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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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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Port, theme park, and F1 dreams: Tycoon’s vision for Jakarta
A Formula 1 race in Jakarta? That’s just one of the audacious ideas from Sugianto Kusuma, one of Indonesia’s wealthiest tycoons, as he transforms a former slum into a multibillion-dollar metropolis. From a bustling port to luxury hotels, the ambitious project is aiming to put North Jakarta on the global map. Kusuma, better known locally as Aguan, is spearheading the…
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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’s economy shifts into gear but auto industry hits a bump
Thailand’s economy is on a cautious upswing, buoyed by a surge in exports, a bustling tourism sector, and healthier private consumption. Yet, the road ahead isn’t entirely smooth, with the automotive industry hitting a bump. The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has laid bare the mixed fortunes in its recent October economic report, painting a picture of resilience tinged with challenges.…
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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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Banking on stability: Thailand hits a high note despite loan flatlining
The Bank of Thailand is striking a confident note, assuring everyone that the nation’s banking system is rock solid despite some worrying dips in loan growth. Their latest statement paints a picture of moderately strained resilience, with banking capital, liquidity, and loan-loss provisions standing firm. Loan growth took a hit in the third quarter of 2024, shrinking by 2% compared…
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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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Israeli food tech could elevate Thailand’s agriculture sector
Israeli food technology has the potential to significantly enhance Thailand’s agriculture sector, according to Israeli Ambassador Orna Sagiv. Speaking at the Savor the Future of Food: Satisfy Your Hunger with Israel’s Innovation event in Bangkok held recently, Sagiv highlighted Thailand’s vital role as the kitchen of the world, emphasising its major contributions to food production and supply on a global scale.…
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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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Crypto rockets: Bitcoin set to reach new heights
Bitcoin’s star is on the rise, with traders buzzing about the possibility of its price rocketing from a cool US$98,000 to a dazzling US$180,000. This optimism stems from the hope of the Federal Reserve slashing interest rates next year and a flood of interest from big-money institutional investors. Bitcoin hit an all-time high of US$98,000, yesterday, November 24, thanks to…
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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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Bitcoin nears US$100,000 as Trump boosts investor confidence
Bitcoin‘s rapid ascent towards the US$100,000 mark gained momentum today, driven by investor optimism about a potential supportive stance from the incoming US administration under President-elect Donald Trump. Traders in Asia saw bitcoin prices surpass US$96,000 for the first time, reaching a peak just above US$96,898. This year has witnessed a dramatic surge in bitcoin’s value, with its price more…
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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 boosts Chinese investment with new roadshow in China
Thailand is actively promoting itself as an investment destination for Chinese businesses by organising a new roadshow in China. The initiative, led by the Board of Investment (BoI), aims to showcase the potential business opportunities available to Chinese investors, especially in the sectors of electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing and smart electronics. Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, who also serves…
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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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Medeze scoops prestigious industry award for stem cell innovation
MEDEZE Group Public Company Limited hit a high note in the world of regenerative medicine, bagging the coveted ACES Award for Industry Champions of the Year. This accolade shines a spotlight on the firm’s monumental strides in stem cell banking across Southeast Asia, celebrating its impressive evolution from Bangkok Stem Cell in 2010 to Thailand’s top mesenchymal stem cell bank…
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