Economy News
Thailand economy news, business updates, financial markets, and government policies—stay informed on economic developments shaping the nation. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for Thailand economic news.
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Sponsored 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Bangkok Bank speeds up yuan transfers to boost China trade
Bangkok Bank has launched an expedited yuan transfer service aimed at reducing costs and enhancing trade with China. Pipat Assawamongkol, assistant manager at Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, announced that the bank now offers faster yuan transfers after receiving approval from China’s central bank to use the CIPS (Cross-border Interbank Payment System). The system allows direct transfers to CIPS member…
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Thailand electricity bills to drop as summer rates slashed
Good news for energy-strapped Thai households and businesses—your next electricity bill might finally give your wallet a break. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is expected to unveil a revised electricity tariff rate today, April 30, that will bring down costs for millions across the country. The adjustment, known as the Fuel Tariff (Ft) rate, is likely to drop from 4.15…
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AOT opens 30 billion baht airport land for private investment
The Airports of Thailand (AOT) is inviting private investment to develop 2,500 rai of land surrounding six major airports, with an estimated project value nearing 30 billion baht. The initiative aims to transform these areas into new economic hubs and enhance service quality and safety. Pavina Chariyathitipong, Acting President of AOT and Deputy Executive Vice President of Engineering and Construction,…
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Thai Cabinet mulls 10,000 baht handout under pressure
The Thai Cabinet will discuss the third phase of the government’s 10,000 baht handout at its meeting next week, with the rollout planned for May to June. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed that the schedule remains unchanged. “Everything is well prepared, and no changes have been made.” Approved last month as part of a larger economic stimulus package, this…
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Rate expectations: BoT tipped to slash interest rates
Thailand’s top bankers are bracing for a financial shake-up, with the central bank set to cut interest rates this week as economic headwinds from abroad leave growth floundering. The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is widely expected to trim its key policy rate by 0.25 percentage points tomorrow, April 30, as the kingdom battles a growing storm of economic setbacks. Kasikorn…
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Thailand PM pushes major transport projects in northeast region
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is advocating for major transport development projects in northeast Thailand, aligning with an upcoming mobile Cabinet meeting agenda in Nakhon Phanom tomorrow, April 29. This initiative precedes the PM’s scheduled visit to the area today, where the government is considering transport projects in Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan provinces. The aim is to transform the…
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Thailand pushes for inclusive job market for silver age workers
Jobsdb by SEEK, Thailand’s leading job platform, is advancing the country’s labour market by supporting the Silver Age workforce, those aged 55 and above, in preparing for a future shaped by AI technology and digital tools. As of yesterday, April 23, the Silver Age group comprises over 13 million people, roughly 20% of Thailand’s workforce, with projections of the country…
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Finance Ministry confirms 10,000 baht digital currency distribution
The Finance Ministry has confirmed the distribution of 10,000 baht in digital currency for phase three during the second quarter. The application is ready, with only integration with banks remaining. The release date for phase four has also been announced. Deputy Finance Minister Chulapan Amornvivat yesterday, April 22, stated that the ministry remains committed to its schedule for the economic…
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Thailand urges stores to keep pork prices stable amid shortage
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) urges retail and wholesale stores to maintain stable pork prices despite recent supply-driven increases. Wittayakorn Maneenetr, DIT Director General, stated that consultations with the Department of Livestock Development and the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand have highlighted a reduced availability of pigs. Approximately 60,000 pigs are supplied daily, sufficient for domestic needs. The recent…
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Thai rice exports drop 30% as Vietnam overtakes in global market
Thai rice exports have seen a significant 30% decline in the first quarter, raising concerns as Vietnam overtakes Thailand to become the world’s second-largest rice exporter. Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, reported that during the first quarter this year, Thailand exported 2.1 million tonnes of milled rice, a drop from the same period last year.…
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Solar flare-up! US tariffs scorch Thai imports in fiery trade row
A blistering tariff bombshell from Washington has lit a fire under Southeast Asia’s solar imports, with Thailand among the hardest hit, as the United States slaps sky-high duties of up to 3,521% on imports, claiming unfair competition from Asian suppliers. The US has launched a full-scale trade crackdown on solar imports from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, slapping colossal new…
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Phuket rakes in billions but begs for budget help
It may be Thailand’s crown jewel of tourism, raking in nearly 500 billion baht in revenue last year, but Phuket is struggling with crumbling infrastructure, water shortages, and traffic chaos — and local leaders say it’s time the government pays attention. Last year, Phuket welcomed 13–14 million tourists, generating 497.5 billion baht in revenue. Yet, despite the economic windfall, Governor…
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Songkran crowds pour 1 billion baht into Thai economy
It wasn’t just water flying this Songkran—cash was too. Thailand’s Maha Songkran World Water Festival has soaked the nation in celebration and injected a whopping 1.58 billion baht into the tourism industry, making it one of the most lucrative holiday events in recent memory. According to Government Deputy Spokesperson Anukul Phruksanusak, the five-day spectacle, held from April 11 to 15,…
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Thailand to negotiate US trade policies, avoid pork imports
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Pichet Choonhavan, outlined five strategies to address the issue of the so-called Trump tariffs, emphasising that Thailand will not import pork due to concerns about the impact on domestic producers. Following a meeting on Thailand’s approach to US trade policies, Pichet revealed that while no specific date has been set for negotiations with the…
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Thailand urged to address rising zero-dollar exports from China
Thailand’s economy is being short-changed by a flood of so-called “zero-dollar” investments and exports from China, with experts warning the government must clamp down, or risk a new wave of growth that benefits everyone but the Thais. Amonthep Chawla, chief economist at CIMB Thai Bank’s Economic Centre, said America’s latest tariff moves, both those aimed broadly and those specifically targeting…
