Thai Times

Thailand Backs Gamescom Asia as Digital Economy Push Generates 270 Million Baht in Business Talks

Government support for gamescom asia has generated more than 270 million baht in immediate commercial negotiations as Thailand prepares for a 2026 collaboration with Thailand Game Show aimed at strengthening the country’s role in Southea...

Thai Business Leaders Call for AI, Data Center and EV Push to Strengthen Competitiveness

Executives from SCBX, CPF and Indorama Ventures used the Thairath Forum 2026 to urge faster economic modernization, highlighting domestic AI development, data center expansion and the electric vehicle supply chain as priorities for attra...

Siam Global House Expands Battery Storage Deployment Across Thailand

Siam Global House is rolling out battery energy storage systems across its Thai operations as the retailer increases investment in renewable energy technology, grid resilience and more sustainable commercial operations.

Thailand’s Healthcare Industry Combines Advanced Diagnostics With Traditional Wellness

Medical and hospitality providers in Bangkok are combining advanced diagnostic technology with traditional Thai wellness therapies as investment grows in longevity services and premium medical tourism.

Thailand Plans Visitor Fund to Finance Tourism Infrastructure and Foreign Tourist Insurance

Thailand is finalizing an international arrival levy expected to generate as much as 15 billion baht a year for tourism infrastructure, safety improvements, and health and accident insurance for foreign visitors.

Thailand FastPass Expedites 121 Billion Baht in Major Foreign Investment Projects

Thailand’s Board of Investment has approved faster processing for 17 industrial and technology projects worth more than 121 billion baht under its new FastPass system, aimed at reducing regulatory delays for international investors.

Chinese Golden Week Visitors Expected to Generate 11.5 Billion Baht for Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects about 250,000 Chinese visitors during the Golden Week holiday, up 24% from a year earlier, with favorable exchange rates and new direct flights projected to generate more than 11.5 billion baht f...

Thailand Moves to Prevent Bangkok Airport Rail Link Shutdown at End of September

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and transport officials are negotiating a short-term extension with the private operator to keep Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link running while authorities address financial and contractual disputes t...

Thailand Warns Climate Inaction Could Cost Economy Up to 14% of GDP

Thailand’s climate authorities warned that worsening climate volatility and tougher global environmental rules could put as much as 14% of gross domestic product at risk, prompting companies including Thai Airways, PTT and SCG to acceler...

Bank of Thailand and 11 Agencies Step Up Crackdown on Illicit Financial Networks

The Bank of Thailand is coordinating with 11 regulatory and law enforcement agencies to strengthen monitoring of suspicious transactions across cash, gold and digital assets, targeting transnational networks while seeking to protect cons...

Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor Deepens Logistics and Clean-Energy Links With Xinjiang

The Eastern Economic Corridor Office sent a senior delegation to Xinjiang to connect Silk Road logistics, aviation and clean-energy initiatives with Thailand’s EEC development program and the EECiti smart-city project.

Thailand Issues Heavy Rain and Flash Flood Warnings Through September 13

The Thai Meteorological Department warned of heavy to very heavy monsoon rainfall across Bangkok, nearby central provinces, eastern industrial areas and southern coastal regions, with flash flooding possible through September 13.

Thailand Targets 100 Billion Baht in Pharmaceutical Research Investment

Thailand is seeking 100 billion baht in pharmaceutical research investment after talks with global drugmakers including Roche and Merck Sharp & Dohme, with plans to expand joint research and local production while reducing medicine costs...

Thailand Fast-Tracks 121 Billion Baht Investment Pipeline and Adds Tech IPO Incentives

Thailand’s Board of Investment approved 17 major projects worth 121 billion baht in advanced electronics, processed food and automotive components, while launching additional tax incentives for New Economy companies pursuing domestic lis...

Thai Brands Shift Toward Offline Marketing as Social Media Use Falls 10%

Retailers and advertisers in Thailand are increasing investment in physical events, community experiences and in-person marketing after consumer data showed a sustained 10% decline in social media use amid digital fatigue and growing vol...

