investment

  • Business News

    Thai govt accelerates Thai-European FTA negotiations

    The Thai government is speeding up negotiations for the Thai-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to conclude within the current year. This information followed a discussion between Commerce Minister Phuntham Wechayachai and Swiss Ambassador Pedro Zwahlen. The minister revealed that the talks are being hastened following the policy of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration, which desires to expand opportunities and bolster…

  • Business News

    US plans to reinstate GSP scheme for Thailand, to help trade relations

    The United States signalled its intent to reinstate the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) scheme for Thailand, as disclosed by Thailand’s Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai. This development comes after the scheme expired in 2020. Phumtham’s statement emerged following a strategic dialogue with US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and a representative from the President’s Export Council. The dialogue served as…

  • Business News

    Delta Electronics to invest US$1 billion in manufacturing and R&D

    Delta Electronics (Thailand), the nation’s premier electronics firm by market capitalisation, is primed to inject between US$500 million and US$1 billion in a bid to enhance its manufacturing and research and development (R&D) capabilities over the next five years. A significant portion of this investment is earmarked for Thailand, disclosed CEO Victor Cheng. Cheng revealed that the capital expenditure surpassing…

  • Business News

    Cryptomind group aims to triple AUM to 3 billion baht amid crypto rebound

    Cryptomind Group Holdings announced its aim to triple its assets under management (AUM) to 3 billion baht (US$83 million) this year, following a robust rebound in the cryptocurrency market. This projection is based upon the performance of Merkle Capital Co Ltd, the group’s digital asset fund manager and Thailand’s first licensed entity in this field. The group’s confidence bolsters following…

  • Business News

    Thai government approves tax benefits for investment tokens

    The Thai government has authorised tax measures aimed at fostering capital raising through investment tokens, as confirmed by Kulaya Tantitemit, the director of the Revenue Department. The decree, which was approved during yesterday’s Cabinet gathering, states that individuals who have received income, profit shares, or other benefits from holding digital investment tokens and have had a 15% withholding tax deducted,…

  • Business News

    Foreign funds return to SET amid Federal Reserve expectations

    Foreign funds made a return to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in February, despite a 3.2% shrinkage of the SET index in the first two months of 2024. The investors’ return was driven by a decrease in expectations of the Federal Reserve’s policy rate cut, which was predicted to happen only thrice this year. Soraphol Tulayasathien, the SET’s senior…

  • Business News

    AWC plans 36 billion baht investment in high-end tourism

    Asset World Corp (AWC), a Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)-listed company, maintains a positive outlook on high-spending tourists and outlined plans to invest in projects estimated at 36 billion baht (US$1 billion) this year. Wallapa Traisorat, AWC’s chief executive and president, highlighted Thailand’s potential to attract high-spending tourists from regional competitors through quality property development, specifically hotels in partnership with…

  • Business News

    Thailand aims to become Southeast Asia’s data centre hub

    The Thailand Data Centre Council (TDCC) is pushing to establish Thailand as the central hub for data centres in Southeast Asia in the next three years, amid rising competition with foreign data centre providers joining the market. From the United States, Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and India, global cloud data centre operators are turning their investment focus towards Thailand.…

  • Business News

    Thailand seeks German investment in electric vehicle industry

    Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara announced on a recent official trip to Germany, the Thai government’s intention to attract German automobile manufacturers to invest in Thailand’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry. This initiative is part of the broader plans for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s official visit to Germany next month. The deputy prime minister, who also serves as the foreign…

  • Business News

    PDMO to sell 100 billion baht savings bonds for budget deficit funding

    The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) announced plans to sell 100 billion baht (US$2.78 billion) worth of savings bonds within the fiscal year to finance the budget deficit. The initial issue, valued at 40 billion baht (US$1.1 billion), will be offered next month, according to the director-general of the PDMO, Patchara Anuntasilpa. The first tranche of savings bonds for the…

  • Business News

    New EV incentives boost investment in Thai automotive sector

    The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the new electric vehicle (EV) incentive packages, anticipating a significant boost to investment in the automotive sector and related businesses. As Thailand strives for sustainable economic growth and enhanced competitiveness, surges in investment are vital, particularly in the targeted S-curve industries encompassing next-generation vehicles. Surapong Paisitpatanapong, the…

  • Business News

    Bitcoin hits US$50,000 milestone, crypto market on a digital rollercoaster

    Bitcoin, the largest digital asset, oscillated around the landmark value of US$50,000, a level it hadn’t touched in over two years. This marks a remarkable resurgence following the various cryptocurrency scandals and industry wipeouts that had previously cast a shadow of uncertainty over the sector’s future. Yesterday, in the United States, Bitcoin’s value soared to an impressive US$50,328, and it…

  • Business News

    New VC funds to boost startup growth in 2024

    This year, the growth of startups is anticipated to see a significant boost as several new venture capital (VC) funds emerge, following a period of slowed activity during the pandemic and recent crypto winter. Among these is the Finno Efra Fund, valued at 1.3 billion baht, co-established by EfraStructure and Krungsri Finnovate, with operations set to commence in March. Pawoot…

