businesses
- Thailand News
Bangkok Bank backs bold India expansion for Thai businesses
Thai businesses have their sights set on India’s booming market, and Bangkok Bank is rolling out the red carpet to support this promising venture. With an eye on India’s rapid economic growth and vast population, the bank’s president, Chartsiri Sophonpanich, calls it “a golden opportunity” for Thai entrepreneurs eager to expand. India’s economy is powering ahead at an annual growth…
- Tourism News
Senate urges crackdown on foreign-run tourism businesses
The Senate called on the government to intensify efforts against tourism businesses managed by local proxies for foreign citizens, aiming to shield local enterprises from unfair competition. During a recent session, Senator Nantana Nantavaropas raised concerns about the difficulties Thai businesses face in competing with companies managed by nominees. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong responded, revealing that ministry representatives…
- Thailand News
China supports Thailand in combating dubious businesses
Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to supporting Thailand in cracking down on dubious Chinese businesses, while also aiming to enhance bilateral trade and relations. Han made these comments during a seminar held on Tuesday, July 23, to commemorate the 49th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Thailand. A recent incident involving a Chinese-language billboard in Bangkok’s Huai…
- Technology News
How the blockchain can benefit Thai businesses
Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) undoubtedly form the structural foundation of many global economies, they contribute up to 40% of national revenue and create upwards of 70% of employment roles. Nevertheless, they frequently encounter significant hurdles, including obtaining financial access. This is where blockchain is introduced as a catalyst for change, set to redefine the vista of the business landscape.…
- Thailand News
Russian nominee business bust exposes 1.5 billion baht scandal
In a dramatic crackdown on illegal businesses in Phuket, 231 suspects, including 98 foreign nationals, mostly Russians, have been arrested, revealing a scandal worth over 1.5 billion baht. The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD), under the directive of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Police General Jirabhop Bhuridej, raided several accounting and real estate firms on the island. The operation…
- Digital Marketing
What is lead generation and how to do it
Ever been left scratching your head over the term lead generation? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This fancy business lingo pops up a lot and if it’s got you feeling like you missed a memo, no sweat. So, what’s a lead? Well, in simple terms, it could be anyone or even an entire company that’s shown some interest in what…
- Thailand News
Thai tourism operators brace for impending annual low season
Thailand is set to face its annual tourism low season, warned Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, the leading figure of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). The transition into the low season comes after the country’s Songkran Holidays, a peak period for tourism. This shift leaves tourism operators grappling with the challenge of keeping their businesses afloat during the lull in tourist…
- Thailand News
Huai Khwang’s food scene hit by strict regulations, eateries close
Recent developments in Huai Khwang district have seen a wave of closures across restaurant businesses including hotpot and shabu eateries. According to the Huai Khwang District Office, scrutiny has led to the discovery that many Chinese restaurants were operating without the necessary permits. The district office mandated that all eateries obtain proper licensing but this proved challenging for some. Compliance…
- Business News
Hong Kong bolsters business links with SE Asia and Middle East
Hong Kong is set to intensify its business ties with Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern nations, as part of its contribution to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Nicholas Ho Lik-chi, the Commissioner for Belt and Road, has identified Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia as key cooperation partners for the year ahead. Ho Lik-chi oversees…
- Business News
Thai Commerce Ministry set to liberalise ten service businesses this year
The Business Development Department under the Commerce Ministry is anticipated to liberalise ten service businesses within this year, encompassing sectors like telecommunications services, treasury centres, and currency exchange businesses. Director-General Auramon Supthaweethum stated that the department has already completed studies on eight of these businesses, with the remaining two set to open for public hearings soon. As soon as the…
- Thailand News
Commerce Ministry’s plan to catapult SMEs to 40% GDP by 2027
The Commerce Ministry unleashed an ambitious plan to elevate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to new heights, targeting a staggering 40% contribution to the GDP by 2027. A comprehensive strategy is set to turbocharge consumption, investment, government spending, and international trade, propelling SMEs into the forefront of economic prowess. Acknowledging the pivotal role SMEs play in Thailand’s economic fabric, Commerce…
- Business News
Wage increase: Thai businesses wary of proposed 400 baht hike
The business sector expressed concerns over the possible negative effects of the proposed daily minimum wage increase to 400 baht. The announcement, made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, could lead to higher costs for consumers. Industries that rely heavily on labour, such as agriculture, food export, retail trade, and construction, would be most affected by the wage increase, according to…
- Business News
Thailand sees ten-year high in new business registrations, surpasses projections
The Business Development Department of Thailand’s Commerce Ministry reported an exceedance of its new business registration projections for the first half of the year. The original estimate of 42,000 to 45,000 new registrations translated to a practical figure of 47,286. A positive development which signals a thriving entrepreneurial climate. This buoyant climate has encouraged an upward revision of predictions for…
- Business News
SEC raises crowdfunding cap for retail investors to 50 million baht
In an effort to foster growth among startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is extending the ceiling on security-based crowdfunding offers to 50 million baht for retail investors. Previously, the limit was 40 million baht. However, institutional, high-net-worth, and ultra-high-net-worth investors are not subjected to any caps. The financial regulator put forth in…
- Covid-19 News
Lockdown decision expected tomorrow for Bangkok
A full lockdown decision is expected tomorrow for Thailand’s capital of Bangkok after record daily Covid-19 infections have sent the city into a frenzy trying to stop the spread of the virus. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration is expected to make the recommendation which will be forwarded to the full committee chaired by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha. The CCSA will…
- Covid-19 News
Thai PM gives Covid curfew powers to individual provinces
Thailand’s PM Prayut Chan-o-cha is giving individual provinces the power to set curfews and other measures to contain the spread of Covid-19. PM Prayut’s Facebook page also details new guidelines for the management of hospital beds to make sure that all who are infected with the virus have access to treatment, and screening to determine whether they should be admitted…
- Covid-19 News
54 provinces to see relaxing of disease control measures
Thailand is proposing an easing of disease control measures in 19 more provinces in an effort to resume business operations. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration will consider the proposal on Monday, which would increase the number of provinces to see relaxed measures from 35 to 54. Those provinces would be listed as green zones and include: Kamphaeng Phet, Chai…
- Covid-19 News
Changes to Thai provincial Covid zones – what’s re-opening today?
