Thai News Summary – 19-July-2025

Thai Enquirer News Summary

Political News

• Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra once again went on stage yesterday to say things that he would take CenterStage to help Thailand after he is allowed to go out of the country from August 22, 2025, onwards.
  • Thaksin, who has been battling lese-majeste case is set to hear the verdict on August 22 and once cleared he would be able to fly out of the country.
  • During his speech, Thaksin said that the 1^st country he would go do is China and tell the Chinese media that Thailand was safe and that he would guarantee their safety with his own money. He added that the drop in Chinese tourists was due to their concern about safety after the kidnapping of a tier 3 actor from China earlier this year.
  • He also said that he wants to help with the Thai-US tariff talks by going to the US to negotiate directly with President Donald Trump.

• He said he has already talked to a member of Trump’s family but wants to speak with Trump himself. However, the Criminal Court will announce the verdict in his lese-majeste case on August 22. Under his bail conditions, he is not allowed to leave the country without court permission. His recent request in May to travel to Qatar for an invitation from the Emir was denied by the court.
• Thaksin also criticized Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen over the leaked private conversation between Hun Sen and suspended prime minister Paetongtarn, as well as the Bhumjai Thai Party’s use of the leak to attack her.
• “The Khmer leader is clearly unethical, yet some Thais sided with him. I’m confused—why don’t Thais care for each other anymore? This shouldn’t have happened. No other world leader would do this, yet we did. Especially the party that just left the coalition government—now they call it a betrayal of the nation. So, I really don’t know anymore—are they Khmer or Thai?”
• Thaksin also said during his speech that the government now has the legitimacy to quickly pass laws to address the country’s major problems. “Today, no one believes the prime minister will be replaced — we need continuity in our work. Paetongtarn is the Prime Minister, and I am merely the country’s clerk,” he said.
• As Thaksin made that remark, Paetongtarn, who was in the audience, laughed. He went on to say, “I’m happy to be the country’s clerk — gathering everything and passing it along to the Prime Minister and ministers to review.”

• A total of 229 suspects, including Bhumjai Thai Party executives, have been referred to the Election Commission in connection with the 2024 Senate vote-rigging case. If found guilty, Bhumjai Thai could face dissolution.
• A joint committee investigating the case—comprising the Election Commission (EC) and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has recommended legal action against the 229 individuals for alleged collusion in the 2024 Senate selection process. The suspects include 138 current senators, and 91 individuals linked to Bhumjai Thai’s executive board and network. Investigators found sufficient evidence suggesting the selection process was manipulated, in violation of the 2018 Organic Act on the Selection of Senators and Section 113 of the Constitution, which prohibits senators from being affiliated with political parties.
• If the EC accepts the findings, it could result in a petition to the Constitutional Court to consider dissolving the party involved. The case now enters the EC’s internal review process (Phase 2), in which assigned investigators will analyze the case files and submit recommendations to senior officials.
• DSI Director-General Pol. Maj. Yutthana Praedam said evidence reveals large cash transfers linked to coordinated vote manipulation during the Senate election. The investigation covers financial transactions across more than 30 provinces, including direct links to Senate candidates in Surat Thani, Lamphun, Nong Bua Lamphu, and 24 other provinces. Testimonies from 90 witnesses have been collected, though many deny involvement despite clear financial records showing suspicious transfers before, during, and after the election.
• The probe also uncovered money flows connected to individuals close to senior executives of the Bhumjai Thai Party, although no direct evidence implicates party leaders. Authorities are examining the roles of personal aides and advisors appointed to senators, with some funds traced back to specific groups.

• The Constitutional Court has ordered Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Justice Minister Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, and senators to submit witness lists within 15 days in response to accusations of ethical and legal violations.
• Ninety-two senators who submitted the petition are seeking a ruling on whether Phumtham and Tawee have ceased to hold office for allegedly abusing their power in connection with the Department of Special Investigation’s handling of alleged vote-rigging in the 2024 Senate selection process, which involved over 100 senators and the Bhumjai Thai Party. Tawee has already been suspended from overseeing the DSI pending the court’s decision.

• At yesterday’s House of Representatives meeting, chaired by First Deputy Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan, members were reviewing the auditor’s report and financial statements for the year ending September 30, 2023. Only one MP, Ekarat Udomamnuay from the People’s Party, joined the discussion. This led Chalermphong Saengdee, an MP from Phuket in the same party, to request a quorum check.
• Pichet rang the bell to call members in, but few showed up. There was some back-and-forth about whether to proceed with the count, as it would take time. In the end, Pichet asked the budget committee and others to answer questions separately and ended the meeting at 3:30 PM.
• Since the session began on July 3, opposition MPs have called for quorum checks several times. On three occasions, Pichet closed the meeting early to avoid the risk of not having enough members present.
• Social media users widely shared a post by @UUUPPP11, which included a photo of Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan using his phone during a House of Representatives session while a debate over a quorum count was taking place. The caption read, “Every time there’s a quorum count, Pichet is always on the phone.”

