Business News
Stay abreast of the ever-changing Business News in Thailand through our comprehensive coverage of local and international business events, market trends, and economic updates. We provide reliable analysis, in-depth features, and expert insights on the most relevant business stories, including issues affecting Thailand’s stock market, foreign investment, and entrepreneurship. Track the business world’s pulse as we inform you of crucial developments shaping Thailand’s economic landscape.
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Top 10 international schools in Thailand 2024
Thanks to its large global population, Thailand is home to a significant number of international schools. These schools offer a range of world-class curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, and Singapore curriculum, which attracts both expatriate families...
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Tourism revival in Thailand risks airport slot overcrowding, suggests alternative options
In anticipation of the upcoming high season, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) expressed concerns over the slot capacity at international airports. As more flights are set to resume, it is predicted that the country will receive around 8 million tourists this year, primarily derived from long-haul markets anticipating a significant tourism revival. The deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East,…
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Ashton Asoke condo’s fate lies in legal interpretation
The fate of the troubled Ashton Asoke condominium hinges on the interpretation of three pertinent sections of the prevailing law, as explained by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). In a clarification of the circumstances surrounding the Ashton Asoke condominium dilemma, the Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Wisanu Subsompon highlighted the relevance of Sections 40, 41, and 42 of the Buildings Control…
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Cathay Pacific highlights Bangkok’s crucial role in aviation recovery
Southeast Asia, particularly Bangkok, is showing promising signs of growth in terms of flight traffic, according to Cathay Pacific, which has ranked the Thai capital as one of its stronger-performing flight routes. Post-Hong Kong’s reopening, Cathay has reported a steady ascent, keeping pace with global passenger traffic. One of the airline’s senior executives, Dominic Perret, highlighted Thailand as a key…
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Thai automotive industry under threat amid political uncertainty and loan concerns
The Thai automotive industry is under threat due to a potential delay in forming a new government, following a marked decline in domestic car sales in the first half of this year. As noted by Toyota Motor Thailand, the ongoing political uncertainty is likely to postpone car purchases from potential customers both domestically and in the business sector. Individuals and…
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Restaurant owner confronts negative reviewer at their home
Following an online uproar when a restaurant owner confronted a customer who had left a negative review, the owner herself sought to clarify events. She states she did not intend to cause distress but rather to understand the customer’s complaints. The owner identified only as Tum elaborated on what happened regarding the negative review. The customer accused the unnamed Thai…
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Twinkling triumph: Mitsubishi Triton shines in bold bid to rock the truck market
Bangkok last week played host to the unveiling of Mitsubishi’s revamped Triton pickup truck at its global premiere. The twinkle in Mitsubishi’s marketing plan, the Triton carries a striking aesthetic and innovative features that indicate a bold bid to stir things up within the truck market. Constructed in Thailand, the Mitsubishi Triton is slated for export to over a hundred…
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Penny-pinching plans: Finance ministry’s welfare budget shuffle in the works
In an attempt to ease the strain on government spending, the Ministry of Finance is contemplating new measures regarding the allocation of the public welfare budget, an anonymous source from the finance ministry disclosed. This primarily pertains to the bracket of public welfare budget expenditure which, the source identifies, consists of redundant items that do not necessarily correlate with the…
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Thai-tanic delivery dips: Digital food landscape to shrink by 0.6% in 2023
The digital food delivery landscape in Thailand is expected to shrink by a marginal 0.6% this year, pegging its total value at 86 billion baht according to recent projections by Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research). This change symbolises the first contraction of its rapidly blooming industry and is anticipated to coincide with an 11.3% decrease in the volume of food orders.…
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Bangchak Corporation pivots to sustainable aviation fuel
A forward-looking strategy is being implemented by energy conglomerate Bangchak Corporation as it navigates the uncertain future of the oil refinery business, deeply impacted by the global push for electric vehicles. In an endeavour to address this dilemma, the corporation has steered its focus towards the development of biofuel, known as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), for aircraft, potentially a major…
