Finance

Thailand finance guide—economy updates, banking, taxes, and smart money management. Stay informed on financial trends, investment insights, and practical tips for navigating Thailand’s financial landscape.

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    Moving with family? Here’s how to cut health costs in Thailand

    Relocating to Thailand with your family brings exciting new opportunities, but it also comes with the challenge of managing healthcare costs in a new system. Thailand has both public and private healthcare options, each offering different prices and quality of...

  • Thai US tax talks stall as Vietnam races ahead

    Thai US tax talks stall as Vietnam races ahead

    Thailand’s hopes of clinching a breakthrough tax agreement with the United States have hit a stumbling block, leaving officials scrambling for solutions—and exporters nervously watching from the sidelines. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira admitted yesterday, July 4, that the much-anticipated deal remains out of reach despite days of high-level negotiations in Washington. Speaking during a stopover in…

  • Red Bull tycoon tops Thailand rich list with US.5 billion fortune

    Red Bull tycoon tops Thailand rich list with US$44.5 billion fortune

    Red Bull really does give you wings—especially if your name is Chalerm Yoovidhya. The co-owner of the world-famous energy drink has officially been crowned Thailand’s richest man this year, boasting a staggering net worth of US$44.5 billion (1.4 trillion baht), according to Forbes magazine. Chalerm’s jaw-dropping fortune saw an eye-watering leap of US$8.5 billion, marking a 24% surge from the previous year.…

  • EC Markets makes waves at the iFX Expo International 2025 in Limassol

    EC Markets makes waves at the iFX Expo International 2025 in Limassol

    The vibrant city of Limassol, Cyprus, has once again hosted one of the biggest and most important events in the world of finance and fintech: the iFX Expo International 2025. With over 6,000 professionals and 1,600 companies gathering from around the world, the iFX Expo was a week of high-energy filled with fresh, innovative ideas, tech startups, and big announcements!…

  • Celebrating 15 years of XM! Legendary deposit bonus to create global opportunities

    Celebrating 15 years of XM! Legendary deposit bonus to create global opportunities

    In celebration of its 15th anniversary, XM extends its heartfelt appreciation to traders around the world for their unwavering support by launching a 100% deposit bonus promotion worth up to US$15,000. This milestone offer marks the most generous bonus in XM’s history and serves as a powerful catalyst for traders to sustainably grow their trading potential. 15 years of trust,…

  • The future of Thailand’s startup ecosystem: Trends, tech & talent

    The future of Thailand’s startup ecosystem: Trends, tech & talent

    Thailand is quickly becoming one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations for startups. While the country was once known mainly for tourism and manufacturing, it’s now gaining attention for its growing tech-driven entrepreneurial scene. Government support, a young and skilled workforce, and a booming digital economy are driving this change. Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai are emerging as hubs of…

  • Scam alert: Fraudsters pose as SCB agents to freeze your account

    Scam alert: Fraudsters pose as SCB agents to freeze your account

    Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is sounding the alarm over a new scam targeting unsuspecting customers, where fraudsters impersonate bank staff and trick victims into freezing their accounts. The bank issued a public warning this week after receiving reports of con artists calling or messaging customers to ask if they had authorised someone else to open an SCB account on their…

  • Bank of Thailand to name new governor amid challenges

    Bank of Thailand to name new governor amid challenges

    The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is set to appoint a new governor as Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput will conclude his term on September 30. The selection process is crucial, as the new governor will navigate Thailand’s economic challenges and influence monetary policy and financial stability. Applications for the position closed on June 4, with seven candidates in the running. The candidates are:…

  • How rising US interest rates could cause currency volatility in emerging markets

    How rising US interest rates could cause currency volatility in emerging markets

    The US dollar has been serving as the global trade currency for decades. Historically, inflation-driven rapid interest rate hikes in the United States and worldwide have threatened the economic welfare of emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). Sharp increases in US interest rates contribute to the rising foreign exchange value of the dollar, implicitly spilling over into EMDE borrowing costs.…

  • Thailand taxman’s 2-year sweetener to lure overseas millions home

    Thailand taxman’s 2-year sweetener to lure overseas millions home

    The taxman in Thailand is having a rethink and it could mean a big win for globe-trotting Thais with cash stashed abroad. In a bid to woo back an estimated 2 trillion baht in overseas investments, the Revenue Department is planning a two-year tax holiday on foreign-earned income, so long as it’s brought back into the country pronto. Revenue Department…

  • Bangkok Bank’s policy shift: Why the change of heart?

