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 Weekend road trip routes across Thailand [2025]
Weekend road trips in Thailand are a great way to enjoy beautiful scenery, local culture, and quick getaways without much travel time. From winding mountain routes in the north to coastal drives in the south, every journey brings new sights...
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Watt’s next: Thailand powers up for electric vehicle revolution
Thailand’s government is committed to transforming the nation into an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub, with a policy focused on stimulating demand to encourage consumer adoption. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul emphasised the importance of building a domestic EV supply to meet this demand. The government has shifted from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle production to an EV focus through…
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Thai Airways expands fleet with 45 Boeing dreamliners
Thai Airways International (THAI) has confirmed that fleet expansion is a key part of its strategy, with the airline set to procure 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as part of a major deal to increase its aircraft numbers and strengthen ties with the United States. In a bold move aimed at both modernising its fleet and supporting Thailand’s trade negotiations with…
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Asia-Pacific nations scramble to dodge Trump’s trade tariff tantrum
A tariff tsunami unleashed by US President Donald Trump is sending shockwaves across the Asia-Pacific, as countries scramble to dodge his trade tariff tantrum. While the 10% baseline tariffs kicked in on Saturday, April 5, even steeper charges are set to hit some nations from Wednesday and reactions range from furious to fretful. But rather than hitting back, many Asia-Pacific…
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Excise crackdown: 2.7 billion baht fines for tax evasion surge
The Excise Department has been directed to swiftly enforce a zero-tolerance policy on excise tax evasion, focusing on breaches of excise regulations. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul emphasised efforts to prevent the smuggling of goods without tax payment, particularly across borders and through online platforms. The department expressed a commitment to prosecuting and taking action against those involved in selling…
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Thai construction materials price index hits 112.8 in March
The March 2025 construction materials price index, as reported by Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy under the Ministry of Commerce, rose to 112.8. This marks a 0.5% increase compared to March 2024, continuing a 10-month growth trend. The increase is attributed to accelerated government budget disbursements in the first quarter, driving demand for construction…
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Trump’s tariff tantrum: US slaps huge levies on world as trade war erupts
Donald Trump has thrown the world into economic turmoil, launching a full-scale trade war by slapping sweeping new tariffs on imports, including crippling levies on key allies. Thailand has been caught in the tariff crossfire too, with officials claiming the nation could suffer an US$8 billion hit if the US were to even up levies between the two countries. Semiconductor…
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Thailand’s digital entertainment shift: Quiet innovation with big implications
Thailand stands at the crossroads of a digital revolution in its leisure and tourism sectors. With the world’s appetite for immersive, tech-forward experiences growing, the country is beginning to reimagine how it offers entertainment to both locals and international visitors — subtly, but unmistakably. Tourist Expectations Are Changing Today’s travelers aren’t just looking for beaches and nightlife — they’re searching…
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Thailand revamps tourism strategy amid Chinese market slowdown
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is revising its strategy for the latter half of the year in response to the subdued Chinese market and diminished confidence due to a recent earthquake. A new crisis management team will be established to address these challenges. The ministry plans discussions with a strategy consulting team to guide the Tourism Authority of Thailand…
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On-job connection: Thai telecom firm cut off in fraud scandal
Thailand’s telecom watchdog has reportedly pulled the plug on K4 Communication Company Ltd, revoking its licence over a multi-million-baht fraud scandal that allegedly left investors high and dry. K4, which operated as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) using National Telecom’s (NT) network, was shut down after its executives were hit with arrest warrants for joint fraud, Bangkok Post reported.…
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Earthquake causes up to 100 billion baht damage, economy unaffected
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira stated that the recent earthquake damage has not impacted the economy, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to support affected individuals. Reports suggest that up to 5,500 buildings in the capital might have sustained damage, with total financial losses potentially reaching 100 billion baht. Pichai mentioned on March 28, the day of the earthquake, that the ministry,…
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Thai Board of Trade caught in tariff crossfire over Uyghur issue
Thailand’s business leaders are urging firms to stay agile amid fears that the ongoing Uyghur issue could disrupt trade talks. Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Board of Trade, warned it’s too early to predict the fallout but said businesses must adapt to survive. Companies are being urged to make the most of Thailand’s 16 free trade agreements (FTAs) with…
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Bringing home the bacon: Korat businesses struggle as pork prices soar
Rising pork prices have left business owners in Nakhon Ratchasima facing daily losses, with some considering closure. They urge the government to fulfill economic promises and address the needs of smaller businesses rather than focusing solely on the wealthy. At a gathering at Rabieng Kiang Nam restaurant in Hua Thale subdistrict, Mueang district, representatives from pork stalls and restaurants discussed…
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Bitcoin to US Dollar exchange rate (BTC/USD)
Bitcoin (BTC) is the world’s most popular cryptocurrency, and its value against the US dollar (USD) fluctuates significantly. The BTC to USD exchange rate is determined by complex market forces that are influenced by several factors, such as Bitcoin’s supply and demand, US monetary policy, institutional investor demand, and global economic trends. Bitcoin Supply and Demand The price of BTC to…
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Thailand’s new gambling bill: What it could mean for the country
The conversation around legalising gambling in Thailand has been simmering for years. Now, it’s starting to reach crunch time. On March 27, cabinet members approved the highly debated Entertainment Complex Bill. It could pave the way for casino resorts to operate legally across the country. For a nation where gambling has been mostly outlawed for decades, this bill could represent…
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Thai food fight: Restaurant industry left starving as spending drops 40%
Thailand’s restaurant industry is in turmoil, with purchasing power dropping by over 40% in the first quarter of 2025, according to Thanivarn Kulmongkol, President of the Thai Restaurant Association. The sluggish economic recovery and stagnant incomes have left consumers tightening their belts, opting for savings rather than spending, especially ahead of major festivals like Songkran. This downturn is affecting all…
