Matichon–Daily News poll puts Nattaphong top choice for prime minister ahead of 8 Feb vote

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23 January 2026, 17:37

BANGKOK — A Matichon–Daily News poll ahead of the 8 February election shows Nattaphong Ruangpanyawut leading public preference for prime minister, followed closely by Yodchanan Wongsawat, according to results released on 23 January.

The survey was conducted via QR code on the two media outlets’ platforms between 9 January and the poll closing date, with 28,002 respondents taking part.

Asked who they would like to see as the next prime minister, Nattaphong ranked first with 35.2%, followed by Yodchanan on 32%. Sudarat Keyuraphan placed third with 5.4%, ahead of Anutin Charnvirakul (4.5%), Suriya Juangroongruangkit (3.8%), Abhisit Vejjajiva (3.5%), Jatuporn Buruspat (2.5%) and Peeraphan Saleerathavibhaga (2.4%). Those undecided accounted for 2.4%, while 8.4% chose other options.

On party-list voting, respondents favoured the People’s Party at 41.1%, followed by Pheu Thai (28%). Bhumjaithai ranked third with 7.2%, ahead of Thai Sang Thai (5.3%), United Thai Nation (4.6%), Democrat Party (3.8%), New Opportunity Party (2.5%) and the Economy Party (1.6%). Undecided voters stood at 1.7%, with 4.1% choosing other parties.

Asked why they would choose a party-list MP, a majority cited party policies (55.9%), followed by liking the party’s prime ministerial candidate (19.4%), confidence in the party leader (17.3%), satisfaction with candidate qualifications (5.4%) and other reasons (2%).

For constituency MPs, the People’s Party again led with 37.9%, narrowly ahead of Pheu Thai at 35.8%. Thai Sang Thai ranked third (5.3%), followed by Bhumjaithai (4.7%), Democrat Party (3.5%), United Thai Nation (2.6%), New Opportunity Party (2.5%) and the Economy Party (1.5%). Undecided voters accounted for 2.6%, with 4% choosing others.

The main factor influencing constituency votes was again party policy (52.3%), followed by candidate qualifications (17.6%), confidence in the party leader (15.4%) and preference for the party’s prime ministerial candidate (13%). Other factors made up 1.8%.

When asked which policy areas mattered most, respondents prioritised the economy (58.4%), followed by anti-corruption and crackdowns on scammers and illicit capital (31.6%), and security and border issues (6.6%). Other issues accounted for 3.4%.

The poll also found strong expected turnout, with 96.4% saying they intended to vote on 8 February, compared with 3.6% who said they would not.

On constitutional reform, 83.2% said they supported drafting a new constitution, while 10.6% opposed the idea and 6.2% expressed no opinion.

TikTok influencer killed in forest after late-night call for help

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Khaosod English

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23 January 2026, 17:16

TAK — Police are investigating the killing of a well-known LGBTQ TikTok influencer whose body was found in a forested area in Mae Sot district, Tak province, with officers believing the crime was premeditated and motivated by robbery.

Mae Sot police said they were notified on 20 January of a body discovered in a grassy forest near Phathong village, Mae Tao subdistrict. Officers and forensic personnel went to the scene, which is near a road leading to a well-known factory.

The deceased was identified as Ko Tin Zaw Htwe, 25, an influencer popular within the LGBTQ community with more than 159,000 followers on TikTok. He was found lying face down, wearing a yellow T-shirt with a jacket over it and black tracksuit trousers.

Police said initial examinations showed blunt-force injuries to the head, with dried blood on the face. A bloodstained wooden stick was found nearby and is believed to be the weapon used in the attack. Officers also found an alcohol bottle, the victim’s shoulder bag, cosmetics, a bank book, condoms and other personal belongings scattered around the area.

People close to the victim told police he left his accommodation late at night on 18 January after receiving a call via social media from someone asking for help. He did not return.

Investigators said they believe the suspect planned the crime in advance, arranging to meet the victim at the secluded location rather than at his residence. The area is isolated and surrounded by bushes, police said.

