Thai Times

Lisa Manobal Becomes First Thai and First Female K-pop Artist to Perform at FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony

Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal performed at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Los Angeles alongside international artists Anitta and Rema, marking the first time a Thai artist and a female K-pop performer has appeared at the event and drawin...

Thailand Tourism Sector Holds Strong as Country Targets 33 Million Visitors Despite Global Headwinds

Thailand’s tourism industry has shown resilience following the conclusion of the Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2026 in Pattaya, where hundreds of international buyers attended as the country continued its shift toward value-driven and wellne...

Princess Bajrakitiyabha Death Prompts National Mourning as Thailand Holds Royal Funeral Rites at Grand Palace

Thailand has entered a period of national mourning following the announcement of the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati at the age of 47, with crowds gathering at Bangkok’s Grand Palace on June 13 for Buddhist rituals an...

Study Warns Illegal Gambling Could Absorb Much of World Cup-Related Spending

Research by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimates that broadcasts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup could generate 68.6 billion baht in economic circulation, but warns that 47.5 billion baht may flow into underground gambling...

Thailand Targets Emerging Tourism Markets to Generate Additional 5 Billion Baht

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is using Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2026 to expand its reach into higher-spending markets including the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Mexico, with the aim of generating an additional 5 billion baht in e...

Thailand Begins National Mourning Period Following Passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha

Thailand's Ministry of Defence and other government institutions have invited the public to attend bathing rites for Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha at the Grand Palace following her passing. The event marks the beginning of a...

Gulf Energy Strengthens Regional Energy Partnerships Through Talks With Vietnam's EVN

Thailand's Gulf Energy has held strategic discussions with Vietnam's state-owned utility EVN, reflecting growing cross-border cooperation in energy development and the expanding regional role of Thai infrastructure companies.

Thailand's Startup Expo 2026 Aims to Connect Local Innovators With Global Investors

The National Innovation Agency is preparing to host Startup and Innovation Thailand Expo 2026 in Bangkok, focusing on linking investment-ready Thai technology firms with international venture capital funds and corporate partners to accel...

BAIC FOTON, Huawei and Spark EV Expand Commercial Electric Vehicle Network in Thailand

BAIC FOTON has launched new electric vans in Thailand and partnered with Huawei and Spark EV to develop ultra-fast charging infrastructure, supporting the transition toward cleaner logistics and commercial transport networks.

AI-Driven Electronics Demand Lifts Thai Manufacturers and Supports Stock Market Recovery

Strong global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure and advanced electronic components has boosted earnings among major Thai exporters, with companies including Delta Electronics outperforming expectations and helping drive b...

Thailand Pushes OECD Membership Drive With Sweeping Regulatory Reform Agenda

Government officials and business leaders have outlined an accelerated strategy to align Thailand's legal and regulatory frameworks with OECD standards, aiming to secure membership by 2028 and strengthen long-term investor confidence.

Thailand Targets 33 Million Visitors as Pattaya Hosts Flagship Global Tourism Trade Event

The Tourism Authority of Thailand launched Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2026 in Pattaya, bringing together international buyers and travel media while projecting 33 million foreign arrivals and promoting wellness, luxury and sustainable tou...

Thailand Draws Over One Trillion Baht in Investment Applications as Data Center Boom Accelerates

Thailand's Board of Investment reported investment applications exceeding 1.01 trillion baht in the first quarter, with digital infrastructure projects accounting for 873 billion baht as global technology companies expand cloud computing...

Thailand Meteorological Department Warns of Intensifying El Niño Conditions and Rising Climate Risks

Thailand’s Department of Meteorology has issued a nationwide advisory on the developing El Niño phenomenon, warning that conditions are expected to intensify toward the end of the year. Officials say the pattern could worsen heat extreme...

JAS Group Secures 2026 FIFA World Cup Broadcasting Rights for Thailand Amid Fraud and Scam Warnings

JAS Group has finalized a landmark agreement to acquire official broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ensuring Thai audiences can watch all 104 matches of the tournament. As anticipation builds ahead of the global sporting ev...

Thailand Enters 15-Day National Mourning Period Following Passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol

The Thai government has declared a 15-day national mourning period following the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol. The Bureau of the Royal Household is overseeing funeral arrangements at the Grand Palace, whi...

