Foreign Investment in Thailand Surges in First Four Months of 2025

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29 May 2025, 15:02

CHANG-AN — CHANGAN Automobile announces investment to build manufacturing plant in Rayong province in May 2025.

BANGKOK — Foreign investment in Thailand jumped significantly in the first four months of 2025, with 363 foreign companies receiving business permits—a 43% increase from the same period last year, according to the Department of Business Development.

The total investment value reached 57.86 billion baht ($1.76 billion), representing a 5% increase compared to the January-April period of 2024, said Oramon Saptaweetham, Director-General of the Department of Business Development at the Ministry of Commerce.

The investments came through two main channels: 87 companies obtained foreign business licenses directly, while 276 companies received business certification through investment promotion laws, industrial estate regulations, or international treaty rights.

Japan Dominates Investment Landscape

Japanese companies led foreign investment with 71 businesses accounting for 20% of all foreign enterprises in Thailand. Their combined investment totaled 17.255 billion baht ($527 million), focusing on strategic industrial sectors including:

Raw materials and component procurement for various industries
Underwater pipeline replacement and connection services for offshore oil drilling projects
Electric vehicle charging station services
Contract manufacturing of metal parts, chemicals, automotive components, and compressor parts

paetong japan invest — PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra discusses plastic recycling investment opportunities with SUNTORY CEO Takeshi Niinami in Davos, Switzerland on January 23, 2025.

US and Singapore Follow Japan’s Lead

The United States ranked second with 51 companies (14% share) investing 2.485 billion baht ($76 million) in diverse sectors including retail electronics, manufacturing equipment, software, telecommunications, cosmetics, warehouse services, data centers, and contract manufacturing of food additives and jewelry alloys.

Singapore placed third with 45 companies (12% share) contributing 9.126 billion baht ($279 million) toward advanced infrastructure projects, particularly electric train control systems, modern distribution centers, software development, and contract manufacturing of pet food, beverages, and electronic components.

China and Hong Kong Round Out Top Five

Chinese investors established 43 businesses (12% share) with 6.471 billion baht ($197.7 million) in investments, concentrating on industrial supply chains, free zone customs services, factory leasing, and manufacturing of industrial machinery, plastics, chemicals, and automotive parts.

Hong Kong investors created 40 companies (11% share) investing 5.766 billion baht ($176 million) in distribution centers, EV charging stations, data centers, cloud services, and manufacturing of industrial chemicals, medical devices, dental products, and automotive components.

Technology Transfer Benefits Thai Workers

The foreign investment wave has facilitated significant technology transfer to Thai workers, particularly in specialized fields such as oil drilling control systems, port management and cargo safety, EV charging infrastructure, electric vehicle component manufacturing, and charging platform management systems.

The investment surge also created substantial employment opportunities, with Thai job creation from foreign business license applicants increasing by 1,299 positions (128% growth) to 2,314 jobs in the first four months of 2025, compared to 1,015 jobs in the same period last year.

EEC Attracts Strong Interest

The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) proved particularly attractive to foreign investors, drawing 108 companies representing 30% of all foreign investment—a 40% increase from 77 companies in the same period last year. EEC investments totaled 31.363 billion baht ($958 million), accounting for 54% of total foreign investment value.

Japanese companies led EEC investment with 32 businesses contributing 10.008 billion baht ($305 million), followed by 25 Chinese companies (3.867 billion baht, $118 million), 10 Singaporean companies (5.934 billion baht, $181 million), and 41 companies from other countries (11.554 billion baht, $353 million).

EEC businesses focused on retail sales of industrial molds and cooling equipment parts, metal surface coating services, platform and application services, and contract manufacturing of industrial chemicals, machinery components, and plastic products.

April 2025 Shows Continued Momentum

April alone saw 91 new foreign business permits issued, with total investments of 10.827 billion baht ($330.7 million) creating 709 Thai jobs. Hong Kong, the United States, and Singapore led April investments, with businesses focusing on international trade, petroleum drilling services in the Gulf of Thailand, digital platform development, and contract manufacturing of dental products, molds, industrial plastics, and machinery.