Several valuables belonging to the victim including a gold necklace, gold rings, a gold bracelet and an iPhone 17 were reported missing.

Police said they are questioning witnesses and gathering forensic evidence as they work to identify and arrest the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

Top 10 SEO Agencies in Thailand

By

Mc Marketing

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23 January 2026, 16:31

Forget sifting through endless search results and struggling to get your business noticed online. Your ideal customers can find you effortlessly, leading to more website visitors, more leads, and ultimately, more sales. Now, this is not just a possibility! In today’s digital world, the secret to online success lies in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and in Thailand, a top-notch SEO agency can make all the difference.

What Is an SEO Agency?

An SEO agency specializes in helping businesses improve their visibility on search engines like Google. They use a variety of techniques and strategies to make your website rank higher in search results for relevant keywords, and attract qualified traffic. An effective SEO campaign involves everything from optimizing your website’s technical aspects and content to building high-quality backlinks, all with the goal of increasing your organic traffic, leads, and sales without the direct cost per click associated with paid advertising.

10 Best SEO Companies to Consider in Thailand

Navigating the world of SEO can be complex, and choosing the right partner is even harder! To help you make an informed decision, we’ve highlighted 10 leading SEO agencies in Thailand known for their expertise!

1. ANGA Bangkok

ANGA Bangkok is an award-winning SEO agency in Bangkok, Thailand, with a strong track record of success. They focus heavily on understanding search intent, ensuring their strategies attract quality organic traffic. Their services include comprehensive keyword research, high-quality onsite content creation, solid technical SEO audits, and quality backlink building. ANGA has an impressive portfolio, having helped over 240 websites achieve top rankings on Google. Their expertise extends across various industries, from e-commerce to healthcare and finance. Their commitment to client success is evident in their numerous rewards, including the “Winner of Small SEO Agency of the Year 2022” by Search Engine Land and multiple awards at the Marketing Excellence Awards 2023.

2. ADCHARIYA

ADCHARIYA is a forward-thinking SEO agency in Thailand. They utilize powerful analytical resources, such as Google Search Console, to identify opportunities for website improvement, helping businesses become more discoverable by users and search engines alike. Their approach consistently delivers an average organic traffic increase of over 90% for their clients, and numerous five-star reviews. They have also received more than 12 agency awards, underscoring their expertise. ADCHARIYA also provides advertising services, offering the convenience of managing both SEO and paid campaigns with a single partner.

3. Ario

Ario Marketing is a leading SEO agency in Thailand with over ten years of experience in the digital marketing industry. Their mission is to empower businesses to achieve their full potential in the online landscape by delivering innovative and tailored digital marketing solutions. Ario’s SEO services are results-driven, with a commitment to meeting key performance indicators (KPIs) crucial for business growth. They also focus on technical SEO aspects like site speed and mobile-friendliness to ensure websites adhere to best practices.

4. Hookgrowth

Hookgrowth is an SEO and content strategy company that aims to increase organic traffic and generate leads for businesses. Their approach involves a clear, six-month plan to boost website visitors. They focus on identifying profitable keywords and promoting websites with high-quality backlinks from sources like PBNs (Private Blog Networks), blog posts, and advertorial content. The company emphasizes long-term, sustainable brand growth and builds trust with clients by providing monthly performance reports using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. They also assure clients that their SEO methods adhere to Google’s algorithms, preventing penalties by optimizing both on-page and off-page elements.

5. Makewebeasy

Makewebeasy is a leading provider of comprehensive website and online marketing services. They cater to a wide range of businesses, from small to large enterprises, with a mission to help entrepreneurs succeed online with a low budget and high-quality service. Their offerings include an easy-to-use website platform, professionally designed templates, and expert digital marketing services, including SEO and Google Ads. A timeline of their development shows their commitment to innovation, with milestones like adding international servers in 2009, introducing responsive design in 2015, and expanding into Indonesia in 2021.

