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 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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Thai AirAsia boosts flights to visa-free Japan and China
In response to robust demand, Thai AirAsia is set to increase flights to coveted travel destinations like Japan and China, which offer visa-free access to visitors. The airline also plans to introduce a fresh route to Okinawa. The initiative comes from Thai AirAsia’s chief executive, Santisuk Klongchaiya, who also helms SET-listed Asia Aviation (AAV). According to him, the surge in…
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Chamber of Thailand calls for cut in interest rates to boost recovery
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) expressed its expectations for the Bank of Thailand to consider a reduction in interest rates in its forthcoming meeting. The TCC argues that although the economy is on a recovery trajectory, it remains susceptible to various challenges. Sanan Angubolkul, the chairman of the chamber, acknowledged the decisions made by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)…
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AI, foldable screens, and gaming features target wealthy Thai consumers
Premium smartphones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), foldable screens, and specialised gaming features are being aggressively marketed by manufacturers to wealthy Thai consumers in the first quarter. This marketing strategy is in harmony with the Thai government’s shopping tax incentive and the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year. M Vision’s chief executive, Opas Cherdpunt, anticipates a minimum 10% rise…
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Thai Honda forecast mild ‘declinecycle’ in domestic sales this year
Thai Honda Co, a leading motorcycle manufacturer and distributor, predicts a mild decline in domestic sales to around 1.7-1.75 million units this year. This anticipated dip is attributed to the newly implemented regulations aimed at managing high levels of household debt. In the previous year, Thailand recorded total motorcycle sales of 1.88 million units. For the coming year, sales of…
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Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair set to boost Thailand’s economy
The 69th Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair is set to take place from February 21 to 25 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The Department of International Trade Promotion and the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand (GIT) are organising the event, in partnership with a joint committee that includes 13 government and private sector organisations. As one of…
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Thai rice exporters stir in choppy waters as challenges loom ahead
Rice exporters in Thailand are bracing for a challenging year ahead due to a host of risk factors, including fluctuating exchange rates, waning competitiveness of Thai rice, fierce price competition, the potential impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon, and India’s restrictive export policies, as reported by the Thai Rice Exporters Association. The association’s honorary president, Chookiat Ophaswongse, referred to…
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Thailand urged to speed up joint gas project with Cambodia
Energy experts urged Thailand to accelerate discussions on a joint gas production endeavour with Cambodia in the overlapping claim area (OCA). The call comes in light of the global shift towards clean energy, which could pose challenges to new petroleum projects due to their contribution to carbon emissions. Despite its initiation in 2001, the OCA negotiations have yet to progress…
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Enhancing transparency and trust: SEC’s cautionary measures
In a bid to enhance transparency and trust in the capital market, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to introduce cautionary measures for securities that fail to conform to the listing regulations. This initiative will start on April 1. The SEC is also considering a revamp of its listing rules to elevate the quality of listed companies by…
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Promising future for Thai SET in healthcare, tourism, food sectors
Despite the slow recovery of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) from last year’s significant slump, executives see a promising future in healthcare, tourism, and food stocks. They believe these sectors can offer attractive opportunities for investors and encourage more companies to enlist on the bourse. Manpong Senanarong, SET Senior Executive Vice-President and head of the Issuer and Listing Division,…
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Thailand taps Chinese influencers to boost exports
The Thai government launched an initiative to boost the country’s exports to China, the world’s second-largest economy. The plan involves inviting 30 to 50 of China’s leading social media influencers to visit Thailand in May. During their stay, these influencers will livestream their Thai experiences, promoting local products from traditional elephant pants to native sweet treats to their followers back…
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Thailand reduces foreign tech reliance with home-grown AI system
Thailand is taking proactive steps to lessen its dependence on foreign technologies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence(AI). To this end, the nation is intensifying its efforts around the development of a home-grown version of the generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) model known as Open ThaiGPT, said Chai Wutiwiwatchai, executive director of the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (Nectec).…
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New VC funds to boost startup growth in 2024
This year, the growth of startups is anticipated to see a significant boost as several new venture capital (VC) funds emerge, following a period of slowed activity during the pandemic and recent crypto winter. Among these is the Finno Efra Fund, valued at 1.3 billion baht, co-established by EfraStructure and Krungsri Finnovate, with operations set to commence in March. Pawoot…
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Thailand’s blue flag stores to become drop-off points for postal goods
The Internal Trade Department is joining forces with Thailand Post in an initiative that will see the country’s Blue Flag (Thong Fah) affordable stores used as drop-off points for goods from farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the general public. The Department Director-General, Wattanasak Sur-iam, confirmed that discussions with Thailand Post had taken place and that they were in…
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Megabangna mall invests 200 million baht to boost customer spending
SF Development Co, the firm behind Megabangna shopping mall, earmarked a 200-million-baht (US$5.6 million) budget for marketing, intending to drive up customer footfall and increase spending by 10-15%. Wanwimon Ordeedolchest, the Vice-President of Marketing at the company, revealed that the funds will be channelled into numerous events, activities, campaigns, and applications to draw in shoppers to Megabangna. “We will hold…
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Chinese New Year spending in Thailand set to hit decade high
The upcoming Chinese New Year festival, set to start on Thursday, February 8, is predicted to witness the largest financial outlay by Thai locals in over a decade, thanks to the nation’s economic resurgence following the pandemic’s impact. The annual survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), monitoring consumer expenditure during the festival, foresees a…
