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 Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Jobless win big as Thailand ups unemployment payouts
Thailand’s workers are set to get a bigger lifeline as the Labour Ministry rolls out more generous unemployment benefits. The Labour Ministry officially approved higher unemployment compensation rates, offering fresh relief to insured employees under Thailand’s social security system. Marasri Jairangsi, Secretary General of the Social Security Office (SSO), confirmed that a new ministerial regulation took effect on Saturday, June…
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Thailand’s 36% US tariff at risk: Will minister secure a deal?
Thailand is on the edge of a crucial trade deadline with the US, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced today that he will be heading to the US next week for urgent trade negotiations. With Thailand facing a 36% tariff on its exports unless a deal is struck, time is running out for the kingdom to…
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Chiang Mai aims to be entertainment hub with major film deal
Chiang Mai is set to become Asia’s next big entertainment hotspot, thanks to a groundbreaking new collaboration. Hylife Group, the city’s leading real estate, asset management, and manufacturing giant, has just signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and key industry partners to transform the northern Thai city into a regional film and…
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Army and prisoners tackle Thailand’s fruit labour crisis
To tackle the ongoing labour shortage and ensure a smooth harvest, the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has launched an ambitious plan to handle the incoming fruit harvests from both the north and south of Thailand. The initiative, which has already gained support from military personnel and good prisoners, aims to streamline fruit distribution and provide much-needed assistance to farmers.…
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Thai exports at risk as Strait of Hormuz closes
Thai National Shippers’ Council chairperson Tanakorn Kasetsuwan yesterday discussed potential impacts following Iran’s decision to close the Strait of Hormuz due to Middle Eastern tensions. Tanakorn yesterday, June 23, outlined six strategies to mitigate the effects on the oil, fertiliser, and agriculture sectors, urging the Thai government to ensure energy security and minimise long-term risks. The closure of the Strait…
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Bangkok’s Green Line future in doubt: Will 20-baht fare survive?
As the Green Line’s concession approaches its expiration in 2029, the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) is preparing to release a groundbreaking study to explore four potential operational models that could keep the popular 20-baht flat fare policy alive. This move comes after Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt proposed a transfer of the Green Line project to the Ministry of Transport, believing…
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Thailand’s double-track railway project to revolutionise transport
The Ministry of Transport is pushing full steam ahead with the second phase of its ambitious double-track railway development project, which will span a massive 1,249 kilometres and cost an eye-watering 297.9 billion baht. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who is overseeing the project, has promised significant benefits for the country’s transport system. According to Suriya, the…
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Thai hotels warn of layoffs amid 400 baht wage hike proposal
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has raised concerns about potential large-scale layoffs in the hotel sector during the low season, should the government proceed with plans to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 baht next week. The THA has submitted a petition to the prime minister, urging the cancellation of this policy. La-iad Bungsrithong, an advisor to the THA…
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Thai restaurants struggle with 400 baht minimum wage hike
The Thai Restaurant Association expressed concern about the impact of the recent decision to raise the daily minimum wage to 400 baht on the already struggling restaurant sector. This adjustment, effective from July 1, will apply to all workers in Bangkok and is extended to employees in most hotels and entertainment venues across the country. Currently, the minimum wage in…
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Thai political instability threatens economy amid US tariff concerns
Political instability between Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, is expected to further weaken investor confidence. This comes amid threats of a 36% US tariff on Thai exports. Poonyawat Sreesing, a senior economist at Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Centre (SCB EIC), highlighted that the Thai economy has been enduring political uncertainty for some…
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Phuket’s economy soars, but 600 Cambodian workers left stranded
Phuket’s economy is roaring back to life, with employment soaring by nearly 100% and tourism revenue skyrocketing. But while the island thrives, a pressing issue remains — the 600 Cambodian workers currently stranded without a repatriation plan. Phuket Deputy Governor, Suwit Pansengiam, gave a promising update today, June 18, revealing that tourism in Phuket has grown significantly since last year. With a revenue of 497 billion…
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Bangkok Expo 2032: Student’s bold vision could transform the city
What if Thailand finally hosted a World Expo — and it happened right in the heart of Bangkok? That’s the bold vision behind Bangkok World Expo 2032, the graduation thesis of Thanakrit Kanchanaram, a student from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Architecture. His plan transforms Makkasan Station into a cutting-edge exhibition hub, making Bangkok the epicentre of innovation, culture, and urban revival. “Thailand…
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Thailand SEC cracks down on margin loan misuse
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will initiate a second round of public hearings regarding tighter regulations on margin loans. This comes amid concerns that certain brokerages have allowed margin credit to be utilised for non-investment purposes. Surasak Ritthongpitak, the Assistant Secretary General of the SEC, indicated that forthcoming regulatory amendments will likely prevent securities firms from granting margin loans…
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Thailand’s 157 billion baht stimulus scramble begins
Time is running out for government agencies to grab their slice of a massive 157 billion baht stimulus budget — and if they don’t move fast, the money disappears for good. Today, June 18, Thailand’s Economic Stimulus Committee will review a long list of proposals from ministries scrambling to secure funding before the clock runs out on September 30. If…
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Bangkok workers score 400-baht payday in wage shake-up
Workers in Bangkok are about to get a pay bump — and it’s not just the capital cashing in. From July 1, the minimum daily wage in Bangkok will jump to 400 baht, up from the current 372 baht, according to the national wage committee. The hike will also apply to thousands of hotel and entertainment venue staff across the…
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Cambodia bans Thai fruit and vegetables amid border dispute
