Thai Times

Thailand High-Speed Rail Airport Link Project Faces Uncertainty as Government Reviews Contract Options

The planned high-speed rail line connecting Bangkok’s airports with Pattaya and U-Tapao is under review, with stakeholders considering contract termination or amendments. The Eastern Economic Corridor Office and the concessionaire are st...

Thailand Repositions Tourism Strategy Toward High-Value Visitors as Arrival Numbers Face Pressure

Thailand’s tourism industry is moving toward a “value over volume” model as officials prioritise higher-spending travellers over mass-market arrivals amid rising regional competition. The country welcomed 14.03 million foreign tourists i...

Stock Exchange of Thailand Rallies Nearly 30 Percent as Government Pushes IPO Market Revival

The Stock Exchange of Thailand has surged almost 30 percent in the first half of 2026, with trading liquidity rising about 50 percent year on year, supported by renewed political stability and growth expectations under the new administra...

Bangkok Retail and Property Investment Grows as Urban Redevelopment Projects Expand

Retail and real estate groups are increasing investment in Bangkok’s central districts, supported by strong domestic consumption and a recovery in high-spending international tourism. The projects focus on expanding luxury retail and mix...

Thai Universities Expand International Research Partnerships in Artificial Intelligence and Engineering

Leading universities in Thailand have signed new collaboration agreements with partners in Europe and North America focused on artificial intelligence and sustainable engineering. The partnerships are designed to develop talent pipelines...

Thailand Reaffirms Commitment to ASEAN Trade Integration and Lower Regional Barriers

Thailand’s government has reiterated its focus on deepening trade ties within ASEAN, with an emphasis on reducing customs barriers and improving cross-border facilitation. Officials say the effort is aimed at strengthening regional suppl...

Foreign Investors Increase Holdings in Thai Renewable Energy Stocks on Sustainability Outlook

Institutional investors from Singapore and Hong Kong have raised exposure to Thai listed energy and utility companies, according to the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The shift reflects growing confidence in the country’s renewable energy e...

Thailand Launches Digital Health Platform to Strengthen Medical Tourism Industry

The Ministry of Public Health, together with private hospital operators, has introduced a digital health platform aimed at streamlining medical tourism services. The system integrates patient records and booking processes for internation...

Luxury Hotel Investment Rises in Phuket as Global Hospitality Brands Expand Presence

Phuket’s luxury hospitality market is seeing renewed investment as international hotel groups commit to new five-star developments across the island. Analysts say the expansion reflects sustained confidence in Thailand’s premium tourism ...

Thailand Accelerates High-Speed Rail Expansion to Link Bangkok With Northern and Northeastern Regions

The Ministry of Transport has moved to speed up key high-speed rail projects connecting Bangkok with northern and northeastern provinces. The plan aims to shorten travel times between major industrial and tourism hubs and strengthen dome...

Global Technology Firms Accelerate Multi-Billion Baht Data Centre Projects in Eastern Thailand

Several multinational technology companies are advancing major data centre investments in Chonburi and Rayong as part of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor development. The projects reflect growing demand for hyperscale computing infra...

Thailand Forecasts Strong Summer Tourism Growth as Airline Capacity Expands Across Bangkok and Phuket

The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects continued growth in international arrivals this summer, with flight bookings from Europe and East Asia up around 15 percent year on year. Expanded long-haul routes and increased airport capacity ...

Thailand Attracts Over 300 Billion Baht in High-Tech and Electric Vehicle Investment Applications

The Thailand Board of Investment says foreign companies submitted more than 300 billion baht in investment applications in the first half of the year, led by electric vehicle manufacturing and data centre projects. Much of the activity i...

Tourism and Exports Continue to Support Thailand's Economy Despite External Headwinds

Thailand's Fiscal Policy Office says tourism and exports remain the economy's main sources of resilience, although export growth is slowing and high living costs are weighing on domestic consumption, prompting the government to prioritiz...

Thai Tourism Industry Calls for High-Value Growth Strategy Backed by Measurable Targets

Tourism operators and the Association of Thai Travel Agents are urging the government to adopt performance indicators such as visitor spending and average length of stay, while addressing infrastructure gaps, illegal accommodation, and w...

Thailand Establishes Tourism Task Force to Drive Economic Stimulus in Second Half of 2026

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has created a dedicated policy task force to coordinate new economic stimulus measures, including a domestic travel package covering transport and other travel expenses through digital platforms ...

