Thai Times

Thailand–Vietnam Business Forum Highlights Intensifying Supply Chain Competition and Shift Toward Regional Partnerships

Business leaders meeting at the Thailand–Vietnam Business Forum 2026 discussed growing pressure from global supply chain realignments, with Thai companies increasingly adopting partnership strategies and “Thailand+1” approaches as Chines...

Thailand Expands High-Value Tourism Push With New Direct Flights and Visa Review for Key Markets

Thai tourism and aviation authorities are working with international carriers including flydubai to launch direct flights to Don Mueang targeting affluent Middle Eastern travelers, while also considering restoring visa-free entry for Ind...

Thailand’s NESDC Proposes Civil Servant Welfare Overhaul as Rising Fixed Costs Strain Public Finances

Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council has proposed restructuring the civil servant welfare system, warning that rising fixed costs and debt servicing are limiting the government’s ability to fund critical infrastruc...

Thai Business Groups Warn Strong Baht Is Undermining Export Competitiveness

Thailand’s Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking has warned that the strong baht is eroding export competitiveness, even after a slight depreciation to around 32 baht per US dollar. Industry leaders say Thai goods re...

Bangchak Corporation Completes Acquisition of Chevron Hong Kong and Expands North Asia Trading Footprint

Bangchak Corporation has finalized its acquisition of Chevron Hong Kong, rebranding the entity as Bangchak Hong Kong in a move that strengthens its presence in North Asia. The deal marks a significant step in the company’s international ...

Thailand Records 2.35 Million Tourist Arrivals and 10.6 Percent Export Growth as Economy Leans on Travel and Trade

Thailand’s Fiscal Policy Office says tourism and exports remain the main drivers of the economy, with 2.35 million foreign arrivals and a 10.6 percent rise in exports in the latest monthly data. Authorities are also advancing a shift tow...

Thailand Extends Domestic Aviation Fee Discounts to Support Airlines and Operational Efficiency

Aeronautical Radio of Thailand has extended a 30% reduction in domestic air navigation fees for two months, offering temporary cost relief to airlines. Officials say the measure also supports improved air traffic efficiency, helping redu...

Thailand Develops Luxury Rail Tourism Network to Target High-Spending International Travelers

Thai tourism and transport officials are advancing luxury rail services along scenic domestic routes as part of a strategy to attract higher-spending international visitors. The initiative is designed to expand premium travel options whi...

Thailand Expands Cross-Border QR Payment System to Support Tourism and Regional Trade

Thai financial authorities have expanded the country’s cross-border QR payment network to improve digital transactions for tourists and regional trading partners. The move is part of a broader push to position Thailand as a leading finte...

Thailand and Meta Launch Nationwide Artificial Intelligence Training Program for Small Businesses and Farmers

Thailand has partnered with Meta to roll out nationwide artificial intelligence training programs for small businesses and the agricultural sector. The initiative is intended to improve productivity, expand digital skills in rural commun...

Bangkok’s True Digital Park and Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture Launch Cross-Border Startup Innovation Corridor

True Digital Park in Bangkok and Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture have launched a bilateral innovation corridor designed to connect startups, investors and venture capital networks across Asia. The initiative also aims to simplify cross-border...

Thailand Proposes ASEAN Semiconductor Framework to Strengthen Regional Supply Chains

The Thai government has proposed an ASEAN-level semiconductor initiative aimed at aligning incentives across Southeast Asia, strengthening supply chain resilience and attracting advanced manufacturing investment. The proposal is position...

Thailand Projects 33 Million Tourist Arrivals in 2026 as Strategy Shifts Toward Premium Travel

Thailand recorded more than 14 million foreign arrivals in the first five months of the year and remains on track to reach 33 million visitors in 2026. Authorities say the tourism strategy is increasingly focused on higher-spending trave...

Thailand Attracts Over One Trillion Baht in Early 2026 Investment Applications Driven by AI and Data Center Boom

The Thailand Board of Investment says investment applications exceeded one trillion baht in the first quarter of 2026, with strong inflows tied to artificial intelligence, data centers, cloud services and advanced electronics. Officials ...

Thailand Strengthens Position as Emerging Global Supply Chain Hub While Expanding Investment in AI and Advanced Manufacturing

Thailand is being increasingly recognized in global supply chains, supported by international confidence in its macroeconomic stability and infrastructure planning. Economic policymakers are now channeling greater investment into artific...

