Thai Times

Chiang Mai Officials Raise Alarm Over Cross-Border Arsenic Pollution in Mekong River Basin

Local representatives in Chiang Mai have criticized what they describe as insufficient government action on arsenic pollution linked to mining activity in neighboring countries, warning of potential contamination risks in the Mekong Rive...

Thailand Launches “FastPass” Investment Reform to Accelerate Approvals for Semiconductors and EV Projects

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has launched the “Thailand FastPass” initiative, a cross-agency platform designed to streamline investment approvals by integrating eight government bodies into a single regulatory framework. The...

Bank of Thailand Holds Key Rate at 1% While Raising 2026 Growth Outlook to 2.3% Amid Uneven Recovery

The Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to keep the policy rate unchanged at 1%, citing the need to support a still-fragile recovery. Officials upgraded their 2026 GDP growth forecast to 2.3% from 1.5%, pointin...

Thai Government Expands Focus on Welfare Support and Economic Relief Programs

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has emphasized the importance of continuing the “Thai Helps Thai Plus” (60/40) program and related support measures, while authorities work through final registration requirements affecting rough...

Thai Airways Approaches Key Shareholding Milestone as Post-Rehabilitation Lock-Up Nears End

Thai Airways is preparing for a significant change in its shareholder structure ahead of the August 4 expiration of a major shareholding restriction period, with a consortium of around 25 cooperatives planning to sell part of its 4.5 bil...

Bank of Thailand Expected to Hold Interest Rate at 1% as Export Growth Supports Economic Stability

Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee is meeting on June 24 amid broad expectations that the policy rate will remain unchanged at 1%, with strong export growth of 11% helping to support the economy despite continuing global uncertainty an...

Thailand Expands Renewable Energy Commitments as Corporations Move Toward Net-Zero Targets

Thailand’s Energy Regulatory Commission says more companies operating in the country are committing to 100 percent renewable energy use by 2030. The trend reinforces Thailand’s position as a regional hub for corporate sustainability and ...

Thailand Deploys Digital Agriculture Systems to Boost Crop Yields and Sustainability

Agricultural cooperatives in central and northern Thailand have adopted new digital monitoring systems to improve soil management and crop yields. The technology is helping farmers increase productivity while improving sustainability in ...

Bangkok Approves Major New Luxury Retail and Hospitality Complexes in Central Business District

Developers have unveiled two large-scale retail and hospitality projects in central Bangkok targeting international travelers and luxury consumers. The developments are expected to generate thousands of jobs in the city’s service sector.

Thailand Signs ASEAN Trade Agreements to Reduce Barriers and Improve Digital Commerce Standards

Thailand has concluded new trade facilitation agreements with ASEAN partners focused on reducing non-tariff barriers. The agreements also aim to improve digital trade standards and support cross-border e-commerce growth in the region.

Thailand Establishes Semiconductor Research Hub With Universities and Electronics Manufacturers

Thai universities and regional electronics firms have launched a joint research center focused on semiconductor packaging and testing. The initiative aims to increase Thailand’s role in higher-value segments of the global semiconductor s...

Thailand Advances High-Speed Rail Construction to Strengthen Regional Connectivity

Construction of Thailand’s high-speed rail line connecting Bangkok with the northeast is progressing ahead of schedule. Engineers have completed key sections of bridges and track, which are expected to significantly reduce travel times a...

Bangkok Fintech Startups Raise Over $100 Million in Venture Capital for Digital Payments Expansion

Fintech companies based in Bangkok have secured more than $100 million in new venture capital funding. The investment will support the development of digital payment systems and cross-border remittance platforms for retail and small busi...

Thailand Records All-Time High Exports of Electric Vehicles and Automotive Components

The Federation of Thai Industries reports record export values for electric vehicles and automotive components last month. The performance strengthens Thailand’s position as a leading EV manufacturing base in Southeast Asia’s industrial ...

Thailand Tightens Medical Wellness Standards to Strengthen Position in Global Health Tourism Market

The Ministry of Public Health has introduced new regulatory standards for medical wellness centers across Thailand. The move is aimed at reinforcing the country’s position as a leading destination for medical tourism, preventative care a...

Airlines Expand Flight Capacity to Bangkok and Phuket as International Travel Demand Rises

Airlines have added more than 50 weekly flight slots to Suvarnabhumi and Phuket airports to meet growing demand from Chinese, Indian and European travelers. The expansion reflects continued recovery and rising international mobility into...

