Business News
Thailand business news, market trends, foreign investment, and economic updates—stay informed on stock market movements, entrepreneurship, and key developments shaping the economy. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for business news in Thailand.
-
Sponsored Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money
Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
-
Thailand’s retirement lottery launches with new payment options
Why just save for retirement when you can win your way there? Thailand’s new lottery is making it possible. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul has confirmed that sales for the highly anticipated retirement lottery will kick off in the fourth quarter of this year, offering weekly cash prizes while promoting long-term savings. Paopoom referred to the legal green light already…
-
Cambodian labour exodus sparks robot rush in Thai factories
Thailand’s factories are facing a labour crunch, and robots may soon be clocking in. A drop in Cambodian workers due to a simmering territorial dispute has forced Thai manufacturers to hurry automation plans, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The exodus of Cambodian labourers has hit sectors such as construction and agribusiness, where low-cost, manual labour is essential.…
-
Thai hotel group sues over 400 baht wage hike challenge
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) is planning to file a lawsuit against the tripartite wage committee in the Administrative Court, aiming to challenge the 400 baht minimum wage increase, which it argues burdens hotels in secondary tourism areas. THA president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun stated that the association’s committee has already agreed to proceed with the legal action, pending a consensus from…
-
Thai interest rate cut fuels stock market surge
Thailand’s stock market has been handed a shot of adrenaline after the Bank of Thailand (BoT) slashed its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.50%, a move analysts say could send the SET index surging to 1,370 points by the year’s end. Market watchers hailed the rate cut as the start of “a policy-led re-rating phase” that will redirect…
-
Thailand launches world-first crypto tourist pay scheme
Thailand has thrown open the doors to a digital revolution in tourism, unveiling the world’s first system allowing foreign visitors to convert cryptocurrency into Thai baht for everyday purchases—from pad thai stalls to 7-Eleven counters. The pilot project, called TouristDigiPay, launched yesterday, August 18, under the watch of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. Unlike crypto-payment models abroad,…
-
Bitcoin prices hit new highs, Invro Mining helps fuel Thailand’s cloud mining revolution and earn BTC
Bitcoin has officially crossed the historic $120,000 threshold, sparking a wave of excitement across Thailand’s already thriving crypto scene. As the digital asset market grows hotter, many investors are stepping away from high-risk trading and instead embracing cloud mining — a safer, more predictable way to generate daily cryptocurrency income without the complexity of managing mining hardware. One name stands…
-
Thailand online platforms that blend fun, freedom, and functionality
Thailand is home to a growing array of online platforms that combine entertainment, convenience, and the freedom to access top-notch services from anywhere. Whether you’re looking for online gambling options, digital entertainment, or a way to engage with the latest trends, these platforms cater to diverse interests and needs. From sports betting to live casinos, and streaming services, the Thai…
-
Thai court weighs foreign pilot hiring dispute
Thai airlines are not currently hiring foreign pilots for domestic routes, but that could change next year depending on a key court ruling. In March, the Thai Pilots Association filed legal action against the Ministry of Labour, seeking a temporary injunction to halt the use of foreign pilots on domestic services. The case stems from last year’s high tourism season,…
-
Tough times hit Thai cinema as viewers cut back
Box office blues could be looming for Thai cinemas as cash-strapped moviegoers become pickier about what’s worth their ticket money. That’s the concern from top Thai studio GDH 559 Co Ltd Content Director Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn, who said the sluggish economy is making audiences more selective—possibly reducing their cinema visits from several times a month to just once. “Viewers may think…
-
Chinese steel surge pressures Thai manufacturers
China’s continued surge in steel exports is putting growing pressure on Thai steelmakers, according to Tata Steel (Thailand), a subsidiary of India’s largest steel producer. In the first half of this year, China exported 58.2 million tonnes of steel, marking a 9.2% increase from the same period last year. Asia remained the largest recipient of these exports, with Thailand among…
-
Trump teases new tariffs on drugs and chips
US President Donald Trump indicated yesterday that new tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals and semiconductors might be announced as early as next week as part of his ongoing efforts to reshape global trade. These comments were made during an interview with CNBC, occurring just days before another set of tariff increases is set to impact several economies later this week. The…
-
Grab’s AI translator and big discounts woo Thailand’s expats
Grab Thailand is turning its attention to Thailand’s growing expat population — and it’s rolling out smart features and generous perks to win them over. With more than 5.3 million non-Thai residents now living in Thailand—an 8% jump since 2019—the company has seen delivery orders from expats skyrocket by over 50% in the past 12 months, signalling a major shift…
-
Leisure apps compete for attention in the 15-minute media economy
We’re living in the age of “just one more episode,” “one more scroll,” and “just five more minutes.” Attention is sliced into fragments, and entertainment now competes not by the hour, but by the minute. Welcome to the 15-minute media economy — a world shaped by short breaks, background noise, and multitasking. Whether it’s during a commute, lunch break, or…
-
Thai Airways shares take off again after 5-year pause
After five years of being grounded, Thai Airways (THAI) shares are finally cleared for takeoff. Trading of the national carrier’s stock will resume on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) yesterday, August 4, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s dramatic recovery from one of the biggest corporate meltdowns in Thai history. The move follows THAI’s exit from court-supervised debt…
-
How much does it cost to live in Thailand in 2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the sound of ocean waves or enjoying street food for just a couple of dollars, you may have asked yourself: how much does it cost to live in Thailand? The answer depends on your lifestyle, location, and spending habits — but compared to Western countries, Thailand offers a significantly lower cost of…
-
Thaksin pushes for high EV tax to protect Thailand’s car industry
Could the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) be putting Thailand’s homegrown auto industry at risk? Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra thinks so, and he’s pushing for drastic tax changes to protect local manufacturers from foreign competition. Thaksin has called for a high excise tax to be imposed on imported EVs that contain minimal local content, in a bid to protect Thailand’s…
-
Bank of Thailand may cut rates amid US tariff concerns
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) may reduce interest rates multiple times by the end of this year to bolster the economy if US tariffs on Thai goods prove uncompetitive compared to regional counterparts. Head of research for the banking and financial sector at Kasikorn Research Centre, Kanjana Chockpisansin, indicated that the think tank anticipates at least one additional rate cut…
-
Trump slashes Thai tariffs to 19% – but is there a catch?
