Thai Times

Thailand Launches Nationwide Digital Shield Initiative to Combat AI Scams and Cybercrime

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Ministry of Interior have introduced the Digital Shield Fest 2026 to establish literacy networks and protect citizens from sophisticated online fraud and AI-generated misinformation.

Global Financial Leaders Recognize Thai Economic Model as Benchmark for Emerging Markets

During the conclusion of the IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok, international delegates integrated principles of Thailand's sufficiency philosophy into global advisory frameworks to help build resilience against macroeconomic volatility.

Thailand Hosts 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings to Address Global AI and Climate Risks

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra welcomed over 4,000 global financial leaders and heads of state to Bangkok, positioning the nation as a key mediator in navigating geopolitical tensions and technological disruptions.

Thailand launches nationwide discount campaign to reduce cost-of-living pressures

The Ministry of Commerce has introduced a 90-day relief initiative called the "Blue Flag" campaign, partnering with retailers to offer subsidies of up to 78% on essential goods across more than 3,000 locations to support communities reco...

Thailand implements stricter baggage inspection protocols at all major airports

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has launched new checked luggage inspection measures nationwide to meet international security standards ahead of the peak winter travel season, prompting officials to advise travelers to use secu...

Thailand and World Bank to sign agreement for green energy and low-carbon infrastructure

The Thai Ministry of Finance is preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding with the World Bank to secure funding for solar energy and low-carbon city projects, aiming to reduce the nation's reliance on imported oil which currently a...

Thailand Utilizes Global Financial Summit to Showcase National Culture and Gastronomy

During the recent International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Bangkok, the Thai government staged cultural exhibitions featuring traditional martial arts and premium agriculture to promote national soft power to international ...

Tourism Authority of Thailand Targets India and ASEAN Markets to Drive Retail Spending

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has expanded its regional shopping campaign for travelers from India and ASEAN countries, as the government forecasts annual international arrivals to reach 33 million people.

Microsoft Launches AI Skills Initiative to Boost Thailand’s Digital Economy

The American technology company has introduced a large-scale educational project aimed at enhancing artificial intelligence capabilities within the Thai workforce to support the government's goal of making Thailand a regional digital hub.

Thailand Secures World Bank Grant to Advance National Climate Legislation

The Thai government has obtained more than 81 million baht in funding from the World Bank to support the development and implementation of comprehensive climate change laws as the country moves toward international environmental standards.

US Fed Chair Praises Thailand’s Economic Stability Following IMF and World Bank Meetings in Bangkok

United States Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh commended Thailand’s infrastructure and logistics capabilities during talks with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, highlighting the nation's growing role as a premier destination for g...

IMF Raises Thailand's 2026 Growth Forecast to 2.1% as Technology Investment Strengthens

The International Monetary Fund has raised its forecast for Thailand's economic growth in 2026 from 1.9% to 2.1%, citing stronger investment in technology and artificial intelligence. However, the IMF warned that Thailand continues to tr...

Bangkok Hosts IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings as Thailand Seeks to Attract Investment

Bangkok is hosting the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, bringing global financial leaders to Thailand. The Tourism Authority of Thailand estimates the gathering will generate around 2 billion baht i...

IMF Forecasts 2.1% Growth for Thailand as Bangkok Hosts Global Financial Meetings

The International Monetary Fund expects Thailand's economy to grow 2.1% in 2026, highlighting the importance of stronger participation in global artificial intelligence manufacturing supply chains. The forecast comes as Bangkok hosts the...

Thailand Courts Semiconductor and AI Investment at IMF-World Bank Meetings in Bangkok

Thailand is using the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok to attract investment in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and renewable energy. The government is promoting the country as a regional manu...

Thailand Proposes Outbound Travel Tax of Up to 5,000 Baht on International Flights

Thailand's Revenue Department has proposed a new tax of up to 5,000 baht on international flight tickets to encourage domestic tourism. The proposal has sparked public debate, with travel industry operators warning that higher ticket cos...