6. iGetWeb

iGetWeb offers a user-friendly platform that allows anyone to create a professional website quickly and easily, with no IT experience needed. The service is designed to support a wide variety of businesses, from personal blogs to online stores, and provides a large selection of beautiful, customizable templates. All websites created on the platform are built with responsive design, ensuring they display correctly on desktops, tablets, and mobile phones. iGetWeb also provides professional design services for a unique website look, a call center for support, and a website structure optimized for SEO to help businesses easily rank on Google.

7. Minimicegroup

Minimicegroup is a full-service online marketing agency with over five years of experience, specializing in SEO. Initially focused on search engine optimization, the company has since expanded its services to include a full range of digital marketing solutions, such as various ad placements and website development. The agency operates with an in-house team of experts dedicated to managing a client’s website from the initial steps all the way to achieving high rankings on search engine results pages.

8. Allconnective

Allconnective specializes in affordable SEO services that help businesses increase their online visibility. The company’s goal is to get clients’ websites ranked on the first page of search results for specific keywords within a six-month period. To achieve this, they use white-hat backlinks to build website authority and avoid Google penalties. Allconnective also offers website analysis and recommendations to ensure a client’s site is optimized for SEO. In addition to search engine services, they provide solutions to increase Facebook likes, aiming to drive traffic and boost sales for a more sustainable business model.

9. Mingketar

Mingketar Marketing is a dynamic group of young professionals passionate about helping Thai entrepreneurs achieve stable and sustainable long-term growth through online marketing. The team provides a variety of services, including SEO, website design, and Google Ads, all based on methods that have been tested and proven to be effective for their clients. The company is committed to continuous learning and innovation, ensuring their strategies remain current. Their core philosophy is to help businesses adapt to the digital world by providing measurable results and real income, allowing business owners to focus on other aspects of their operations.

10. Rank Social Digital

Rank Social Digital specializes in comprehensive online marketing solutions, with a strong focus on mobile technology. Their services include online media acquisition, Big Data and Analytics consulting, and the development of mobile marketing tools designed to help brands connect directly with consumers. They also offer a range of front-end and back-end development services, with expertise in creating custom websites using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and platforms like WordPress.

How to Choose the Right SEO Team for Your Business

Choosing the right SEO agency is a critical decision that can significantly impact your online success. Here are key factors to consider:

Experience and Track Record: Look for an SEO agency with a proven history of success, backed by case studies and client testimonials.
Transparent Reporting: Ensure they provide clear, regular reports on your campaign’s performance, using metrics that matter to your business.
Communication: A good SEO agency will communicate clearly and regularly, keeping you informed of their strategies and progress.
Customized Strategy: Avoid agencies that offer a one-size-fits-all approach. Your business is unique, and your SEO strategy should be too.
Industry Knowledge: While not always essential, an agency with experience in your industry might have a deeper understanding of your target audience and competitive landscape.
Ethical Practices: Choose an SEO agency that adheres to white-hat SEO techniques, avoiding risky shortcuts that could harm your ranking in the long run.

Summary

Partnering with a competent SEO agency is essential for businesses aiming for online growth. The agencies mentioned above showcase the power of strategic SEO in driving organic traffic, generating leads, and boosting sales. Recognizing what an SEO agency does and carefully evaluating potential partners based on their experience, transparency, and tailored approach will set your business on the path to lasting online visibility and success.

Preliminary forensic details emerge in death of British tourist found in Bangkok hotel

By

Khaosod English

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23 January 2026, 15:55

BANGKOK — Thai police said they are awaiting detailed autopsy results to determine the cause of death of a British tourist found dead in a Bangkok hotel on 13 January, as additional forensic details emerged.

The deceased was identified as Joshua Kershaw, a 21-year-old British national from Grimsby, Lincolnshire.

Khaosod English was told by officers at Lumpini Police Station that police received a report at 15:16 on 13 January that a foreign man had been found dead in a hotel room on Sukhumvit Soi 7/1 in Watthana district. Officers responded to the scene together with a forensic doctor.

