Search Results for: Federation of Thai Industries

  • Economy NewsFederation of Thai Industries concerned about plans for minimum wage hike

    Federation of Thai Industries concerned about plans for minimum wage hike

    Thailand’s Federation of Thai Industries has expressed concern about the impact a rise in the minimum wage could have on small and medium-sized businesses. The federation says if a proposal to increase the minimum wage to 492 baht goes ahead, it will have a severe impact on such firms. According to a Bangkok Post report, the FTI was responding to…

  • Economy NewsFederation of Thai Industries wants gov to scrap Test & Go, stop fuel price crisis

    Federation of Thai Industries wants gov to scrap Test & Go, stop fuel price crisis

    The Federation of Thai Industries has called on Thailand’s government to scrap the Test & Go scheme, and stop the ongoing fuel price crisis. On Thursday, the president of the federation suggested easing Test & Go to support tourism and a recovery for the Thai economy. The FTI suggested that Thailand only require fully vaccinated travellers to show proof of…

  • Business NewsThai industries federation urges stringent checks on imported produce

    Thai industries federation urges stringent checks on imported produce

    The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) urged the government to intensify scrutiny of agricultural imports, particularly fruits and vegetables, from neighbouring nations and China, following the detection of pesticide contamination in some produce. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, the FTI chairman. stated that Thailand continues to import fruit and vegetables contaminated by chemicals banned in many countries. He emphasised the need for a…

  • Thailand NewsThai Hong Kong Trade Association signs MoU with Industries Federation

    Thai Hong Kong Trade Association signs MoU with Industries Federation

    The Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and the Thai Hong Kong Trade Association (THKTA) have joined forces, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that promises to revolutionise bilateral trade. FHKI Chair Steve Chuang made the announcement on January 24, declaring that the Association is strategically eyeing ASEAN and Thailand as prime territories for Hong Kong manufacturers looking to navigate…

  • Thailand NewsThailand freezes electricity prices to save consumers

    Thailand freezes electricity prices to save consumers

    To alleviate financial pressure on its citizens, the Thai government confirmed it will maintain the current cap on electricity prices at 4.18 baht per unit and diesel prices at 33 baht per litre until the end of the year. This announcement came from Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga following a recent Cabinet meeting. Minister Pirapan assured the public that a special…

  • Business NewsCharged up: GAC Aion plugs into Thailand’s booming EV market

    Charged up: GAC Aion plugs into Thailand’s booming EV market

    GAC Aion New Energy Automobile, an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer under Guangzhou Automobile Corporation (GAC), anticipates substantial benefits from the ongoing expansion of Thailand’s EV market. This comes after the recent inauguration of a 2.3-billion-baht EV assembly plant in Rayong. The company aims to produce up to 70,000 EVs annually for both domestic sales and export, according to Ma Haiyang,…

  • Thailand NewsBusiness ties: Thailand extends visa-free stay for Hongkongers

    Business ties: Thailand extends visa-free stay for Hongkongers

    Thailand’s extension of visa-free visits for Hong Kong residents is expected to bolster business relations and entice more visitors from the financial hub, despite a recent murder-suicide incident in Bangkok, according to industry leaders. The tragic event, involving six people, has not deterred travel plans, they emphasised. Anthony Lam Sai-ho, Executive Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, praised…

  • Thailand NewsShocking hike: Thai industries spark concern over electricity rates

    Shocking hike: Thai industries spark concern over electricity rates

    Thailand’s plan to hike electricity rates later this year could deter foreign direct investment, warned the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The alert followed the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) announcement on Friday, indicating an imminent rise in power bills for both businesses and households. The ERC has proposed three new power tariff options, featuring increases from 11% to 44% above…

  • Business NewsThai factory closures, a victim of Chinese imports surge

    Thai factory closures, a victim of Chinese imports surge

    Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD recently opened its inaugural Southeast Asian factory in Thailand, garnering considerable attention and praise for the country’s industrial foresight. However, this development also adversely affected long-established Japanese automakers, leading to a ripple effect across numerous Thai factories. A crucial development went relatively unnoticed as Suzuki Motor announced the closure of its Thai factory, with…

  • Business NewsThai auto parts makers pivot to medical devices amid EV shift

    Thai auto parts makers pivot to medical devices amid EV shift

    The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) plans to present a proposal to the government this month aimed at bolstering the local medical device business. This initiative seeks to assist auto parts manufacturers in diversifying their operations amid the vehicle industry’s transition to electric vehicle (EV) technology. The shift in the industry provides an opportunity for auto parts makers, particularly those…

