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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9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Thailand boosts chip investment to power electric vehicle industry
The Board of Investment (BoI) is set to ramp up investments in computer chips to bolster the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry in Thailand. This initiative aligns with the state’s strategy to establish a national semiconductor board. As domestic EV manufacturing gains traction, driven by increased foreign investment, the development of related industries becomes crucial, stated Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of…
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Seven bidders cleared for auction of 15,000 tonnes of rice
Seven potential bidders have been cleared to participate in the auction of 15,000 tonnes of rice remaining from the Yingluck Shinawatra administration’s rice-pledging scheme. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday confirmed that the auction for this last stockpile will proceed as planned on June 17. Eight companies showed interest and submitted documentation to verify their qualifications earlier…
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Thailand investment budget hits nearly 40% in third quarter
Government investment budget disbursement in the third quarter of this fiscal year surged to almost 40%, nearly doubling the set target due to accelerated disbursement measures, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. After chairing a meeting of the Budget Disbursement and Public Spending Acceleration Committee, Pichai stated that the swift allocation of the government investment budget has facilitated a quicker…
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Closure of two carmaker’s facilities threatens investor confidence
In a recent announcement, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed concerns that the planned closures of Suzuki and Subaru production facilities in Thailand could undermine investor confidence in the auto industry. Last month, Suzuki Motor (Thailand) revealed its decision to cease all factory operations in Thailand by the end of 2025. The company cited declining sales and intense competition…
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Thai consumers highlight concerns over real-time payment scams
The rise in the use of new, convenient, and fast payment channels has been matched by growing concerns about real-time payment scams, as revealed by a global consumer fraud research study conducted by Fico, the US-based data analytics and credit scoring company. The study reveals that Thai consumers are particularly worried about the risk of being deceived into sending money…
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Gold prices rise with ornaments at 40,750 baht per weight
Gold prices surged today as the Gold Traders Association GTA) announced an increase, with gold ornaments selling at 40,750 baht per baht weight compared to yesterday’s rates. This change was recorded at 9.03am, today, June 12, showing a 100 baht rise from the previous day. Gold bar prices in the domestic market were set at 40,150 baht per baht weight…
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Thailand’s food delivery apps dish out tasty profits
Thailand’s food delivery and on-demand super apps have demonstrated moderate growth despite economic hurdles, with major players generating significant revenue increases in 2023. Business data provider creden.co reports that total revenue for these apps reached 31.7 billion baht last year, rising from 27 billion baht in 2022. Grab Taxi (Thailand) achieved a profit for the second year running, with revenue…
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Thailand’s manufacturing sector hit by surge in factory closures
A surge in factory closures has heightened concerns over the weakening of Thailand’s manufacturing sector, as indicated by Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP). KKP Research revealed that Thailand’s manufacturing production index experienced a decline over a 15-month span from December 2022 to March 2024, despite a global trade recovery commencing late last year. Thailand has seen an increase in factory…
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Thai stocks hit 4-year low amid political turmoil and court cases
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin acknowledged today that the ongoing political turmoil is likely impacting the stock market, which dropped to a four-year low yesterday. Analysts pointed to three major court cases affecting the Thai political scene as a primary reason for investor anxiety. “This is about stock market sentiment,” Srettha commented, noting that the individuals involved in these cases, including…
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Thailand invests 8 billion baht for AI and EV industry research
Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) earmarked an 8 billion baht investment to enhance the nation’s pool of young researchers, supporting key S-curve industries like artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs), and quantum technologies. The fiscal 2025 budget includes plans to prepare 100,000 employees for the semiconductor industry, leveraging opportunities arising from geopolitical conflicts. Chairman of the National Commission on Science,…
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Thailand takes flight with airlines to boost tourism in 2024
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is soaring to new heights, actively courting partnerships with a sky-high count of 11 international airlines to elevate both burgeoning and established markets in the latter part of this year. With the long-haul market expected to fly in at least 770 billion baht from a soaring flock of 10.8 million foreign visitors in 2024,…
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Thailand’s aviation hub dreams delayed by global supply issues
Thailand’s ambition to become the leading aviation hub in the region by 2030 may face significant delays due to global supply chain disruptions, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The country needs to remove unnecessary regulations and accelerate digitalisation efforts to improve aviation efficiency. IATA‘s Director-General, Willie Walsh expressed his views at the group’s annual general meeting in…
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Thailand trades up: Digital efforts land 32nd spot on global index
Thailand climbed to the 32nd position out of 65 countries on the Global Trade Modernisation Index (GTMI) 2024, highlighting its moderate performance in digital trade. The Kingdom of Thailand ranked 3rd among ASEAN nations and showed a significant improvement in readiness for digital trade. Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Montri Mahaplerkpong announced yesterday, June 9, that growth…
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Local governments digging deep into land tax challenges
Local governments face a significant challenge in evaluating underutilised land plots to determine the appropriate tax burden under the land and building tax, according to finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit. Lavaron noted that the tax law, effective for five years, is currently under review for potential amendments. A key issue under scrutiny is the enforcement and interpretation of land utilisation.…
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Chiang Mai to become digital startup hub with new visa scheme
Chiang Mai is poised to become a digital startup hub in Southeast Asia, with the government pledging support to achieve this goal, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced during a visit to the northern province yesterday. PM Srettha highlighted Chiang Mai City as an established haven for digital nomads and one of the world’s leading creative cities. “Late last year, Tim…