There are quite a few changes coming into effect today around many of the Thai provinces. Some types of businesses will be re-opening and some restrictions are being lifted. The new measures go into effect TODAY. Here is a list from the National News Bureau of Thailand… Maximum control (Dark Red): Samut Sakhon The following locations will remain closed: Pubs,…
- Thailand News
198 new infections, 1 death – Thailand’s Covid-19 update
After a week of high and lows in the reporting of the latest clusters, Thailand officials are reporting 198 new infections of Covid-19 today, with 180 being locally transmitted. 69 of those local infections were found via tests at medical facilities and 111 were found by proactive testing. Most of the proactive tests were found in Samut Sakhon, where the…
- Covid-19 News
13 Bangkok businesses allowed to reopen tomorrow
Tomorrow, 13 types of businesses in Bangkok are being allowed to reopen but must have strict disease control measures in place. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration made the decision which would undoubtedly give many businesses some relief as well as potential customers. Such businesses with restrictions include: Banquet venues, which will need authorisation from BMA for events with over 300 participants…
- Politics News
Companies pull out from Trump brand after storming of Capitol incident
Corporate America is adding its weight in response to the insurgency at the Capitol building on January 6, and are pulling out from any association with the Trump brand after the storming of the capitol incident which economists say will have a profound medium and long-term effect on his business interests. Recently, Signature Bank closed Trump’s personal accounts and the…
- Tourism News
Krabi’s Ao Nang businesses shut up or sell up
Ao Nang, Krabi’s tourist strip, is struggling under the strain of no customers or tourists. Thai Residents reports that there are now at least 10 hotels up for sale valued at billions of baht. Businesses and hotels along the popular Ao Nang tourist strip have been shutting down because of the prolonged closure of Thailand’s borders to general tourism. Even…
- Phuket News
Phuket hotels fighting for their lives as domestic tourism fails to support the island
In the wake of last weekend’s ministerial talkfest and discussions with local industry players on the island, Bill Barnett paints a bleak picture of a tourist island in freefall. All the shops, restaurants and hotels can’t remain empty, or merely keep their doors open with a handful of domestic customers, forever. Phuket’s hotel industry is reaching breaking point and drastic economic support…
- Tourism News
Tourism sector facing massive closures
Thailand’s tourism sector, long seen as a lifeline for the nation’s battered economy, is in a meltdown; more than 30% of tourism-related businesses have left the market with many more expected to follow, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand. The president of the TCT says the tourism industry predicts further deterioration after 6 months of the Covid-19 crisis, as…
- Covid-19 News
One third of tourism businesses could go under due to Covid-19
The president of the Tourism Council of Thailand is warning that close to a third of tourism-related businesses are likely to be permanently shuttered in the second half of this year, due to the impact of the Covid-19 crisis. Chairat Trirattanajarasporn says many will simply run out of liquidity to keep their businesses afloat and be forced to close up…
- World News
India bans TikTok among almost 60 other Chinese apps
India has decided to ban almost 60 Chinese apps, including the explosively popular TikTok and WeChat, which has left millions of users reportedly startled and disappointed. The Indian government says the apps were “prejudicing the sovereignty and integrity of India, the defence of India, and the security of state and public order.” Although TikTok has refused to share any data…
- World News
Justice minister targets drug money laundering
With the government struggling to find revenue streams for its economic stimulus plans to rebuild an economy battered by Covid-19, Thailand’s justice minister thinks he has an idea to help. He wants authorities to target businesses that launder drug money from the Golden Triangle and has set a target of 1.5 billion baht by August. The minister says anti-drug forces,…