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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Flying foreign: Thai aviation industry in a tailspin over pilot proposal
The Thai aviation industry has been stirred by the proposal to allow foreign pilots to operate domestic routes, a move considered unusual as such roles are traditionally reserved for Thai nationals. Thai Vietjet’s request, though temporary, aimed to address an aircraft shortage during peak travel seasons, has met with significant resistance from the Thai Pilots Association. A global shortage of…
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Thai exports up 7% in August, hitting US$26.2 billion
Thai exports saw a significant rise in August, expanding by 7% to reach US$26.2 billion (940 billion baht), fuelled by a surge in demand for agricultural and food products. This growth was attributed to the increased purchasing power of trading partners, alongside support from global climate fluctuations and the recovery of the service sector in key markets, said Poonpong Naiyanapakorn,…
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Bangkok delists more than 10,000 inactive companies
The Department of Business Development (DBD), under the Ministry of Commerce, announced the removal of 11,515 companies from the Bangkok business registry. The announcement, dated September 2 and 16, cited two primary reasons for this action. The first reason involves 8,420 companies that have not submitted their financial statements for three consecutive years, leading to the assumption that these companies…
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Charged up: Thailand greenlights 7.12 billion baht EV subsidy
The Thai Cabinet has sanctioned the allocation of 7.12 billion baht (US$218 million) from the central reserve budget to support the electric vehicle (EV) subsidy program. This decision was announced following the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday, September 24. Jirayu Huangsab, an advisor to the prime minister, confirmed that the allocated budget will subsidise buyers of EVs and motorcycles who have already…
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I’m hiring it: McDonald’s Thailand adds Texas Chicken crew to menu
McDonald’s Thailand is welcoming employees from Texas Chicken, which is set to close at the end of this month. Yesterday, September 23, McDonald’s Thailand’s Recruitment Facebook page posted a message specifically inviting Texas Chicken employees to apply for positions at McDonald’s, which operates over 230 branches across the country. “To our friends at Texas Chicken, we are saddened to hear…
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Thailand’s virtual banking sector faces competition for licences
Thailand’s emerging virtual banking sector is seeing intense competition as the number of applications has surpassed the available licences. The Bank of Thailand (BoT) announced it received five applications for virtual banking licences before the deadline, with plans to grant a maximum of three licences. The successful bidders are expected to be announced by mid-2025. The BoT has not disclosed…
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Thai baht hits 19-month high as US dollar weakens
The Thai baht has soared to its highest level in 19 months against the US dollar, driven by a weaker American currency and profit-taking in gold markets. Opening at 32.92 per dollar today, the baht marked a significant rise from September 20’s closing rate of 33.60 baht. This appreciation follows the dollar’s depreciation, which was triggered by the US Federal…
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Domestic tourism makes tracks but misses 1 trillion baht mark
Domestic tourism is on track to achieve 200 million trips this year, though revenue is anticipated to fall short of the 1 trillion baht (US$30 billion) target, reaching only 965 billion baht (US$29.3 billion). The private sector is urging for the promotion of second-tier cities through a loyalty programme to bolster local tourism. From January to July, domestic tourism receipts…
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Activist questions Paetongtarn’s resignation from family firms
Political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has pressed the Election Commission (EC) to investigate whether Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra properly resigned from executive positions in 20 family-owned companies before her election. Ruangkrai questioned if Paetongtarn adhered to the Department of Business Development’s procedures when stepping down from roles in firms associated with her family. Failure to resign appropriately would violate Section 187…
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Thailand car makers must shift into gear for EV production by 2026
In a bold move that’s set to shift gears in the automotive world, the Excise Department declared that car manufacturers cashing in on the government’s electric vehicle (EV) incentives must start cranking out key components right here in Thailand by 2026. That’s the word from Excise Department Director-General Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Ekniti has laid down the law, insisting that the electric…
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Thailand seeks ITU extension for satellite orbital slot until 2025
Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is seeking a one-year extension from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to continue using the 50.5° East satellite orbital slot beyond its expiration on November 27. The request is part of a broader effort to finalise the awarding of rights for two unsold orbital slot packages, including the 142° East slot and a…
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Baht-boom fallout: Thai economy in choppy waters after Fed slash
The economy is teetering on the edge as the surging Thai baht causes ripples across the nation. In the wake of a significant rate cut by the US Federal Reserve (Fed), local industries are now urging the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to take swift action. For over a year, the MPC has held interest rates steady, but…
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Throttle trouble: Thai motorists hit the brakes on new car buys
Thai motorists are hitting the brakes on new car purchases due to economic jitters, revealed in a new report by Differential (Thailand) Co Ltd, a data analytics, technology, and research firm. The 2024 Customer Experience Report, which polled over 2,500 Thai car buyers from November 2020 to December 2022, found that a whopping 70% of respondents intend to buy a…
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Mama noodles maker supports 400 baht minimum wage hike
Thai President Foods PLC, the producer of Mama instant noodles, expressed no opposition to the proposed minimum wage increase to 400 baht, according to Managing Director Phan Phaniangwet. He urged the Thai government to finalise the decision promptly, citing the recent volatility of the Thai baht. The baht’s rapid appreciation in recent weeks has had mixed effects on the company.…
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DES Ministry to hold banks, telecoms accountable for online scams
The Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) is set to amend regulations to hold banks and telecom operators accountable if they are found negligent in addressing online scams, according to DES permanent secretary Wisit Wisitsora-At. Wisit made the new regulation announcement, yesterday, September 19, during the 60 Years of Excellence: Creating Great Leaders, Designing the Future seminar hosted by the…
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Thailand jumps to 7th in global cybersecurity index
