Thai Times

Thailand Unveils Development Framework to Tackle Long-Term Low Growth

The National Economic and Social Development Council is laying the foundations for Thailand’s next national development plan, with priorities including greater research and development investment, economic upgrading and a shift toward lo...

Thailand Launches Laem Chabang-Nong Khai Rail Freight Corridor Toward China

The Transport Ministry has begun a prototype rail freight route linking Laem Chabang port with Nong Khai, aiming to reduce logistics costs, ease cross-border trade and connect Thai exporters more efficiently with the wider trans-Asian ra...

Thai Household Debt Hits Record Average Near 800,000 Baht

Average household debt in Thailand has climbed to nearly 800,000 baht, with high living costs, weak income growth and heavy reliance on credit cards and personal loans continuing to constrain repayment capacity and household consumption.

Thailand Grand Festival Opens in Sydney With Focus on Culture, Trade and Sustainability

Thailand Grand Festival 2026 is being held at Tumbalong Park in Sydney on September 19 and 20, showcasing Thai food, products, cultural performances and creative industries as Thailand expands cultural and commercial engagement in Austra...

Narathiwat Bomb and Gun Attack Kills Two Territorial Defence Volunteers and Injures 16

Two territorial defence volunteers were killed and 16 people were injured when attackers detonated a roadside bomb and opened fire on their vehicle in Sukhirin district, prompting an expanded security response in southern Thailand. ([Tha...

Thailand Cuts Standard Visa-Free Tourist Stay to 30 Days for 60 Countries

Thailand’s revised visa rules took effect on September 15, replacing the previous 60-day exemption with a 30-day tourist stay for travelers from 60 eligible countries and territories. ([กรมการกงสุล กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ][5])

Thailand Targets 2.7 Trillion Baht in Tourism Revenue as Arrival Forecast Improves

The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects about 32.6 million to 32.7 million foreign visitors in 2026 and is expanding festivals and international air connections as it pursues 2.7 trillion baht in total tourism revenue. ([nationthailand...

Thailand Prepares Tourism Stimulus Expected to Generate More Than 20 Billion Baht

The government is preparing a domestic travel program with one million entitlements and about 4 billion baht in proposed spending, aiming to generate more than 20 billion baht in tourism activity through the high season. ([Thai Governmen...

Thailand Fast-Tracks 121 Billion Baht of Strategic Investment and Adds IPO Incentives

The Board of Investment approved 17 projects worth 121 billion baht and introduced new incentives linking promoted companies with Thailand’s capital market as the government seeks more investment in advanced manufacturing and technology....

Thailand and Cambodia Open First UNCLOS Conciliation Talks in Singapore

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow led Thailand’s delegation at the first meeting of the Thailand-Cambodia Conciliation Commission under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, opening a formal process for ...

Bangkok Electric Train Fares to Be Capped at 45 Baht From January 2027

Thailand plans to introduce a unified fare system across Bangkok and surrounding electric rail lines from January 1, 2027, limiting journeys to a maximum of 45 baht while eliminating repeated entry charges between participating networks.

Thailand Weighs 30% Excise Tax on Fully Imported Electric Vehicles

Thailand’s EV Board and Finance Ministry are considering an excise tax of about 30% on completely built-up electric vehicles, using higher import taxation to encourage automakers to expand local production and strengthen the country’s au...

Thailand Moves to Close Bangkok’s Khlong Toei Port and Shift Freight to Laem Chabang

The government is advancing plans to end operations at Bangkok’s Khlong Toei Port and move maritime freight to Laem Chabang, reducing heavy-truck traffic in the capital while opening the waterfront site for large-scale commercial redevel...

Banpu Expands Battery Storage Investment to Support Thailand’s Growing AI Data Center Sector

Thai energy group Banpu is investing in high-capacity battery storage to meet the demanding power needs of data centers, positioning for planned direct power purchase liberalization while expanding carbon capture and natural gas trading ...

Thailand Targets 250,000 Chinese Visitors With Nihao Month 2026 Tourism Campaign

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has partnered with major Chinese platforms and 20 Thai companies to target 250,000 Chinese arrivals and 11.5 billion baht in revenue during Golden Week, as longer average stays strengthen the value of th...

