- Business News
Thai tourism federation FETTA plans transformative change for streamlined operations
Faced with a long-standing need for agile operations and goal-directed development, the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) is set to drive transformative change in Thailand’s tourism landscape. This follows the recent realignment of seven local tourism associations that have transitioned from the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) to become part of FETTA. According to Adith Chairattananon, a FETTA representative…
- Business News
GPSC set to invest 8.28 billion baht in India’s Avaada Energy
Embarking on a mission to bolster its renewable energy portfolio, Global Power Synergy Plc (GPSC), the power production offshoot of PTT Plc – the national oil and gas conglomerate, is looking at investing upwards of 19.1 billion rupees (roughly 8.28 billion baht) in India-based Avaada Energy Private. This investment is aimed at leveraging the upswing in electricity demand in the…
- Business News
Business uncertainty grows as Thai stock slide continues amid Chinese property defaults and Russian turmoil
Analysts flagged potential downswings to the Thailand Stock Exchange (SET) index due to ongoing business uncertainties in Russia and loan defaults in China’s property market. Over the past week, the SET index experienced a seven day consecutive drop, and despite brief rallying, finished in the red. Concerns stemming from smaller stock performances and news of Chinese property market default have…
- Economy News
Business uncertainty fuels Thai Baht dip amid political unrest and Asian currency devaluation
Embroiled in political and business uncertainty, the Thai baht plummeted to a low unseen since last November, a seven-month dip, agitating investor confidence. This occurred alongside a universal lowering in the value of various emergent Asian currencies versus an emboldened dollar, fuelled by robust US data allaying recession fears. Stock markets in the region largely painted a bleak picture, with…
- Economy News
Thai exports set for surge amid favourable market conditions and expansion plans
With predictions of a rebounding global economy, Thai exports are expected to witness a surge in the second half of the year, according to the nation’s Commerce Ministry. Keerati Rushchano, the permanent commerce secretary, revealed that the current competitive baht exchange rate coupled with planned market expansion initiatives could significantly boost trade. The regions targeted for market expansion include Yunnan…
- Tourism News
Russian tourism faces a slowdown in Thai markets amid Moscow’s political tension
Amid heightened political tensions in Moscow, the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) observes a potential slowdown in Russian tourists to Thailand, although an increase in long-term stay visitors is also predicted if the situation worsens further. To comprehend the short-term market movements of Russian tourism in detail, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has instructed its Moscow office to…
- Business News
Bank of Thailand to loosen foreign exchange regulations to stabilise long-term exchange rates
The Bank of Thailand revealed plans to loosen foreign exchange regulations to stabilise the long-term exchange rate. The move, which shows a clear focus on balancing capital inflows and managing volatility, comes as Thailand’s economy globally integrates further. Under the foreign exchange initiative, Thai individuals will now be able to pour as much as US$10 million into offshore markets, doubling…
- Business News
German and French firms eye Thailand’s booming electric vehicle sector
A surge of interest in Thailand’s budding electric vehicle (EV) industry has been noted among businesses from France and Germany. The Thailand Board of Investment (BoI) revealed this interest following an investment promotion roadshow in these European nations. The BoI’s Deputy Secretary-General, Wirat Tatsaringkansakul, suggested a particularly keen receptiveness from French and German investors. These potential investors are reportedly looking…
- Economy News
Fitch ratings reveal Thailand’s economic recovery to boost corporate earnings in 2023
Recovery of the domestic economy and alleviation of inflationary pressures are set to bolster the performance of corporations in Thailand this year, suggest analysts from Fitch Ratings during the 2023 Thailand Corporate Credit Outlook & Asean ESG conference, held recently in Bangkok. Corporates at Fitch Ratings (Thailand)’s Lertchai Kochareonrattanakul, a senior director, indicated in his talk that a boost in…
- Business News
ChatGPT security: Asia-Pacific tops list in account breaches, Group-IB reveals
In a comprehensive study conducted by the international cybersecurity corporation Group-IB, over 100,000 infiltrated ChatGPT accounts have been detected in concealed Internet marketplaces. In the last year, the majority of these ChatGPT credentials were discovered within the Asia-Pacific region, threatening ChatGPT security. Through the close survey of stealer-riddled devices, Group-IB identified upwards of 101,134 technological instruments storing saved ChatGPT credentials.…
