Thai Enquirer News Summary – October 22, 2026

October 22, 2026

Political news

• A ‘Sign’ of Things to Come

If there was any doubt about which way the coalition of Bhumjai Thai party was heading towards, then look no further because after the Indian food dinner with the convicted drug dealer and de-facto leader of Kla Tham party – Thammanat Prompao, there was a ‘birthday’ celebration for a MP of Kla Tham party in the Parliament building.

Yesterday Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul warmly joined the birthday celebration for Suphanan Panyathip, a Chiang Mai MP from the Kla Tham Party, at the Parliament building. He was joined in a cordial group photo flanked by key Kla Tham figures, including party leader Capt. Thamanat Prompow and former Minister of Agriculture Narumon Pinyosinwat.

This amicable public appearance marks the 2^nd time Anutin and Thamanat have been seen together recently, following an earlier dinner meeting. The close interaction has further fueled ongoing political speculation and media reports regarding the potential inclusion of the Kla Tham Party in the government coalition led by the Bhumjai Thai Party.

• Kla Tham wants to participate in no-confidence Debate

Reports emerge that during the three-party whip meeting, the Kla Tham Party initially expressed their intention to request speaking time during the debate; however, they did not specify whether they intended to speak in support of the government or the opposition.

Questions are being asked whether Kla Tham would be debating for or against the government of Bhumjai Thai.

• No Decision on the timeframe for the No-Confidence Debate

A joint meeting of the 3-party House coordination committee—comprising representatives from the government, the opposition, and relevant parties—convened to set the timeframe and schedule for an upcoming no-confidence debate targeting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul along with 18 cabinet ministers.

The government proposed conducting the debate over four days, from October 27 to 30, 2026. However, the opposition requested a five-day debate period instead. The opposition has demanded 5 days.

Due to the disagreement over the required duration, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement during the session. As a result, the three-party whip committee scheduled a follow-up meeting for October 22 at 2:00 PM to finalize the schedule and timeframe for the no-confidence debate.

It was reported that during the three-party whip meeting, the Kla Tham Party initially expressed their intention to request speaking time during the debate; however, they did not specify whether they intended to speak in support of the government or the opposition.

• Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by his wife, visited the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine to pay respects and seek auspiciousness ahead of the upcoming censure debate. He was welcomed by Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen and senior military officials before proceeding to the Ministry of Defense to offer respects to sacred shrines and join a simple military-style lunch.

During the visit, Prime Minister Anutin discussed post-flood recovery efforts, thanking the armed forces for deploying personnel and equipment to assist affected citizens. He also inspected Ministry facilities, briefly joining Defense Minister Adul in practicing formal marching steps on designated floor markings, while emphasizing the government’s ongoing commitment to restoring normal living conditions in flood-hit areas.

• On October 21, Sophon Saram, President of the House of Representatives, convened a 30-minute meeting with the chairs of all 35 House standing committees to discuss operational guidelines and streamline their work. He explained that the meeting aimed to ensure smooth operations following requests from government agencies and committee members regarding overlapping responsibilities. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to strictly adhere to meeting regulations and avoid duplicate tasks, noting that government officials are frequently summoned by both the House and the Senate, which hinders their routine duties.

Moving forward, the legal department will issue an official circular outlining the agreed-upon operational procedures to all committees to facilitate better cooperation between the legislative and executive branches.

• Meanwhile Rukchanok Srinok, a party list-system MP from the People’s Party and chair of the House Budget Committee, addressed the House Speaker’s meeting with 35 committee chairs regarding the scope of committee powers. She noted that the meeting stemmed from a complaint filed by Bhumjai Thai MP Suphachai Jaismut against Rangsiman Rome, chair of the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee, after he summoned Bhumjai Thai MP Suchada Sangthansub for questioning without first seeking a committee vote.

Rukchanok questioned whether this initiative was intended to limit the House’s oversight capabilities, suggesting that Bhumjai Thai was dissatisfied with scrutiny over government MPs. She criticized the move, arguing that while the ruling coalition already holds power in the executive branch and maintains influence across legislative and independent bodies, restricting parliamentary committees would undermine the opposition’s remaining mechanism for government accountability.

• Internal tensions have surfaced within the People’s Party following a renewed controversy over the “party-entertainment” debate. MP Rukchanok Srinok reportedly questioned party leadership via an internal chat group, demanding a response to criticism and expressing frustration over certain members who spend their time drinking expensive wine and lobbying to undermine hardworking colleagues.