    Bangkok Bank’s policy shift: Why the change of heart?

    Bangkok Bank, Thailand’s largest commercial bank and one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent financial institutions, has begun freezing accounts and blocking cards belonging to Russian nationals, triggering confusion and concern among the expat and tourist communities across the country. The drastic move, which reportedly began around May 25, follows a newly enforced policy that limits access to banking services for…

  • Baht off! Bangkok Bank shuts the door on tourist accounts

    Baht off! Bangkok Bank shuts the door on tourist accounts

    Tourists and short-term visitors in Thailand are getting the cold shoulder from Bangkok Bank after the banking giant quietly slammed the brakes on opening accounts for foreigners without long-term visas. Expats and digital nomads are reeling after Bangkok Bank, Thailand’s largest lender, introduced tough new rules barring tourists from opening deposit accounts, applying for credit cards, or using mobile banking…

  • Alarming financial inequality in Thailand

    Alarming financial inequality in Thailand

    Recent data from the Bank of Thailand reveals a concerning financial disparity: approximately 89% of the nation’s bank deposit accounts contain less than 50,000 baht. This statistic underscores the fragile economic state of a significant portion of the Thai population, many of whom rely on daily wages and lack sufficient savings to withstand unforeseen financial challenges. The financial inequality in…

  • Hotel gold rush cools this year, but green deals heat up

    Hotel gold rush cools this year, but green deals heat up

    After a blockbuster year for Thailand’s hotel market in 2024, the pace of property deals is beginning to cool, but savvy investors are turning their eyes to greener pastures. According to global real estate firm JLL, Thailand’s hotel transaction market in 2025 is undergoing a “normalisation” phase, with activity returning to sustainable levels. Following a record-breaking 22 billion baht in hotel…

  • TrustFinance: Powering finance businesses worldwide through trust

    TrustFinance: Powering finance businesses worldwide through trust

    In the highly competitive and regulation-focused financial industry, trust is not just a value, it is a vital asset. Recognising this need, TrustFinance, a Singapore-based platform tailored specifically for financial businesses, has expanded its global suite of B2B services. These services are designed to support brokers, fintech platforms, investment firms, and other financial service providers in establishing and communicating trust…

  • EC Markets takes centre stage at iFX Expo International 2025 in Limassol

    EC Markets takes centre stage at iFX Expo International 2025 in Limassol

    In June, EC Markets will undertake initiatives that mark new, decisive steps in its worldwide expansion and consolidation within the financial sector. The company will play a leading role at the now-established iFX Expo International 2025, which will be held from June 17 to 19 at the City of Dreams Mediterranean Resort in Limassol, Cyprus. This year’s iFX Expo is…

  • TrustFinance Business 2025: A day of growth, trust, and collaboration

    TrustFinance Business 2025: A day of growth, trust, and collaboration

    TrustFinance successfully hosted TrustFinance Business 2025 at Gaysorn Urban Resort in Bangkok on May 9. The event welcomed over 10 leading brokers, fintech innovators, service providers, and financial media partners for a full-day summit focused on growth, collaboration, and trust-building across the financial ecosystem. The event featured a powerful mix of keynote insights, live product showcases, high-impact business matching, and…

  • Navigating high inflation & slow growth: How ECB policy shapes the eurozone’s timid progress

    Navigating high inflation & slow growth: How ECB policy shapes the eurozone’s timid progress

    So far, 2025 has proven to be the year of reckoning for the eurozone economy, caught in the crosshairs of high inflation and sluggish growth. In a delicate balancing act, the ECB (European Central Bank) changed course with consecutive interest rate cuts this year, following aggressive monetary policy tightening during the 2022 to 2024 high-inflation period. Coming up are market…

  • Bitcoin tipped to smash US0k as crypto bulls charge ahead

    Bitcoin tipped to smash US$100k as crypto bulls charge ahead

    Bitcoin is gearing up for a six-figure breakout, with crypto watchers boldly predicting the world’s biggest digital coin could hit a jaw-dropping US$100,000, even as the US central bank holds fire on interest rate cuts. Despite the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) likely keeping rates steady this week, optimism is soaring among investors, thanks to heavyweight institutions snapping up spot…

