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 How one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip
Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...
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Thailand’s economy threatened by Trumponomics 2.0 and China’s slowdown
Thailand’s economic future faces uncertainty as Trump’s economic policy revision, dubbed Trumponomics 2.0, emerges as a significant threat to its growth in 2025. An independent academic highlights this as a primary concern, alongside other challenges including household debt, investment and interest rates, China’s economic slowdown, and geopolitical tensions. Trumponomics 2.0 is poised to impact Thailand’s GDP adversely by an estimated…
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Thailand’s central bank launches phase two of sustainability framework
Thailand’s central bank is advancing its commitment to sustainability with the introduction of phase two of the Thailand Taxonomy, a strategic framework designed to guide banks and local businesses towards environmentally sustainable practices. This initiative, spearheaded by the Bank of Thailand, seeks to standardise the transition to sustainable operations across various sectors. The Thailand Taxonomy Board has unveiled a draft…
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Thailand to boost growth with new European trade deals
The Commerce Ministry is gearing up to enhance Thailand’s economic landscape by actively pursuing more free trade agreements (FTAs) next year, aiming for a 3% economic growth rate. This strategic move was detailed by Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan following a crucial meeting with ministry officials and Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) executives, including FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul. Prime Minister Paetongtarn…
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Thailand tackles high household debt with new relief programme
Household debt continues to pose a significant challenge for policymakers in Thailand, with fears it could destabilise the economy. The Fiscal Policy Office reports that it stood at 89.6% of GDP by the second quarter of 2024. This marks a slight decrease from the first quarter’s 90.7%, yet it remains alarmingly high when compared to recommended thresholds. Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general…
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Thailand unveils clean energy plan with 2.9 trillion baht investment
Thailand is advancing its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the introduction of a new power development plan (PDP) emphasising clean energy usage. This strategic initiative is part of the broader National Energy Plan, which will be implemented from 2024 to 2037. The plan aims to transform the country’s energy landscape by prioritising renewable energy sources over fossil fuels.…
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Thai restaurant sales to soar 15% over new year period
Central Restaurants Group (CRG) anticipates a significant increase in sales within the Thai restaurant industry during the new year festive season, driven by a boost in dining out and a rise in foreign tourist numbers. This optimism comes as Thailand records approximately 33.5 million foreign visitors from January to mid-December. Leading the arrivals are Chinese tourists, numbering 6.4 million, followed…
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Government extends excise tax cut for entertainment venues to boost tourism
The government has decided to extend the current excise tax reduction for entertainment venues, such as pubs, bars, nightclubs, and cocktail lounges, for another year to bolster tourism. This decision was announced by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul following a Cabinet meeting held yesterday, December 24. The extension will see the excise tax rate decrease from 10% to 5% of…
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Thai economy forecast: 109 billion baht boost from consumer spending
Predictions for the new year indicate a robust economic circulation of 109 billion baht, driven by consumer spending, according to findings from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). While this suggests a positive economic trend, many individuals remain cautious with their expenditures. The UTCC’s survey, conducted recently, highlights an anticipated 3.2% increase in spending compared to last…
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Thai Oil may replace contractors over unpaid wages in fuel project
Thai Oil Plc is contemplating altering the contractors for its Clean Fuel Project (CFP) due to unresolved disputes over unpaid wages to construction workers, potentially causing further delays. This development marks a significant moment for the country’s largest oil refinery by capacity. Unincorporated Joint Venture (UJV), which includes Petrofac South East Asia Pte Ltd, Saipem Singapore Pte Ltd, and Samsung…
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Malaysia Airlines grounds Airbus A330neo after technical issues
Malaysia Airlines has temporarily grounded its newly acquired Airbus A330neo aircraft due to technical problems, as reported by the Business Times. Following its debut flight to Melbourne, the aircraft experienced multiple technical issues, prompting the airline to take swift action. The national carrier of Malaysia received the Airbus A330neo at the end of November and has plans to acquire an…
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Thailand secures South Korean investment in Smart Park project
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) has successfully attracted an investment commitment of US$500 million (approximately 17 billion baht) from South Korean investors for the development of Smart Park. The initiative, part of the Now Thailand – The Golden Era campaign, aims to position Thailand as a prime destination for international business ventures. Yuthasak Supasorn, Chairperson of IEAT, welcomed…
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Grab sees 400% growth in Thailand’s ride-hailing-delivery services
Leading super-app Grab released its year-end statistics for on-demand transport and delivery services in Thailand, revealing significant growth and trends in 2024. The company reported an impressive increase in its ride-hailing and delivery services, driven by both local and international demand. Grab’s ride-hailing services have remained a favourite among users, with the GrabCar Saver option experiencing a remarkable growth of…
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Thai baht to fall to 35.50 against US dollar by 2025
Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research) forecasts that the Thai baht will depreciate, reaching 34.50 to the US dollar by the end of this year and sliding further to 35.50 in 2025. This prediction comes as new US government policies are expected to exert pressure on the Chinese yuan next year. The baht recently hit a three-month low of 34.61 against the…
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Revenue department sees 2.1% rise in revenue collection
Collection by the Revenue Department has shown a notable increase in the first two months of fiscal 2025, with a 2.1% year-on-year growth. The surge is largely credited to initiatives aimed at integrating individuals outside the tax system into compliance, along with intensified measures against tax evasion. Director General Pinsai Suraswadi reported that in October, the department successfully collected 146…
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Illegal foreign tour guides threaten Thailand’s tourism industry
The growing issue of illegal foreign tour guides in Thailand, exacerbated by extended visa-free stays and lax enforcement, is concerning industry experts. The Professional Tourist Guides Association of Thailand has raised alarms about foreigners illegally managing both tour companies and guide services in major tourist destinations. Recent social media reports highlighted an incident involving an unauthorised Russian guide leading a…