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Chiang Mai aims for fingernail dance world record
In celebration of tradition and unity, Chiang Mai is preparing to break a Guinness World Record next Friday, April 19, with over 20,000 traditional fingernail dancers performing together at the historic Three Kings Monument. The event marks the ancient northern city’s 729th anniversary and promises to be one of the most spectacular cultural displays ever staged in Thailand. Organisers say…
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Macau jobs offer Thais up to 93k baht plus perks
Thai nationals now have the chance to land jobs at one of Macau’s most prestigious employers, with salaries reaching up to 93,453 baht per month. Yesterday, April 9, Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director General of the Department of Employment, announced a major recruitment drive under the Ministry of Labour for positions at MGM Grand Paradise Limited, a luxury resort and casino operator…
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Thailand student loan defaulters face 3,000 baht salary cuts
Thousands of student loan borrowers are in for a financial shock as the Student Loan Fund (SLF) prepares to slash an extra 3,000 baht from monthly salaries — and it’s all starting this month. The move has sparked a storm of confusion and concern among debtors, many of whom claim they’ve been making payments regularly. But according to the SLF,…
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No grounds for panic: No coffee shortage or price hike, says DIT
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has confirmed that there will be no shortage or price increase for a well-known coffee brand, despite rumours to the contrary. They are closely monitoring the market, ensuring retail outlets display prices clearly, with penalties for non-compliance. Witthayakorn Maneenate, Director-General of the DIT, addressed concerns over rumours suggesting a temporary halt in the supply…
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Thailand and Bhutan sign landmark Free Trade Agreement
Thailand and Bhutan have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), strengthening economic ties and paving the way for closer trade cooperation. The historic deal was signed during Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s visit to Bangkok last week, coinciding with the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. Bilateral trade between the two countries has already surpassed 460 million baht, and Tobgay expressed confidence…
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Fuel prices in Thailand to drop by 0.50 baht per litre from April 4
Fuel prices will drop today, giving a welcome relief to motorists ahead of the Songkran festival. Starting today, April 4, petrol and diesel prices will decrease by 0.50 baht per litre, thanks to a government initiative aimed at easing the financial burden on citizens travelling home for the traditional Thai New Year celebrations. PTT Station made the announcement yesterday, April…
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Thai construction materials price index hits 112.8 in March
The March 2025 construction materials price index, as reported by Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy under the Ministry of Commerce, rose to 112.8. This marks a 0.5% increase compared to March 2024, continuing a 10-month growth trend. The increase is attributed to accelerated government budget disbursements in the first quarter, driving demand for construction…
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GSB launches savings campaign with 100 million baht prize pool
In celebration of the Government Savings Bank (GSB)’s anniversary on April 1, the bank introduced the Save a Hundred, Win a Hundred Million campaign. Customers can participate by purchasing a one-year special savings bond with a minimum deposit of 100 baht. GSB chief Witai Rattanakorn announced the initiative, which offers a total prize pool of 100 million baht. The highlight…
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Trump’s 36% tax on Thailand: Impact on exports & survival tips
The America First policy under President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the global economy once again. This follows the announcement of a baseline tariff of 10% on imports from all countries, along with a reciprocal tariff aimed at countries with which the US has a large trade deficit. With this, Thailand has been hit with a 36% tax from Trump’s new…
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Trump’s tariff tantrum: US slaps huge levies on world as trade war erupts
Donald Trump has thrown the world into economic turmoil, launching a full-scale trade war by slapping sweeping new tariffs on imports, including crippling levies on key allies. Thailand has been caught in the tariff crossfire too, with officials claiming the nation could suffer an US$8 billion hit if the US were to even up levies between the two countries. Semiconductor…
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Earthquake causes up to 100 billion baht damage, economy unaffected
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira stated that the recent earthquake damage has not impacted the economy, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to support affected individuals. Reports suggest that up to 5,500 buildings in the capital might have sustained damage, with total financial losses potentially reaching 100 billion baht. Pichai mentioned on March 28, the day of the earthquake, that the ministry,…
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Bringing home the bacon: Korat businesses struggle as pork prices soar
Rising pork prices have left business owners in Nakhon Ratchasima facing daily losses, with some considering closure. They urge the government to fulfill economic promises and address the needs of smaller businesses rather than focusing solely on the wealthy. At a gathering at Rabieng Kiang Nam restaurant in Hua Thale subdistrict, Mueang district, representatives from pork stalls and restaurants discussed…
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Fuel prices slashed to ease Songkran travel costs
Motorists across Thailand are in for a welcome surprise as fuel prices are set to drop just in time for the Songkran holiday rush. PTT Station announced a 0.50 baht per litre cut in retail prices for both petrol and diesel, effective from 5am today, March 28. The reduction is part of a wider initiative by the Oil Fuel Fund…
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Digital money registration opens for those sans smartphones
The latest update on the economic stimulus programme reveals that those without smartphones can register for the 10,000 baht digital money initiative. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavachira stated that the Ministry of Finance is tasked with determining a suitable registration period for these citizens. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat highlighted that the registration process for those without…
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Thai food fight: Restaurant industry left starving as spending drops 40%
Thailand’s restaurant industry is in turmoil, with purchasing power dropping by over 40% in the first quarter of 2025, according to Thanivarn Kulmongkol, President of the Thai Restaurant Association. The sluggish economic recovery and stagnant incomes have left consumers tightening their belts, opting for savings rather than spending, especially ahead of major festivals like Songkran. This downturn is affecting all…
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