• Meanwhile The Constitutional Court has accepted part of a petition filed by 121 MPs from the People’s Party, seeking a ruling on whether First Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan of the ruling Pheu Thai Party violated the Constitution by having a direct or indirect interest in budget allocations. If found guilty, he could lose his MP status and be removed from office.
• The case involves three projects proposed by the Secretariat of the House of Representatives under the 2025 fiscal budget, which Pichet allegedly supported despite having a personal stake. The same projects were later resubmitted in the 2026 budget with a similar structure and purpose.
• The Court unanimously dismissed the portion related to the 2025 budget, noting that the bill has already been enacted and is no longer under legislative consideration. However, it voted 8–1 to accept the portion concerning the 2026 budget for further review.
• The respondent has been ordered to submit a written defense by Monday, July 21, 2025. A witness hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025. Written closing statements must be submitted by Tuesday, July 29. The Court is set to deliver its ruling on Friday, August 1.

Economic News

• Last night, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira in his role as head of the “Team Thailand” delegation, held another official round of talks with the United States. This followed a previous video conference discussion with the U.S. Trade Representative on July 16.

• The Thai side hopes its new proposal will prompt the U.S. to reconsider and lower the tariffs imposed on Thai products from the previously announced rate of 36%.
• Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul stated that Thailand could submit a proposal similar to Vietnam’s, offering the U.S. total access to its market, which may lead to lower tariff rates for Thai exporters. However, whether this offer would be worthwhile depends on weighing its impact on domestic businesses.
• As for whether Thailand will offer to reduce import tariffs to 0% on 10,000 items for the U.S., the matter is still under consideration. It is unlikely, however, that Thailand will fully open up its market 100% like Vietnam or Indonesia, as it must still protect local producers.

• Dr. Phoolphat Leesombatpaiboon, Secretary-General and spokesperson of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), announced that the ERC meeting has resolved to open a public hearing on the fuel tariff (Ft) and electricity rates for the September–December 2025 billing period.
  • The hearing will cover 3 proposed scenarios, with electricity rates ranging from a minimum of 3.98 Baht to a maximum of 5.10 Baht per unit.
• Public feedback will be collected via the ERC website from July 17 to 28, 2025, before a final decision is made and officially announced.
• Scenario 1: Repay all outstanding costs, including 66.072 billion Baht in electricity production and 15.084 billion Baht in natural gas, in a single billing period. The retail Ft rate would be 131.94 satang per unit, resulting in an average electricity rate of 5.10 Baht per unit, a 28% increase from the current rate of 3.98 Baht.
• Scenario 2: Repay only the 66.072 billion Baht in outstanding electricity production costs in a single period. The retail Ft rate would be 109.09 satang per unit, raising the average electricity rate to 4.87 Baht per unit, a 22% increase.
• Scenario 3: Maintain the current Ft rate of 19.72 satang per unit, keeping the average electricity rate unchanged at 3.98 Baht per unit.

• The Thai Retailers Association (TRA) revealed that its Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) for June 2025 has hit a “new all-time low in 42 months,” signaling a deeply worrying trend in domestic purchasing power and nationwide consumer spending. Businesses and investors are reportedly holding back, awaiting clear and concrete policy direction from the government.
• The retail sector has faced immense pressure in the first half of the year. Domestic political uncertainty, persistent sluggish consumption, and a slowdown in investment across all business sizes have taken their toll.
• The recovery of international tourism, particularly from the crucial Chinese market, remains incomplete. Added to this are unpredictable US import tariffs and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, along with the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border, all directly impacting consumer confidence and the wider economy.
• The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index closed at 1,198.11 points yesterday, rising by 40.48 points (+3.50%) with a trading value of 63.37 billion Baht. The index outperformed regional markets, driven by investor optimism over trade negotiations between Thailand and the United States.

• The Thai government has submitted a new proposal to expand trade with the U.S., including plans to reduce import tariffs on several American products to 0%, such as energy, agricultural goods, and Boeing aircraft. This would lower current tariffs from 36% to around 20–25%, fueling hopes in the market and boosting related stocks like DELTA, which surged significantly.

