Business News
Thailand business news, market trends, foreign investment, and economic updates—stay informed on stock market movements, entrepreneurship, and key developments shaping the economy. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for business news in Thailand.
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Thai Cabinet backs M9 expressway from Nonthaburi to Ayutthaya
Today, January 7, the Thai Cabinet approved, in principle, a 15.8 billion baht expressway connecting Bang Bua Thong in Nonthaburi to Bang Pa-in in Ayutthaya, aiming to ease traffic on the western side of Bangkok ahead of future expansion. The 15.8 billion baht M9 motorway will form part of a beltway on the western side of Bangkok. It will pass…
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Thailand sees influx of foreign investment as baht strengthens
Foreign investments are anticipated to continue flowing into Thailand’s equity market. This is driven by a significant appreciation of the baht since the beginning of December. Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) observed that the baht’s 3.26% increase month-to-date seems “disproportionate to some underlying fundamentals.” During this timeframe, the dollar index only weakened by 1.20%. This is interesting given that foreign investors…
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Realsmart positions AI at the core of its 2026 growth strategy
RealSmart Public Company Limited has unveiled its business plan for 2026, positioning the company to ride what it sees as a decisive shift in how Thai organizations use artificial intelligence in daily operations and executive decision-making. Speaking this week, Phukit Distharanon, chief executive officer of RealSmart, said 2026 would mark a turning point where AI moves beyond pilot projects and…
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Thailand’s car production rises 11% in November as domestic sales climb
Thailand’s car production rose sharply in November, climbing 11.06% from a year earlier to 130,222 units, according to data released on Monday by the Federation of Thai Industries. The increase follows another strong month in October, when production rose 14.17% year on year, signalling a steady recovery in the country’s auto manufacturing sector. Thailand is Southeast Asia’s largest vehicle production…
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Thai company punishes employee for skipping New Year party
A private company in Thailand is under fire after threatening to cut overtime pay, bonuses, and salary raises for an employee who skipped its New Year’s party. The Facebook page Tan Pao shared the story, revealing that the company had formally issued a disciplinary warning to employees who failed to attend its New Year celebration. According to the page, the…
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EU to impose import fees on low-value imports from July 2026
European Union (EU) finance ministers have agreed to impose a €3 import fee on low-value imports starting July 2026, in a bid to manage the rising number of small parcels entering the bloc from e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu. The decision, announced yesterday, December 12, follows growing concern among EU retailers over what they describe as unfair competition…
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Where does Thailand’s 5G rank across Asia?
Thailand has made significant progress in rolling out 5G networks, positioning itself as a growing player in Asia’s digital landscape. Since the initial commercial launch of 5G services in 2020, the country has rapidly expanded coverage, improved speeds, and invested in infrastructure to support high-speed mobile connectivity. With Asia home to some of the world’s fastest and most advanced networks,…
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How Thailand’s gold demand and Baht volatility create dual market trading opportunities
Thai investors have a long relationship with gold. Families in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket buy gold ornaments and bars not only for beauty but also as a trusted form of savings. At the same time, traders are watching the Thai baht move against the US dollar and other currencies as global conditions change. When you put these two forces…
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Thailand unveils six eco-friendly tax measures for 2027
Thailand’s Excise Department plans to roll out six new tax initiatives to promote environmental sustainability and improve public health. Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja said these policies aim to align with shifting global trade standards, which now place more emphasis on climate action and public health. The measures also support upcoming carbon-related regulations. Bangkok Post reported that the first measure expands the tax…
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The Crypto coins gamers actually use for online entertainment
Open a gaming subreddit, a streaming chat, or a Discord server, and you will see a blizzard of tickers: BTC, ETH, USDT, DOGE, ADA. However, if you only want to fund a small night of online entertainment, it is not obvious which coins actually get used every day and which mostly live in hype threads. Let’s look at the best…
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Public opinion regarding casino legalisation across Thailand
Thailand prohibits most games for real money under the 1935 Gambling Act B.E. 2478. In 2025 the government proposed a new law called the Entertainment Complex Bill to allow casinos inside regulated entertainment complexes. That idea stirred a big debate across the country. In Norway and other Scandinavian countries, gambling is legal and generates revenue for the state. Other countries…
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Power semiconductor demand for EVs: manufacturing opportunities
The electric vehicle revolution depends fundamentally on power semiconductor technology that enables efficient energy conversion and management. Silicon carbide and gallium nitride semiconductors have emerged as critical components in EV powertrains, as they offer superior performance compared to traditional silicon-based devices. These materials allow electric vehicles to achieve longer range, faster charging times, and improved efficiency through reduced energy losses.…
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Thailand pawn giant cashes in on gold boom, loans soar
Thailand’s leading pawn shop chain, Easy Money, is expecting its highest loan growth in two decades, fuelled by surging gold prices and a wave of young entrepreneurs seeking short-term financing. “Loan demand is booming like we haven’t seen in 20 years,” said Easy Money Group chairperson Sittiwit Tangthanakiat. The company reported outstanding loans of 27 billion baht for the first…
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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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Thailand pushes sustainable gem industry with GIT standard programmes
The Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand, or GIT, has launched a new national initiative to advance Thailand’s position as a global hub for sustainable gem and jewellery production. The programme, titled Thailand Towards a World Sustainable Gem and Jewellery Hub, aims to help SMEs meet international standards in sustainability, governance, and environmental responsibility as global trade rules continue to…
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Thailand seals China deal to export 500k tonnes of rice
Thailand plans to negotiate rice delivery terms with a Chinese state-owned firm after securing a deal to export 500,000 tonnes under a G2G agreement. The Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) has confirmed plans to finalise delivery negotiations with China’s Cofco Corporation, a state-owned agricultural importer. The shipment will include 280,000 tonnes already agreed upon under previous contracts, and a fresh…
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Thailand and Sweden eye bigger trade boost and tech ties
Thailand and Sweden held talks to boost bilateral trade and investment, focusing on technology, green products, and a potential EU free trade agreement. In a high-level meeting on Friday, November 14, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun sat down with Swedish Ambassador Anna Hammargren to push forward the Thailand-Sweden Strategic Partnership and discuss fast-tracking negotiations on a long-awaited Thailand–EU free trade agreement.…
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Why is everyone talking about investing in 2025?
