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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    Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?

    Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...

  • Single Thais impact wedding industry with shifting social values

    Single Thais impact wedding industry with shifting social values

    A growing number of Thais are opting to stay single, with reasons cited including evolving social values, financial constraints, and mismatched expectations. This trend is impacting businesses associated with romance, such as wedding planners and florists. In 2023, a survey by the National Statistical Office found that one-fifth of Thais were single. Within the reproductive age group of 15 to…

  • AI and automation: How tech is reshaping the workforce

    AI and automation: How tech is reshaping the workforce

    Technological advancements are revolutionising the workforce, altering job roles and increasing productivity across various sectors. Innovations like artificial intelligence and automation are redefining the future of employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has documented a significant shift in the workforce due to these emerging technologies. McKinsey’s detailed report highlights automation’s role in streamlining processes, boosting efficiency, and creating new job…

  • Google eyes increased investment in Thai government projects

    Google eyes increased investment in Thai government projects

    Google has shown interest in increasing its investment in Thai government-related projects, according to the Commerce Minister. During a visit to the United States last week, Minister Pichai Naripthaphan engaged in discussions with Google executives focusing on collaboration in the digital economy, cybersecurity enhancement, and advanced technology investments in Thailand. A major topic was public project investments, with Google particularly…

  • Gold prices hit record high amid Trump’s tariff threats

    Gold prices hit record high amid Trump’s tariff threats

    Gold prices reached a new record after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, creating further uncertainty in global financial markets. The price of bullion surged beyond US$2,895 an ounce following a 2.2% increase last week, driven by heightened demand for safe-haven assets amid the president’s trade threats. Trump indicated on February 9…

  • NBTC dials in: Biometric crackdown rings alarm for SIM scammers

    NBTC dials in: Biometric crackdown rings alarm for SIM scammers

    The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is cracking down on unauthorised SIM cards and online scams with the introduction of stringent biometric authentication for SIM card registration. This move targets dodgy SIM dealers, who now face hefty penalties if caught flouting the rules. These new measures are set to shake up the mobile subscriber landscape in Thailand, where over…

  • WHAUP dives deep with ambitious plans to cash in on digital age

    WHAUP dives deep with ambitious plans to cash in on digital age

    WHA Utilities and Power (WHAUP), the utility titan of WHA Corp, Thailand’s industrial land giant, is making waves with its bold ambition to rake in a staggering 35 billion baht by 2030. Their strategy? Riding the crest of the digital age by tapping into the surging demand for water in the burgeoning data centre sector. With data centres consuming colossal…

  • Trump’s metal meltdown: Steel yourself for the latest tariff tiff

    Trump’s metal meltdown: Steel yourself for the latest tariff tiff

    Donald Trump announced his intention to impose a steep 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports into the United States, a move that promises to heat up trade tensions and could potentially throw a spanner in the works for America’s key trading relationships. Chatting with reporters aboard Air Force One yesterday, February 9, the US president confirmed that these…

  • Thailand leads ASEAN dairy market with 19 billion baht in revenue

    Thailand leads ASEAN dairy market with 19 billion baht in revenue

    Thailand has emerged as a leader in the ASEAN dairy market, generating over 19 billion baht in revenue, according to a government spokesperson. The country’s strategic use of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) has bolstered exports of processed milk products across ASEAN. Anukool Pruksanusak, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, reported that Thailand has maintained its top position in ASEAN…

  • Taxing decisions: Thai businesses brace for higher import duties

    Taxing decisions: Thai businesses brace for higher import duties

    Thailand’s business entrepreneurs are leaning towards higher import tariffs should the government forge ahead with its ambitious tax reform plans, according to a fresh poll from the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This survey follows hot on the heels of Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira unveiling a set of tax reform proposals designed to swell state coffers, fuel national development, sharpen…

  • Fuelling growth: Thailand’s energy use rises as tourism powers up

    Fuelling growth: Thailand’s energy use rises as tourism powers up

    The Department of Energy Business revealed fuel consumption in Thailand saw a 2.1% rise last year, reaching a daily average of 155.4 million litres, in tandem with an estimated GDP growth of 2.6-2.7%, largely fuelled by bustling tourism-related industries. In 2023, total fuel consumption was slightly less, at 152.3 million litres per day. Jet fuel, driven by the surge in…

