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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    Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run

    Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...

  • Thailand shopping giant hits CRC button on spending spree

    Thailand shopping giant hits CRC button on spending spree

    Thailand retail heavyweight Central Retail Corporation (CRC) is splashing out up to 47 billion baht in a three-year spree of store openings, renovations and regional rollouts, even as spending on the high street looks shakier than a Black Friday bargain bin. CRC, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), unveiled a sweeping investment plan of 45–47 billion baht between…

  • Rev it up: Tax breaks drive Thai pickup market into high gear

    Rev it up: Tax breaks drive Thai pickup market into high gear

    Thailand’s struggling pickup market is getting a turbo boost from a government scheme that lets drivers swap their clapped-out motors for shiny new rides, with tax breaks thrown in to sweeten the deal. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is banking on a state-backed trade-in scheme to kickstart domestic pickup sales, which have taken a sharp nosedive this year. Sales…

  • Totes tragic: Luxury handbag hire scene left holding the purse

    Totes tragic: Luxury handbag hire scene left holding the purse

    Thailand’s luxury handbag hire scene has lost its sparkle, thanks to tighter wallets, fewer holidays and a growing trend for subtle spending over flashy splurges. Siam Borrow Bag Co Ltd, once riding high on the rise of rented luxury, is now facing a serious slump. Founder and owner Chadasa Panomyant says the high-end accessory rental business has struggled to bounce…

  • Thai hotels warn of layoffs amid 400 baht wage hike proposal

    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…

  • Cambodian tourist numbers to Thailand drop 48% due to closures

    Cambodian tourist numbers to Thailand drop 48% due to closures

    Cambodian tourist numbers visiting Thailand have significantly decreased by 48% this month due to border closures, impacting a market already experiencing a slowdown since the previous year. Despite this, Thai AirAsia has reported a strong load factor on flights from Bangkok to Cambodia. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated that Cambodian arrivals in the first…

  • EconThai warns against dissolving House amid political unrest

    EconThai warns against dissolving House amid political unrest

    The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) has advised against dissolving the House of Representatives to tackle the weakened political stability in the wake of a leaked phone call between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen, former Cambodian prime minister. Tanit Sorat, vice-chairperson of EconThai, expressed concern about the potential political vacuum that could result from dissolving…

  • Thai restaurants struggle with 400 baht minimum wage hike

    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…

  • Thai political instability threatens economy amid US tariff concerns

    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…

  • Thailand SEC cracks down on margin loan misuse

    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…

  • Bank of Thailand to name new governor amid challenges

    Bank of Thailand to name new governor amid challenges

    The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is set to appoint a new governor as Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput will conclude his term on September 30. The selection process is crucial, as the new governor will navigate Thailand’s economic challenges and influence monetary policy and financial stability. Applications for the position closed on June 4, with seven candidates in the running. The candidates are:…

  • Dusit International eyes 16 billion baht revenue boost this year

    Dusit International eyes 16 billion baht revenue boost this year

    Dusit International is set to bounce back in 2025, with the company projecting a revenue of 16 billion baht from its residential properties and reduced interest burdens. The company is confident in its recovery, as it moves closer to turning a profit, despite challenges faced in previous years. “Dusit International is on track for a strong turnaround,” said Suphajee Suthumpun,…

  • Koh Larn registers 158 businesses in accommodation crackdown

    Koh Larn registers 158 businesses in accommodation crackdown

    To clean up Koh Larn’s rapidly expanding accommodation sector, Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapat Srithanyanon announced the successful registration of unlicensed guesthouses and rentals on the popular tourist island. The crackdown, which aims to bring unregulated businesses into compliance, promises to improve transparency and foster sustainable development in the region. “Koh Larn has become a major destination for both Thai…

  • Major disruptions as Krungthai, GSB, SCB announce maintenance

    Major disruptions as Krungthai, GSB, SCB announce maintenance

    Millions of customers across Thailand are bracing for significant service interruptions as three of the country’s biggest banks – Krungthai, Government Savings Bank (GSB), and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) – prepare for extensive system maintenance. The planned outages will affect online banking, ATMs, mobile applications, and payment services, leaving many customers scrambling to complete transactions ahead of the disruptions. Krungthai…

  • ‘Pre-bed purchase’ trend takes over Thailand’s shopping habits

    ‘Pre-bed purchase’ trend takes over Thailand’s shopping habits

    Forget late-night snacks – in Thailand, the hottest thing at 9pm is a shopping spree. Thai consumers are increasingly embracing a unique habit: the “pre-bed purchase,” where online shopping peaks just before bedtime. This shift is transforming the retail landscape, with health and beauty products consistently topping wish lists across all demographics. The trend, driven by a desire for relaxation…

  • Thai Fruits Festival 2025 launched to boost domestic durian sales

    Thai Fruits Festival 2025 launched to boost domestic durian sales

    The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) and the Thai Fresh Market Association have jointly initiated the Thai Fruits Festival 2025 by DIT to distribute quality durian and promote domestic consumption, aiming to support local fruit prices. Goranij Nonejuie, Deputy Director General of the DIT, announced the collaboration with the Yes Bang Phli market in Samut Prakan to enhance fruit consumption…

