Thai Times

Thailand Tourism Sector Turns to AI and Higher-Yield Visitors as Hotel Supply Outpaces Demand

Tourism Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul urged hotels to adopt artificial intelligence, revenue-management technology and tighter energy controls after a 30% increase in accommodation supply pushed average daily room rates down 3% desp...

World Bank Urges Thailand to Lift Per-Capita Growth to 5.4% to Reach High-Income Status by 2037

The World Bank said Thailand must accelerate structural reforms and investment in advanced manufacturing, sustainable tourism, digital services, agribusiness and creative industries after post-pandemic growth averaged just 2.2%, warning ...

Thailand Targets 7,000 Regulatory Barriers in Push for Foreign Investment and Advanced Manufacturing

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced a broad deregulation drive aimed at removing more than 7,000 investment obstacles as Thailand seeks to position itself as an ASEAN supply-chain hub while expanding advanced manufacturing, arti...

USS Abraham Lincoln Port Visit Boosts Pattaya Hotels, Restaurants and Retail

Thousands of U.S. military personnel visiting Pattaya aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln generated a short-term increase in demand across the resort city’s hospitality, restaurant and service sectors.

Thai Airways Suspends Jakarta Flights After Indonesian Volcanic Eruption

Thai Airways temporarily cancelled several services to Jakarta after the eruption of Mount Krakatoa, citing aviation safety concerns arising from the regional volcanic disruption.

Thailand Links AI Development With Agricultural Modernisation in New Industrial Strategy

The Industry Ministry outlined a framework combining artificial-intelligence development with upgrades to agricultural supply chains as the government seeks broader and more resilient economic growth ahead of the IMF and World Bank annua...

Thailand Adjusts Visa-Free Entry Period to 30 Days for Tourists From More Than 60 Countries

The Interior Ministry recalibrated the visa exemption framework as Thailand seeks to balance border security with higher-value tourism and expand longer-stay options through its electronic visa system.

Thailand Prepares to Host Gastech 2026 as It Pursues Regional LNG Hub Ambitions

Bangkok will host the global energy exhibition as the government promotes Eastern Economic Corridor infrastructure, direct power-purchase agreements for data centres and Thailand’s role as an energy trading link in Southeast Asia.

Thailand Fast-Tracks Investment Incentives for U-Tapao Aviation City

The Eastern Economic Corridor is accelerating promotional privileges for companies investing in the U-Tapao Aviation City project as Thailand seeks to expand its role in aerospace, logistics and advanced manufacturing.

Thailand Surpasses 20 Million Foreign Visitors as Tourism Revenue Approaches 1 Trillion Baht

Thailand generated more than 984 billion baht from international tourism through late August, supported by visitors from China, Malaysia, India and Russia, as authorities target luxury, millennial and wellness travellers to sustain growth.

Stock Exchange of Thailand Eases Listing Rules for AI and New-Economy Companies

The Stock Exchange of Thailand introduced revised listing criteria for 10 targeted future industries, including advanced healthcare and smart electronics, as it seeks to make fundraising easier for technology-focused businesses and Easte...

Thailand Advances Green and AI Hub Strategy After $27 Billion Technology Investment Surge

Thailand is developing unified environmental standards and new financial incentives after the Board of Investment approved 886 billion baht in artificial intelligence and data-centre projects during the first half of the year.

Spicy Food Is Linked to Lower Death Risk — but It Is Not a Miracle Cure

Large studies associate regular chilli consumption with lower overall and heart-disease mortality, while evidence on cancer, ageing and digestive health remains intriguing but inconclusive.

Thai SMEs Squeezed as E-Commerce Costs Consume Up to 40% of Sales

Thai small and medium-sized businesses are facing mounting pressure as platform fees, advertising and delivery commissions absorb between 22% and 40% of sales, leaving average net margins near 2.3% and prompting efforts to develop lower-...