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AIS in talks with PTT OR for virtual bank licence application
Potential collaborations are underway as Advanced Info Service (AIS) engages in discussions with PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and a digital platform provider. The objective is to apply for a virtual bank licence from the Bank of Thailand, revealed AIS Chief Executive, Somchai Lertsutiwong. This partnership would be an addition to AIS’s current plan to secure a license with…
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Thai bond market to remain strong with 1 trillion baht new issuances
The Thai bond market is projected to remain strong this year, with estimated new issuances totalling 1 trillion baht (US$27.9 billion), says financial advisory firm SCB Wealth. The sustained high interest rates are expected to contribute to favourable returns. Sornchai Suneta, Executive Vice President of SCB Wealth’s Investment Office and Product Function, anticipates that the bond market will continue to…
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Bangkok’s BAM anticipates drop in bad debt auction prices in 2024
Bangkok Commercial Asset Management (BAM), a prominent player on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), anticipates a decrease in auction prices for bad debt sales in 2024 due to a rising supply amid economic sluggishness. The financial institutions are expected to face increased challenges with the escalation of distressed debts, influenced by depreciating auction prices for both non-performing loans and…
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Thai finance minister urges bank of Thailand to lower policy rate
The Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, called on the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to consider lowering its policy rate. The request comes in a bid to alleviate the strain on the public, taking into account the impact of the policy rate on individuals rather than solely focusing on financial stability. Julapun argues for a harmonious approach, stating…
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Thai gold prices dip slightly, investors on alert
Gold prices in Thailand saw a slight dip today, prompting investors and enthusiasts to make quick decisions. According to the latest data released by the Gold Traders Association (GTA), the price of gold ornaments dropped by 50 baht compared to the previous day, now selling at 34,800 baht per baht-weight (a traditional Thai unit of measurement for gold). The association’s…
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Court cancels Elon Musk’s $56billion pay deal
Last week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk suffered a significant legal setback when a court nullified his US$56 billion pay package, marking one of the most substantial legal losses in US history. The suit was lodged by Richard Tornetta, a resident of Pennsylvania, who owned just nine shares in Tesla back in 2018. The case reached trial in late 2022 and…
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Labour costs outpace revenue growth in Thai tourism sector
Rising labour costs in the tourism sector are outpacing revenue growth, resulting in increased hotel expenses, as revealed by hospitality market analyst STR. Jesper Palmqvist, senior director for Asia-Pacific at STR, warned that the only risk for hotels this year is maintaining cost controls in light of the extraordinary growth of labour costs and room rates. Over the past one…
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Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series boasts strong pre-orders in Thailand
Thai Samsung Electronics’ Vice-President of Mobile Experience, Sitthichoke Nopchinabutr, expressed confidence in the company’s position in Thailand’s competitive smartphone segment. This follows the recent launch of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Sitthichoke revealed that the volume of pre-orders for the S24 series places Thailand among the top five markets globally. Moreover, it leads to…
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Thailand’s Land Bridge project eyed as foreign investment magnet
The Land Bridge project in southern Thailand, a proposal yet to be approved, is being highlighted as a potential boon for foreign investments, akin to the successful Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). This comparison is drawn by the current government. The EEC, unlike the proposed Land Bridge, is operational and continues to develop, acting as a high-tech industrial hub drawing investments.…
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Thai Airways on track for Stock Exchange return amid rehabilitation success
Anticipations are high for Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) to make its comeback on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in the coming year, as disclosed by Tibordee Wattanakul, the director-general of the State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO). The national flag carrier’s liquidity is on the mend, and operations are systematically aligning with its rehabilitation plan. This positive shift is…
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Businesses warned of risks of not adopting AI, says Stanford professor
Stanford University Graduate School of Business Professor Amir Goldberg stressed the urgency for businesses to actively engage with artificial intelligence (AI), according to a conversation with a former corporate executive. Highlighting the vital role AI plays in today’s competitive market, Professor Goldberg warned businesses of the risks of not adopting AI, likening it to a fast-moving train that cannot be…
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Japanese firms urge Thai government to simplify customs and boost infrastructure
Japanese businesses based in Thailand have urged the government to simplify customs duty rules and enhance transport infrastructure, in addition to introducing economic strategies to increase public spending. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce (JCC) in Bangkok recently communicated with the press to share insights from its newest survey assessing the business outlook amongst Japanese firms and investors in Thailand. The…
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Thailand set to sign free trade agreement with Sri Lanka
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka during his upcoming visit to the island nation this week, according to spokesperson Chai Watcharonke. This marks the 15th FTA for Thailand and the first since PM Srettha assumed office the previous year. PM Srettha’s visit comes at the invitation of Sri Lanka’s Premier,…
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AI’s impact on jobs raises concerns, experts urge preparedness
Concerns are rising across various sectors about the potential displacement of jobs due to the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), with experts advising organisations and individuals to prepare for the inevitable impact. A recent blog post by Kristalina Georgieva, chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), suggested that AI would affect nearly 40% of global jobs, replacing some and…
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Thai government aims to boost cross-border trade despite 2023 contraction
The Thai government is aiming to reinvigorate its cross-border trade, including transit trade, this year following a 2.6% contraction in 2023, which saw the value fall to 1.7 trillion baht (US$48 billion). The Foreign Trade Department’s director-general, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, stated that the Commerce Ministry would expedite cross-border and transit trade according to the government’s investment promotion strategy for 2024-27. To…
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