Thailand has leapt to seventh position in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) this year, a significant rise from 44th place in 2020, as reported by the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA). The index, which evaluates 194 countries, is administered by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The GCI, with 46 countries, including Thailand, classified as tier 1, measures cybersecurity commitment across…
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Malaysia and Cambodia launch cross-border QR payment system
Malaysia and Cambodia have collaboratively launched a cross-border quick response (QR) payment linkage, enabling consumers and merchants to conduct instant retail payments via mobile applications. This initiative, announced by Bank Negara Malaysia and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), aims to enhance the payment experience and expand market reach for over 5 million merchants in both countries, primarily small businesses.…
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Virtual bank brawl: Thailand’s money movers make their pitch
Competition for virtual bank licences in Thailand is reaching fever pitch, with five heavyweight business groups stepping forward just before the application deadline. The Bank of Thailand and the Ministry of Finance are set to issue an undisclosed number of licences, with the winners announced in the first half of next year. Successful applicants will have a year to kick-start…
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UK signs pivotal trade and investment deal with Thailand
The United Kingdom government has finalised a significant trade and investment agreement with Thailand, marking the first such deal since the Labour government assumed office in July. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and UK Trade Minister Douglas Alexander signed the enhanced trade partnership agreement in Bangkok yesterday, September 18. The deal seeks to eliminate specific trade barriers, focusing on sectors such as…
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Thailand’s consumer cashflow set to rise above 2019 levels
Thailand’s consumer spending is set to smash past 2019 levels for the first time, fuelled by expected interest rate cuts from the Bank of Thailand and a booming tourism sector, leading analysts reveal. In spite of sky-high household debt, consumer confidence is riding high thanks to a surge in foreign tourist arrivals—a key lifeline for Thailand’s economy, according to BMI,…
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Bangkok Bank gives a healthy boost to Siriraj with 70 million baht
Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited (PCL) made a healthy contribution of more than 70 million baht to Siriraj Hospital through its Bangkok Bank-Siriraj Card Project, reinforcing the bank’s dedication to social responsibility and community support. On Mahidol Day, Pochanee Kongkalai, Executive Vice President and Assistant VP of Customer Banking, proudly presented the cheque for 70,315,053.39 baht to Professor Dr Apichat Asavamongkolkul,…
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Thailand to borrow 2.59 trillion baht for 2025 budget
The Government of Thailand announced a borrowing plan of 2.59 trillion baht for the 2025 fiscal year, assuring that this will not hinder the private sector’s fundraising efforts, a Ministry of Finance official stated yesterday. Jindarat Viriyataveekul, public debt adviser at the ministry, said the debt plan, which begins on October 1, should not cause concern in the markets. She…
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MP urges central bank governor to resign over call centre scams
People’s Party list MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn launched a blistering attack on the governor of the Bank of Thailand, urging him to resign if he can’t protect the public from the alarming rise in call centre scams. He slammed the central bank for reaching a “lowest point,” with scammers boldly impersonating officials to trick unsuspecting Thais into transferring their cash. Wiroj…
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Entry Thailand: The portal to paradise
The Tourism and Sports Ministry has rolled out a brand new web portal designed to revolutionise the way foreign tourists access essential services in Thailand. Dubbed “Entry Thailand,” this innovative platform not only features an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system but also prepares for a future 300-baht fee for incoming visitors. Mongkon Wimonrat, the Tourism and Sports Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary,…
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Finance Ministry set to cash in: £400bn portfolio gets a stock-over
In a bold new move, the Finance Ministry is gearing up to overhaul its colossal 400 billion baht stock portfolio, hinting at potential sell-offs. This announcement comes straight from Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, who let the cat out of the bag. Lavaron, a key player in the State Securities Management and Development Committee within the State Enterprise Policy Office…
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Virtual bank race: Five giants vie for digi-crown in Thailand
The race is heating up for the new virtual bank licences, with five heavyweight business groups ready to battle it out. Gulf consortium has already thrown its hat into the ring, according to Krungthai Bank (KTB) president Payong Srivanich. This power team includes Gulf Energy Development and PTT Group. Armed with a solid business plan and robust ecosystem that meets…
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Thailand banks could be forced to share hacking costs
Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong has thrown his weight behind a groundbreaking proposal that could see commercial banks sharing the financial burden when their customers’ accounts are hacked. Prasert, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, publicly backed opposition MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn’s suggestion during a heated House debate. Wiroj, from the People’s Party, argued that banks…
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Whoscares? Scam alert app is here to call out the cons in Thailand
Gogolook, the brains behind the wildly popular Whoscall app, have unleashed a game-changer: Scam Alert, and it’s rocking the scene thanks to a team-up with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). A whopping 11 heavy-hitter organisations are on board this powerhouse initiative, including telecom giants, police forces, top banks, the National Cyber Security Agency, the Central Investigation Bureau, and…
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Gold rush: Fed’s policy shift sparks record-breaking prices
Gold prices soared to an all-time high today as traders anticipate the Federal Reserve’s first shift towards easing monetary policy in over four years. The price of bullion jumped by up to 0.4%, hitting a peak of US$2,589.03 per ounce during Asian trading hours, today, September 17. This comes after a 3.2% increase last week, with eyes now on the…
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Digital wallet scheme falls short of 45 million target, saves 100 billion baht
Online registrations for the government’s digital wallet handout scheme have recently closed, with only 36 million people signing up, falling short of the 45 million target. The Finance Ministry reported that this shortfall has resulted in a saving of 100 billion baht (US$3 billion) from the project’s budget. When asked whether the lower registration numbers indicated a lack of public…
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