Thai Times

Thai Conglomerates Step Up Sustainability Push Ahead of IMF-World Bank Meetings in Bangkok

Major Thai companies are aligning sustainability and ESG practices with national goals ahead of the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok this October, with executives including those at Thai Beverage incorporating the Sufficienc...

Thailand Expects 250,000 Chinese Visitors During Golden Week, Generating 11.5 Billion Baht

The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects about 250,000 Chinese visitors during the upcoming Golden Week holiday and forecasts 11.5 billion baht in tourism revenue, supported by the continued recovery of Chinese travel and recent promoti...

Thailand Advances Bill to Restrict Cannabis to Medical Use and Phase Out Recreational Dispensaries

Thailand’s cabinet has approved a draft law that would tighten cannabis regulation through grower registration and tougher penalties, while requiring existing retail outlets to become licensed medical facilities staffed by qualified prac...

Thailand Approves Four-Year Fuel Crisis Plan Centered on Domestic Biofuels

Thailand has endorsed a four-year energy strategy that will increase reliance on domestically sourced agricultural materials for biofuel production, aiming to reduce exposure to global oil price swings while addressing the widening defic...

Eastern Economic Corridor Advances 72 Billion Baht Smart City Project in Chonburi

The Eastern Economic Corridor Office is moving ahead with a 72 billion baht public-private infrastructure project in Huai Yai, combining medical, education and clean-energy zones and drawing interest from more than 15 major Thai and inte...

Foreign Business Approvals in Thailand Rise 37% as Investment Reaches 219 Billion Baht

Thailand approved 219 billion baht in foreign business investment during the first seven months of the year, led by capital from China, the United States, Singapore and Japan, with the Eastern Economic Corridor accounting for nearly 40% ...

Thailand Overhauls Foreign Investment Strategy to Target High-Skill Jobs and Advanced Manufacturing

Thailand has ordered state agencies to incorporate private-sector requirements within 30 days under the Board of Investment’s FastPass framework, shifting investment policy toward technology transfer, skilled employment and advanced manu...

Thailand Targets Further Business Events Growth Ahead of Gastech and IMF-World Bank Meetings

Thailand’s convention and exhibition agency is seeking to build on a strong recovery in business events, with nearly 100 billion baht in economic activity already generated and major international gatherings including Gastech and the IMF...

Thailand Seeks Two-Month Extension of Thai Chuey Thai Plus Consumer Subsidy

The Finance Ministry is preparing to ask the Cabinet to extend the Thai Chuey Thai Plus program for two months using remaining loan funds, maintaining support for about 26 million participants as the government seeks to ease living costs...

Thailand Pairs Rooftop Solar Support With New Offshore Petroleum Bidding Round

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced a 50 million baht rooftop solar programme while the government opens its 26th petroleum bidding round, combining cleaner household power with continued gas development as Thailand prepares...

Thailand Unveils Incentives to Accelerate U-Tapao Eastern Aviation City

The government has approved double tax deductions, EECa visa measures and other incentives for U-Tapao and the Eastern Aviation City, with authorities estimating the project could attract about 1.3 trillion baht in private investment and...

Thailand Climbs to Fifth in Asian Games Medal Standings After Three Golds

Thai athletes won three gold medals to lift the country to fifth place in the Asian Games standings, strengthening Thailand’s early position in the regional sporting competition.

Thailand Urges Stronger ASEAN Cooperation on Food and Energy Security

Thailand is calling for closer regional coordination on food production, energy and supply chains as ASEAN governments seek greater resilience against volatile markets, climate risks and external economic shocks.

Thailand’s Foreign Tourist Arrivals Pass 22 Million as Malaysia and Japan Drive Weekly Growth

Thailand recorded 22.18 million foreign arrivals through September 19, with weekly visitor numbers rising 5.72% as arrivals from Malaysia and Japan increased sharply and tourism revenue exceeded one trillion baht.

Anutin Says Japanese Companies Remain Committed to Investing in Thailand

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says Japanese companies intend to maintain and expand investment in Thailand as the two countries deepen cooperation in advanced manufacturing and other higher-value industries.

