Mr. Nithiwat Chinthip, owner of Kaonang Baan Material construction supply store, said the latest data from the World Steel Association shows Iran remains the world's 10th largest steel producer. At times in 2025, its production capacity ranked 7th to 9th globally, making Iran the largest steel producer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In 2024, Iran's crude steel production was about 31 million tons, with a goal to expand capacity to 55 million tons by 2030.
Additionally, Iran is a major source of more than 68 mineral types, including iron ore, a key raw material for steelmaking and the cement industry, as most of Iran's large steel plants and mines are located in the south and central regions.
Exports of these products to global markets, including Thailand, rely on sea transport through the Strait of Hormuz. If this route is closed or disrupted by unrest, global construction material prices will immediately surge due to supply shortages.
However, amid these tensions, we anticipate that many countries, including Thailand, will face shortages of construction materials like steel. One of our partners, a major steel manufacturer, reported that some key raw materials used in steel and cement production are beginning to run low because shipments from Middle Eastern countries cannot pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
This may lead to increased construction steel prices due to shortages and panic buying. However, our store continues to sell at current prices. Still, we are uncertain about developments over the next one to two weeks, as oil-related factors may also come into play.
Mr. Nithiwat added that Kaonang Baan Material’s marketing plan focuses on sincerity with customers in Buriram province, emphasizing construction knowledge, which has made the store popular among locals.
The store’s top-selling product is galvanized steel roof framing, known for its thickness, strength, and ease of welding without perforation like ordinary steel. For online sales, the store provides construction knowledge through Facebook, TikTok, Shopee, and a YouTube channel called “Chatting with Uncle Craftsman”.
SCB LET’S New Look Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) has launched a major offensive in the debit card market with the new SCB LET’S debit card, enhancing the spending experience to meet the lifestyles of digital consumers. The card offers rewards points—1 point per 50 baht spent—accumulated on the POINTX app, which consolidates all loyalty points under the SCBX group. It also offers revamped, valuable insurance coverage for peace of mind with every purchase. The bank aims to add over 1 million new cardholders by 2026 and increase transaction volume and spending by 5%.
Instant Happiness Traveling in Thailand TrueMoney, a leading electronic payment and financial services provider in Southeast Asia, announced a key partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to launch the “Instant Happiness Traveling in Thailand with TrueMoney 2026” project as an official sponsor. The initiative aims to stimulate domestic tourism, promote digital payments, and sustainably enhance the economic value of Thailand’s tourism industry. It also introduced the “Scan PromptPay, Spin the Wheel of Fortune” campaign, offering numerous benefits to users, reflecting TrueMoney’s commitment to using digital payments to drive Thailand’s tourism economy.
Support Continues Mr. Sara Lamsam, CEO of Muang Thai Life Assurance Public Company Limited, continues the mission to create social value and improve Thai quality of life by supporting a project honoring Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Patron of the Thai Red Cross Society.
The project aims to screen people at risk of Parkinson’s disease nationwide, providing funding of 3 million baht to conduct surveys and screenings across the country. This is a crucial mission for monitoring and reducing the long-term health impact of the disease on the population.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting body movement, primarily found in the elderly, and its incidence is rising in Thailand’s aging society. Early screening is vital for treatment and improving patients’ long-term quality of life.