Police said the body was found lying on its back on the floor of the hotel room. An initial examination found bruising on the back of the man’s right hand, fine white foam around the mouth and pale conjunctiva in both eyes. No bleeding spots were found and there were no signs of injury to the inner lips. The cause of death could not be determined at that stage, police said.

ccccccc01 — Officers from Lumpini Police Station inspect the scene at a hotel in Watthana district, Bangkok, on 13 January.

The body was sent for a detailed post-mortem examination at the forensic institute at Chulalongkorn Hospital. Police told Khaosod English that the full autopsy results are expected within the next few days and that no further details can be released while the examination is ongoing.

The case drew attention after Kershaw’s family in the UK said they had been searching for him and only learned nine days later that he had already died.

Police said they were notified of the death on 13 January and confirmed that the British Embassy was informed immediately after officers inspected the scene on the first day.

The investigation remains ongoing pending the autopsy findings.

Trump’s Greenland push seen hitting Thai trade

By

Khaosod English

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23 January 2026, 15:09

Trump’s Greenland push seen hitting Thai trade

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Commerce Ministry warned that a US push to gain control over Greenland could have ripple effects on global trade and Thai exports, mainly through heightened trade tensions between the United States and the European Union.

Nantapong Jiralertpong, director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy, said higher costs in the United States would be likely if retaliatory trade measures emerge between Washington and Brussels. US importers would bear heavier tax burdens, particularly for goods reliant on European components, such as automobiles, pharmaceuticals and luxury products.

In the longer term, he said, the situation signals a structural shift towards deeper global economic fragmentation. That could open opportunities for Thailand to export substitute goods, including rice, processed fruit and frozen chicken to the EU in place of US products, and to expand shipments of canned seafood to the United States.

Risks, however, include a potential drop in orders for Thai parts integrated into European supply chains, as tensions between the two sides disrupt cross-border production networks.

The Greenland issue eased after the World Economic Forum 2026 meeting, when the United States and NATO reached a framework agreement. Under the deal, Washington pledged not to use military force and withdrew threats to impose tariffs on Denmark and Europe.

While Denmark retains sovereignty over Greenland, the United States gained access for security cooperation, missile defence installations and rare earth minerals. The short-term impact on Thailand is expected to be limited, Nantapong said, but the episode has shaken confidence in US–European trade relations.

He added that global commerce is increasingly shifting towards a “trade for security” model. Thailand should diversify risks, maintain diplomatic balance and develop upstream and midstream industries, particularly in food, technology and industrial components, to strengthen competitiveness.

Thai forces expose massive scam hub at Chong Chom–O Smach border

By

Khaosod English

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23 January 2026, 13:51

S__38330800_0sssssss — Thai forces expose border scam operations threatening people worldwide

SURIN — Thai military and police have uncovered extensive evidence linked to online scam operations during an inspection at the Chong Chom–O Smach permanent border crossing in Kap Choeng district, Surin province, authorities said on 23 January 2026.

The operation was led by Lt. Gen. Thiranan Nandakwang, director-general of Army Intelligence, together with Maj. Gen. Wittaya Sriprasertphap, commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, and officers from the Central Investigation Bureau. The area falls under the responsibility of the Suranaree Task Force.

Officials said the inspection targeted suspected sites linked to technology-related crimes. Investigators found a large volume of evidence, including rooms set up to resemble police offices and government agencies of other countries.

Authorities said the findings reflect a well-organised and systematic fraud operation, with planning, management and control consistent with a transnational criminal network.

Officials warned that such activities pose not only a threat to national security but also a broader threat to humanity in the digital age, as online platforms are used to deceive large numbers of people.

Relevant agencies said they will expand the investigation, intensify preventive measures and take firm legal action to protect the public and safeguard national security on a sustainable basis.

Pai police warn tourists against public cannabis use

By

Khaosod English

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23 January 2026, 13:35

Pai police warn tourists against public cannabis use

PAI — Police in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province, have warned tourists against smoking cannabis and cigarettes in public areas, particularly along the popular Pai walking street.