The sustained growth in foreign investment reflects Thailand’s strengthening position as a regional manufacturing and technology hub, with investors bringing advanced knowledge in specialized sectors ranging from offshore oil operations to agricultural research and development.

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Southeast Asia’s Illicit Methamphetamine Trade Is at a Record High, the UN Says

By

Chumchan Chamniprasert

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29 May 2025, 10:54

BANGKOK (AP) — The illicit trade in methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs is growing by leaps and bounds in Southeast Asia, with record levels of seizures serving as an indicator of the scale, U.N experts on the drug trade said in a new report Wednesday.

Methamphetamine seizures, primarily in Southeast Asia, totaled 236 tons in 2024, a 24% increase over 2023. The increase applied to both crystal methamphetamine and methamphetamine tablets, the latter priced for a mass market, going for as little as U.S. $0.60 apiece in Myanmar. About 1 billion tablets were seized last year in Thailand.

“The sustained flood of methamphetamine to markets in the region has been driven by industrial-scale production and trafficking networks operated by agile, well-resourced transnational organized criminal groups,” says the report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, or UNODC.

“We are clearly seeing unprecedented levels of methamphetamine production and trafficking from the Golden Triangle, in particular Myanmar’s Shan State,” Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC acting regional representative, said in a statement.

AP23352249259515 — About 2 million methamphetamine tablets seized in a northern Thai border town near Myanmar after a shootout with Thai soldiers, Thai officials said on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (Office Of The Narcotics Control Board via AP)

The “Golden Triangle,” where the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet, is famous for the production of opium and heroin, which flourished largely because the remote location and lax law enforcement. In recent decades, methamphetamine has supplanted it because it is easier to make on an industrial scale.

Myanmar’s civil war fueled trafficking growth

What has turbocharged growth of the methamphetamine trade has been the political situation in Myanmar, where the army’s February 2021 seizure of power has led to civil war.

That has caused the flow of drugs to surge “across not only East and Southeast Asia, but also increasingly into South Asia, in particular Northeast India,” the new report says.

At the same time in Myanmar “there is a degree of stability in certain parts of the country, especially those known for large-scale synthetic drug production,” Hofmann said, adding that the combination has ”created favorable conditions for the expansion of drug production.”

The report says traffickers have diversified routes to markets, both within Southeast Asia and beyond. Drugs are increasingly trafficked from Myanmar to Cambodia, mostly through Laos, as well as though maritime routes “linking Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with Sabah in Malaysia serving as a key transit hub.”

AP24149575055821 — FILE – Thai soldiers stand beside seized 50 million methamphetamine pills hidden in sacks during a news conference at Thongphaphum Police station in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand, on Dec. 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Keskawe Chongchareon)

Other drugs enter from beyond the region

The report says some drugs enter the region from outside, including the “Golden Crescent,” another major drug production area covering remote mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan and eastern Iran. Crystal methamphetamine from the Golden Crescent has been found in Southeast Asian nations including the Philippines, as well as in Japan and South Korea.

North America has been the origin for methamphetamine found in Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, the Philippines and South Korea, involving trafficking by Mexican cartels, the report says.

Traffickers have “shown business acumen by leveraging digital tools and emerging technologies to facilitate and profit from the illicit trade in synthetic drugs,” it says, and some trafficking groups infiltrate legitimate businesses or set up front companies.

One major development is the growing convergence between trafficking organized crime groups and those offering services such as underground banking, the report says.

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Thai Parliament Restores Historic Name for Royal Asset Agency

By

Khaosod English

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29 May 2025, 10:24

Royal Assets — The Thai House of Representatives overwhelmingly approves a resolution to rename the Crown Property Bureau to the Crown Property Office on May 28, 2025.

