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 pushes for inclusive job market for silver age workers

    Thailand pushes for inclusive job market for silver age workers

    Jobsdb by SEEK, Thailand’s leading job platform, is advancing the country’s labour market by supporting the Silver Age workforce, those aged 55 and above, in preparing for a future shaped by AI technology and digital tools. As of yesterday, April 23, the Silver Age group comprises over 13 million people, roughly 20% of Thailand’s workforce, with projections of the country…

  • Finance Ministry confirms 10,000 baht digital currency distribution

    Finance Ministry confirms 10,000 baht digital currency distribution

    The Finance Ministry has confirmed the distribution of 10,000 baht in digital currency for phase three during the second quarter. The application is ready, with only integration with banks remaining. The release date for phase four has also been announced. Deputy Finance Minister Chulapan Amornvivat yesterday, April 22, stated that the ministry remains committed to its schedule for the economic…

  • World Bank backs Thailand’s retirement lottery to boost savings

    World Bank backs Thailand’s retirement lottery to boost savings

    Thailand’s retirement lottery has received international acclaim, with the World Bank calling it a “remarkable innovation” for boosting retirement savings. The scheme, which cleverly combines the public’s love for gambling with the need for financial security, has sparked significant interest at the World Bank-International Monetary Fund (WB-IMF) Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. The World Bank has expressed strong interest in…

  • Thailand urges stores to keep pork prices stable amid shortage

    Thailand urges stores to keep pork prices stable amid shortage

    The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) urges retail and wholesale stores to maintain stable pork prices despite recent supply-driven increases. Wittayakorn Maneenetr, DIT Director General, stated that consultations with the Department of Livestock Development and the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand have highlighted a reduced availability of pigs. Approximately 60,000 pigs are supplied daily, sufficient for domestic needs. The recent…

  • Solar flare-up! US tariffs scorch Thai imports in fiery trade row

    Solar flare-up! US tariffs scorch Thai imports in fiery trade row

    A blistering tariff bombshell from Washington has lit a fire under Southeast Asia’s solar imports, with Thailand among the hardest hit, as the United States slaps sky-high duties of up to 3,521% on imports, claiming unfair competition from Asian suppliers. The US has launched a full-scale trade crackdown on solar imports from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, slapping colossal new…

  • Phuket rakes in billions but begs for budget help

    Phuket rakes in billions but begs for budget help

    It may be Thailand’s crown jewel of tourism, raking in nearly 500 billion baht in revenue last year, but Phuket is struggling with crumbling infrastructure, water shortages, and traffic chaos — and local leaders say it’s time the government pays attention. Last year, Phuket welcomed 13–14 million tourists, generating 497.5 billion baht in revenue. Yet, despite the economic windfall, Governor…

  • Thai massage steals spotlight at Osaka Expo 2025

    Thai massage steals spotlight at Osaka Expo 2025

    Thailand is making waves and easing aches on the global stage, as the ancient art of Thai massage steals the spotlight at the World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. With expert therapists, soothing techniques, and herbal traditions on full display, visitors are lining up in droves to experience a touch of Thailand’s healing magic. The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative…

  • Songkran crowds pour 1 billion baht into Thai economy

    Songkran crowds pour 1 billion baht into Thai economy

    It wasn’t just water flying this Songkran—cash was too. Thailand’s Maha Songkran World Water Festival has soaked the nation in celebration and injected a whopping 1.58 billion baht into the tourism industry, making it one of the most lucrative holiday events in recent memory. According to Government Deputy Spokesperson Anukul Phruksanusak, the five-day spectacle, held from April 11 to 15,…

  • Thailand urged to address rising zero-dollar exports from China

    Thailand urged to address rising zero-dollar exports from China

    Thailand’s economy is being short-changed by a flood of so-called “zero-dollar” investments and exports from China, with experts warning the government must clamp down, or risk a new wave of growth that benefits everyone but the Thais. Amonthep Chawla, chief economist at CIMB Thai Bank’s Economic Centre, said America’s latest tariff moves, both those aimed broadly and those specifically targeting…

  • Chiang Mai aims for fingernail dance world record

    Chiang Mai aims for fingernail dance world record

    In celebration of tradition and unity, Chiang Mai is preparing to break a Guinness World Record next Friday, April 19, with over 20,000 traditional fingernail dancers performing together at the historic Three Kings Monument. The event marks the ancient northern city’s 729th anniversary and promises to be one of the most spectacular cultural displays ever staged in Thailand. Organisers say…

