Finance
Thailand finance guide—economy updates, banking, taxes, and smart money management. Stay informed on financial trends, investment insights, and practical tips for navigating Thailand’s financial landscape.
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Sponsored What do you need before moving from the US to Thailand?
The Thaiger key takeaways The most common medical emergencies for expats in Thailand include motorcycle accidents, tropical diseases, and food or water-borne illnesses. Air pollution and heat-related conditions like heatstroke also pose serious seasonal health risks, especially in northern and...
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Can you use dollars in Thailand? Yes, but don’t
The Thaiger key takeaways Dollars are rarely accepted: Most places in Thailand, including street food stalls and taxis, only accept Thai baht. Bring dollars for exchange: American dollars are useful for exchanging into baht at competitive rates upon arrival. Always carry baht for daily expenses: While US dollars are good for exchange, baht is essential for most transactions in Thailand.…
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Kasikornbank launches Visa debit payments on MRT
Kasikornbank is collaborating with partners to introduce a Visa debit card payment system for MRT services. This initiative is aimed at making urban travel more convenient, seamlessly integrating public transportation payments through Kasikorn Visa debit cards across all MRT lines without requiring top-ups. The service also extends to other public transport systems, including the Airport Rail Link, expressways, and buses…
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Navigating trading psychology amid the ‘US Politics Effect’ and market instability
In 2025, global markets are expected to be shaken by extreme volatility driven by President Trump’s policy decisions, given tariff hikes, public threats to dismiss Fed Chair Powell, and unpredictable trade moves. Often called the “Trump effect,” US politics creates constant uncertainty, triggering fear-based reactions in trading. Understanding how to stay focused during such turbulence is critical for success. Equally…
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5 ways you’re losing money in Thailand
The Thaiger key takeaways Tourist restaurants, bars, and premium malls charge heavily compared to local markets and street food. High ATM fees, poor exchange rates, and careless money handling shrink your budget fast. Ignoring mobile plan renewals and overpaying for tours or taxis costs travellers far more than necessary. Visiting Thailand can be surprisingly affordable, but if you’re not careful,…
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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…
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Mastering the foundations: A comprehensive guide to technical analysis theories
Technical analysis offers a structured approach to determining what to trade, when to enter the market, and how long to remain involved. Its core principle is simple: every known fact—economic or otherwise—is already reflected in the price. Thus, by observing price and volume alone, traders can discern patterns of crowd psychology and, in turn, anticipate future movements. In practice, any…
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Pay Thai car tax in minutes with new app: DLT (video)
Paying your annual car tax just got a whole lot easier—and you won’t even have to leave the sofa. The Department of Land Transport (DLT), in partnership with Krungthai Bank, has launched a groundbreaking service allowing drivers to pay their annual vehicle tax via the Pao Tang app. Officials say the move will save time, cut travel costs, and make…
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Thailand plans tax break on foreign income
The Thai Revenue Department is fast-tracking new legislation to exempt Thai citizens from income tax on earnings sourced from abroad within the current year. Revenue Department Director-General Pinsai Suraswadi stated that the proposed law would exempt Thai citizens from income tax if they bring foreign-sourced income into Thailand within two years of earning it. The details are under discussion at…
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Introducing XM Traders Club, your new trading advantage
XM has officially rebranded its loyalty programme under the new name ‘XM Traders Club,’ aiming to elevate the trading experience with greater value. Members can accumulate XMC (XM Coin) every time they open a trade, which can then be redeemed for bonuses, cash, or a wide variety of premium rewards. Trade smarter with XM Traders Club and reward points The…
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UF AWARDS APAC 2025 nominations have started!
The online trading and fintech community is up in arms as the nomination round for the prestigious UF AWARDS APAC 2025 is ongoing. This is a great opportunity for brokers and B2B technology providers to claim their spot in the industry’s top performers. Not just an award ceremony, a benchmark of quality The UF AWARDS have established themselves as one…
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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…
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Why traders in Thailand are choosing EC Markets for gold and forex trading
Gold and forex trading have long been favourites among investors in Thailand, but why are so many traders now turning to EC Markets? The answer lies in a combination of tight spreads, ultra-fast execution, Thai baht (THB) deposit support, and globally trusted regulation. Let’s dive into why EC Markets is becoming the go-to forex and gold trading platform in Thailand,…
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Thai US tax talks stall as Vietnam races ahead
Thailand’s hopes of clinching a breakthrough tax agreement with the United States have hit a stumbling block, leaving officials scrambling for solutions—and exporters nervously watching from the sidelines. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira admitted yesterday, July 4, that the much-anticipated deal remains out of reach despite days of high-level negotiations in Washington. Speaking during a stopover in…
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Red Bull tycoon tops Thailand rich list with US$44.5 billion fortune
Red Bull really does give you wings—especially if your name is Chalerm Yoovidhya. The co-owner of the world-famous energy drink has officially been crowned Thailand’s richest man this year, boasting a staggering net worth of US$44.5 billion (1.4 trillion baht), according to Forbes magazine. Chalerm’s jaw-dropping fortune saw an eye-watering leap of US$8.5 billion, marking a 24% surge from the previous year.…
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EC Markets makes waves at the iFX Expo International 2025 in Limassol
The vibrant city of Limassol, Cyprus, has once again hosted one of the biggest and most important events in the world of finance and fintech: the iFX Expo International 2025. With over 6,000 professionals and 1,600 companies gathering from around the world, the iFX Expo was a week of high-energy filled with fresh, innovative ideas, tech startups, and big announcements!…
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Celebrating 15 years of XM! Legendary deposit bonus to create global opportunities
