Business

Government promises Bt400 minimum wage in January

Thailand’s minimum wage is expected to be increased to 400 baht/day, tentatively from January 1, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. He said that the increase should, however, be in…

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Funding sources for “digital wallet” scheme will be known in 10 days : Deputy finance minister

The Finance Ministry is expected to have answers within ten days to clear public doubt about the source of funding for the government’s digital wallet scheme and the actual amount…

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Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attends the Thai Rath Forum 2023, on September 18.

NESDC casts doubts over domestic consumption rise from digital wallet scheme

National Social and Economic Council (NESDC) is unsure that the digital wallet scheme will boost domestic consumption to the level desired by the government, as the current consumption rate remains…

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PM Srettha is visiting Beijing in early October

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will fly to Beijing early next month for a three-day official visit, a highly placed source said yesterday (Sunday). China will be the first country Srettha…

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Move Forward’s deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul

Move Forward accuses Srettha government of overspending

Move Forward party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul has accused the government of overspending by resorting to borrowing an additional 130 billion baht to partially fund the 560 billion baht digital…

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Brief details of “Kamnan Nok’s” extensive construction business

Praween Chanklai, aka “Kamnan Nok, operates two construction firms, P. Phatanarungrod and P. Raweekanok, which have won contracts in 1,544 construction projects in 11 provinces combined. These contracts have been…

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Photo : Pirapan Salirathavibhaga

Energy Ministry promises to cut gasoline price “soon”

Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga has given his assurance that his ministry will work with the Commerce Ministry to reduce the marketing fee for gasoline (benzine) to two instead of three…

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Cabinet agrees to keep VAT at 7% for another year

The Cabinet decided today (Wednesday) to retain the 7% value-added tax (VAT) rate on goods and services until September 30, 2024, to stimulate economic recovery through spending on consumer products…

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Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat

Deputy finance minister defends digital wallet scheme

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has defended Pheu Thai’s digital wallet scheme, claiming that it is intended to stimulate the grass root economy and develop digital economy infrastructure through the…

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PM to attend UN General Assembly in New York

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today (Wednesday) that he will attend the United Nations General Assembly in the US this month and expects to meet international business leaders while he…

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Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Sanan Angubolkul, talked with Thai PBS World’s Franc Han Shih.

Business leader sees tourism as key to Thailand’s economic growth

With Thailand’s new government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Pheu Thai Party, finally in place, there is growing anticipation among Thai business leaders for a swift economic recovery….

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Director of Marketing, Southeast Asia, Google, Mike Jittivanich

How BMA and Google turn e-waste into new learning tools

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is joining hands with tech giant Google to turn what would become electronic waste into new learning tools for students at 437 city schools. More…

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BMA to seek meeting with government to tackle unresolved problems

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will seek a meeting with the new government to discuss cooperation on issues of public interest, problems in the city as well as projects proposed…

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The words “Pang Cha” can be used by anybody

The Intellectual Property Department has clarified that anyone can use the wording “Pang Cha”, either in Thai or English, because it is a common name. The “Pang Cha” logo and…

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Pension system in need of reform as cost pressure mounts

Thai society is aging fast. The percentage of the population aged 60 and above was projected to be 20.4 per cent in 2020 and 38.3 per cent in 2050, according…

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“Utility Tokens” to be used for “digital wallet” scheme

The Pheu Thai-led government will consult the Bank of Thailand over the proposed use of the Utility Token Type 1 as a means of payment for the Pheu Thai party’s…

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Srettha meets airlines about boosting tourist arrivals by year end

Prime Minister-elect Srettha Thavisin held talks with representatives of eight airlines, Airports of Thailand (AoT) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) today (Monday), seeking cooperation to boost tourist…

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Economy takes centre stage as Pheu Thai-led coalition set to take office

Three months of uncertainty and anxiety for Thailand’s economy and the business sector ended last week as Parliament finally elected the country’s 30th prime minister after the May 14 general…

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Thai finance ministry has no immediate plan to increase VAT to 10%

The Ministry of Finance has no policy to increase value-added tax from 7% to 10%, to generate more revenue to fund old age pensions, according to Pornchai Theeravet, director of…

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Dr Pakpilai Thavisin//Photo : MakeupThailand

Dr Pakpilai Thavisin: From anti-aging pioneer to Thailand’s new First Lady

Dr Pakpilai Thavisin is feeling heat from the media spotlight after her husband Srettha Thavisin became Thailand’s 30th prime minister. But this is far from her first taste of fame….