The disagreement follows earlier critiques by progressive figures regarding party direction, while Rukchanok publicly declared that she has stopped idolizing individuals. Meanwhile, a senior party source revealed that some MPs are increasingly feeling constrained by an over-reliance on social media trends in their day-to-day operations.

• Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, has strongly denied any involvement with trucks featuring stickers of his face and name, which circulated on social media amid suspicions of being used as an illicit “shield” or loophole to evade law enforcement while transporting industrial waste. He explicitly clarified that he never authorized or consented to the use of his image or name on any vehicles, emphasizing that no sticker can ever serve as immunity against legal actions.

Furthermore, Suchart has urged police and highway authorities to strictly crack down on and prosecute any violating vehicles to the full extent of the law, regardless of whose name or photo is displayed. He has also instructed his legal team to pursue legal action against the individuals responsible for falsely using his likeness and name to deceive authorities or gain improper advantages.

• Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, addressed the situation involving Suchada Zhang-Thaensap —a Bhumjai Thai Party MP for Chaiyaphum—who, accompanied by her husband, Taiyang Zhang, provided information to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on October 21.

Anutin acknowledged that he had not yet spoken with Suchada about the matter, noting that it is a personal affair; individuals holding political office have a duty and obligation to declare their assets and provide clarifications, and it is not a situation in which others can—or should—interfere. He added that he himself, along with other ministers and MPs, is subject to the same requirement to declare assets.

When asked whether there had been any investigation into attempts to link the matter to political donations made to the party, Anutin replied that the party has its own treasurer.

When further asked if he was concerned that this might affect the image of the Bhumjai Thai Party, Anutin laughed and remarked briefly, “I don’t know why you’re asking that.”

• Srisuwan Janya, leader of the “Love the Nation, Love the Land” organization, has filed a petition with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) requesting an investigation and a formal ruling regarding Suchada Zhang-Thaensap —a Bhumjai Thai Party MP for Chaiyaphum. The petition concerns the fact that her husband previously held a 1.47% stake in a company operating the website “Shuffle,” which was sold off before she became an MP. During the period in question, Suchada served as Secretary to the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES) a position held at the time by Chaichanok Chidchob.

The petition asks whether this situation constitutes a conflict of interest under the Organic Act on Counter-Corruption (2018). Furthermore, it questions whether the failure of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to block five prominent gambling websites amounts to malfeasance in office and a serious breach of ethical standards.

Economic News

• Major Banks see profitability Dip

The combined net profit for 10 commercial banks in the third quarter of 2026 reached 65,824 million Baht, a 9.70% decline from the 72,890 million Baht recorded in the same period of the previous year. For the first nine months of 2026, the total net profit stood at 198,968 million Baht, down 3.60% from the 206,390 million Baht reported a year earlier.

Performance varied across individual banks; some managed to sustain impressive net profit growth—particularly those bolstered by non-interest income—while certain large banks experienced a decline in net profit compared to the same period last year.

• Bangkok Bank reported a net profit of 29.98 billion Baht for the first nine months of the year, representing a decline compared to the same period last year. The profit drop was primarily due to lower net interest income following rate reductions and reduced investment gains, resulting in a net interest margin (NIM) of 2.47%. Nevertheless, fee income saw growth driven by bancassurance, mutual funds, and securities business.

Operating expenses fell by 4.6%, lowering the bank’s cost-to-income ratio to 48.2%, while expected credit losses decreased by 13.9%. Driven by large corporate and international lending, total loans grew 3.2% from the end of 2025 to 2.69 trillion Baht, alongside a 0.8% rise in deposits to 3.22 trillion Baht. The non-performing loan ratio stood at 3.2%, backed by an industry-leading coverage ratio of 322.1% and a strong capital adequacy ratio of 21.5%.

• Kasikornbank (KBANK) reported a net profit attributable to equity holders of 12,720 million Baht for the third quarter of 2026, marking a slight decrease of 2.21% compared to 13,007 million Baht in the same period last year. Total net operating income also dipped 3.26% year-over-year to 47,641 million Baht, primarily pressured by a 7.48% drop in net interest income (NII) down to 31,602 million Baht due to declining interest rate trends and customer relief measures. As a result, the net interest margin (NIM) compressed to 2.89%.