BANGKOK — The Thai House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a resolution Wednesday to rename the Crown Property Bureau to the Crown Property Office, with 454 votes in favor, 2 abstentions, and no opposition votes. The change restores a historic name dating back to Thailand’s absolute monarchy era.

The legislation sailed through three readings in a single day using an expedited process that drew criticism from opposition lawmakers, who questioned the government’s rush to pass the measure despite having no objections to the substance of the bill.

Opposition Questions Rapid Legislative Process

Opposition leader Nattapong Ruangpanyawut of the People’s Party said his caucus supports the name change but strongly disagreed with the Cabinet’s decision to fast-track the legislation through a full House committee rather than following normal parliamentary procedures.

“This important law requires thorough consideration,” Nattapong told the House. “If it is a bill related to the institution of the head of state, our parliament should consider it meticulously and cautiously to avoid any suspicion or questions among the public.”

The Crown Property Office will oversee royal assets estimated at more than 1 trillion baht as of 20 years ago, making it one of Thailand’s most significant financial institutions. The agency manages both institutional royal assets and the monarch’s personal holdings.

Historical Context and Recent Changes

The name change reverses terminology introduced during Thailand’s military government era. In 2018, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) enacted the Royal Assets Organization Act, which consolidated oversight of both personal and institutional royal assets under a single entity and changed the traditional term “royal assets” to “assets in His Majesty.”

Nattapong explained that previous Thai monarchs maintained a clear distinction between personal assets, managed at the king’s discretion, and institutional assets, overseen by the Crown Property Bureau. The 2018 military-era law blurred this separation by placing both categories under royal discretion.

“The real substance of this law is merely a name change,” Nattapong said, noting that the fundamental management structure established in 2018 remains unchanged.

parliament 28 05 2025 — The Thai House of Representatives convenes in extraordinary session to deliberate the draft Royal Assets Organization Act on May 28, 2025.

Government Defends Royal Institution

United Thai Nation Party MP Juti Krairiksh defended both the legislation and the expedited process, emphasizing the importance of the monarchy to Thailand’s democratic system.
“Nation, religion, and monarchy are extremely important to a democratic system with the King as head of state,” Juti said. He argued that royal asset management has consistently benefited Thai citizens, citing the king’s support for 37,000 ethnic minority children along Thailand’s borders and a recent 20 million baht donation to restore a hospital damaged by fire.

Constitutional Monarchy Framework

The People’s Party leader stressed his party’s commitment to Thailand’s constitutional monarchy system while calling for careful legislative procedures around royal matters.

“We will act to protect the constitutional monarchy, or democracy where the King is under the constitution,” Nattapong said. “We will be careful not to allow any law to be criticized or questioned as an attempt to deviate from this framework, where the King reigns but does not rule.”

The legislation now moves forward as part of efforts to align current institutional names with historical Thai royal traditions while maintaining the management structure established during the military government period.

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Chinese Gang Leader Wanted for High Crime Arrested in Bangkok

By

Khaosod English

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29 May 2025, 02:38

ma1 — Ma Wufeng, 41, holds his arrest warrant at Bangkok Metropolitan Police headquarters on May 28. The Chinese national is wanted for human trafficking and a major scam operation in China.

BANGKOK — A Chinese national suspected of running a major human trafficking operation and operating an illegal nightclub in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district was arrested Wednesday evening after 15 months on the run.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsorn, along with investigators, led the operation that resulted in the arrest of Mr. Ma Wufeng, 41, at a residence in Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, Yaek 1-8 (Soi Chan Mueang 5) in Din Daeng district at 9 PM on May 28.

Ma, also known as Ah Ma, was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by Mae Sot Provincial Court on February 16, 2024, for charges related to providing shelter and assistance to illegal immigrants to help them evade arrest.

He has not yet provided any statements to Bangkok Metropolitan Police. Authorities plan to transfer him to Mae Sot Police Station on May 29 to face the outstanding charges from the 2022 case.