Webull Agrees 2.86 Billion Baht Acquisition of Pi Securities in Major Thailand Fintech Expansion

Digital trading platform Webull has agreed to acquire Thai brokerage firm Pi Securities in a 2.86 billion baht deal aimed at building a leading digital investment brokerage in Thailand. The transaction also enables Pi’s former parent com...

Chadchart Sittipunt Secures Landslide Victory in Bangkok Gubernatorial Election With 1.53 Million Votes

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has won the 2026 election with more than 1.53 million votes, delivering a decisive mandate in Thailand’s capital. The result strengthens his political position as he prepares to advance urban developm...

KKP Research Warns Thailand's Export Model Faces Long-Term Competitive Challenges

A new analysis by KKP Research says Thailand's export sector has become increasingly reliant on slower-growing industries, including combustion-engine vehicles and hard disk drives, while losing global market share in faster-growing sect...

Thailand Targets High-Spending Visitors From Emerging Markets to Boost Tourism Revenue

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is shifting its marketing strategy toward higher-spending travelers from the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Mexico, with the TTM+ 2026 trade event expected to generate five billion baht in new revenue a...

Thailand's Electric Vehicle Investment Surpasses 182 Billion Baht, Strengthening Regional Manufacturing Leadership

The Board of Investment said total investment in Thailand's electric vehicle industry has exceeded 182 billion baht, reinforcing the country's position as Southeast Asia's leading hub for green and smart mobility as global and Chinese au...

Thailand Tightens Reporting Rules for Companies Receiving Investment Incentives

The Board of Investment now requires both foreign and domestic companies receiving investment privileges to submit quarterly progress reports through a new digital monitoring system, a measure intended to speed project implementation and...

Bank of Thailand Cites Strong Private Investment as Key Driver of Economic Growth

The Bank of Thailand and state economic planners reported private investment growth of more than 10 percent in the first quarter, prompting an improved economic outlook as domestic consumption and foreign investment in technology and sem...

Thailand Accelerates Artificial Intelligence Legislation to Strengthen Digital Economy

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society aims to complete the country's Artificial Intelligence Act within the current fiscal year while establishing an AI Governance Practice Center to promote investment alongside safeguards for high...

Thailand Projects 21 Trillion Baht in Infrastructure Investment by 2050

A new analysis by PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts cumulative infrastructure investment of 21 trillion baht over the next two decades, driven by high-speed rail, urban transit expansion, healthcare modernization and the rapid development...

Thailand Introduces New Investment Incentives to Accelerate Sustainable Data Center Growth

The Thailand Board of Investment has introduced revised promotion criteria for data centers, offering corporate income tax exemptions of up to eight years for projects that meet demanding international energy efficiency standards as the ...

Prime Minister Takes Direct Control of Eastern Economic Corridor to Boost Foreign Investment

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has assumed direct oversight of the Eastern Economic Corridor, launching a renewed international investment drive focused on attracting data centers, advanced manufacturing and food security projects to...

Thailand Partners With Major Companies to Expand Sustainable Tourism Through Community-Based Travel Routes

Thailand's Tourism Authority has joined forces with nine major corporations, including Toyota, Thai AirAsia, and Siam Paragon, to develop nine environmentally focused tourism routes designed to channel visitor spending to local communiti...

Thailand Plans 2027 Tourism Overhaul With Domestic Travel Incentives and Tougher Crackdown on Illegal Nominee Businesses

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports is preparing a 2027 policy package that includes a "Tourism Plus" co-payment scheme, stronger enforcement against illegal foreign nominee businesses, a new tourism committee chaired by the prime ...

Thailand Unveils 2026 Tourism Strategy Focused on Higher-Spending International Visitors

Thailand's Tourism Authority is targeting 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue in 2026 by shifting from a mass-market model to a "Value over Volume" strategy, promoting year-round travel and premium experiences after falling short of its 2...

Thailand Trade Deficit Narrows as High-Tech Exports Strengthen Despite Global Policy Uncertainty

Thailand’s trade deficit narrowed in May as exports extended their growth streak, driven by strong international demand for high-tech and technology-related products, offering some stability to the country’s external balance amid ongoing...

Thai Meteorological Department Issues Nationwide Monsoon Alert as Heavy Rain and Flood Risks Rise Across Northern Thailand

Thailand’s Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall through July 3 as a strengthened southwest monsoon and monsoon trough move across the north and northeast, raising the risk of flash floods and forest runoff...

