On Monday, July 13, 2026, the Thai financial market showcased remarkable resilience. While regional heavyweight indices like South Korea’s Kospi and Japan’s Nikkei closed significantly lower—battered by a global tech and chip stock rout—the SET Index managed to hold its ground in positive territory, up 3.10 points (+0.19%) at 1,624.65 points, emerging from early loss in the morning session.
US stock futures slipped into negative territory, reversing some of the momentum from the previous Friday’s near-record closes. The downturn was largely driven by an escalation in geopolitical tensions after the US and Iran exchanged fresh missile strikes over the weekend near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The US Tech 100 (Nasdaq futures) took the heaviest hit, sliding over 1.1% as investors pulled back from tech and chip sectors following an initial AI-driven rally. The broader US 500 (S&P 500 futures) dipped by roughly 0.35%, while the traditional blue-chip US 30 (Dow futures) remained virtually flat.
Instead of succumbing to the global tech weakness, domestic-play rallied. The top three gainers leading the charge in the SET100 were interconnected players in media and mass transit:
- VGI: +7.92% to 1.09 baht
- PLANB: +5.56% to 5.70 baht
- BTS: +4.67% to 2.24 baht
Plan B’s Bullish Outlook Ignites Confidence
The primary catalyst driving this defensive rally was a stellar fundamental update from Plan B Media (PLANB). Tanaporn Teachaviwat, VP of Investor Relations, reassured investors via “Kaohoon” that the company is on track for at least 10% double-digit revenue growth in 2026 (targeting over 9,610 million baht).
Key drivers fueling investor optimism include:
- Full-year synergy recognition from key partners VGI and Hello Bangkok LED.
- A strong Q2 momentum propelled by ad spending in the FMCG and automotive sectors (boosted by the Motor Show).
- Robust cost management, keeping the gross profit margin above 30% and SG&A under 14%.
Furthermore, Yuanta Securities maintains a “Buy” recommendation (Intrinsic value: THB 6.10), highlighting PLANB’s strategic 11.01% stake in COM7. By securing board seats and adopting the equity accounting method, PLANB will bypass simple dividend income to recognize an estimated 500 million baht in annual profit sharing, adding an immediate net profit cushion of 220 million baht for the year.
Additionally, BTS holds 44.75% VGI, while the latter holds 24.13% in PLANB.
As global tech volatility shakes North Asian markets, Thailand’s domestic recovery and strong corporate alliances are proving to be a safe harbor for investors.