Despite the top-line margin compression, KBANK partially offset these declines with a 6.30% rise in non-interest income (reaching 16,039 million Baht) driven by higher net fees from wealth and fund management services. The bank also improved its operational efficiency by reducing operating expenses by 5.12%, bringing its cost-to-income ratio down to 41.75%. Furthermore, KBANK strengthened its risk buffer with an NPL coverage ratio surging to 177.90%, alongside a slight improvement in its gross NPL ratio to 3.18%.

• SCB X Public Company Limited (SCBX) reported a net profit of 10,677 million Baht for the third quarter of 2026, marking a 4.0% decline from the previous quarter due to mark-to-market losses on debt securities as bond yields rose. Despite this investment volatility, the group’s core businesses remained resilient, supported by a 0.5% quarter-on-quarter increase in net interest income (bringing NIM to 3.07%), strong fee income, and disciplined cost control driven by AI and automation adoption.

Asset quality continued to normalize and strengthen, with SCB Bank’s NPL ratio improving for six consecutive quarters down to 2.95%, supported by a robust NPL coverage ratio of 159.4% and a solid capital adequacy ratio of 18.5%. Additionally, the company announced a leadership transition, with Dr. Arak Sutivong scheduled to step in as the Chief Executive Officer of SCBX starting January 1, 2027.

• Krungthai Bank (KTB) President Payong Srivanich revealed a third-quarter net profit of 12,582 million Baht, representing a 3.8% increase quarter-on-quarter, supported by a 10% loan growth driven by retail, corporate, and government sectors. Although net interest income dropped by 9.5% due to declining interest rates and proactive debt relief measures, the bank maintained a high coverage ratio of 205.3% and improved its cost-to-income ratio to 38.4%.

For the first nine months of 2026, KTB’s net profit reached 37,145 million Baht, backed by strong capital adequacy ratios and credit rating outlook upgrades to Stable by Fitch Ratings and Moody’s. However, Mr. Payong noted that Thailand’s broader economic recovery remains uneven (K-shape), constrained by structural challenges, rising living costs, and recent flood impacts.

• Thailand’s Finance Ministry has assured the public that Thailand is unlikely to face a crisis similar to France’s, where mounting public debt, budget deficits, and spending cuts have triggered protests. Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit said Thailand still has a substantial fiscal buffer and maintains strict financial discipline. Unlike countries that have reduced public services and welfare spending, Thailand intends to preserve essential public benefits while tackling budget leakages and cutting unnecessary expenditure. He added that three major international credit-rating agencies have expressed confidence in Thailand’s fiscal management. Although public debt has accumulated over many years and will take time to address, the government says new borrowing should be avoided unless necessary, and any loans must fund projects that genuinely benefit the country.

The ministry also expects to submit a residential rooftop solar-panel installation scheme to the Cabinet by the end of October 2026. Officials have been reviewing the proposal, including how it could integrate with smart technologies to improve efficiency and deliver benefits to households. Meanwhile, a proposed increase in taxes on imported electric vehicles remains under consideration and awaits a decision from Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

• Changan is strengthening Thailand’s role as a regional electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and export hub through its nearly 10-billion-baht factory investment in Rayong. The company aims to produce more than 40,000 vehicles in 2026, with 20% designated for export to 18 countries, including European markets, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Changan targets sales of 30,000 vehicles in Thailand in 2026, up from 14,065 in 2025, and plans to introduce 4–6 additional locally manufactured models within the next two years.

To support long-term growth, Changan plans to expand its model lineup, strengthen local supply chains, and potentially increase factory capacity from 100,000 to 200,000 vehicles annually. The company currently sources components from 413 domestic suppliers, with local content exceeding 50%, and aims to expand its nationwide service network to more than 150 locations. These initiatives demonstrate Changan’s commitment to Thailand as both a key domestic market and a strategic production base for international EV exports.

• Global oil price volatility has caused the accumulated deficit of the Oil Fuel Fund to exceed 100 billion Baht. It is reported that the Ministry of Energy is preparing to implement five key measures to manage oil prices and shore up the Fund’s financial position. Oil Fuel Fund Office Proposes 5 Measures.

1.The Oil Fuel Fund will manage energy prices with a focus on pegging biofuel prices, increasing the price differential with a target maximum gap of 8 Baht/liter.

2.Coordinate campaigns to encourage the public to use Gasohol E20 and Diesel B20.

