Thailand Economy & Investment: Thai PM Anutin marks one year in office, leaning harder on Chinese capital to lift growth amid a tepid economy and pressure to move up the value chain. ASEAN & Trade Policy: A Bangkok Business Summit 2026 closing address set out an investment-led plan to push Thailand toward high-income status, with public-private execution and World Bank alignment. SME & Regional Cooperation: At the APEC SME ministerial in Guangzhou, ministers reiterated support for MSMEs and the APEC AI agenda, aiming to keep trade and jobs moving across the region. Logistics & AI: FedEx says express operators are rolling out AI and remote monitoring to improve cross-border freight efficiency as the Johor-Singapore SEZ integration ramps up. Finance & Lending: IFC is considering up to $200m for Thai non-bank lender Tidlor, with an anchor role in a yen-denominated bond and a focus on women microentrepreneurs. SME Credit Stress: KBank warns of rising Stage 2 loans and tighter risk controls as SME defaults and business shutdowns become more visible. Digital Rules & Compliance: Thailand’s e-WorkPermit contractor is suing for 715m baht in unpaid fees, while authorities also warn employers and the public about penalties for illegal foreign work. Food & Retail IP: Miniso is taking its IP strategy global with a Lisa pop-up tour across Asia, the US and Mexico, betting on experiential retail. Health & Hospitality Expansion: Vitafoods Asia highlights NYO3’s liposome nutrition push and Wooree Group’s push for scientific validation standards, while BWH Hotels expands in Isaan with a new Best Western property.