Thailand Accelerates AI and Data Center Push With Risk-Based Regulatory Review

Thai policymakers are reviewing risk-based AI rules and reshaping investment incentives to position Thailand as a leading Southeast Asian hub for artificial intelligence and data centers, with the strategy focused on high-skill jobs and ...

Chon Buri Housing Market Rebounds as Investment Expands Across Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor

Chon Buri’s housing market is recovering as industrial expansion and continued foreign investment in advanced manufacturing support economic and population growth across Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor.

Thailand Secures More Than 3 Billion Baht in Projected Foreign Film Investment at Toronto Festival

Thailand’s Department of Tourism secured more than 3 billion baht in projected filming investment from over 25 international production companies at the Toronto International Film Festival, exceeding its initial target sixfold.

Thailand Launches Two-Tier Tax Incentives to Encourage New Economy Listings

Thailand’s Board of Investment, Stock Exchange of Thailand and Securities and Exchange Commission have agreed on two-tier tax incentives aimed at helping high-potential New Economy companies access capital markets and pursue listings in ...

Taiwan’s Ally Logistic Property Plans 10 Billion Baht Smart Warehouse Investment in Thailand

Taiwanese logistics developer Ally Logistic Property will invest 10 billion baht in a highly automated warehouse complex in Thailand to support growing e-commerce and advanced manufacturing activity.

Thailand Capital-Market Strategy Targets Structural Risks From Low Growth, Debt and Ageing

Thai financial regulators are placing greater emphasis on directing private capital toward digital infrastructure, data centres and advanced manufacturing as high household debt, demographic ageing and persistently weak growth limit the ...

Thailand Stock Exchange Introduces Special Listing Track for BOI and EEC Companies

The Stock Exchange of Thailand has revised listing requirements for New Economy companies, creating a special route for businesses promoted by the Board of Investment and Eastern Economic Corridor while easing market-capitalisation and o...

Thailand Launches ‘BOI to IPO’ Initiative to Bring New Economy Companies to Stock Market

Thailand’s Board of Investment, Stock Exchange and Securities and Exchange Commission have launched the BOI to IPO programme to help companies across 10 targeted New Economy sectors access domestic capital markets, with a focus on busine...

Thailand Urges Hotels to Shift From Visitor Volume to AI-Driven, Higher-Value Growth

Thailand’s Tourism Ministry is encouraging hotels to adopt artificial intelligence, data analytics and automated revenue management as a 30% increase in room supply pressures rates and margins, despite international arrivals remaining st...

Thailand Uses Gastech and IMF-World Bank Meetings to Strengthen Bangkok’s Business Events Push

Thailand is using Gastech 2026 and the newly secured IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings to position Bangkok as a leading Asian business events hub, with major conferences expected to bring more than 50,000 international participants, generat...

Thailand Introduces More Flexible Visa Extensions for Long-Stay Visitors

Thailand has introduced rules allowing travelers from more than 50 countries to extend 30-day visa-exempt stays by another 30 days, as the government seeks to increase tourism revenue and attract more long-stay visitors and remote workers.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Launches Global Roadshow to Attract Foreign Investment

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is launching an international investor roadshow to promote Thailand’s digital infrastructure, new-economy initiatives and listed companies as the government seeks to draw fresh foreign capital into Thai...

Central Group Unveils US$3.5 Billion Regional Expansion Plan

Thailand’s Central Group has announced a US$3.5 billion investment drive focused on Vietnam, expanding the retail and hospitality conglomerate’s presence in Southeast Asia’s growing consumer markets.

Bangkok Energy Summit Delivers More Than US$40 Billion in Commercial Agreements

Gastech 2026 in Bangkok concluded with more than US$40 billion in agreements spanning liquefied natural gas, power generation, petrochemicals and shipping, highlighting Thailand’s role in Southeast Asia’s energy investment and transition.

WHA Group and Industrial Developers Accelerate Investment in Smart Estates, Green Energy and Logistics

Major Thai industrial estate developers and logistics providers, led by WHA Group, are increasing capital spending on smart industrial zones, green energy microgrids and electric vehicle ecosystems as global manufacturers shift supply ch...

