Thai Times

AI Is Remaking the US Economy, From GDP Growth to iPhone Prices

The race to build data centres and buy advanced chips is lifting investment, construction and stock values, while increasing debt, import demand and pressure on technology supply chains.

Indonesia’s Free School Meals Plan Has Been Hit by Poisoning, Corruption and Cuts

President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship nutrition programme aimed to reach tens of millions of children and pregnant women, but its rapid rollout has exposed major failures in food safety and oversight.

Thailand Tightens Corporate Rules to Prevent Illegal Foreign Nominee Ownership Structures

The Department of Business Development introduced stricter compliance checks requiring greater financial transparency from companies to verify ownership arrangements, protect fair competition, and distinguish legitimate foreign investmen...

Thailand Welcomes Millions of International Visitors Despite Tourism Slowdown From Regional Travel Challenges

Thailand recorded eighteen point five one million foreign arrivals between January and August, generating more than eight hundred ninety-six billion baht in tourism revenue, while weaker short-haul travel demand was partly offset by resi...

Thailand Attracts Record Investment Applications as High-Tech Industries Drive New Growth

The Thailand Board of Investment reported that first-half investment applications surged thirty-seven percent year-on-year to forty-seven point four seven billion US dollars, led by stronger foreign investment in electronics, semiconduct...

Thailand Opens New Sadao Border Checkpoint to Strengthen Trade and Tourism With Malaysia

Thailand has inaugurated the new Sadao Customs Checkpoint in Songkhla, creating a higher-capacity land connection with Malaysia's Bukit Kayu Hitam crossing that is expected to improve cross-border logistics, support regional commerce, an...

Tomorrowland Thailand Sells Out Initial Ticket Release as Global Demand Surges

The first one hundred fifty thousand tickets for the inaugural Tomorrowland Thailand festival in Chonburi sold out in less than twenty minutes, with international visitors accounting for eighty-five percent of purchases, reinforcing expe...

Thailand Launches Domestic Tourism Stimulus With Hotel Subsidies and Digital Spending Vouchers

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports is preparing to introduce the Thai Tiew Thai Plus program, offering a fifty percent subsidy on domestic hotel stays of up to three thousand baht and a five hundred baht digital spending voucher t...

Healthcare and Wellness Remain Key Growth Industries

Thailand is building on its international reputation for healthcare and hospitality by expanding medical tourism and positioning Phuket as a global center for wellness investment and international events.

Bangkok Accelerates Green Transport and Urban Connectivity

Major investments in rail integration, pedestrian infrastructure, and sustainable transport projects are reshaping Bangkok's urban landscape while improving mobility across the capital.

Long-Haul Travel Continues to Support Thailand's Tourism Recovery

Thailand is benefiting from resilient demand from long-haul visitors as expanded airline networks and targeted tourism promotion help offset seasonal fluctuations in regional travel.

Thailand Emerges as a Regional Hub for Advanced Technology Investment

Rising investment in artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, data centers, and digital infrastructure is strengthening Thailand's role as a key destination for companies diversifying global supply chains.

World Bank Supports Thailand's Two Hundred Million Dollar Low-Carbon Cities Program

The World Bank and the Export-Import Bank of Thailand are launching a two hundred million US dollar financing initiative to fund energy efficiency improvements and rooftop solar projects in public buildings and industrial estates through...

State Railway Extends Bangkok Commuter Service to Ayutthaya

The State Railway of Thailand has expanded its Bangkok Connex suburban rail network with direct services between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and Ayutthaya, improving regional connectivity and supporting tourism with promotional f...

Thailand Strengthens Position as a Global Medical Tourism Destination

Thailand has been ranked the world's second-leading destination for medical tourism as Phuket prepares to host the Global Wellness Summit, reinforcing the country's reputation for high-quality healthcare and wellness services.

Thai Airways Restores Long-Haul Routes as International Network Expands

Thai Airways has resumed direct services from Bangkok to Amsterdam and restored flights to Auckland and Perth while adding new Airbus aircraft to increase frequencies on routes serving major cities in China and India.

Bangkok Approves One Billion Baht Riverside Bridge for Pedestrians and Cyclists

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration plans to build a one billion baht pedestrian and bicycle bridge linking Songwat and Khlong San, creating a new connection with the city's mass transit network while expanding sustainable urban mobi...

Bangkok Launches Quantum Technology Hub to Boost Digital Innovation

Bangkok has opened a dedicated quantum technology hub to support advanced research, commercial development, and startup growth as Thailand seeks to attract international technology talent and strengthen its digital economy.

Bank of Thailand Expands Lending Support for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

The Bank of Thailand has introduced targeted financing programs to improve access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises, helping businesses strengthen liquidity, invest in technology, and remain competitive amid global economi...

Thailand Welcomes More Than Eighteen Million International Visitors This Year

Thailand received more than eighteen point five million foreign visitors between January and early August, generating over eight hundred ninety-six billion baht in tourism revenue as resilient long-haul demand from Western Europe and str...

Thailand Attracts Record Investment as AI and Semiconductor Projects Drive Forty-Three Billion Dollar Surge

Thailand's Board of Investment reported that investment applications rose thirty-seven percent to one point four seven trillion baht in the first half of the year, with digital technology, data centers, and semiconductor manufacturing le...

FIFA’s Retreat Leaves a Larger Question Over Who Guards the Game

Gianni Infantino has abandoned a private-investment plan for football’s most valuable commercial rights, but the revolt it provoked has widened into a dispute over FIFA’s power, process and future leadership.