Ah Ma: The Fourth Suspect

The case stems from the March 3, 2022 arrest of Thai taxi driver Ekalak Paenoi, 41, who was caught transporting three Chinese nationals toward the Myanmar border. Immigration police intercepted them at a checkpoint in Ban Huai Hin Fon, Mae Pa subdistrict, Mae Sot district.

The investigation revealed a sophisticated network involving four other suspects, including someone identified as Pittipat who hired Ekalak to transport the illegal immigrants from Mae Sot to Chiang Rai province.

fight scam3 — Warning signs posted in three languages: Thai, English, and Chinese, at 12 locations along the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sot, Tak Province, to prevent people from being trafficked into cyber scam operations.

Phone records showed that another suspect, Lao Xing, had contacted the SP Hotel in Mae Sot on March 2, 2022, booking rooms and transferring payment in advance for the three Chinese nationals. A third suspect, Veerayuth, used a black Toyota Fortuner to transport the Chinese men to the hotel.

Financial investigations revealed that Ma was the one funding the operation, transferring money for hiring fees and accommodation expenses to Lao Xing.

Tracked to Bangkok’s Huai Khwang

In 2024, Bangkok Metropolitan Police received intelligence that Ma was co-owner of an illegal entertainment venue in Huai Khwang district, located in Pracharasdr Bampen Soi 4, Din Daeng district. A raid on November 5, 2024, found approximately 31 people, including tourists and service staff, along with drugs and drug paraphernalia on the premises.

Although Ma wasn’t found during that raid, police continued surveillance of the area and eventually tracked him to his hideout in Ratchadaphisek Soi 7.

Wanted for $300 Million Wuhan Scam

Coordination with Chinese police revealed that Ma is not only involved in human trafficking to Myanmar but is also a key member of a massive call center scam operation that defrauded Chinese citizens of over 10 billion baht (approximately $300 million) in Wuhan, Hubei Province, central China. Chinese authorities consider him a high-priority fugitive.

Connection to High-Profile Murder Case

Investigation revealed Ma’s close relationship with taxi driver Ekalak Paenoi, a former naval officer nicknamed “Sergeant M,” who later became a suspect in the shocking assassination of Lim Kimya, a former Cambodian opposition MP, who was shot dead near Wat Bowonniwet temple on the evening of January 7, 2024.

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Australian Brothers Apologize for Brawl Outside Pattaya Agogo Venue

By

Khaosod English

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28 May 2025, 23:33

aussie brother2 — Two Australian brothers speak with authorities at the entertainment venue in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya City, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Banglamung District, Chonburi Province, on May 27, 2025.

PATTAYA — Two Australian brothers have apologized for fighting a foreign tourist in an incident that went viral on social media, during a late Tuesday night inspection by Pattaya police and Banglamung district officials at the establishment where the fight occurred.

Carlos, 25, and Isaac, 20, were present at the entertainment venue in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya City, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Banglamung District, Chonburi Province, when they spoke with authorities. The brothers had surrendered to Pattaya City Police Station on May 26 along with two Thai security guards and reiterated their apology during the inspection.

The Australians maintained they are not the bar owners but work as managers. According to their account, the altercation began when they asked the customers to pay for drinks, but the tourists refused and struck them first, prompting them to retaliate.

Police Lt. Col. Arus Saphanon, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, is currently searching for the other parties involved, who have not yet filed a complaint. Immigration police have been contacted to verify whether the Australians’ work permits are legally valid.

aussie brother11 — The Australian brothers surrender themselves to Pattaya City Police Station along with two Thai security guards on May 26, 2025.

The establishment inspection found no legal violations after checking documents, employee records, and conducting drug tests on staff, which came back negative. Thapop Yomjinda, Banglamung District Chief, requested the bar take responsibility for the violent incident by closing for one day as a penalty.

Officials announced stricter safety measures for tourists, requiring all entertainment establishments to immediately notify authorities of any problems rather than resorting to violence. Business operators were warned to prioritize tourist safety and proper conflict resolution procedures.