3.Propose that the Ministry of Finance reduce the excise tax on oil by 1–2 Baht/liter.

4.Continuously reduce ex-refinery prices; it is expected that in November, there will still be a price margin allowing further reductions (currently reduced by 4 Baht/liter, ending October 31, 2026).

5.Urge the Ministry of Energy to accelerate restructuring energy prices to establish a price structure that is as fair and suitable for the current situation as possible.

• Meanwhile oil prices remain unchanged today. On October 21, 2026, the Oil Fuel Fund Board announced adjustments to fuel fund contributions and price subsidies, effective October 22, 2026. Under the new resolution, subsidies for diesel fuels were increased, with Diesel B7 rising by 0.79 Baht from 2.41 Baht to 3.20 Baht per liter, and Diesel B20 rising by 0.68 Baht from 7.63 Baht to 8.31 Baht per liter.

Conversely, fund contributions for gasoline were raised by 0.09 Baht from 6.61 Baht to 6.70 Baht per liter, while subsidies for gasohol products were scaled back. Subsidies for Gasohol 95 and 91 were reduced by 0.09 Baht (from 0.28 Baht to 0.19 Baht per liter), Gasohol E20 by 0.08 Baht (from 4.91 Baht to 4.83 Baht per liter), and Gasohol E85 by 0.03 Baht (from 1.62 Baht to 1.59 Baht per liter).

• Myanmar media reported that Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Lann, met with Thai Energy Minister Akanat Promphan in Naypyidaw to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in the energy and natural gas sectors. Akanat also held talks with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister, U Than Swe, regarding new memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and joint ventures, alongside potential trilateral energy projects involving Russia in Dawei, Tanintharyi Region.

The visit follows Min Aung Lann’s recent trip to Bangkok to seek foreign investment, highlighting Thailand’s continued role as a major investor in Myanmar’s energy, manufacturing, and cross-border trade sectors despite the political crisis. According to Myanmar’s state-run Global New Light of Myanmar, both sides also addressed cooperation in climate change disaster preparedness and prevention.

• The Thai Transport Ministry will submit a proposal to the Cabinet on October 26 for a unified electric rail fare scheme capping trips across eight Bangkok metropolitan lines at 45 Baht, set to launch on January 1, 2027. Announced by Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the initiative aims to eliminate duplicate transfer fees with an initial entry fare capped at 17 Baht, covering the Red, Airport Rail Link, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Pink, Green, and Gold lines for registered Thai nationals using EMV contactless cards.

Under the proposed mechanics, commuters will initially pay the full fare via Visa or Mastercard, with the price difference refunded through the Paotang application within three days. To fund the first year of operation, the ministry is seeking 5.85 billion Baht from the 2027 central budget’s emergency reserve, pending formal Cabinet approval following discussions chaired by Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

• Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has clarified that a private company’s plant variety protection registration for four new holy basil (kaphrao) strains—developed by CPRAM Co., Ltd.—will not affect the general public. He assured that citizens can still legally grow and consume these basil strains at home, as the intellectual property protection only prohibits unauthorized commercial propagation and selling of the protected varieties.

The issue drew public attention after the BioThai Foundation raised concerns, noting that the strains were registered under the Plant Variety Protection Act and warning that potential amendments aligned with UPOV 1991 could eventually restrict farmers from saving and sharing seeds. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture emphasized that the registration rewards private research and development while ensuring that the public’s daily consumption remains entirely unrestricted.

• Internal clashes within the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) threaten to disrupt key national telecommunications initiatives, including the digital television roadmap and preparations for the ITU’s 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference. Commissioner Pirongrong Ramasoota criticized the NBTC office for scheduling overlapping meetings on October 21–22 under orders from a disputed chairman, who she notes should cease his duties following a selection committee ruling and enforcement order. She warned against using the commission’s gridlock as leverage in internal power struggles.

Meanwhile, Deputy Digital Economy and Society Minister Boonthida Somchai confirmed government discussions with the NBTC office to address the deadlock. She cautioned that while the ministry’s core operations are unaffected, the ongoing dispute jeopardizes critical digital infrastructure developments—such as 6G, satellite systems, and remote internet services—and risks public backlash if further USO Net outages occur.