• The market also received support from a rally in AOT shares, following plans to increase passenger service charges. AOT recorded the highest trading value at 6.51 billion Baht, closing at 40.25 Baht, up 4.00 Baht. Additionally, investor expectations that the new Bank of Thailand governor will adopt a more dovish monetary policy also contributed positively to the sentiment.
• As for today’s outlook, the index is expected to consolidate after a strong rally. Investors are closely watching the outcome of the Thailand-U.S. trade talks. The resistance level is seen at 1,213 points, with support at 1,183 points.
• Four global tech giants, including Amazon.com, Microsoft, Google, and Meta, are planning to increase their investments in hyperscale data centers by an average of 19–20% annually over the next five years (2025–2029). In 2025 alone, investments are expected to reach $345 billion USD (approximately 12.59 trillion Baht), a 52% increase from the previous year.
• This announcement drove gains in technology and data center-related stocks yesterday. DELTA led the rally, closing at 132.50 Baht with a trading value of 6.33 billion Baht, contributing about 15 points to the SET index. Other notable gainers included HANA (+5.21%), KCE (+2.83%), CCET (+6.56%), as well as power producer GULF (+5.26%) and telecom giant ADVANC (+1.04%).

• Today, Krungthai Card Plc (KTC) is scheduled to announce its Q2 2025 financial results. Brokers expect KTC to post a net profit of 1.9 billion Baht, up 3.8% year-on-year and 1.9% quarter-on-quarter. For the first half of the year (January–June), net profit is projected at 3.8 billion Baht, a 3.5% increase from the same period last year.
  • Full-year 2025 net profit is estimated at 7.5 billion Baht, up 1.9%. While the growth is modest, it will mark a new record high, and KTC continues to outperform its peers in both lending and credit card spending.
• Analysts from 13 brokerages have given KTC target prices ranging from a high of 53 Baht to a low of 18 Baht, with an average target of 37.50 Baht.

Yesterday, KTC shares closed at 27.75 Baht.

• Meanwhile Bangkok Bank (BBL) reported a net profit of 11,840 Baht million in the second quarter of 2025, this figure was broadly in line with the 11,807 million Baht recorded in the second quarter of 2024, representing a slight increase of O.3%. This performance reflects the Bank’s effective asset management amidst prevailing economic conditions.
• Mana Nimitmongkol, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand, stated that society must closely monitor the 157-billion-Baht economic stimulus budget, which allows for special procurement procedures that make oversight difficult and open the door to potential corruption.

• He also pointed to recent disputes between government and opposition parties over the budget allocation, particularly the 40 billion Baht for local administrative organizations.
• This, he said, highlights the underlying issue of political interests. “If some coalition parties hadn’t shifted to the opposition, the public might never have known about the problems with how the budget is being allocated,” he added.

Thailand – Cambodia Conflict

• Gen Natthaphon Nakphanich, Deputy Minister of Defense, spoke after visiting soldiers injured by a landmine explosion at Hill 481 in Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani. Three soldiers were injured in the incident.
• He said authorities are working to determine whether the mine was old or newly planted. Initial findings suggest it was an old, uncleared mine. However, if it turns out to be a new one, it would mean Cambodia has violated MOU43, which clearly states that the area is off-limits to any changes in terrain or the use of weapons. In that case, Thailand would have to lodge a formal protest.
• He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised him not to speak on the matter, as it could affect other areas of diplomacy. However, he felt that staying silent would lead to public misunderstanding, especially amid ongoing calls to revoke the MOU, which he said would be inappropriate.
• The Second Army Region said that it had instructed its explosive ordnance disposal unit to check on the contested border area where the incident took place to determine the type of the landmine and how long it had been there. The official result of the investigation is expected in two or three days.

• Today, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Minister of Culture, and Gen Natthaphon Nakphanich, Deputy Minister of Defense, will visit soldiers injured by landmines in the Chong Bok area of Ubon Ratchathani province.
• The visit will take place at Sappasitthiprasong Camp Hospital in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani.

General News

• The Supreme Patriarch is calling for a sweeping overhaul of the country’s monastic laws, urging the government to review the Sangha Act and revise outdated regulations to safeguard the sanctity of Buddhism, according to acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday.
• After meeting the Supreme Patriarch at Wat Ratchabophit, Phumtham said in the wake of recent scandals which have rocked the monastic community, His Holiness is calling on all Thais to fully commit to protecting the religion. The Supreme Patriarch is in favour of reviewing the Sangha Act, which was first enacted in 1962, to ensure its relevance in today’s society.

