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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Thailand eases foreign business red tape in eight sectors to cut regulatory overlap
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved in principle two pieces of draft subordinate legislation under the Foreign Business Act 1999, exempting eight service business categories from the requirement to obtain a foreign business licence, the government announced on May 12. Deputy Government Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn, announced the Cabinet meeting. The two instruments, a draft royal decree and…
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Thailand Labour Day march targets rising costs, job insecurity
Hundreds of workers marched to Government House in Bangkok today, May 1, on Thailand Labour Day 2026, pressing the government for fair wages, job security, and expanded social protections as part of International Workers’ Day events held worldwide. Labour groups led by the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation and the Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation gathered at Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen…
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Thailand set for slowest economic growth in ASEAN in 2026, IMF says
Thailand is expected to record the slowest economic growth in ASEAN in 2026 after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its forecast to 1.5%, down from 1.6% projected in January. The downgrade, reported today, April 17, places Thailand behind its regional peers, including Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The IMF said Vietnam is expected to lead the region with 7.1% growth, followed…
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Bangchak oil tanker reaches Thailand after Hormuz passage
Bangchak said its oil tanker MT.POLA arrived safely in Thailand at Si Racha district, Chon Buri, today, April 8, after passing through the Strait of Hormuz and delivering crude oil to the company’s refinery. The voyage followed diplomatic coordination involving Thailand, Iran and Oman, which reportedly allowed Thai cargo vessels to use the route on March 23 to 24. The…
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Long queues form at Pattaya stations as fuel price hike takes effect
Retail fuel prices in Thailand are set to rise by 6 baht per litre from today, March 26, after the State Oil Fund Administration Committee approved a cut to subsidy rates for both diesel and petrol, according to reports yesterday, March 25. The change affects all fuel types and follows rising global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle…
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March 26 Thailand fuel prices updated across five major brands
Thailand fuel prices were updated for today, March 26, in a daily report from the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) under the Ministry of Energy, covering five major service station brands including PTT, Bangchak, PT, Caltex and Shell. At PTT stations, gasohol 95 was priced at 41.05 baht per litre, gasohol E20 at 36.05 baht, gasohol E85 at 32.79…
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Thailand oil crisis poll shows unease and doubts over reserves
A new NIDA Poll released today, March 22, found that many adults in Thailand are worried about the country’s oil crisis, with more than half reporting daily difficulties, and a large share expressing little confidence in the government’s ability to maintain a stable oil supply. The survey, titled “Oil shortage: Talk to your partner, Switch off the lights”, was conducted…
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UAE property market slows sharply as deals fall 51% month on month
Property transactions in the UAE have slowed sharply since the latest conflict in the Middle East began, according to investment bank Goldman Sachs, which said rising regional uncertainty is starting to weigh directly on homebuyer demand. The war is now entering its third week and has increased volatility across financial and energy assets in the region. Goldman Sachs analysts, led…
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1,000 trucks assemble in Chon Buri in fuel shortage protest
More than 1,000 trucks assembled in Chon Buri this morning, March 18, as the Land Transport Federation of Thailand pushed for government action over the ongoing fuel shortage. Its president is urging changes to fuel supply management, stating that certain energy capital groups are thriving at a time when the general public is struggling the most. At 9.20am, Land Transport…
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Energy chief apologises for petrol station delays, says fuel sufficient
Thailand’s fuel supply remains sufficient despite recent disruption at petrol stations, the director-general of the Department of Energy Business said today, March 17, after apologising for queues and delivery problems seen in recent days. Speaking at Government House, Sarawut Kaewtathip began with a public apology for what he described as confusion and obstacles faced outside fuel stations. Sarawut said Thailand…
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Border petrol stations in Mae Sot suspend services as fuel runs out
Several petrol stations along the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sot district, Tak province, were forced to temporarily suspend services today, March 15, after running out of fuel amid a rise in price and demand. At around 5.30pm, large numbers of vehicles, including cargo trucks, agricultural transport vehicles, private cars and motorcycles, were queuing for fuel along Asian Highway 12, where…
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Thailand oil reserves revised to 95 days after new supply confirmed
Thailand is preparing to tighten fuel exports and bolster domestic stockpiles, with Energy Minister Attapol Ruekpibul saying yesterday, March 5, that Thailand’s oil reserves and confirmed incoming supply should be enough for about 95 days. Speaking at Government House, Attapol said the earlier estimate of 60 days’ oil reserves had been revised to reflect the real figures. Thailand currently holds…
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Pheu Thai eyes gaming industry reform to boost digital economy
Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial and MP candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat met with gaming industry leaders in Bangkok yesterday, January 12, to explore ways to elevate the country’s position in the global digital economy. Executives from the Thai Game Software Industry Association (TGA), along with developers, publishers and platform operators, joined the meeting. The discussion aimed to address challenges and potential in…
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Staff shortage paralyze delivery network as thousands of parcels pile up
A major logistics disruption has unfolded in Yala Province after a mass resignation of delivery workers left tens of thousands of parcels stranded inside a local warehouse, triggering mounting public frustration and urgent calls for corrective action. On December 28, reporters visited a warehouse operated by a well-known shipping company in Yala after customers began reporting severe delays and missing…
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US trade deal on hold as tariffs could rise if border conflict drags on
A senior official at Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has warned that any trade deal with the United States cannot be finalized until a new parliament and cabinet are in place, as concerns grow that Washington could raise tariffs if fighting between Thailand and Cambodia is not resolved. Speaking on Friday, Chotima Iamsawadikul, director-general of the Department of International Trade Negotiations,…
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Thailand unveils 800k tax deductions under TISA plan
Thailand’s Finance Ministry is launching a new savings initiative to help citizens prepare for an ageing population, with tax deductions of up to 800,000 baht under the Thailand Individual Savings Account (TISA) scheme. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas revealed that the economic ministerial meeting yesterday, December 8, approved a key measure under the government’s fifth economic pillar,…
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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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