Pai police, working with local public health officials, the Pai municipality and tourist police, stepped up patrols on the walking street on 22 January 2026 at 19:00 to enforce a strict ban on smoking cannabis and tobacco in public spaces.

During inspections, officers found seven violations — one case of cannabis smoking and six of cigarette smoking — and took legal action against those involved, police said.

Authorities also informed shop operators about legal requirements for selling cannabis-infused products such as gummies and cookies, and reminded them to prevent customers from smoking inside shops or in public areas.

Pai walking street is home to several cannabis shops catering to tourists. Officials said smoking is permitted only in designated rooms inside licensed premises. However, some visitors, particularly foreign tourists, have been found smoking outside shops or on the street, causing nuisance from cannabis odours, especially to people with severe sensitivities.

Police said warnings and enforcement will continue during the peak tourism season.

Thai exports hit record high in 2025, outlook weakens

By

Khaosod English

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23 January 2026, 12:38

Thai exports hit record high in 2025, outlook weakens

BANGKOK — Thailand’s exports surged to a record high in 2025, expanding 12.9% year on year to a total value of 339.6 billion US dollars, or about 11 trillion baht, the Ministry of Commerce said, marking the strongest performance in four years.

The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said the 2025 figure was the highest on record and the best since 2021. Exports excluding oil-related products, gold and military goods rose 14.0%. Imports for the year totalled 344.9 billion US dollars, up 12.9%, resulting in a trade deficit of 5.3 billion US dollars.

TPSO director-general Nantapong Jiralertpong said exports in December 2025 reached 28.9 billion US dollars, or 931.3 billion baht, rising 16.8% from a year earlier and extending growth to an 18th consecutive month. Imports in December rose 18.8% to 29.3 billion US dollars, leaving a monthly trade deficit of 352 million US dollars.

The strong December performance was driven mainly by electronics and electrical appliances, supported by technology upgrades linked to artificial intelligence and supply-chain diversification amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Agricultural exports, however, continued to contract due to natural disasters and intense global competition.

Agricultural exports

Exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products rose 2.8% year on year in December, returning to growth for the first time in five months. Agricultural products alone fell 0.6%, while agro-industrial products increased 6.8%.

Key items showing growth included fresh, chilled, frozen and dried fruit, up 11.1%; pet food, up 18.4%; processed chicken, up 17.3%; canned and processed fruit, up 14.9%; and fats and oils from plants and animals, which surged 40.4%.

Major declines were seen in rubber, down 1.9%; rice, down 27.4%; cassava products, down 4.0%; beverages, down 17.3%; and sugar, down 10.2%.

For the whole of 2025, exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products slipped 0.4%.

Industrial exports

Industrial exports expanded 20.3% year on year in December, marking 21 consecutive months of growth. Notable gains were recorded in computers and parts, up 51.5%; automobiles and parts, up 5.0%; machinery and parts, up 22.8%; telephones and parts, up 102.6%; printed circuit boards, up 14.6%; transformers and parts, up 53.3%; and electrical switchboards and control panels, up 33.2%.

Declines were seen in oil-related products, down 8.5%; wood and wood products, down 9.6%; and radios, televisions and parts, down 13.0%.

Overall, industrial exports for 2025 rose 17.4%.

Key markets

Exports expanded in almost all major markets, led by strong growth in electronics shipments to the United States. Exports to main markets rose 19.2%, with the United States up 54.3%, the European Union up 17.2% and ASEAN-5 up 13.1%. Shipments to China rose 4.4% and Japan 8.6%, while exports to CLMV countries fell 11.4%.

Secondary markets grew 7.9%, with strong gains in Australia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Exports declined to South Asia, Russia and the CIS, and the United Kingdom. Other markets surged 176.0%.

2026 outlook

Looking ahead, Nantapong said export growth in 2026 is expected to slow, with TPSO forecasting a range from a contraction of 3.1% to growth of 1.1%.

