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 10 Best restaurants in Asoke, Bangkok
The Thaiger key takeaways This neighbourhood is one of Bangkok’s busiest eating zones, lined with Thai diners, brunch favourites, Japanese joints and some of the city’s most reliable pizza. Its central location and direct BTS/MRT access make it one of...
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Thai investors eye gold boom as prices set to surge
Thai gold prices are expected to rise sharply next year, driven by global economic uncertainty, rising central bank demand, and stalled trade talks. Thai gold trader MTS Gold Group predicts bullion will end 2025 at around US$4,380 (approximately 159,000 baht), just shy of the record US$4,379.13 seen in October. In Thailand, local gold prices are expected to hover between 67,000…
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Thai govt to hike VAT to 10% by 2030 in budget rescue plan
The government plans to gradually raise VAT to 10% to address rising deficits, as revealed by the finance minister during a major economic event in Bangkok. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas revealed plans to gradually increase VAT, starting with a 1.5% rise to 8.5% by 2028. The announcement was made during his address at the Money Expo 2025 Bangkok Year-End, where…
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Thailand ‘Fast Pass’ to unlock stalled investment billions
Finance officials plan to present a new scheme to the economic Cabinet to fast-track approved investment projects and boost Thailand’s stalled capital flow. Thailand’s Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas will pitch the ambitious Thailand Fast Pass initiative to the economic Cabinet on Monday, November 24, aiming to cut red tape and expedite major domestic investment projects. The new scheme targets businesses…
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Thai budget deficit dips by 8.4% as economy stumbles on
Thailand’s Cabinet approved a new fiscal plan projecting reduced budget deficit and increased spending, aiming to stabilise the economy amid weak growth. Thailand’s government has announced an 8.4% reduction in the national budget deficit for the 2027 fiscal year, signalling a cautious step towards stabilising public finances amid a sluggish economy. Yesterday, November 18, the Cabinet approved a medium-term fiscal…
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Second cash splash eyed as Thai govt plans new co-pay scheme
Thailand’s government is planning a second phase of its co-payment scheme to support those who missed out earlier and boost spending in early 2026. The Finance Ministry is preparing to launch a second phase of the Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment scheme early next year, aimed at those who missed out on the first round of registration. Lavaron Sangsnit, permanent…
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Loy Krathong to rake in 6.5 billion baht despite toned-down mood
Thailand’s Loy Krathong Festival is expected to draw nearly 2 million local tourists and generate billions in revenue, despite scaled-back celebrations nationwide. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reports that around 1.91 million domestic tourists will take part in the nationwide festival today, November 5, opting for serene celebrations over the usual fanfare due to the national mourning period honouring…
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Thai firms hunker down as 2026 outlook remains gloomy
Thai business leaders have warned that the economy will remain sluggish in 2026, urging companies to focus on cost control and avoid risky strategies. At a recent seminar hosted by DailyNews, Pun Paniangvait, general manager of Thai President Foods Plc, maker of the popular Mama instant noodles, painted a cautious picture of the year to come. He pointed to declining…
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Gold Price in Thailand Drops 100 THB; Ornaments Sell at 62,200
The Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced the domestic gold prices today November 4, 2025. In the first announcement at 9:05 AM, the price decreased by 100 THB compared to yesterday’s closing price (Nov 3). The prices announced by the association are as follows: 96.5% Gold Bar Buy: 61,300.00 THB Sell: 61,400.00 THB 96.5% Gold Ornaments Base Tax: 60,079.08 THB Sell:…
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Tourism dips as Thailand tackles debt and sluggish growth
Thailand’s foreign arrivals declined over a recent 10-month period, prompting officials to revise forecasts and accelerate economic recovery efforts. Thailand welcomed 26.25 million foreign visitors from January 1 to October 26 this year, marking a 7.25% drop compared to the same period in 2024, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced today, October 28. Malaysia led the pack as the…
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How to claim your cash in Thailand’s co-pay wallet scheme
Thailand’s co-pay scheme returns, allowing eligible users to start spending via the Paotang app after topping up their G Wallet through various methods. Thailand’s popular co-payment scheme Khon La Khrueng Plus is back, and eligible users can start spending from tomorrow, October 29, through the Paotang app. But before cashing in on the perks, beneficiaries must first top up their…
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Thailand announces second phase of co-payment scheme
The Thai government prepares to launch the second phase of its popular co-payment consumer subsidy scheme in January in a bid to jumpstart domestic spending and bolster economic growth. The announcement was made yesterday, October 20, by government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat who confirmed that the upcoming phase will be financed from the 2026 fiscal budget. However, the total budget allocation…
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Snail-paced start for Phuket’s new co-payment scheme
Phuket officials have launched a new co-payment scheme to support small businesses, though early registration numbers remain lower than expected. The scheme, also known as Khon La Khrueng Plus, or half-half payment scheme, designed to support small businesses and ease the cost of living through 50% government subsidies on purchases, opened registration via the Tung Ngern system yesterday, October 15.…
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‘Half-Half Plus’ kicks off with cash boost for Thai vendors
Thailand has launched vendor registration for a new subsidy scheme aimed at boosting small businesses and consumer spending across the country. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphat kicked off merchant registration for the highly anticipated Half-Half Plus scheme (คนละครึ่งพลัส) today, October 15. The programme, designed to breathe life back into Thailand’s sluggish economy, aims to inject a whopping…