IMF Warns Global Trade Fragmentation Threatens Growth, Highlights Thailand's Regional Role

The International Monetary Fund has warned that growing trade divisions and geopolitical conflicts threaten global economic growth, urging emerging economies to strengthen their financial buffers. The IMF also highlighted Thailand's posi...

Bank of Thailand and IMF Project 2.1%–2.3% Growth as AI Investment and Exports Support Economy

The Bank of Thailand and International Monetary Fund representatives have highlighted artificial intelligence infrastructure investment and projected export growth of 17%–18% as key supports for Thailand's economy. GDP growth is expected...

Thailand Prepares 140 Billion Baht Digital Stimulus Targeting More Than 10 Million People

Thailand's Ministry of Finance and Bank of Thailand have finalized operational plans for a financial stimulus programme targeting more than 10 million low-income and vulnerable citizens. The initiative aims to channel over 140 billion ba...

Bangkok Hosts 17,000 Delegates for IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings

Thailand is hosting approximately 17,000 finance ministers, central bankers and business leaders at the 2026 International Monetary Fund and World Bank Annual Meetings at Bangkok's Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The government...

Thailand Revives 1,000-Baht Departure Tax Proposal to Fund Domestic Tourism

Thailand's Finance and Tourism ministries are reconsidering a 1,000-baht tax on all departing air passengers, including Thai citizens, aiming to raise around 10 billion baht annually for a domestic travel subsidy programme and curb capit...

Thailand Faces Rising Energy and Shipping Costs Amid Middle East Tensions

Thai economic analysts are warning that attacks on Saudi Arabian infrastructure and escalating tensions in the Red Sea could drive up domestic energy prices and international freight costs. Higher transport expenses would put additional ...

Bangkok Hosts IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings With Delegates From 191 Countries

The 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group have opened at Bangkok's Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, bringing together finance ministers and central bank governors from 191 countries. Discus...

Thailand Sets January 2027 Launch for Unified Rail Fares Capped at 45 Baht

Thailand has finalized registration conditions for a unified urban rail ticketing system that will cap fares at 17 to 45 baht across mass transit lines from January 1, 2027. Developed with the Ministry of Transport and rail operators, th...

Thailand Hosts IMF and World Bank Meetings to Promote Digital Finance and Sustainable Growth

Thailand is preparing to welcome global financial leaders and investors to Bangkok for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Annual Meetings. The government will use the gathering to promote its Bangkok Blueprint for digital fin...

Thailand Sets BTS Skytrain Fare Cap at 45 Baht and Mandates Electric Buses From 2027

Thailand has confirmed public transport reforms taking effect on January 1, 2027, introducing a starting BTS Skytrain fare of 17 baht and a maximum charge of 45 baht per journey. The government will also require public bus operators to c...

Thailand Prepares to Host 15,000 Global Finance Leaders for IMF and World Bank Meetings

Thailand is preparing to welcome approximately 15,000 finance leaders, central bankers and delegates to Bangkok for the 2026 International Monetary Fund and World Bank Annual Meetings. The event is projected to generate up to nine billio...

Thailand Prepares to Host 15,000 Global Finance Leaders for IMF and World Bank Meetings

The Thai Chamber of Commerce estimates that the 2026 International Monetary Fund and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok could generate up to nine billion baht in economic activity. The gathering is expected to attract 15,000 participa...

Thailand Adjusts Chao Phraya Dam Discharges as Flooding Affects More Than 20 Provinces

Thailand's Royal Irrigation Department has adjusted water releases from the Chao Phraya Dam to manage severe seasonal flooding across more than 20 provinces. Emergency teams are reinforcing drainage systems and flood embankments as prolo...

Thailand Raises Fuel Prices by 0.75 Baht Per Liter Nationwide as Global Oil Costs Climb

Thailand's Oil Fuel Fund Committee has announced a nationwide fuel price increase of 0.75 baht per liter across all categories, responding to rising global crude prices and adding pressure on transport costs, household expenses and agric...

