Thai Times

AI Manager at San Francisco Store Recommends Firing Human Employee

Luna, an autonomous AI running Andon Market, moved to dismiss a worker who was late for 17 of 23 shifts; human supervisors reviewed and carried out the termination.

France's Constitutional Council Blocks Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

Judges ruled the nationwide restriction went too far in limiting freedom of expression and would have required age checks affecting every social-media user, dealing a major setback to President Emmanuel Macron.

Magnitude 7.7 Indonesia Earthquake Felt Across Southern Thailand as Authorities Review Coastal Preparedness

Tremors from the earthquake off Flores Island, which killed at least 47 people and caused widespread coastal devastation in Indonesia, were felt across five southern Thai provinces, prompting authorities to maintain heightened monitoring...

Thailand Prepares for Late-August US Tax Talks to Protect Export Competitiveness

Thai negotiators led by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai will seek to demonstrate deep economic ties with the United States, including nearly 20 billion dollars in existing and planned Thai private investment and supp...

CP Axtra to Invest 15 Billion Baht in Happitat Bangna Lifestyle and Retail Megaproject

CP Axtra will open Happitat Bangna on August 21, 2026, transforming a 200,000-square-meter site in Bangkok’s eastern corridor into a lifestyle destination featuring a 30-rai urban forest, experiential retail and multi-generational commun...

Thailand Attracts New Investment in Advanced Food Processing and Agricultural Technology

Domestic and international companies are investing in value-added food processing, natural rubber products and agricultural technology, strengthening Thailand’s export-oriented food and agriculture industries.

Thailand Expects Steady Second-Half Economic Growth as Tourism and Public Investment Support Activity

Economic agencies expect continued momentum from infrastructure spending, government stimulus measures and a seasonal tourism recovery, supporting domestic activity through the second half of the year.

Thailand Approves New Logistics and Maritime Projects to Strengthen Global Trade Connectivity

Investment approvals covering container handling, port infrastructure and air cargo facilities are expanding the country’s transport capacity and improving connections between Thai trade corridors and international markets.

Thailand Expands Medical Infrastructure to Strengthen Global Medical Tourism Position

The Board of Investment has approved new specialized healthcare projects by major domestic hospital operators, adding capacity as Thailand continues to attract international patients and wellness travelers.

Thailand Reports Continued Tourism Growth as International Flight Capacity Expands

Visitor arrivals and tourism revenue remain strong in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai as increased air connectivity and targeted hospitality campaigns support regional travel demand.

Thailand Expands Electric Vehicle and Smart Manufacturing Investments Across Eastern Economic Corridor

Manufacturers are accelerating digital and energy-efficiency upgrades under specialized investment programs as Thailand seeks to improve export competitiveness and modernize production across its main industrial corridors.

Global Technology Companies Expand Cloud and Data Center Footprint Across Thailand

Technology operators and data center developers are expanding facilities in Bangkok, Chonburi, Rayong and Samut Prakan, supported by government incentives focused on green technology and sustainable digital infrastructure.

Thailand Launches FastPass System to Speed Approvals for Strategic Foreign Investment

The Thailand Board of Investment has introduced a new fast-track mechanism with service standards across government agencies to accelerate regulatory approvals and power connections for major international projects.

Hitachi and Global Manufacturers Expand Electric Vehicle Supply Chain Investments in Thailand

New investment incentives for advanced automotive component projects, including a major Hitachi initiative, are deepening Thailand’s role in electric vehicle manufacturing and strengthening supply chains across the Eastern Economic Corri...

Thailand Approves More Than $5 Billion in New Data Center and AI Infrastructure Investments

The Thailand Board of Investment has granted strategic promotion to major data center and cloud computing projects involving international technology companies, strengthening the country’s push to become a leading digital infrastructure ...

Thai Authorities Escalate Investigation Into Disputed Temple Land and Property Claims

Legal and administrative authorities have summoned key local figures, including the individual known as “Auntie Da,” as they investigate disputed boundaries, land deeds and alleged encroachment involving temple property.

