PARIS (FRANCE) - US documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman died Monday, a representative confirmed to AFP. He was 96 years old.

The Department of Energy Business (DOEB) has moved to establish national standards for electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen fuel infrastructure, aiming to streamline investment and ensure safety as Thailand accelerates its transition to clean energy.

Hotel operators believe requesting land and building tax discounts on a yearly basis will not help the business sector reduce its fixed‑cost burden in the long run, and urged the government to revise this tax structure to be based on revenue, similar to the previous property tax.

The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) expects the tourism industry to be a major driver of GDP growth this year as flights and arrivals continue to rebound, though rising untaxed online travel agents and illegal foreign operators continue to limit the full benefits of the rebound.

The Thai food industry is continuing to grow this year, particularly in the healthy food sector focused on promoting longevity. Innovation is crucial to developing new offerings that meet consumer demand, say food industry veterans.

A move by Gulf Development Plc (GULF) to raise its shareholding in Kasikornbank (KBank) to 10% is seen as a calculated effort to balance financial optimisation with long-term strategic positioning, while carefully navigating regulatory constraints, analysts say.

The National Credit Bureau (NCB) has expressed concern about a potential rise in informal debt amid subdued loan growth in the banking sector and an easing household debt-to-GDP ratio.

Thailand's economy has now "left the intensive care unit [ICU]", reflected in fourth-quarter growth of 2.5%, which surpassed the earlier projection of 1.8% and lifted full-year 2025 growth to 2.4%, above the 2% forecast, said caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has partnered with the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) on a project to support motorcycle taxi riders in switching to electric vehicles.

The Department of Land Transport (DLT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), is upgrading its service standards to allow motorists aged under 55 to renew their driving licences online from June.