Thai Times

Phuket celebrates historic homecoming of America’s Got Talent champion Nene Royal

Thai artist Rattikarn Amlor, known professionally as Nene Royal, was honored with a municipal parade through Phuket’s old town following her victory as the first Thai champion of America's Got Talent Season 21.

Thai Cabinet extends welfare programs to protect households from rising energy costs

The government has approved an additional two months of funding for the Thai Chua Thai Plus and State Welfare Card programs through November to help domestic households manage inflation and energy price volatility driven by Middle East t...

Thai officials lead New York investment roadshow to pitch long-term growth vision

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and senior financial executives met with major U.S. asset managers and Bank of America leadership to present Thailand's strategy for reaching high-income status by 2037, focusing on digital infrastructu...

Thailand's SME sector faces deepening crisis as large corporations report profit rebounds

New data from SCB EIC reveals a widening economic divide in Thailand, with over 11,000 small and medium enterprises closing in the first eight months of 2026 as large-scale industries in energy and telecommunications continue to see robu...

Thailand integrates small modular reactors into national energy blueprint to meet high-tech demand

The Ministry of Energy has added Small Modular Reactors to the 202AX power development plan, targeting 9,000 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050 to support the energy needs of data centers and electric vehicle manufacturing.

Thailand Outlines Vision to Secure $80 Billion in Semiconductor Investments by 2050

Economic planners have introduced a long-term technology development framework designed to attract $80 billion in semiconductor and advanced electronics manufacturing to position Thailand within shifting global technology supply chains.

Stock Exchange of Thailand and New York Stock Exchange Sign Agreement to Explore Dual Listings

The Thailand primary equity market has signed a collaborative agreement with the New York Stock Exchange to develop new financial products and explore dual listing opportunities, aiming to increase international market access for Thai co...

Thailand to Host 2026 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok

Deputy Prime Minister Eknont Nitithanprapas confirmed that Thailand is finalizing preparations to host global finance ministers and central bank governors in October 2026, a move intended to showcase economic resilience and attract forei...

Fitch Upgrades Thailand’s Economic Outlook to Stable as Investor Confidence Recovers

The international credit rating agency upgraded Thailand’s outlook to reflect positive momentum in the national economic recovery and improving sentiment within the Thai banking sector as international investment activities accelerate.

Asset World Corporation Announces 48 Billion Baht Real Estate Investment Trust Launch

Asset World Corporation plans to package five prime commercial and hospitality properties into a new real estate investment trust valued at a minimum of 48 billion baht to fund further domestic expansion.

Google to Build Sustainable Data Center and Launch Skills Initiative in Thailand

Google has reaffirmed its plan to build an environmentally sustainable data center in Thailand alongside the launch of an Open Data Institute aimed at upsking the domestic technology workforce.

Stock Exchange of Thailand and New York Stock Exchange Sign Cooperation Agreement

The Stock Exchange of Thailand and the New York Stock Exchange have signed a memorandum of understanding covering five key capital market areas to help Thai corporations access global capital and facilitate dual listings.

Thai Government Delays 4 Billion Baht Domestic Travel Stimulus Until April 2027

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has postponed the "Thai Tiew Thai Plus" program to the 2027 low season to ensure government subsidies support hotels during periods of lower occupancy, while extending the existing "Thai Chuay Thai Plus...

Thailand and Bhutan Launch Joint Tourism Campaign to Attract High-Spending Japanese Travelers

The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Bhutan have introduced a "Two Kingdoms, One Destination" partnership at the Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 to target premium travelers through a shared luxury wellness and nature-focused itinerary.

Stock Exchange of Thailand and New York Stock Exchange Sign Agreement to Connect Capital Markets

The Stock Exchange of Thailand has signed a five-point memorandum of understanding with the New York Stock Exchange to facilitate dual-listing opportunities for Thai companies and attract global institutional investors.

Thai Immigration Bureau Launches New Digital App to Speed Up Visitor Processing

Thai immigration authorities have introduced a new mobile application designed to streamline processing times for international tourists and modernize border infrastructure to manage rising arrival volumes.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival Expected to Generate 1.4 Billion Baht for Local Economy

Local officials estimate that the annual Vegetarian Festival in Phuket will inject approximately 1.4 billion baht into the regional hospitality sector, supporting high hotel occupancy rates heading into the peak travel season.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Raises Revenue Target to 2.7 Trillion Baht

Driven by increased airline capacity and high-value travel campaigns, the Tourism Authority of Thailand expects up to 33 million foreign arrivals this year, targeting a total sector revenue of 2.7 trillion baht.

Stock Exchange of Thailand and New York Stock Exchange Partner on Dual Listings

The Stock Exchange of Thailand has signed a cooperative agreement with the New York Stock Exchange to explore dual listings and new financial products, aiming to attract more foreign institutional investment to Bangkok.

World Bank Forecasts 12% GDP Per Capita Increase via $20 Billion Secondary City Strategy

A new World Bank framework suggests that directing 20 billion dollars toward regional hubs such as Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Phuket could raise Thailand's national GDP per capita by more than 12% by 2050.

PTT Explores $5 Billion Investment for Low-Carbon Industrial Hub

The Thai state-owned energy giant PTT is evaluating a five-billion-dollar project to develop a low-carbon industrial hub as part of its commitment to national sustainability targets and green energy infrastructure.

Mercedes-Benz to Launch New Electric Vehicle Production Line in Thailand

The German luxury automaker has selected Thailand as its manufacturing base for a new electric vehicle model, reinforcing the importance of the Eastern Economic Corridor for green manufacturing and the regional automotive supply chain.