Fitch Raises Thailand’s Sovereign Outlook to Stable, Affirms BBB+ Rating

Fitch Ratings has revised Thailand’s sovereign credit outlook from negative to stable while keeping its BBB+ rating, citing greater confidence in the country’s medium-term fiscal position and economic policy stability.

Thailand Targets 2.7 Trillion Baht in 2026 Tourism Revenue With 33 Million Foreign Visitors

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is targeting 33 million international arrivals while the government prepares a 3.5 billion baht Thai Tiew Thai Plus program offering one million travel subsidies to support domestic tourism outside peak ...

Thailand Approves AOTGA Joint Venture for Two Suvarnabhumi Ground Service Projects

The Cabinet has approved Airports of Thailand Global Aero Associates to co-invest in and operate two ground service projects at Suvarnabhumi Airport, expanding handling capacity as Thailand prepares for higher international flight volumes.

Thailand Pursues Pharmaceutical Investment Deals With MSD and Sandoz

The Thai government is finalising investment and technology-transfer agreements with global drugmakers, beginning with MSD and followed by a planned partnership with Sandoz, as it seeks to expand domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, re...

Michelin Guide Expands Recognition of Thailand’s Luxury Hotel Sector

The Michelin Guide’s latest hotel selection highlights leading properties across destinations including Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui, reinforcing Thailand’s strong presence in the international luxury hospitality market.

Thai Airways Rises Nine Places to 20th in Global Airline Ranking

Thai Airways International has climbed from 29th to 20th in the 2026 World Airline Awards ranking, marking a significant improvement for the recovering national carrier.

Bangkok MRT Orange Line Targets Trial Operations in Late 2027

The eastern section of Bangkok’s Orange Line is expected to begin trial service in late 2027, with full passenger operations planned for early 2028 as rail-system installation advances.

Thailand Steps Up AI and Data Centre Strategy as Clean-Power Demand Rises

Government and business leaders are focusing on artificial intelligence infrastructure, digital skills and clean energy as rapid data-centre investment increases pressure on Thailand’s electricity, water and technology systems.

Thailand Overhauls Factory Output Index to Better Reflect Electronics Manufacturing

The Industry Ministry is restructuring its industrial production index to capture the growing contribution of electronics and advanced manufacturing as new foreign-backed factories reshape Thailand’s production base.

Thailand Prepares Domestic Travel Stimulus Targeting More Than 20 Billion Baht in Tourism Activity

The government is preparing a domestic tourism program intended to generate more than 20 billion baht in spending while supporting hotels, tourism businesses and employment across the country.

Fitch Revises Thailand’s Sovereign Outlook to Stable and Affirms BBB+ Rating

Fitch Ratings has raised Thailand’s outlook from negative to stable while keeping its BBB+ sovereign rating, citing greater confidence that government debt will stabilise and policy conditions will remain more predictable.

Thailand Unveils Development Framework to Tackle Long-Term Low Growth

The National Economic and Social Development Council is laying the foundations for Thailand’s next national development plan, with priorities including greater research and development investment, economic upgrading and a shift toward lo...

Thailand Launches Laem Chabang-Nong Khai Rail Freight Corridor Toward China

The Transport Ministry has begun a prototype rail freight route linking Laem Chabang port with Nong Khai, aiming to reduce logistics costs, ease cross-border trade and connect Thai exporters more efficiently with the wider trans-Asian ra...

Thai Household Debt Hits Record Average Near 800,000 Baht

Average household debt in Thailand has climbed to nearly 800,000 baht, with high living costs, weak income growth and heavy reliance on credit cards and personal loans continuing to constrain repayment capacity and household consumption.

Thailand Grand Festival Opens in Sydney With Focus on Culture, Trade and Sustainability

Thailand Grand Festival 2026 is being held at Tumbalong Park in Sydney on September 19 and 20, showcasing Thai food, products, cultural performances and creative industries as Thailand expands cultural and commercial engagement in Austra...