  • Manage trading risk more effectively with HFM’s tools

    Manage trading risk more effectively with HFM’s tools

    HFM Group, a regulated, award-winning online broker, takes risk management seriously to provide cutting-edge technology, wide-ranging education, and advanced trading tools to clients worldwide. Their innovative solutions provide enhanced protection against unexpected market movements, offering features such as negative balance protection, customisable stop-loss and profit orders, and real-time risk analysis. With a commitment to enhancing trading experiences, HFM’s risk management…

  • Rate expectations: BoT tipped to slash interest rates

    Rate expectations: BoT tipped to slash interest rates

    Thailand’s top bankers are bracing for a financial shake-up, with the central bank set to cut interest rates this week as economic headwinds from abroad leave growth floundering. The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is widely expected to trim its key policy rate by 0.25 percentage points tomorrow, April 30, as the kingdom battles a growing storm of economic setbacks. Kasikorn…

  • Finance Ministry confirms 10,000 baht digital currency distribution

    Finance Ministry confirms 10,000 baht digital currency distribution

    The Finance Ministry has confirmed the distribution of 10,000 baht in digital currency for phase three during the second quarter. The application is ready, with only integration with banks remaining. The release date for phase four has also been announced. Deputy Finance Minister Chulapan Amornvivat yesterday, April 22, stated that the ministry remains committed to its schedule for the economic…

  • World Bank backs Thailand’s retirement lottery to boost savings

    World Bank backs Thailand’s retirement lottery to boost savings

    Thailand’s retirement lottery has received international acclaim, with the World Bank calling it a “remarkable innovation” for boosting retirement savings. The scheme, which cleverly combines the public’s love for gambling with the need for financial security, has sparked significant interest at the World Bank-International Monetary Fund (WB-IMF) Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. The World Bank has expressed strong interest in…

  • FBS brings joy to vulnerable communities during Ramadan

    FBS brings joy to vulnerable communities during Ramadan

    FBS, a leading global broker, proudly concluded its Ramadan 2025 charitable efforts in partnership with SUKA Society in Malaysia and the Peduli Anak Foundation in Indonesia. With a total donation of US$20,000, FBS supported over 400 people across both regions. In collaboration with SUKA Society, FBS provided essential food supplies and Ramadan care packages to vulnerable communities. From March 18…

  • Phuket hospital seeks donations to build operating rooms

    Phuket hospital seeks donations to build operating rooms

    A Phuket hospital is making a desperate plea for public donations to build its own operating rooms, after receiving woefully insufficient funding from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). Chalong Hospital, which serves more than 160,000 patients a year across the Rawai, Karon and Chalong areas, is in urgent need of six modern operating theatres — but only has a…

  • Bank of Thailand seeks new governor as Sethaput’s term ends

    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…

  • Baht to the future: Thai currency eyes 33 mark as dollar dives

    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…

  • TrustFinance Business Bangkok 2025: The premier B2B event

    TrustFinance Business Bangkok 2025: The premier B2B event

    TrustFinance Business 2025, the premier business-to business (B2B) matchmaking event for the Forex industry, is set to take place on May 9 in Bangkok, Thailand. The highly anticipated gathering will bring together top Forex brokers, fintech innovators, liquidity providers, payment solutions, and trading technology providers, offering unparalleled opportunities for strategic partnerships and business growth. Connecting the Forex ecosystem for a…

  • Thailand student loan defaulters face 3,000 baht salary cuts

    Thailand student loan defaulters face 3,000 baht salary cuts

    Thousands of student loan borrowers are in for a financial shock as the Student Loan Fund (SLF) prepares to slash an extra 3,000 baht from monthly salaries — and it’s all starting this month. The move has sparked a storm of confusion and concern among debtors, many of whom claim they’ve been making payments regularly. But according to the SLF,…

  • FXGT supports earthquake relief efforts in Bangkok and Myanmar

    FXGT supports earthquake relief efforts in Bangkok and Myanmar

    FXGT.com has announced its commitment to supporting relief efforts following the devastating earthquake that recently struck Myanmar and Bangkok. The company has donated to Bangkok Community Help Foundation, an organisation actively providing critical aid to those affected by the disaster. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 28 and has left many communities in dire need of…

  • BoT launches debt relief and fraud crackdown in Phuket

    BoT launches debt relief and fraud crackdown in Phuket

    To ease the financial burden on struggling debtors and combat rampant financial fraud, the Bank of Thailand’s Southern Office unveiled a new initiative in Phuket yesterday, April 3. The You Fight, We Help programme aims to provide critical support for citizens and small businesses facing financial difficulties while also tackling the growing issue of financial crime. Thatlap Paoleuangthong, Senior Director…