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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Navigating trading psychology amid the ‘US Politics Effect’ and market instability
In 2025, global markets are expected to be shaken by extreme volatility driven by President Trump’s policy decisions, given tariff hikes, public threats to dismiss Fed Chair Powell, and unpredictable trade moves. Often called the “Trump effect,” US politics creates constant uncertainty, triggering fear-based reactions in trading. Understanding how to stay focused during such turbulence is critical for success. Equally…
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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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Pay Thai car tax in minutes with new app: DLT (video)
Paying your annual car tax just got a whole lot easier—and you won’t even have to leave the sofa. The Department of Land Transport (DLT), in partnership with Krungthai Bank, has launched a groundbreaking service allowing drivers to pay their annual vehicle tax via the Pao Tang app. Officials say the move will save time, cut travel costs, and make…
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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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Thailand taps digital wallet leftovers to fight Trump’s tariffs
The Thai government is rushing to prop up struggling businesses as Washington’s trade crackdown starts hitting closer to home. An anonymous source from Government House revealed that US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy is expected to severely impact local entrepreneurs. In response, the economic stimulus committee has decided to allocate 42 billion baht—leftover from the digital wallet scheme—to aid…
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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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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!…
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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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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:…
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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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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…
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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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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…
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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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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…
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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…
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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…
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