Alex Morgan
- Business News
NBTC partners with Facebook for digital marketing training
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has partnered with Facebook and Kenan Foundation Asia to offer digital marketing training through 1,836 USO Net public Internet centres across the country. The Meta’s SME Academy and Seller Education course is designed to help individuals in remote areas increase their income through digital marketing skills. NBTC board chairman Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck explained that…
- Thailand News
Thailand to reassess state welfare card criteria amid wage hike
The Finance Ministry intends to reassess the eligibility criteria for state welfare cards in light of the planned minimum wage increase. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that the ministry will conduct a review of the criteria next year, allowing new registrations for Thais who wish to apply for state welfare cards. The review aims to determine if the current…
- Business News
Thailand cash handout to boost Q4 GDP growth despite challenges
The Thai government’s initial cash handout is anticipated to boost the national economy in the upcoming months, according to industrial leaders and brokerages. They recommend that the second phase of the handout target individuals with higher purchasing power to prolong economic stimulation. In the first phase, the government distributed 10,000 baht in cash to each of the 14.5 million welfare…
- Business News
Thai stock market leads Asia with 6% dollar gain in September
The Thai stock market has surged to become the top performer in Asia this month, recording a 6% increase in dollar terms. Foreign investors have returned as net buyers, injecting over 20 billion baht (US$595 million) into the market, driven by a combination of domestic and international factors, according to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). South Korean and Chinese…
- Transport News
Thailand’s new transport centre boosts regional logistics hub status
Airports of Thailand Ground Aviation Services (AOTGA) anticipates that its newly inaugurated Multimodal Transportation Centre at Suvarnabhumi Airport will bolster Thailand’s position as a regional logistics hub, enhancing goods transportation among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV). The new centre is designed to integrate various transportation modes, including land, rail, sea, and air, with the added benefit of consolidating customs…
- Business News
Le Pan’s big rise: CPRAM factory to bake up 20% market share
A leading ready-to-eat food manufacturer CPRAM Co Ltd, and owner of the Le Pan Bakery brand under the Charoen Pokphand Group inaugurated a new factory in Chon Buri in a bid to capture a 20% market share in the Thai bakery sector this year. CPRAM President Wisade Wisidwinyoo announced that the new facility, valued at 2 billion baht, boasts a…
- Tourism News
Thailand targets 8 million Chinese tourists in 2024 amid diverse strategies
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious target of 8 million Chinese tourist arrivals for 2024 and is diversifying its focus to niche markets with significant purchasing power, such as young travellers, small meeting groups, and caravan tours. “Demand among Chinese is not enough to entice Chinese airlines to increase flights to Thailand,” said Nonglux Yooyendee, director…
- Business News
Commerce Ministry to finalise digital wallet registration
The Commerce Ministry will finalise the registration of two million vendors for the digital wallet handout scheme by September, marking a significant step in the initiative aimed at boosting the economy. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced that up to two million vendors are expected to participate in the scheme. The ministry plans to disclose more details next week regarding the…
- Business News
Northeast plans NEC to boost economy at mobile Cabinet meeting
Private sector representatives in the northeast are set to present a series of economic stimulation projects, including the establishment of the Northeastern Economic Corridor (NEC), during the mobile Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima on July 2. Hatsadin Suwattanapongchet, Secretary of the Northeastern Industrial Federations, announced that the NEC, traversing Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai, will emulate…
- Business News
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 News
Thailand to explore AANZFTA ties and new economic partnerships
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has committed to strengthening collaboration under the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), maintaining current markets, and forging new economic partnerships, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday. Delegates from the Commerce Ministry and the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN) participated in the 21st AANZFTA Joint Committee Meeting held in Auckland, New Zealand, from May 26 to…
- Business News
Saudi Arabia approves live animal imports from Thailand
Saudi Arabia has approved the import of live cattle, sheep, and goats from Thailand, according to Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The approval was communicated by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture through the Saudi Arabian and Thai foreign ministries. Phumtham noted that these live animals could be imported from Thailand and subsequently kept and slaughtered in Saudi…
- Business News
Philippines intensifies illegal offshore gambling crackdown
The authorities in the Philippines have intensified efforts to shut down illegal offshore gambling operations amidst growing calls for a complete ban due to alleged connections to criminal syndicates. The country’s gaming regulator revealed approximately 250 to 300 offshore gambling firms are operating without a licence, a significant increase from the 46 legitimate operators. This information was disclosed by Alejandro…
- Business News
Budget airlines push jet fuel tax cut to reduce airfare prices
Budget airlines have issued an appeal to the Finance Ministry to reduce the excise tax on jet fuel, to help mitigate their operational costs with the fragile state of the industry. Following a meeting with representatives from low-cost airlines, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat reported that the carriers discussed economic challenges and reiterated their commitment to supporting government measures aimed…
- Business News
Thailand reviews property tax law after five years
The Finance Ministry is currently reviewing the Land and Building Tax Act, which has been in effect for five years, marking a crucial phase in reforming Thailand’s property tax regime. Public hearings have been conducted to gather opinions from the public and stakeholders. Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit says the amended version of the land and building tax law will…