Risks include existing and new US tariff measures, changes in global trade rules amid intensifying geopolitical conflicts, and a strengthening baht. He said authorities are closely monitoring the US dollar, potential US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and geopolitical developments, stressing the need for Thailand to maintain a neutral balance.

Despite the risks, Thai exports still have support from rising demand for technology and AI-related products, food security concerns, growth in emerging markets such as India, Latin America and Central Asia, and the use of tariff privileges under newly implemented free trade agreements. The Commerce Ministry said it will closely track global trade developments to address obstacles promptly and maintain confidence among Thai exporters over the long term.

M26 grenade found in hut in Phayao, safely defused

By

Khaosod English

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23 January 2026, 11:59

M26 grenade found in hut in Phayao, safely defused

PHAYAO — Police bomb disposal officers safely recovered an M26 hand grenade found hidden inside a hut in Phayao province on 23 January 2025, authorities said.

Officers from the Phayao provincial explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit, led by Capt. Jessada Chamnanya, deputy inspector of the investigation division, were dispatched to a hut without a house number in Moo 8 of Huai Kaeo subdistrict, Phu Kam Yao district, after reports of a suspicious object.

The alert was raised by patrol officers from Phu Kam Yao police station, who relayed information through the provincial 191 emergency radio centre after local residents discovered the object and were unable to identify it.

An inspection carried out with the village head and local police confirmed the item was an M26 fragmentation grenade in intact condition. Officers cordoned off the surrounding area before removing the device in accordance with strict safety procedures. The grenade will be destroyed later, police said.

Authorities said the origin of the grenade remains unknown and an investigation is under way to determine who may have been responsible and why it was left in the area. Police confirmed the site is now safe and no injuries were reported.

Gun attack riddles pickup truck in southern Thailand

By

Khaosod English

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23 January 2026, 11:15

Gun attack riddles pickup truck in southern Thailand

PHATTHALUNG — Gunmen opened fire from a sedan late on 23 January 2026, riddling a pickup truck with bullets on a road in Phatthalung province, in an attack police believe may be linked to so-called grey business activities.

Police from Khao Chaison station said the shooting took place on the Ko Thong Som–Khlong Chaloem road in Moo 15 of Khok Muang subdistrict, near a curve in front of Ko Thong Som temple. Officers who arrived at the scene found a four-door pickup truck with Phatthalung registration plates riddled with bullet holes.

No injuries were reported. The driver, Thanawat Thiapphut, 31, and his wife, Anongnat, 29, abandoned the vehicle and fled after the shooting. Police said they were still trying to locate the couple for questioning.

Investigators said the couple had been driving from a rented house to their home near the boundary of Khao Chaison and Tamot districts, about 3 kilometres from the scene, when a bronze-coloured sedan followed them. The car reportedly pulled alongside at the curve and fired about five shots before fleeing.

Col. Paiboon Boonrat, chief of Khao Chaison police, said the motive was believed to be connected to grey-area business dealings. Investigators are gathering CCTV footage from the area and working to identify suspects in order to seek arrest warrants.

Police said the same sedan is suspected of being involved in an earlier shooting on 17 January 2026, when a house in Moo 1 of Khao Chaison subdistrict was hit by gunfire. CCTV footage from that incident showed a sedan firing 23 shots at the property before driving away.

The homeowner, Phairoh Suebsom, 62, said she and her five children were asleep at the time and heard gunshots but were too afraid to go outside. She said she had no known conflicts with anyone and believed the shooting may have been intended as intimidation.

What Is an SEO Agency?

10 Best SEO Companies to Consider in Thailand

1. ANGA Bangkok

2. ADCHARIYA

3. Ario

4. Hookgrowth

5. Makewebeasy

6. iGetWeb

7. Minimicegroup

8. Allconnective

9. Mingketar

10. Rank Social Digital

How to Choose the Right SEO Team for Your Business

Summary

Agricultural exports

Industrial exports

Key markets

2026 outlook

Hot News

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