• The SET index closed slightly higher yesterday at 1,556.09 points, up 1.15 points (+0.07%) with a trading volume of 68.74 billion Baht. The index successfully rebounded into positive territory after dropping over 20 points in the morning session due to heavy selling pressure in big-cap stocks, led by DELTA and banking shares following BBL’s slower-than-expected earnings report. However, bargain hunting later returned to select commercial banks like KBANK (+1.71%), alongside tourism stocks that gained momentum from seasonal travel tailwinds and sector rotation ahead of their earnings releases.

For today’s market outlook, the SET Index is expected to undergo a technical rebound after testing the 1,530-point level, which has made market valuations more attractive and limited downside risks, supported by upgrades in the market’s overall earnings per share (EPS) estimates. Investors are advised to closely monitor upcoming corporate earnings announcements and the movement of US Treasury yields for further directional cues. The index’s movement is evaluated with support levels at 1,540–1,545 points and resistance levels at 1,560–1,570 points.

• ADVANC’s Board of Directors has approved a transaction for its subsidiary, AIS Inter Ventures Co., Ltd. (AIV), to acquire a 49% stake in Singapore-based holding company Shenington Investments Pte. Ltd. (SHEN) from Asia Mobile Holdings Pte. Ltd. (AMH). The investment, which includes the assignment of loan rights between AMH and SHEN, is valued at approximately USD 43.35 million or around 1.463 billion Baht.

Through this acquisition, ADVANC indirectly gains an interest in Lao Telecommunication Public Company (LTC), as SHEN holds a 49% stake in the major telecommunications and internet service provider in Laos. The transaction and agreement signings are expected to be fully completed by December 31, 2026.

• Quick Transformation PCL (QUICK) celebrated its successful listing and first day of trading on the Market for Alternative Investment (mai) within the Technology industry group on October 21, 2026. The stock opened at 6.10 Baht—an increase of 0.45 Baht, or approximately 8%, over its initial public offering (IPO) price of 5.65 Baht per share—and closed at 7.10 Baht, up 1.45 Baht or 25.66%, with a total trading value of 461.88 million Baht.

• Massive Write down of BBL’s Indonesian Assets

Bangkok Bank (BBL) acquired Indonesia’s Permata Bank in 2019–2020 for approximately 105 billion baht (US$3.1 billion), eventually increasing its ownership to around 98.7% as part of its strategy to expand across ASEAN. However, six years later, Permata Bank’s share price has reportedly fallen by 74%, raising concerns about the investment’s value. The acquisition faces three major risks: declining market valuation, fluctuations in the Indonesian rupiah that could affect translated earnings and asset values, and rising non-performing loans (NPLs) that could increase provisions and reduce profitability. Permata Bank has contributed approximately 14–17% of BBL’s annual profits in recent years, making its performance significant to the Thai bank’s overall results.

A declining share price does not automatically mean BBL has incurred an equivalent investment loss, as the actual impact depends on Permata Bank’s operating performance, carrying value, dividends, and potential impairment charges. Nevertheless, sustained weakness could pressure BBL’s net profit, return on equity (ROE), and share price.

Floods in Thailand

• Severe flooding driven by continuous heavy rainfall and runoff from northern regions continues to impact 19 provinces across Thailand as well as two districts in Bangkok. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported on October 21 that over 1.22 million people across more than 402,000 households have been affected, with floodwaters reaching widespread areas including Ayutthaya, Prachin Buri, and parts of the capital.

Although water levels are gradually receding in all impacted areas, authorities continue to monitor weather conditions closely. Local disaster offices and regional centers are actively providing assistance to affected residents and preparing to conduct damage assessments to support recovery and rehabilitation efforts once conditions normalize.

• The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has lifted public disaster designations in six districts—Khlong Sam Wa, Bueng Kum, Prawet, Min Buri, Saphan Sung, and Sai Mai—following receding floodwaters, leaving only Nong Chok and Lat Krabang as designated disaster zones due to ongoing low-lying water accumulation. However, Deputy Bangkok Governor Thavida Kamolvej emphasized that lifting the status does not halt financial assistance and compensation for affected households.

• Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued a heavy to very heavy rain warning effective from Wednesday through Sunday, driven by a monsoon trough and a southwest monsoon. The severe weather system is expected to cause persistent downpours, strong gusts, and heightened risks of flash floods and sudden runoff, particularly in foothill and low-lying areas across the southern region, as well as increased rainfall in Bangkok and surrounding areas.