  • Business NewsThailand woos Saudi investors with EV sector opportunities

    Thailand woos Saudi investors with EV sector opportunities

    Thai officials are set to attract Saudi Arabian entrepreneurs to invest in Thailand’s S-curve industries, particularly following their interest in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Efforts to promote Thailand to potential investors will take place during a roadshow in Saudi Arabia, while also supporting Thai businesses aiming to expand into the Middle East, according to Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s BOI opens first Saudi branch amid growing ties

    Thailand’s BOI opens first Saudi branch amid growing ties

    Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) will inaugurate its first branch in Saudi Arabia this week, signalling a new chapter in economic relations between the two nations. The new office in Riyadh, opening this Sunday, July 14, marks a significant step in fostering investment and business growth. This strategic expansion has drawn high-profile attendees, including Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and over…

  • Thailand NewsThailand extends diesel price cap amid long-term energy concerns

    Thailand extends diesel price cap amid long-term energy concerns

    Efforts by the Thailand government to cap energy prices, and diesel subsidies may appease the public in the short term, but there are growing concerns about the long-term implications on fuel consumption. The extension of the diesel price subsidy, funded by the Oil Fuel Fund, is a recent measure that fixes the retail price at 33 baht per litre until…

  • Business NewsThai cycle woes: Motorcycle sales hit brakes amid economic woes

    Thai cycle woes: Motorcycle sales hit brakes amid economic woes

    Thailand’s motorcycle manufacturing and sales are experiencing a downturn this year, as the economy faces challenges from high household debt and weakened consumer purchasing power, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). FTI Vice-Chairman and spokesperson for the federation’s Automotive Industry Club, Surapong Paisitpatanapong revealed that economic uncertainty has led to cautious spending among consumers, compounded by recent layoffs…

  • Thailand NewsThailand eyes cleaner energy with new power plan for 2024 to 2037

    Thailand eyes cleaner energy with new power plan for 2024 to 2037

    Thailand’s revised power development plan (PDP) is set to be submitted for approval after a week-long public hearing concluded yesterday, the implementation of the plan by year’s end, will steer the country towards cleaner energy. Central to Thailand’s commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, the PDP is expected to provide a clearer path for the nation. Thailand announced its commitment…

  • Business NewsThai industries sentiment index drops to 88.5 as layoffs rise

    Thai industries sentiment index drops to 88.5 as layoffs rise

    Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) experienced another decline in May, dropping to 88.5 from April’s 90.3 points, as 15,000 workers have been laid off since the beginning of the year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Layoffs in the first five months of 2024 emerged as the TISI, which measures the manufacturing sector’s health, fell for the second…

  • Business NewsThailand boosts SMEs growth in upcoming Synergy Expo 2024

    Thailand boosts SMEs growth in upcoming Synergy Expo 2024

    Thailand is set to boost marketing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the newly announced Thailand SME Synergy Expo 2024. This five-day trade show, running from June 19 to 23 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, is a collaborative effort by the Business Development Department (DBD), the Office of SMEs Promotion (Osmep), and several governmental…

  • Thailand NewsCrisis in Thai industry: Are major collapses on the horizon?

    Crisis in Thai industry: Are major collapses on the horizon?

    Thailand’s industrial sector is teetering on the brink of a crisis as rapid technological advancements, fierce competition from China, and a planned hike in the daily minimum wage threaten to trigger a massive collapse. With two Japanese car giants, Subaru and Suzuki, set to shut down their manufacturing operations in Thailand, the situation is dire. KKP Research reports that 1,700…

  • Thailand NewsThai energy firms question new power plan for carbon neutrality

    Thai energy firms question new power plan for carbon neutrality

    Thailand’s energy firms expressed concerns that the revised power development plan (PDP) may fall short of the kingdom’s 2050 carbon neutrality goals, highlighting the need for a balanced approach between practicality and optimism. The PDP, which is set to be enforced from 2024 to 2037, aims to promote greater use of renewable energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. However, energy…

  • Business NewsThai car sales plunge; luxury market hit amid economic woes

    Thai car sales plunge; luxury market hit amid economic woes

    Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) reports a significant decrease in domestic car sales, affecting even the typically robust premium car sector. The struggling Thai economy and banks’ stricter auto lending policies due to high household debt, are impacting car manufacturers across all sectors. This includes the luxury market, which generally leverages higher purchasing power. “The automotive industry has been hard hit by this…

