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.
-
Sponsored Limited-time deal: Save 20% on Cigna's expat health plans forever
Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
-
Sustainable financing: Unlocking Thailand’s net-zero pathway challenge
The urgency of tackling climate change and transitioning towards a sustainable future has drawn increased attention to the importance of sustainable financing in recent years. With every investment decision holding the potential to mould the fate of the planet, governments, corporations, and financial institutions are recognising the significance of funding environmentally friendly initiatives. The push for a net-zero carbon economy…
-
Thailand boosts oversight of agriculture imports to tackle smuggling
The Ministry of Commerce in Thailand is ramping up its efforts to strengthen the oversight of agricultural product imports in an attempt to tackle smuggling in the country. The Internal Trade Department’s deputy director-general, Chakra Yodmani, noted that his agency has instituted measures to control the flow of 10 different crops, including paddy and milled rice, government stockpiled rice, fresh…
-
Smart moves by KTO set to boost Korean tourists in Thailand by one million
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is on a mission to lure travellers with cutting-edge smart tourism offerings, boosting the number of Korean visitors to Thailand to an impressive one million during the upcoming third quarter. As this thriving alliance between the two countries takes shape, Korean tourism is set to soar to new heights. Tanes Petsuwan, the Tourism Authority of…
-
Thai SEC urged to tackle Stark’s negative shareholder equity, boost investor trust
Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to address Stark Corporation’s negative shareholder equity issue to safeguard investors’ interests and bolster confidence in the market. Arkhom held discussions with the SEC’s secretary-general about the stock issue and encouraged the regulator to utilise available tools to boost investor trust in the market. He said… “It is crucial…
-
Delta Electronics shares plunge 20%, triggering 1% drop in Thai Stock Exchange
Delta Electronics saw its shares plummet by approximately 20% recently, negatively impacting the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) after the implementation of market surveillance measures due to irregular price increases. Analysts from Krungsri Capital Securities (KCS) and Maybank Securities identified the primary cause of the 1% drop in the SET index as Delta’s share price decline, as the electronics parts…
-
Luxury market boost: Siam Piwat doubles space at Siam Paragon amid soaring demand
Rapid growth in demand for luxury items during the pandemic has led Siam Piwat to enlarge the sales space allocated to luxury goods at Siam Paragon, doubling it in size. According to Mayuree Chaipromprasith, the president of corporate affairs and communications at Siam Piwat, the pandemic restrictions fuelled a significant increase in the appetite for the luxury market. The average…
-
Thailand investments attract 45 billion baht in foreign funding
In the first five months of 2023, Thailand received foreign investments amounting to 45.4 billion baht, with Japan being the largest spender in the development of businesses in the country. The figures released by the Commerce Ministry show Japan’s investments reaching 15.9 billion baht, followed by China at 11.5 billion baht, and Singapore at 6.35 billion baht. The Business Development…
-
Rice export surge: Thailand fast-tracks new varieties to boost global market share
Thailand is making significant strides in boosting its export competitiveness by fast-tracking the development of new rice varieties to meet global market demand, with plans to introduce 30 new varieties in the coming year. Following the “new rice variety contest for Commerce” event, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit discussed Thailand’s efforts to combat the lack of diversity in its product offerings…
-
Election uncertainty affects Thai tourism, domestic spending slows down
As the Election Commission validates candidates for MP-elect roles this week, tourism operators express concern about a slowdown in domestic spending. Travellers appear to be delaying their plans, whilst local businesses hesitate to reinvest until a government is established. “There will still be a vacuum period until the government is formed,” said Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road…
-
Economic slowdown, drought risk to hinder Thai economy in H2
The prospect of a domestic economic slowdown in the latter half of the year has been raised due to multiple factors, including potential drought, political uncertainties, and a slow global economy, according to the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai). EconThai’s vice-chairman, Tanit Sorat, highlighted that the global economy is predicted to experience growth of less than 2.1%…