Additionally, high-pressure air mass from China extending over upper Thailand and the South China Sea is generating strong easterly winds. Consequently, mariners in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand have been strongly advised to proceed with caution and avoid sailing through thunderstorm-affected areas where wave heights are forecast to exceed 3 meters.

• The Royal Irrigation Department has announced a reduction in the water discharge rate from the Chao Phraya Dam, lowering it gradually from 1,600 to 1,500 cubic meters per second. While flooding along the Chao Phraya River basin has begun to ease, authorities are actively managing water levels and drawing down storage to prepare for incoming seasonal changes.

General News

• Tomorrow is holiday therefore free expressway usage

Thailand’s Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) will waive toll fees on three expressway routes, covering 63 toll plazas, on Friday, October 23, 2026, in observance of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (Wan Piyamaharaj). The measure is intended to ease travel costs for motorists during the public holiday.

Drivers can use the designated expressway sections free of charge during the announced period.

• Pattaya motorcycle taxi drivers are protesting the change from orange to dark blue vests, arguing that the new color is harder to see at night and could compromise road safety. In a field observation conducted by Khaosod reporters on October 20, orange vests appeared more visible in poorly lit areas, while dark blue blended into the surroundings. However, this was an informal visual comparison, not a formal road-safety or engineering test. A 65-year-old driver, Rat, said safety should take priority over matching Pattaya’s image as a seaside tourist destination, adding, “We drive on roads, not in the sea.” He also noted that some tourists do not yet recognize the new uniforms, while some drivers are still waiting for their replacement vests because manufacturers cannot meet demand.

Each new vest costs 550 baht, creating an additional financial burden for drivers whose earnings are already unstable; Rat said some days he gets only two passenger trips. He urged authorities to reconsider the color, consider brighter alternatives such as yellow or green, and add reflective strips for better visibility. He also proposed providing each driver with one free vest to ease the transition. The uniform change is part of a public motorcycle taxi reorganization in Bang Lamung district, covering 564 taxi stands and 5,281 registered drivers, intended to improve service standards and tourist confidence. Authorities are being urged to balance these goals with nighttime visibility, driver expenses, and a reasonable transition period.

• Size does not always matter

A giant king cobra was discovered swallowing a reticulated python in southern Thailand, astonishing an experienced snake handler who said he had never witnessed such an incident before. The encounter was unusual because both snakes are large predators, making the sight of one consuming the other particularly striking.

The snake handler had to use special equipment to separate the two snakes. The incident highlights the powerful predatory behavior of king cobras, which are known to prey on other snakes, including venomous species. The report’s headline confirms the unusual encounter, although further details about the exact location, the snakes’ condition, and the outcome after separation could not be independently verified from the article.

• A 67-year-old female driver crashed her Toyota Vios through the glass doors and into the Big C On Nut shopping mall in Bangkok, resulting in six injuries, including a 6-year-old girl and an 81-year-old senior. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene following the incident at around 3:22 PM to provide first aid and transport all the injured victims to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.

The driver, who remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities, stated that she accidentally stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake while navigating a turn as she prepared to leave the parking lot. Police are currently reviewing the incident, waiting for medical reports on the victims, and will proceed with legal action against the driver according to the law.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2047406729272657

• Thailand is actively promoting the “Chud Thai” (the royally favored Thai national costume) on a large LED screen at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. This international campaign is part of a broader government initiative led by the Culture Ministry to showcase traditional Thai craftsmanship and heritage on the global stage.

The promotion builds momentum ahead of December 2026, when UNESCO is scheduled to review Thailand’s official nomination of Chud Thai for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Similar promotional displays have also been featured on major billboards in France and Tokyo to strengthen international recognition.

Political News Headlines in Thai Media

• Govt ‘flexible’ on censure debate timing
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/3341259/govt-flexible-on-censure-debate-timing
• BJT MP faces questions on spouse’s role
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3341264/bjt-mp-faces-questions-on-spouses-role
• Activist group says grey business crackdown falling short
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3341015/activist-group-says-grey-business-crackdown-falling-short
• PM’s new narcotics bill equates possession with trafficking
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3341000/pms-new-narcotics-bill-equates-possession-with-trafficking
• Sihasak: Cambodia distorting accounts
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3341304/sihasak-cambodia-distorting-accounts
• Hat Yai can handle flood threat: PM
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3341329/hat-yai-can-handle-flood-threat-pm

