Thai Times

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 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.

Bank of Thailand Plans Bangkok Blueprint to Strengthen Defences Against Digital Fraud

The Bank of Thailand is preparing a national framework bringing together banks, non-bank lenders and payment providers to close illicit financial channels after push-payment fraud losses fell 80% in the second quarter of 2026.

Thailand Tightens Local Production Rules for Electric Vehicle Manufacturers

Automakers participating in Thailand’s electric vehicle incentive program must produce two vehicles domestically for every imported EV in 2026, increasing pressure to expand local assembly and supply chains.

Thailand Standardises Visa-Free Tourist Stays at 30 Days From September 2026

Thailand has introduced updated visa-exemption rules limiting qualifying international visitors to stays of up to 30 days as authorities seek to support tourism while strengthening border and security controls.

Thailand Tightens Oversight of Data Centre Expansion as Investment Surges

The Board of Investment and the Data Centre Business Policy Committee have begun coordinated reviews of large artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure projects to manage energy use and pressure on municipal resources.

Thailand Raises 2026 Growth Forecast to 2.1%-2.5% on Stronger Exports and Investment

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking has lifted its full-year economic growth forecast for Thailand to between 2.1% and 2.5%, citing faster export growth and resilient private investment.

Thailand Investment Applications Top $43 Billion as Data Centres and Electronics Drive Growth

Thailand recorded more than $43 billion in investment applications in the first half of 2026, led by data centres, advanced electronics and clean energy projects, according to the Board of Investment.

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

Tourism Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul urged hotels to use artificial intelligence, data analytics and greener operations to improve profitability as Thailand moves away from a volume-driven tourism model and responds to pressure on ...

Thai Business Leaders Call for Faster Economic Reform Amid Global Supply Chain Risks

Executives from SCBX, Charoen Pokphand Foods and Indorama Ventures told the THAIRATH FORUM 2026 that Thailand needs deeper economic reforms, stronger competitiveness and greater investment in skills and green development to navigate weak...

Thailand Tightens Data Center Rules as Bangkok Safety and Environmental Concerns Grow

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is leading efforts to strengthen regulation and safety oversight for rapidly expanding data centers in central Bangkok after environmental concerns and gaps in existing rules drew greater scrutiny.

USS Abraham Lincoln Visit Brings More Than 5,000 US Sailors to Pattaya

The USS Abraham Lincoln has docked in Pattaya with more than 5,000 US sailors on shore leave, boosting local tourism spending as provincial authorities introduce price controls to prevent overcharging in hotels, transport and retail.

Thailand Reports 9.3 Billion Baht in Online Scam Losses as Government Tests AI Defences

Online scams and financial fraud caused 9.3 billion baht in losses during the first seven months of the year, prompting Thai authorities to expand cybersecurity enforcement and pilot an artificial intelligence system for detecting and bl...

Bangkok Freezes New Data Centre Permits Over Water, Fuel and Zoning Concerns

Bangkok authorities have temporarily halted approvals for new data centres while they tighten zoning and environmental rules, after officials raised concerns about heavy water use and large on-site diesel reserves in densely populated ar...

USS Abraham Lincoln Visit Boosts Pattaya Tourism Businesses

More than 5,000 US military personnel arrived in Chonburi for shore leave following the USS Abraham Lincoln’s visit, supporting hotels, restaurants and retailers in Pattaya during a slower tourism period.

HERE Technologies Showcases AI-Powered Logistics Tools in Bangkok

HERE Technologies brought industry leaders together in Bangkok to demonstrate how artificial intelligence and real-time location data can improve supply-chain logistics, fleet management and road safety in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Cor...

TransNusa to Launch Direct Bali-Phuket Flights in September

Indonesian carrier TransNusa will begin flying between Denpasar and Phuket four times a week, adding a direct connection between two of Southeast Asia’s leading international resort destinations.

Bangkok Prepares to Host Gastech Energy and Climate Technology Summit

Energy executives, policymakers and climate-technology specialists are expected to gather at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre in mid-September for the Gastech summit, bringing a major international energy event to Th...