Thailand Promotes Artificial Intelligence and Digital Commerce as New Drivers of Economic Growth

The Ministry of Industry is positioning artificial intelligence and e-commerce at the center of Thailand's next phase of economic development ahead of the ASIA DigiCommerce Services Xpo 2026 in Bangkok. The event is expected to attract m...

Thailand Injects 19 Billion Baht Into Retail Economy Through Expanded Co-Payment Stimulus Program

More than 23.3 million people have participated in the Finance Ministry's Thai Chuai Thai Plus program, which has delivered over 19 billion baht into the domestic economy. The initiative also introduces an artificial intelligence tool ca...

Thailand Generates 701 Billion Baht From 14.5 Million Foreign Visitors in Strong First Half of 2026

Thailand welcomed 14.5 million international tourists during the first six months of 2026, generating 701 billion baht in revenue as visitors from China, Malaysia and India led arrivals. Authorities are increasingly targeting regional sh...

Thailand’s Foreign Investment Strategy Shifts Toward Technology, Skills and Supply Chain Development

As investment inflows reach record levels, policymakers are increasingly focusing on projects that strengthen local industries, create high-value jobs and improve Thailand’s long-term competitiveness in advanced manufacturing and digital...

Tourism Authority of Thailand Eyes Higher Visitor Targets as Travel Demand Remains Strong

Tourism officials reported resilient international arrivals during the Thailand Travel Mart Plus event in Pattaya and are preparing to revise visitor targets upward, with growing emphasis on attracting higher-spending and long-haul trave...

Thailand Prepares to Host 2026 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok

Government agencies and business leaders are stepping up preparations for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Annual Meetings, which are expected to bring more than 19,000 policymakers and executives to Bangkok and showc...

Bank of Thailand Calls for Greater Focus on High-Quality Foreign Investment

After record post-pandemic foreign direct investment inflows of $18.8 billion, the central bank urged policymakers to prioritize projects that deliver technology transfer, workforce development and stronger domestic supply chains rather ...

Thailand and Vietnam Deepen Economic Integration Following Landmark Diplomatic Summit

New agreements announced after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s visit to Hanoi aim to expand investment, strengthen manufacturing supply chains and broaden economic cooperation as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Thailand Attracts $5.5 Billion in Electric Vehicle Investment as Industry Transition Accelerates

The Board of Investment said foreign investors have committed more than 182 billion baht to Thailand’s electric vehicle supply chain, reinforcing the country’s push to become a leading production and export base for zero-emission vehicle...

Thailand Raises Economic and Export Outlook on Strong Technology Demand and Government Stimulus

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking upgraded its forecasts for economic growth and exports after a sharp rise in technology-related shipments, while a 170 billion baht government stimulus program is expected to...

Gulf Development Unveils $4.3 Billion Artificial Intelligence Data Center Expansion Across Thailand

Gulf Development Public Company Limited will invest 140 billion baht over the next five years to expand data center capacity to 2,000 megawatts, partnering with Microsoft, Google Cloud and Singtel as Thailand seeks to strengthen its posi...

Thai Authorities Break Up Concert Ticket Fraud Ring Linked to More Than 350 X Accounts

Investigators have dismantled a large-scale fraud network that used more than 350 accounts on X, formerly Twitter, to sell fake tickets for high-profile events, highlighting growing cybercrime risks for consumers and prompting renewed wa...

Thai Police Dismantle Six Illegal Gambling Networks Handling More Than 473 Million Baht

Authorities have broken up six online gambling operations with combined transactions exceeding 473 million baht in a major financial crime crackdown, reinforcing the government's campaign against illegal betting platforms ahead of the 20...

Thailand Intensifies Flood Response as Monsoon Rains Trigger Warnings Across 63 Provinces

Thai authorities have expanded emergency operations and flood monitoring efforts after heavy monsoon rains affected 63 provinces, with officials focusing on high-risk areas to reduce damage to communities, infrastructure and agricultural...

Thailand Deepens Focus on High-Spending Visitors to Strengthen Tourism Resilience

The growing emphasis on wellness tourism, major events, and long-haul travelers reflects a broader strategy to increase visitor spending and reduce dependence on tourism volume alone, helping shield the sector from global economic uncert...

Regulators Intensify Oversight of Digital Assets to Reinforce Market Confidence

Thailand’s crackdown on cryptocurrency mule accounts forms part of a broader effort to improve transparency and reduce financial crime as policymakers respond to market volatility, capital outflows, and pressure on the national currency.