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Thai banks see modest rise in mortgage loans
In the first six months of this year, a modest increase in mortgage loans was recorded by banks as purchasing power of homebuyers took a hit due to rising interest rates. Collectively, eight out of the ten SET-listed banks reported consolidated outstanding mortgages tallying 2.39 trillion baht as of June, marking a 1.04% rise from 2.37 trillion baht in December…
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Centara Udon officially reopens after upscale refurbishment and dining expansion
Centara Hotels & Resorts in association with Central Pattana Plc heralded the official reopening of Centara Udon, post a comprehensive round of refurbishing endeavours aimed at upscaling an array of facilities and introducing novel dining opportunities. Thirayuth Chirathivat, who is at the helm of Centara Hotels & Resorts, reported the successful conclusion of the renovation phase, subsequently marking the formal reopening…
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Household debt hits 15 year high amid uncertain economic outlook in Thailand
A recent survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) indicated an 11.5% increase in household debt from last year, marking this year as having the highest rate of debt in 15 years. The concern weighs heavily on economic recovery predictions suggesting a further increase if the economy does not bounce back in the upcoming year. UTCC…
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Bank of Thailand forecasts final interest rate hike amid inflation uncertainty
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) aims to cap its series of interest rate increases with a final 25-basis-point hike slated for August 2, due to an ongoing high and uncertain inflation outlook. This insight has been gathered from a poll conducted recently. After June’s annual headline inflation eased down to 0.23%, falling below the BoT’s target range of 1%-3%, it…
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Economic predicament: Ipsos Study reveals Thai citizens’ fears of surging inflation
A feeling of despondency is evident among the population of Thailand as an Ipsos study revealed concerns over increasing inflation and interest rates. The research, which comprised of responses gathered from a substantial 6,000 persons, displays a disconcerting economic predicament, with more than half of the respondents predicting an inflation upswing within the next 12 months. The study was headed by…
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Thailand eyes record 2 million Russian tourists despite geopolitical tensions
With an increase in flights and a neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) is poised to welcome a record-breaking 2 million Russian tourists next year. Khanittha Phanworawat, the Moscow office director, emphasises the urgent need to preserve Thailand’s image as a friend to Russian travellers, as a measure to achieve this ambitious goal, especially if other…
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Chiang Mai targets Saudi tourism boom with ‘THAILAND MEGA FAIR 2023’
A wave of visitors hailing from Saudi Arabia is anticipated by several travel agencies in Chiang Mai, as plans are set in motion to execute a roadshow this year, within the Middle Eastern nation. The aim of the event is to reinforce mutual cooperation and entice more tourists to visit Thailand. Yesterday’s meeting was led by the deputy governor, Weerapong…
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ESG Scoring pioneered by Thailand’s GSB for large business loan approvals
In a first for Thailand, the Government Savings Bank (GSB) is revolutionising its loan approval process. Chief executive Vitai Ratanakorn shared that GSB will introduce environmental, social and governance (ESG) scoring when deciding loans for sizeable businesses, requiring a credit limit of 500 million baht or more. This ESG scoring pioneering model aims to incentivise companies to contribute positively to…
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Thailand’s smartphone market holds promise despite economic strain
In these difficult financial times, Thailand’s smartphone market still carries incredible potential for device makers, particularly in high-end models, despite reduced support of handset subsidies by mobile operators, according to Oppo, a leading Chinese smartphone maker. With a market value exceeding 100 billion baht, Thailand’s smartphone market is regarded as a gem within Southeast Asia. The Senior Executive Vice-President at…
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India’s rice export halt stirs concerns of 10% surge in Thai rice prices
Potential tremors in the global rice markets may soon be felt in Thailand as India calls a halt on non-basmati white rice exports, according to high-ranking industry insiders. The abrupt decision, communicated by Indian authorities this week, immediately ignited concerns among Thai rice traders and industry power players, with predictions of an imminent 10% surge in local rice prices. The…
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Thai hotel chains unfazed by political uncertainty, anticipate revenue growth
