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 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...
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Digital boom: Thailand’s tech economy set for electrifying growth
Thailand’s digital economy is poised to skyrocket this year, with GDP expected to rise by a staggering 7.3% to hit 4.85 trillion baht, according to the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry. This digital surge far exceeds the national GDP growth rate, sitting at 2.8%, totalling 19.2 trillion baht. Digital investment is also on a meteoric rise, predicted to grow…
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Credit crunch: Thai economy faces stormy skies
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is sounding the alarm over slipping asset quality among wealthier borrowers, echoing a worrying trend seen in middle- and low-income groups as the Thai economy slows to a crawl. Minutes from the recent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting reveal mounting concerns about loan quality deteriorating across the board. This could lead banks to become even…
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MG shifts gears as Thai pickup production hits the brakes amid slowdown
SAIC Motor-CP has hit the brakes on its Thai pickup truck production. The pause by the Chinese-Thai collaboration producing MG vehicles, comes as the domestic car market takes a downturn, although there’s hope for a reboot once conditions steady. While MG Sales (Thailand) hasn’t disclosed specific production figures for diesel pickups, company Vice-President Pongsak Lertruedeewattanavong reassures consumers. “Pickups aren’t our…
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High hopes: Thai pilots poised to reclaim skies amid foreign pilot row
The Thai Pilots Association (TPA) is quietly optimistic about reclaiming the nation’s skies. Following reassurances from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), it’s anticipated that the temporary lift allowing foreign pilots on domestic routes will not stretch on, revealed TPA President Teerawat Angkasakulkiat. “The Cabinet’s resolution, with its vague deadlines, allowed each wet lease agreement to endure for six…
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Thailand Post boosts fruit delivery with EMS service
Thailand Post is offering an EMS express delivery service for summer fruits to support farmers and entrepreneurs across the country. Thailand Post Managing Director Danan Suphattrapan stated that the service aims to meet the diverse needs of consumers and businesses, particularly by assisting agricultural producers in distributing their products more efficiently to the market. The EMS express service boasts an…
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Baht boost: Thailand greenlights 200 billion for Bangkok transit line
Thailand has sanctioned investment applications amounting to a total of 200 billion baht, spearheaded by a Bangkok transit line and three data centres, offering a potential uplift to the country’s subdued economic growth. The primary initiative is Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc’s 109 billion baht (US$3.2 billion) investment in the Orange Line, aimed at connecting Bangkok’s western and eastern suburbs,…
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Thailand halves visa-free stay to curb illegal business activities
Thailand plans to shorten the visa-free stay period from 60 to 30 days to mitigate the misuse of the visa exemption programme by illegal businesses. This decision follows a principle agreement among relevant government officials, as reported by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong indicated that the Foreign Ministry has acknowledged the issue, which has…
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Building your trading foundation with the best forex brokers
Building a solid base in forex trading starts by choosing the best broker. An ideal broker provides access to the forex market, gives you the essential trading tools, and ensures a secure trading environment. To help you make the correct decision, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best forex brokers that are accessible in Thailand in 2025. 1.…
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Thailand charges ahead with tax breaks for hybrid vehicles
Tax incentives for the manufacturing of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in Thailand are being proposed, with implementation anticipated from 2026 pending approval, as announced by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. The proposal, which aims to link tax rates to a vehicle’s battery charge travel range, will be presented to the Cabinet by April. To boost PHEV adoption, the government is…
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Stock shock! Thai stocks on the ropes, long-term prospects shine
Amidst a whirlwind of disappointing earnings, political jitters, and the looming shadow of US tariffs, Thai stocks are feeling the heat. Yet, analysts at Tisco Securities reckon there’s gold to be found for those willing to play the long game. Apichart Phubancherdkul, Tisco’s strategy sage, voiced concerns that the Thai economy, struggling under the weight of dwindling consumption and a…
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China crisis or Golden Week wonder? Tourism hopes take flight in May
In the midst of a 12% year-on-year plunge in Chinese tourist numbers during the first two months of the year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is holding its breath for a revival come May, perfectly timed with China’s Labour Day holiday. TAT Deputy Governor Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, handling international marketing across Asia and the South Pacific, highlighted that safety…
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Thai car exports threatened by Trump’s 25% US tariff plan
The Thai automotive industry faces potential challenges if US President Donald Trump proceeds with his plan to impose tariffs on car imports, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Last month, Trump revealed plans to implement a 25% tariff on autos starting April 2, though tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico have been delayed for a month following…
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How the new Entertainment Complex Law is likely to affect you once passed
Thailand is on the brink of a significant transformation in its entertainment and tourism sectors with the introduction of the Entertainment Complex Business Act. This proposed legislation aims to legalise and regulate integrated entertainment complexes, including casinos such as those that regard themselves as the best casinos not on GamStop, to boost tourism, attract foreign investment, and stimulate economic growth.…
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BTS Thailand outlines key leadership succession planning strategies
BTS Thailand recently hosted the event Honoring Henrik Ekelund: Leadership, Legacy, and Succession Planning. As part of BTS GROUP AB, a global consultancy headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, BTS Thailand specialises in leadership development and business transformation through experiential learning and simulations. The event brought together C-suite, top executives, various industry leaders, and experts to share insights on the future of…
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Lufthansa sets sights on Thailand as expansion takes off
The Lufthansa Group is focusing on expanding its operations in Asia and Thailand, while also diversifying into non-airline businesses. Carsten Spohr, chief executive of the group, highlighted that Thailand is not just a tourism hub but also a lucrative business destination. The demand for cargo from Thailand is rising, and the Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market for maintenance, repair,…
