GOSSIP : Spider

• spider This issue greets our readers with some good news from Thailand: Credit rating agencies S&P Global Ratings หรือ S&P Thailand's credit rating remains at BBB+ with a stable outlook. The report projects Thailand's GDP growth at 2.0% in 2569 and an average of 2.3% from 2569 to 2572. This is attributed to increased government stability, enabling continued investment and economic policy progression, particularly in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and infrastructure projects. Tourism remains a key driver, despite initial declines in tourist numbers, which are expected to be aided by government measures. Furthermore, the government is employing a deficit budget policy to stimulate the economy, with a projected deficit of 3.2% of GDP. Importantly, Thailand's external financial position remains strong, with a current account surplus and high levels of international reserves.
• Another piece of good news is that... institution International Institute for Management Development หรือ IMD Thailand's competitiveness ranking has improved by 4 places, from 30th to 26th out of 70 countries. The business efficiency ranking improved by 3 places, and the infrastructure ranking improved by 2 places. However, the government efficiency ranking remained unchanged, while the economic performance ranking decreased by 2 places… This is considered a significant improvement. "Double positive signal." Exactly.

• Many sectors immediately responded positively to this good news, including: Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance stated that S&P's affirmation of Thailand's credit rating at BBB+ and IMD's upgrade of Thailand's competitiveness rating by 4 positions are positive signs for confidence in the Thai economy.
  
• Ready to attend the meeting. Public-Private Sector Committee for Solving Economic Problems หรือ fast. The first meeting, held on June 22nd, aimed to accelerate economic structural reforms and promote long-term investment. Sub-committees will be established to drive reforms in four key areas: infrastructure, trade and competitiveness, business law and regulations, and labor. It is believed that with systematic implementation, Thailand will see significant improvement within 3-4 years.
• side Withai Ratanakorn The Governor of the Bank of Thailand (BOT) posted on Facebook regarding S&P's assessment of Thailand's credit rating at BBB+ with STABLE Outlook (unchanged). He stated that Thailand received the highest rating (scores 1-2) in two out of six areas: 1. Thailand's strong international financial position and liquidity will continue to support its credit rating. "Mainly due to..." International reserves are at a high level, relative to low foreign debt. Net foreign assets are positive, and the current account surplus remains, albeit slightly, at a rate that has decreased. 2. The credibility of the Bank of Thailand's monetary policy and its performance in maintaining price stability are key factors supporting Thailand's credit rating. "Credit for this must go to the previous governors and teams at the Bank of Thailand, which have ensured the continued strength of monetary policy to this day.""
  
  
• Regarding the stock exchange: Assadet Kongsiri The board of directors and managing director welcomed the positive news that S&P maintained Thailand's credit rating at BBB+ and kept the outlook stable, stating that it was a significant positive signal reflecting Thailand's strong financial stability and high levels of international reserves. These factors help mitigate volatility from external factors, as well as government stability, which is a key driver of policy continuity in promoting economic restructuring and investment projects under the long-term national strategic plan.
  
• Next, some good news for investors… The Stock Exchange of Thailand has launched… Applications wiset (Excellent) Featuring 4 key highlights: See an overview of your assets in one app; summarize your stock, bond, and tax-deductible fund portfolios without switching apps or manually recording information; stay informed on market movements, news, statistics, and important alerts from reliable sources; make informed decisions; manage all shareholder matters in one place; access the full range of TSD e-Service and investment tools instantly.
• Asadet They explained that while investors have easier access to information nowadays, a major challenge is that that information is fragmented across multiple platforms, making it difficult to get a comprehensive overview of their own investments. Therefore, the Stock Exchange of Thailand developed the Wiset application as a solution that connects data, services, and investment knowledge...with such outstanding features...spider They say, "Investing in your life instantly makes it wonderful." Absolutely!
• Here's another piece of good news for investors. Payon Phongsawari Chief Product Officer and Sarun Phothiviratananon The Head of Proprietary Trading at Innovest X Securities Co., Ltd. is joining forces to expand global investment opportunities for Thai investors through DR23 (Depositary Receipt), celebrating its first anniversary of trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. A new series of DR23s has been launched with nine underlying securities covering the AI ​​& Semiconductor, Robotics & Automation, Alternative Energy & AI Power, and Quantum Computing sectors. This increases the number of DR23 securities to 94, helping investors diversify their investments and access opportunities from global megatrends more effectively.
  
• Good news for football fans when... Pitch Photharamik Fighting with all their might, Thais finally got to watch the World Cup, anxiously anticipating the final day. As expected, Jasmine International Public Company Limited (JAS) and Mono Next Public Company Limited (MONO) secured the exclusive broadcasting rights in Thailand for the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups, as well as 16 other major FIFA tournaments, across all platforms for four years. This deal, worth 2,305 million baht, aims to make world-class sports content a new flagship product for the companies' revenue generation.
  