  • Nestlé challenges Thai court ban on Nescafé production

    Nestlé challenges Thai court ban on Nescafé production

    Nestlé has expressed concern for small business owners following a court order prohibiting the production and sale of Nescafé in Thailand. The company is preparing to file an appeal after Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, a shareholder in Quality Coffee Products Co., Ltd. (QCP), sought a temporary injunction. Yesterday, April 9, a report detailed that Chalermchai initiated legal proceedings at the Min Buri…

  • Macau jobs offer Thais up to 93k baht plus perks

    Macau jobs offer Thais up to 93k baht plus perks

    Thai nationals now have the chance to land jobs at one of Macau’s most prestigious employers, with salaries reaching up to 93,453 baht per month. Yesterday, April 9, Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director General of the Department of Employment, announced a major recruitment drive under the Ministry of Labour for positions at MGM Grand Paradise Limited, a luxury resort and casino operator…

  • No grounds for panic: No coffee shortage or price hike, says DIT

    No grounds for panic: No coffee shortage or price hike, says DIT

    The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has confirmed that there will be no shortage or price increase for a well-known coffee brand, despite rumours to the contrary. They are closely monitoring the market, ensuring retail outlets display prices clearly, with penalties for non-compliance. Witthayakorn Maneenate, Director-General of the DIT, addressed concerns over rumours suggesting a temporary halt in the supply…

  • Thailand and Bhutan sign landmark Free Trade Agreement

    Thailand and Bhutan sign landmark Free Trade Agreement

    Thailand and Bhutan have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), strengthening economic ties and paving the way for closer trade cooperation. The historic deal was signed during Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s visit to Bangkok last week, coinciding with the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. Bilateral trade between the two countries has already surpassed 460 million baht, and Tobgay expressed confidence…

  • Rice and fall: Thai fragrant rice at risk as US tariffs give Vietnam edge

    Rice and fall: Thai fragrant rice at risk as US tariffs give Vietnam edge

    Thailand’s Hom Mali fragrant rice faces a major threat in the US market as new reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US could see the country lose its competitive edge to Vietnam. The Thai Rice Exporters Association has raised concerns after the US imposed a steep 36% tariff on Thai rice, which will push prices up to US$1,400 per tonne from…

  • Fuel prices in Thailand to drop by 0.50 baht per litre from April 4

    Fuel prices in Thailand to drop by 0.50 baht per litre from April 4

    Fuel prices will drop today, giving a welcome relief to motorists ahead of the Songkran festival. Starting today, April 4, petrol and diesel prices will decrease by 0.50 baht per litre, thanks to a government initiative aimed at easing the financial burden on citizens travelling home for the traditional Thai New Year celebrations. PTT Station made the announcement yesterday, April…

  • GSB launches savings campaign with 100 million baht prize pool

    GSB launches savings campaign with 100 million baht prize pool

    In celebration of the Government Savings Bank (GSB)’s anniversary on April 1, the bank introduced the Save a Hundred, Win a Hundred Million campaign. Customers can participate by purchasing a one-year special savings bond with a minimum deposit of 100 baht. GSB chief Witai Rattanakorn announced the initiative, which offers a total prize pool of 100 million baht. The highlight…

  • Trump’s 36% tax on Thailand: Impact on exports & survival tips

    Trump’s 36% tax on Thailand: Impact on exports & survival tips

    The America First policy under President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the global economy once again. This follows the announcement of a baseline tariff of 10% on imports from all countries, along with a reciprocal tariff aimed at countries with which the US has a large trade deficit. With this, Thailand has been hit with a 36% tax from Trump’s new…

  • Thailand introduces retirement lottery to boost elderly savings

    Thailand introduces retirement lottery to boost elderly savings

    Parliament has given unanimous approval in principle for a bill to amend the National Savings Fund (NSF) Act 2011, setting the stage for a retirement lottery initiative. This scheme aims to bolster retirement savings by permitting the NSF to issue lottery tickets, a measure widely supported by MPs as a way to enhance financial security for the elderly. The proposal…

  • Trump’s tariff tantrum: US slaps huge levies on world as trade war erupts

    Trump’s tariff tantrum: US slaps huge levies on world as trade war erupts

    Donald Trump has thrown the world into economic turmoil, launching a full-scale trade war by slapping sweeping new tariffs on imports, including crippling levies on key allies. Thailand has been caught in the tariff crossfire too, with officials claiming the nation could suffer an US$8 billion hit if the US were to even up levies between the two countries. Semiconductor…