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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How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Thai business closures rise 8.3% amid economic concerns
Thailand’s business landscape is facing stormy skies as nearly 4,000 companies shut their doors in just the first four months of 2025 — an 8.3% increase from the previous year, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD). This surge in closures, with a combined registered capital of almost 16 billion baht, has alarmed lawmakers during this week’s heated budget…
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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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Thai billionaire passes empire torch to next generation
Thailand’s second-richest man, Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, is handing over the reins of his sprawling business empire to his five children as he steps back from day-to-day management. The 81 year old billionaire has transferred ownership of two major listed companies to his offspring, signalling a major shift in the country’s corporate landscape. According to filings made late yesterday, May 26, by…
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Thailand eyes 100,000-tonne rice boom at global convention
Thailand is actively promoting its unique and high-quality rice varieties, with expectations that the Thailand Rice Convention will result in orders for 100,000 tonnes and generate revenue exceeding 2 billion baht. During the 10th Thailand Rice Convention 2025 held in Bangkok yesterday, May 26, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan emphasised the government’s dedication to advancing Thailand’s rice sector. The Ministry of…
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Thailand’s Visa payments slow despite higher visitor spending
Visa Thailand is experiencing slower growth in Visa card payments by inbound tourists, correlating with stagnant foreign tourist arrivals. Despite this, there has been an increase in spending per visitor, attributed to “higher quality travellers,” according to the card company. During April and May, foreign tourist spending in Thailand using Visa cards increased by 10% year-on-year. This is a decrease…
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TrueCorp outage chaos: Free data and calls offered
TrueCorp sparked nationwide chaos yesterday morning when mobile and Internet services suddenly crashed, leaving thousands of customers disconnected. The telecom giant has since apologised and promised compensation for those affected by the unexpected disruption. “Various services, including voice and data, are now returning to full capacity across all areas nationwide,” TrueCorp announced yesterday afternoon, May 22, trying to reassure frustrated…
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Hotel gold rush cools this year, but green deals heat up
After a blockbuster year for Thailand’s hotel market in 2024, the pace of property deals is beginning to cool, but savvy investors are turning their eyes to greener pastures. According to global real estate firm JLL, Thailand’s hotel transaction market in 2025 is undergoing a “normalisation” phase, with activity returning to sustainable levels. Following a record-breaking 22 billion baht in hotel…
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PTT to cut costs amid US tariffs and oil price drop
National oil and gas company PTT Plc is preparing to tackle US tariffs and a decline in global oil prices by cutting costs and enhancing operational efficiency to improve profitability. The company is also facing challenges in the petrochemical and oil refining sectors. PTT’s strategy includes three initiatives: Axis to reduce spending, D1 to foster asset synergy within the PTT…
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‘Little Moscow’ boom: Russians fuel Phuket property frenzy
Phuket’s luxury property scene is getting a flashy new address—“Little Moscow.” Tucked in the serene north of the island, Nai Thon Beach is rapidly transforming into Thailand’s next ultra-luxe real estate hotspot, fuelled by foreign money, especially from Russian buyers escaping war and winter. The sleepy seaside village, nestled within Sirinat National Park and just minutes from Phuket International Airport, is…
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Robinhood takes over as Foodpanda bows out of Thailand
Thailand’s food delivery game just got a major shake-up — and it’s Robinhood taking the wheel. Yesterday, May 20, Thai-born delivery platform Robinhood announced a strategic redirection agreement with Foodpanda Thailand, as the international giant prepares to exit the country after 13 years of operations. The move, effective immediately, allows Foodpanda customers, restaurant partners, and delivery riders to transition smoothly…
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MGM Resorts urges Thailand to adopt competitive casino tax rate
MGM Resorts International suggests Thailand should adopt a casino tax rate competitive with Singapore and permit a significant number of locals to visit casino complexes to foster tourism and economic growth. The company is exploring a potential investment of US$3-5 billion in a casino facility in Bangkok. Ed Bowers, President of Global Development at MGM Resorts, stated that emerging markets…
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Krungsri delays new credit lines amid US tariff uncertainty
Companies are delaying the utilisation of new credit lines due to waiting for further clarification on US tariffs following the recent announcement of a 90-day suspension period, as reported by a Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) executive. Prakob Phiencharoen, who leads Krungsri’s corporate and investment banking group, stated that the bank is maintaining vigilance over corporate loan demand for the rest…
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Top Thai vending brand to blend fresh fruit smoothies
Forth Vending Co Ltd, which operates Tao Bin smart beverage vending machines, intends to procure fresh fruit directly from farmers to enhance its smoothie and juice range. Wittayakorn Maneenetr, Director General of the Department of Internal Trade (DIT), expressed that the department is advancing the government’s fruit management strategy for the 2025 harvest season. To stabilise fruit prices and boost…
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Thai Airways’ comeback plan takes flight
Following a comprehensive business rehabilitation, Thai Airways International (THAI) has launched its Fly for the New Pride campaign, as it anticipates resuming trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The airline now operates with reduced debt and new revenue streams. Celebrating its 65th anniversary, the airline has lowered its liabilities from approximately 400 billion baht to around 80 billion…