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Thailand’s exports drop for 7 straight months, 5.5% year-on-year

Thailand’s exports for the first seven months of this year dropped by 5.5% year-on-year to US$163.3 billion. Imports fell by 4.7 % year-on-year to US$171.5 billion. This has resulted in…

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The President of Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok, Noriaki Yamashita

Consistent policies and effective communication crucial for Japanese investors

As a new Thai government is taking shape under the leadership of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the Japanese business sector, which plays a crucial role in Thailand’s economy, looks forward…

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Image Name

No inmate visits at Bangkok Remand Prison the day Thaksin returns

For security reasons, Bangkok Remand Prison is suspending inmate visitations tomorrow (Tuesday), when fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is scheduled to return to Thailand. A large number of Thaksin’s…

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The EEC agenda for the next government

The new government will face serious challenges in accelerating the development of the country’s flagship Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which was launched with the vision of creating a next-generation growth…

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Consumer council members want Bt3,000 per month for all retirees

Thailand’s Consumer Council (TCC) have voiced their opposition to the Interior Ministry’s recent change to rules on old age pensions and wants them to reinstate the old rules, under which…

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Japanese fare with lively hues by Golden State Vegan restaurant. Photo by Golden State Vegan

Ten best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Bangkok

For decades, vegetarian dining in Bangkok was synonymous with rice and curry dishes crafted from tofu, soy protein, and additives. However, a rapid transformation occurred almost overnight. Chefs embraced creativity,…

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Thailand-Vietnam bilateral trade expected reach US$25Bn next year

The Thai Chamber of Commerce has set a target to increase bilateral trade between Thailand and Vietnam to US$25 billion next year, with the expectation that young entrepreneurs and start-ups…

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Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade

Thai private sector confident of up to 3% economic growth this year

The Thai private sector believes that the country’s economy is likely to expand by between 3.0% and 3.5% this year, if the new government, expected to be formed within September,…

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THAI expects to exit rehabilitation plan mid 2024

Thai Airways International (THAI) is expected to exit the court sanctioned rehabilitation plan three months ahead of schedule, in the middle of next year, as the airline’s performance has been…

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The Boyz

K-pop to the rescue? S. Korea all-in for scout jamboree closing concert

Seoul : Tens of thousands of scouts are set to gather for a massive K-pop festival in Seoul on Friday, as South Korea seeks to salvage a problem-plagued jamboree with…

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Tourists gather and take pictures at Maya Bay on Thailand’s Phi Phi Leh island on March 17, 2023. (Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP)

Political uncertainty forces tourism industry to cut arrival estimates by 2 million

Delay in the formation of the new government has caused the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) to adjust its estimate of tourist arrivals this year down to 28 million, from…

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Policies to increase income critical to tackle high household debt

Economic experts are not happy with the policies pursued by the outgoing administration to increase the income of Thai households, as well as the proposals of the parties who could…

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Ashton Asoke owner can apply for new construction permit

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will revoke the construction permit for the luxury Ashton Asoke condominium in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area, as ordered by the Supreme Administrative Court, but the owner can…

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Four new train lines to be proposed to new government

Thailand’s Department of Rail Transport will seek approval from the new government for the implementation of four train projects, with a total estimated investment of 63.4 billion baht investment. According…

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Electric Tuk-Tuks reduce greenhouse gas emissions, easier for the elderly to use

Thailand is well-known for its brightly coloured tuk-tuks, which are as much of a feature of the country as the ancient temples built during the Ayutthaya period. Today, the country…

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House and condo prices in greater Bangkok rise in past two quarters

The prices of new houses and condominium units in and around Bangkok have steadily been risen in the past two quarters of the year, due to higher land prices, increasing…

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Thai-Saudi business prospects

Diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand were re-established in 2022, ending several decades of rift between the two countries. This led to growing economic cooperation. Thai entrepreneurs had been…

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Household debt rose to an average of 559,408 baht this year

Household debt in Thailand has climbed to an average of 559,408 baht per household, an increase of 11% compared to last year, due to slow economic recovery, the COVID19 pandemic,…

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Business leaders in Thailand worry about delay in government formation

Most business leaders in Thailand are concerned that the delay in the formation of a new government and post-election political conflicts will impact the Thai economy during the second half…