Thailand Finalizes National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap to Support SMEs and Industrial Growth

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has completed the operational framework for Thailand’s national AI roadmap. The plan focuses on cloud infrastructure and training programs to help small and medium-sized enterprises improve pro...

Tourism Authority of Thailand Launches Global Campaign Targeting High-Spending European and Middle Eastern Travelers

Thailand’s tourism authority has launched a new marketing campaign in London and Dubai aimed at attracting higher-value visitors. The initiative promotes luxury wellness, cultural experiences and extended stays as Thailand seeks to incre...

Thailand Expands Eastern Economic Corridor Logistics Capacity With New Global Distribution Centers

Three major international logistics firms have confirmed plans to build advanced distribution hubs in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor. The facilities are designed to support rising industrial output and improve supply chain efficien...

Major Hotel Groups Expand Luxury Hospitality Presence in Bangkok and Phuket as Tourism Demand Strengthens

International hotel operators have opened eight new five-star properties across Bangkok and Phuket this month, reflecting continued growth in Thailand’s high-end tourism segment. The expansion comes as premium travel demand and wellness-...

Thailand Sees 40 Percent Surge in Foreign Investment Applications for Semiconductor and High-Tech Manufacturing

Thailand’s Board of Investment says foreign direct investment applications in technology and semiconductor manufacturing rose 40 percent in the first five months of the year. The increase points to growing international confidence in Tha...

Thailand Expands Global Cultural Diplomacy Drive With Plan to Host Festivals in 40 Countries

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced an expanded cultural diplomacy campaign to organise Thai festivals in 40 countries this year, following the success of the Seoul Thai Festival 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen T...

Thai Authorities Raid 14 Illegal Bitcoin Mining Sites in Five Provinces Over 40 Million Baht Power Theft

The Ministry of Interior and the Provincial Electricity Authority have carried out coordinated raids on 14 suspected illegal Bitcoin mining operations across five provinces, uncovering large-scale electricity theft that has caused more t...

Massive Civil Service Exam Cheating Network Uncovered in Nonthaburi as Authorities Seize 3,000 Answer Sheets

Police in Nonthaburi have raided a residence linked to a large-scale corruption scheme involving local government examinations, seizing more than 3,000 copied answer sheets and exposing what authorities describe as a highly organised fra...

Thailand Reviews Welfare Card System After Surge of More Than Five Million New Applicants

The Ministry of Finance and related agencies are reassessing Thailand’s state welfare card program after registration data showed more than five million new applicants identified as vulnerable groups, prompting tighter verification measu...

Thailand’s NBTC Resolves Long-Running Broadcasting Disputes With Approval of New Digital TV Master Plan

Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has approved a new master plan for digital television following a resolution of internal regulatory disputes, marking a period of renewed stability for the sector after y...

Thailand Targets High-Income Status Within 12 Years Under National Economic Transformation Plan

The National Economic and Social Development Council is advancing a long-term roadmap aimed at elevating Thailand to high-income status within 12 years, focusing on industrial upgrading, regulatory reform, and sustained efforts to attrac...

Visa Study Ranks Thailand Among Top Five Global Travel Destinations Ahead of Peak Tourism Season

A new Visa global travel intentions study places Thailand among the world’s top five most sought-after destinations, with international travelers citing accessibility, cultural appeal, and hospitality as key drivers of continued tourism ...

PwC Thailand Projects Up to 21 Trillion Baht in Infrastructure Investment by 2050 Driven by Transport, Power and Data Growth

A PwC Thailand report estimates cumulative infrastructure investment could reach 21 trillion baht by 2050, with transport and energy leading spending, alongside rising demand for digital infrastructure including data centers supporting a...

Thailand Aligns Investment Promotion Strategy With Global Minimum Tax Rules in Policy Overhaul

Thailand’s Finance Ministry is working with the Board of Investment to adjust national incentive frameworks following the implementation of global minimum corporate tax rules, aiming to maintain competitiveness for multinational companie...

Thailand Launches Fast Pass System to Accelerate Foreign Investment Approvals and Reduce Regulatory Delays

The Thai government has introduced the Thailand Fast Pass initiative to streamline investment approvals and speed up major project decisions, with state agencies coordinating to address investor concerns over infrastructure access, clean...

Thailand Sets Target to Lift Economic Growth Potential to Three Percent by 2030 Through Investment-Led Strategy

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has outlined a national plan to raise Thailand’s long-term economic growth potential from 2.7 percent to 3 percent by 2030, built around attracting higher-value foreign investment, strengthening tra...