Chadchart Sittipunt Wins Decisive Second Term as Bangkok Governor With Over 1.4 Million Votes

Unofficial results show Chadchart Sittipunt has secured a clear victory in the Bangkok gubernatorial election, returning to office with more than 1.4 million votes and reinforcing strong voter support for his urban reform agenda focused ...

Thailand Finalizes Hosting Plans for Major Regional and Global Sporting Events

The Sports Authority of Thailand has completed logistics planning for upcoming international sporting competitions, positioning the country to showcase its infrastructure, hospitality, and capacity to host large-scale global events.

Thailand Universities Introduce International Programs to Attract Global Students and Talent

Thai universities are launching new international degree programs and academic partnerships in fields including artificial intelligence, digital business, and sustainability, aiming to strengthen the country’s appeal to foreign students ...

Thailand Expands E-Commerce and Logistics Infrastructure With New Distribution Centers Near Bangkok

Global e-commerce and logistics companies are investing in automated distribution hubs around Bangkok to improve delivery efficiency and support rising online consumer demand as well as cross-border trade flows.

Thailand Attracts New Foreign Investment Into Renewable Energy Projects

International investors are increasing commitments to solar and wind energy projects across central and northeastern Thailand, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s renewable energy transition and its efforts to support industri...

Thailand Advances EV Manufacturing and Logistics Growth Through Eastern Corridor Expansion

Major automotive and logistics firms are expanding electric vehicle production and distribution networks within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, strengthening industrial capacity and supporting the country’s long-term role in region...

Thailand Reports Rising Long-Stay Visa Applications from Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

Thai immigration and tourism authorities report continued growth in applications for long-stay and digital nomad visas, highlighting the country’s appeal to remote professionals drawn by quality of life, connectivity, and established exp...

Global Retail Brands Expand Flagship Presence in Central Bangkok Shopping Districts

International luxury and lifestyle retailers are opening new flagship stores in central Bangkok, reflecting continued confidence in consumer spending and reinforcing the city’s position as a regional hub for retail, fashion, and lifestyl...

Thailand Expands Regional Airport Upgrades to Support Tourism Growth in Secondary Cities

The Ministry of Transport is accelerating funding for airport modernization projects in Krabi, Chiang Rai, and Udon Thani, aiming to distribute tourist flows beyond major hubs and strengthen economic development in secondary cities throu...

Thailand Strengthens Cross-Border Digital Payments Through New ASEAN Financial Connectivity Deals

Thai financial authorities have expanded regional integration of digital payment systems with additional ASEAN partners, enabling smoother cross-border transactions for tourists and businesses while reinforcing Thailand’s role in the reg...

Thailand Launches Global Tourism Campaign to Promote Cultural Heritage and Culinary Appeal

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched an international marketing campaign highlighting the country’s cultural heritage, cuisine, and wellness offerings, aimed at strengthening Thailand’s global tourism brand and deepening engage...

Thailand Accelerates Renewable Energy Investment as Foreign Capital Flows Into Solar and Wind Projects

International energy companies are committing new investment to utility-scale solar and wind developments in central and northeastern Thailand, supporting government efforts to expand renewable capacity while meeting rising industrial el...

Thailand Expands International Flight Capacity to Bangkok and Phuket as Airlines Boost Frequencies

Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority has approved increased flight frequencies from major international carriers, expanding seat capacity on long-haul routes into Bangkok and Phuket, including services from Europe and key East Asian hubs,...

Bangkok and Phuket See Surge in Luxury Hotel Investment on Rising High-End Tourism Demand

International hotel operators and property developers are moving ahead with new luxury projects in Bangkok and Phuket, citing sustained growth in high-net-worth travel and rising demand for premium long-stay accommodation across Thailand...

Major Automotive Groups Expand Electric Vehicle Production Across Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor

Global automakers are advancing new electric vehicle production schedules and expanding supply chains in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, reinforcing the country’s role as a regional manufacturing base for EVs and strengthening its ...

Thailand Board of Investment Unveils Incentives to Attract AI and Data Center Investment

The Thailand Board of Investment has introduced a package of fiscal and regulatory incentives aimed at attracting large-scale data center projects and artificial intelligence infrastructure, part of a broader push to position Thailand as...

Thailand Launches Content Market 2026 to Position Country as Regional Creative Economy Hub

Thailand has officially launched the Thailand Content Market 2026, bringing together more than 300 exhibitors from across Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan, in a bid to strengthen the country’s role as a regional hub for global con...