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Thailand and Vietnam target US$25bn trade boost
Thailand and Vietnam have committed to strengthening economic ties and aim to increase bilateral trade to US$25 billion (833 billion baht) annually in the near future, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. During a media briefing following the 4th Thailand–Vietnam Joint Cabinet Retreat (JCR), co-chaired with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during her official two-day visit which ended yesterday,…
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How to turn raw footage into engaging content in minutes
Creating great videos doesn’t have to take hours or expensive software. If you’ve ever recorded a video and felt stuck with too much raw footage, don’t worry. With a few smart tools and simple steps, you can turn that raw video into fun, eye-catching content in just minutes. Whether you’re a beginner or already make content, this guide will show…
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Thai state banks urged to bolster export businesses amid US tariffs
State-owned financial institutions are encouraged to implement measures to aid export businesses and the supply chain. During a policy briefing yesterday, May 15, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira highlighted the impact of US reciprocal tariffs, predicting a two-year challenge for domestic businesses, particularly those involved in exports. Pichai urged these financial institutions to expedite the introduction of support measures, especially for…
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True grit: New boss vows comeback cash in 100-day dash
True Corporation chief Sigve Brekke has hit the ground running, setting out a bold 100-day plan packed with promises of profit, digital dominance, and even a long-overdue payout to shareholders. Brekke, who took the reins as group chief executive in March, is banking on data, discipline and dividends to spark a revival at the telecom titan, following its blockbuster merger…
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Baht out of luck: Thai currency slips as greenback flexes muscle
The Thai baht is wobbling once again, with currency watchers bracing for a further slide this week as the mighty US dollar gathers steam following a temporary pause in the US-China tariff war. Analysts say the baht could weaken to as low as 33.80 per dollar in the coming days, as uncertainty lingers despite a fleeting boost in global market…
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Truce or just a tariff tease? Trump and Xi hit pause on trade war
The bitter trade war between the United States and China that rattled global markets is getting a breather — but don’t pop the champagne just yet. The US and China have agreed to suspend punishing tariffs on each other’s goods for 90 days, starting Wednesday, after a tense round of high-stakes talks in Geneva over the weekend. The temporary truce…
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China slump no drag-on for Phuket, says property tycoon
Fears that China’s economic slowdown could batter Thailand’s tourist trade have been brushed aside by a luxury property boss, who insists Phuket is still booming thanks to big spenders from elsewhere. Phuket’s posh property scene is still sizzling despite fewer Chinese tourists hitting the island and one property mogul reckons it’s all just a blip. Allan Zeman, chairman of the…
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Thailand and Bangladesh to advance free trade agreement talks
Previously, on May 8, Thai Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan met Bangladeshi Ambassador Fayaz Murshid Kazi to discuss advancing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two nations. Following a joint declaration of intent, senior officials will engage in online discussions to outline expectations and scope, aiming to formally initiate negotiations this year. Thailand has expressed its support for Bangladesh, the…
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Thailand and Australia boost trade ties amid new vehicle standards
Thailand and Australia are working to enhance sustainable and stable regional trade, aiming to boost the value of automotive exports and maintain Thailand’s status as Australia’s leading exporter of pickup trucks. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan discussed these objectives after meeting with Australian Ambassador Angela Macdonald at her Bangkok residence on May 7. A significant topic addressed was Australia’s New Vehicle…
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Thai stock market rebounds despite US tariffs and global volatility
Last month, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) experienced volatility during the long holiday period. Before the Songkran festival, the SET was significantly impacted by US President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements, reaching a low of 1,056.41 points early in the month. The tariff news affected global stock markets; however, the gold price rose to over US$3,300 (approximately 113,190 baht) per…
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White Lotus filming fails to boost southern Thailand hotel tourism
Hotels in southern Thailand have yet to see any significant impact from the filming of The White Lotus HBO series in the country. The global economy’s volatility and safety concerns have influenced potential tourists’ decisions. Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, a hospitality consultancy in Phuket, reported that despite the popularity of White Lotus Season 3, which aired on…
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Thailand boosts fruit distribution to counter declining prices
The Thai Commerce Ministry is tackling the issue of declining fruit prices by accelerating the distribution of 950,000 tonnes of produce both within Thailand and abroad. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan stated that the ministry is collaborating with various organisations to manage the surplus of fruit through measures encompassing production, marketing, export, processing, and trade facilitation. The aim is to distribute…
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Bitcoin tipped to smash US$100k as crypto bulls charge ahead
Bitcoin is gearing up for a six-figure breakout, with crypto watchers boldly predicting the world’s biggest digital coin could hit a jaw-dropping US$100,000, even as the US central bank holds fire on interest rate cuts. Despite the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) likely keeping rates steady this week, optimism is soaring among investors, thanks to heavyweight institutions snapping up spot…
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