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 How much does it cost to see a doctor in Thailand?
Thailand is known for its high-quality yet affordable healthcare system, but how much does it really cost to see a doctor? As an expat, this question might be crucial for budgeting your health needs. The answer depends on whether you...
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Thailand’s government proposes swift minimum wage increase to 400 baht
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that the government will be pushing for a swift increase in the minimum daily wage to 400 baht, in a bid to assist workers grappling with rising living costs. The decision will be reached through negotiations between the government, employers, and workers to agree upon a reasonable amount. The prime minister shared the plans during…
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Thai-EU FTA talks set to roll, aiming for a trade-tastic deal within two years
Talks on a free-trade agreement between Thailand and the European Union (Thai-EU FTA) are set to kick off next week, to finalise the deal within a two-year timeframe. The Department of Trade Negotiations, under the Thai Commerce Ministry, is spearheading the negotiations. Auramon Supthaweethum, the department’s director-general, revealed that a team from various state agencies is being prepped for the…
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SET falls as Thai government’s new policies fail to convince investors
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) experienced a slight decline yesterday as the newly elected government‘s policy statement failed to impress investors. Analysts have raised concerns about the lack of specific timelines and the feasibility of implementing these policies. The Srettha Thavisin administration’s key policies include a 10,000 baht digital wallet to stimulate domestic demand, energy price reductions, tourism promotion,…
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Thai government plans central budget use for farmers’ debt relief
The Ministry of Agriculture is planning to utilise the central budget to support farmers’ debt relief in case next year’s budget is delayed. The ministry is aligning its plans with the government’s policies, especially Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s strategy of reducing production costs. In an interview before announcing the policy, Deputy Ministers of Agriculture and Cooperatives Chaiya Phromma stated that…
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Digital wallet initiative and anti-corruption boosted by Thai deputy PM
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, hosted a meeting with the governors of the country’s provinces. The discussion revolved around the ministry’s key objectives, including loyalty to the highest institution, the implementation of anti-corruption measures, and the support for Pheu Thai’s 10,000 baht digital wallet initiative. The meeting took place at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Lat…
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Commerce captain charts cost of living course: Cost-cutting and export-boosting ahoy
New Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai aims to address the cost of living and align product prices with production costs. He plans to expedite efforts to discover new export markets and enhance Thai shipping opportunities through increased trade negotiations. On his first day, Wechayachai emphasized his commitment to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s policies and assured prompt attention to public concerns, especially…
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Bangkok’s condo market: Buyers rush for ‘ready-to-move’ amid sales slump
The second quarter of this year witnessed a significant slump in sales for newly launched condominiums in Bangkok. Buyers, gripped by mortgage rejection fears, exhibited a strong preference for ready-to-transfer units. Tritecha Tangmatitham, Managing Director at Supalai, highlighted that a staggering 70% of condo sales in the current year have been for completed units, underscoring a marked shift in consumer…
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Recruitment adventures: When job hunting in Thailand feels like a blind date
Navigating the waters of a job interview can often feel akin to treading the unpredictable path of a blind date. The entire process can be punctuated by uncertainty, ambiguity, and occasionally, a lack of respect and courtesy from the hiring party. An interviewee’s experience can be marred by a lack of information about the interview process: from the number of…
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JSCCIB to discuss Chinese goods influx and revise Thai economic forecasts
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is preparing to discuss new economic challenges such as the influx of Chinese merchandise. The committee aims to formulate a fresh economic proposal for the Srettha Thavisin Pheu Thai Party-led government. The subjects are set to be discussed in the committee’s today’s meeting. The JSCCIB intends to confer with the new…
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Baht-ing for growth: Pheu Thai Party’s digital policy to boost Thai economy
