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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Sponsored 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Thai motorcycle exports surge 157% in October to 6.5 billion baht
Motorcycle exports from Thailand are on the rise, driven by increasing demand for completely knocked-down (CKD) units, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The surge in exports during October reflects a growing interest from overseas markets, particularly in Asia, where countries are placing more purchase orders for reassembly purposes. Surapong Paisitpatanapong, Vice Chairman of the FTI and spokesperson…
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Thailand to finalise free-trade deal with EFTA by January
Thailand is set to finalise a free-trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) by January next year, aiming to boost its export market and draw European investors. This announcement from the Ministry of Commerce emphasises a strategic step forward in Thailand’s economic expansion. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan confirmed the completion of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA)…
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Thai Airways secures 44 billion baht in share rights offering
The Government of Thailand announced plans to increase its investment in Thai Airways International (THAI) without reinstating the airline as a state enterprise. This decision was confirmed during a Cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai, where Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira provided updates on the airline’s debt restructuring efforts. During the meeting, it was revealed that THAI anticipates raising approximately 44 billion…
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Why Thailand has become an important tech hub in Asia
Thailand, traditionally famous for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and busy tourism industry, now shines in the tech world. In recent times, the country quickly changed into a major technology hub in Asia. This transformation attracts investors, startups, and large global tech companies. What has turned Thailand into a tech rising star? Let’s find out. Thailand’s Strategic Place in Asia…
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Phuket sands turn to gold as Sansiri digs deep for economic jewel
The sandy shores of Phuket are set for a glamorous makeover as real estate mogul Sansiri Plc zeroes in on the island’s potential to become Thailand’s crown jewel for economic growth. With its eyes firmly fixed on this tropical paradise, Sansiri is revving up its plans, leveraging Phuket’s strategic importance to drive a real estate renaissance. Thanks to Thailand’s revised…
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Arip turbocharging TechXPro marketing to ignite gadget craze
In an audacious move to spark excitement in the gadget-hungry crowds, Arip has turbocharged its marketing budget for the Commart TechXPro event, aiming to fire up demand for cutting-edge IT products as the year wraps up. This tech extravaganza, which kicked off yesterday, November 28, at Bitec and runs until December 1, has seen its marketing purse swell from a…
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KEX Express delivers change: Shifting gears to new markets (video)
KEX Express (Thailand) Plc, formerly known as Kerry Express, is embarking on a dramatic overhaul. The delivery giant is set to close several branches and trim down its workforce as it shifts gears towards the business-to-business (B2B) and customer-to-customer (C2C) sectors. This bold pivot comes straight from the top, confirmed by company insiders keen to reposition KEX away from traditional…
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Songkhla floods wash away bookings in Hat Fai wipeout (video)
Flood chaos in Songkhla and the wider Deep South has left the Malaysian market in tatters, forcing a total wipeout of hotel and tour bookings in Hat Yai for the next two weekends. The relentless downpours have thrown travel plans into disarray, causing a domino effect on local tourism, just as things were heating up. Songchai Mungprasithichai, the head chief…
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Thailand unveils plan to boost SMEs, tackle substandard imports
The Deputy Minister of Commerce, Napintorn Srisangpang, has reported on the outcomes of the second meeting of the subcommittee aimed at promoting and upgrading Thai SMEs, alongside tackling the issue of substandard foreign goods. The meeting, involving 20 related government agencies, categorised products into three groups: agricultural, consumer, and industrial products. To address these issues, a three-phase plan, short, medium,…
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Thai Airways gets a financial lift-off with ministry’s capital boost
The Ministry of Finance is set to propose a capital injection for Thai Airways International to the Cabinet next week. This move is designed to ensure the airline’s recovery while keeping the ministry’s shareholding below 50%, preventing a reversion to state enterprise status, as confirmed by Tibordee Wattanakul, Director-General of the State Enterprise Policy Office. This financial boost is part…
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Thailand’s manufacturing index poised for growth after 2024 dip
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) is set to see a turnaround next year, with expectations of a 1.5 to 2.5% growth. This forecast comes as a recovery from the anticipated 1.6% contraction in 2024, largely attributed to weak consumer purchasing power and high household debt, as reported by the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). OIE Director General Passakorn Chairat expressed…
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Loan clouds gather: Thailand’s tourism faces a credit crunch storm
Thailand’s domestic tourism scene is facing stormy weather as concerns mount over rising consumer loans and mortgage defaults, industry insiders reveal. These financial headaches are casting doubts on whether short-term festival and event promos can still work their magic. The latest report from the National Economic and Social Development Council waved a red flag, revealing a troubling uptick in personal…
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True triumphs: EPL loss won’t sideline broadcast giants
In a surprise twist, True Corporation’s loss of the prized English Premier League (EPL) broadcasting rights won’t spell doom for its fortunes, assures the company’s chief executive, Manat Manavutiveth. Firmly entrenched in the sports content arena, True holds its ground, boasting a vast repertoire of both local and international programmes despite this glancing blow, Manat reassures fans and stakeholders alike. “Losing…
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Land of smart: Thailand’s AI ambitions set to smile on the future
Hold the front page! Thailand is making some serious waves in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). The Land of Smiles is rolling up its sleeves to become a key regional centre for AI training, partnering with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). This clever move is all about leading the charge in helping developing countries tackle…
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Thai banks remains cautious despite liquidity surplus
Thailand’s banking sector is experiencing a significant liquidity surplus, according to a Bank of Thailand (BoT) assistant governor. The central bank has not yet increased its lending oversight, indicating a cautious approach by banks when it comes to extending loans. Sakkapop Panyanukul, in an article featured on the BoT’s website, explained that banks’ lending decisions are closely tied to the…
