National security is now on the election agenda for political parties at a time when public trust in them has nosedived v The PP backing Bhumjaithai’s bid to form a new government does not bode well for Pheu Thai, observers say.

RECAP: Asian markets mostly gained on Friday after an intense sell-off of Chinese equities eased, amid reports the country’s financial regulators could intervene to slow the dumping. A Wall Street stock rally also lifted sentiment.

Thailand may lose an opportunity to increase digital economy investment, including in data centres, if it does not step up efforts to significantly increase its supply of clean power, says SET-listed Gunkul Engineering, an integrated clean energy developer.

With Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, elected as the new prime minister by parliament on Friday, industry leaders have highlighted priorities for the government to strengthen economic growth, digital competitiveness, tourism and investor confidence.

Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul is preparing to form a government after being elected with 311 votes, comfortably surpassing the 247 required for a majority, to become the country’s 32nd prime minister.

Speculation is mounting over whether former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will return to Thailand to hear a court ruling on Tuesday, after a sudden diversion from Singapore to Dubai reignited suspicion among political opponents and commentators.