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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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    Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run

    Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...

  • Foot Locker kicks off its Thai journey, stepping into youth-driven sneaker scene | Thaiger

    Foot Locker kicks off its Thai journey, stepping into youth-driven sneaker scene

    Foot Locker, the renowned speciality athletic retailer based in New York, launched its first store in Thailand, targeting the youth demographic and aiming to invigorate the sports shoe/sneaker market. The announcement came from Deepak Tomar, country general manager and director of MAP Active Adiperkasa, the official licensee for Foot Locker in Thailand, who revealed the store’s opening in the Siam…

  • Thailand’s DES minister vows to combat online scams | Thaiger

    Thailand’s DES minister vows to combat online scams

    Newly appointed Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister, Prasert Chanthararuangthong, pledged to prioritise the suppression of online fraud and call centre scams. As part of the Pheu Thai Party‘s commitments, the DES ministry is also expected to cooperate with related agencies to roll out a digital wallet scheme by 2024, with an initial rollout anticipated for early next year. The…

  • NBTC and DES ministry prepare for Thaicom 4 satellite transition in 2024 | Thaiger

    NBTC and DES ministry prepare for Thaicom 4 satellite transition in 2024

    The office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is working closely with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) to prepare for the Thaicom 4 satellite‘s 2024 lifespan expiry at 119.5° East orbit. Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, NBTC board chair, held talks with outgoing DES Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn on joint responsibilities. Thaicom previously managed both Thaicom 4 broadband…

  • Kasikornbank’s ASEAN ambitions grow: Eyes on Home Credit Vietnam | Thaiger

    Kasikornbank’s ASEAN ambitions grow: Eyes on Home Credit Vietnam

    Kasikornbank (KBank), the second-largest lender in Thailand by total assets, is in preliminary discussions to acquire consumer finance provider Home Credit Vietnam. This move is part of KBank’s ASEAN business expansion. Home Credit Vietnam belongs to the Netherlands-based non-bank financial institution, Home Credit Group, which is planning to offload its ASEAN businesses. KBank executive vice-president Pattarapong Kanhasuwan revealed the deal…

  • Thai leadership insights: Decade-long study proves remarkably accurate | Thaiger

    Thai leadership insights: Decade-long study proves remarkably accurate

    A decade-long research study on Thai leadership, conducted by an executive and Professor Bruce McKenzie, demonstrated remarkable accuracy. This study, based on global data and insights from diverse Thai groups, offered a comprehensive perspective on leadership. Over the past dynamic decade, predictions by Thai contributors have proven highly accurate, leading to the emergence of six key leadership approaches. These encompass…

  • Digital economy minister urged to support SMEs and combat online scams in Thailand | Thaiger

    Digital economy minister urged to support SMEs and combat online scams in Thailand

    The newly appointed Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister is being urged by industry leaders to combat online scams, bolster cross-border e-commerce for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and provide additional incentives to businesses for technological investments. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is also looking to collaborate with the minister, Prasert Chanthararuangthong, on various initiatives to bridge the…

  • Bangkok Governor Chadchart to attract growth from multinationals | Thaiger

    Bangkok Governor Chadchart to attract growth from multinationals

    In a bid to stimulate economic growth, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt intends to transform the city into a base for multinational corporations. This initiative, according to Chadchart, should dovetail with the government’s strategies as it would bolster the city’s economy and generate employment opportunities. “Urban centres are essentially labour markets. The reason people reside in such areas is the availability of…

  • Phuket Airport expansion to double capacity, costing 6 billion baht | Thaiger

    Phuket Airport expansion to double capacity, costing 6 billion baht

    Phuket International Airport is set to undergo a significant expansion, as approved by the Airports of Thailand (AoT). The project, which is currently in the design stage, is estimated to have a price of upwards of 6 billion baht. AoT’s President, Kerati Kijmanawat, highlighted the expansion as a primary agenda during Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s recent visit. The proposed airport…

  • JKN Global reassures investors after bond payment rescheduling | Thaiger

    JKN Global reassures investors after bond payment rescheduling

    JKN Global Group Plc (JKN), the owner of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), reassured investors that its financial status is robust, despite a recent bond payment rescheduling caused by a liquidity mismatch. Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, the chief executive and managing director, said at a briefing that the company is set to meet its revenue target of over 3 billion baht this…

  • 15 years of escrow legislation: 867 billion baht in transactions | Thaiger

    15 years of escrow legislation: 867 billion baht in transactions

    Data released by the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has shed light on the impact of escrow legislation over a 15-year span. According to an anonymous FPO source, escrow service transactions during this period totalled a hefty 867 billion baht, the majority of which were linked to capital market transactions. The Escrow Account Act came into effect in 2008, and from…