Thailand Targets Regulatory Overhaul and Higher-Value Investment in Push for High-Income Status

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and business leaders outlined plans to streamline more than 7,000 outdated regulations and expand investment in digital infrastructure, agricultural technology and human capital as Thailand seeks strong...

Thailand Moves to Tighten Data Center Rules as Rapid Expansion Raises Environmental Concerns

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas convened the first meeting of Thailand’s new Data Center Business Policy Committee to close regulatory loopholes and strengthen environmental oversight while preserving the...

Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Tourist Stay From 60 Days to 30

Thailand’s Interior Ministry reduced the visa-free stay available to visitors from 60 countries to 30 days from mid-September, citing national security concerns and reports that some foreign nationals were using longer stays for illegal ...

Thai Senate Approves 400 Billion Baht Loan Decree for Economic Stimulus and Clean Energy

Thailand’s Senate approved a 400 billion baht government borrowing plan to support economic recovery, infrastructure investment and the transition toward renewable energy, linking near-term stimulus with efforts to reduce dependence on f...

Minor International Partners With Accenture on Artificial Intelligence Training Across Hospitality Operations

Bangkok-based Minor International is working with Accenture to introduce Artificial Intelligence tools and training across its global workforce, with the collaboration aimed at improving productivity, customer service and digital capabil...

Delta Electronics Expands Artificial Intelligence and Electrification Push in Thailand

Delta Electronics Thailand unveiled Artificial Intelligence infrastructure, modular data-centre systems and smart microgrids in Bangkok as the company seeks to support more automated manufacturing and advanced industrial operations.

Stock Exchange of Thailand Revises Listing Rules to Attract Technology and New Economy Companies

The Stock Exchange of Thailand has updated its listing framework to better accommodate fast-growing digital and technology businesses, aiming to broaden access to capital and strengthen Bangkok’s appeal as a regional financial market.

Thailand Advances 70 Billion Baht Infrastructure Fund for Major National Projects

The State Enterprise Policy Office is moving forward with plans to raise 70 billion baht through a state-backed infrastructure fund, creating an alternative financing channel for large transport and utility projects without relying direc...

Thailand Plans Emissions-Based Automotive Tax Reform to Support Electric Vehicle Transition

The Excise Department is preparing a new vehicle tax structure based on carbon emissions as Thailand seeks to accelerate cleaner automotive production, protect manufacturing jobs and build on about 140 billion baht already invested by ma...

Thailand Raises 2026 Growth and Export Forecasts as Private Investment Strengthens

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking raised Thailand’s 2026 economic growth forecast to 2.1%-2.5% and its export growth outlook to 12%-16%, citing stronger private investment and aligning with more optimistic ex...

Thailand Tourism Strategy Shifts From Visitor Volume to Higher-Value Growth

Tourism Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul has urged hotels to use big data, artificial intelligence and greener operating practices to improve margins, while airports including Udon Thani prepare for more international services such as ...

Bangkok Tightens Data Center Rules as Foreign AI and Cloud Investment Surges

Bangkok authorities and national regulators are strengthening building controls, environmental assessments and fuel-storage oversight for data centers after some facilities were previously approved under warehouse classifications, as Tha...

Thailand Targets Higher-Value Growth With Focus on Advanced Industry, AI and Sustainable Tourism

Policymakers and business leaders at the Thairath Forum 2026 and the launch of the World Bank’s Building Thailand's Future Today report called for Thailand to compete less on low-cost production and more on reliable supply chains, produc...

Thai Business Leaders Highlight AI and Data Centre Investment as Economy Adjusts

Executives from SCB X, Charoen Pokphand Foods and Indorama Ventures said rising foreign investment in artificial intelligence and data centres is strengthening industrial competitiveness, while domestic inequality and greater localisatio...

Thailand Records $35.35 Billion Trade Deficit in First Seven Months

Thailand posted a $35.35 billion trade deficit in the first seven months of the year, with more than 70% of imports tied to capital goods and raw materials used in advanced manufacturing, electronics and digital infrastructure rather tha...

