Thai Times

Spicy Food Is Linked to Lower Death Risk — but It Is Not a Miracle Cure

Large studies associate regular chilli consumption with lower overall and heart-disease mortality, while evidence on cancer, ageing and digestive health remains intriguing but inconclusive.

Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Tourist Stay From 60 Days to 30

Thailand’s Interior Ministry reduced the visa-free stay available to visitors from 60 countries to 30 days from mid-September, citing national security concerns and reports that some foreign nationals were using longer stays for illegal ...

Thai Senate Approves 400 Billion Baht Loan Decree for Economic Stimulus and Clean Energy

Thailand’s Senate approved a 400 billion baht government borrowing plan to support economic recovery, infrastructure investment and the transition toward renewable energy, linking near-term stimulus with efforts to reduce dependence on f...

Minor International Partners With Accenture on Artificial Intelligence Training Across Hospitality Operations

Bangkok-based Minor International is working with Accenture to introduce Artificial Intelligence tools and training across its global workforce, with the collaboration aimed at improving productivity, customer service and digital capabil...

Delta Electronics Expands Artificial Intelligence and Electrification Push in Thailand

Delta Electronics Thailand unveiled Artificial Intelligence infrastructure, modular data-centre systems and smart microgrids in Bangkok as the company seeks to support more automated manufacturing and advanced industrial operations.

Stock Exchange of Thailand Revises Listing Rules to Attract Technology and New Economy Companies

The Stock Exchange of Thailand has updated its listing framework to better accommodate fast-growing digital and technology businesses, aiming to broaden access to capital and strengthen Bangkok’s appeal as a regional financial market.

Thailand Advances 70 Billion Baht Infrastructure Fund for Major National Projects

The State Enterprise Policy Office is moving forward with plans to raise 70 billion baht through a state-backed infrastructure fund, creating an alternative financing channel for large transport and utility projects without relying direc...

Thailand Plans Emissions-Based Automotive Tax Reform to Support Electric Vehicle Transition

The Excise Department is preparing a new vehicle tax structure based on carbon emissions as Thailand seeks to accelerate cleaner automotive production, protect manufacturing jobs and build on about 140 billion baht already invested by ma...

Thailand Raises 2026 Growth and Export Forecasts as Private Investment Strengthens

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking raised Thailand’s 2026 economic growth forecast to 2.1%-2.5% and its export growth outlook to 12%-16%, citing stronger private investment and aligning with more optimistic ex...

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

Tourism Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul has urged hotels to use big data, artificial intelligence and greener operating practices to improve margins, while airports including Udon Thani prepare for more international services such as ...

Bangkok Tightens Data Center Rules as Foreign AI and Cloud Investment Surges

Bangkok authorities and national regulators are strengthening building controls, environmental assessments and fuel-storage oversight for data centers after some facilities were previously approved under warehouse classifications, as Tha...

Thailand Targets Higher-Value Growth With Focus on Advanced Industry, AI and Sustainable Tourism

Policymakers and business leaders at the Thairath Forum 2026 and the launch of the World Bank’s Building Thailand's Future Today report called for Thailand to compete less on low-cost production and more on reliable supply chains, produc...

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 Records $35.35 Billion Trade Deficit in First Seven Months

Thailand posted a $35.35 billion trade deficit in the first seven months of the year, with more than 70% of imports tied to capital goods and raw materials used in advanced manufacturing, electronics and digital infrastructure rather tha...

Anutin Charnvirakul Pledges Regulatory Overhaul and Longevity Economy Push

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand will remove more than 7,000 regulatory hurdles and promote a longevity economy as the government seeks to strengthen the country’s role as an ASEAN hub ahead of the IMF and World Bank annu...

Seven Thai Airlines Offer Free 10-Kilogram Fruit Allowance on Domestic Flights

Seven domestic airlines partnered with Thailand’s Commerce Ministry to let passengers check up to 10 kilograms of fresh regional produce free of charge on flights serving 20 regional airports, supporting farmers and domestic distribution.

USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Pattaya for Five-Day Port Visit

Nearly 5,000 US Navy sailors and Marines arrived at Pattaya and Laem Chabang aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln for a five-day port call expected to increase spending at local hospitality, entertainment and retail businesses.

Riyadh Air Launches First Direct Saudi Arabia-Bangkok Service

The Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomed Riyadh Air’s inaugural direct flight to Bangkok, adding aviation capacity between Thailand and Saudi Arabia and supporting tourism and commercial links between the two countries.

Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Tourist Stay to 30 Days From September 15

Thailand published new rules confirming that its temporary 60-day visa exemption will be replaced by a standard 30-day visa-free stay for visitors from 60 countries and territories starting September 15.

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.