In celebration of its 15th anniversary, XM extends its heartfelt appreciation to traders around the world for their unwavering support by launching a 100% deposit bonus promotion worth up to US$15,000. This milestone offer marks the most generous bonus in XM’s history and serves as a powerful catalyst for traders to sustainably grow their trading potential. 15 years of trust,…
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The future of Thailand’s startup ecosystem: Trends, tech & talent
Thailand is quickly becoming one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations for startups. While the country was once known mainly for tourism and manufacturing, it’s now gaining attention for its growing tech-driven entrepreneurial scene. Government support, a young and skilled workforce, and a booming digital economy are driving this change. Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai are emerging as hubs of…
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Scam alert: Fraudsters pose as SCB agents to freeze your account
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is sounding the alarm over a new scam targeting unsuspecting customers, where fraudsters impersonate bank staff and trick victims into freezing their accounts. The bank issued a public warning this week after receiving reports of con artists calling or messaging customers to ask if they had authorised someone else to open an SCB account on their…
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Bank of Thailand to name new governor amid challenges
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is set to appoint a new governor as Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput will conclude his term on September 30. The selection process is crucial, as the new governor will navigate Thailand’s economic challenges and influence monetary policy and financial stability. Applications for the position closed on June 4, with seven candidates in the running. The candidates are:…
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How rising US interest rates could cause currency volatility in emerging markets
The US dollar has been serving as the global trade currency for decades. Historically, inflation-driven rapid interest rate hikes in the United States and worldwide have threatened the economic welfare of emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). Sharp increases in US interest rates contribute to the rising foreign exchange value of the dollar, implicitly spilling over into EMDE borrowing costs.…
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Thailand taxman’s 2-year sweetener to lure overseas millions home
The taxman in Thailand is having a rethink and it could mean a big win for globe-trotting Thais with cash stashed abroad. In a bid to woo back an estimated 2 trillion baht in overseas investments, the Revenue Department is planning a two-year tax holiday on foreign-earned income, so long as it’s brought back into the country pronto. Revenue Department…
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Bangkok Bank’s policy shift: Why the change of heart?
Bangkok Bank, Thailand’s largest commercial bank and one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent financial institutions, has begun freezing accounts and blocking cards belonging to Russian nationals, triggering confusion and concern among the expat and tourist communities across the country. The drastic move, which reportedly began around May 25, follows a newly enforced policy that limits access to banking services for…
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Baht off! Bangkok Bank shuts the door on tourist accounts
Tourists and short-term visitors in Thailand are getting the cold shoulder from Bangkok Bank after the banking giant quietly slammed the brakes on opening accounts for foreigners without long-term visas. Expats and digital nomads are reeling after Bangkok Bank, Thailand’s largest lender, introduced tough new rules barring tourists from opening deposit accounts, applying for credit cards, or using mobile banking…
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Alarming financial inequality in Thailand
Recent data from the Bank of Thailand reveals a concerning financial disparity: approximately 89% of the nation’s bank deposit accounts contain less than 50,000 baht. This statistic underscores the fragile economic state of a significant portion of the Thai population, many of whom rely on daily wages and lack sufficient savings to withstand unforeseen financial challenges. The financial inequality in…
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Hotel gold rush cools this year, but green deals heat up
After a blockbuster year for Thailand’s hotel market in 2024, the pace of property deals is beginning to cool, but savvy investors are turning their eyes to greener pastures. According to global real estate firm JLL, Thailand’s hotel transaction market in 2025 is undergoing a “normalisation” phase, with activity returning to sustainable levels. Following a record-breaking 22 billion baht in hotel…
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TrustFinance: Powering finance businesses worldwide through trust
In the highly competitive and regulation-focused financial industry, trust is not just a value, it is a vital asset. Recognising this need, TrustFinance, a Singapore-based platform tailored specifically for financial businesses, has expanded its global suite of B2B services. These services are designed to support brokers, fintech platforms, investment firms, and other financial service providers in establishing and communicating trust…
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EC Markets takes centre stage at iFX Expo International 2025 in Limassol
In June, EC Markets will undertake initiatives that mark new, decisive steps in its worldwide expansion and consolidation within the financial sector. The company will play a leading role at the now-established iFX Expo International 2025, which will be held from June 17 to 19 at the City of Dreams Mediterranean Resort in Limassol, Cyprus. This year’s iFX Expo is…
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TrustFinance Business 2025: A day of growth, trust, and collaboration
TrustFinance successfully hosted TrustFinance Business 2025 at Gaysorn Urban Resort in Bangkok on May 9. The event welcomed over 10 leading brokers, fintech innovators, service providers, and financial media partners for a full-day summit focused on growth, collaboration, and trust-building across the financial ecosystem. The event featured a powerful mix of keynote insights, live product showcases, high-impact business matching, and…
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Navigating high inflation & slow growth: How ECB policy shapes the eurozone’s timid progress
So far, 2025 has proven to be the year of reckoning for the eurozone economy, caught in the crosshairs of high inflation and sluggish growth. In a delicate balancing act, the ECB (European Central Bank) changed course with consecutive interest rate cuts this year, following aggressive monetary policy tightening during the 2022 to 2024 high-inflation period. Coming up are market…
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Bitcoin tipped to smash US$100k as crypto bulls charge ahead
Bitcoin is gearing up for a six-figure breakout, with crypto watchers boldly predicting the world’s biggest digital coin could hit a jaw-dropping US$100,000, even as the US central bank holds fire on interest rate cuts. Despite the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) likely keeping rates steady this week, optimism is soaring among investors, thanks to heavyweight institutions snapping up spot…
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