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Thai interest rate cuts to ease loan load amid economic slowdown
In a move that promises relief for borrowers across Thailand, six leading commercial banks and a clutch of state-owned counterparts have slashed lending rates following the Bank of Thailand’s recent policy rate cut. This adjustment is designed to alleviate the financial strain as the economy slows down. Domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) are joining forces to trim loan interest rates…
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Trading places: Thai export boom hides ticking trade bomb
Amidst the cheers of soaring export numbers, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) fired a warning shot, urging Thailand to shift its focus towards resolving trade imbalances on a country-by-country basis. TNSC chairman Chaichan Charoensuk warned that the ongoing trade war resembles a ticking time bomb for exporters, with an explosion expected in the second quarter. The council predicts a…
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DHL delivers electrifying future for Thailand: Charges up EV plans
In a daring move set to shake up the logistics scene, renowned global courier DHL has unveiled its ambitious Strategy 2030 for Thailand with a zesty focus on the booming electric vehicle (EV) sector, spare parts service, and cross-border e-commerce. The master plan is poised to transform Thailand into a pivotal regional hub amidst the swirling challenges of global trade,…
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Bangkok condo illegally rented daily, reveals weak law enforcement
Residents and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have raised concerns over a condominium in Sukhumvit 11, developed by a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), where half of the 450 units are allegedly rented out daily through online platforms, highlighting weak law enforcement in Thailand. A foreign resident and unit owner at the condominium disclosed that more…
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Thai exporters urge government to speed up US trade talks
The private sector has called on the government to expedite trade negotiations with US President Donald Trump and to incorporate private sector input into these discussions. The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) highlighted concerns that delays could adversely impact exports. Chaichan Charoensuk, the TNSC chairman, noted the lack of significant progress in preparing for potential US-imposed measures aimed at reducing…
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Boom to bust: Chinese investment in Thai property hits rock bottom
Once a beacon of opportunity, Thailand’s vibrant condo market for Chinese investors is now dimming, as economic clouds gather over China’s middle class. Stephen Yao, a former Chinese investments broker in Bangkok, and Pattaya, has seen his formerly bustling schedule dwindle. In 2017 and 2018, he made a staggering 32 trips from China’s Guangdong province to Thailand. But recent years…
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Thailand tightens foreign business laws to curb nominee practices
Thailand has several laws regulating the entry and activities of foreigners, as detailed by Auramon Supthaweethum, Director General of the Department of Business Development (DBD). The Immigration Law permits temporary residence, and the Alien Employment Act allows temporary employment, subject to permits and exceptions for banned occupations. The Foreign Business Act of 1999 restricts certain businesses to protect Thai interests,…
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Thai shippers warn of slow govt response to Trump’s trade policies
The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has raised concerns over the government’s sluggish response to potential trade penalties under the policy of U.S. President Donald Trump, warning that delays could result in heavy tariffs on Thai exports. TNSC Chairman Chaichan Charoensuk stated that the government has made little progress in preparing for the so-called Trump 2.0 trade measures. Trump previously…
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Thailand sees record 1.13 trillion baht foreign investment boost
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed optimism about Thailand’s economic prospects, highlighting significant foreign investment, which reached over 1.13 trillion baht last year, the highest in a decade. In a monthly Empowering Thais TV segment aired by the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, the premier shares her optimism in regards to economic trajectory, despite last year’s 2.5% growth. “We will work…
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Cable crackdown: Thailand bridges gap on cybercrime
In a campaign to cut off cybercriminals at their source, Thailand’s top telecom regulator is joining forces with the Department of Highways to tackle illegal cross-border cable networks lurking near national bridges. In a bid to sever the sinister circuits exploited by cybercriminals, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is tying knots with the Department of Highways to clamp…
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Thai Airways reports huge loss but promises strong comeback
Thai Airways International has assured stakeholders that its massive loss for fiscal year 2024 is due to a one-off debt-to-equity conversion and will not hinder its operational performance or planned exit from its rehabilitation programme. The airline reported a staggering loss of 26.901 billion baht, primarily caused by a one-time accounting loss of 45.271 billion baht from the debt-to-equity conversion completed…
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Thai car market hits speed bump, FTI urges govt to drive recovery
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is urging a turbocharged response from the government to rev up the nation’s sputtering car market. Demand for motors has hit a roadblock, with a particular skid in pickup truck sales. According to January’s numbers, it’s been a bumpy ride, causing manufacturers to slam the brakes on production by more than 200,000 units over…
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No dice: Thai casino entry plan unlikely to get Cabinet approval
A new proposal by the Council of State for Thai nationals to enter casinos is unlikely to receive Cabinet approval, according to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The proposal requires Thais to maintain a minimum of 50 million baht in fixed deposit accounts for six months before accessing a casino entertainment complex. Anutin, who also serves as a Deputy Prime Minister…
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Cheers: Thailand’s booze rules shake-up promises economic tonic
In a move that could pop the cork on a 100-billion-baht economic boom, Thailand is considering scrapping its afternoon booze sales ban: a measure that could turn holidaymakers’ frowns upside down and get tills ringing right across the Land of Smiles. Industry leaders are raising a glass to the potential windfall, with the promise that lifting these restrictions could lure…
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Thai-ing the knot: Thailand pushes for free trade deal with gulf nations
Thailand is advancing negotiations on a free trade agreement with Gulf countries to boost trade, tourism, and investment. Nalinee Taveesin, the chair of Thai Trade Representatives, described the Gulf countries as Thailand’s most significant market in the Middle East, with trade between the two regions reaching approximately US$36 billion last year. Non-oil and natural gas trade saw nearly a 10%…
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