business

  • Thailand NewsIKEA to open another store in Bangkok’s Phrom Phong area

    IKEA to open another store in Bangkok’s Phrom Phong area

    Last week, IKEA, the famous Swedish furniture company, announced is set to open another store in Bangkok’s Phrom Phong in the Emsphere, Emporium and Emquatier shopping district. The IKEA complex is still under construction and there is no announcement on the planned opening date. This will be their fourth location in Thailand alongside Mega Bangna, Central Westgate, IKEA Phuket. Mega…

  • Thailand NewsWorkers on online platforms are reportedly underpaid – Thailand Labour Ministry

    Workers on online platforms are reportedly underpaid – Thailand Labour Ministry

    Since the outbreak of Covid-19, a lot of people have been working from home, and many have become freelancers. The idea might sound good on paper, but they faced many challenges from having limited access to government welfare and being underpaid and undervalued. Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the Labour Ministry had organised a forum for people to voice their…

  • Property NewsFrasers to invest 10 billion baht in industrial space, ‘new economy’ by 2025

    Frasers to invest 10 billion baht in industrial space, ‘new economy’ by 2025

    Frasers Property Industrial aims to invest 10 billion baht to expand its industrial buildings from 3 to 4 million square metres by 2025, with 50% of new projects directed at the “new economy” category, according to the Bangkok Post. FPIT expects to continue its dominance by expanding its market share to 60% — up from the pre-pandemic 40%. This year,…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok instant noodle shop draws thousands of teens

    Bangkok instant noodle shop draws thousands of teens

    A Bangkok instant noodle shop that opened in October last year has drawn thousands of teenagers since its opening. The shop, called Good Noodle, is stocked with noodles from Indonesia, South Korea, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Good Noodle doesn’t just sell noodles, though. It also allows customers to to prepare their meals and eat there, even though the noodles…

  • Thailand NewsCarl’s Jr. says goodbye to Thailand, stores in Bangkok and Pattaya close next week

    Carl’s Jr. says goodbye to Thailand, stores in Bangkok and Pattaya close next week

    The American fast-food chain, Carl’s Jr., is saying goodbye to Thailand. All six of its stores in Bangkok and Pattaya will close by the end of the month. The R&R Restaurant Group, which owns the franchise rights to run Carl’s Jr. chains in Thailand, says that it can no longer afford to operate it. The group says it was forced to…

  • PropertySansiri to launch 28 low-rise properties in 2022, bolstering ‘affordable’ housing in Thailand

    Sansiri to launch 28 low-rise properties in 2022, bolstering ‘affordable’ housing in Thailand

    Thailand real estate developer Sansiri says it aims to launch 28 new projects worth 39 billion baht in 2022, more than double last year’s figure, citing its growing confidence in low-rise housing projects for the domestic market. Last year, Sansiri’s presales for low-rise properties totalled 22.4 billion baht, comfortably exceeding its goal of 20 billion baht by 12%, according to…

  • World NewsSingapore wants to attract highly skilled expats

    Singapore wants to attract highly skilled expats

    Singapore has devised a new system to identify unusually high talent, or ‘super skills’ in expats. The system is points-based, and scores factors including education, skills, and how expats’ nationalities contribute to diversity in their company. It is set to start in September. Singapore’s Manpower Minister said business chambers and companies have welcomed the scheduled points system. He told Bloomberg Television the…

  • PropertyCentara plans to build 100 new hotels by 2026, launch 20 per year

    Centara plans to build 100 new hotels by 2026, launch 20 per year

    Centara Hotels and Resorts plans to open 100 new hotels in Thailand, the Middle East, China and neighbouring countries over the next 5 years, with the intention of managing them through agreements with partner companies, according to the Bangkok Post. Centara’s 5 year goal from 2022 aims to add 20 hotels each year, bringing the total number to more than…

  • Thailand NewsPaypal will still work in Thailand until the end of the year

    Paypal will still work in Thailand until the end of the year

    After Paypal warned of suspending its services in Thailand starting March 7, the company announced yesterday that it will in fact keep providing services in the country until the end of the year. Paypal had warned it would close services in Thailand after Thai authorities wanted it to verify all users’ identities, in order to prevent money laundering. But now,…

  • PropertySena to expand housing, warehouse portfolio in 2022

    Sena to expand housing, warehouse portfolio in 2022

    Sena Development intends to expand into warehouses, serviced apartments and asset management in 2022, while also developing 49 new residential properties valued at 27.5 billion baht. This year, the company intends to venture into new sectors in order to increase stable earnings from regular income, with the majority of new operations connected firms that can help with property development, the…

