Economy News
Thailand economy news, business updates, financial markets, and government policies—stay informed on economic developments shaping the nation. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for Thailand economic news.
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Sponsored Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Thailand’s 36% US tariff at risk: Will minister secure a deal?
Thailand is on the edge of a crucial trade deadline with the US, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced today that he will be heading to the US next week for urgent trade negotiations. With Thailand facing a 36% tariff on its exports unless a deal is struck, time is running out for the kingdom to…
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Chiang Mai aims to be entertainment hub with major film deal
Chiang Mai is set to become Asia’s next big entertainment hotspot, thanks to a groundbreaking new collaboration. Hylife Group, the city’s leading real estate, asset management, and manufacturing giant, has just signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and key industry partners to transform the northern Thai city into a regional film and…
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Army and prisoners tackle Thailand’s fruit labour crisis
To tackle the ongoing labour shortage and ensure a smooth harvest, the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has launched an ambitious plan to handle the incoming fruit harvests from both the north and south of Thailand. The initiative, which has already gained support from military personnel and good prisoners, aims to streamline fruit distribution and provide much-needed assistance to farmers.…
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Grab Thailand rolls out 0% fees, AI tools to save restaurants
As Thailand’s economy stumbles and food businesses tighten their belts, Grab Thailand is stepping in with a bold new lifeline. The food delivery giant has launched a series of targeted initiatives aimed at helping small restaurant operators and solo entrepreneurs survive the current financial crunch, complete with zero commission deals, AI tools and micro-loans. Chantsuda Thananitayaudom, country head of Grab…
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Bangkok’s Green Line future in doubt: Will 20-baht fare survive?
As the Green Line’s concession approaches its expiration in 2029, the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) is preparing to release a groundbreaking study to explore four potential operational models that could keep the popular 20-baht flat fare policy alive. This move comes after Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt proposed a transfer of the Green Line project to the Ministry of Transport, believing…
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Thailand’s double-track railway project to revolutionise transport
The Ministry of Transport is pushing full steam ahead with the second phase of its ambitious double-track railway development project, which will span a massive 1,249 kilometres and cost an eye-watering 297.9 billion baht. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who is overseeing the project, has promised significant benefits for the country’s transport system. According to Suriya, the…
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Thai hotels warn of layoffs amid 400 baht wage hike proposal
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has raised concerns about potential large-scale layoffs in the hotel sector during the low season, should the government proceed with plans to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 baht next week. The THA has submitted a petition to the prime minister, urging the cancellation of this policy. La-iad Bungsrithong, an advisor to the THA…
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Reforms urged for Bank of Thailand amid global financial shifts
The dean of the Faculty of Economics at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has proposed significant changes to the role of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to better align with internal economic dynamics and navigate global financial volatility. On June 22, Anusorn Tamajai made a suggestion yesterday, June 22, for the BoT to reconsider its exchange rate…
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Thai political instability threatens economy amid US tariff concerns
Political instability between Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, is expected to further weaken investor confidence. This comes amid threats of a 36% US tariff on Thai exports. Poonyawat Sreesing, a senior economist at Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Centre (SCB EIC), highlighted that the Thai economy has been enduring political uncertainty for some…
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Phuket’s economy soars, but 600 Cambodian workers left stranded
Phuket’s economy is roaring back to life, with employment soaring by nearly 100% and tourism revenue skyrocketing. But while the island thrives, a pressing issue remains — the 600 Cambodian workers currently stranded without a repatriation plan. Phuket Deputy Governor, Suwit Pansengiam, gave a promising update today, June 18, revealing that tourism in Phuket has grown significantly since last year. With a revenue of 497 billion…
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Bangkok Expo 2032: Student’s bold vision could transform the city
What if Thailand finally hosted a World Expo — and it happened right in the heart of Bangkok? That’s the bold vision behind Bangkok World Expo 2032, the graduation thesis of Thanakrit Kanchanaram, a student from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Architecture. His plan transforms Makkasan Station into a cutting-edge exhibition hub, making Bangkok the epicentre of innovation, culture, and urban revival. “Thailand…
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Thailand urged to unlock US$2 billion for green city investment
Thailand could unlock a flood of green investment — up to US$2 billion (approximately 65 billion baht) a year — by transforming its cities into eco-smart powerhouses, a top World Bank official told a major climate forum in Bangkok. Melinda Good, the World Bank’s Country Director for Thailand and Myanmar, delivered the bold message at the Road to Net Zero…
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Thailand’s 157 billion baht stimulus scramble begins
Time is running out for government agencies to grab their slice of a massive 157 billion baht stimulus budget — and if they don’t move fast, the money disappears for good. Today, June 18, Thailand’s Economic Stimulus Committee will review a long list of proposals from ministries scrambling to secure funding before the clock runs out on September 30. If…
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Bangkok workers score 400-baht payday in wage shake-up
Workers in Bangkok are about to get a pay bump — and it’s not just the capital cashing in. From July 1, the minimum daily wage in Bangkok will jump to 400 baht, up from the current 372 baht, according to the national wage committee. The hike will also apply to thousands of hotel and entertainment venue staff across the…
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Cambodia bans Thai fruit and vegetables amid border dispute
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Cambodia has slapped a ban on all imports of Thai fruit and vegetables following Thailand’s refusal to fully reopen all border checkpoints. The decision, announced today, June 17, comes after weeks of simmering tension between the two countries over unresolved border issues. Lieutenant General Sok Veasna, Director General of Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration,…
