Bangkok One News

02/06/2026

Thai Airways Makes History with First Female Pilot on Commercial Flight

On 1 June 2026, Thai Airways marked a significant milestone as Bam Pannathorn Tangrungreungchai, one of the airline’s first female pilots, operated her first commercial flight. She served on flight TG564 from Bangkok to Hanoi aboard an Airbus A320-200, becoming the first female pilot to officially fly for Thai Airways.

Her achievement reflects years of dedication, rigorous training, and commitment to the highest safety standards. At a time when the pilot profession has traditionally been male-dominated, her success represents a major step forward for gender equality in aviation.

This historic flight not only marks a personal accomplishment but also symbolizes Thai Airways’ commitment to diversity, opportunity, and progress, inspiring future generations of aspiring pilots.

Photo Credit: Outisders Aviation

01/06/2026

Thai Airways has been encouraged to explore international services to Hua Hin and other regional airports as part of Thailand’s efforts to boost tourism in secondary destinations.

During a Ministry of Transport meeting on 29 May, officials discussed potential flights from key markets including Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong to Hua Hin, Krabi and Surat Thani. Additional domestic connections to regional cities were also proposed.

The initiative aims to improve accessibility, support local economies and spread tourism revenue beyond major destinations. Hua Hin, along with Nakhon Si Thammarat, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phrae and Roi Et, has been identified as a priority destination under the plan. Airport authorities have been instructed to accelerate development projects to support future growth.

30/05/2026

29/05/2026

CP Axtra Plc has entered into a strategic collaboration with Ayala Corporation to strengthen mall development and asset management capabilities for its Makro network in Thailand.

The agreement, formalised through a memorandum of cooperation, brings together Ayala’s retail and property expertise via ACx Holdings Corporation and AyalaLand Malls Inc. The partnership will focus on sharing best practices in mall operations, leasing strategies, and project development, with the goal of improving efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and unlocking long-term asset value. Initial efforts will centre on seven Makro locations.

CP Axtra Plc has entered into a strategic collaboration with Ayala Corporation to strengthen mall development and asset management capabilities

29/05/2026

WASHINGTON – United States and Iranian negotiators have reportedly reached a framework agreement to extend the current ceasefire for an additional 60 days, although the proposal still requires approval from US President Donald Trump, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

https://bangkokone.news/us-iran-reach-preliminary-deal-pending-trumps-final-approval/

28/05/2026

Hong Kong has surpassed Switzerland to become the world’s leading hub for cross-border wealth, marking the first time the Asian financial centre has taken the top position — a shift that BCG believes is unlikely to reverse as Asia’s wealth hubs continue to expand faster than their European counterpart.

Hong Kong has surpassed Switzerland to become the world’s leading hub for cross-border wealth, marking the first time the Asian financial centre has taken the top position

27/05/2026

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is introducing financial incentives for airlines launching new routes to secondary cities as part of efforts to boost regional tourism and local economies.

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is introducing financial incentives for airlines launching new routes to secondary cities as part of efforts to boost regional tourism

27/05/2026

HSBC Thailand is aiming to add 50 new Chinese corporate clients annually over the coming years as Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) into Thailand continues to accelerate.

Giorgio Gamba, chief executive and head of banking at HSBC Thailand, said Chinese investment across Southeast Asia and Thailand remains on a strong growth trajectory, with Thailand emerging as a major destination for sectors such as smart electronics, digital technology, data centres, artificial intelligence (AI), automotive manufacturing, auto parts, and clean energy.

HSBC Thailand is aiming to add 50 new Chinese corporate clients annually over the coming years as Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) into Thailand continues to accelerate.

26/05/2026

PTT Station and Bangchak have announced reductions in retail fuel prices effective from May 26, lowering petrol and gasohol prices by 60 satang per litre and diesel prices by up to 1 baht per litre.

https://bangkokone.news/ptt-and-bangchak-cut-petrol-and-diesel-prices-by-up-to-1-baht/

26/05/2026

Thailand recorded a historic trade deficit of approximately US$10 billion in April as imports surged sharply, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) under the Ministry of Commerce.

Imports rose 45% year-on-year to a record US$41.6 billion, driven by higher purchases of raw materials, semi-finished products, capital goods, and energy. Exports also reached an all-time high, climbing 23.1% to US$31.5 billion. However, the faster pace of import growth resulted in a trade deficit of US$10.02 billion, said TPSO director-general Nantapong Chiralerspong.

https://bangkokone.news/trade-deficit-hits-record-high-in-april-amid-sharp-surge-in-imports/