  • Business News

    Megabangna mall invests 200 million baht to boost customer spending

    SF Development Co, the firm behind Megabangna shopping mall, earmarked a 200-million-baht (US$5.6 million) budget for marketing, intending to drive up customer footfall and increase spending by 10-15%. Wanwimon Ordeedolchest, the Vice-President of Marketing at the company, revealed that the funds will be channelled into numerous events, activities, campaigns, and applications to draw in shoppers to Megabangna. “We will hold…

  • Business News

    Thai bond market to remain strong with 1 trillion baht new issuances

    The Thai bond market is projected to remain strong this year, with estimated new issuances totalling 1 trillion baht (US$27.9 billion), says financial advisory firm SCB Wealth. The sustained high interest rates are expected to contribute to favourable returns. Sornchai Suneta, Executive Vice President of SCB Wealth’s Investment Office and Product Function, anticipates that the bond market will continue to…

  • Business News

    Japanese firms urge Thai government to simplify customs and boost infrastructure

    Japanese businesses based in Thailand have urged the government to simplify customs duty rules and enhance transport infrastructure, in addition to introducing economic strategies to increase public spending. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce (JCC) in Bangkok recently communicated with the press to share insights from its newest survey assessing the business outlook amongst Japanese firms and investors in Thailand. The…

  • Thailand News

    Thai Transport Ministry announces 652 billion baht for infrastructure projects

    The Thai Transport Ministry recently announced a substantial investment of 652 billion baht (US$18,345,526,120). The funds are earmarked for around 150 transport projects to be initiated this year and the next, in a bid to bolster the country’s infrastructure. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit detailed the plans following a policy seminar held yesterday, January 31. According to him, 64 projects, with…

  • Business News

    Free visa policy to boost Thai tourism stocks amid Chinese arrivals

    An agreement for a free visa policy between Thailand and China is set to greatly boost seven Thai tourism-related stocks, as projected by brokerages. This policy, signed earlier this week, is anticipated to cause a significant uptick in Chinese arrivals in Thailand this year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) set a target of attracting 8.2 million Chinese tourists in…

  • Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

    Smart budget content marketing: Tips & strategies

    Crafting a content marketing strategy that’s both effective and budget-friendly can feel like a high-wire act. You’re aiming to strike the perfect balance between engaging your audience and managing your resources. If you’re wondering where to set your spending, you’re not alone. On average, businesses allocate 25-30% of their marketing budget to content marketing. But it’s not just about how…

  • Business News

    Thailand to launch green investment trusts for forestry initiatives

    Thai regulatory bodies are paving the way for the establishment of investment trusts dedicated to forestry and tree-planting initiatives. These new financial products, dubbed green investment trusts, are part of an effort to diversify the capital markets and provide financial support to sectors that align with carbon neutrality goals. Pornanong Budsaratragoon, the secretary-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),…

  • Business News

    Bangkok gears up for eighth round of FTA talks with EFTA

    Bangkok is preparing to host the eighth round of free trade agreement (FTA) discussions with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), scheduled to take place from January 30 to February 2. The Thai government aims to wrap up the negotiations by the middle of this year. Chotima Lemsawasdikul, the director-general of the Trade Negotiations Department, has confirmed that the discussions will…

  • Business News

    SEC considers banning NVDR securities for Thai investors

    With plans to limit Thai investors from making investments in non-voting depository receipts (NVDRs), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is setting up a public hearing to enforce a ban on securities companies offering such services. Citing concerns over NVDR securities as a mechanism to sidestep compliance with regulations or as a means to obscure shareholding data, the SEC believes…

  • Business News

    India encourages Thailand to tap into Andaman and Nicobar’s fisheries

    The Indian government is encouraging Thailand to capitalise on opportunities within its fishing and tourism industries, particularly in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Shri Vishwendra, the region’s Secretary of Fisheries, emphasised the significant potential for deep-sea fishing due to the area’s underexploited marine resources. Despite the abundance of resources, including a potential tuna catch amounting to 148,000 metric tonnes, the…

  • Business News

    Bank of Thailand confident in limited corporate bond rollover risk despite rising interest rates

    Despite rising interest rates, the Bank of Thailand has expressed confidence in the limited risk of corporate bond rollover this year, stating that it should not pose a significant threat to systemic risk. The local bond market has remained functional, with private businesses continuing to secure new funds. Sakkapop Panyanukul, the senior director for financial markets at the central bank,…

  • Business News

    CP Group tempers investment due to global risk factors

    Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, a renowned Thai conglomerate, has planned to temper its investment activities in the current year. The group’s CEO, Suphachai Chearavanont, has indicated that this strategic shift is driven by the desire to reap the benefits from previous years’ investments. Suphachai voiced concerns over several global risk factors anticipated to lead the agriculture sector into a stagnation…