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Thailand targets US$308bn exports by 2025 amid trade optimism
The Commerce Ministry has ambitious plans to boost Thailand’s export sector, setting a target of 2% to 3% growth for 2025. The goal, projected to bring in US$305 to US$308 billion, follows a robust performance in 2024, where export growth is expected to reach 5%, generating a record US$300 billion. These figures reflect optimism driven by the electronics, agricultural, and…
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Thai Cabinet approves increase in foreign worker quotas
The Thai Cabinet has given the green light to a proposal aimed at addressing the current shortage of foreign workers in businesses by increasing their numbers. This initiative comes in response to the outdated laws that have been in place since 1979, which limit foreign workers to 100 per business and stateless workers to 50. Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab stated…
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2025 kicks off with a salesplosion from the Commerce Ministry
Hold onto your hats, shoppers: the Commerce Ministry is kicking off 2025 with a bang, unveiling its sensational New Year Mega Sale 2025. With jaw-dropping discounts of up to 80% on over 40,000 products and services, this is a shopping spree you won’t want to miss. Over 300 vendors are rolling out the red carpet, from major manufacturers and department…
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Thailand urged to cut interest rates amid low inflation concerns
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavachira has reiterated his call for a reduction in Thailand’s policy interest rate to boost inflation. He urged the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to announce another rate cut, citing the current low inflation rate as a driving factor. The Finance Ministry continues to provide economic data and engage in discussions with the Bank of Thailand, although the…
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Thailand’s SET ESG Ratings 2024 hits milestone with 228 companies
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) reported a significant achievement with its ESG Ratings 2024, as 228 listed companies have been recognised, marking a new milestone in sustainable investments both locally and globally. This year’s ratings awarded AAA status to 56 companies, AA to 80, A to 71, and BBB to 21. These firms together account for 82% of the…
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Thai SMEs to boost exports to China via e-commerce
The International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) plans to propose a strategic initiative to the Ministry of Commerce, focusing on cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) to aid small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in expanding their exports to the Chinese market. This move aims to provide SMEs with new opportunities to enhance their presence in China through CBEC channels. Wimon Punkong, Deputy…
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Thailand and Malaysia aim for US$30 billion trade by 2027
Thailand and Malaysia set an ambitious goal to boost bilateral trade to US$30 billion by 2027, strengthening economic cooperation in pivotal sectors such as trade, investment, border connectivity, and tourism. The agreement was reached during Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s recent official visit to Malaysia, where she engaged in discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The two-day visit culminated yesterday,…
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Living the Thai life: Kingdom rolls out red carpet for big spenders
Thailand is upping the ante in its tourism game, spotlighting the allure of luxury and high-spending travellers to power up the economy post-pandemic. Known for its warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, and world-class attractions, the nation is seeing a surge in plush hotels and branded properties to cater to this elite crowd. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) set its sights…
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Gold rush: Prices dip, enthusiasts dig in for a buying spree
Gold enthusiasts are on high alert as the Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a dip in prices, sparking a potential buying frenzy. Today, December 16, the price of gold jewellery has slipped to 43,400 baht per baht-weight, a 50 baht drop from yesterday’s closing. At 9.03am, the GTA updated their website, revealing the domestic buying price for gold bullion at…
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Thailand unveils tax reform: Corporate tax cut, VAT hike rejected
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira unveiled a bold tax reform plan to supercharge state revenue, drive national development, and level the economic playing field in Thailand. The announcement was made at the Sustainability Forum 2025, an event championing sustainable economic growth. Central to the plan is slashing the corporate income tax rate to 15%, aligning with OECD guidelines to keep Thailand…
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Thailand leads ASEAN in gold-driven financial growth, inclusion
Gold’s role in providing financial stability amid global uncertainties is gaining attention as the world moves into 2025. Traditionally linked to prosperity and wealth in Thai culture, gold remains a symbol of celebration during significant family events such as weddings and birthdays. Despite societal changes, gold’s cultural significance continues to drive strong consumer demand in Thailand, evidenced by the nation’s…
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Cupid stunt: Matchmaking service finds heart of Bangkok economy
Bangkok’s leading matchmaking service is tuning its heartstrings to the economic beat as whispers of a slowdown loom large on the horizon. With the tourism season in full swing, Bangkok Matching is rolling out a suite of strategies to woo foreign travellers hoping to find love while enjoying their Thai escapades. At the helm is the dynamic Kulchulee Subsinudom Nylander,…
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Lost world found: Centara’s splash-tacular revamp makes waves in Pattaya (video)
Centara Hotels & Resorts is pulling out all the stops with a sensational upgrade to its famed Lost World-themed haven, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. This month sees a dazzling debut of new attractions designed to captivate guests of all ages, promising a holiday like no other. Making a splash are four newly unveiled water park zones. Get ready…
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Thai food for thought: Restaurant sector set for festive tourism feast
The Thai restaurant sector is set to experience a significant boost during the new year festive season, largely driven by an increase in holiday travel and tourism. Despite this optimistic outlook, the Thai Restaurant Association expressed concerns regarding a potential decline in total spending on food and beverages due to weakened purchasing power and the concentration of activities in popular…
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Airline industry poised to surpass US$1 trillion despite delays
The global airline industry anticipates surpassing US$1 trillion in revenue due to record passenger numbers, despite facing significant challenges in acquiring new aircraft, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Issues with Boeing and Airbus have caused delivery delays, impeding airlines‘ ability to upgrade their fleets with more efficient planes that could reduce fuel expenses while accommodating increased passenger…
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