Thailand Ends VAT Exemption for Low-Value E-Commerce Imports

Thailand has abolished the value-added tax exemption for imported online purchases worth less than 1,500 baht, requiring tax collection from the first baht as authorities seek to reduce the advantage enjoyed by ultra-low-cost foreign goods.

Thailand Says Economy Has Passed Its Low Point but Recovery Remains Fragile

Thailand’s Finance Ministry says the economy has moved beyond its weakest point, though high living costs, rising layoffs and shortages of skills needed by advanced industries continue to threaten the durability of the recovery.

Thailand Confirms 30-Day Visa-Free Entry Protocol for Indian Travellers

Thailand will introduce new digital registration procedures allowing Indian passport holders to enter visa-free for 30 days from mid-September 2026 as authorities seek to capture growing South Asian tourism demand.

Thailand Proposes 3.5 Billion Baht Domestic Tourism Stimulus Ahead of Peak Season

The Tourism and Sports Ministry has proposed a 3.5 billion baht Thai Travel Plus programme offering accommodation subsidies and digital spending coupons to boost hospitality demand across major and secondary destinations.

Thailand Revises EV Tax Rules as Alternative-Energy Vehicles Reach 55% of New Sales

Thailand’s National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee has agreed on a tiered excise tax system linking vehicle import quotas to local value creation after electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models reached 55% of new car sales.

Thailand Plans Up to 9,000 Megawatts of Small Modular Nuclear Capacity by 2050

Thailand and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand are developing plans for up to 9,000 megawatts of small modular nuclear capacity to provide reliable low-carbon electricity for future data centres and other power-intensive t...

Thailand Approves $3.66 Billion in Strategic Investment and Launches Tech IPO Incentives

The Thailand Board of Investment has approved $3.66 billion in industrial projects and introduced new incentives with the Stock Exchange of Thailand to encourage technology and advanced manufacturing companies to list domestically.

Thailand Tightens Data Centre Rules Amid $15.9 Billion Investment Boom

Thailand is setting nationwide standards for artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure while temporarily pausing approvals for 166 data centre projects to ensure new investment supports sustainable energy use, skilled employment a...

Thailand’s Telecom Regulator Faces Growing Backlog After 10th Consecutive Board Meeting Collapse

Internal disputes at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission have prevented its board from meeting for a 10th consecutive time, leaving 193 agenda items unresolved, including 82 classified as urgent, and prompting law...

Thai SEC Unveils Capital-Market Overhaul With Tokenized Funds and Easier Tech IPO Rules

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission plans to launch tokenized money-market funds by late September, ease listing requirements for new-economy companies and introduce Thai Individual Savings Accounts by 2027 to deepen market liq...

Thailand Revamps Eastern Economic Corridor Plan to Target Big Tech and Green Industries

Thailand’s Cabinet approved a new development model for the Eastern Economic Corridor focused on land consolidation, advanced technology and Bio-Circular-Green industries, with the government projecting 1.34 trillion baht in new investme...

Thailand Advances Entertainment Complex Plan Including Legalized Casinos

The Thai government is advancing plans for integrated entertainment complexes with legalized casinos based on Singapore’s model, with the Pheu Thai-led initiative aimed at attracting investment, generating state revenue and strengthening...

Thailand Parliament Approves 2027 Budget Bill in 338-144 Vote

Thailand’s parliament passed the 2027 Budget Bill at its third reading by 338 votes to 144, clearing a key legislative hurdle for government spending on planned infrastructure projects and domestic economic initiatives.

Thailand Women Reach Asian Volleyball Championship Semifinals After Beating Taiwan

Thailand’s national women’s volleyball team defeated Taiwan in five sets to top its pool and advance to the semifinals of the Asian championship.