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One killed After Thai and Cambodian Soldiers Briefly Clash in a Disputed Border Area

By

Associated Press

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28 May 2025, 18:13

chong-bok2 — Thai military officials release a photograph of a trench that the Cambodian side dug from the Sataban checkpoint to the Lao junction, covering 650 meters in the disputed territory.

BANGKOK (AP) — A Cambodian soldier was killed when Thai and Cambodian troops briefly fired at each other in their disputed border area Wednesday, officials said.

Cambodian army spokesperson Mao Phalla said the Cambodian troops were conducting a routine patrol along the border when the Thai side opened fire.

The Thai army’s statement said the Cambodian soldiers entered a disputed area and Thai soldiers approached the area to negotiate but due to misunderstanding, the Cambodian side opened fire and the Thai soldiers then retaliated.

The clash lasted about 10 minutes until local commanders spoke to each other and ordered a ceasefire, the Thai army said, adding that the two were negotiating.

Cambodia said one of its soldiers was killed during the fight, and the body has been transported from the border for a funeral. The Thai army said it had no casualties.

chong bok — Map showing Chong Bok, the site of brief cross-border gunfire between Thai and Cambodian soldiers on May 28, 2025.

Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the situation has resolved and said both sides did not intend to open fire at each other.

Neighboring Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of land disputes. The most prominent involved the Preah Vihear promontory, an area around a 1,000-year-old temple that was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2008. The U.N.’s International Court of Justice granted sovereignty over the area to Cambodia in 2013.

There have been recent border incidents between the two countries, including in February when Cambodian troops and their family members entered an ancient temple along the border and sang the Cambodian national anthem, leading to a brief argument with Thai troops. The incident was recorded on video and went viral on social media.

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Thailand Urges Talks with Myanmar, China Over Kok River Arsenic Pollution

By

Khaosod English

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28 May 2025, 17:58

BANGKOK — Thailand is facing a deepening environmental crisis after reports of arsenic contamination in the Kok River surfaced in March following complaints from local communities in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces.

In early April, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning confirmed elevated levels of arsenic in the water. Since then, government agencies, including the Ministry of Public Health, have issued warnings advising residents not to temporarily use the river water for any purpose, including consumption or direct contact.

The Thai government has now proposed two main solutions: domestic remedies through the construction of sediment traps to reduce arsenic concentrations and the more complex route, diplomatic negotiations with Myanmar and China.

The challenge is that the source of the pollution is outside Thailand’s jurisdiction. The contaminated area is in Myanmar, where government authority is fragmented and Chinese private companies operate mining facilities.

kok river3 — Officials from the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, Chiang Mai Province, collect water samples from the Kok River on March 19, 2025 for laboratory analysis.

Diplomatic Efforts Needed

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra recently said he would use his personal connections to help resolve the issue after Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and the Chief of Defence Force made diplomatic efforts and started talks with Myanmar and Chinese authorities to resolve the situation.

Meanwhile, Senator Chiwapap Chiwatham, chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment, warned that if diplomacy fails, Thailand may have to take legal action under international law.

Civic networks are planning a rally on World Environment Day, June 5, starting at the Territorial Defence Student Training Unit in Chiang Rai and marching to the Kok River Bridge. They will present a petition to the governor of Chiang Rai calling on the Thai government to work with Myanmar, China and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) to close the mines responsible for this environmental disaster.

kok river5 copy — A group of artists organized a workshop to paint the Kok River “as it is now” – different from before – following the discovery of contamination in the Kok River, held at the area under Khua Phaya Mangrai Bridge in Chiang Rai Municipality on May 5, 2025.

Chinese-Backed and Illegal Mines Flourish

The Shan Human Rights Foundation reported that the suspected gold mines polluting the Kok and Sai rivers are mainly located south of Mong Hsat in Myanmar’s Shan State, about 30 kilometres from Thailand’s Mae Sai district. Since 2023, seven Chinese companies have been operating gold mines near the Kok River, discharging toxic chemicals directly into the water.