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Thai exports fall nine months in a row, may rebound before year end

Thailand’s exports have contracted for nine months in a row, but are expected to rebound during the second half of this year, with export growth of 1-2% for the whole…

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Builders work at a construction site for a mixed-use development project in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok on July 1, 2023. (Photo by Alex OGLE / AFP)

Private sector voices serious concern over delay in government formation

Three leaders of Thailand’s private sector are urging the speedy formation of a new government, insisting that the country, particularly the national economy, cannot afford to wait up to ten…

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This photo taken on June 26, 2023 shows the 78-storey King Power Mahanakhon tower rising above Bangkok skyline. (Photo by Amaury PAUL / AFP)

Thais concerned over financial problems, rising inflation – Ipsos survey

About 40% of Thai people are most concerned about their financial problems, spending, political uncertainty and corruption, according to a survey conducted in 30 countries by Ipsos, a market research…

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IMF nudges up 2023 economic outlook but warns of slowing global growth ahead

The International Monetary Fund has slightly upgraded its outlook for global growth this year on the back of resilient service sector activity in the first quarter and a strong labor…

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The Former Chairman of Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Stanley Kang

Business leaders urge parliament to form a government in 1 month

Several of Thailand’s business leaders are expressing concern over political instability. A new government has still not been formed since the general election in May. The business community is asking…

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Thailand’s tourism deficit with Japan

For the first time since reliable records have been kept, Thailand is experiencing a tourism deficit with Japan, according to statistics for the first 6 months of 2023, revealed the…

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Thailand’s household-debt storm taking deadly toll on guarantors

Thailand’s household debt has ballooned to almost 16 trillion baht, with more and more Thais at risk of defaulting on their loan repayments. The pressure then falls on guarantors, who…

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New mode of mobility with Taiwan’s technology

It has become a trend in China as well as in Taiwan, where a large number of young people flock to buy electric wheelchairs to facilitate mobility and prioritize many…

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Thais are sinking deeply into debt

Thai people are burdened with high household debt. For many of them, the burden starts early and can last a lifetime. Some young adults, in particular, have racked up massive credit…

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As Paris Olympics loom, hotel industry has reservations

While accommodating potential Olympic visitors is one topic to fret about 12 months ahead of the Paris Games, there are also concerns that the sports showpiece could exacerbate existing issues…

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Thai private sector expects new government to be in place by September

The Thai private sector is ready to work with the new government, but it does not expect the administration to be in place until August or September, according to Sanan…

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How a company in Thailand uses language-learning to gain a competitive edge

Language barriers and cultural differences remain major obstacles to globalised trade, in a world that might not be as interconnected and integrated as we think. While cultural and linguistic diversity…

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Thailand’s economic growth forecast at 3.6% this year despite political uncertainty

Delay in the formation of the new government will impact the disbursement of the 2024 national budget, especially investment in new mega projects, which may not be launched, according to…

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Three business sectors ask government to cut FT charge for Q3

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has proposed two ways by which the government could cut the FT (fuel tariff) on electricity charges for the September-December…

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People looks at a rack of clothes on the first day of sales, “Les soldes”, which last for four weeks, in Rennes, western France, on June 28.//AFP

France to pay bonus for shoe, clothes repairs to cut waste

From October, France will pay a bonus to encourage people to have their clothes and shoes repaired rather than throwing them away, the government said. The move aims to cut…

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Singapore bank to close Myanmar airline accounts

Singapore-based United Overseas Bank (UOB) will shut down all accounts belonging and relating to Myanmar’s Myanmar Airways International (MAI) by August 15th. Documents, supposedly leaked from within MAI, show that…

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Airlines suggest measures to revitalise tourism and aviation

The Airline Association of Thailand presented three strategies, to revive the tourism industry, Thailand’s economy and to support the aviation sector, during a meeting today (Tuesday) with Move Forward Party…

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Thailand given BBB+ credit rating with stable outlook by Fitch

Fitch credit rating agency has affirmed Thailand’s long-germ foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) at BBB+, with a stable outlook. Fitch warns, however, that lingering political uncertainty may weigh on Thailand’s…

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US$2.8Bn worth of Thai durian exported to China in four months

Thai durian exporters have capitalised on the ASEAN-China free trade agreement (FTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) by exporting about US$2.8 billion worth of fresh durian to…

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Bangkok is adding new train lines, but the high fares are not helping

