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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9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Bank of Thailand seeks new governor as Sethaput’s term ends
The Ministry of Finance has initiated the process to select a new governor for the Bank of Thailand (BoT), as Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput’s five-year term concludes on September 30. A selection committee, led by former Finance Permanent Secretary Sathit Limpongpan, will soon convene to establish candidate requirements and the application timeline, according to ministry spokesperson Pornchai Thiraveja. Under Thai law, the…
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License to bill: Thailand gives green light to trio of virtual banks
Thailand’s financial future is getting a digital upgrade, with three new virtual banks set to get the green light by June 19, the Finance Ministry has confirmed. In a bold move to modernise banking and boost financial inclusion, the Bank of Thailand has already shortlisted three candidates from a pool of five heavyweight consortiums. The final list of approved operators…
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Geely does it: Chinese EV giant shifts gears with Thai expansion
A Chinese electric carmaker is ready to spark up Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) scene, with big plans, bold investments and a battery-powered push to win over local drivers. Geely, one of China’s top EV brands, is plugging into Thailand in a big way, with its local distributor, Thonburi Neustern Co, unveiling ambitious plans to supercharge the brand’s presence in the…
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Baht to the future: Thai currency eyes 33 mark as dollar dives
The Thai baht is flexing its muscles on the global stage, with experts predicting it may surge past the symbolic 33-per-dollar mark in the second quarter, fuelled by trade tensions, a faltering US economy, and sky-high gold prices. According to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research), the baht has climbed to a six-month high, riding the wave of a weakening US dollar…
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Protecting your bets: password hygiene and account management
Online betting continues to grow in Thailand. With more people using mobile apps, protecting personal accounts becomes essential. Most users store payment information, history, and login data on their phones. If this data gets exposed, the consequences can be serious. Strong password practices play a big role in securing betting accounts. Many users now use multiple platforms to place bets,…
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Thailand boosts green industry with World Bank project
Efforts are underway to enhance carbon data management in Thailand’s industry to boost investment in the Map Ta Phut sandbox, a collaborative project between the World Bank and the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT). This initiative aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and support factory operators in Rayong’s Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in transitioning to businesses based on…
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Thai and mighty! Thailand leapfrogs Malaysia in global rankings
Thailand may have outpaced Malaysia in a key global competitiveness ranking for the first time in a decade but experts warn the shine may not last as structural issues, budget cuts, and a lack of long-term vision continue to hold the kingdom back. Thailand has climbed to second place in Southeast Asia in the IMD World Competitiveness Centre’s global rankings,…
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Thai finance minister to address US tariff impacts on economy
Thailand’s Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is set to engage with the Bank of Thailand governor regarding the United States‘ reciprocal tariff measures ahead of his visit to the United States. Aiming for a formal meeting with the central bank governor by tomorrow, April 17, Pichai intends to evaluate the impacts of US trade policy, global economic trends, and the US’s…
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Byte-sized bounce: Thai digital sector plugs back into confidence
Thailand’s digital sector has shown signs of life, climbing out of the red and back into confidence territory this year, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) hype, economic boosters, and a softer policy rate. But insiders warn the rebound could short-circuit if skills shortages and wage hikes aren’t tackled fast. The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) revealed that its Digital Industry…
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IMF urges Thailand to give baht-up households a helping hand
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned Thailand to boost protections for struggling families or risk keeping millions trapped in a cycle of crushing debt, much of it borrowed just to put food on the table. In a hard-hitting Country Focus report released on April 9, the global financial watchdog highlighted that more than half of Thai workers lack formal…
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Thailand urged to address rising zero-dollar exports from China
Thailand’s economy is being short-changed by a flood of so-called “zero-dollar” investments and exports from China, with experts warning the government must clamp down, or risk a new wave of growth that benefits everyone but the Thais. Amonthep Chawla, chief economist at CIMB Thai Bank’s Economic Centre, said America’s latest tariff moves, both those aimed broadly and those specifically targeting…
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Thai travellers offered 50% off flights to China for Songkran
Chinese travel agents are pulling out all the stops to fill planes over the Songkran holiday, offering Thai tourists cut-price tickets to the mainland in a desperate bid to claw back losses after a dramatic drop in Chinese visitors to Thailand. Some tour operators are slashing fares by up to 50%, flogging unsold flight tickets at bargain rates rather than…
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Nestlé challenges Thai court ban on Nescafé production
Nestlé has expressed concern for small business owners following a court order prohibiting the production and sale of Nescafé in Thailand. The company is preparing to file an appeal after Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, a shareholder in Quality Coffee Products Co., Ltd. (QCP), sought a temporary injunction. Yesterday, April 9, a report detailed that Chalermchai initiated legal proceedings at the Min Buri…
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Fizzy drink giants face sugar tax squeeze as sweet crackdown kicks in
Thailand’s fizzy favourites are feeling the pinch as a new sugar tax kicks in, forcing beverage makers to cut the sweet stuff or cough up more cash. Beverage chiefs and sweet drink producers have been slapped with a sour surprise as the Finance Ministry rolls out the latest phase of Thailand’s sugar tax crackdown, pushing firms to trim the sugar…
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Malaysians motor ahead as Chinese tourism hits a speed bump
Thailand’s tourism chiefs are shifting gears after a drop in Chinese arrivals put the brakes on what was expected to be a bumper Songkran season while Malaysians continue to flood in. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revealed a surprise twist in the tourist traffic, with Chinese visitor numbers dipping just as their southern neighbours from Malaysia come roaring in.…
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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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