Foreign Demand Supports Premium Bangkok Property Prices

CBRE said international buyers remain active in Bangkok’s luxury condominium market, with downtown asking prices projected to rise by as much as 15% this year amid demand for prime locations, smart-home technology and sustainable design.

Chinese EV Makers Intensify Price Competition in Thailand

Great Wall Motor and Chery brands Omoda and Jaecoo have introduced new pricing campaigns and extended battery warranties in Thailand as competition grows in the country’s electric-vehicle market.

Thailand to Replace 60-Day Visa Waiver With Permanent 30-Day Exemption

The Ministry of Interior published immigration rules taking effect in mid-September that will replace the temporary 60-day visa waiver with a permanent 30-day visa exemption for travellers from 60 countries, with an additional 30-day ext...

Thailand Expands Tax Incentives for AI, Quantum Computing and Eastern Economic Corridor Investment

The Board of Investment introduced new incentives allowing full foreign ownership and corporate income tax holidays of up to 15 years for qualifying investments in generative AI, quantum computing and advanced manufacturing in the Easter...

Thailand Raises 2026 Growth and Export Forecasts on Stronger Investment and Trade

Thailand’s leading business group raised its economic growth forecast to between 2.1% and 2.5% and lifted its export growth projection to 16%, citing stronger-than-expected private investment and export momentum in the second quarter.

Songkhla Targets 55.9 Billion Baht in Tourism Revenue After Full Recovery

Thailand’s tourism authority says Songkhla’s tourism sector has fully recovered and is targeting 55.9 billion baht in revenue and 8 million annual visitors in 2027, with plans to promote its UNESCO Creative City status and strengthen the...

State Railway of Thailand Prepares to Take Back Bangkok Airport Rail Link

The State Railway of Thailand is preparing to resume control of Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link after Asia Era One’s management contract ends on September 30, with its rail subsidiary seeking a one-month transition period to ensure a smooth ...

Thailand Plans EV Tax Overhaul to Favor Local Production and Curb Imports

Thailand’s Excise Department is preparing to raise taxes on imported electric vehicles while cutting rates for locally produced models by September 2026, seeking to strengthen domestic supply chains and protect the country’s automotive m...

Pattaya Tightens Price Controls During US Navy Port Visit

Chonburi authorities are inspecting hotels, transport operators and retailers in Pattaya to prevent price gouging during the visit of a US aircraft carrier carrying about 5,000 personnel, seeking to protect visitors while preserving the ...

Thailand Positions Chiang Mai as Net-Zero Tourism Model

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a sustainability initiative in Chiang Mai featuring plastic-free events and electric transport, aiming to generate more than 100 million baht for the local economy while limiting carbon emis...

Thailand’s Foreign Investment Surge Driven by AI and Data Centre Projects

Foreign direct investment into Thailand has risen sharply over the past eight months as multinational technology companies build artificial intelligence infrastructure and hyperscale data centres, prompting business leaders to call for s...

Bangkok Named World’s Best City for Nightlife in Time Out Survey

Bangkok ranked first globally ahead of Berlin and New York City, with the survey highlighting the Thai capital’s rooftop venues, late-night dining and entertainment districts.

Thailand Targets 55 Billion Baht in Tourism Revenue From Southern Gateway Cities

The Tourism Authority is seeking eight million visitor trips to Songkhla and Hat Yai next year as infrastructure upgrades and post-flood recovery support efforts to develop the area as a stronger international tourism destination.

Thailand Advances Major Bridge Projects in Songkhla and Koh Lanta

Transport authorities have signed construction contracts for new southern bridge links intended to shorten journey times, limit pressure on sensitive marine environments and improve regional connectivity.

USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives at Laem Chabang for Scheduled Thailand Port Visit

The nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier has docked in Chonburi for replenishment and crew rest, underscoring continued Thai-US military cooperation while generating additional business for the Pattaya hospitality sector.