  • Thailand NewsThai export growth set to miss target amid global challenges

    Thai export growth set to miss target amid global challenges

    The anticipated growth in Thai exports this year is poised to fall short of expectations due to a mix of external and internal hurdles, as outlined by a recent assessment from a private sector panel. During its recent meeting, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) upheld its projection for export growth in 2024, estimating it to…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s tech exports face threats as Vietnam takes lead

    Thailand’s tech exports face threats as Vietnam takes lead

    Thailand’s export sector, which contributed 54.5% of GDP last year excluding services, faces potential disruption due to rapid technological advancements. Vietnam has surpassed Thailand in exporting high-tech products, emerging as a key production base for the downstream electronics industry. The global market’s recovery, particularly in computers, semiconductors, and smartphones, has driven this demand. Thailand mainly exports intermediate electronics products like…

  • Business NewsThai car production drops 11.02% in April amid long holidays

    Thai car production drops 11.02% in April amid long holidays

    Car production in Thailand experienced a significant decline of 11.02% in April from the previous year, with total units produced amounting to 104,667, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This decrease follows a more substantial drop of 23.08% year-on-year in March. The FTI attributed April’s reduced production figures to long holidays during the month. For the January to…

  • Business NewsThai industries launch initiatives to boost SMEs post-pandemic

    Thai industries launch initiatives to boost SMEs post-pandemic

    New initiatives by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) aim to bolster local entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still grappling with the effects of the pandemic. The FTI is focusing on critical sectors such as agribusiness and the auto parts industry to foster resilience and growth. Efforts are being made to help SMEs become more competitive through the…

  • Business NewsThailand’s business confidence drops amid wage hike concerns

    Thailand’s business confidence drops amid wage hike concerns

    Business confidence in Thailand took a hit as the Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) dropped in April, reflecting entrepreneurs’ concerns over a slew of economic pressures, including a proposed daily minimum wage increase. The TISI, a measure of the mood in the industrial sector, registered at 90.3 points, a decrease from the 92.4 points recorded in March, as reported by…

  • Thailand NewsThai labour minister embroiled in minimum wage dispute

    Thai labour minister embroiled in minimum wage dispute

    The labour minister found himself in the midst of a heated debate today as employee and employer representatives presented their contrasting views on a proposed minimum wage increase. The conflicting opinions were expressed ahead of a crucial tripartite committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow, May 14. The Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation and the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation were the first…

  • Business NewsThai industry leader defends Bank of Thailand’s financial autonomy

    Thai industry leader defends Bank of Thailand’s financial autonomy

    Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Vice Chairman Montri Mahaplerkpong voiced opposition to any proposals that would impede the Bank of Thailand‘s (BoT) authority over its financial stability management. Montri argued that the government should explore more palatable solutions to its disagreement with the BoT over policy rates, rather than attempting to curtail its power, which he sees as a contentious…

  • Business NewsThailand’s longest onshore gas pipeline launched by PTT

    Thailand’s longest onshore gas pipeline launched by PTT

    PTT President Auttapol Rerkpiboon announced the opening of Thailand’s longest onshore gas pipeline. The 417-kilometre pipeline, previously delayed due to Covid-19, will secure the gas supply across seven provinces, supporting power generation, industrial operations, and transportation. As part of PTT‘s fifth-phase development, the pipeline extends from the company’s gas separation plants in Rayong to Nontha Buri, facilitating a gas transport…

  • Thailand NewsThai chamber opposes proposed minimum wage increase

    Thai chamber opposes proposed minimum wage increase

    The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) is in dispute with the government over its proposal to increase the minimum daily wage to 400 baht for workers all over the country. The proposed wage increment is expected to take effect in October. Speaking on the issue, Poj Aramwattananont, Vice-President of the TCC and the Board of Trade of Thailand, painted the…

  • Business NewsEuro EV sales dip but Thai operators charge ahead with optimism

    Euro EV sales dip but Thai operators charge ahead with optimism

    Despite a recent 11% drop in electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe, Thai business operators remain optimistic about local EV market growth. They believe that the circumstances in Thailand significantly differ from those in Europe, making direct comparisons of the two markets inappropriate. The European EV market downturn, says Bloomberg, is attributed to factors such as high insurance and repair…