Globlek Securities (GBS) expects Thailand's stock market to decline this week following global trends, with main pressure coming from geopolitical tensions after Yemen-based Houthi groups backed by Iran attacked two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea. The attacks have disrupted energy supply confidence, pushing crude oil prices higher and reviving market concerns about accelerating inflation, leading GBS to forecast the index trading range at 1,600-1,650 points this week. The broader market is supported by strong domestic economic fundamentals, with Thailand's Board of Investment reporting investment promotion applications in the first half of 2025 valued at over 1.47 trillion baht, up 37%, expected to create over 82,000 jobs and generate 1.2 trillion baht in annual export value. Investors should also monitor U.S. trade policy risks, including the Trump administration's tariffs on 60 countries at rates up to 12.5% against Thailand on forced labor allegations, uncertainty over USMCA renewal, rising global interest rates with the Fed expected to hike in September at 83% probability, and the elevated VIX Index at 18.70 reflecting fragile market sentiment. Domestically, watch for Commerce Ministry trade announcements, automotive production data, industrial production indices, Bank of Thailand economic reports on July 31, and the Monetary Policy Committee meeting on August 26; internationally, track the Federal Reserve meeting on July 28-29, U.S. economic data throughout the week, and China's industrial profit reports on July 27. GBS research director Watcharon Jongyariyong recommends investors focus on quality stocks with strong fundamentals while remaining cautious amid external headwinds.

A 70-year-old food delivery rider has vowed to take legal action against an MG sedan driver who punched him at a gas station in Minburi, Bangkok on July 26. The incident began when the rider parked his motorcycle in an empty EV charging spot while collecting a fried banana order. When he returned, an MG sedan owner was waiting to use the charging spot. The rider quickly took a photo and moved his bike, but the driver and his wife in the MG began honking and verbally abusing him, escalating to physical violence when the man got out and punched the rider in the face, causing a cut under his right eye that required six stitches.

The victim reported the incident to Minburi Police Station and received medical treatment. He stated he has been a delivery rider for 10 years and has never experienced such an attack. His left eye is now in significant pain, preventing him from eating or sleeping, and he has been forced to stop working. He disputes the driver's claim that he spat on them, pointing out he was wearing a face mask. The victim emphasized he is pursuing this case through the legal system to its conclusion, and urged people not to bring their home behavior into public society.

At 10 a.m. on July 27, 2025, at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over a cabinet meeting. Two cabinet members reported their absence: Deputy Education Minister Akranun Kannikittinan and Deputy Interior Minister Jaejsathit Thaisathit.

Before the meeting, reporters asked whether Anutin would exercise his right to sue Yingluck Achananont, director of the Internet for the People (iLaw) project, over her disclosure of names of those involved in the Senate seat-buying scheme. Anutin replied that pursuing legal action is everyone's right.

When asked whether iLaw would release more data, Anutin smiled and said, "Go ahead."

Government Spokesman Paradon Prissananantakul, a Democrat Party deputy from Ang Thong, confirmed that he would proceed with the lawsuit against Yingluck, saying he would announce the filing details later.

When asked about Yingluck's recent participation in an opposition coalition seminar marking the second anniversary of the Senate election and discussing Senate seat-buying evidence, Paradon dismissed it as an old matter.

When pressed on whether the lawsuit would be filed this week, Paradon said they would discuss it further.

Responding to Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's statement that he does not want a silencing lawsuit, Paradon stated: "This is not a silencing suit. It's about party damage—not just personal damage but damage to the entire party, which is why we must proceed."

When asked if legal action would be taken against other individuals, Paradon said no decisions had been made yet.

BANGKOK: The private sector is optimistic that new US tariffs will not have a major impact on Thai exports, though businesses are urging the government to expedite trade negotiations to enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Deputy Prime Minister Porkron Nilpraphan announced on July 27, 2569 at Government House that the consolidation of redundant government agencies will begin this September, starting with the Government Savings Bank. The National Office for Coordination of National Reform Strategy and Reconciliation (NCRSR) has not yet been dissolved and is currently under study. Beyond the NCRSR and the Government Savings Bank, the government is targeting 3-4 additional state enterprises that have failed performance evaluations for years and have not been merged. The list of specific state enterprises will be disclosed by the Office of the Civil Service Commission. When asked about the impact on civil servants, Porkron stated the government would minimize negative effects and provide alternatives such as transfers to other agencies. The entire process is expected to take considerable time to complete.

The Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) has cracked down on individuals using social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to post advertisements encouraging or promoting Thai nationals to enter insurance contracts with companies in Singapore. The agency found that such conduct violates insurance laws and threatens consumers and the broader insurance industry. Investigation of the posts and videos revealed step-by-step instructions for purchasing life insurance from Singapore firms, with claims that over 100 Thai nationals have already done so. The promotional messages specifically targeted high-income earners with appeals such as inheritance planning benefits, hundred-million-baht life insurance policies, and lines like "Save for 10 years in Singapore, receive free life protection starting at 16 million baht." License checks showed that some perpetrators hold Thai property-casualty insurance broker licenses, while database searches of Singapore's MAS revealed others work as financial advisors and insurance brokers under Singapore's Financial Advisers Act. The conduct demonstrates intent to solicit insurance contracts with foreign life insurers, potentially exposing consumers to incomplete information, misunderstandings about benefits and coverage, and risk of claim denial. Policyholders cannot file claims through the OIC and would face practical difficulties enforcing contracts across borders. The offense violates Section 83 of the Life Insurance Act, punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine not exceeding 50,000 baht, or both. To prevent harm, the OIC has requested that Singapore's Monetary Authority of Singapore investigate whether the conduct breaches standards for digital advertising. Letters have also been sent to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to block or suspend the social media accounts. The OIC is currently filing complaints with the Economic Crime Suppression Division for further legal action. The agency warns the public to be cautious when purchasing insurance or entering insurance contracts with unlicensed foreign companies.