These are medium-sized mines (less than 50 rai or ~8 hectares), which also include manganese and coal operations. Thai companies were previously involved as contractors. The mining areas are under the control of the United Wa State Army (UWSA). Pollution is not limited to the Kok River, but also extends to the Sai River.

In addition, the Myanmar government has granted mining licences in Mong La, Tachileik District, indicating an expansion of gold mining due to rising global gold prices. This includes both legal and illegal mining.

gold mine shan state — The Shan Human Rights Foundation publishes a map showing that the suspected gold mines polluting the Kok and Sai rivers are mainly located south of Mong Hsat in Myanmar’s Shan State.

According to the Singapore Bullion Market Association (SBMA), Myanmar encourages domestic and foreign investment in the mining sector. Investors must pay a licence fee of 5% in advance and receive a share of around 30% of net production. Entry into the sector is possible via foreign direct investment or joint ventures with local companies. The government is also promoting the establishment of refineries that utilise modern technologies.

There are currently 5–6 large gold mines in Myanmar, particularly in the Mandalay area, which produce 5–10 tonnes of gold annually. However, there are over 472 small-scale gold mines scattered across the country, including in Shan State.

Gold Skips Thailand, But Not Arsenic

A local source in Chiang Rai said that customs checks in Mae Sai found no gold imports from Myanmar, only manganese and lead ores. The gold mined in Shan State is probably transported via alternative routes. An important logistical route leads from Tachileik to Mong Pyak, Kengtung and then to Mong La. The route is only 244 kilometres long and takes around 5–6 hours. From there, the gold travels via Xishuangbanna to Kunming in Yunnan Province in the south of China, bypassing Thailand completely.

kok river2 — The Thai government are urging the public to avoid direct contact with the Kok River on May 27, 2025.

To extract pure gold, the ore is crushed, burnt, leached with acid and chemically separated, producing highly toxic by—products – in particular arsenic and lead. These are discharged untreated into the river systems and flow downstream across the borders into Thailand.
“A single kilogram of refined gold can be worth millions of baht. After extraction, it is shipped directly to China, where demand is high, so the logistics costs are worth it.

Meanwhile, the chemicals used in the extraction process are dumped directly into the Kok River and other waterways without treatment, so they eventually end up in Thai territory,” the source said.

This is in line with the latest findings of the Pollution Control Department. In the past two months, arsenic levels in the Kok River have exceeded safety standards.

On 27 May, Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong and Deputy Interior Minister Thirarat Samretwanit, who were assigned by the prime minister to monitor the situation, visited the area. They urged the public to avoid direct contact with the river and only use treated tap water, which is still safe and meets quality standards.

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HKTDC Pavilion Promotes Hong Kong Brands at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia

By

MC Marketing

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28 May 2025, 15:53

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) debuts a Hong Kong Pavilion at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025. One of the Asia Pacific’s leading F&B trade shows, the event takes place from today until 31 May at the IMPACT Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok.

The Pavilion showcases Hong Kong’s vibrant F&B sector, while helping Hong Kong businesses realise their expansion plans and capture growth and collaboration opportunities in ASEAN.

The Pavilion features 17 Hong Kong businesses, which represent over 20 F&B brands, offering visitors a taste of iconic Hong Kong products and enhancing exhibitors’ exposure in the dynamic region.

“With Asia’s F&B market showing strong growth potential, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025 serves as the premier platform to elevate the visibility of Hong Kong brands in the region. The Hong Kong Pavilion provides exhibitors with a strategic international platform to increase brand awareness, expand their regional market presence and reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a world-class hub for innovation, quality and trade excellence.” said Mr. Ronald Ho, Regional Director, South East Asia & South Asia of the HKTDC.

