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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Sponsored Is expat health insurance in Thailand actually worth it?
The Thaiger key takeaways Foreigners aren’t covered by public healthcare, making private hospital costs a major concern. Insurance offers financial protection and access to better medical care. Whether it’s worth it depends on your stay length, health, lifestyle, and budget....
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FP Markets’ 4 trading platforms: Choose right for trading success
A deep dive into four platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and the TradingView connection. Discover their unique features, who they are best for, and select the ultimate tool to fuel your growth. Choosing a trading platform is much like selecting the right vehicle. While the goal, generating profit, is the same, the fastest race car isn’t always suitable for…
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What can Liverpool FC teach EC Markets traders about preparing for their big trading day?
In football, every match is a challenge, and the difference between winning and losing often comes down to preparation. Liverpool FC doesn’t step onto the pitch hoping for the best; they meticulously plan, train, and analyse before every game. Trading works in the same way. Whether you’re preparing for a high-stakes forex, gold, or crypto trade, the key to success…
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Can you use dollars in Thailand? Yes, but don’t
The Thaiger key takeaways Dollars are rarely accepted: Most places in Thailand, including street food stalls and taxis, only accept Thai baht. Bring dollars for exchange: American dollars are useful for exchanging into baht at competitive rates upon arrival. Always carry baht for daily expenses: While US dollars are good for exchange, baht is essential for most transactions in Thailand.…
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Kasikornbank launches Visa debit payments on MRT
Kasikornbank is collaborating with partners to introduce a Visa debit card payment system for MRT services. This initiative is aimed at making urban travel more convenient, seamlessly integrating public transportation payments through Kasikorn Visa debit cards across all MRT lines without requiring top-ups. The service also extends to other public transport systems, including the Airport Rail Link, expressways, and buses…
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5 ways you’re losing money in Thailand
The Thaiger key takeaways Tourist restaurants, bars, and premium malls charge heavily compared to local markets and street food. High ATM fees, poor exchange rates, and careless money handling shrink your budget fast. Ignoring mobile plan renewals and overpaying for tours or taxis costs travellers far more than necessary. Visiting Thailand can be surprisingly affordable, but if you’re not careful,…
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New Thai tax plan could cost expats their perks
Thailand is preparing to flip its tax system on its head, and expats could soon be caught in the crossfire. By 2027, the government plans to roll out a negative income tax, a major shift in how financial aid is delivered. Instead of handing out subsidies to broad social groups, the new system will offer direct payments to those who…
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Thai interest rate cut fuels stock market surge
Thailand’s stock market has been handed a shot of adrenaline after the Bank of Thailand (BoT) slashed its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.50%, a move analysts say could send the SET index surging to 1,370 points by the year’s end. Market watchers hailed the rate cut as the start of “a policy-led re-rating phase” that will redirect…
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Mastering the foundations: A comprehensive guide to technical analysis theories
Technical analysis offers a structured approach to determining what to trade, when to enter the market, and how long to remain involved. Its core principle is simple: every known fact—economic or otherwise—is already reflected in the price. Thus, by observing price and volume alone, traders can discern patterns of crowd psychology and, in turn, anticipate future movements. In practice, any…
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Thailand plans tax break on foreign income
The Thai Revenue Department is fast-tracking new legislation to exempt Thai citizens from income tax on earnings sourced from abroad within the current year. Revenue Department Director-General Pinsai Suraswadi stated that the proposed law would exempt Thai citizens from income tax if they bring foreign-sourced income into Thailand within two years of earning it. The details are under discussion at…
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Bank of Thailand may cut rates amid US tariff concerns
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) may reduce interest rates multiple times by the end of this year to bolster the economy if US tariffs on Thai goods prove uncompetitive compared to regional counterparts. Head of research for the banking and financial sector at Kasikorn Research Centre, Kanjana Chockpisansin, indicated that the think tank anticipates at least one additional rate cut…
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Introducing XM Traders Club, your new trading advantage
XM has officially rebranded its loyalty programme under the new name ‘XM Traders Club,’ aiming to elevate the trading experience with greater value. Members can accumulate XMC (XM Coin) every time they open a trade, which can then be redeemed for bonuses, cash, or a wide variety of premium rewards. Trade smarter with XM Traders Club and reward points The…
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UF AWARDS APAC 2025 nominations have started!
The online trading and fintech community is up in arms as the nomination round for the prestigious UF AWARDS APAC 2025 is ongoing. This is a great opportunity for brokers and B2B technology providers to claim their spot in the industry’s top performers. Not just an award ceremony, a benchmark of quality The UF AWARDS have established themselves as one…
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Why traders in Thailand are choosing EC Markets for gold and forex trading
Gold and forex trading have long been favourites among investors in Thailand, but why are so many traders now turning to EC Markets? The answer lies in a combination of tight spreads, ultra-fast execution, Thai baht (THB) deposit support, and globally trusted regulation. Let’s dive into why EC Markets is becoming the go-to forex and gold trading platform in Thailand,…
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Finance minister reveals final contenders to lead Bank of Thailand
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira confirmed yesterday that he has officially signed off on his nominee to lead the Bank of Thailand (BoT) and submitted the selection to the Cabinet for consideration today. Speaking to reporters, Pichai made it clear he had no reservations about collaborating with whichever candidate ultimately gets the nod. “Whoever is selected, I’ll…
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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…
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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.…
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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,…
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Reforms urged for Bank of Thailand amid global financial shifts
The dean of the Faculty of Economics at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has proposed significant changes to the role of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to better align with internal economic dynamics and navigate global financial volatility. On June 22, Anusorn Tamajai made a suggestion yesterday, June 22, for the BoT to reconsider its exchange rate…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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Major disruptions as Krungthai, GSB, SCB announce maintenance
Millions of customers across Thailand are bracing for significant service interruptions as three of the country’s biggest banks – Krungthai, Government Savings Bank (GSB), and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) – prepare for extensive system maintenance. The planned outages will affect online banking, ATMs, mobile applications, and payment services, leaving many customers scrambling to complete transactions ahead of the disruptions. Krungthai…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Why it’s so hard to open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa
For many foreigners considering long-term residence in Thailand, one of the first bureaucratic barriers they encounter is the challenge of opening a Thai bank account. This seemingly straightforward step becomes a complicated puzzle for those arriving on a tourist visa or visa exemption. Ironically, the very thing required to secure a long-term stay, a Thai bank account with sufficient funds,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Baht out of luck: Thai currency slips as greenback flexes muscle
The Thai baht is wobbling once again, with currency watchers bracing for a further slide this week as the mighty US dollar gathers steam following a temporary pause in the US-China tariff war. Analysts say the baht could weaken to as low as 33.80 per dollar in the coming days, as uncertainty lingers despite a fleeting boost in global market…
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