Thailand Revises IPO Rules to Bring New Economy Companies to Stock Market

The Stock Exchange of Thailand has introduced a specialized listing route for companies in 10 targeted industries, including businesses promoted by the Board of Investment and the Eastern Economic Corridor, as regulators seek to expand a...

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

Thailand’s four-day Gastech 2026 summit drew more than 50,000 participants from 150 countries and generated over $20 billion in business negotiations and long-term energy agreements, strengthening Bangkok’s role in regional energy invest...

Thailand Warns of Heavy Rain and Rough Andaman Seas

The Thai Meteorological Department warned of heavy to very heavy rain across parts of the country, with Andaman Sea waves of two to three metres and higher conditions in thunderstorms creating flood and maritime risks. ([www5.tmd.go.th][7])

Narathiwat Bomb and Gun Attack Kills Two Territorial Defence Volunteers and Injures 16

Two territorial defence volunteers were killed and 16 people were injured when attackers detonated a roadside bomb and opened fire on their vehicle in Sukhirin district, prompting an expanded security response in southern Thailand. ([Tha...

Thailand Cuts Standard Visa-Free Tourist Stay to 30 Days for 60 Countries

Thailand’s revised visa rules took effect on September 15, replacing the previous 60-day exemption with a 30-day tourist stay for travelers from 60 eligible countries and territories. ([กรมการกงสุล กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ][5])

Thailand Targets 2.7 Trillion Baht in Tourism Revenue as Arrival Forecast Improves

The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects about 32.6 million to 32.7 million foreign visitors in 2026 and is expanding festivals and international air connections as it pursues 2.7 trillion baht in total tourism revenue. ([nationthailand...

Thailand Prepares Tourism Stimulus Expected to Generate More Than 20 Billion Baht

The government is preparing a domestic travel program with one million entitlements and about 4 billion baht in proposed spending, aiming to generate more than 20 billion baht in tourism activity through the high season. ([Thai Governmen...

Thailand Fast-Tracks 121 Billion Baht of Strategic Investment and Adds IPO Incentives

The Board of Investment approved 17 projects worth 121 billion baht and introduced new incentives linking promoted companies with Thailand’s capital market as the government seeks more investment in advanced manufacturing and technology....

Thailand and Cambodia Open First UNCLOS Conciliation Talks in Singapore

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow led Thailand’s delegation at the first meeting of the Thailand-Cambodia Conciliation Commission under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, opening a formal process for ...

Bangkok Electric Train Fares to Be Capped at 45 Baht From January 2027

Thailand plans to introduce a unified fare system across Bangkok and surrounding electric rail lines from January 1, 2027, limiting journeys to a maximum of 45 baht while eliminating repeated entry charges between participating networks.

Thailand Weighs 30% Excise Tax on Fully Imported Electric Vehicles

Thailand’s EV Board and Finance Ministry are considering an excise tax of about 30% on completely built-up electric vehicles, using higher import taxation to encourage automakers to expand local production and strengthen the country’s au...

Thailand Moves to Close Bangkok’s Khlong Toei Port and Shift Freight to Laem Chabang

The government is advancing plans to end operations at Bangkok’s Khlong Toei Port and move maritime freight to Laem Chabang, reducing heavy-truck traffic in the capital while opening the waterfront site for large-scale commercial redevel...

Banpu Expands Battery Storage Investment to Support Thailand’s Growing AI Data Center Sector

Thai energy group Banpu is investing in high-capacity battery storage to meet the demanding power needs of data centers, positioning for planned direct power purchase liberalization while expanding carbon capture and natural gas trading ...

Thailand Targets 250,000 Chinese Visitors With Nihao Month 2026 Tourism Campaign

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has partnered with major Chinese platforms and 20 Thai companies to target 250,000 Chinese arrivals and 11.5 billion baht in revenue during Golden Week, as longer average stays strengthen the value of th...

Thailand Accelerates AI and Data Center Push With Risk-Based Regulatory Review

Thai policymakers are reviewing risk-based AI rules and reshaping investment incentives to position Thailand as a leading Southeast Asian hub for artificial intelligence and data centers, with the strategy focused on high-skill jobs and ...