US President Donald Trump has stunned Thailand and the wider ASEAN region by announcing a sharp cut in import tariffs on Thai goods, slashing rates from 36% to 19%. The decision, made public yesterday, July 31, via the former US president’s Truth Social platform, came just hours before an executive order was signed, locking the deal in from today, August…
-
Cambodia border closures shift Thai trade to sea routes
Border closures with Cambodia have disrupted land transport, prompting a shift to alternative shipping routes. The conflict and closed checkpoints have hindered logistics that previously depended on Cambodian routes to reach Vietnam. As a result, businesses are now utilising sea transport and alternative land routes through Laos. The number of shipping lines servicing Cambodia has increased, leading to a reduction…
-
Indian weddings could fuel Thai FDI boom
Thailand could soon be cashing in on Indian love stories—with luxury weddings fuelling a fresh wave of foreign investment. HSBC highlighted Indian wedding tourism as a key opportunity to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) into Thailand, pointing to stronger economic links and rising investor confidence between the two countries. During a recent visit to HSBC Thailand, HSBC India CEO Hitendra…
-
US tariffs on Thailand expected to change in August
US tariffs on Thailand are anticipated to be announced on August 1 or August 2, with the rate expected to change from the current 36%, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. After achieving an unconditional ceasefire agreement along the Thai-Cambodian border, Pichai stated that negotiations with the US are progressing, with most issues resolved and only a few remaining. He…
-
‘Flying Giant’ A380 becomes a costly nightmare for airlines
Two decades after its maiden flight, the Airbus A380 is back in demand as international travel roars back to life post-Covid. But while passengers may love its spacious cabins, airlines are groaning under the weight of its soaring maintenance costs. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued 95 airworthiness directives for the aircraft since 2020, more than double…
-
When to book cheap flights from Thailand to Gulf
Travelling from Thailand to Gulf countries has gradually become increasingly popular. Be it for business or simply a recreational trip. However, with the hiking flight prices, it is essential to time your booking so you can plan your trip without having to worry about the ticket price fluctuations. In this article, we will discuss a few points that will help…
-
Trump revives US trade talks with Cambodia and Thailand post-ceasefire
US President Donald Trump has directed US officials to restart trade negotiations with Cambodia and Thailand following the countries’ agreement to cease fighting along a contested border. “We have saved thousands of lives by ending this war. I have instructed my trade team to resume negotiations on trade,” Trump announced in a social media post yesterday. He indicated that he…
-
Thailand seeks slot waiver amid drop in Chinese tourists
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is in discussions with Chinese officials to obtain a one-year slot waiver in response to decreased Chinese tourist arrivals. ACM Manat Chavanaprayoon, the CAAT director-general, stated that temporary relief from airport slot usage requirements is being sought due to the ongoing weak demand from Chinese travellers. Once Thailand’s primary source market, Chinese tourist…
-
Thai govt unleashes 87 billion baht to jolt economy
Thailand’s government is throwing billions at the economy in a high-stakes bid to spark recovery before time runs out. With just two months left in the fiscal year, the Budget Bureau has unleashed 87.36 billion baht to fund 148 urgent economic stimulus projects, according to Deputy Finance Permanent Secretary Theerarak Saengsanit. The hefty injection accounts for 75.72% of the 115…
-
Online work and digital freedom in Thailand: your guide to earning in 2025
In recent years, online earning has become not only a trend, but an integral part of the lives of millions of people around the world. Thailand, known for its warm climate and rich culture, is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for freelancers and remote workers. As technology advances and competition in the job market intensifies, more and more people are…
-
Thailand taps digital wallet leftovers to fight Trump’s tariffs
The Thai government is rushing to prop up struggling businesses as Washington’s trade crackdown starts hitting closer to home. An anonymous source from Government House revealed that US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy is expected to severely impact local entrepreneurs. In response, the economic stimulus committee has decided to allocate 42 billion baht—leftover from the digital wallet scheme—to aid…
-
King Power closes outlets amid cost-cutting drive
Thailand’s duty-free giant King Power is closing three of its downtown branches in a sweeping cost-cutting move that includes a voluntary redundancy programme for staff across the company. The Srivaree, Pattaya, and Mahanakhon locations—once magnets for big-spending tour groups—will cease operations in September. The closures come as the retailer overhauls its business model amid sluggish post-pandemic sales and shifting consumer…
-
Nok Air rebounds with freebies and fresh routes
Budget airline Nok Air is soaring back into profitability and promises even bigger things on the horizon—including free flights for foreign tourists. The embattled carrier, once drowning in debt, now expects to complete its rehabilitation programme by mid-2028, with outstanding debt trimmed to under 400 million baht from a staggering 5.4 billion. The airline’s resurgence comes after two consecutive profitable…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.