  • Tariff-ied: Thai exporters brace for US trade heat

    Tariff-ied: Thai exporters brace for US trade heat

    Thai exporters could soon find themselves in hot water, facing increased tariffs from the United States. The Government of Thailand might also be compelled to import more American goods to balance out its trade surplus, warns Burin Adulwattana, the Managing Director and Chief Economist at Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research). Burin shared that K-Research hasn’t yet drilled down into the possible…

  • HKTDC unveils 7 LifeStyle Trade events in April

    HKTDC unveils 7 LifeStyle Trade events in April

    The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will unveil the 7 LifeStyle Trade Events, covering gifts, houseware, fashion, printing and packaging, and licensing from April 27 to 30. With the latest products and trends on display under one roof, the events will feature a selection of lifestyle products and services from around the world, maximising and diversifying buyers’ sourcing in…

  • Thai banks to ban mule account transactions next month

    Thai banks to ban mule account transactions next month

    The banking sector will introduce a ban on financial transactions involving mule accounts next month, adhering to a directive from the Bank of Thailand. Following a recent meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, Payong Srivanich, chairman of the Thai Bankers’ Association, announced that banks are upgrading their operational and security systems to block transactions across…

  • Thai fruit exports set for boost with 3.5 billion baht deals

    Thai fruit exports set for boost with 3.5 billion baht deals

    The Commerce Ministry of Thailand organised a business matching event focused on fruit and agricultural products, alongside a signing ceremony for memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Thai exporters and international buyers. These initiatives are anticipated to boost export sales by 3.5 billion baht (US$104 billion). Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang reported that 96 Thai fruit export companies, along with 65…

  • Exclusive: The strategy behind Stake F1’s Hustlin’ Harder Campaign

    Exclusive: The strategy behind Stake F1’s Hustlin’ Harder Campaign

    The iconic O2 Arena in London set the stage for an extraordinary moment in Formula 1 as the Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber unveiled its 2025 challenger, the C45. Thousands of fans, media representatives, and stakeholders gathered to witness the reveal, which coincided with Formula One’s F175 LIVE celebration marking the sport’s 75th anniversary. With dramatic lighting and an energetic…

  • IMPACT invests 5 billion baht to expand MICE hub

    IMPACT invests 5 billion baht to expand MICE hub

    IMPACT Exhibition Management Co Ltd is making a bold move to dominate Thailand’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism (MICE) industry, investing 5 billion baht in two new hotels to transform Mueang Thong Thani into a world-class event and entertainment hub. The investment, part of a long-term expansion strategy, will position IMPACT as a key player in the government’s proposed…

  • Unregistered hotels could boost tourism revenue to 3.5 trillion baht

    Unregistered hotels could boost tourism revenue to 3.5 trillion baht

    Unregistered hotel operators entering the registration system could significantly increase hidden tourism revenues, potentially reaching 3.5 trillion baht if successful, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong stated that the annual revenue reported by the ministry is lower than the actual tourism figures due to the extensive informal economy, which includes illegal accommodations and…

  • Commerce Ministry acts to remove unsafe products from e-commerce

    Commerce Ministry acts to remove unsafe products from e-commerce

    The Commerce Ministry is collaborating with 16 government agencies and prominent online platforms to tackle the issue of substandard and non-compliant products on e-commerce platforms. Under the notice and takedown policy, products identified as substandard will be promptly removed, according to Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan. This initiative aims to protect consumers from low-quality products in online marketplaces. The collaboration involves…

  • Thailand considers cutting free public lighting to lower power bills

    Thailand considers cutting free public lighting to lower power bills

    The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) stated that discussions among national state agencies are necessary regarding the Energy Ministry‘s proposal to reduce power bills by cutting the government’s free electricity supply to public lighting. Currently, local administrative bodies and departments responsible for highways and rural roads are exempt from paying for public lighting, a cost shouldered by the government amounting to…

  • Sky’s the limit: AIS takes off with HOVERAir X1 Pro Max drone

    Sky’s the limit: AIS takes off with HOVERAir X1 Pro Max drone

    In a daring leap into the skies, Advanced Info Service (AIS) has launched its first drone, the HOVERAir X1 Pro Max, setting its sights on the lucrative drone market. The high-flying gadget is now ready for takeoff at AIS service shops, promising to boost revenue from retail outlets and capture the imaginations of tech enthusiasts and adventurers alike. In a…