  • Thai rice body urges government to focus on new rice strains | Thaiger

    Thai rice body urges government to focus on new rice strains

    The Thai Rice Exporters Association is calling on the new government to avoid manipulating rice market prices and instead focus on the strategic production of new rice varieties. Chookiat Ophaswongse, the association’s honorary president, emphasised the importance of developing new rice strains to maintain competitiveness with other exporting nations. “This is crucial for the future of Thai rice. Following roadshows…

  • Bangchak acquires Esso Thailand bolstering network and refining capacity | Thaiger

    Bangchak acquires Esso Thailand bolstering network and refining capacity

    In a significant move in Thailand’s petroleum sector, Bangchak Corporation secured a resounding acquisition of Esso Thailand. ExxonMobil Asia Holdings’ relinquishing of a 65.99% majority stake to Bangchak marks the completion of this transaction. As a consequence of this development, around 700 Esso petrol stations throughout the country will commence operations under Bangchak’s brand, starting tomorrow. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, the Group…

  • Thai motorcycle production to exceed 2.1 million units amid tourism rebound | Thaiger

    Thai motorcycle production to exceed 2.1 million units amid tourism rebound

    The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is forecasting that motorcycle production this year will surpass the initial target of 2.1 million units. The revival of the tourism sector and the easing of the global semiconductor shortage are cited as the primary factors for this optimistic outlook. Surapong Paisitpatanapong, the vice-chairman and spokesperson for the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club, attributes this…

  • Ratch Group earmarks 35 billion baht for business expansion | Thaiger

    Ratch Group earmarks 35 billion baht for business expansion

    Thailand’s leading private power producer, Ratch Group Plc, remains steadfast in its decision to allocate a capital expenditure of 35 billion baht for the expansion of its operations in both the power and non-power sectors this year. Chief Executive Choosri Kietkajornkul said that out of this capital allocation, 29 billion baht is for investments in power generation. She further revealed…

  • AIS withdraws lawsuit against NBTC over True-DTAC merger approval | Thaiger

    AIS withdraws lawsuit against NBTC over True-DTAC merger approval

    AIS, the telecommunications giant, recently took a surprising turn as it withdrew its case against the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s (NBTC) decision, which recognised the merger between True Corporation and Total Access Communication (DTAC), its two direct competitors. The lawsuit contended that the NBTC board had failed to exercise its authority to regulate the deal according to existing regulations.…

  • Media meltdown: JKN global struggles as shares drop amid debenture dilemma | Thaiger

    Media meltdown: JKN global struggles as shares drop amid debenture dilemma

    JKN Global Media Plc’s shares plummeted to 1.67 baht during early trade as the company acknowledged its inability to fully repay the 609 million baht debenture due that day. This debenture is part of a seven-series set, totaling 3.36 billion baht. After the disclosure on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), JKN Global Media’s shares tumbled by 29.8%, a drop…

  • Power play: FTI cheers new government’s energy cost pledge | Thaiger

    Power play: FTI cheers new government’s energy cost pledge

    The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed its satisfaction with the newly elected government’s commitment to lowering energy costs and retail diesel prices. Newly inaugurated Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has prioritised energy price reductions as an early objective of his administration. An immediate cut in energy prices has been promised by the 61 year old Srettha and his Cabinet upon…

  • Rice and shine: Thailand sets sights on 8 million tonnes export mark | Thaiger

    Rice and shine: Thailand sets sights on 8 million tonnes export mark

    The director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, announced that Thailand’s rice exports are expected to achieve the target of 8 million tonnes this year. This forecast comes after the recorded shipments through to August 29 reached 5.29 million tonnes, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 11.9%. This upswing in rice exports aligns with the rising concerns over drought…

  • ATTA doubts efficacy of free visa plan for Chinese tourists | Thaiger

    ATTA doubts efficacy of free visa plan for Chinese tourists

    The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has expressed scepticism about a government proposal to offer free visas to Chinese tourists as a means of stimulating demand. ATTA cites economic difficulties and a weak currency as challenges that could render this initiative ineffectual, particularly in the face of flight and staff shortages. The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations and the…

  • Global investors navigate high interest rates amid inflation control efforts | Thaiger

    Global investors navigate high interest rates amid inflation control efforts

    Amid recession concerns, inflation, and high interest rates, investors seek promising investment avenues. Stock enthusiasts believe global interest rates are close to peaking, while central banks watch inflation. The US Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate to 5.25-5.50% in July, the highest in decades. The European Central Bank increased rates by 0.25%, and the Bank of Japan hints at a…

  • Premium privilege: Thailand Elite Card set to increase membership fee by 50%” | Thaiger