  • Thailand NewsThais can now work in Saudi Arabia

    Thais can now work in Saudi Arabia

    As of yesterday, Thai workers can now work in Saudi Arabia, and will be protected by Saudi laws. Thailand’s cabinet approved two draft agreements about this yesterday, which will last for five years. They will be extended for another five years unless one or both parties decide against it. Both countries will cooperate to make sure recruitment and employment is…

  • PropertyThailand real estate market to see post-pandemic boom by 2024

    Thailand real estate market to see post-pandemic boom by 2024

    Real estate developers in Thailand should brace themselves for a post-pandemic boom, despite the current inflation and higher development prices, economists say. After a 2 year slowdown during the pandemic, Thailand will enter a new economic phase from 2022 to 2024, according to Bangkok Bank’s Senior Executive Vice-President Kobsak Pootrakool in the Bangkok Post. “We are getting close to the end…

  • TravelCommon jobs for foreigners in Thailand 2022

    Common jobs for foreigners in Thailand 2022

    Thailand is a great place for everyone, from families to backpackers to retirees and those who want to work here. There are a lot of people who have fallen in love with the country and never left. After two years of pandemic, Thailand is slowly opening up and we believe that once the dust has settled, there will be plenty…

  • PropertyPruksa plans to invest 3.5 billion baht in property, healthcare and tech startups

    Pruksa plans to invest 3.5 billion baht in property, healthcare and tech startups

    Pruksa Holding plans to spend 3.5 billion baht in property and healthcare technology businesses to improve its primary operations and increase cash flow, following a 2 year restructure and stock clearance. The CEO stated that the company’s two major operations, property development and hospitals, will be synergised with technology and innovations. Their plan is to invest in startups via joint ventures…

  • Thai LifeTop 10 hard truths of living as an expat in Thailand

    Top 10 hard truths of living as an expat in Thailand

  • PropertyCentral Pattana reports B7.1 billion profit in 2021

    Central Pattana reports B7.1 billion profit in 2021

    Central Pattana, a retail and property developer in Thailand, made 7.1 billion baht in net profit and received 28.9 billion baht in revenue in 2021, despite Covid-19 challenges. CPN’s Chief Financial Officer described 2022 as another difficult year for the company since the pandemic has had a greater impact on customers’ lifestyles and numerous businesses than the previous year. “The…

  • PropertySC Asset to develop 27 domestic projects in 4 years, targets 100 billion baht in revenue

    SC Asset to develop 27 domestic projects in 4 years, targets 100 billion baht in revenue

    SC Asset Corporation aims to invest 40 billion baht to build new residential developments in Thailand totaling 130 billion baht between 2022 and 2025, with a revenue target of 100 billion baht over the next four years. Of the 130 billion baht the SET-listed developer intends to invest in new releases from 2022 to 2025, 20 billion baht would go…

  • Bangkok NewsThailand’s retail giant Central plans 100 billion baht investment by 2026

    Thailand’s retail giant Central plans 100 billion baht investment by 2026

    Over the next 5 years, Southeast Asia’s largest retailer plans to invest 100 billion baht to grow its business even more. The Thailand-based Central Retail Corporation Pcl, which has more than 20 department stores and shopping centres across Thailand as well as two outlets in Indonesia, says the investment, which is around US$3.03 billion, is aimed at increasing revenue and…

  • PropertyDusit continues asset light hotel development plan for 2022

    Dusit continues asset light hotel development plan for 2022

    SET listed Dusit International is sticking to its hotel opening schedule for 2022, developing a long term strategy while implementing an asset light model. Dusit International CEO Suphajee Suthumpun said the company is on schedule to open new hotels in Thailand and abroad, including in Greece, India, the Middle East, the Philippines and China. Dusit Thani’s international hotel, resort and luxury…

  • Visa Information10-year visa to attract engineers and IT experts, boost technology development

    10-year visa to attract engineers and IT experts, boost technology development

    The 10-year visa scheme for wealthy foreigners and highly-skilled professionals is expected to attract engineers and IT experts, potentially boosting technology development in Thailand as the country anticipates a shortage of digital workforce over the next few years. The long-stay visa scheme was approved in principle by the Thai Cabinet last month, targeting foreign investors, highly-skilled professionals and wealthy retirees…

  • World NewsRegional low-cost carriers expand routes in Southeast Asia as travel slowly resumes

    Regional low-cost carriers expand routes in Southeast Asia as travel slowly resumes