Krungsri Raises Thailand's 2026 Economic Growth Forecast to 2.1% on Strong Investment Outlook

Krungsri Securities has upgraded its forecast for Thailand's economic growth in 2026 to 2.1%, citing stronger foreign direct investment, faster project approvals under the Thailand FastPass program and rising investment linked to the glo...

Thailand Upgrades Biosafety Labs to Detect Severe Pathogens Within 24 Hours

Thailand’s Department of Medical Sciences says its Biosafety Level 3 laboratories can now detect and confirm severe pathogens within 24 hours, strengthening national disease surveillance and emergency public health preparedness.

Severe Flooding Disrupts Thai Food Supply Chains and Pushes Up Fresh Food Prices

Flooding across northern and central Thailand has forced major changes in Chao Phraya Dam discharge rates, disrupting agriculture and logistics while adding pressure to food prices, consumer spending and fourth-quarter growth prospects.

Thai Prime Minister Sets Out Investment and Connectivity Push to Deepen Global Economic Ties

Thailand’s prime minister has outlined plans to modernize infrastructure and strengthen international connectivity as the government seeks to attract foreign investment and reinforce the country’s role in regional trade and innovation.

Thailand Secures International Partnerships to Expand Entertainment and Cultural Exports

The Thailand Creative Culture Agency has finalized agreements with international streaming and media groups to support film, television and culinary projects aimed at expanding the global reach of Thai creative industries and encouraging...

Bank of Thailand Finalizes Rules for Virtual Bank Licenses

The Bank of Thailand has completed operational guidelines for forthcoming virtual bank licenses, paving the way for financial institutions, technology platforms and telecom operators to offer digital-first retail and commercial banking s...

Automotive and Battery Manufacturers Expand EV Production Facilities in Rayong

Global automakers and battery suppliers are increasing investment in Rayong and the Eastern Economic Corridor, expanding local supply chains for hybrid and battery-electric vehicles and strengthening export capacity to Australia, Europe ...

Thailand Advances High-Speed Rail and Laem Chabang Port Expansion in Eastern Economic Corridor

Thailand’s Transport Ministry reported progress on rail links connecting Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao airports alongside capacity upgrades at Laem Chabang Port aimed at improving access to regional and international supply chains.

Thailand Approves Major Hyperscale Data Center and AI Infrastructure Investments

Thailand’s Board of Investment has granted investment privileges to multi-billion-dollar cloud and artificial intelligence projects in Bangkok and Chonburi, directing tens of billions of baht into new digital infrastructure.

Thailand Moves Tourist Entry Fee Plan Closer to Cabinet Approval

Regulators are preparing to submit a proposed 450-baht foreign tourist entry fee to the Cabinet after public consultations showed more than 80% support, with revenue intended for tourism infrastructure, heritage conservation and medical ...

Thailand Designates Eight New Economic Promotion Zones in Eastern Economic Corridor

Thailand’s Cabinet has acknowledged eight new special economic promotion zones covering industrial estates, smart logistics hubs and advanced medical centers, as the government seeks to attract foreign investment, modernize supply chains...

Thailand Anti-Corruption Agency Turns to AI and Digital Forensics in Eight-Point Overhaul

Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission has launched an eight-point modernization plan using artificial intelligence and digital forensics to scrutinize asset declarations and financial irregularities, with a focus on tackling tra...

Thailand Offers Double Tax Deduction for MICE Spending Through 2027

Thailand has introduced a double tax deduction for corporate spending on meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions through the end of 2027, seeking to boost domestic business events and support the country’s hospitality and event...

Thailand Approves Eight New Economic Zones to Expand Eastern Economic Corridor

Thailand’s Cabinet has approved eight new special economic promotion zones in the Eastern Economic Corridor, including Amata City Chonburi 2, a second Map Ta Phut LNG terminal and a medical hub in Pattaya, with incentives aimed at attrac...