Bangkokians are getting more commuting options. The Yellow Line recently began daily trial runs. The route starts from Lat Phrao Road, one of the most congested areas in the city, snakes…

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Return of foreign buyers helping property sector to grow

Foreign buyers will fuel growth in Thailand’s property market during the second half of this year but domestic buyers have not fully regained their purchasing power due to unfavourable factors,…

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Lessons for investors and authorities from Stark accounting scandal  

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index has been heading south in recent days due to poor market sentiment, partly caused by the accounting scandal at Stark Corporation Public Company…

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Crickets, a future source of protein

Naresuan University, in Thailand’s northern province of Phitsanuloke, has been researching crickets as an alternative source of protein, with a vision that this insect could address a protein shortage in…

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Survival of Online Media: Transforming the Business Model 

Despite the various degrees of content limitation and changes Southeast Asia media are facing, all online media in the region, and probably globally, are now struggling financially. As social media…

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Business Development Dept. confirms iTV still “operational”

The Business Development Department (BDD) has explained that the status of iTV Public Company is “currently operational”, which has no legal definition, but means that it is a corporate entity…

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EABC urges a sustainable government for negotiations on EU-Thailand FTA

Thailand’s next government should implement sustainable policies to fortify the cooperation between the EU and Thailand, including an EU-Thailand Free Trade Agreement. In an exclusive interview with Thai PBS World,…

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Redefines domestic MICE to boost economy

The domestic MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition and Event) industry has long played a major role in helping the travel industry and stimulating the economy when international demand has significantly…

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Isuzu auto maker has no plan to relocate production to Indonesia

Japanese auto maker Isuzu has no plan to move its production plants from Thailand to Indonesia, as reported by Indonesian media, according to Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of Thailand’s Board of…

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Foreign investors suggest the new government should focus on long-term plans

Raising the daily minimum wage to 450 baht, as promised in election campaign, addresses the cost of living, being pushed up by electricity, diesel and transportation prices, according to Move…

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Thailand’s inflation in May the lowest for 21 months

The rate of inflation in Thailand has dropped for five consecutive months, to 0.53% in May, which is the lowest for 21 months, thanks to the reduction in electricity and…

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Excise Department to seek more funding for EV subsidy program

Thailand’s Excise Department will propose that the new government provide at least 3 billion baht to subsidise electric vehicles (EV), to encourage people to switch to them to reduce greenhouse…

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El Niño could reduce Thailand’s rice output by up to 6 percent this year

Thailand’s rice output this year may drop by as much as 6%, to between 25.1 and 25.6 million tonnes, due to the impacts of the El Niño weather phenomenon, according…

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Zero-based budgeting can’t tide over challenge of increasing revenue 

The Move Forward Party, the leader of the coalition tipped to form the next government after the May 14 election, has proposed using zero-based budgeting (ZBB) to replace the current…

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Residential market slows, new stimulus packages awaited

Despite slowing inflation, the residential market in the first few months of 2023 has been sluggish, the real estate sector reports. Overall, the housing demand in Thailand has dropped and…

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Wages in Thailand are not only one factor in potential investor decisions

Raising the minimum wage in Thailand to 450 baht a day will make workers happy, but certainly not business operators, as reflected in the negative opinions voiced by various business…

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Construction of three suburban Bangkok electric train lines almost complete

The construction of three suburban electric train lines in and around Bangkok, the orange, yellow and pink lines, is over 90% complete and proceeding according to plan, with the pink…

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Thai food set to serve the world’s kitchens

Thailand is expected to earn 70 billion baht from the five-day food and beverage trade fair THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2023 as the event returns in full force for the first time…

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Pita meets with Federation of Thai Industries to soothe concerns

Move Forward’s leader Pita Limjaroenrat stole the limelight again on Tuesday by using a motorcycle taxi to go to a meeting at the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). He did…

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Photo : AFP

Businesses express concern over Move Forward minimum wage increase policy

Members of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) are scheduled to meet with key members of the Move Forward party, to express their concern over the party’s policy to increase…

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What it would mean for the global economy if the US defaults on its debt

If the debt crisis roiling Washington were eventually to send the United States crashing into recession, America’s economy would hardly sink alone. The repercussions of a first-ever default on the…

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The high cost of the promises made by major parties to woo the electorate

Amid the strong likelihood of the next government being formed by a coalition led by the Move Forward Party, the biggest gainer in the May 14 general election with 152…