Economic News Headlines in Thai Media

• Warning over $200 diesel price crisis
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3341274/warning-over-200-diesel-price-crisis
• PP urges B16bn boost to support SMEs
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/3341239/pp-urges-b16bn-boost-to-support-smes
• Minister orders probe into Koh Phangan villa projects
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3341324/minister-orders-probe-into-koh-phangan-villa-projects
• Ministry advises against travel to Europe
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3341254/ministry-advises-against-travel-to-europe
• Pakistani businessman ‘bought Thai ID’ 20 years ago
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3341059/pakistani-businessman-bought-thai-id-20-years-ago
• Vietjet Thailand insists it is business as usual after court case
• Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3341289/vietjet-thailand-insists-it-is-business-as-usual-after-court-case
• Suvarnabhumi finds no airport role in passenger’s opened-baggage complaint
• Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40072572
• Thai police seize over 5 tonnes of pork intestines in smuggling probe
• Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40072573
• Nation Forum highlights local Thai cuisine to boost tourism growth
• Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40072581
• A Legacy of Leadership: Gaysorn Group Makes History as Thailand’s First Recipient of the Marshall Goldsmith Coaching Culture Excellence Award 2026
• Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40072568
• Civic groups oppose plan to shift Thai PBS, three other bodies to state budget
• Link- https://www.thaipbsworld.com/politics/571434
• Thai Credit Bank Reports Record Quarterly Net Profit of THB1,239 Million in 3Q26
• Link- https://www.kaohooninternational.com/markets/593058
• RATCH Establishes New Solar Farm Subsidiary to Expand Renewable Portfolio
• Link- https://www.kaohooninternational.com/markets/593047

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Issues to be watched out for

• October 26, 2026 – The Ministry of Commerce will announce Thailand’s export figures for September
• October 28, 2026 – Monetary Policy Committee holds its meeting
• October 30, 2026 – The Bank of Thailand (BOT) reports on the Thai economic and financial conditions
• November 5, 2026 – October 2026 Consumer Confidence Inflation Data
• November 16, 2026 – The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reports on the state of the Thai economy and GDP for the third quarter of 2026, as well as outlook for 2026-2027
• November , 2026 – The Ministry of Commerce will announce Thailand’s export figures for October
• December 4, 2026 – November 2026 Consumer Confidence Inflation Data
• December 23, 2026 – Monetary Policy Committee holds its meeting

Key Data

SET Index              1,556.09 +1.15

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 21 October 2026

Buying, Selling or Transfer of shares by Owners/Management

Stock Code

Volume

Value

Action

EP	100		1.07			Purchase
SK	42,000		0.52			Purchase

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

Daily as of 21 October 2026
Unit: M.Baht
Investor Type	Buy		Sell		Net
	Value	%	Value	%	Value	%
Local Institutions	3,749.94	5.46	5,481.47	7.97	-1,731.53
Proprietary Trading	4,205.25	6.12	4,571.11	6.65	-365.86
Foreign Investor	41,823.54	60.84	40,278.31	58.60	1,545.23
Local Individuals	18,960.01	27.58	18,407.84	26.78	552.16
Monthly Cumulative between 1 Oct – 21 October 2026
Unit: M.Baht
Investor Type	Buy		Sell		Net
	Value	%	Value	%	Value	%
Local Institutions	59,363.52	6.99	56,362.97	6.63	3,000.55	–
Proprietary Trading	57,048.64	6.72	61,745.71	7.27	-4,697.07	–
Foreign Investors	495,793.27	58.36	506,316.80	59.60	-10,523.52	–
Local Individuals	237,338.42	27.94	225,118.37	26.50	12,220.04	–
Yearly Cumulative since 1 Jan – 21 October 2026
Unit: M.Baht
Investor Type	Buy		Sell		Net
	Value	%	Value	%	Value	%
Local Institutions	979,064.42	7.29	1,061,983.38	7.91	-82,918.97	–
Proprietary Trading	943,963.32	7.03	942,103.82	7.01	1,859.50	–
Foreign Investors	7,344,672.14	54.67	7,330,085.46	54.56	14,586.68
Local Individuals	4,166,071.39	31.01	4,099,598.61	30.52	66,472.79	–

Total Trading Value 68,738.74 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

Information provided here is copyright of ThaiNews Corp and no part maybe reproduced in any form without the prior written permission. The opinions expressed are only those of the writer’s and is analysed based on the situation.

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