Chonburi Police Arrest Suspects in Murder Case Involving Two Russian Tourists

Police in Chonburi have arrested two main suspects accused of the robbery and murder of two Russian siblings whose bodies were found buried at Khao Chi Chan. Authorities said the victims were targeted for their vehicle and personal valua...

Thai Police Charge University Testing Center Director in Major Examination Fraud Investigation

Law enforcement authorities have filed seven serious criminal charges against the director of a university testing center following an investigation into alleged examination fraud. The suspect has denied the accusations, saying actions w...

Thai Foreign Ministry Defends Response After Death of Thai Citizen in Georgia Sparks Public Criticism

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released an official timeline explaining its handling of the death of Thai national Hlun Solo in Georgia after criticism from the victim’s family over delayed communication and repatriation proc...

Two Firefighting Crew Members Die in Helicopter Collision West of Athens

A Danish pilot and a Greek fire-service liaison officer were killed while tackling a major wildfire near Psatha; a British pilot and a second Greek crew member survived with minor injuries.

Five Dead After Ferry Fire Off East Java as Search Continues

The Mutiara Sentosa 2 caught fire while sailing from Surabaya to Makassar, forcing passengers and crew into the sea and prompting a multi-vessel rescue operation.

Great Wall Motor Becomes First Chinese EV Brand to Meet Thailand’s EV 3.5 Production Requirements

Great Wall Motor has completed domestic production offset requirements under Thailand’s EV 3.5 policy, using its Rayong factory to expand local supply chains and increase local content beyond 50% as Thailand strengthens its position as a...

Thailand’s Thai Chuai Thai Plus Stimulus Program Injects 86 Billion Baht Into Local Economy

The government’s Thai Chuai Thai Plus initiative has generated more than 86 billion baht in economic activity within its first two months, supporting domestic consumption among more than 26 million registered participants and over one mi...

Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul Begins First Thai Leaders’ Visit to Indonesia in 15 Years

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has traveled to Indonesia for a two-day official visit focused on expanding cooperation with President Prabowo Subianto on trade, food security and regional energy connectivity as Thailand seeks closer ...

Banpu’s Newly Merged Energy Entity Set to Begin Trading on Thai Stock Exchange

The newly combined Banpu and Banpu Power entity is expected to start trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand on August 4 after shareholder approval of the merger, with automatic inclusion in FTSE SET Mid Cap and All-Share indices.

Bangkok to Welcome Southeast Asia Debut of Hilton’s Canopy Hotel Brand

Hilton’s Canopy brand will open its first Southeast Asian property in Bangkok’s Asoke district, adding new premium hotel capacity as Thailand’s tourism sector shifts toward higher-value international visitors.

Thailand Prepares UNESCO World Heritage Bid for Historic Death Railway

Thai officials are preparing a nomination for sections of the World War Two-era Death Railway in Kanchanaburi to receive UNESCO World Heritage status, aiming to strengthen conservation efforts and heritage tourism in western Thailand.

Honda Thailand to Launch Limited Edition Super-ONE Electric Microcar

Honda Automobile Thailand will introduce the Japan-imported Super-ONE compact electric vehicle on August 14, with only thirty units available for Thai customers seeking a small urban-focused electric car.

Thailand Launches Amazing Thailand Grand Sale to Boost Tourist Spending

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is working with more than one hundred businesses on nationwide promotions through August, targeting international visitors from China, Singapore and Western markets during the traditional low season.

Thailand Issues Flash Flood Warnings as Strong Monsoon Rains Hit Northern and Coastal Areas

Thailand’s Meteorological Department has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall from an active monsoon trough could trigger flash floods and forest runoff across northern, northeastern, eastern and western coastal provinces through ear...

Thailand Approves Four Special Economic Corridors to Attract Foreign Universities and Build Advanced Skills

The Thai Cabinet has approved new economic zones where leading overseas universities can establish campuses and partnerships, addressing a projected shortage of nearly 476,000 skilled workers in robotics, advanced manufacturing and other...

Thailand Targets Three Trillion Baht Tourism Revenue Through Higher-Value Travel Strategy

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new strategy focused on medical tourism, wellness, cultural experiences and higher-spending visitors, aiming to generate three trillion baht in tourism revenue with international travelers...

Thailand Pushes August Deadline for Delayed High-Speed Airport Rail Link Contract Changes

The State Railway of Thailand plans to issue a construction notice by August 2026 for the 224.5-billion-baht airport rail project, warning that the government may seek approval to take over civil works if the concessionaire fails to comp...

Thailand Attracts 1.37 Trillion Baht in Foreign Investment Applications as Global Tech Firms Expand

Thailand’s Board of Investment reported an 80% surge in foreign direct investment applications during the first half of 2026, driven largely by major technology companies investing in data centers, cloud services and artificial intellige...

Thailand Becomes First Overseas Delivery Hub for China's TSR20 Rubber Market

Chinese authorities have approved Thailand's first overseas delivery warehouse for technically specified rubber 20 (TSR20), strengthening the country's position as a regional hub for rubber trading, agricultural commodities and internati...

Thailand Unveils Low-Season Tourism Incentives to Boost Domestic Travel

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports is accelerating plans for domestic travel subsidies, including co-payment schemes and flight incentives for September and October, to sustain tourism demand and support hospitality businesses in ...