Anutin Charnvirakul and Thaksin Shinawatra Hold High-Level Talks Amid Shifting Thai Political Dynamics

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a private gathering as political figures navigate changing coalition dynamics and the balance of power within Thailand’s ruling admi...

Thai Footwear Brand Nanyang Blends Isan Heritage With Contemporary Fashion in Limited Edition

Nanyang’s “Nanyang x Phuwasit 2026 Edition” combines traditional Isan community imagery with modern styling and regional textile details, showing how local heritage can be used to strengthen brand identity and consumer appeal.

CP Axtra Prepares to Open Happitat Lifestyle and Retail Destination at True Digital Park

CP Axtra is completing preparations for the launch of Happitat at True Digital Park in Bangkok’s Bang Na district, a new community destination combining experiential retail, green public areas and collaborative digital spaces.

Thailand Tightens Oversight of Non-Bank Digital Financial Services

The Bank of Thailand and other financial regulators are strengthening compliance and monitoring requirements for non-bank financial institutions and digital payment providers as Thailand’s fintech sector continues to expand.

Global Automakers Expand Electric Vehicle Supply Chains in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor

International automotive and battery-component manufacturers are increasing production capacity across Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, reinforcing the country’s role in Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle and next-generation mobility...

Thailand Targets More Than Thirty-Five Million Foreign Tourists as Flight Capacity Expands

Thailand’s tourism authorities expect international arrivals to exceed thirty-five million this year, supported by stronger long-haul connectivity from Europe and the Middle East and continued demand from regional travelers.

Thailand Investment Commitments Strengthen as High-Tech and Artificial Intelligence Projects Expand

Thailand’s Board of Investment reported strong first-half investment activity, with advanced electronics, semiconductor ecosystems and regional cloud infrastructure attracting significant capital and foreign investment applications.

B.Grimm Power Reports Strong Second-Quarter Profit Growth and Declares Interim Dividend

B.Grimm Power reported a sharp rise in second-quarter net profit and declared an interim dividend of 18 satang per share, supported by operating efficiencies, cost controls and steady revenue from its domestic and international power gen...

Thailand Cabinet Approves Public Sector Workforce Reform to Cut Recurring Costs

The Thai Cabinet has approved a reform plan that caps public-sector staffing, expands digital administration and gradually removes 11 job lines as employees retire from fiscal 2027, with more than 30,000 positions targeted for eliminatio...

Thailand Launches “Made in Thailand” Industrial Drive Ahead of US Trade Talks

The Thai government is promoting domestic production in semiconductors, photonics and bioenergy while using public procurement to create demand for local defense, rail and medical equipment and helping small and medium-sized firms meet i...

Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor Expands Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Capacity

Automakers from Japan, China and Europe are expanding production in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor, adding advanced electric vehicle assembly and intelligent mobility capabilities aimed at regional and international export markets.

Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai Hotels See Strong Bookings Ahead of Peak Travel Season

Hotels and airline booking platforms in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai are reporting stronger advance reservations from European and Middle Eastern travelers as international flight capacity expands and Thailand targets higher-value tour...

Bank of Thailand Keeps Key Interest Rate at One Percent to Support Economic Recovery

The Bank of Thailand maintained its benchmark interest rate at one percent as resilient merchandise exports and technology-led private investment support recovery, while global economic volatility and supply-side inflation remain concerns.

Thailand Tourism Authority Wins Recognition for Low-Carbon Hospitality Initiatives

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has received Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards recognition for its CF-Hotels program, which has involved hundreds of properties in carbon reduction efforts and established low-carbon tourism models in K...

Thailand Draws Strong Foreign Investment in Semiconductors, Electronics and Digital Infrastructure

Thailand is seeing robust foreign investment applications, with global technology companies committing to advanced semiconductor packaging, printed circuit boards and data center infrastructure, reinforcing the country's role as a region...