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Thai car sales plunge; luxury market hit amid economic woes
Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) reports a significant decrease in domestic car sales, affecting even the typically robust premium car sector. The struggling Thai economy and banks’ stricter auto lending policies due to high household debt, are impacting car manufacturers across all sectors. This includes the luxury market, which generally leverages higher purchasing power. “The automotive industry has been hard hit by this…
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Thailand’s steel sales slump 11 to 12% due to weak car market
Thailand’s sluggish car sales prompted an 11 to 12% decline in premium-grade steel sales during the first four months of 2024, raising concerns about reduced steel consumption this year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). FTI Iron and Steel Industry Club Vice-Chairman Nava Chantanasurakon stated that local steel manufacturers are bracing for a tough period, with expectations of…
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Bangkok Airways, SO/ Maldives eye growth in tourism boom
Bangkok Airways and luxury resort SO/ Maldives are optimistic about expanding their business in the Maldives, a popular destination among Thai tourists. The Maldives achieved a significant milestone in tourism last year, welcoming over 1.8 million visitors, the highest number in a year, according to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corp. Bangkok Airways resumed flights to the Maldives in…
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Baht hits two-week high but faces long-term depreciation risks
The Thai baht surged to a two-week high yesterday, surpassing 36.5 to the dollar, marking a strong short-term gain. However, Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP) has issued a cautionary note about the potential depreciation of the currency, attributing it to persistent structural issues in Thailand’s economy. Yesterday, the baht led gains among Asian currencies, appreciating by 0.3% to its highest…
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How Thailand’s consumer behaviour is being affected by cryptocurrency
Many investors believe that cryptocurrencies have significant potential as investment assets. To cater to this interest, financial products related to traditional asset classes have been introduced in various countries. These products include futures contracts, exchange-traded funds (or more commonly referred to as ETFs), and micro futures contracts, which allow for smaller-scale investments. Furthermore, several major banks now offer their clients…
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Bonding issues: Political turmoil shakes Thai investor confidence
Thailand’s escalating political risks are making foreign investors hesitant about the nation’s bond market, despite a cautious return in May after a six-month break. In May, global funds bought US$511 million worth of Thai bonds, a notable difference compared to larger acquisitions in Indonesia, India, and South Korea. Comparative indicators of foreign investment show Thailand lagging behind its regional counterparts.…
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Peso power play: CIMB targets record 75 billion in loans for 2024
CIMB Bank Philippines, a subsidiary of Malaysia’s CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, announced an ambitious lending target of over 75 billion pesos (US$1.28 billion) to Filipino customers this year. This represents a 23% increase compared to 2023, according to the bank’s chief executive officer. Chief Executive Officer Vijay Manoharan disclosed the bank’s plans during a press conference, stating that CIMB Bank…
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Vintage vibes: Public hearing revs up classic car imports
The Foreign Trade Department has initiated a public hearing on a proposed amendment to a notification that would allow the import of certain classic cars for promotional events. The department’s Director-General, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, announced that a new notification has been drafted for the Commerce Ministry concerning this category of used vehicles. The amendment addresses restrictions on specific used vehicle imports,…
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SET unveils plan to boost foreign and family business investments
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) unveiled a strategic business plan targeting foreign industries operating in Thailand and family businesses, aiming to boost market capitalisation. SET executives highlighted the shift in investment trends, particularly post-pandemic, with technology stocks rising as traditional businesses adapt to the digital age. SET officials noted that the Thai market has faced trust and confidence issues…
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Thai tourism revenue to hit 3 trillion baht, misses target
Thai tourism revenue is projected to reach 3 trillion baht this year, falling short of the government’s target of 3.5 trillion baht due to economic challenges in key markets, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported. As of today, Thailand has seen 14.9 million foreign arrivals, generating 709 billion baht (US$19.4 billion). This figure represents roughly 30% of the international…
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Thailand predicts 2.7% growth amid slow export recovery, high debt
Thailand’s economy is experiencing a gradual recovery, with projected growth of between 2.2% and 2.7% this year, according to a recent announcement by a prominent joint business consortium. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), which includes key stakeholders from these sectors, has maintained its previous growth forecast. Exports, a crucial component of Thailand’s economic engine, are…
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New tax deductions approved to boost secondary city tourism
The Cabinet yesterday approved measures aimed at boosting tourism in secondary cities during the low season. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced that the new measures target both companies holding seminars and individuals travelling for leisure. Companies can now deduct expenses from corporate income tax for seminar rooms, accommodation, transport, and other related costs for domestic seminars held for employees,…
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Political uncertainty may drag SET index lower, say analysts
Political uncertainty is poised to weigh heavily on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) throughout June, with three legal proceedings involving Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, and the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) expected to push the index lower than anticipated, analysts report. CGS International (Thailand), a subsidiary of China Galaxy Securities, revised its year-end SET index…
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Thailand to tax residents’ foreign income irrespective of remittance
The Revenue Department of Thailand will amend a law to tax individuals with foreign income, even if that income is not brought into Thailand. Director-General of the Revenue Department, Kulaya Tantitemit stated that the current tax law mandates individuals residing in Thailand for over 180 days per year to pay taxes on foreign income if it is brought into the…
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Thailand to introduce carbon tax by 2025, oil tax burden unchanged
The Excise Department plans to introduce a carbon tax by 2025, with the overall oil tax burden expected to remain unchanged. This move aims to align with the Global Warming Act, which is set to be enacted in 2025. According to the Director-General of the Excise Department, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the department has examined global practices for implementing a carbon tax…
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