Eastern Economic Corridor Drives Foreign Investment Momentum in Thailand’s Industrial Strategy

Foreign direct investment continues to flow into Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor as global companies expand manufacturing and logistics operations. The region remains central to Thailand’s long-term industrial and supply chain strat...

Thailand Tourism Board Targets Middle East, Europe and North America in New Marketing Push

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched an international campaign aimed at high-spending travelers from key global markets. The strategy focuses on premium tourism segments including wellness, cultural experiences and luxury travel.

Thailand Expands Data Center and Cloud Infrastructure to Support Digital Economy Growth

Major technology firms are investing heavily in artificial intelligence-ready data centers and cloud infrastructure across Thailand. The expansion is rapidly strengthening the country’s position as a regional digital hub.

Thailand Strengthens Position as Regional Automotive and Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Hub

Thailand continues to attract large-scale investment in automotive and electric vehicle production, reinforcing its role as a key manufacturing base in Southeast Asia. The shift is being driven by global automakers expanding EV assembly ...

Thailand Attracts Surge in Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing Investment

Thailand is seeing increased foreign direct investment in semiconductor and electronics production, particularly in the Eastern Economic Corridor. The trend reflects global efforts to diversify supply chains and expand high-tech manufact...

ASEAN Digital Trade Integration Advances to Support Regional SME Growth

Thailand and ASEAN partners have made progress in aligning digital trade frameworks and payment standards. The initiative is designed to streamline cross-border commerce and support small and medium-sized enterprises across the region.

Thailand Accelerates Smart City and Innovation Park Development in Eastern Economic Corridor

The Eastern Economic Corridor Office has accelerated development of smart city infrastructure, research facilities and innovation parks. The projects are intended to deepen collaboration between international technology firms and local r...

Thailand Sees Rising Medical Tourism Demand Across Private Hospital Networks

Private hospitals in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai are reporting increased international patient arrivals for specialized medical, wellness and surgical services. The trend reinforces Thailand’s position as a leading destination for med...

International Retail Groups Expand Digital Commerce and Logistics Investments in Thailand

Major global retail and e-commerce companies are increasing investment in Thailand’s digital economy, including payment systems, augmented reality shopping tools and upgraded logistics infrastructure in Bangkok. The expansion reflects gr...

Luxury Hospitality Investment Expands in Bangkok and Phuket Amid Rising Premium Travel Demand

International hotel groups and Thai developers are expanding luxury resort and hotel projects in Bangkok and Phuket. The new investments reflect continued growth in high-end tourism and rising demand for wellness-focused accommodation ac...

Tourism Authority of Thailand Launches Global Campaign Targeting High-Spending International Travelers

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a global marketing campaign aimed at attracting high-value tourists from the Middle East, Europe and North America. The initiative focuses on wellness tourism, cultural travel and luxury hos...

Thailand and ASEAN Move to Harmonize Digital Trade Rules to Boost Cross-Border E-Commerce

Thailand and ASEAN partners are advancing efforts to align digital trade regulations and cross-border payment systems. The initiative is aimed at reducing barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises and supporting growth in regional ...

Global Tech Firms Accelerate AI Data Center and Cloud Investments Across Greater Bangkok and Chonburi

International technology and telecommunications companies are increasing investment in large-scale artificial intelligence data centers and cloud infrastructure in Greater Bangkok and Chonburi. The expansion is positioning Thailand as an...

Thailand Approves New International Flight Capacity to Support Tourism Recovery and Business Travel Growth

Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority has approved additional international flight slots for carriers operating from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phuket International Airport. New routes to secondary European and Asian cities are exp...

Thailand Investment Board Rolls Out Major Tax Incentives to Attract Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturers

The Thailand Board of Investment has introduced a new package of tax breaks and regulatory incentives aimed at global semiconductor and electronics companies. The measures are designed to draw advanced manufacturing investment and streng...

Thailand and China Expand Economic Cooperation in Eastern Economic Corridor With Focus on Rail, Industry and Logistics

Thailand and Chinese trade officials have agreed to deepen cooperation on infrastructure development in the Eastern Economic Corridor, with plans to accelerate high-speed rail links, advanced manufacturing zones and logistics systems. Th...

Thailand–Vietnam Business Forum Highlights Intensifying Supply Chain Competition and Shift Toward Regional Partnerships

Business leaders meeting at the Thailand–Vietnam Business Forum 2026 discussed growing pressure from global supply chain realignments, with Thai companies increasingly adopting partnership strategies and “Thailand+1” approaches as Chines...