• A young CEO and avid activist. Dr. Rak Worakijpokathorn The Chief Executive Officer of Bangkok Commercial Asset Management Public Company Limited (BAM) joined hands with four partner organizations to organize a football match to strengthen relationships. AMC SUPPER CUP 2st time มี Seksan Suksang Director General of the Legal Execution Department Suksan Yotsasin Chief Executive Officer of Chayo Group Public Company Limited and P'Baew Nartnaree Rattapat The Managing Director of Sukhumvit Asset Management Co., Ltd. (SAM) jointly presided over the opening ceremony, further strengthening the relationship between the four organizations.
  
• They then proceeded to Amnat Charoen Province to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage to move forward with the project. "Model Green Space Development Project for Sustainable Land Use in Communities and the Environment" On a 33-rai plot of land, BAM aims to develop its non-performing assets (NPA) to create tangible benefits for the community, society, and the environment. Thongurai LimpiTi, Chairman of BAM, and... M.L. Dispanadda Diskul The Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage participated in the ceremony.
  
• spider Please allow me to extend my congratulations on this auspicious and honorable occasion. Chuchat Pramphonphon The Secretary-General of the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) received the Royal Order of the White Elephant, First Class (P.Ch.), for the year 2568 at the Royal Decoration Conferment Ceremony, in front of the portrait of His Majesty the King.
  
• We are now in our 14th year with the Advanced Insurance Science Program (AISP) for the year 2569, aiming to elevate the network of public and private sector leaders, strengthen risk management capabilities, create Insurance Ambassadors, and drive the Thai insurance system into the future. We are honored to have... LAVARON SANGSNIT The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, in his capacity as Chairman of the Insurance Commission, presided over the opening ceremony.
  
• Let's put insurance premiums aside and test our skills on the field! The Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) and 17 life insurance companies are joining forces for the 2569 Life Insurance Business Relationship Building 7-a-side Football Tournament, under the theme "Health Span: Healthy Together," at the event... “LIFE INSURANCE SPORT DAY 2026” with Surin Tanasupphon Assistant Secretary-General, Corporate Strategy Division, Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) Nusara (Assakul) Banyat Piyaphot The President of the Thai Life Insurance Association participated in the opening ceremony. As for the competition results, this year's championship trophy went to Generali Life Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, while Thai Samut Life Insurance Public Company Limited secured the runner-up position. Muang Thai Life Insurance Public Company Limited and AIA Thailand came in 3rd and 4th place respectively…Winning and losing are part of the competition, but the friendship among life insurance professionals will last forever!
  
• Develop natural capital. Museum of Anekanithi The President of Sustainability at Kasikornbank, on behalf of the Kasikorn Foundation, together with... Melinda Good Country Director for Thailand and Myanmar, World Bank. Danucha Pitchayanan The Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on studying and developing a framework for Natural Capital, aligned with the national development strategy. This aims to elevate the national concept of watershed forest management, such as the Nan Sandbox project, into a learning and testing ground for applying international economic tools, paving the way for balanced and sustainable economic growth together.
  
• AIA Thailand A grand celebration for the 88th anniversary. Bringing together a troop of artists and bands. Bodyslam & Friends led by ตูน บอดี้สแลม Kong Saharat and Da Endorphin Joey Phuwasit, Vee Violet, Boy Peacemaker Take the stage at Impact Arena and unleash your rock energy, ready to rock out with over 10,000 members of the AIA Thailand family – including valued customers, business partners, agents, and employees – at the concert. “AIA Thailand's 88^th Anniversary Concert : Let It Live | Last | Rock” Plus, there's a surprise from... Tan Hak Leh Regional Chief Executive Officer, AIA Group, and Nikhil Advani Chief Executive Officer, AIA Thailand The artists who are performing as opening acts for this concert are going to be feeling the chill.
  
• The representative is ready to go when... Natthapisit Krutkrongchai The Chief Executive Officer of FWD Life Insurance Public Company Limited led a team of 24 top-performing life insurance agents who had passed the highest level of selection in the competition project. HiVE Agency & Summit 2026 Leveraging their ability to build and develop quality agents within their team, they participated in the FWD Group's international 'HiVE Conference 2026,' sharing experiences from FWD Life Insurance across 10 Asian countries, demonstrating a commitment to excellence, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  
• Phanwadi Ladawan Na Ayutthaya The deputy manager and head of Human Resources and Organizational Development invites members of the press to the event. "It's time to reunite with familiar faces." On the occasion of his/her departure from office. Dr. Sornphon Tulyasathien The deputy manager of the Stock Exchange of Thailand is set to take up the position of Secretary-General of the Government Pension Fund (GPF) on July 2, 2569… For this occasion, he surprised everyone by playing guitar and singing as a gift for his media colleagues and long-time fans.
  
• Finally, some executive appointment news… Google Cloud has made appointments. Suruj Thipsena As Country Manager for Thailand, you will be responsible for defining market entry strategies, building relationships and driving collaborations with customers and partners, as well as managing business operations in the country.
  

See you in the next issue.