had been occupied with pre-scheduled meetings on the 2570 fiscal year budget bill, preventing his attendance at the parliamentary session. Regarding the live verbal question about the Senate case, Rutthapol noted that while such questions are typically urgent matters, the issue in question had occurred two years ago and could have been scheduled in advance. When asked if the Senate election case contains additional issues beyond those questioned, Rutthapol stated he lacked detailed knowledge because he operates at the policy level and suggested inquiring directly with responsible officials.

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