The 10,000-baht digital currency policy handout by Pheu Thai is expected to inject an estimated 2 trillion baht into the country’s economy, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. This initiative aims to contribute to a growth of at least 5% in the GDP by 2024. Julapun Amornvivat stated that the economy would get a boost from the widespread use…
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Cash crackdown: Thai government’s e-payment pledge to curb corruption
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed yesterday that the Thai government is set to implement e-payments across the state sector as a pivotal strategy to tackle the rampant issue of corruption. The announcement was made at an Anti-Corruption Day event organised by the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT), which the prime minister chaired. This event marked Srettha’s first public forum since…
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Diesel dreams: Government plans 2-baht tax cut to fuel price drop below 30 baht per litre
The Excise Department is preparing a proposal to reduce diesel tax by 2 baht per litre and aiming to lower the retail price of diesel to less than 30 baht per litre according to the newly formed government. The proposal is in the pipeline following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s announcement to slash the retail price of diesel to 30 baht…
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Thai shippers’ council forecasts export decline amid sluggish global demand
The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) predicts a 1% decline in exports for the current year, down from their previous estimate of a contraction between 0.5% and a 1% increase. This revision is due to ongoing sluggish global demand. TNSC Chairman Chaichan Chareonsuk stated that Thailand’s export sector is expected to decline by -1% or more this year due to…
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Thailand’s DES minister vows to combat online scams, roll out digital wallet
The new Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert stated that he is prioritising combating online fraud and call centre scams, as well as launching the much-discussed digital wallet plan. The ministry, aligned with Pheu Thai Party goals, plans a digital wallet scheme by 2024, starting next year, offering 10,000 baht to all Thai individuals aged 16 and above via…
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Climate change hits Thai economy, calls for smart agriculture surge
The economy has been negatively impacted due to the challenges presented by climate change, leading to a decrease in farmers’ income because of reduced production, and affecting foreign investment. This has subsequently resulted in higher inflation and cost of living and impacted the export of agricultural products and food. This insight is according to a recent study conducted by the…
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Line Man Wongnai and Line Thailand tap into booming Thai e-payment market
Tech giants Line Man Wongnai and Line Thailand recently revealed plans to expand their businesses by capitalising on the rising e-payment market within their business ecosystem. They officially announced last month their successful joint acquisition of shares in Rabbit Line Pay Co (RLP) from previous shareholders, RabbitPay System Co and Advanced mPAY Co. This crucial transaction has allowed Line Man…
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Thailand’s DES minister vows to combat online scams
Newly appointed Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister, Prasert Chanthararuangthong, pledged to prioritise the suppression of online fraud and call centre scams. As part of the Pheu Thai Party‘s commitments, the DES ministry is also expected to cooperate with related agencies to roll out a digital wallet scheme by 2024, with an initial rollout anticipated for early next year. The…
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Chery’s EV dreams charge ahead in Thailand: BoI blessings pending
China‘s Chery International, through its subsidiary Omoda & Jaecoo International Co, intends to establish an electric vehicle (EV) production facility in Thailand, pending Board of Investment (BoI) privileges. Qi Jie, Thailand’s national director at Omoda & Jaecoo International, will unveil detailed investment and business plans in the coming months. Chery, one of China’s top vehicle manufacturers, plans to introduce two…
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Bangkok’s multinational ambitions drive forward: BMA seeks government support
The drive to establish Bangkok as a multinational hub has gained momentum, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) expressing intent to garner government backing for the initiative. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, yesterday, announced the intent to align the BMA’s policy with that of the government to stimulate the city’s economy and job creation. In a press briefing, Chadchart illustrated the…
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New Thai Cabinet prioritises economic recovery, property and tourism sectors
The newly confirmed Cabinet, featuring many Pheu Thai Party members, is focusing on economic recovery matters and pledged to reduce energy costs to ease financial burdens. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin engaged with various business sectors but concerns about potential bias make it unlikely that the property sector will receive preferential treatment. Tritecha Tangmatitham, MD of SET-listed developer Supalai, believes the…