Despite the ongoing political uncertainty, Thailand’s major hotel chains remain optimistic, as long as the situation stays peaceful and avoids any violent unrest. Centara Hotels and Resorts (CHR) and Minor International Plc voiced their confidence in their ability to weather any potential political storms, providing the environment remains stable. Gun Srisompong, the chief financial officer of CHR, stated that any…
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Business events sector in Thailand set for a boost with projected tourism rebound
The business events sector in Thailand is set to benefit from the buoyancy of the country’s tourism industry and a new influx of trade shows this year, fuelled in part by the country’s stable political environment, according to specialists at Informa Markets Thailand. Sanchai Noombunnam, who helms the firm in Thailand, drew attention to predictions that the country would recoup…
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Thai finance minister proposes high-value fruit insurance, EV premium changes
Exuding a wave of fresh optimism for the agricultural and green sectors, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has floated a revolutionary proposal – the launch of insurance for high-value fruits. A measure aimed at fortifying the faith of fruit farmers, the proposal was made during a compelling keynote speech at the CEO Insurance Forum 2023. The main theme for the forum,…
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Thai business leaders express concern over political instability
Jitters are escalating among the business community in light of the Constitutional Court’s directive yesterday calling for the temporary removal of Pita Limjaroenrat, head of the Move Forward Party (MFP), from his role as a member of the House of Representatives. This development marks another detrimental blow for Pita, notwithstanding his party’s extraordinary election accomplishments, spurring fears of an imminent…
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Thai tourism minister proposes bolstering sector for sustainable tourism
To boost the national economy, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister, has put forth a proposal to prioritise tourism as a national agenda, with a focus on making Thailand a destination for sustainable tourism. He strongly encourages his successor to continue this endeavour. Phiphat’s aspirations don’t end there, as he also suggested elevating the status of the tourism ministry,…
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Sustainability investment doubled by Thai union to benefit oceans and communities
Unrelenting in his pursuit of sustainability, Thiraphong Chansiri, CEO of Thai Union Group PCL, a dominant player in the global seafood manufacturing scene, divulged pivotal advancements in the company’s ecological strategy. Always at the forefront of advocating sustainable business practices, Thiraphong explained the profound pressure on our oceans, harbouring the livelihood and sustenance of up to 600 million people, particularly…
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Thai baht’s unexpected surge makes a splash, takes the lead in Asian currency gains
In an unexpected buoy of currency today, the Thai baht took the lead in Asian currency gains, reaching a two-month apex. This surge, of 0.9%, comes in the wake of strong hopes for the resolution of Thailand‘s political deadlock and a waning US dollar, factors that buoyed the sentiments of investors. Meanwhile, share market traders adopted a cautious stance; local…
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SEC raises crowdfunding cap for retail investors to 50 million baht
In an effort to foster growth among startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is extending the ceiling on security-based crowdfunding offers to 50 million baht for retail investors. Previously, the limit was 40 million baht. However, institutional, high-net-worth, and ultra-high-net-worth investors are not subjected to any caps. The financial regulator put forth in…
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Trade war triggers fear of new EV chip shortage from China export limit
Leading authorities in the industry fear another chip shortage could soon hit electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. This comes as China limits the export of two significant metals, a move driven by the ongoing trade dispute between Washington and Beijing, as reported by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). As of August 1, China will impose trade restrictions on select products…
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High-end watch demand increases among younger Thai generation
A constant evolution and inherent value have ensured a secure niche for high-end watches in today’s market, said Narun Thamavaranukup, the managing director of watch distribution company, PMT The Hour Glass. With smartphones ubiquitous, one might think wristwatches would lose their charm. However, as Narun says, these timepieces are more than mere instruments to tell time. For Narun, watches play…
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Fitch affirms Thailand’s BBB+ rating, forecasts GDP and tourism growth
Having earned a reputation for shrewd financial forecasting, Fitch Ratings has given Thailand‘s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) a rating affirmation of BBB+ and a stable outlook. The judgement is largely influenced by a balance between the firm’s macroeconomic policy framework and sound external finances, gauged against some structural weaknesses like the lower per capita income and lower World…
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