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Chinese firms eyeing 90 billion baht investment in Thai tech sectors
Concerns about potential high tariffs on Chinese exports under the incoming US president’s administration are prompting Chinese entrepreneurs to consider substantial investments in Thailand, according to the Board of Investment (BoI). The anticipated investments, valued at 90 billion baht, are expected to focus on sectors such as electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing, data centre equipment, and biodegradable packaging. Narit Therdsteerasukdi,…
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Thai nominee crackdown: DBD ‘takes stock’ in sweeping investigation
Thailand’s business watchdog, the Department of Business Development (DBD), is gearing up for a major crackdown on foreign firms using Thai nominees to skirt local regulations. Next year, they’re planning a sweeping investigation into a whopping 27,000 business entities. The mission? To dig deep into industries like tourism, real estate, hotels and resorts, transport and logistics, and even the bustling…
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Thailand’s biz boom buzzes past 90,000 as exports, tourism take off
Thailand’s business scene is buzzing, with new registrations expected to smash through the 90,000 mark this year. This surge comes courtesy of a rebound in exports and tourism alongside government stimulus measures kicking in as 2024 draws to a close. According to Auramon Supthaweethum, the Director-General of the Department of Business Development (DBD), there was a promising 2.18% uptick in…
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Thailand’s TV dramas to ‘script’ new chapter in economic growth
Thailand’s TV dramas are set to become the next big thing in economic growth as the government throws its weight behind the creative industry. In a bold move, a dedicated subcommittee has been established under the National Soft Power Development Committee to craft policies turbocharging the sector. With traditional TV viewership dwindling, channels are dusting off old classics and cutting…
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Michelin shifts gears: Revs up investment amid Thailand’s EV push
Iconic French tyre manufacturer Michelin is turbocharging its investment in Thailand, eager to ride the wave of the government’s electric vehicle (EV) push, even as local car sales take a dip. With the pedal to the metal, Michelin plans to rev up sales by rolling out cutting-edge products and eco-friendly technologies in line with the global shift towards sustainable business…
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How to save this Black Friday in Thailand
Black Friday’s here again. It comes around fast, doesn’t it? November 29 is the big day this year, and the usual frenzy will hit both stores and websites, packed with deals begging for attention. Shoppers in Thailand, get ready. Whether you’re browsing Lazada, Shopee, or even global sites like Amazon, Black Friday has plenty of opportunities to save. But let’s…
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Nissan Thailand denies complete shutdown, only partially
Nissan Motors is slashing jobs and scaling down operations in Thailand as it grapples with declining market share and increased competition from Chinese automakers. In a dramatic twist to its global restructuring plan, unconfirmed local reports suggest the Japanese car giant is planning to cut around 1,000 jobs in Thailand—part of a worldwide layoff affecting 9,000 employees announced earlier this…
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AirAsia plans low-cost hubs in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur
Well-known discount airline AirAsia is setting its sights on replicating the global connectivity success of Dubai but with a low-cost twist centred in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. After navigating the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the airline is eager to expand its network and leave its tumultuous past during the pandemic behind. Tony Fernandes, the founder of AirAsia, envisions using…
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Crypto the future: Thailand coins new digital investment arena path
Thailand is making strides to become a regional leader in digital asset investment, with the government pledging to create opportunities and enhance accessibility in this burgeoning market. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat emphasised the importance of collaboration with the private sector to support the growth of digital assets during a keynote speech at a Binance TH event. In his address,…
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Buckle up: Thai auto shifts gears for loan market acceler-ace-tion
Hold onto your seat belts, folks, because CIMB Thai Auto is gearing up for a high-octane comeback in the used car loan market. The subsidiary of CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), known for its expertise in financing pre-loved motors, has its eyes set on a market turnaround next year, fuelled by a gradual economic recovery and cooling interest rates. Upbeat Managing…
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GTA reports gold prices glisten amidst market chaos
In a refreshing change from recent volatility, the Gold Traders Association (GTA) sparkled with an announcement that gold prices are holding firm today, maintaining the surge seen earlier. For the shrewd investor or even the casual enthusiast watching their assets, this is golden news. Gold ornaments are on offer for 43,600 baht per baht weight, mirroring yesterday’s closing figures, much…
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Page turner: Thailand’s book market writes 2025 comeback story
Thailand’s book market is on the cusp of a thrilling new chapter, as publishing prospects for 2025 glisten under the warm glow of an economic upswing. The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) is buzzing with optimism, as executive committee member Theerapat Charoensuk reveals that the nation’s literary scene is poised for robust growth, propelled by the country’s economic…
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Thailand ranks in top three for Southeast Asia IPOs
Thailand has emerged as one of the top three initial public offering (IPO) markets in Southeast Asia, securing 26% of the total fundraising in the region. This achievement reflects a robust pipeline of IPOs, particularly in the consumer, healthcare, and real estate sectors, according to global consultancy Deloitte. As of yesterday, November 19, Thailand conducted 29 IPOs in the year,…
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Thailand on the offensive with DE-fence against call centre scams
In a bold move to tackle the ever-growing menace of call centre scams, the government’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry is pulling out all the stops by developing a cutting-edge platform, DE-fence. Slated for an early 2025 debut, this high-tech watchdog will act as a first line of defence against dodgy calls and deceitful texts. It promises to arm the…
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Thai investment roadshow heads to Shanghai to court investors
Thailand’s Finance Minister and Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Pichai Chunhavajira will lead a delegation to Shanghai this week for a four-day investment roadshow, targeting high-tech manufacturers and EV industry players. BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi announced that the mission, running from tomorrow, November 19 to 22, aims to attract Chinese manufacturers, particularly those specialising in EV battery cells and advanced…
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