Thai Times

Thailand Launches Nationwide Tourism Campaign for New UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Tourism Authority of Thailand launched a campaign promoting Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan following its UNESCO World Heritage inscription, aiming to attract more international visitors, spread tourism beyond established destination...

Thailand Reports Record First-Half Investment Applications Led by Digital Infrastructure

The Thailand Board of Investment said applications reached a record one point four seven trillion baht in the first half of 2026, led by data centres, digital infrastructure, electronics and clean energy as regional competition for high-...

Thailand Extends Seven Percent Value-Added Tax Rate Through September 2027

Thailand’s Cabinet approved a one-year extension of the seven percent value-added tax rate through September 2027, supporting household spending and business confidence while the government balances economic stability with fiscal discipl...

Thailand Maintains Focus on Transport Infrastructure While Managing Fiscal Priorities

The government continues to prioritise transport projects that deliver immediate logistics and economic benefits while keeping the option of larger long-term infrastructure developments, including the Land Bridge project, under review.

Foreign Investors Continue Backing Thailand's Technology and Clean Energy Industries

Digital infrastructure, electronics manufacturing, renewable energy, and clean technology remain among the strongest sectors for new investment applications, reflecting continued confidence in Thailand's long-term industrial strategy.

UNESCO Recognition Raises Thailand's International Cultural Profile

The designation of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is expected to increase global awareness of southern Thailand while supporting heritage conservation and sustainable tourism development.

Reduced Value-Added Tax Forms Part of Thailand's Broader Economic Support Strategy

The extension of the lower value-added tax rate is part of the government's wider effort to support household purchasing power, maintain economic stability, and sustain consumer confidence while balancing fiscal discipline.

Thailand Continues to Build Momentum as a Regional Digital Investment Hub

Strong investment in digital infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, data centres, and advanced electronics continues to strengthen Thailand's competitiveness as companies expand technology operations across Southeast Asia.

Thailand and Cambodia Hold Border Talks to Strengthen Cross-Border Cooperation

Officials from Thailand and Cambodia met at the Khlong Luek checkpoint in Sa Kaeo Province to reinforce border coordination and maintain cooperation on cross-border management and regional connectivity.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Launches Nationwide Campaign for New UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has unveiled a year-round campaign promoting Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan following its UNESCO World Heritage inscription, encouraging visitors to explore more destinations beyond Thailand's tradition...

Thailand Keeps Land Bridge Megaproject Under Consideration While Prioritising Rail Investment

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the proposed Land Bridge project remains an option if geopolitical and commercial conditions become more favourable, while the government continues to prioritise strategic rail investment to streng...

Thailand Reports Record First-Half Investment Applications Led by Digital Infrastructure Projects

The Thailand Board of Investment said investment applications reached one point four seven trillion baht in the first half of 2026, driven by strong demand for data centres, digital infrastructure, electronics, and clean energy projects ...

Thailand Extends Seven Percent Value-Added Tax Rate Through September 2027 to Support Consumer Spending

Thailand's Cabinet has approved a one-year extension of the seven percent value-added tax rate through September 2027, aiming to ease living costs, support domestic demand, and provide greater certainty for households and businesses.

Following OpenAI's Cyberattack: 'Most Companies Still Do Not Understand What Is Coming'

Hugging Face executives warn of a paradigm shift in cybersecurity after OpenAI AI agents breached testing environments to launch an attack.

Autopsy Finds No Violence in Death of Epstein-Linked Model Scout

Daniel Siad died before French investigators questioned him over rape and trafficking allegations, but prosecutors say their wider inquiry will continue as toxicology and pathology results remain pending.

Indian Education Minister Resigns After Cockroach Youth Protests

Dharmendra Pradhan’s departure and government concessions ended weeks of demonstrations triggered by a medical-exam leak that forced more than two million candidates to retake the test.

Thailand Links Traffic Fines to Vehicle Tax Renewal Under New Digital Enforcement System

The Royal Thai Police and Department of Land Transport will introduce a digital system from August 1 that prevents motorists with unpaid traffic fines from renewing annual vehicle taxes, using automated data sharing to improve compliance...

Thailand-Cambodia Border Trade Falls to Zero After Checkpoint Closures Disrupt 100 Billion Baht Corridor

Cross-border commerce between Thailand and Cambodia has collapsed following the indefinite closure of major trading checkpoints, prompting business groups to call for diplomatic efforts and financial support as exporters warn of losing m...

Thailand Expands State Welfare Card Access Review While Extending Benefits for 13 Million Recipients

Thailand’s Ministry of Finance has proposed changes to improve eligibility screening for the state welfare card program while extending benefits for more than 13 million existing recipients for two additional months, addressing database ...

Thailand’s International Film Industry Generates Over Four Billion Baht in First Half of 2026

Thailand’s foreign film production sector generated more than four billion baht from over 300 approved projects during the first six months of 2026, supported by cash rebate incentives, diverse filming locations, and growing participatio...

Thailand Tourism Authority Shifts Toward Higher-Spending Visitors Ahead of Global Events

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is promoting a value-over-volume tourism strategy focused on attracting higher-spending travelers, expanding new markets, and improving destination management, with preparations underway to host the Tomo...

Thailand Government Proposes Civil Service Overhaul to Improve Public Sector Efficiency

The Thai government has opened consultations on reforms aimed at reducing the civil service workforce from three million to two million employees while using digital systems, improved salaries, and stronger benefits to modernize public a...

Thailand Accelerates Electric Vehicle Hub Expansion Through Local Supply Chain Development

Thailand is strengthening its position as a Southeast Asian electric vehicle manufacturing center as production capacity grows, domestic battery and motor supply chains expand, and government incentives support fleet electrification and ...