Thailand to Exhibit Artefacts From 1,200-Year-Old Phanom Surin Shipwreck

The Culture Ministry plans a public exhibition of antiquities recovered from the Phanom Surin shipwreck in Samut Sakhon, highlighting Thailand’s historic connections with maritime trade routes linking China and the Middle East.

TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE to Open at One Bangkok in October

Japanese lifestyle and cultural retailer TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE will open an anchor location at the One Bangkok development in October, expanding the capital’s international retail and leisure offering.

Thailand Cuts Electricity Rates for Residents in Non-Permanent Housing

The Energy Regulatory Commission capped electricity rates for people living in non-permanent housing, addressing a longstanding pricing disparity and reducing utility costs for lower-income households.

Southern Thailand Hotel Rates Rise 20% as International Visitor Mix Broadens

Average daily room rates in destinations including Phuket and Koh Samui rose about 20%, supported by stronger visitor demand from India, Europe and the Middle East, according to the Thailand Hotel Investment Guide.

Thailand Launches Visitor Economy Framework to Spread Tourism Revenue

The Tourism Authority of Thailand introduced a new framework combining 15 creative-economy segments with transit excursion programs, shifting policy toward generating more local economic value from international visitors.

Thailand Extends Airport Rail Link Operations Between Suvarnabhumi and Central Bangkok

The Transport Ministry and private operators reached a conditional agreement to keep Airport Rail Link services running, maintaining a key connection for international travelers and daily commuters.

Thailand to Reduce Visa-Free Stays for 60 Countries to 30 Days

Thailand will return visa-free stays for travelers from 60 countries to the pre-pandemic limit of 30 days from mid-September, seeking tighter immigration oversight while maintaining access for international tourists.

AMRO Says Foreign Investment and Technology Exports Are Supporting Thailand’s Economy

The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office said stronger foreign investment and technology-driven exports have helped cushion Thailand from global energy shocks, while calling for policies that spread the benefits more broadly across the ...

Thailand Data Center Investment Projected to Reach 570 Billion Baht by 2030

A regional property report forecasts about 570 billion baht in Thai data center investment by the end of the decade, with limited capacity helping drive a ninefold increase in pre-leasing activity.

Thailand Approves 958 Billion Baht in Digital and Green Technology Investments

Thailand’s Board of Investment approved 958 billion baht in new projects, including major data infrastructure commitments from TikTok and UAE-based DAMAC Group, as the country attracts more investment in digital infrastructure and clean ...

Finance Minister Pichai Backs Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Direction

Finance Minister Pichai endorsed the central bank’s focus on financial stability and economic growth, signaling closer coordination after earlier disagreements over interest rates and stimulus policy.

Opposition Challenges Thailand’s Data Center Expansion Over Environmental Risks

Lawmakers are raising concerns about power demand, heat and pollution from large data center projects as Thailand seeks to attract more digital and artificial intelligence investment.

Thai Government Advances 400 Billion Baht Emergency Loan Decree Amid Debt Concerns

The government is pressing ahead with 400 billion baht in emergency borrowing for state investment and economic recovery, while opposition lawmakers question the debt burden and demand clearer details on how the funds will be used.

Thailand Approves Labor Agreement to Recruit Sri Lankan Workers for Manufacturing Sector

The Thai Cabinet authorized a memorandum of understanding allowing workers to be recruited from Sri Lanka under a state-regulated system designed to ease industrial labor shortages, strengthen legal recruitment and support factory produc...

Thai Cabinet Approves New Suvarnabhumi Airport Ground Handling and Cargo Joint Venture

Thailand approved AOT Ground Aviation Services to operate expanded ground handling and cargo terminal facilities at Suvarnabhumi Airport, aiming to improve turnaround times and freight capacity as passenger and air cargo demand grows.

Thailand Telecom Regulator Meeting Collapses for Ninth Time Amid Chairman Disqualification Dispute

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission failed to convene for a ninth consecutive meeting as an unresolved dispute over its chairman continues to block decisions on spectrum management, satellite orbit allocations and...