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Thai-Cambodian border conflict victims receive financial aid
Displaced residents in Buriram province have begun receiving compensation following uncertainties and damages caused by the Thai-Cambodian border conflict. Today, October 6, financial aid ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 baht per household was distributed, prompting locals to queue at ATMs as early as 1am. The support package is intended for families forced to evacuate due to clashes between Thai and…
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Baht holds steady as US shutdown spooks global markets
Thailand’s central bank reassured the public that no irregularities have been seen in local markets after the US shutdown triggered global financial jitters. The shutdown, which began after the US Senate failed to approve a temporary spending bill, has unsettled international markets and raised concerns over delayed economic data critical to the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions. Yesterday, October 1,…
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Thai govt brings back co-pay scheme with more baht in your pocket
The Thai government will reopen registration for its co-payment scheme, offering increased daily subsidies to support consumers and small businesses. A fresh round of registration will open from October 20 to 26. The scheme aims to support both consumers and small businesses, with increased daily spending power and broader financial benefits for those within the tax system. Deputy Prime Minister…
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Young Thais drive fashion and beauty boom in local market
A nationwide survey found Thai consumers still favour local food and drink, while younger shoppers are driving growth in beauty and fashion products. The nationwide poll, carried out in August by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), gathered responses from more than 5,400 people across income groups and regions. It found that food and beverages remain the most popular…
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Thailand introduces new tax for vintage cars to boost tourism
The Excise Department has introduced a new tax for vintage cars and plans to allow them to operate on weekends and public holidays. Kulaya Tantitemit, Director General of the Excise Department, said the department supports the use of electric vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, under the EV 3.0 and EV 3.5 initiatives. These measures aim to position Thailand as a…
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Thai rice steals the show at Australia food expo
Thai rice gained fresh recognition in Australia after a government campaign at a major Sydney food expo drew thousands of visitors and strong consumer interest. The event, held in Sydney from September 8 to 11, attracted more than 2,000 visitors to the Thai booth, where the spotlight was firmly on Hom Mali rice. According to Department of Foreign Trade (DFT)…
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Bank of Thailand tackles mule account freeze impact
The Bank of Thailand has acknowledged that the suspension of mule accounts could impact a significant number of people. Discussions with the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) and commercial banks are underway to devise a way to unlock legitimate accounts not linked to mule activities. Yesterday, on September 13, Daranee Saeju, assistant governor of the Bank of Thailand, responsible for…
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Grab backs Thai co-payment scheme to boost food sector
Food delivery companies have voiced support for a government plan to revive a co-payment scheme aimed at boosting restaurant sales and the wider economy. Industry leaders say the programme, previously credited with boosting small restaurant sales by up to five times, could offer vital relief as the economy slows. Chantsuda Thananitayaudom, managing director of Grab Thailand, confirmed the company’s full…
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China slowdown drags Thailand tourist arrivals down 7%
Thailand recorded a decline in foreign tourist arrivals and revenue as the tourism ministry reported fewer visitors from key markets, led by China and Malaysia. Thailand welcomed 21.88 million international visitors between January and August, according to data released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The figure represents a 7.16% drop compared with the same period last year, with revenue…
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Chon Buri community market boosts local economy and spirit
A vibrant community market was set up in front of the Khao Mai Kaew subdistrict administrative organisation (SAO) meeting hall, in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, offering locals a platform to sell goods such as fresh produce, traditional sweets, and crafts, boosting the local economy and community ties. On Tuesday, September 2, the market attracted a vibrant crowd, with both…
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Thai car production slumps as debt and tariffs bite
The Thai automotive sector continues to face challenges this year, with total car production declining by 5.73% year-on-year in the first seven months, impacting employment in car manufacturing plants. Between January and July, 835,331 units were produced. In July alone, manufacturing reached 110,616 units, marking an 11% decrease compared with the previous year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries…
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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…
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Thailand splashes billions on freight train mega-upgrade
Thailand’s freight trains are about to get a serious upgrade—to the tune of 2.46 billion baht. The Cabinet has approved a massive procurement plan for 946 brand-new container flatcars for the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), aimed at modernising the country’s outdated rail freight infrastructure and keeping pace with booming logistics demands. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala confirmed the project will…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Rushin’ back! Russian tourists flock to Thailand despite global turmoil
Russian tourists are packing their bags for Thailand in droves — and not even US sanctions, global instability, or stiff competition from Vietnam can stop them. Despite threats from US President Donald Trump to slap a 100% tariff on Russian goods unless peace is brokered in Ukraine, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says the Russian market is still on…
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