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Cambodia has slapped a ban on all imports of Thai fruit and vegetables following Thailand’s refusal to fully reopen all border checkpoints. The decision, announced today, June 17, comes after weeks of simmering tension between the two countries over unresolved border issues. Lieutenant General Sok Veasna, Director General of Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration,…
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Thailand and US to begin trade tariff talks
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has announced that Thailand and the United States are currently in talks, set to initiate technical-level discussions regarding the US tariff regime. Both countries have been actively preparing for these discussions, with the Thai Cabinet approving a negotiation framework last on June 10. On June 7, the US expressed its willingness to engage in talks, a…
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Thailand’s 157 billion baht stimulus budget pending approval
The government’s economic stimulus budget of 157 billion baht is pending final approval this month, while funding requests from various ministries have exceeded 400 billion baht. There is concern over transparency and the economic impact of these proposals, with fears that some projects might serve electoral or specific group interests. The Commerce Ministry requested a budget of 3 billion baht,…
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PM Paetongtarn calls for proactive diplomacy to boost economy
In a bold call for action, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has urged Thai diplomats around the world to take a more proactive approach to support the country’s economy, navigate shifting global dynamics, and maintain peace in the region. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 annual meeting of Thai heads of missions in Bangkok, Paetongtarn outlined clear strategies for…
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Cambodia’s Hun Sen calls for Thai film ban amid rising tensions
Cambodia is threatening to pull the plug on Thai culture and commerce as tensions with Thailand continue to boil over. Senate President Hun Sen has urged the Royal Government of Cambodia to consider banning Thai films and halting imports of Thai goods, citing rising hostility from Thai extremist groups. The bold remarks were made in a fiery social media post,…
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Thai-Cambodia border tensions rattle SET index
Tensions at the Thailand-Cambodia border have unsettled investors, with the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index declining by 4.8% since May 15. Krungsri Capital Securities (KCS) reported that cross-border commerce disruptions and shaken confidence in sectors linked to Cambodia, such as beverages, food, cinemas, and hospitality, are contributing factors. Carabao Group, which generates 10% of its sales from Cambodia, and…
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Thailand sukiyaki price war heats up as restaurants slash prices
Sukiyaki restaurants are slashing their prices in a fierce battle to attract customers, as tighter budgets and the sluggish economy continue to affect consumer spending. However, while the price war promises short-term gains, its long-term impact on sales and brand perception remains uncertain. Leading the charge are MK Restaurants and Suki Teenoi, two major players in the local sukiyaki scene.…
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5th Thai-Laos bridge to boost trade to over 28 billion baht
The fifth Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge is set to open by the end of the year, boosting cross-border trade to over 28 billion baht. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, alongside Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, attended the concrete pouring ceremony for the bridge connecting Bueng Kan in Thailand and Bolikhamxai in Laos. This development aims to enhance…
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Thailand urged to cut interest rates amid economic challenges
Thailand needs to adopt a more assertive approach in reducing interest rates due to its challenging growth outlook and low inflation, according to Somprawin Manprasert, a candidate for the position of Bank of Thailand (BoT)’s new governor. The benchmark interest rate, currently set at 1.75%, could be reduced by 75 to 100 basis points, Somprawin stated during an interview in Bangkok.…
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Thai coalition parties face economic challenges amid political unity
Thai politics is not at an impasse, but the sluggish economy may impact the future of the main coalition parties, Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai, according to political economy scholar Kiatanantha Lounkaew. Despite internal tensions, these parties are united in their intent to maintain their coalition status. Kiatanantha, an economics professor at Thammasat University, in a statement shared with Bangkok Post,…
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Krungsri forecast for Thailand economic growth cut to 2.1%
Research by Krungsri has revised Thailand’s economic growth forecast for 2025 to 2.1%, down from an earlier estimate of 2.7%. This adjustment comes amid layered risks, including US trade policy uncertainties and domestic pressures. The government is advised to exercise caution in policy-making while responding effectively to rapidly evolving situations. Pimnara Hirankasi, head of economic research and executive researcher at…
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People’s Party MP slams 26.5 billion baht budget for inequality
People’s Party MP Pukkamon Nunarnan criticised the government’s 26.5 billion baht provincial budget yesterday, arguing that it perpetuates inequality and fails to meet local communities’ needs. During the third day of the debate on the 2026 fiscal budget bill, Pukkamon, also known as “Lisa,” targeted the Interior Ministry’s budget. She asserted that the allocation model demonstrates a lack of power…
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Thai business closures rise 8.3% amid economic concerns
Thailand’s business landscape is facing stormy skies as nearly 4,000 companies shut their doors in just the first four months of 2025 — an 8.3% increase from the previous year, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD). This surge in closures, with a combined registered capital of almost 16 billion baht, has alarmed lawmakers during this week’s heated budget…
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Thai commerce ministry unveils 10 policies to boost exports
Commerce Minister Phichai Naripthaphan led a policy meeting at the Ministry of Commerce in Bangkok, attended by over 200 participants, including directors from the Department of International Trade Promotion and Thai ambassadors to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The aim was to address challenges in Thai exports and present 10 urgent policies to advance international trade. The meeting saw collaboration…
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Thai PM proposes 3.78 trillion baht budget amid opposition criticism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra submitted a 3.78 trillion baht budget proposal for the fiscal year 2026 to the House of Representatives, initiating a four-day debate with the vote set for Saturday, May 31. The People’s Party criticised the proposal for not addressing current economic challenges, indicating their intention to reject it. Paetongtarn explained that the spending plan was crafted based…
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