-
GGC forecasts 20% sales growth, revenue steady amid falling prices
Global Green Chemicals (GGC), the biochemical subsidiary of PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC), anticipates a 20% increase in sales this year, primarily driven by palm oil-based products. However, overall revenue for PTTGC’s Biochemical subsidiary, GGC is expected to remain steady due to a decrease in product prices. Kridsada Prasertsuka, PTTGGC Biochemical’s managing director, attributes the sales increase to the rising demand…
-
PSP Specialties plans IPO on Thai stock exchange for growth boost
Thailand’s leading lubricant producer, PSP Specialties Plc, is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) to boost its business growth. The company plans to offer 350 million shares, approximately 25% of its total shares, on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The price per share is yet to be determined, with a roadshow in the works to promote the company. CGS…
-
Household debt tackled by Bank of Thailand with new guidelines
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is set to introduce new lending guidelines to counter the rising household debt crisis, particularly among Gen X and Gen Y age groups, according to Assistant Governor Siritida Panomwon Na Ayudhya. The central bank is also working on a draft royal decree to supervise leasing and hire-purchase businesses to resolve informal debt issues. From 2010…
-
Virtual banking: SCB X and KakaoBank join forces for Thai licence bid
A consortium led by financial technology conglomerate SCB X is partnering with South Korea’s KakaoBank to apply for a virtual banking licence from the Bank of Thailand. SCB X, a holding company of Siam Commercial Bank, signed the agreement with KakaoBank, with the aim of bringing additional partners on board to improve competitiveness. Arthid Nanthawithaya, chief executive of SCB X,…
-
Thai recycled clothing fashion to reach 1.3 billion baht by 2032
As environmental concerns rise globally, consumer demand for clothing made from recycled materials continues to grow. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) director-general, highlighted the environmental impacts of the textile industry, which consumes 93 billion cubic metres of water annually, releases 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, and accounts for 20% of worldwide wastewater discharge. Major fashion…
-
Chiang Mai tourism: Haze issue risks long-stay senior tourist numbers
Tourism operators in Chiang Mai are urging the new government to address the persistent haze issue to attract the return of long-stay senior tourists, whose absence has dealt a significant blow to the province’s economy. The leader of the Move Forward Party, Pita Limjaroenrat, visited Chiang Mai last week and discussed environmental and tourism policies with local industry representatives. According…
-
Thailand aims for early 2024 Efta trade negotiations wrap-up
Thailand plans to wrap trade negotiations with Efta nations by early next year appears to be the key objective for Thailand’s trade representatives. The chief negotiator, Auramon Supthaweethum, who is also the director-general of the Department of Trade Negotiations, shared that the recent two-level discussions are taking place in Oslo, Norway. The fifth round of the Thai-Efta FTA negotiations has…
-
Raimon Land unveils 18 billion baht luxury projects amid bolstered high-end market confidence
Raimon Land Plc, a stock exchange of Thailand (SET)-listed property developer, is confident in the high-end residential market and revealed plans for three new luxury projects worth 18 billion baht in Phuket and Bangkok. Raimon Land plans to launch the projects in the fourth quarter. Korn Narongdej, the chief executive, made known that the luxury market proved to be resilient…
-
Thai sugar producer KSL faces 15% output drop, eyes low-GI product growth
Thailand’s third-largest sugar producer, Khon Kaen Sugar Industry (KSL), anticipates a decline of 10 to 15% in sugar cane output, down to 5 million tonnes, for its factories in the 2023 to 2024 crop year due to drought. In comparison, the 2022 to 2023 crop year yielded 6.4 million tonnes of sugar cane. Despite the reduction in sugar cane production,…
-
Trading troubles: Thai stock market feels pinch of political uncertainties amid global rate rumbles
The Thai stock market remains under pressure from domestic political uncertainties, despite a halt in US interest rate hikes and a recent rate cut in China. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index continued its downward trend, closing at 1,557.71 points, a 0.22% decrease from the previous day. In contrast, several Asian stock markets experienced gains, with Hong Kong’s Hang…
-
Unlocking digital potential: Foreign software companies ‘Thai’ the knot with Thailand’s growing tech scene