Known for its gourmet excellence, the Hong Kong Pavilion offerings blend tradition with modernity. Among the traditional highlights are the Chinese cakes triple set and almond cake crafted by the historic Hang Heung Cake Shop, a century-old bakery. Complementing these delicacies is Hiang Kie Coffee Group’s Hong Kong-style Ceylon drip tea, which offers a smooth and aromatic essence of Cha Chaan Teng-style tea.

Reflecting the city’s dynamic and evolving food culture, the Pavilion also presents a variety of modern local favourites. These include Ka Vo Food International’s butter egg rolls and almond egg pieces renowned for their delicate texture and aromatic richness and Fung Lung Trading’s shrimp roe noodles, a classic Hong Kong taste sensation. Realfit CHK’s chicken and mushroom sauces offer convenient, gourmet-ready solutions for quick pasta dishes and soups, while Tapas G. Catering’s high soy protein energy balls caters to the rising demand for nutritious, health-focused snack options.

In addition, visitors can explore heritage brands, like On Kee and Wai Yuen Tong, alongside Cookies Quartet, an award-winning cookie brand honoured with the 2024 Superior Taste Award. The Pavilion also features a wide range of up-and-coming F&B brands, including Hiu Cha Plus Tea, Yunpufa, Lion & Globe Brand, M.X. Cuisine, Tien Chu and Yummy House, showcasing selective tea sets, cooking oils, condiment, sauce and more.

Dedicated networking events will strengthen trade ties between Hong Kong and Thai businesses, highlighted by the “Dim Sum Meets Tom Yum” Hong Kong – Thai Food seminar-cum-networking reception on 28 May at Amber 1, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. Food industry leaders from Hong Kong and Thailand will share expert insights on marketing strategy and emerging opportunities. This event is complemented by business matching meetings throughout the fair, enabling exhibitors to connect with key F&B communities, exchange market intelligence and unlock new cross-border collaboration.

“THAIFEX – Anuga Asia presents an excellent opportunity for Hong Kong’s F&B sector to gain international exposure and access new markets,” said Mr. Keith Chan, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Smart Catering Association. “We are delighted to have five member companies participating in the HKTDC’s Hong Kong Pavilion and support the Council’s efforts in promoting Hong Kong brands on the global stage. The Pavilion, along with initiatives, such as the seminar-cum-networking reception, serves as an effective platform for Hong Kong SMEs to strengthen brand exposure and connect with potential partners across Thailand and ASEAN markets.”

Visitors can enjoy live product presentation of Hong Kong’s signature food products and try their luck at a Hong Kong-style dim sum roulette for a chance to win exclusive prizes.

Bulgarian Man Disguised as Technician Caught Disrupting Thai ATMs

By

Khaosod English

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28 May 2025, 14:55

BANGKOK — Thai Cyber Police have arrested a Bulgarian national suspected of posing as an ATM repair technician to install devices that disrupted the operations of at least 13 ATMs across Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau announced the arrest during a press conference on May 28th, with Deputy Commander Colonel Weerkwin Sermsrithanachai of the Technology Crime Investigation Division providing details of the operation.

In March, police received reports from financial institutions about suspicious individuals dressed as ATM technicians using master keys to access ATM panels. The suspects replaced internal data transmission cables and stole the original cables, causing damage to 13 ATMs across Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani provinces, and Sriracha district in Chonburi province, resulting in significant losses for financial institutions.

bulgaria atm3 — Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, Commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Bureau (center), displays equipment seized from the Bulgarian suspect’s residence that was used to disrupt ATM operations, during a press conference at the Technology Crime Investigation Bureau 2 on May 28, 2025.

Police launched an urgent investigation, examining CCTV footage from incident locations and escape routes. The investigation revealed a group of 2-3 foreign nationals using a white Honda City rental car to commit the crimes.

Analysis of the replacement data cables revealed they contained a virus called “jackpot” that transmitted through internet signals from SIM cards installed within the cables. The virus disrupted ATM operations and electrical systems, causing cash withdrawal malfunctions and threatening the country’s economic security.