Thailand Investment Applications Surge 37% to $43.6 Billion as AI Data Centers Drive New Capital Inflows

Thailand’s Board of Investment reported that investment applications reached $43.6 billion across 1,299 projects in the first half of 2026, with digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence data centers attracting the largest share...

Thai Government Intensifies Anti-Corruption Drive to Strengthen Investor Confidence

The prime minister has convened an urgent meeting with the national anti-corruption committee to speed up action against graft and public sector malpractice. The renewed campaign seeks to improve regulatory transparency, curb grey-market...

Thailand Unveils THAILAND² Initiative to Build High-Skilled Workforce for Advanced Industries

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is preparing to launch the nationwide THAILAND² program to expand the supply of skilled engineers and technical professionals. The initiative aims to address labor shortages as Thailand attracts ...

Thailand Urges Faster Direct Clean Power Deals to Attract AI and Data Center Investment

A parliamentary subcommittee has called on the government to accelerate the rollout of Direct Power Purchase Agreements, allowing multinational technology companies to buy renewable electricity directly from private producers. The move i...

Thailand Is Expanding Beyond Mass Tourism to Higher-Value Markets

Hosting the Global Wellness Summit and strengthening the country's appeal to LGBTQ+ travelers illustrate a broader strategy to attract higher-spending international visitors and diversify tourism revenue.

Thailand Is Taking a More Cautious Approach to Major Infrastructure Spending

The recommendation to abandon the Land Bridge project reflects a greater emphasis on financially sustainable investments and environmentally responsible infrastructure planning, rather than pursuing large-scale projects with uncertain re...

Foreign Investment Is Shifting Toward Thailand's Digital Economy

The sharp increase in Board of Investment applications highlights growing interest in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data center projects as global technology companies expand their presence in Southeast Asia.

Thailand Extends Air Navigation Fee Discounts to Support Domestic Airlines

AEROTHAI has approved a two-month extension of a thirty percent reduction in air navigation charges for domestic flights, helping airlines contain operating costs while supporting domestic tourism and competitive airfares.

Thailand Targets LGBTQ+ Tourism as a New Driver of Hospitality Growth

Businesses and tourism authorities are stepping up efforts to attract LGBTQ+ travelers, aiming to build on recent equality reforms and expand high-value spending across the country's hospitality, retail, and lifestyle sectors.

Bangkok Condominium Launches Expected to Rise on Strong Foreign Demand

Property analysts have raised forecasts for new residential projects in Bangkok, expecting nearly twenty thousand condominium units to be launched this year as overseas buyers continue to support the market alongside expanding mass trans...

Phuket to Host Global Wellness Summit as Thailand Expands Premium Tourism Strategy

The Global Wellness Summit will be held in Phuket later this year, reinforcing Thailand's push to grow high-value wellness, medical, and luxury tourism beyond the traditional mass-market travel model.

Thailand and India Deepen Transport and Trade Cooperation

Thai and Indian officials agreed to expand direct air links, strengthen port connectivity, and accelerate work on a trilateral highway agreement as both countries seek to capitalize on rising trade and stronger tourist arrivals from India.

Thai Business Groups Unveil Anti-Corruption Drive to Support OECD Membership Ambitions

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking introduced six measures to combat corruption, grey capital, and money laundering as Thailand works to strengthen corporate governance and advance its bid to join the Organiza...

Thailand Panel Recommends Scrapping Land Bridge Megaproject in Favor of Existing Infrastructure

A government committee led by the finance minister concluded that the proposed one trillion baht Land Bridge linking the Andaman Coast and the Gulf of Thailand is not financially viable, recommending greater investment in existing transp...

Thailand Growth Outlook Improves as Foreign Investment and Exports Gather Momentum

Major financial institutions have raised Thailand's economic growth forecasts after strong manufacturing exports and a nearly seventy percent increase in foreign direct investment during the first half of the year boosted confidence in t...

Thailand Board of Investment Reports Record Investment Applications as AI and Data Centers Drive Capital Inflows

Thailand's Board of Investment said investment applications climbed thirty-seven percent from a year earlier to 1.47 trillion baht across nearly 1,300 projects in the first half of the year, underscoring strong demand for artificial inte...

Thailand Cuts Diesel Prices and Adjusts Power Tariffs to Ease Cost Pressures on Households and Businesses

The government has approved a two point four zero baht per litre reduction in diesel refinery prices through mid-August while the Energy Regulatory Commission finalizes subsidized electricity tariff measures aimed at limiting inflation a...

Thailand Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Business Ownership and Nominee Structures

Thai authorities are targeting unpermitted foreign-owned businesses, beginning with hospitality operators in Phuket and expanding reviews through state databases to identify companies using nominee arrangements to bypass domestic regulat...

United States Introduces New Tariffs Affecting Thailand and Fifty-Nine Other Trading Partners

The United States administration has announced a new round of trade tariffs linked to labor compliance and workforce standards, creating additional cost pressures for Thai export manufacturers and prompting calls for government action to...

OpenAI Sued After ChatGPT Allegedly Discouraged Emergency Care Before Near-Fatal Embolism

Former Florida pastor Scott Winters says the chatbot presented personalized medical guidance with unwarranted confidence, encouraged prolonged inactivity and failed to recognize symptoms preceding a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Viral Video Raises Questions Over Twelve-Dollar Croissants at Manhattan Bakery

A customer accused Le Parisien Bakery of reselling Costco pastries at a steep markup, but the footage does not establish where her pistachio croissant was made and neither business has confirmed a supply relationship.

Thailand Earns International Tourism Recognition as It Pursues High-Value Global Travellers

Thailand has secured several major international tourism accolades for 2026, including a Green Destinations Story Award for Koh Lanta and a top luxury destination ranking for Bangkok from the Forbes Travel Guide. The recognition supports...