  • Thai-Cambodia border tensions rattle SET index

    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…

  • Thai Smile shuts down after a decade of losses

    Thai Smile shuts down after a decade of losses

    After over a decade of struggling with continuous financial losses, Thai Airways International (THAI) has officially dissolved its wholly owned subsidiary, Thai Smile Airways. The decision marks the end of the budget airline’s operations, bringing a turbulent chapter to a close. The dissolution was officially announced to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) on June 5, following a resolution passed…

  • Thailand sukiyaki price war heats up as restaurants slash prices

    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.…

  • Thailand invests 300 million baht in Thai AI language model

    Thailand invests 300 million baht in Thai AI language model

    The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has collaborated with Siam AI Corporation to launch a Thai large language model (LLM), aiming to enhance Thailand’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and sovereign AI strategy. Siam AI has committed an investment of 300 million baht to support this initiative. During the memorandum of understanding signing with Siam AI Corporation last Friday,…

  • Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint closures risk trade disruption

    Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint closures risk trade disruption

    The Ministry of Commerce has assessed the impact of the closure of Thai-Cambodian border trade checkpoints, effective from yesterday, June 8. The closure has affected small businesses and markets, prompting discussions with the private sector to address the situation. Last year, Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province accounted for 63.4% of trade, valued at 110.718 billion baht (US$3.39 billion). Khlong Yai…

  • Golden GI banana boom brings millions to Chaiyaphum farmers

    Golden GI banana boom brings millions to Chaiyaphum farmers

    The Office of Agricultural Economics Region 5 has highlighted the success of the golden banana export initiative in Nong Bua Daeng, Chaiyaphum province. This venture generates over 36 million baht annually for local farmers by producing golden bananas with geographical indication (GI) certification for the international market. Chaisak Wuttisak, director of the Office of Agricultural Economics Region 5 in Nakhon…

  • Thailand urged to cut interest rates amid economic challenges

    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.…

  • Bangkok and Koh Samui lead Europe’s summer getaways

    Bangkok and Koh Samui lead Europe’s summer getaways

    Thailand has once again emerged as the number one summer destination for European tourists, with Bangkok topping the charts as the most popular spot. The country has held this coveted title for the past two years, according to a survey by the online booking platform Agoda. The survey revealed that a significant number of European visitors to Thailand hail from…

  • Banthat Thong’s food scene fights back despite tourist drop

    Banthat Thong’s food scene fights back despite tourist drop

    Bangkok’s beloved Banthat Thong Road is facing a food fight of its own, with dwindling tourist numbers, high prices, and cautious diners taking a bite out of business. But the Thai Restaurant Association insists the area’s culinary star hasn’t lost its shine. “Banthat Thong still has tremendous potential,” said Thai Restaurant Association President Chanon Koetcharoen. “It remains a top destination…

  • Here comes the sun: Solar panel plan puts minister in firing line

    Here comes the sun: Solar panel plan puts minister in firing line

    A fresh push to boost solar panel use across Thailand has sparked a political power struggle, with critics warning the new bill could give the energy minister unchecked authority over who can harness the sun. The proposed legislation, aimed at streamlining solar panel installation and energy trade, has drawn mixed reactions from industry heavyweights, some calling it a bright idea,…

  • Nestlé sues ex-partners over Nescafé trademark breach

    Nestlé sues ex-partners over Nescafé trademark breach

    Nestlé has initiated legal action against former business partners over the alleged infringement of the Nescafé trademark. The company is seeking 577 million baht in damages from Prayudh Mahagitsiri and Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, as stated in a company release dated May 30 (yesterday). The claim pertains to losses caused by an eight-day suspension of Nescafé sales after the Minburi Civil Court…

  • Krungsri forecast for Thailand economic growth cut to 2.1%

    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…

  • Thailand’s telecom giants clash amid spectrum auction concerns

    Thailand’s telecom giants clash amid spectrum auction concerns

    Thailand’s multibillion-baht telecom war is heating up as the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) officially opens bidding for high-demand mobile spectrum licences. The auction, scheduled for June 29, could reshape the country’s digital future—but not without controversy. Today, May 30, telecom giants True Move H and Advanced Info Service (AIS) submitted their applications to compete for spectrum licences in…

  • NBTC seeks detailed analysis on digital TV future in 60 days

    NBTC seeks detailed analysis on digital TV future in 60 days

    The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board has instructed its management to deliver a more definitive conclusion within 60 days regarding a study on the future of broadcasting. The board, after discussing the study yesterday, May 28, refrained from reaching a final decision, with NBTC Chairperson Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck indicating the need for a more comprehensive analysis. The board seeks…

  • Bitcoin hit! Crypto king eyes US0k in grown-up glow-up

    Bitcoin hit! Crypto king eyes US$130k in grown-up glow-up

    Bitcoin is not just for the tech bros and crypto cowboys anymore, it’s all grown up, flashing serious financial muscle as analysts tip it to smash through the US$130,000 barrier by year’s end. Following a high of US$111,000 last Thursday, financial analysts now peg bitcoin’s next major resistance at US$130,000, as the world’s top digital currency shakes off its wild-child…

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