Following evidence collection, police obtained court warrants and searched a luxury housing estate in Bang Phlap subdistrict, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province. The operation led to the arrest of Ivan, a 50-year-old Bulgarian national, along with the seizure of stolen data cables and computer equipment believed to contain evidence related to the crimes.

bulgaria atm2 — Police arrest the Bulgarian suspect at a luxury housing estate in Bang Phlap subdistrict, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province on May 27, 2025.

Ivan faces multiple charges including; conspiracy to commit theft during nighttime, unauthorized electronic interception of computer data, disrupting computer system operations, and damaging computer systems related to national security, public safety, and economic stability.

The Bulgarian suspect has denied all charges, claiming that while the equipment found in the residence belongs to him, his role was limited to opening ATMs and he did not participate in other criminal activities.

Police have remanded the suspect for further legal proceedings and stated they are actively pursuing other members of the criminal group involved in this operation.

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SME Privilege Pavilion Launched at THAIFEX ANUGA 2025

By

Contributor

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28 May 2025, 10:45

The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) has officially launched the SME Privilege Pavilion at THAIFEX ANUGA 2025 – Beyond Food Experience, taking place from May 27 to 31, 2025. The Pavilion features 20 selected Thai food and beverage entrepreneurs who are showcasing their innovative products and engaging in international business matchmaking opportunities.

Miss Panita Shinawatra, Acting Director of OSMEP, presided over the opening ceremony and emphasized the multi-dimensional support for SMEs under the SME Privilege program—including discounts on goods and services, expanded marketing channels, and access to funding. Participation in THAIFEX ANUGA 2025 represents a key initiative to connect Thai SMEs with global markets through one of the world’s most prominent food and beverage trade shows.

The 20 participating businesses selected for the SME Privilege Pavilion include:

Premium Miruku Co., Ltd.

EPCI Co., Ltd. (BRANCH)

DRAGON FOOD PRODUCTS Co., Ltd.

MEK OORT Co., Ltd.

JA GENERAL Co., Ltd.

Siamkinari Co., Ltd.

Krisdon Co., Ltd.

S.R.Product InterFood Co., Ltd.

Double Ducks (2002) Co., Ltd.

LAM THAP FARM Co., Ltd.

P N P FOODS Co., Ltd.

RIN INTERFOOD Co., Ltd.

KCDINTERTRADE Co., Ltd.

THAI TASTY Co., Ltd.

DRAG SPICY THAI FOOD Co., Ltd.

PEACH PALM ASIA Co., Ltd.

TONGFOO Co., Ltd.

KRAIKIT RUNGRUANG Co., Ltd.

Thanatphat Sima Group Co., Ltd.

BENSWELL CORPORATION Co., Ltd.

Miss Panita stated, “OSMEP is committed to empowering Thai SMEs by providing opportunities, support, and connections through the SME Privilege program, helping them develop resilience and drive the country’s economic growth. By showcasing Thai entrepreneurs at THAIFEX ANUGA 2025, we aim to create new global business opportunities, build networks with top-quality producers, and pave the way for long-term success in international markets.”

Interested visitors can explore the SME Privilege Pavilion at Booth 10-NN47, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, from May 27–31, 2025.

Additionally, OSMEP will continue to collaborate with public and private sector partners to expand exclusive privileges that match SME needs. Entrepreneurs can access these services via the SME Connext app at no cost, reinforcing OSMEP’s mission as a steadfast partner for Thai SMEs.

Japan Dominates Investment Landscape

US and Singapore Follow Japan’s Lead

China and Hong Kong Round Out Top Five

Technology Transfer Benefits Thai Workers

EEC Attracts Strong Interest

April 2025 Shows Continued Momentum

Myanmar’s civil war fueled trafficking growth

Other drugs enter from beyond the region

Diplomatic Efforts Needed

Chinese-Backed and Illegal Mines Flourish

Gold Skips Thailand, But Not Arsenic

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