Thai Times

Thailand Advances Entertainment Complex Plan Including Legalized Casinos

The Thai government is advancing plans for integrated entertainment complexes with legalized casinos based on Singapore’s model, with the Pheu Thai-led initiative aimed at attracting investment, generating state revenue and strengthening...

Thailand Parliament Approves 2027 Budget Bill in 338-144 Vote

Thailand’s parliament passed the 2027 Budget Bill at its third reading by 338 votes to 144, clearing a key legislative hurdle for government spending on planned infrastructure projects and domestic economic initiatives.

Thailand Women Reach Asian Volleyball Championship Semifinals After Beating Taiwan

Thailand’s national women’s volleyball team defeated Taiwan in five sets to top its pool and advance to the semifinals of the Asian championship.

Thailand Extends Airport Rail Link Operations Between Suvarnabhumi and Central Bangkok

The Transport Ministry and private operators reached a conditional agreement to keep Airport Rail Link services running, maintaining a key connection for international travelers and daily commuters.

Thailand to Reduce Visa-Free Stays for 60 Countries to 30 Days

Thailand will return visa-free stays for travelers from 60 countries to the pre-pandemic limit of 30 days from mid-September, seeking tighter immigration oversight while maintaining access for international tourists.

AMRO Says Foreign Investment and Technology Exports Are Supporting Thailand’s Economy

The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office said stronger foreign investment and technology-driven exports have helped cushion Thailand from global energy shocks, while calling for policies that spread the benefits more broadly across the ...

Thailand Data Center Investment Projected to Reach 570 Billion Baht by 2030

A regional property report forecasts about 570 billion baht in Thai data center investment by the end of the decade, with limited capacity helping drive a ninefold increase in pre-leasing activity.

Thailand Approves 958 Billion Baht in Digital and Green Technology Investments

Thailand’s Board of Investment approved 958 billion baht in new projects, including major data infrastructure commitments from TikTok and UAE-based DAMAC Group, as the country attracts more investment in digital infrastructure and clean ...

Finance Minister Pichai Backs Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Direction

Finance Minister Pichai endorsed the central bank’s focus on financial stability and economic growth, signaling closer coordination after earlier disagreements over interest rates and stimulus policy.

Opposition Challenges Thailand’s Data Center Expansion Over Environmental Risks

Lawmakers are raising concerns about power demand, heat and pollution from large data center projects as Thailand seeks to attract more digital and artificial intelligence investment.

Thai Government Advances 400 Billion Baht Emergency Loan Decree Amid Debt Concerns

The government is pressing ahead with 400 billion baht in emergency borrowing for state investment and economic recovery, while opposition lawmakers question the debt burden and demand clearer details on how the funds will be used.

Thailand Approves Labor Agreement to Recruit Sri Lankan Workers for Manufacturing Sector

The Thai Cabinet authorized a memorandum of understanding allowing workers to be recruited from Sri Lanka under a state-regulated system designed to ease industrial labor shortages, strengthen legal recruitment and support factory produc...

Thai Cabinet Approves New Suvarnabhumi Airport Ground Handling and Cargo Joint Venture

Thailand approved AOT Ground Aviation Services to operate expanded ground handling and cargo terminal facilities at Suvarnabhumi Airport, aiming to improve turnaround times and freight capacity as passenger and air cargo demand grows.

Thailand Telecom Regulator Meeting Collapses for Ninth Time Amid Chairman Disqualification Dispute

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission failed to convene for a ninth consecutive meeting as an unresolved dispute over its chairman continues to block decisions on spectrum management, satellite orbit allocations and...

Thai Luxury Brand BOYY Targets 150% Revenue Growth as It Expands Globally

Bangkok-founded accessories label BOYY is planning a major international expansion in its 20th year, targeting 150% revenue growth as Thai fashion brands seek a larger presence in the global luxury market.

Bangkok Crews Contain Underground Oil Pipeline Leak in Klong Toey

Emergency teams identified and isolated a leaking underground pipeline in Bangkok’s port district, containing the immediate environmental risk and renewing attention on aging industrial infrastructure.

Thailand and Laos Launch Joint Haze and Forest-Fire Prevention Campaign

Thai and Lao environmental teams have begun coordinated monitoring and fire-suppression efforts ahead of the dry season to reduce agricultural burning, improve air quality and protect northern tourism areas.

Riyadh Air Launches Direct Riyadh-Bangkok Flights With Boeing 787 Service

Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air has begun nonstop flights to Suvarnabhumi Airport, expanding connectivity between the Gulf and Thailand and targeting demand for luxury, medical and wellness travel.

Thailand Targets 2.7 Trillion Baht in Tourism Revenue and 33 Million Foreign Visitors

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is aiming for 33 million international arrivals through stronger aviation links and marketing focused on higher-spending travelers from Asian and European markets.

Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay Back to 30 Days for 60 Nationalities

Immigration authorities said the temporary 60-day visa exemption will return to 30 days from mid-September as Thailand seeks tighter border controls while preserving easy entry for legitimate tourists.

Bangkok Orders Energy Audits of 47 Data Centers as Digital Infrastructure Expands

Governor Chadchart Sittipunt ordered assessments of 47 data centers in Bangkok to measure their impact on the capital’s electricity network and strengthen environmental standards for the fast-growing sector.

Thailand Advances Small Modular Nuclear Reactor Plans to Power Industrial Growth

The Energy Ministry and national utility regulators are preparing for possible small modular reactor deployment under the next National Energy Plan as electricity demand rises from data centers and electric-vehicle manufacturing.