Thailand Tourism Sector Sees Shift Toward Shorter Bookings and Cautious Travel Spending

Thailand’s tourism and hospitality industry is reporting changing visitor behavior, with shorter booking windows and more cautious spending patterns amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. While demand remains broadly resilien...

Thailand Unveils Plan to Become ASEAN Aviation Hub With 120 Million Passenger Capacity Target by 2029

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport has presented an aviation development strategy designed to position the country as Southeast Asia’s leading air transport hub by 2029. The plan includes major upgrades to key international airports and ai...

Thailand Sets 12-Year Roadmap to Lift Economy Into High-Income Status Above $15,000 Per Capita

Thailand’s government has launched a long-term development blueprint aimed at transforming the country into a high-income economy, targeting per-capita income of more than $15,000. The 12-year plan, developed with private sector input, f...

Suki Teenoi Enters Barbecue Buffet Battle as Competition Intensifies in Thailand's Mass-Market Dining Sector

Restaurant operator Suki Teenoi has launched a new barbecue buffet brand, Nai Pran Moo Krata, escalating competition with rivals including Lucky Suki and Bonus Suki and underscoring the resilience of consumer demand in Thailand's popular...

Thailand Faces Growing Dispute Over Proposed Thap Lan National Park Boundary Changes

A government plan to redraw the boundaries of Thap Lan National Park has triggered nationwide concern as civil society groups warn that land removed from protected status could ultimately benefit corporate investors and property speculat...

Thai Authorities Launch Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Businesses and Labor Networks in Phuket

Thai officials led by the Fourth Army Region and Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat have intensified enforcement against illegal foreign labor and unauthorized businesses in Phuket, targeting networks of Chinese and Myanmar natio...

Thailand's Economic Strategy Centers on Trade, Digital Transformation and Industrial Upgrading

The latest economic developments point to a national strategy built around expanding trade networks, accelerating digital adoption, modernizing manufacturing and strengthening Thailand's position as a regional investment and diplomatic hub.

Board of Investment Launches New Funding Measures to Upgrade Manufacturing and Green Energy

The Board of Investment and government leaders have approved new grant strategies to help small and medium-sized enterprises modernize production equipment, improve energy efficiency and benefit from rising foreign industrial investment.

Thailand Tourism Revenue Nears Pre-Pandemic Levels as Demand Surges in Bangkok and Phuket

International tourism receipts approached 500 billion baht in the first quarter, lifting accommodation and food service activity and pushing tourism revenues to 97% of pre-pandemic levels across major destinations including Bangkok, Phuk...

Bank of Thailand Projects Stable Growth Supported by Exports and Consumer Spending Measures

Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn said the economy is expected to maintain stable growth this year, supported by a 176 billion baht consumer subsidy programme, easing inflation and stronger-than-expected demand for Thai exports.

Prime Minister Promotes Thailand as ASEAN Investment Gateway Through FastPass Initiative

The Thai Prime Minister is positioning the country's digital and logistics infrastructure as a strategic entry point for foreign companies seeking access to ASEAN's market of around 700 million consumers, following the strongest foreign ...

Thailand Launches AI Access Program as Foreign Investment in Data Centers Accelerates

The government is advancing a 1.6 billion baht initiative to provide five million citizens and small businesses with free access to advanced artificial intelligence tools while Thailand attracts growing investment in hyperscale data cent...

Thailand Advances EU Trade Talks and OECD Membership Bid Through Labour Reforms

Thailand is working with the International Labour Organization to modernize labour and social regulations, a move seen as essential to progressing free trade negotiations with the European Union and supporting its bid to join the Organis...

Thailand Clears Five Major Trade Agreements as Exports Set for Double-Digit Growth

The Ministry of Commerce has approved five international trade agreements to expand market access after the Bank of Thailand projected exports could rise by 12% to 13% this year and deliver a trade surplus.

Thailand Revives US$30 Billion Southern Land Bridge to Create New Maritime Route Between Two Oceans

The Thai government has revived the Southern Land Bridge project, a proposed transport corridor linking the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand that aims to establish a major logistics route and reduce reliance on the Strait of Malacca.

Suki Teenoi Expands Into Thailand’s Barbecue Market as Competition Intensifies in Domestic Dining Sector

Thai restaurant chain Suki Teenoi has launched a new barbecue brand in a move to expand its footprint in the competitive casual dining market. The expansion targets strong domestic consumer demand and pits the company more directly again...