China’s Kimi Launches AI-Focused Credit Card With Agricultural Bank of China and American Express

The July launch links credit-card spending and rewards to Kimi memberships and AI computing benefits, although some claims about conversational banking functions go beyond what the companies’ official materials currently confirm.

Thailand’s 2026 Advertising Market Set to Stay Flat as Brands Shift Spending to Digital Commerce

Media Intelligence Group expects Thailand’s advertising expenditure to remain around 86.2 billion baht in 2026 as brands redirect spending from traditional media toward digital commerce, with artificial intelligence search tools and digi...

Honda Thailand Launches 619,000-Baht Hybrid as Japanese Automakers Face Chinese EV Competition

Honda Automobile Thailand has introduced a new entry-level hybrid priced at 619,000 baht as part of its 2026 lineup, using aggressive pricing to defend its position in Thailand’s city-car market as heavily discounted Chinese electric veh...

Thailand Ends 1,500-Baht Import Tax Exemption as Social Security Wage Ceiling Rises

Thailand has abolished the value-added tax exemption for imported e-commerce goods priced below 1,500 baht, requiring tax collection from the first baht to protect domestic retailers, while raising the Social Security wage ceiling to 17,...

Thailand Raises Rail and Port Infrastructure Budgets to Strengthen Flood Protection

The State Railway of Thailand has increased infrastructure investment budgets to incorporate stronger flood-mitigation measures into planned rail and port projects, with the changes aimed at improving the resilience of key transport and ...

Bangkok Luxury Condominiums Hold Up Despite Broader Property Market Slowdown

Premium condominium developers in Bangkok are reporting continued demand and relatively stable prices, supported by interest from high-net-worth investors and international buyers even as the wider domestic real estate market goes throug...

Thailand Digital Sector Gains Confidence as Corporate AI Demand Surges

Business sentiment in Thailand’s digital and technology sectors has strengthened as domestic companies increase spending on artificial intelligence integration, even as businesses continue to face higher global energy costs.

Thai Government Pension Fund Shifts Investments Toward AI Growth and Thai Equities

Thailand’s Government Pension Fund has adjusted its investment portfolio to support artificial intelligence expansion and position itself for a projected recovery in Thai equities, reflecting increased institutional confidence in the cou...

Thailand Prepares Rooftop Solar Subsidies as Clean Energy Investment Gains Momentum

Thailand’s Finance Ministry is preparing household subsidies for rooftop solar installations as part of an effort to reduce fossil-fuel imports, support domestic installation networks and bring down electricity costs for consumers.

Thai Airways to Resume Direct Bangkok-Xiamen Flights in October

Thai Airways International will resume direct flights between Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport from late October 2026, using new narrow-body Airbus aircraft to expand capacity on a secondary Chinese r...

Thailand’s Prime Minister Pledges Tougher Gun Laws After Nonthaburi School Shooting

Thailand’s prime minister has pledged sweeping new gun-control legislation and tighter rules governing self-defense firearms after a school shooting in Nonthaburi left eight people dead, with the government seeking to strengthen public s...

Thailand Plans 50 Billion to 60 Billion Baht Rooftop Solar Subsidy Programme

Thailand’s Finance Ministry is finalising a clean-energy programme offering households subsidies of up to 50,000 baht for rooftop solar installations, using a planned budget of 50 billion to 60 billion baht to reduce reliance on imported...

Thailand Approves 750 Billion Baht in Data Center Projects as Government Tightens Investment Screening

Thailand’s Board of Investment has approved forty-two data center projects worth 750 billion baht between 2024 and 2026, while a new four-pillar screening framework will assess future projects on national benefits, energy security, water...

Taiwan Extends Visa Exemption for Thai Tourists as Bangkok Airport Enforces Dining Price Controls

Taiwan prolongs 14-day visa-free access through July 2027 while Airports of Thailand mandates capped food pricing and 50-baht combo meals at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.