Political News Headlines in Thai Media

• Pheu Thai blasted for rejecting amnesty bills
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3071056/pheu-thai-blasted-for-rejecting-amnesty-bills
• House panel summons Paetongtarn to testify about leaked phone call
• Link- https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/house-panel-summons-paetongtarn-to-testify-about-leaked-phone-call/58228
• Culture Minister Vows to Rebuild Buddhist Faith After Scandals
• Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/news/politics/40052688
• Three Thai soldiers were injured after stepping on a landmine while on patrol at the Morakot Base near Hill 481 on the Thai-Cambodian border
• Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40052650

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Economic News Headlines in Thai Media

• Regional Aviation Hub & Global Green Data Embassy: Thaksin’s Blueprint for Thailand’s Future
• Link- https://www.kaohooninternational.com/economics/561567
• Police seize over 41 tonnes of smuggled beef and organs soaked in formalin
• Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40052678
• Thai Property Sector Faces Crisis as Debt Burden Soars
• Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/business/property/40052651
• Group seeks legal work for refugees
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3070941/group-seeks-legal-work-for-refugees
• Inside EGAT’s Dam Tunnel Safety Mission
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3070266/inside-egats-dam-tunnel-safety-mission-
• K-Research puts GDP growth at 1.2%
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3071040/k-research-puts-gdp-growth-at-1-2-
• Investors urged to buy gold as price surges
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3071052/investors-urged-to-buy-gold-as-price-surges
• Poll finds rising economic anxieties
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3071116/poll-finds-rising-economic-anxieties
• SCB opts to scale down operations
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3071124/scb-opts-to-scale-down-operations
• 5 firms compete for oil licences
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3071092/5-firms-compete-for-oil-licences
• Commission to maintain current power tariff
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3071044/commission-to-maintain-current-power-tariff

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Issues to be watched out for

• July 2025 – Criminal Court set to hear the case of lèse-majesté case. Thaksin faces charges of royal defamation related to an interview he gave to The Chosun Media in 2015. The last appearance for this case by Thaksin was on August 19, 2024.
• July ,2025 – The Ministry of Commerce will announce Thailand’s export figures for June and the first six months of 2025
• August 1, 2025 – Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has until July 15 to hand in her side of the story for the phone call with Cambodian strongman – Hun Sen that Hun Sen leaked out.
• August 31, 2025 – Possible would see the Constitutional Court coming out with its verdict on the case of 31^st Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Reports suggests that the deliberation could go on for up to 60-days from the day Paetongtarn was suspended from duty (July 1).
• August 6,2025 – July 2025 Consumer Confidence Inflation Data
• August 13, 2025 – Monetary Policy Committee holds its meeting
• August 18,2025 – NESDC press conference Thailand’s GDP Q2/2025
• August 22, 2025 – The Criminal Court will announce its verdict on former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s lese-majeste case on August 22, the same day he returned to Thailand 2 years ago. The case is based on an interview that Thaksin gave to a South Korean media outlet that many claim breaches the Article 112.
• August ,2025 – The Ministry of Commerce will announce Thailand’s export figures for July and the first seven months of 2025
• September 4 ,2025 – August 2025 Consumer Confidence Inflation Data
• September 2025 – The deadline set by Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit that his ministry will implement a 20-Baht flat fare policy for all electric trains in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region.
• September ,2025 – The Ministry of Commerce will announce Thailand’s export figures for August and the eight months of 2025
• October 6,2025 – September 2025 Consumer Confidence Inflation Data
• October 8, 2025 – Monetary Policy Committee holds its meeting
• October ,2025 – The Ministry of Commerce will announce Thailand’s export figures for September and the first nine months of 2025
• November 5,2025 – October 2025 Consumer Confidence Inflation Data
• November ,2025 – The Ministry of Commerce will announce Thailand’s export figures for October and the ten months of 2025
• December 4,2025 – November 2025 Consumer Confidence Inflation Data
• December 17, 2025 – Monetary Policy Committee holds its meeting
• December ,2025 – The Ministry of Commerce will announce Thailand’s export figures for November and the first eleven

For information on Opportunity Day of various companies click on the link – 9

Key Data

SET Index              1,198.11 +40.48

Link – https://www.set.or.th/en/company/ipo/upcoming_ipo_set.html

Global Commodities  

Metal -Link http://www.bloomberg.com/markets/commodities/futures/metals/

Energy -Link – http://www.bloomberg.com/energy/

Baltic Dry Index (BDI)-Link – http://www.bloomberg.com/quote/BDIY:IND

Global Equity Market’s Movements 

Link – http://www.bloomberg.com/markets/stocks/world-indexes/asia-pacific/

Asian Equity Markets Movement 

Link – http://www.bloomberg.com/markets/stocks/world-indexes/

Information on 17 July,2025

Buying, Selling or Transfer of shares by Owners/Management

XD, XE or XM or other notifications

For list of Companies that have dividend payment and AGM meeting schedules click on https://www.set.or.th/set/xcalendar.do

Trading Breakdown on the Stock Exchange of Thailand

Total Trading Value 63,374.58 Million Baht

Background Information

According to the report by the Election Commission of Thailand as of May 8, 2019, the strength of each party in the Thai Parliament following the elections on March 24, 2019.

• List of MPs – https://www.ect.go.th/ect_th/download/article/article_20190508184334.pdf

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