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Labour Ministry cracks down on illegal expatriate employment
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has directed a crackdown on expats working illegally in occupations reserved for Thai nationals. This decision follows over 4,400 arrests for such offences over the past nine months. Labour Ministry spokesperson Phumphat Muanchan stated that Phiphat instructed agencies to collaborate in safeguarding domestic jobs, stressing that illegal employment should not be normalised despite its widespread occurrence.…
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Thailand’s 157 billion baht stimulus budget pending approval
The government’s economic stimulus budget of 157 billion baht is pending final approval this month, while funding requests from various ministries have exceeded 400 billion baht. There is concern over transparency and the economic impact of these proposals, with fears that some projects might serve electoral or specific group interests. The Commerce Ministry requested a budget of 3 billion baht,…
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PM Paetongtarn calls for proactive diplomacy to boost economy
In a bold call for action, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has urged Thai diplomats around the world to take a more proactive approach to support the country’s economy, navigate shifting global dynamics, and maintain peace in the region. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 annual meeting of Thai heads of missions in Bangkok, Paetongtarn outlined clear strategies for…
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Cambodia’s Hun Sen calls for Thai film ban amid rising tensions
Cambodia is threatening to pull the plug on Thai culture and commerce as tensions with Thailand continue to boil over. Senate President Hun Sen has urged the Royal Government of Cambodia to consider banning Thai films and halting imports of Thai goods, citing rising hostility from Thai extremist groups. The bold remarks were made in a fiery social media post,…
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Thai Fruits Festival 2025 launched to boost domestic durian sales
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) and the Thai Fresh Market Association have jointly initiated the Thai Fruits Festival 2025 by DIT to distribute quality durian and promote domestic consumption, aiming to support local fruit prices. Goranij Nonejuie, Deputy Director General of the DIT, announced the collaboration with the Yes Bang Phli market in Samut Prakan to enhance fruit consumption…
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Thailand sukiyaki price war heats up as restaurants slash prices
Sukiyaki restaurants are slashing their prices in a fierce battle to attract customers, as tighter budgets and the sluggish economy continue to affect consumer spending. However, while the price war promises short-term gains, its long-term impact on sales and brand perception remains uncertain. Leading the charge are MK Restaurants and Suki Teenoi, two major players in the local sukiyaki scene.…
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5th Thai-Laos bridge to boost trade to over 28 billion baht
The fifth Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge is set to open by the end of the year, boosting cross-border trade to over 28 billion baht. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, alongside Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, attended the concrete pouring ceremony for the bridge connecting Bueng Kan in Thailand and Bolikhamxai in Laos. This development aims to enhance…
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Thailand urged to cut interest rates amid economic challenges
Thailand needs to adopt a more assertive approach in reducing interest rates due to its challenging growth outlook and low inflation, according to Somprawin Manprasert, a candidate for the position of Bank of Thailand (BoT)’s new governor. The benchmark interest rate, currently set at 1.75%, could be reduced by 75 to 100 basis points, Somprawin stated during an interview in Bangkok.…
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Phuket Port to transform into cruise and cargo hub
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Phaophum Rojanasakul, visited the Phuket Port Improvement Project in Wichit subdistrict, Mueang district, Phuket province, yesterday, May 2. The project aims to enhance the port’s capacity to accommodate large cruise ships and stimulate tourism in the Andaman region. The Treasury Department is overseeing the transformation of the Phuket Port into a tourism and cargo hub.…
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Krungsri forecast for Thailand economic growth cut to 2.1%
Research by Krungsri has revised Thailand’s economic growth forecast for 2025 to 2.1%, down from an earlier estimate of 2.7%. This adjustment comes amid layered risks, including US trade policy uncertainties and domestic pressures. The government is advised to exercise caution in policy-making while responding effectively to rapidly evolving situations. Pimnara Hirankasi, head of economic research and executive researcher at…
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People’s Party MP slams 26.5 billion baht budget for inequality
People’s Party MP Pukkamon Nunarnan criticised the government’s 26.5 billion baht provincial budget yesterday, arguing that it perpetuates inequality and fails to meet local communities’ needs. During the third day of the debate on the 2026 fiscal budget bill, Pukkamon, also known as “Lisa,” targeted the Interior Ministry’s budget. She asserted that the allocation model demonstrates a lack of power…
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Thai business closures rise 8.3% amid economic concerns
Thailand’s business landscape is facing stormy skies as nearly 4,000 companies shut their doors in just the first four months of 2025 — an 8.3% increase from the previous year, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD). This surge in closures, with a combined registered capital of almost 16 billion baht, has alarmed lawmakers during this week’s heated budget…
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Thailand to continue US talks despite court blocking Trump’s tariffs
Thailand will continue negotiations with the US despite a US trade court’s decision to block President Donald Trump’s extensive tariffs on imports, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The 38 year old Thai premier stated that the court’s ruling on Wednesday, May 28, is perceived as an internal US issue, adding that it remains unclear how Trump might proceed. Despite…
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Thai PM proposes 3.78 trillion baht budget amid opposition criticism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra submitted a 3.78 trillion baht budget proposal for the fiscal year 2026 to the House of Representatives, initiating a four-day debate with the vote set for Saturday, May 31. The People’s Party criticised the proposal for not addressing current economic challenges, indicating their intention to reject it. Paetongtarn explained that the spending plan was crafted based…
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Double numbers dominate June 1 lottery history
Excitement is building as the Government Lottery Office (GLO) prepares for the June 1 draw, set to take place at The One Convention Hall in Bueng Kan Province. But before the big day, lottery enthusiasts are already analysing a decade of results to uncover fascinating patterns and lucky numbers. From 2015 to 2024, Khaosod Online has tracked government lottery results…
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