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Political parties fighting shy of strong stance on much-needed public sector reform  

Most of the major political parties campaigning for the general election on May 14 are focusing heavily on reaching out to voters through populist platforms, such as cash handouts, farm…

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Gearing up for the grey: How an aging population is creating new business opportunities

The world’s population is getting older. And Thailand is among the fastest-aging societies in the world. Of its 67 million population, more than 12 million Thais are elderly, according to…

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Asia Pacific’s tourism industry to surpass pre-pandemic peak in 2025

Travel experiences in Asia Pacific have returned to rapid growth since the region reopened borders for regional and long-haul travel. However, the industry – especially tour activities and attractions –…

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Millions of struggling Thai workers eye election promises to ease daily hardship

Security guard Nopporn Net-aram does not expect much on Labor Day, marked on May 1 every year. Nor does he have high hopes of the May 14 election. “I always…

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Agriculture sector needs reforms, not short-term populism of political parties

The agriculture sector has always held an important place in Thailand, even though the country’s agricultural output accounts for less than 10 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). The sector’s importance…

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Thailand’s imports of luxury and beauty products up 40 percent in first half of this year

Thailand’s imports of luxury and beauty enhancement products, such as brand-name bags, fillers and Botox, during the first half of the 2023 fiscal year increased by 40% year on year,…

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Thailand’s industrial confidence index for March highest in a decade

Thailand’s Industrial Sentiment Index (TISI) was at its highest for a decade in March, boosted by a rebound in domestic demand, production increases and improved performance, with the exception of…

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Commercial property and residential condo buildings are pictured in Bangkok. (Photo by Alex OGLE / AFP)

Thailand among most improved countries in which to do business – EIU

Thailand, Vietnam and India are the Asian countries which have most improved their ranking over the past year in the list of the best countries in which to do business…

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No savings, huge debts: More and more Thai seniors struggling to survive

Thailand expresses gratitude and respect for the older generation every year on April 13, National Elderly Day. Yet, every year the number of senior Thais in dire straits, struggling to…

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GLOBAL MARKETS-Stocks and gold cheer U.S. inflation picture, while dollar slides

Global shares rose on Thursday, while the dollar held near two-month lows after U.S. inflation data suggested the Federal Reserve may soon be finished raising interest rates, which in turn…

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PTT and Bangchak freeze fuel prices during Songkran festival

PTT and Bangchak have announced that they will not increase fuel prices at their gas stations nationwide for one week, while people travel during the Songkran festival, to negate concerns…

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Traders warned not to sell high-pressure water guns

Traders have been warned not to sell high-pressure water guns or face up to three years in prison and/or a maximum fine of 600,000 baht, Office of Consumer Protection Board…

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IMF issues growth warning as it lowers 2023 forecast

The International Monetary Fund slightly lowered its outlook for the global economy on Tuesday, while predicting that most countries will avoid a recession this year despite economic worries and geopolitical…

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Are political parties shortchanging the economy with populist platforms?   

The latest populist promise by the Pheu Thai Party of digital currency handouts has stirred a hot debate on the policy platforms of parties contesting the May 14 general election….

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World food prices down by a fifth on 2022: UN

World food prices are still high but have fallen by a fifth compared to a year ago when prices soared to a monthly record high after Russia invaded agricultural powerhouse…

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Global growth to fall below 3% in 2023: IMF chief

A continued slowdown in almost all the world’s advanced economies is expected to drag global growth below three percent this year, the International Monetary Fund’s managing director warned on Thursday….

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Bustling Songkran festival predicted this year

This year’s Songkran is set to be the most lively since Thailand began living with the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago, with total spending among Thai and foreign revellers estimated…

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ADB says developing Asia’s growth to accelerate after China reopening

The Asian Development Bank raised its 2023 growth forecast for developing Asia on Tuesday, after China’s abrupt loosening of Covid-19 restrictions and reopening of its borders brightened the region’s prospects….

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Mixed reception to UK unveiling trans-Pacific trade pact membership

The UK’s announcement that it will soon join 11 other countries in a major Asia-Pacific trade partnership — the country’s biggest post-Brexit trade deal to date — earned a mixed…

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Thai Central Bank tightens up measures to protect bank customers

Bank customers who want to transfer more than 50,000 baht electronically from their bank accounts are required to have their faces scanned to confirm their banking transactions, under a new…

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