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Thailand eyes growth in pink economy by attracting international LGBTQ+ retirees
Thailand’s potential to expand its pink economy through the attraction of international LGBTQ+ retirees was the highlight of a recent conference held in Bangkok. Dr Chaiwat Songsiriphan, who is the founder and medical director of the Safe Clinic, emphasised that Thailand’s high tolerance for gender diversity could make it an ideal retirement destination for the LGBTQ+ community. He further noted that…
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Pheu Thai Party’s digital handout scheme could boost Thailand’s GDP by 3%
The Pheu Thai Party‘s proposed digital handout scheme, requiring around 500 billion baht, could potentially boost Thailand’s GDP growth by 3% in the next year, according to the Bank of Thailand. Sakkapop Panyanukul, the central bank‘s director of the economic and policy department, mentioned the digital handout contribution depends on the economic multiplier. The 3% GDP projection uses a cash…
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Power play: FTI cheers new government’s energy cost pledge
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed its satisfaction with the newly elected government’s commitment to lowering energy costs and retail diesel prices. Newly inaugurated Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has prioritised energy price reductions as an early objective of his administration. An immediate cut in energy prices has been promised by the 61 year old Srettha and his Cabinet upon…
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Rice and shine: Thailand sets sights on 8 million tonnes export mark
The director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, announced that Thailand’s rice exports are expected to achieve the target of 8 million tonnes this year. This forecast comes after the recorded shipments through to August 29 reached 5.29 million tonnes, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 11.9%. This upswing in rice exports aligns with the rising concerns over drought…
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Phuket committee steers towards transparency to curb corruption in ongoing projects worth 155 million baht
The Phuket Good Governance Committee (PGGC) has taken the initiative to increase transparency and limit corruption in the region’s ongoing projects. The committee recently met with Phuket Highways Office Chief, Yutthana Phitak, to discuss the details and scope of major projects currently underway. The PGGC, led by Vice President Peerapit Ongcharoen, is actively involved in overseeing various projects scheduled for…
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Thai fortune teller envisions political and economic upswing in Thailand
A shift in Thailand’s political and economic landscape is anticipated, with improvements expected from November to April, according to renowned fortune teller Navaracha Pinitlokakorn, also known as Mor Plai. Despite her failed prediction regarding the identity of Thailand’s new prime minister, she views this as a fortunate turn of events. She advised patience and granting the new PM the opportunity…
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Thai tourism faces strain from sluggish Chinese, Japanese economies
Tourism operators in Thailand are facing significant challenges due to the sluggish economies of China and Japan and an uneven recovery in Thai tourism that benefits larger operators. A recent survey by the Thai Hotels Association (THA) and the Bank of Thailand revealed that 29% of three-star or lower-rated hotels have been severely impacted by interest rate hikes and may…
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Gold prices see slight lift, gold ornaments trading at 32,500 baht
Gold prices surged today as the Gold Traders Association revised rates upwards. This comparison is made to the end prices of August 28, when gold ornaments were selling at 32,500 baht per baht weight. Today, the price was revised upwards by 100 baht, compared to the closing price of August 28. The price of gold ornaments moved to 32,500 baht…
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Revenue target for Thai government exceeds by 150 billion baht
Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja has announced that the Thai government is rolling in cash. The director-general declared that the government’s revenue surpassed expectations, surpassing its target by 150 billion baht in the opening ten months of fiscal 2023. This continues a positive trend reported in May when revenue targets were surpassed by 112 billion baht. As per…
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Indonesia unveils three month plan to boost trade and cultural ties with Thailand
Indonesia kickstarted a three month long series of activities in Thailand, aimed at bolstering trade, cultural ties, and tourism, and enhancing people-to-people diplomacy. Announced at the Indonesia Fair: Know Indonesia Better event, Ambassador Rachmat Budiman revealed the comprehensive plan, curated by the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok. The event which took place over the weekend at the Central Court in Central…
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