  • Gold prices soar to record heights amid Trump’s tariff turmoil

    Gold prices soar to record heights amid Trump’s tariff turmoil

    Gold is glittering like never before, with prices reaching record heights as jittery investors scramble for safe havens following United States President Donald Trump’s bombshell tariff threats against Mexico and Canada. The price of bullion saw a gleaming rise of up to 0.2%, hitting an all-time high of US$2,799.65 per ounce. This shiny achievement came hot on the heels of…

  • Gem of a deal: Bangkok fair set to sparkle with 3.5 billion baht in trade

    Gem of a deal: Bangkok fair set to sparkle with 3.5 billion baht in trade

    Organisers of the 71st Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair expect the event to generate over 3.5 billion baht in trade. Scheduled for February 22 to 26 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), the fair is hosted by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand, with support from various public and…

  • Thai seafood exports to US unaffected by fishing gear concerns

    Thai seafood exports to US unaffected by fishing gear concerns

    The Department of Fisheries aims to reassure the public that recent changes to Section 66 of a Fisheries Executive Decree will not impact seafood exports to the United States. There are concerns that the US might ban Thai seafood caught using fishing gear harmful to certain marine mammals. Bancha Sookkaew, Director General of the Department of Fisheries, responded to a…

  • Investors to pump 40 billion baht into Pattaya’s tourism sector

    Investors to pump 40 billion baht into Pattaya’s tourism sector

    Investors are set to inject 40 billion baht into Pattaya, focusing on new hotels and attractions to enhance tourism. On Wednesday, January 29, Wallaya Traisorat, CEO and President of Asset World Corporation (AWC) announced the opening of Meliá Pattaya Hotel, a 234-room property with an investment exceeding 2 billion baht. This hotel targets workcation travellers, digital nomads, meetings, incentives, conferences…

  • Smog threat looms over Thai tourism, hoteliers urge government action

    Smog threat looms over Thai tourism, hoteliers urge government action

    Hotel operators are calling on the government to collaborate with the entire supply chain to address the smog issue before it significantly impacts tourism. Hostels have raised concerns about the financial burden of maintaining clean air for guests. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, executive vice-president of Sukosol Hotels, stated that there have been no cancellations or delays due to smog during the…

  • Japan and China remain top spots for Thai tourists

    Japan and China remain top spots for Thai tourists

    Japan and China are anticipated to continue being the leading destinations for Thai tourists this year, with at least 2.5 million people expected to visit due to visa exemptions, weaker currencies, and a variety of tourism options. Charoen Wangananont, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), noted that these countries were the most popular at the Thai International Travel…

  • Chinese New Year spending in Thailand hits 51 billion baht

    Chinese New Year spending in Thailand hits 51 billion baht

    Public expenditure during the Chinese New Year is projected to reach 51.78 billion baht, marking the highest level in five years, according to recent government estimates. Sasikan Wattanachan, deputy government spokesperson, noted that this figure signifies a 4.5% rise compared to the previous year. It is also the first occasion since the Covid-19 pandemic that spending for Chinese New Year…

  • South Korean tourists outnumber Chinese in Chiang Mai amid direct flights boost

    South Korean tourists outnumber Chinese in Chiang Mai amid direct flights boost

    The South Korean market may surpass the Chinese in terms of tourist arrivals in Chiang Mai this year, attributed to the increase in direct flights and favourable winter weather, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Patsalin Swetarat, director of TAT’s Chiang Mai office, noted that a decline in safety confidence among Chinese travellers has somewhat affected tourism…

  • Google to build new cloud data centre in Chon Buri

    Google to build new cloud data centre in Chon Buri

    Google is set to enhance its footprint in Thailand by constructing a new cloud data centre in Chon Buri, announced Google’s president and chief investment officer, Ruth Porat. Porat engaged with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Wednesday, January 22. The Google executive expressed gratitude towards the Thai government for its support in…

  • Thailand mandates biometric SIM registration to combat fraud

    Thailand mandates biometric SIM registration to combat fraud

    The board of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has provisionally approved a draft for a new SIM card registration system, incorporating biometric data collection from mobile users. The proposed system mandates all mobile operators to implement liveness detection biometric technology for SIM card registrations. This move aligns with recent political calls for stricter measures to combat prevalent online…