Thailand Leads Southeast Asia in Electric Vehicle Sales Following 47% Surge

Thailand recorded the highest electric vehicle sales in the ASEAN region during the first half of 2026, with 206,000 units sold as battery and hybrid models accounted for 53% of all domestic vehicle sales, according to PwC.

Thailand’s K-Shaped Recovery Widens Gap Between Large Companies and SMEs

SCB EIC says Thailand’s 2026 recovery is becoming increasingly uneven, with investment- and technology-linked businesses outperforming while smaller firms face weak revenues, tighter margins, debt pressure and limited access to credit.

Gastech 2026 in Bangkok Generates More Than US$20 Billion in Energy Deals

Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said the four-day Gastech summit generated more than US$20 billion in commercial agreements and drew about 50,000 participants from 150 countries, while giving Thailand greater scope to negotiate long-term...

Thailand Courts U.S. Institutional Investors as First-Half Investment Applications Reach US$44 Billion

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul used a New York investment roadshow to promote Thailand as a gateway to ASEAN’s 700 million consumers, highlighting a 37% year-on-year rise in first-half investment applications as the government seeks ...

Thai Public and Private Sectors Align on AI-Led Push Toward High-Income Status

Government and business leaders are aligning economic reforms around artificial intelligence, automation, digital skills and green investment as Thailand seeks to move beyond low-cost manufacturing and capture more domestic value from fu...

Anutin and Google Discuss Expansion of Green Data Centers in Thailand

Anutin Charnvirakul is holding talks with Google on environmentally sustainable data centers in Thailand, with clean energy, digital skills and artificial intelligence among the priorities as the country seeks greater long-term value fro...

Thailand Targets $80 Billion in Semiconductor Investment by 2050

Thailand’s national semiconductor and advanced electronics strategy aims to build a domestic ecosystem spanning chip design, advanced manufacturing and packaging, with more than 230,000 jobs projected as the country seeks a larger role i...

New Private Equity Trust Targets Thailand's Technology Startups

A newly established private equity trust has launched funding mechanisms for early-stage and growth-phase Thai technology companies, with a focus on artificial intelligence, financial technology and broader digital innovation.

HSBC Expands Focus on Growing Japan-Thailand Investment Flows

HSBC is stepping up efforts to support rising corporate investment and trade between Japan and Thailand as Japanese companies expand their presence in Thai manufacturing, digital infrastructure and consumer markets.

Fitch Outlook Revision Seen Supporting Confidence in Thai Banking Sector

A favorable outlook revision by Fitch Ratings is expected to improve international sentiment toward Thai commercial banks, reinforcing perceptions of financial-sector stability and supporting conditions for lending and corporate expansion.

State Infrastructure Funds Expected to Raise Up to 70 Billion Baht in Thailand

Thailand's state-backed infrastructure funds are projected to raise as much as 70 billion baht from institutional and retail investors to support transport, utility and connectivity projects across the country.

Mercedes-Benz to Expand Electric Vehicle Manufacturing in Thailand

Mercedes-Benz plans to produce new electric vehicle models at its facilities in Thailand, expanding the country's premium EV manufacturing capacity and supporting its position as a major automotive production hub in Southeast Asia.

Thailand Fast-Tracks 17 Industrial Projects Worth 121 Billion Baht

Thailand's Board of Investment is accelerating 17 manufacturing and industrial projects worth more than 121 billion baht under its FastPass initiative, with investment focused largely on electronics, electrical appliances and advanced ma...

Thailand Targets $80 Billion in Semiconductor Investment by 2050

Thailand is seeking $80 billion in semiconductor manufacturing and supply-chain investment by 2050 as the government looks to strengthen advanced technology capabilities and expand the country's role in global electronics.

Pringles Commits More Than 7 Billion Baht to New Thailand Manufacturing Base

Pringles will invest more than 7 billion baht in a major Thai production facility serving export markets, reinforcing Thailand’s position in regional food manufacturing and highlighting the appeal of its agricultural supply chains and As...

ADB Raises Thailand’s 2026 Growth Forecast to 2.0%

The Asian Development Bank upgraded Thailand’s 2026 growth outlook to 2.0% on stronger technology exports and private investment, while trimming its 2027 forecast to 1.9% and warning that deeper reforms are needed to reach high-income st...

Google Plans $1 Billion Thailand Data Center and Cloud Region

Google will invest $1 billion to establish a data center and cloud region in Thailand while supporting digital workforce training, strengthening the country’s role in Southeast Asia’s cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Thailand Prepares 4 Billion Baht Domestic Tourism Stimulus With One Million Travel Entitlements

The Thai Tiew Thai Plus programme is designed to support one million travel entitlements with accommodation subsidies of up to 2,000 baht per night and digital travel benefits, directing more spending toward tourism businesses and second...

Thailand Courts Global Funds Managing More Than $40 Trillion at New York Investment Roadshow

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Thai capital-market leaders met about 25 major institutional investors in New York, including BlackRock and Blackstone, while holding separate discussions with PIMCO and Microsoft as Thailand promot...

Fitch Restores Thailand’s Stable Credit Outlook as Political and Fiscal Confidence Improves

Fitch Ratings raised Thailand’s sovereign outlook from Negative to Stable while affirming its BBB+ rating, bringing all three major global rating agencies to a Stable outlook as stronger political continuity and an improved fiscal trajec...

Thai Teenager Nene Royal Wins America’s Got Talent in High-Profile International Breakthrough

Thai performer Nene Royal won the America’s Got Talent championship, drawing widespread attention in Thailand and giving the country a prominent new cultural success on an international entertainment stage.

Thai Airways Climbs Global Aviation Rankings as Restructuring and Network Expansion Continue

Thai Airways International has improved its position in international airline quality and performance rankings as cabin upgrades, expanding routes and recovering global travel demand support the carrier’s post-restructuring momentum.