    International flights in the Southeast Asia region continue to resume, with low-cost carriers expanding their routes as countries re-open. According to a TTR Weekly report, the Singapore Airlines subsidiary, Scoot, is resuming the Singapore – Ho Chi Minh route, with 4 round-trip flights a week. A twice-weekly service connecting Singapore and Hanoi is planned from February 22. Last week, Vietnam…

  • World NewsLaos government allows Chinese firm to dig rare earth minerals, locals concerned

    Laos government allows Chinese firm to dig rare earth minerals, locals concerned

    Villagers in northeastern Laos have voiced concerns over losing their land to a Chinese firm that was recently approved by the Southeast Asian government to dig for rare earth minerals. A government source says some displaced villagers will receive compensation. Although the Lao Ministry of Plans and Development signed an agreement on January 21 allowing the Tong Lee Seung Industrial…

  • Tourism NewsThai airlines pin their hopes on government resuming Test & Go

    Thai airlines pin their hopes on government resuming Test & Go

    The president of the Airlines Association of Thailand says the government must allow the Test & Go entry scheme to resume as soon as possible. The scheme was recently suspended as the Omicron Covid-19 variant spread rapidly across the globe. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, who is also the boss of Bangkok Airways, says the scheme was working well, attracting more foreign visitors…

  • World NewsCiti to sell consumer banking business in Southeast Asia to Singapore’s United Overseas Bank

    Citi to sell consumer banking business in Southeast Asia to Singapore’s United Overseas Bank

    Citigroup announced on Thursday its agreement to sell its consumer banking operations in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam to United Overseas Bank (UOB) for approximately US$2.97 billion. UOB stated that as part of the agreement, it will acquire Citi’s retail deposit divisions, loan portfolios and wealth management, in the four countries’ consumer banking sectors. “We are excited to announce this…

  • Bangkok NewsBooze sales are likely to be extended until midnight during Christmas and New Year’s

    Booze sales are likely to be extended until midnight during Christmas and New Year’s

    The hours on alcohol sales at restaurants might be extended on Christmas and New Year’s. Thai authorities are now considering pushing the hours for sales of beer and liquor from 9pm to 11pm or midnight. The proposal will be reviewed today during a meeting with government agencies and tourism associations, according to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Phiphat Rachakitprakarn,…

  • Thailand NewsVending machine industry sees resurgence thanks to pandemic

    Vending machine industry sees resurgence thanks to pandemic

    While Covid-19 resulted in Thailand’s overall economy suffering, a few select industries actually saw some impressive growth. The vending machine business is booming, and with demand rising companies like Sun Vending Technology Plc (SVT) are experiencing renewed popularity. The company reported massive growth this year and is making plans to expand. Senior vice president of SVT Pitsnu Chokwatana explained that…

  • Thailand NewsAmerican businesses pledge continued investment in Thailand

    American businesses pledge continued investment in Thailand

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says that he is pleased with the ongoing economic relationship between Thailand and the United States. American businesses have pledged continued investment in the country as they acknowledge the many opportunities in Thailand, despite the setbacks that have been caused by Covid-19. A meeting between PM Prayut and the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (Amcham) was…

  • Business NewsMass lay-offs at Thai AirAsia as aviation sector continues to struggle

    Mass lay-offs at Thai AirAsia as aviation sector continues to struggle

    Thailand may have re-opened to international travellers, but the aviation sector continues to struggle as a result of the pandemic. Today, the Bangkok Post reports that Thai AirAsia has announced mass redundancies and extended furlough arrangements for many of its staff. Asia Aviation, the largest shareholder in TAA, says the outlook for the aviation sector remains unstable and the company…

  • Business NewsMore cuts at Thai Airways as flagship carrier continues rehab process

    More cuts at Thai Airways as flagship carrier continues rehab process

    The chairman of the Thai Airways rehabilitation plan says the airline is making good progress with cost-cutting exercises. Piyasvasti Amranand says Thailand’s national carrier has managed to recover 44.8 billion baht by cutting its workforce and ending aircraft lease agreements. “Thai Airways’ operational performance has progressed satisfactorily in many aspects, including cost reduction and organisational restructuring.” According to a TTR…

  • SponsoredPacific City Club – Where business and leisure meet

    Pacific City Club – Where business and leisure meet

    Press Release Bangkok’s Most Prestigious Private Members Club Announces a Special Invitation The Pacific City Club is renowned for being the most prestigious and luxurious private members club in Bangkok since the early 1990s. Situated on the top three floors of the Two Pacific Place building on Sukhumvit Road, the Club is an oasis of calm in the bustling city.…