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Why Thai casinos are embracing Bitcoin: trends and insights
Crypto casinos, in general, and Bitcoin casinos, in particular, have drawn considerable attention in the past few years. However, in many countries, there exists a blanket ban on casinos or gambling. Thailand is one such country where gambling is largely illegal and is allowed in a restrictive manner. In Thailand, gambling was allowed only for horse races and those offered…
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Thaksin wades into Thailand debt storm with bold bailout plan
Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has reignited debate over the country’s mounting debt crisis, urging the government to buy up bad loans to help struggling households. The 75 year old’s proposal? The state should step in, purchase non-performing loans (NPLs) from financial institutions, and wipe debt-ridden individuals off the National Credit Bureau’s blacklist. But not everyone is convinced by…
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Thai delegation aims for 7.3 billion baht rice deal in South Africa
The Commerce Ministry of Thailand has dispatched a delegation to South Africa to promote Thai rice, aiming to finalise a major export deal valued at approximately 7.3 billion baht. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan assigned Worawong Ramangkura, Assistant Minister of Commerce, to lead a delegation from March 24 to March 30, including representatives from the Thai Rice Exporters Association, General Mill…
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Thai stock index jumps as gold hits record high amid Fed rate plans
In a striking turn for the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), the index surged for the third consecutive day, momentarily cracking the 1,200-point mark yesterday, as gold prices soared to record highs. This rally followed the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain interest rates at 4.25-4.50%, as anticipated. Rakpong Charoenpong, Senior Vice President at KGI Securities (Thailand), attributed the buoyant market…
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Blooming brilliant: Thailand rakes in billions from orchid exports
Thailand has once again proven its floral dominance, exporting over 5 billion baht worth of orchids in the last two years alone. With demand for Thai orchids flourishing across the globe, the country has cemented its status as the world’s leading exporter of these beautiful blooms. According to the Department of Business Development (DBD), Thai exports of decorative plants from…
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Tech it to the bank: Thailand’s data boom lures global giants
Thailand is quickly establishing itself as a key player in the global digital landscape, attracting major international data centre investments worth over 100 billion baht. The Board of Investment (BoI) reported that existing giants from the US, China, Japan, and South Korea are eager to expand their operations in the country, which is anticipated to exceed last year’s investment levels.…
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Digital boom: Thailand’s tech economy set for electrifying growth
Thailand’s digital economy is poised to skyrocket this year, with GDP expected to rise by a staggering 7.3% to hit 4.85 trillion baht, according to the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry. This digital surge far exceeds the national GDP growth rate, sitting at 2.8%, totalling 19.2 trillion baht. Digital investment is also on a meteoric rise, predicted to grow…
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Credit crunch: Thai economy faces stormy skies
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is sounding the alarm over slipping asset quality among wealthier borrowers, echoing a worrying trend seen in middle- and low-income groups as the Thai economy slows to a crawl. Minutes from the recent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting reveal mounting concerns about loan quality deteriorating across the board. This could lead banks to become even…
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MG shifts gears as Thai pickup production hits the brakes amid slowdown
SAIC Motor-CP has hit the brakes on its Thai pickup truck production. The pause by the Chinese-Thai collaboration producing MG vehicles, comes as the domestic car market takes a downturn, although there’s hope for a reboot once conditions steady. While MG Sales (Thailand) hasn’t disclosed specific production figures for diesel pickups, company Vice-President Pongsak Lertruedeewattanavong reassures consumers. “Pickups aren’t our…
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Thai food takes Tokyo: Commerce Ministry serves up 2 billion baht export success
The Ministry of Commerce successfully facilitated Thai food exports exceeding 2 billion baht during the FOODEX Japan 2025 event in Tokyo. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, stated that the department collaborated with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Office of Commercial Affairs in Tokyo to present 59 Thai companies at the event. Held…
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Thailand Post boosts fruit delivery with EMS service
Thailand Post is offering an EMS express delivery service for summer fruits to support farmers and entrepreneurs across the country. Thailand Post Managing Director Danan Suphattrapan stated that the service aims to meet the diverse needs of consumers and businesses, particularly by assisting agricultural producers in distributing their products more efficiently to the market. The EMS express service boasts an…
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Baht boost: Thailand greenlights 200 billion for Bangkok transit line
Thailand has sanctioned investment applications amounting to a total of 200 billion baht, spearheaded by a Bangkok transit line and three data centres, offering a potential uplift to the country’s subdued economic growth. The primary initiative is Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc’s 109 billion baht (US$3.2 billion) investment in the Orange Line, aimed at connecting Bangkok’s western and eastern suburbs,…
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Thailand halves visa-free stay to curb illegal business activities
Thailand plans to shorten the visa-free stay period from 60 to 30 days to mitigate the misuse of the visa exemption programme by illegal businesses. This decision follows a principle agreement among relevant government officials, as reported by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong indicated that the Foreign Ministry has acknowledged the issue, which has…
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McLovin’ it: McDonald’s supersizes Thai expansion (video)
McDonald’s is going all out for a big year, pledging a whopping multi-million baht investment to expand and revamp its stores across Thailand. Kittiwan Anuwatesakul, Chief Executive of McThai Co Ltd, dished out the details on the 700 million baht expansion, revealing plans to open 20 shiny new outlets, gobbling up 70-80% of the budget. Plus, 25 existing branches will…
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Thailand charges ahead with tax breaks for hybrid vehicles
Tax incentives for the manufacturing of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in Thailand are being proposed, with implementation anticipated from 2026 pending approval, as announced by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. The proposal, which aims to link tax rates to a vehicle’s battery charge travel range, will be presented to the Cabinet by April. To boost PHEV adoption, the government is…
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