- Business News
Hotel Act concerns addressed by Thai Hotels Association due to government’s registration rules
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has taken a positive step by welcoming the Ministry of Interior’s new regulations. These rules will now classify smaller accommodations that were operating before 2016 as hotels. This decision is expected to result in increased tax collection, providing additional income for the government. However, the proposal to exempt larger accommodation facilities from registration under the…
- Business News
Boggle Boggle: Korean noodle pop-up store debuts in Thailand with K-drama experience
In a move influenced by the continued fascination with K-pop culture among Thai enthusiasts, ‘Boggle Boggle,’ a Korean noodle pop-up store reminiscent of the famed late-night food spots or vintage red tents frequently portrayed in South Korean TV dramas, has made its recent debut in Thailand. Hosting its grand opening on June 24, Boggle Boggle occupies a space on the…
- Economy News
Thai economy booms as government’s fiscal income beats projections with 122bn baht surplus
The Thai economy demonstrates strong recovery and active imports as the Thai government’s net income during the first two-thirds of fiscal 2023 has surpassed projections by 122 billion baht, revealed Fiscal Policy Office Director-General, Pornchai Thiraveja, 42 years old. Between October 2022 and May 2023, the Thai government raked in a total of 1.64 trillion baht, which is an 8%…
- Business News
Thailand’s real estate sector eyes foreign investment boost
With an eye on boosting the economy, real estate developers and consultants are urging Thailand‘s new government to implement policies that promote foreign investment. They believe such measures will stimulate a more positive environment for overseas buyers in the property market, suggesting promotional efforts to increase awareness among foreign investors. Artitaya Kasemlawan, head of residential sales projects at CBRE Thailand,…
- Business News
AIS urged to retract NBTC lawsuit amidst True-DTAC merger controversy
In an undisclosed revelation from employees within the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), it was indicated that Advanced Info Service (AIS) has been encouraged to retract its lawsuit against last year’s NBTC board resolution, which validated the amalgamation of True-DTAC. This lawsuit could potentially create complications for the commission when deliberating the ongoing acquisition of the fixed broadband service…
- Business News
Global Thai rice export forecast to surpass 8 million tonnes
The appeal for Thai rice continues to be significant globally, with both Indonesia and Bangladesh expressing their aspirations to buy the grain through G2G or government-to-government contracts. Ronnarong Phoolpipat, head of the Foreign Trade Department, stated that the immense global demand for Thai rice is likely to boost exports to surpass 8 million tonnes this year. The department has plans…
- World News
Kasikornbank branches out into Vietnam aiming at top 20 by 2027
Breaking new ground in its expansion strategy, Kasikorn Business-Technology Group (KBTG), a subsidiary of Thailand’s Kasikornbank, has laid the foundation stone for KBTG Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. With an aim to serve the surging regional digital expansion of its parent conglomerate and to attain a spot amongst the top 20 banks in Vietnam by 2027, this development is…
- World News
Durian surplus sparks joy in Singapore as Malaysian supply surges
Durian surplus in Singapore has led enthusiasts to find their favourite spiky fruit available in abundance this year. The unprecedented bounty of the asperous fruit is so significant that claw machines now carry it, creating a thrilling opportunity to cradle a durian for the trivial cost of just 26 baht. A surplus from the leading producer, Malaysia, has driven durian…
- Business News
Chinese tourism deterred by tourist scams in Thailand, says ATTA
Fear of being conned by tourist scams poses a bigger concern to prospective Chinese tourists than Thailand’s political ambiguity, advises the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). Given a sluggish economic recovery on the mainland, the Chinese tourism market could slightly be affected. Calling for tougher safety measures, ATTA’s president, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, indicated that improving the country’s image and reassurances…
- Economy News
Thai tourism-linked businesses experience booming growth amid economic recovery
Amid escalating tourist arrivals and robust economic recovery, Thai tourism-associated enterprises have been reaping lucrative rewards, particularly in the fields of foreign exchange, travel agencies, tour guides, dining establishments, and the accommodation industry. Such industries have experienced impressive growth within the initial five months of this year, as revealed by data garnered through the Business Development Department of the Commerce…