Thailand’s High-Tech Investment Boom Deepens Economic Divide as SME Closures and Household Debt Rise

Thailand continues to attract major foreign investment into advanced electronics, data centers and renewable energy manufacturing, but rising small and medium-sized enterprise closures, tight bank lending and high household debt are weak...

Thai Vietjet Targets 50-Aircraft Fleet as Government Promotes Regional Air Connectivity

Thai Vietjet plans to expand its fleet toward 50 aircraft while developing services such as Sky ConX and additional regional connections, supporting government efforts to channel more international travel and economic activity through Th...

Bangkok Rail Fares to Be Capped at 45 Baht Under Unified System From January 2027

Thailand plans to introduce integrated fares from January 1, 2027, with an initial charge of no more than 17 baht and a maximum fare of 45 baht per journey on participating urban rail lines, reducing repeated entry charges for connecting...

Amazing Thailand Ambassador Campaign Generates More Than 448 Million Impressions

The Tourism Authority of Thailand says its Amazing Thailand Ambassador campaign generated more than 448 million impressions across digital and media channels, supporting the country’s international destination marketing ahead of the high...

Thailand Ranks Second in Travel and Tour World’s 2026 Medical Tourism List

Travel and Tour World placed Thailand second in its 2026 medical-tourism ranking, citing the country’s established hospitals, specialist expertise, medical technology and tourism infrastructure.

Hero Motors Builds IPO Story Around Electric Powertrain Manufacturing in Thailand

Indian automotive-components group Hero Motors is using its Thai electric motor and transmission operations as part of its expansion strategy ahead of a planned initial public offering.

Airlines Expand Bangkok and Phuket Capacity Ahead of Thailand’s Winter Travel Season

Thai Airways and international carriers are adding services into Thailand, including new European connections to Bangkok and Phuket, as airlines prepare for stronger seasonal travel demand.

Bangkok Hosts Gastech 2026 as Global Energy Leaders Gather in Thailand

Gastech 2026 is bringing thousands of executives, policymakers and energy specialists to Bangkok from September 14 to 17 for discussions spanning natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, low-carbon technologies and energy security.

Thailand FastPass Adds 17 Investment Projects Worth More Than 121 Billion Baht

The Board of Investment has added 17 projects from 15 companies to its accelerated approval program, taking the Thailand FastPass pipeline to 42 projects worth more than 344 billion baht.

Thailand Projected to Attract 570 Billion Baht in Data Center Investment by 2030

Thailand could draw about 570 billion baht in data center investment between 2026 and 2030 as demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing drives a major expansion of digital infrastructure.

CJ More Targets 100 Billion Baht Valuation Ahead of Planned 2029 IPO

Thai retail executive Sathien Sathientham is expanding the CJ More convenience store network into a broader lifestyle retail platform as the company targets a 100 billion baht valuation before a planned public listing in 2029.

Chery Produces 20,000 Electric Vehicles in Thailand Within Five Months

China’s Chery Group has assembled 20,000 electric vehicles in Thailand within five months, underscoring the rapid expansion of local production as global automakers build out Southeast Asian EV supply chains.

Siam Piwat Expands China Digital Partnerships to Reach More Than One Billion Consumers

Thai retail developer Siam Piwat is connecting its shopping and tourism destinations with major Chinese digital platforms to reach a potential audience of more than one billion consumers and attract higher-spending visitors to Thailand.

Isuzu Tests Seven-Minute Battery Swaps for Electric Trucks in Thailand

Isuzu has begun real-world trials with V.Cargo and HomePro of an electric truck battery-swapping system that takes about seven minutes, aiming to reduce charging downtime and assess the technology’s suitability for Thailand’s commercial ...

Thailand Launches AI-Backed Lending Program for Small Merchants Using Tung Ngern Sales Data

Thailand’s Finance Ministry has introduced an AI-supported lending scheme that uses actual sales records from the Tung Ngern payment app to help small merchants, self-employed workers and SMEs qualify for formal credit with less reliance...