Thai Times

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...

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.

Airbus Chooses Bangkok as Asian Headquarters for Skywise Digital Aviation Platform

Airbus will establish its regional digital operations hub in Bangkok, using local software engineering talent to support aviation data analytics and connectivity across five Asian markets.

Thailand Introduces 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Travellers From 60 Countries

The Interior Ministry has formalised a new visa exemption framework that replaces the temporary 60-day tourist allowance with a standard 30-day stay and introduces new arrival procedures from mid-September.

Thai Cabinet Approves 106 Billion Baht Southern Double-Track Railway Expansion

Thailand has approved three major railway projects extending from Chumphon to the Malaysian border at Padang Besar, upgrading passenger links and freight capacity across the southern economic corridor.

Thailand Unveils Satun Seaplane Model to Improve Premium Tourism Access to Koh Lipe

Government planners have launched the Satun Seaplane Model, including plans for Thailand’s first state-owned seaplane airport, to shorten travel to Koh Lipe and expand high-end tourism connectivity across the southern Andaman region.

State Railway of Thailand Plans Bang Klam Container Yard to Strengthen Southern Freight Links

The State Railway of Thailand plans to develop the Bang Klam Container Yard to support the southern double-track network, improving rail freight flows to the Padang Besar export gateway and strengthening logistics links between Thailand ...

Thai Business Leaders Urge Supply-Chain Diversification as Global Trade Risks Rise

Executives and policymakers at THAIRATH FORUM 2026 called on Thai companies to diversify supply chains and urged the government to cushion financial shocks, while highlighting green investment, healthcare innovation and education reform ...

THAIRATH FORUM 2026 Brings Thai Leaders and CEOs Together on Global Economic Risks

Thai Rath Group’s THAIRATH FORUM 2026 convened government figures, central bank officials and senior executives to discuss trade fragmentation, major-power rivalry and energy security, alongside Thailand’s prospects in green industries, ...

Thailand Issues Heavy Rain and Flood Warnings Across 51 Provinces

Thai authorities have warned of heavy to very heavy monsoon rain, flash floods and coastal hazards across 51 provinces, with rough seas also expected in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand as strong southwest monsoon conditions intensify.

Thailand Overhauls Electricity Tariffs to Cut Bills for 21 Million Households

Thailand’s new electricity pricing structure takes effect with the September 2026 billing cycle, capping the first 200 units of consumption at ฿3 per unit while reducing the overall average national tariff, including fuel adjustment char...

Songkhla Tourism Revenue Exceeds ฿32 Billion as Cross-Border Travel Strengthens

Songkhla generated more than ฿32 billion in tourism revenue during the first seven months of the year, with hotel occupancy reaching 80% during recent regional holidays as Malaysian arrivals and gastronomy recognition supported demand.

Thailand Prepares Bangkok Business Summit Ahead of IMF and World Bank Meetings

The government and private sector will hold the Bangkok Business Summit on September 3 to present Thailand’s economic priorities, unveil the World Bank’s five-industries framework report and build investor confidence ahead of the IMF and...

Krungsri Says Thailand’s Second-Quarter Growth Was Supported by Electronics and Investment

Krungsri Research says stronger capital-goods imports, electronics manufacturing and continued foreign investment in technology helped support Thailand’s second-quarter economy despite regional trade shifts and wider supply-chain pressures.

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

New Royal Gazette regulations will standardize Thailand’s visa exemption at 30 days for nationals of 60 countries and territories from September 15, replacing the temporary 60-day arrangement while preserving bilateral agreements and exi...

Thailand Reports ฿535.8 Billion in Promoted Investment, Up 27% in First Half

Thailand’s Board of Investment says ฿535.8 billion in foreign and domestic capital was deployed across promoted projects in the first six months of 2026, up 27% from a year earlier and generating more than 630,000 jobs.

Thai Listed Companies’ First-Half Profits Rise 22.2% as Major Sectors Strengthen

Combined net profit at companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the Market for Alternative Investment rose 22.2% from a year earlier in the first half, supported by energy, telecommunications and banking groups including PT...

Thailand Realized Investment Jumps 27% to 535 Billion Baht in First Half

Thailand recorded 535 billion baht in realized investment during the first half of the year, up 27%, with more than 60% flowing into advanced electronics, artificial intelligence servers and automation industries and the investments crea...

Thailand Exports Rise 21.6% in July, Extending Growth Streak to 25 Months

Thailand’s exports reached $34.789 billion in July, up 21.6% from a year earlier, as the Commerce Ministry pursued market diversification, greater local content and broader income distribution to help smaller businesses benefit from inte...

Thailand Deploys Smart Tourist Police Patrols as Chiang Mai Launches Green Tourism Festival

Thailand is introducing surveillance drones and technology-enabled tourist police patrols at major destinations, while the Amazing Chiang Mai Green Guide Fest 2026 is expected to generate more than 100 million baht for the northern economy.

Thai Bank Branch Closures Reshape Local Retail and Commercial Property Markets

The rapid shift toward digital banking is reducing foot traffic around traditional bank branches, putting pressure on nearby small businesses, urban shophouses and commercial landlords that have relied on branch-based activity for decades.

Thailand Loses 400,000 Jobs as Average Monthly Wages Fall to 15,937 Baht

Thailand’s labor market has weakened with 400,000 jobs lost and average monthly wages falling to 15,937 baht, while new Employee Welfare Fund regulations are set to affect more than 107,000 businesses nationwide.

Thailand Women’s Volleyball Team Secures First Olympic Qualification

Thailand defeated host China in five sets in the Asian championship final, retaining the continental title and earning the women’s national team its first Olympic berth for the Los Angeles Games.

Thailand Fast-Tracks Flying Taxi Testing at Phetchabun Airport

Transport authorities are accelerating a regulatory sandbox and test site for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft at Phetchabun Airport as Thailand explores commercial advanced-air-mobility services.

Phuket Luxury Home Sales Rise 45% as Foreign Demand Strengthens

CBRE Thailand reported a 45% year-on-year increase in high-end residential sales in Phuket during the first half, driven by wealthy international buyers and growing demand for the island as a long-term lifestyle destination.

Thailand Secures Tomorrowland and Ultra Thailand Music Festivals

The Tourism Authority of Thailand confirmed the country will host Tomorrowland for the first time in Asia alongside Ultra Thailand, adding major international events to its tourism and entertainment calendar.

Thai Airways Restores Nonstop Auckland Flights

Thai Airways is resuming direct passenger services to Auckland as the national carrier expands its Asia-Pacific network and seeks to capture stronger tourism demand while supporting trade with New Zealand.

Bangkok to Host Gastech Conference With More Than 50,000 Delegates

More than 50,000 energy executives and delegates are expected in Bangkok in September for the Gastech conference, which will focus on natural gas, low-carbon energy, artificial intelligence and rising electricity demand.