Thailand Expands High-Value Tourism Push With New Direct Flights and Visa Review for Key Markets

Thai tourism and aviation authorities are working with international carriers including flydubai to launch direct flights to Don Mueang targeting affluent Middle Eastern travelers, while also considering restoring visa-free entry for Ind...

Thailand’s NESDC Proposes Civil Servant Welfare Overhaul as Rising Fixed Costs Strain Public Finances

Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council has proposed restructuring the civil servant welfare system, warning that rising fixed costs and debt servicing are limiting the government’s ability to fund critical infrastruc...

Thai Business Groups Warn Strong Baht Is Undermining Export Competitiveness

Thailand’s Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking has warned that the strong baht is eroding export competitiveness, even after a slight depreciation to around 32 baht per US dollar. Industry leaders say Thai goods re...

Bangchak Corporation Completes Acquisition of Chevron Hong Kong and Expands North Asia Trading Footprint

Bangchak Corporation has finalized its acquisition of Chevron Hong Kong, rebranding the entity as Bangchak Hong Kong in a move that strengthens its presence in North Asia. The deal marks a significant step in the company’s international ...

Thailand Records 2.35 Million Tourist Arrivals and 10.6 Percent Export Growth as Economy Leans on Travel and Trade

Thailand’s Fiscal Policy Office says tourism and exports remain the main drivers of the economy, with 2.35 million foreign arrivals and a 10.6 percent rise in exports in the latest monthly data. Authorities are also advancing a shift tow...

Thailand Extends Domestic Aviation Fee Discounts to Support Airlines and Operational Efficiency

Aeronautical Radio of Thailand has extended a 30% reduction in domestic air navigation fees for two months, offering temporary cost relief to airlines. Officials say the measure also supports improved air traffic efficiency, helping redu...

Thailand Develops Luxury Rail Tourism Network to Target High-Spending International Travelers

Thai tourism and transport officials are advancing luxury rail services along scenic domestic routes as part of a strategy to attract higher-spending international visitors. The initiative is designed to expand premium travel options whi...

Thailand Expands Cross-Border QR Payment System to Support Tourism and Regional Trade

Thai financial authorities have expanded the country’s cross-border QR payment network to improve digital transactions for tourists and regional trading partners. The move is part of a broader push to position Thailand as a leading finte...

Thailand and Meta Launch Nationwide Artificial Intelligence Training Program for Small Businesses and Farmers

Thailand has partnered with Meta to roll out nationwide artificial intelligence training programs for small businesses and the agricultural sector. The initiative is intended to improve productivity, expand digital skills in rural commun...

Bangkok’s True Digital Park and Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture Launch Cross-Border Startup Innovation Corridor

True Digital Park in Bangkok and Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture have launched a bilateral innovation corridor designed to connect startups, investors and venture capital networks across Asia. The initiative also aims to simplify cross-border...

Thailand Proposes ASEAN Semiconductor Framework to Strengthen Regional Supply Chains

The Thai government has proposed an ASEAN-level semiconductor initiative aimed at aligning incentives across Southeast Asia, strengthening supply chain resilience and attracting advanced manufacturing investment. The proposal is position...

Thailand Projects 33 Million Tourist Arrivals in 2026 as Strategy Shifts Toward Premium Travel

Thailand recorded more than 14 million foreign arrivals in the first five months of the year and remains on track to reach 33 million visitors in 2026. Authorities say the tourism strategy is increasingly focused on higher-spending trave...

Thailand Attracts Over One Trillion Baht in Early 2026 Investment Applications Driven by AI and Data Center Boom

The Thailand Board of Investment says investment applications exceeded one trillion baht in the first quarter of 2026, with strong inflows tied to artificial intelligence, data centers, cloud services and advanced electronics. Officials ...

Thailand Strengthens Position as Emerging Global Supply Chain Hub While Expanding Investment in AI and Advanced Manufacturing

Thailand is being increasingly recognized in global supply chains, supported by international confidence in its macroeconomic stability and infrastructure planning. Economic policymakers are now channeling greater investment into artific...

Webull Agrees 2.86 Billion Baht Acquisition of Pi Securities in Major Thailand Fintech Expansion

Digital trading platform Webull has agreed to acquire Thai brokerage firm Pi Securities in a 2.86 billion baht deal aimed at building a leading digital investment brokerage in Thailand. The transaction also enables Pi’s former parent com...