Thai Times

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...

Thailand Advances Andaman–Gulf Land Bridge Megaproject Linking Kapoe and Chaiya for Cross-Peninsula Shipping Route

The Thai government is pushing forward plans for a major transport corridor connecting the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand via the Kapoe–Chaiya route. The proposed infrastructure aims to shorten maritime freight journeys between the...

Thailand Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Capital Networks in Southern Tourism Provinces

Thai authorities seized land worth more than one billion baht across Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga in a coordinated operation targeting suspected illicit corporate nominee structures and undocumented foreign workers. Backed by the Fourth ...

Thairath TV Promotes News Outreach Activities Through Latest Audience Engagement Campaign

Thairath TV has highlighted its recent promotional and engagement activities in a new media campaign, reflecting ongoing efforts by the broadcaster to reinforce its role as a major source of daily news content for audiences across Thailand.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul Opens OTOP Midyear 2026 Fair at Impact Muang Thong Thani

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has inaugurated the OTOP Midyear 2026 fair, underscoring government efforts to support grassroots economic recovery through nationwide promotion of community products under the “Thai Help Thai Plus” ini...

Bangkok Faces Renewed Safety Scrutiny After Structural Failures at Multiple Urban Sites

City authorities in Bangkok are under growing pressure to strengthen urban safety oversight following incidents including an awning collapse at Mo Mee intersection and building maintenance concerns near Wat Traimit, prompting calls for u...

Strait of Hormuz Closure Raises Energy Security Concerns for Thailand and Global Supply Chains

Iran’s decision to close the Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions has triggered concern among Thai energy planners and economic agencies, with officials closely monitoring potential impacts on fuel imports, shipping costs, and broader...

Thailand Advances Digital Infrastructure Push With New Data Center and AI Investment Strategy

Thailand’s combined wave of data center commitments and new artificial intelligence incentives signals a broader push to establish the country as a leading Southeast Asian hub for digital infrastructure, cloud services, and AI development.

Thailand Expands Solar Power Projects to Supply Green Energy for Industrial Zones in the East

Leading energy firms have commissioned three new utility-scale solar farms in northeastern Thailand to support industrial zones in the Eastern Economic Corridor, advancing renewable energy integration for manufacturing operations.

Thai Fintech and E-Commerce Startups Secure Major Series B Funding Rounds

Bangkok-based fintech and agricultural e-commerce startups have closed significant Series B funding rounds this week, signaling continued international investor interest in Thailand’s growing digital economy and scaling technology sector.

Phuket Expands Regional Air Connectivity With New Direct Routes Across Southeast Asia

Aviation authorities have confirmed 10 new direct routes connecting Phuket to secondary cities in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, broadening the island’s visitor base and reducing reliance on a limited number of source markets.

Thailand Expands Precision Farming and AgTech Use to Boost Agricultural Export Value

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives says Thai exporters are increasingly adopting satellite monitoring and AI-driven crop management tools, improving product quality grading and raising the international value of premium agricul...

Bangkok Luxury Retail and Dining Markets See Renewed Investment in Sukhumvit and Thong Lo

Bangkok’s commercial property sector is recording new long-term lease activity in luxury retail and fine dining, particularly in Sukhumvit and Thong Lo, reflecting renewed confidence in high-end consumer spending and international touris...

Bangkok Attracts New Medical Tourism Investment With Expansion of Specialized Healthcare Centers

International hospital networks have opened three new specialized medical tourism facilities in Bangkok focused on cardiology and preventive diagnostics, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a regional destination for advanced healthcare s...

Chiang Mai Shifts Toward High-Value Wellness Tourism as Luxury Hospitality Spending Rises

The Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce says the city’s hospitality sector is increasingly focused on wellness and longevity tourism, with higher room rates and increased spending at premium health and wellness facilities reshaping the region...

Thailand’s Cashless Payments Surge as PromptPay and Digital Services Drive Transaction Growth

The Bank of Thailand reports that national cashless transaction volumes have risen by nearly 20 percent this year, driven by the expansion of PromptPay and new digital government payment systems, strengthening Thailand’s fintech ecosyste...

Major Global Airlines Increase Direct Flights to Bangkok and Chiang Mai From August

Several international airline groups will add 15 new weekly direct flights to Bangkok and Chiang Mai starting in August, reflecting sustained demand from both business and leisure travelers and improving regional connectivity across Thai...

Suvarnabhumi Airport Launches Expansion Plan to Add 20 Million Passenger Capacity

Airports of Thailand has unveiled a multi-phase expansion plan for Suvarnabhumi Airport, including a new satellite terminal expected to raise annual passenger capacity by 20 million by next year, in response to rising tourism and aviatio...

Thailand’s Automotive Export Sector Sees Rising Demand Driven by Electric Vehicle Production Growth

The Federation of Thai Industries reports an increase in automotive export demand, particularly for domestically manufactured electric vehicles, underscoring Thailand’s continued role as a major automotive and clean mobility production h...

Thailand Board of Investment Rolls Out Incentives to Attract Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Centers

Thailand’s Board of Investment has introduced new tax holidays and operational incentives for foreign firms establishing artificial intelligence research and development facilities in Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor, aiming to ...

Eastern Economic Corridor Secures Major Data Center Investments from Global Technology Firms in Chonburi and Rayong

The Eastern Economic Corridor Office has confirmed commitments from three major international technology companies to develop large-scale data centers in Chonburi and Rayong, reinforcing Thailand’s push to position itself as a regional h...

Thailand Tourism Authority Reports Strong Growth in High-Spending International Arrivals in June

The Tourism Authority of Thailand says international arrivals in the first three weeks of June have exceeded pre-pandemic projections by 12 percent, with particularly strong growth from European Union and Chinese visitors. The surge has ...