Thai Times

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.

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...

Thai Consumer Confidence Weakens as Household Debt and Cost Pressures Weigh on Spending

A new Ipsos survey found that seventy-one percent of Thai respondents consider the country's economic situation to be poor, while persistent household debt, inflation, and concerns over job security are prompting more than sixty percent ...

Thailand Adopts "Value over Volume" Tourism Strategy and Lowers 2026 Foreign Visitor Target

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has revised its 2026 international arrival target to between thirty and thirty-four million visitors after a two point five percent decline in first-quarter arrivals amid global economic and geopolitical...

Foreign Investment, Tourism, Electric Vehicles and Wellness Lead Thailand's Next Growth Phase

Thailand's latest economic initiatives highlight sustained momentum in foreign investment for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, continued growth in international tourism, an accelerating shift toward electric mobility, ...

Thailand Launchs Science-Based Surf Therapy Destination to Expand Wellness Tourism

Thailand has introduced its first Science-Based Surf Therapy Ecosystem in Phang Nga province, combining psychological research, ocean-based activities, and Thai hospitality to strengthen the country's growing medical and wellness tourism...

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Targets International Visitors to Boost Mid-Year Tourism Spending

The Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports have launched the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 with more than one hundred tourism and hospitality partners, offering promotions across Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang M...

Thailand Weighs Twenty-Four Billion Baht Electric Vehicle Plan for Commercial Transport Fleets

The Thai government is considering a twenty-four billion baht electric vehicle support programme to replace up to eighty thousand ageing taxis, tuk-tuks, trucks, and other commercial vehicles, with officials also evaluating broader incen...

Thailand Welcomes More Than Seventeen Million Foreign Visitors as Tourism Revenue Tops Eight Hundred Billion Baht

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports said Thailand welcomed more than seventeen point three million international visitors between January and mid-July 2026, generating more than eight hundred thirty-eight billion baht in revenue as strong...

Thai Commercial Banks Earn More Than One Hundred Billion Baht in First-Half Profit

Thailand's major commercial banks reported combined net profit of more than one hundred one billion baht for the first half of 2026, underscoring the resilience of the country's financial sector and supporting continued corporate lending...

Thailand Investment Applications Surge Thirty-Seven Percent as AI and Digital Infrastructure Drive Record Growth

Thailand's Board of Investment said investment applications rose thirty-seven percent year on year to forty-three point six billion dollars in the first half of 2026, led by thirty-three billion dollars of foreign investment in digital i...

Chinese Investment Surge in Chonburi’s Bowin Raises Concerns Over Local Business Displacement

A rapid expansion of Chinese-owned businesses in Bowin, Chonburi, has fueled concerns that closed commercial networks serving mainly Chinese customers are limiting opportunities for local Thai enterprises and reshaping the industrial dis...

Thailand Caps Electricity Prices Below Four Baht Per Unit Through End of Year to Support Consumers

The Energy Regulatory Commission approved a ceiling of three point ninety-five baht per unit for electricity bills from September to December by maintaining the fuel tariff at sixteen point twenty-three satang and using more than sixteen...

GULF Energy and Cognizant Partner to Build Thailand’s Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Hub

Thailand’s GULF Energy is working with global IT services company Cognizant to develop digital infrastructure aimed at supporting artificial intelligence growth, attracting technology investment, and creating around one thousand skilled ...

Thailand Wins United States Tariff Exemption for Tapioca Starch and Expands Agricultural Export Drive

The United States has exempted Thai tapioca starch from Section 301 tariffs, prompting Thailand's Ministry of Commerce to pursue new supply agreements with major American food manufacturers while expanding animal feed exports to the Unit...

Thailand's Thai Chuay Thai Plus Stimulus Generates More Than Seventy-Eight Billion Baht in Economic Activity

The Thai government said the Thai Chuay Thai Plus economic stimulus program has generated more than seventy-eight billion baht in economic circulation and benefited more than thirty-nine million people, using a one hundred seventy-five b...

Thailand Prioritizes North-South Economic Corridor Links in Strategic Review of Landbridge Project

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a strategic review of the Landbridge project while shifting the government's immediate focus to completing missing road and rail connections along the North-South Economic Corridor, aiming t...

Foreign Investment, Digital Tourism and Artificial Intelligence Lead Thailand's Economic Agenda

Thailand is placing greater emphasis on attracting Chinese investment, expanding digital services for international visitors, strengthening regional aviation links, broadening access to artificial intelligence, and helping exporters meet...

Export-Import Bank of Thailand Expands Sustainable Finance Support for Exporters

The Export-Import Bank of Thailand has introduced new transition finance products and sustainability data services to help small and medium-sized exporters meet increasingly demanding international environmental, social, and governance s...

Thailand Prepares National Artificial Intelligence Program for Five Million Citizens

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is preparing to launch the TH-AI Passport initiative, giving five million Thai citizens subsidized access to professional-grade generative artificial intelligence tools to support workforce ski...

Thailand Moves to Develop Udon Thani into a Regional Aviation Hub

Thailand's Ministry of Transport and Vietjet Thailand have launched a joint initiative to expand Udon Thani International Airport, increasing domestic flights and international connections to support trade, investment, and tourism across...

Tourism Authority of Thailand Signs Five Partnerships with Chinese Travel Groups to Boost Digital Tourism

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has signed agreements with five major Chinese tourism and technology companies in Beijing to expand smart travel services, strengthen digital marketing, and promote sustainable, high-quality tourism ahea...

Thailand Welcomes More Than Seventeen Million Foreign Tourists as Travel Revenue Reaches Eight Hundred Thirty-Eight Billion Baht

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported seventeen point three six million international visitor arrivals in the first half of two thousand twenty-six, generating eight hundred thirty-eight billion baht in tourism revenue, with...

Thai Prime Minister Pledges Faster Investment Approvals at Thailand-China Cooperation Expo

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told investors at the Thailand-China Cooperation Expo two thousand twenty-six in Bangkok that Thailand will accelerate Board of Investment approvals, strengthen investment security, and deepen cooperati...

STORY:

The Thai Ministry of Finance has adjusted eligibility rules and review procedures for the state welfare card scheme after receiving a large number of public appeals over qualification criteria, including vehicle ownership restrictions. A...