Thailand is witnessing an increase in foreign software companies setting up offices in the nation, tapping into its digital growth and the demands of local enterprises. This development has attracted big data centres and cloud service providers from various countries, including the US, Japan, and China. Among the firms choosing Thailand is Adobe Inc., an American creator of design tools…
-
Thai economy boost: Bank forecasts GDP growth, increased tourism
Anticipating a stronger Thai economy, the Bank of Thailand has expressed confidence that GDP growth will surpass their expectations. This is attributed to the economic strategies implemented by the new government, combined with progress in the tourism and consumption sectors. In a recent meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the central bank stated that they foresee continuous growth in…
-
Thailand tourism eyed by Agoda CEO as business hotspot rivaling Japan, Vietnam
Agoda, the online travel agency, foresees a bright future for Thailand tourism as the country emerges as a preferred destination for business travellers, potentially rivalling top hotspots like Japan and Vietnam. Ranked second in Agoda’s largest inbound markets between January and May, Thailand’s tourism trails behind Japan in terms of overall popularity. Agoda’s Chief Executive, Omri Morgenshtern, believes Thailand’s potential…
-
Stock exchange warns investors: Tread carefully on OTO shares
Following irregular trading of One to One Contacts Plc (OTO) shares, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) issued a warning for investors to be cautious and examine information thoroughly. OTO, which offers outsourced contact centre services to government agencies and corporations, faced a spike in trading volume, mainly concentrated among a few investors. Previously placed under the Level 1 trading regulations…
-
Bank of Thailand anticipates slower loan growth: Interest rates not main factor
The Bank of Thailand anticipates a slower pace of loan growth in the banking industry due to reduced demand, while asserting that rising interest rates are not the main factor impacting loan expansion. The central bank’s soft loan programme, which aimed to aid small and medium-sized enterprises, largely contributed to the increased borrowing during the post-pandemic recovery period. Sakkapop Panyanukul,…
-
Timber regulations tightened, Thailand targets Siamese rosewood exports
The Commerce Ministry of Thailand recently announced two new regulations targeting the timber trade. Beginning on July 17, traders will be required to hold a certificate of import to import timber, processed wood, and wooden artefacts. Additionally, starting August 16, the export of Siamese rosewood (phayung) will be prohibited, Bangkok Post reports. The director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, Ronnarong…
-
Siam Piwat Simon plans second Premium Outlets in tourist hotspot
Shopping mall operator Siam Piwat Simon Co is exploring options for the best location to open a second branch of Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, focusing on provinces with a large local population and high foreign tourist numbers. Michael Tang, the company’s managing director, highlighted the importance of excellent transport infrastructure and convenient access for travellers when selecting the location for…
-
Thailand tourism thrives with 1,200% surge in Klook bookings
Online travel platforms continue to express optimism about Thailand’s tourism growth this year, propelled by a substantial increase in visitor arrivals. Wilfred Fan, Chief Commercial Officer at Klook, an online travel platform, stated that the company experienced a 1,200% increase in bookings for activities in Thailand year on year in the first five months of 2023. The top five markets…
-
China-Africa Expo to boost trade, explore emerging sectors
The upcoming third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, set to take place in Changsha from June 29 to July 2, is expected to further enhance economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa. The expo, which occurs every two years in Hunan Province, has gained significance as a platform under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation framework. China currently holds the…
-
Thai government weighs extending diesel excise tax cut beyond July
The Thai government is considering extending the excise tax cut on diesel, which is set to expire on July 20. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha directed the Finance Ministry and other relevant agencies to evaluate the feasibility of prolonging the tax reduction. Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow revealed that the Finance Ministry has been tasked with determining the appropriateness of an extension.…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.