Thailand Approves $29 Billion Wave of AI and Cloud Infrastructure Investment

The Board of Investment approved six digital infrastructure projects worth 958 billion baht, led by a major TikTok data center expansion, as Thailand seeks to strengthen its position in Southeast Asia’s cloud and technology sector.

AI and Cloud Investment Pushes Up Prices for Power-Rich Thai Industrial Land

Demand from data centre operators is lifting prime industrial land prices in Thailand from about 4.5 million baht to as much as 8 million baht per rai, with access to high-capacity electricity becoming more important than location for hy...

Thailand Weighs Sharp Excise Tax Increase on Imported EVs to Support Local Manufacturing

Thailand’s EV Board is preparing an excise tax overhaul that could raise rates on imported electric and range-extended vehicles from 10% to 31%-39%, aiming to close regulatory loopholes and reduce pressure on domestic auto parts producers.

Bank of Thailand Plans Tighter Buy Now, Pay Later Rules as Household Debt Rises

The Bank of Thailand plans stricter regulation of Buy Now, Pay Later services by the end of 2026 as household debt reaches 13.67 trillion baht and easier digital credit draws younger consumers into borrowing earlier.

Thailand Targets Long-Haul and Asian Visitors With Peak-Season Tourism Push

The Tourism Authority of Thailand, airlines and hospitality operators are expanding promotions and flight capacity to attract more visitors from long-haul European markets and emerging Asian economies, with the campaign aimed at supporti...

Thailand Automakers Accelerate EV and Smart Manufacturing Investment in Eastern Economic Corridor

Major industrial groups and automotive manufacturers are expanding investment in advanced electric vehicle production and smart manufacturing in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, supported by Board of Investment incentives aimed at s...

Thailand Banks and Regulators Step Up Cybersecurity Measures Against Financial Fraud

The Bank of Thailand, commercial banks and telecommunications regulators are rolling out faster technological safeguards and unified verification protocols to curb financial fraud and unauthorised digital account transactions, strengthen...

Thailand Eases Foreign Business Licensing Rules to Reduce Investment Barriers

Thailand published new ministerial regulations granting additional exemptions from foreign business licensing requirements, reducing regulatory barriers for international investors in selected sectors where domestic markets are considere...

Thailand Raises Export Growth Forecast to 12%-16% on Strong Overseas Demand

Thailand’s Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking raised its merchandise export growth forecast to between 12% and 16%, supported by strong international demand for manufactured goods, electronics and agricultural pro...

Thailand Raises Full-Year GDP Growth Forecast to 2.1%-2.5%

Thailand’s Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking raised its full-year economic growth forecast to between 2.1% and 2.5%, citing stronger-than-expected exports and improving private investment momentum.

Thailand Cuts Visa-Exempt Stay to 30 Days From September 15

Thailand’s Ministry of Interior published regulations confirming that visitors from 60 countries and territories under the visa-exemption scheme will be limited to a maximum stay of 30 days from September 15, as authorities seek to balan...

Thailand Investment Applications Top 1 Trillion Baht on Digital and AI Projects

Thailand’s Board of Investment said investment applications exceeded 1 trillion baht, driven by major commitments to digital infrastructure, cloud services, electronics and artificial intelligence supply chains from investors including S...

Thailand Plans Insurance-Based Overhaul of Civil Service Medical Payments

The Finance Ministry is advancing plans to replace traditional medical reimbursements for government personnel with an integrated insurance-based system aimed at reducing budget leakage while maintaining standardized healthcare coverage ...

Thailand Industrial Land Prices Surge as Data Centers Compete for Power and Fiber Access

Land prices in high-capacity industrial zones have risen from about 4 million baht to 8 million baht per rai as hyperscale data center operators compete for sites with reliable electricity and strong fiber-optic connectivity.

Bank of Thailand Plans Tighter Buy Now, Pay Later Rules by End-2026

The Bank of Thailand is preparing stricter regulation of Buy Now, Pay Later services by the end of 2026 to curb hidden consumer debt as households increasingly accumulate overlapping liabilities through easy-access digital credit platforms.

Thailand Expands Digital Finance as PromptPay Accounts Surpass 83 Million

The Stock Exchange of Thailand and Bank of Thailand reported continued growth in digital financial infrastructure, with PromptPay exceeding 83 million accounts, as regulators tighten cybersecurity standards and update listing rules for h...

Thai Business Leaders Call for Long-Term Investment to Break Low-Growth Cycle

Executives from Charoen Pokphand Group, Kasikornbank, B. Grimm and Indorama Ventures told the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 that Thailand needs coordinated investment in agricultural technology, digital infrastructure and human capital to...

Thailand Prepares to Host 2026 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and senior financial officials said Thailand will use the October 2026 meetings to promote regional links in clean energy, advanced payments and medical tourism while highlighting opportunities tied to ...

Pattaya Advances International Film City Plan to Attract Global Productions

Pattaya is moving forward with plans to become an international film production hub, using municipal incentives, streamlined permits and coastal locations to attract major studios and global streaming projects.

Minor International Partners With Accenture to Expand AI Use Across Global Hospitality Operations

Bangkok-based Minor International is working with Accenture to introduce advanced artificial intelligence tools and train employees across its international hotel and restaurant businesses, targeting greater operational efficiency and im...

Stock Exchange of Thailand Eases Listing Rules for Technology and New-Economy Firms

The Stock Exchange of Thailand has revised listing requirements to lower barriers for high-growth technology startups and new-economy companies, aiming to broaden access to domestic capital markets and attract venture-backed businesses.