    Premium privilege: Thailand Elite Card set to increase membership fee by 50%”

    Thailand Privilege Card Co (TPC), operator of the Thailand Elite Card, announced plans to increase its base membership price by 50%, raising it from 600,000 baht to 900,000 baht. The move is part of the company’s strategy to boost its annual revenue to 8 billion baht. In addition, the company will be introducing four new types of cards, all of…

  • NBTC developing nationwide streaming platform for digital TV by 2025 | Thaiger

    NBTC developing nationwide streaming platform for digital TV by 2025

    The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is set to develop a nationwide streaming platform, aiming to streamline all real-time streaming content from existing digital TV channels. The platform is anticipated to be fully operational by 2025, aligning with the NBTC’s online migration plan and catering to the increasing number of online content consumers. This initiative is also expected to…

  • Thai government considers utility tokens to boost digital wallet initiative | Thaiger

    Thai government considers utility tokens to boost digital wallet initiative

    The Pheu Thai-led government is anticipated to roll out utility tokens to bolster its digital wallet initiative, a move pending approval from the Bank of Thailand as the regulator currently bans using tokens as payment, according to Asia Plus Securities (ASPS). The financial services company projects that the government will issue Type 1 utility tokens, each valued at 10,000 baht,…

  • Oil corporations slickly tap influencers, sparking eco-conscious uproar | Thaiger

    Oil corporations slickly tap influencers, sparking eco-conscious uproar

    Top oil corporations are increasingly utilising social media influencers to advertise their products, a move that has provoked criticism from environmentally conscious followers. The influencers, typically known for sharing lifestyle content, are now endorsing petrol stations, fuel rewards, and club cards. Instances of such promotions were identified by AFP across India, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States on platforms…

  • Online impostors scam public with high-profile personas as digital deception thrives | Thaiger

    Online impostors scam public with high-profile personas as digital deception thrives

    Members of the public are being targeted by fraudsters posing as high-profile business figures as online scams continue to run rife. Authorities warned potential investors to exercise caution and authenticate any investment links or messages they receive, following a spike in scam cases. The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry identified common traits among scammers, most notably the promise of…

  • CKP and BEM partner for Thailand’s first solar-powered mass transit rail | Thaiger

    CKP and BEM partner for Thailand’s first solar-powered mass transit rail

    CK Power Plc (CKP) Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) have forged a partnership to bring the first solar-powered mass transit rail systems to Thailand. The collaboration aims to utilise solar energy to power the MRT Chalerm Ratchamonkol Line (MRT Blue Line) and the MRT Chalong Ratchadham Line (MRT Purple Line) which, combined, span over 71 kilometres and have 54…

  • Thai tourism faces strain from sluggish Chinese, Japanese economies | Thaiger

    Thai tourism faces strain from sluggish Chinese, Japanese economies

    Tourism operators in Thailand are facing significant challenges due to the sluggish economies of China and Japan and an uneven recovery in Thai tourism that benefits larger operators. A recent survey by the Thai Hotels Association (THA) and the Bank of Thailand revealed that 29% of three-star or lower-rated hotels have been severely impacted by interest rate hikes and may…

  • Siam Cement delays SCGC IPO citing adverse economic climate | Thaiger

    Siam Cement delays SCGC IPO citing adverse economic climate

    The initial public offering (IPO) of Siam Cement Group‘s subsidiary, SCG Chemicals Plc (SCGC), has been delayed. Citing the company’s large size and the current adverse economic and investment climate, the parent company, Siam Cement Group (SCG), did not provide a new timeline for the IPO. This announcement was made by Roongrote Rangsiyopash, the President and Chief Executive of SCG.…

  • Phuket’s international convention centre supported by new PM | Thaiger

    Phuket’s international convention centre supported by new PM

    Phuket’s stalled international convention centre project might see new life with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s promise to revisit it for local economic stimulation. During a recent visit to Phuket and Phangnga, PM Srettha engaged local tourism representatives, acknowledging their suggestions. Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of the Phuket Tourist Association, is confident the prime minister and Pheu Thai Tourism committee will seriously…

  • Thailand’s Q2 economic recovery slows, full-year 2023 growth forecast revised | Thaiger

    Thailand’s Q2 economic recovery slows, full-year 2023 growth forecast revised

    Thailand’s second quarter of 2023 saw a slowdown in economic recovery, with GDP growth falling from 2.6% year-on-year in the first quarter to 1.8%, as reported by the National Economic and Social Development Council on August 21. The figures fell significantly short of consensus estimates of 3.1% and growth projections of 2.9%. The economy’s quarter-on-quarter growth was a mere 0.2%,…