If there’s one financial topic dominating conversations right now, it’s investing in 2025. Across Reddit threads and Wall Street trading floors, sentiment is cautiously optimistic—though somewhat weary—about what the next 12 months may bring. But what’s really behind this growing interest? And why are more people than ever, from seasoned investors to first-timers, choosing to jump in? The Economic Rebound…
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Thailand to tax cheap imports to protect local SMEs
Thailand will impose a 10% customs duty on low-cost imports to support local SMEs, following concerns about cheap foreign goods harming domestic industries. The duty will be introduced on January 1, a major policy shift aimed at shielding local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the rising tide of cheap foreign products. Finance Minister Ekniti Nithanprapas announced the move, which…
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How Baht strength and government moves impact gold trading in Thailand
Thailand’s gold culture runs deep. From Chinatown shops in Bangkok to family savings across Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen, gold is both a store of value and a trading vehicle. Yet the domestic price you see on the board is not just a reflection of global spot. It is a blend of international gold, the baht’s exchange rate, and the…
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Grab and LINE MAN orders soar under state co-pay scheme
Two major food delivery platforms reported millions of orders after the launch of a co-payment scheme aimed at boosting consumer spending nationwide. Grab and LINE MAN Wongnai reported a surge in activity under the Khon La Khrueng Plus initiative, which began allowing online food delivery orders from November 7. According to the Finance Ministry, nearly 20 million users had joined…
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Thai business loans expected to rise as year-end demand heats up
Business lending in Thailand is expected to rebound in the final quarter of the year, driven by rising demand from both large corporations and small firms, according to industry analysts. The uptick comes as the Bank of Thailand (BoT)’s latest regulations support the government’s debt relief initiative, giving financial institutions new tools to handle non-performing loans (NPLs) more effectively. Weerapat…
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What makes some online activities a big hit in Thailand
Thailand has become one of the most digitally active countries in Southeast Asia. The internet is a part of everyday life for millions. From entertainment to shopping, people in Thailand are using their phones and computers for a wide variety of daily tasks. But some activities online are more notable than others. They grow faster, increase in number of users,…
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Energy minister pushes ahead with hydrogen and nuclear strategy
Thailand’s Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon says he will pursue long-term clean energy projects, including hydrogen and nuclear development, despite the limited time under the current government’s term. Speaking yesterday, November 9, Auttapol said he aims to lay the groundwork for initiatives that may not be completed before the administration steps down. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged to dissolve Parliament…
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Thailand’s new alcohol law fines customers for drinking after hours
Thailand’s updated Alcohol Control Act, which came into force on November 8, came into effect with confusion and criticism from business operators, tourists and the hospitality industry, as the law introduces penalties not only for sellers but also for drinkers consuming alcohol outside permitted hours. Under the revised Alcohol Control Act (No. 2), B.E. 2568, consumers can now be fined…
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Thailand retailers wage all-out war for 11.11 shopping surge
Major retailers in Thailand are ramping up 11.11 campaigns with omnichannel strategies to boost year-end consumer spending and reclaim lost sales. As the final quarter of the year kicks into gear, November has become a high-stakes battleground for Thailand’s leading retailers. With consumer spending still lagging, major department stores and specialty chains are pushing their 11.11 campaigns to new heights,…
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Thailand’s tourism tax stalled again despite 11 billion baht potential
Thailand’s plan to introduce a tourist tax for foreign visitors remains stalled due to political delays, despite full readiness and strong industry backing. Initially backed by the National Tourism Policy Committee in February 2023, the fee would charge inbound travellers 300 baht by air or 150 baht by land or sea, applying only to overnight visitors. Despite its potential to…
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Thailand restores Chinese tourist confidence by affirming no-casino stance
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, has recently mentioned that the President of China, Xi Jinping, is pleased about Thailand’s decision not to allow regulated gambling in the country. Speaking at Bangkok’s 6 airbase after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings that were held in South Korea, Prime Minister Charnvirakul has confirmed that this decision was made with the…
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UK sanctions hit Thai firms over Russia war links
The UK has sanctioned four Thai companies for allegedly aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine, prompting Thai authorities to warn businesses of reputational risks. Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), under the Ministry of Commerce, confirmed the development following an announcement by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The UK’s latest round of designations targeted 39 individuals and entities…
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