AWOL

The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) expects the tourism industry to be a major driver of GDP growth this year as flights and arrivals continue to rebound, though rising untaxed online travel agents and illegal foreign operators continue to limit the full benefits of the rebound.

The National Credit Bureau (NCB) has expressed concern about a potential rise in informal debt amid subdued loan growth in the banking sector and an easing household debt-to-GDP ratio.

Thailand’s economy has now “left the intensive care unit [ICU]”, reflected in fourth-quarter growth of 2.5%, which surpassed the earlier projection of 1.8% and lifted full-year 2025 growth to 2.4%, above the 2% forecast, said caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

By the time you finish your first coffee in Bangkok, you have probably already read about another plan, roadmap or announcement about how Thailand will grow faster, become more innovative or compete better in the global economy.

A group of university students on Monday asked the Central Administrative Court to annul the Feb 8 general election, claiming that the barcodes and QR codes on ballot papers could illegally expose voters’ choices.

The Bhumjaithai Party’s campaign to woo small parties to its side continued on Monday with the addition of two more small parties to the new government coalition.