- Business News
Post-pandemic business growth: CMG aims for 20% revenue boost relying on beauty trends
In an era marked by a surge in consumer-based beauty industry trends, Central Marketing Group (CMG), a key Central Retail Corporation subsidiary and renowned distributor of over forty top-notch global brands, targets a 20% revenue business growth for their beauty segment this year. The company’s president, Edwin Yap Hawson, notes that the anticipated business growth can be credited to inventive…
- Business News
Thai chicken advancement: CPF targets space-grade safety for production
In a bold step indicative of its commitment to product safety, Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF) has set its sights on the stars. Taking its poultry products to new heights, CPF is joining the “Thai Food Mission to Space” programme. A trailblazing endeavour, this Thai chicken project is spearheaded by CPF in partnership with Nanoracks Llc, a leader in space…
- Economy News
Thailand tourism thrives as it ranks second in global travel, Bangkok tops city list
Thailand tourism continues to thrive, as online travel platform Agoda recently revealed that the country holds the title of the second most popular destination for travellers worldwide, with Bangkok topping the list of favourite cities for global travellers. The ranking came from an analysis of booking data collected from January to May of the current year, shared by government spokesman…
- Business News
31 Centara hotels scoop Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards
Centara Hotels & Resorts scooped several top honours in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for 2023, with 31 of their properties being recognised worldwide. These prestigious awards, reserved for establishments consistently achieving excellent traveller reviews over the past year, place Centara’s hotels and resorts within the top 10% of all listings on Tripadvisor globally. This year, two Centara properties received…
- Business News
Pharmaceutical R&D lab investment drives JSP Pharma to target 30% revenue growth
JSP Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (Thailand) Plc, a company specialising in the distribution of medicines and nutritional supplements, is eyeing a 30% increase in revenue this year, which is partly due to the introduction of its new pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) service for the growing medical industry. In 2020, JSP earned 436 million baht, albeit incurring a loss of 17.4 million…
- Business News
Fashion-forward: Jaspal gears up for IPO, set to make a stylish debut on stock exchange
Bangkok-based ready-to-wear fashion company Jaspal is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) as it seeks funding to further develop its fashion and lifestyle ventures. Jaspal recently submitted a proposal for the listing, offering up to 156 million shares, representing no more than 26% of the firm’s paid-up capital, to the Securities and…
- Business News
Digital platforms in Thailand face new transparency law, affecting over 1,000 major operators
A new law issued by royal decree will come into effect on August 21, aimed at regulating digital platforms in Thailand while promoting transparency and consumer protection, according to Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn. The digital platform service law was was first published in the Royal Gazette on December 23, 2022. Upon implementation, digital platforms looking to conduct…
- Business News
Sustainable financing: Unlocking Thailand’s net-zero pathway challenge
The urgency of tackling climate change and transitioning towards a sustainable future has drawn increased attention to the importance of sustainable financing in recent years. With every investment decision holding the potential to mould the fate of the planet, governments, corporations, and financial institutions are recognising the significance of funding environmentally friendly initiatives. The push for a net-zero carbon economy…
- Business News
Smart moves by KTO set to boost Korean tourists in Thailand by one million
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is on a mission to lure travellers with cutting-edge smart tourism offerings, boosting the number of Korean visitors to Thailand to an impressive one million during the upcoming third quarter. As this thriving alliance between the two countries takes shape, Korean tourism is set to soar to new heights. Tanes Petsuwan, the Tourism Authority of…
- Business News
Thai SEC urged to tackle Stark’s negative shareholder equity, boost investor trust
Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to address Stark Corporation’s negative shareholder equity issue to safeguard investors’ interests and bolster confidence in the market. Arkhom held discussions with the SEC’s secretary-general about the stock issue and encouraged the regulator to utilise available tools to boost investor trust in the market. He said… “It is crucial…