  • Business News

    Thai institutional investors foresee policy interest rate cut in 2024

    The Association of Investment Management Companies (AIMC) disclosed that institutional investors anticipate Thailand’s policy interest rate to reduce by 0.25% to 2.25% this year. Investors are encouraged to take a heavyweight stance on fixed-income assets. Chavinda Hanratanakool, AIMC chairwoman, conveyed the results of a survey conducted amongst institutional investors. The survey explored their views on economic conditions and interest rate…

  • Thailand News

    Thai Prime Minister to woo global giants at World Economic Forum

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to meet with several leading global private companies, confident that these interactions will attract further trade and investment from abroad. These meetings will take place during the World Economic Forum (WEF) of 2024 and are expected to significantly benefit the Thai economy. Chai Watcharong, Prime Minister Office spokesperson, revealed that during the WEF…

  • Business News

    Thailand courts Hungary for investment to boost global influence

    Hungary has been courted by Thailand for potential investment opportunities in a bid to broaden the Southeast Asian nation’s global influence or soft power. This strategic call for investment was made by the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai, in a recent conversation with Sandor Sipos, the Hungarian Ambassador to Thailand. The dialogue, which took place yesterday, comes ahead…

  • Business News

    US bitcoin ETFs make splash in debut, marking crypto milestone

    The long-awaited launch of the first United States exchange-traded funds (ETFs) investing directly in Bitcoin has finally taken place. This event has been marked as a significant milestone in the digital-asset industries over a decade-long campaign for recognition and mainstream acceptance. The nearly a dozen ETFs come from investment heavyweights like BlackRock Inc. and Fidelity Investments. On the first day…

  • Business News

    K-Asset and J P Morgan unite to boost Thai mutual fund business

    A strategic partnership has been forged between Kasikorn Asset Management (K-Asset) and J P Morgan Asset Management (JPMAM) to bolster their mutual fund business in Thailand. This move aligns with the growing wealth segment in the Thai market. The collaboration was announced yesterday, January 10, by K-Asset, an industry-leading asset management company known for its substantial customer base and assets…

  • Business News

    EGCO finalises Compass Portfolio acquisition, boosting US power capacity

    Electricity Generating (EGCO), the power generation subsidiary of Thailand’s Electricity Generating Authority, has finalised the purchase of the Compass Portfolio in the US, a move that boosts the company’s overseas earnings from the energy sector. The acquisition bolsters EGCO’s total power generation capacity to 652 megawatts, a figure determined by its stake in the Compass Portfolio. Thepparat Theppitak, EGCO President,…

  • Business News

    Thai bond market set for 890 billion baht redemption this year

    This year, bonds worth an estimated 890 billion baht (US$25,406,794,400), primarily investment-grade, are slated for redemption, according to the Thai Bond Market Association (ThaiBMA). Around 73 billion baht (US$ 2,083,928,080) of these are set to mature within this month. The association’s president, Somjin Sornpaisarn, anticipates Thai private enterprises to float long-term bonds of approximately 1 trillion baht (US$ 28,546,960,000) throughout…

  • Thailand News

    BOI electric push: Thai circuit suppliers charged up with global incentives

    Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) unleashed a wave of support and several incentives to catapult local electronic circuit suppliers onto the global stage. This commitment aligns with Thailand’s grand vision of becoming Southeast Asia’s electronic industry hub, focusing on the cutting-edge production of Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) and Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) – the lifeblood of all smart devices.…

  • Business News

    Samsung’s operating profit takes a hit amidst subdued demand for tech

    South Korean giant Samsung Electronics Co reported its sixth consecutive quarter of falling operating profits, underlining subdued consumer demand and fuelling uncertainty about a broader tech recovery timeline. The company witnessed a 35% decline in operating income to 2.8 trillion won (US$2.1 billion), falling short of estimates by 24%. Moreover, revenue slid to 67 trillion won, a steeper plunge than…

  • Business News

    Krungsri Capital advises investment in 11 high-dividend Thai stocks

    Investors have been advised by Krungsri Capital Securities (KCS) to consider purchasing shares from 11 high-dividend (HD) stocks, which are projected to yield over 2% annually. This move is expected to result in increased capital gains from their investments in the initial two months of each year. These HD stocks have historically outperformed the broader Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)…

  • Thailand News

    Thai man linked to major fraud case arrested in Bangkok

    Bangkok police apprehended a 57 year old Thai man linked to a sizeable fraud case going back almost ten years. Raveeroj Rithchoteanan, had been previously incarcerated in Angola for his involvement in a significant fraud scheme. The arrest took place on Sunday at a hotel in Wang Thonglang district, with Raveeroj accused of swindling a businessman out of 22 million…

  • Business News

    Thai investors anticipate surge in depositary receipts popularity in 2024

    Executives anticipate a surge in the popularity of depositary receipts (DRs) among Thai investors this year, with the investment tool offering a gateway to high-profile foreign stocks, risk diversification, and potential high returns. As they have become more prevalent on the Thai bourse, investors held DRs worth around 16 billion baht (US$466 million) on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)…