Anutin Charnvirakul Pledges Regulatory Overhaul and Longevity Economy Push

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand will remove more than 7,000 regulatory hurdles and promote a longevity economy as the government seeks to strengthen the country’s role as an ASEAN hub ahead of the IMF and World Bank annu...

Seven Thai Airlines Offer Free 10-Kilogram Fruit Allowance on Domestic Flights

Seven domestic airlines partnered with Thailand’s Commerce Ministry to let passengers check up to 10 kilograms of fresh regional produce free of charge on flights serving 20 regional airports, supporting farmers and domestic distribution.

USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Pattaya for Five-Day Port Visit

Nearly 5,000 US Navy sailors and Marines arrived at Pattaya and Laem Chabang aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln for a five-day port call expected to increase spending at local hospitality, entertainment and retail businesses.

Riyadh Air Launches First Direct Saudi Arabia-Bangkok Service

The Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomed Riyadh Air’s inaugural direct flight to Bangkok, adding aviation capacity between Thailand and Saudi Arabia and supporting tourism and commercial links between the two countries.

Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Tourist Stay to 30 Days From September 15

Thailand published new rules confirming that its temporary 60-day visa exemption will be replaced by a standard 30-day visa-free stay for visitors from 60 countries and territories starting September 15.

Thailand Stock Exchange Revises Listing Rules to Attract Global Technology Companies

The Stock Exchange of Thailand introduced new listing criteria targeting companies in 10 high-growth industries, including medical technology, electric vehicles and smart electronics, as well as businesses backed by the Board of Investme...

Thailand Raises 2026 GDP Growth Forecast to 2.1%-2.5%

Thailand’s leading business associations raised their economic growth forecast to 2.1%-2.5%, citing stronger merchandise exports and robust private investment across major industrial corridors.

Thai Policymakers and Business Leaders Assess Trade and Climate Risks at THAIRATH FORUM 2026

Senior policymakers and executives from SCBX, PTT and SCG joined Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai at THAIRATH FORUM 2026 to discuss how global trade fragmentation and tougher climate rules could affect Thailand’s economy and competitiveness.

Thailand Unveils 8.6 Billion Baht Plan for Three Southern Double-Track Rail Corridors

The Transport Ministry has set out an 8.6 billion baht investment timetable for three southern double-track railway projects, including a Made in Thailand requirement for rolling stock aimed at improving logistics efficiency and cross-bo...

Thailand Issues Heavy Rain and Flash Flood Warnings for September 4-7

Thailand’s Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall across upper Thailand from September 4 to 7 as an active monsoon trough and southwest monsoon raise the risk of flash floods, mountain runoff and transport d...

DreamWorks Hotel Project Advances in Pattaya With Themed Resort and Water Park Plans

Developers are moving forward with a multi-billion-baht DreamWorks Hotel in Pattaya featuring themed architecture and an integrated water park, targeting higher-spending family travellers and broader tourism growth on Thailand’s Eastern ...

Bangkok Tightens Oversight of Data Centres Over Energy, Noise and Safety Concerns

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and city authorities are stepping up enforcement on expanding data centres amid concerns over power consumption, noise, diesel storage and compliance with municipal zoning and safety rules.

World Bank Says Thailand Can Reach High-Income Status by 2037 With Faster Productivity Growth

A World Bank reform report says Thailand can still achieve high-income status by 2037 if it accelerates productivity, digital adoption and human-capital investment, with annual GDP per capita growth of about 5.4% identified as a key benc...

Fairmont Opens First Thailand Hotel in Bangkok

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts has opened Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, marking the brand’s debut in Thailand and adding to the capital’s luxury hospitality offering ahead of the peak tourism season.

Bangkok Business Summit Puts AI Adoption and Local Intellectual Property in Focus

Thai business leaders have called for faster artificial intelligence adoption and greater development of domestic intellectual property as companies respond to shifts in global supply chains.