- Business News
Vietnam considers ceasing decade long gold import ban
Vietnam may soon allow companies to import gold for the first time in over a decade. Aiming to bridge the gap between local prices and international benchmarks, this development comes as the Vietnam Gold Traders Association (VGTA) continues its extended discussions with the government to address the supply and demand imbalance for gold. Huynh Trung Khanh, vice chair of VGTA,…
- Thailand News
Thailand eyes MICE supremacy in Southeast Asia
Thailand is pulling out all the stops to become the epicentre of MICE tourism in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam emerging as a potential powerhouse partner. This ambitious vision, spearheaded by Puripan Bunnag, Senior Vice President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), aims to harness the post-pandemic resurgence in the MICE sector to bolster Thailand’s economy. “The MICE segment…
- Business News
Extend-a-signal: NT tunes in for spectrum band extension
National Telecom (NT) is poised to seek an extension from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to continue utilising three spectrum bands beyond their expiration in September 2025. The requested extension, spanning 90 days, aims to ensure a seamless transition for NT’s current customers to alternative bands. NT intends to maintain operations on the 850MHz, 2100MHz, and 2300MHz bands,…
- Business News
Vintage vibes: Public hearing revs up classic car imports
The Foreign Trade Department has initiated a public hearing on a proposed amendment to a notification that would allow the import of certain classic cars for promotional events. The department’s Director-General, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, announced that a new notification has been drafted for the Commerce Ministry concerning this category of used vehicles. The amendment addresses restrictions on specific used vehicle imports,…
- Business News
Thai digital skies to light up for OneWeb’s Internet services launch
OneWeb’s broadband Internet services, facilitated by low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, are anticipated to launch in Thailand by the fourth quarter of this year, marking a significant step in expanding digital connectivity across the nation. In a collaborative effort, OneWeb has teamed up with state telecom enterprise National Telecom (NT) to offer these services. NT provides the necessary gateway station…
- Business News
Brewing success: Thai coffee market percolates with growth
The Thai coffee market is experiencing significant growth, driven by evolving consumer lifestyles and increased demand for both domestic consumption and export processing. The Director-General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, Poonpong Naiyanapakorn underlined Thailand’s potential to process raw coffee into finished coffee products for export, a key value-adding practice. From 2021 to 2023, the Thai coffee market expanded…
- Thailand News
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…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s GPSC secures 1,050MW solar project in India
The power generation division of Thailand’s PTT Plc, Global Power Synergy Plc (GPSC), is making significant strides in expanding its renewable energy footprint in India. Its subsidiary, Avaada Energy, has secured a contract to construct a massive 1,050-megawatt solar farm aimed at boosting clean energy production, reducing carbon emissions, and serving millions in India. Avaada Energy emerged victorious in a…
- Thailand News
HR leaders urged to align vision for strategy success
Aligning every member of an organisation with a unified vision has become essential in today’s fast-changing business environment. The recent HR Talk, titled E=AMC: Unlocking the Code — How HR Can Turn Strategy into Action, delved into this theme, offering significant insights into how Human Resources teams and leaders can transform strategic visions into concrete results. Distinguished speakers at the…
- Thailand News
Ethereum ETFs approved, crypto prices to surge this year
Cryptocurrencies are having a golden year, with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently approving eight funds set to launch spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Analysts predict the bull run will persist into the second half of the year, driven by strong interest from institutional investors. The SEC’s approval on May 23 for rule changes allowing ETFs to buy…
- Thailand News
Thai film industry to exceed 3.8 billion baht at Cannes festival
The 77th Cannes Film Festival has presented significant opportunities for the Thai government, local filmmakers, and production companies to secure lucrative business deals. The festival, which ran from May 14 to 25, is expected to generate more than the 3.8 billion baht grossed from last year’s event. Companies participating in the Thai booth, which showcased local films and promoted tourism,…
- Thailand News
Thailand urged to support major theme parks
Thailand should offer robust support, including investment incentives and infrastructure development, to attract major theme park brands like Disney, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). IAAPA Board Chairman Wuthichai Luangamornlert emphasised that investors are inclined to develop attractions in destinations providing substantial support. China’s rail transport system was completed a year before the opening of…
- Thailand News
Land and building tax revenue to hit 43 billion baht this year
The Finance Ministry anticipates the land and building tax collection to reach 43 billion baht this year, marking an increase of 8 billion from the previous year due to the discontinuation of the tax discount. Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, speaking at a property seminar on the fifth anniversary of the tax’s implementation, revealed that the ministry is currently reviewing…
- Business News
Finance Ministry to reassess stock holdings worth 1.19 trillion baht
The Finance Ministry plans to reassess its shareholdings in various stocks to optimise its asset portfolio and generate additional revenue for the state. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul instructed the State Enterprise Policy Office to evaluate the ministry’s stock holdings. According to sources, this review aims to identify which assets the government should retain and which could be sold. A…
- Thailand News
Phuket’s tourism boom: Is the island ready for the rush?
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is confident that tourism revenue in Phuket this year will skyrocket to a staggering 400 billion baht. In a surprising revelation, the provincial TAT office reported that more than 3.6 million tourists graced the resort island in the first quarter alone. Lerdchai Wangtrakoondee, director of the provincial TAT office, announced yesterday that tourist numbers…