Rising Sports Rights Costs Test Thailand’s Traditional Broadcasting Model

The prolonged World Cup rights negotiations highlight growing pressure on broadcasters as the cost of acquiring major international sports content continues to rise, prompting wider questions about how premium events will be financed and...

Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2026 Draws Stronger Long-Haul Interest as Tourism Strategy Shifts Upmarket

The Tourism Authority of Thailand opened Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2026 in Chonburi with increased participation from international buyers and rising interest from the Americas, supporting efforts to expand high-value tourism segments su...

Thailand Orders Closure of 58,000 Cryptocurrency Mule Accounts in Major Financial Crime Crackdown

The Securities and Exchange Commission has moved to shut down 58,000 cryptocurrency mule accounts and plans to introduce stricter oversight measures by mid-August as authorities seek to combat digital fraud, curb illicit financial activi...

Thailand Risks Missing 2026 FIFA World Cup Broadcast Deal as Rights Talks With FIFA Continue

Thailand remains the only Southeast Asian country without secured broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Jasmine International negotiates with FIFA over an estimated US$40 million fee, raising concerns that millions of Thai view...

Digital Immigration and Airport Reforms Aim to Modernize the Visitor Experience

The rollout of a new digital arrival platform alongside airport funding reforms reflects a broader effort to streamline travel procedures, improve capacity, and deliver a more efficient experience for international visitors.

Data Centre Expansion Positions Thailand as a Regional Digital Infrastructure Hub

New investments by major Thai corporations highlight growing confidence in the country’s ability to support large-scale cloud computing and artificial intelligence operations through dedicated infrastructure and reliable energy supplies.

Thailand Shifts Tourism Strategy Toward High-Spending Wellness and Medical Travelers

Thai tourism authorities are placing greater emphasis on wellness, medical, and sustainable travel, seeking to increase visitor spending and reduce reliance on mass-market tourism volumes.

Technology Exports Emerge as Key Driver of Thailand’s Economic Outlook

A sharp increase in technology and electronics shipments is underpinning Thailand’s improved growth projections as global demand for artificial intelligence hardware and advanced components supports the country’s manufacturing sector.

Thailand and Vietnam Expand Economic and Technology Cooperation to Strengthen Regional Supply Chains

Thailand and Vietnam have agreed to deepen collaboration across key industrial and technology sectors, reinforcing efforts to attract multinational manufacturers and strengthen Southeast Asia’s role in global supply chains.

Airports of Thailand Raises International Departure Charge to Fund Airport Upgrades

Airports of Thailand will increase the international passenger service charge to 1,120 baht later this month, with the additional revenue earmarked for airport modernization projects, enhanced security systems, and expanded passenger-han...

Thailand Approves Seaplane Network Linking Krabi, Phuket and Andaman Island Destinations

Transport authorities have finalized plans for commercial seaplane services connecting Krabi International Airport with Phuket and nearby islands, creating a premium travel option aimed at enhancing tourism connectivity along the Andaman...

Thai Conglomerates Accelerate Data Centre Investments to Capture AI and Cloud Computing Growth

WHA Corporation and Gulf have announced major expansions of dedicated data centre infrastructure, strengthening the Eastern Economic Corridor’s position as a regional hub for artificial intelligence, cloud services, and digital investment.

Thailand Launches Digital Arrival Platform to Speed Airport Processing for International Travelers

The Immigration Bureau has introduced the Thailand Immigration Management mobile application to digitize arrival procedures and reduce airport processing times as authorities prepare for an expected 30 million international visitors this...

Thailand Signals Higher Tourism Targets as Premium Travel Demand Exceeds Expectations

The Tourism Authority of Thailand said international arrival targets could be revised upward after stronger-than-expected demand from European and Middle Eastern travelers, with industry operators increasingly focused on medical, wellnes...

Thailand Raises Growth and Export Forecasts as Technology Shipments Strengthen Outlook

Thailand’s leading business and industry groups have increased their forecasts for economic growth to 2% and export growth to 10%, citing strong technology exports, domestic stimulus measures, and stable energy supply chains despite ongo...

Bangkok Election Regulations Updated as City Prepares for Governor Voting Process

Bangkok authorities have issued updated voter registration and election regulation guidance ahead of the city’s governor election process. The update provides administrative clarity for residents and reflects ongoing procedural adjustmen...