Sunday, August 23, 2026
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383 articles

BKK fires official over foreigner registration fraud
Business

BKK fires official over foreigner registration fraud

Bangkok authorities suspended another permanent employee on August 19, 2026, for colluding with an agent to facilitate fraudulent foreigner registrations. This individual aided in registering non-Thai residents in a relative’s red-light district apartment and coordinated relocation documents to obtain pink cards. The announcement on August 20, 2026, by a Bangkok governor’s advisor detailed the expansion of a “Clean Up Bangkok” operation targeting illegal pink card issuance. This action follows the suspension and charging of three other registration officials on August 18, 2026, for similar offenses.

Editorial Staff · 22 August 2026
Thai PM courts NZ investment in fruit, amusement park
Business

Thai Prime Minister Seeks New Zealand Investment in Fruit Sector and Amusement Park

New Zealand’s T&G Global and Skyline Enterprises are set to invest in Thailand, with T&G Global establishing a significant fruit export hub focusing on apples and potentially bringing advanced genetic technology to local farmers. Skyline Enterprises is also confirmed to be investing in an indoor amusement park, marking a significant boost for Thailand’s economy and agricultural sector.

Editorial Staff · 21 August 2026
รัฐบาลขยาย ‘จีทูจี’ ขายข้าวจีน เพิ่ม 2 2 แสนตัน
Business

Government Approves 200,000-Ton Rice Sale Extension to China

Thailand’s government has approved a significant expansion of its state-to-state rice sales to China, adding 220,000 tons to an existing agreement. This increased volume, part of a broader agricultural cooperation memorandum signed in 2014, will see the final deliveries completed by the year 2569. The Ministry of Commerce proposed this expansion, which the Cabinet subsequently endorsed, instructing the ministry to amend the relevant rice trade contract. This move addresses China’s request for additional rice beyond the initially agreed-upon one million tons of new grain.

Editorial Staff · 20 August 2026
MaxValu Closes September 30 and Rebrands as Tops
Business

MaxValu Closes September 30 and Rebrands as Tops

Central Retail’s subsidiary CFR has signed an agreement to acquire Ion (Thailand) Company Limited, the operator of MaxValue, a 30-branch chain in Bangkok and surrounding areas, with plans to convert the stores to Tops and expand the network. The move aims to strengthen the group’s food business and attract about 900,000 more customers, targeting locations such as the large Ratchaprarop branch near the BTS Skytrain. The last day of MaxValue operation is planned for September 30, 2026, with unclear implications for staff as the October 1, 2026 start could mark the end of Japanese retail stores…

Editorial Staff · 19 August 2026
EEC expansion must be transparent, says opposition
Business

EEC expansion must be transparent, says opposition

Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut urged Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to ensure transparency regarding the proposed Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) expansion into Prachin Buri province. Protesters gathered in front of the Prachin Buri Provincial Hall for a second day, demanding the government clearly demonstrate how the expansion would benefit local communities and protect the environment. Ruengpanyawut proposed using Prachin Buri’s 44 million baht provincial budget to develop an integrated IT system for public data and monitoring, allowing residents to track complaints and identify problematic businesses. He emphasized that the Prime Minister must use his authority to encourage local agencies to act against powerful interests without central government backing.

Editorial Staff · 19 August 2026
Thai stocks surge on strong GDP, foreign buying.
Business

Thai stocks surge on strong GDP, foreign buying.

On August 17, 2026, the Thai stock market experienced a significant upward surge, closing at 1,626.44 points, an increase of 17.38 points. This rally was primarily fueled by robust Q2/2026 earnings reports from key electronics companies, HANA and CCET, alongside positive surprises in the nation’s Gross Domestic Product growth figures. Foreign investors demonstrated strong confidence, contributing to a net buying of approximately 2.2 billion baht throughout the trading session. Analysts anticipate continued market volatility with support at 1,605 and resistance at 1,630 points for the following day.

Editorial Staff · 19 August 2026
Thailand to Charge Foreign Visitors 450 Baht Entry Fee
Business

Thailand to Charge Foreign Visitors 450 Baht Entry Fee

Thailand’s national committee has approved a revised tourism entry fee proposal, which may soon require a flat 450 baht from all foreign visitors regardless of arrival method. This unified fee replaces an earlier tiered system and is currently undergoing a 30-day public consultation period. If finalized, the fee collection is anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2027, potentially around April, with revenue earmarked for tourism infrastructure and safety enhancements. The proposed collection methods aim for visitor convenience, including bundling with airline tickets or online payment options.

Editorial Staff · 17 August 2026
Merchants challenge platform dominance, seek fair competition
Business

Merchants challenge platform dominance, seek fair competition

Local e-commerce merchants in Thailand have petitioned the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) to investigate major online marketplaces. They allege unfair business practices, including rising platform fees and restrictions on choosing logistics providers, which hinder their operations. These merchants claim that the marketplaces exert significant control over pricing strategies and promotional campaigns, limiting seller autonomy. The TCCT is expected to review whether these practices violate Thailand’s Trade Competition Act and ensure fair treatment for business partners.

Editorial Staff · 17 August 2026
Thailand embraces real-world asset tokenization
Business

Thailand embraces real-world asset tokenization

Global tokenization of real-world assets is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating the market could reach $16 trillion by 2030. This transformation involves traditional assets like real estate, bonds, and investment funds being integrated into digital financial systems. Large banks and asset managers are increasingly tokenizing short-term government debt and money market funds, offering investors access to relatively stable, low-risk yields. Regulatory clarity is a key driver, with institutions developing clear frameworks and standards for bringing traditional assets onto the blockchain.

Editorial Staff · 17 August 2026
PM leads Thai CEOs to boost Australia-NZ trade.
Business

Thai Prime Minister Leads Business Delegation to Strengthen Australia-New Zealand Trade

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul embarks on a five-day regional tour from August 17-22, 2026, visiting Australia and New Zealand with a delegation of 14 leading Thai companies to elevate bilateral relationships to strategic partnerships and expand trade opportunities. The Australian leg marks the first official visit by a Thai Prime Minister in 14 years, featuring meetings with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and visits to major technology and research institutions, while the New Zealand portion commemorates 70 years of diplomatic ties and will see the signing of a joint declaration…

Editorial Staff · 17 August 2026
Hotels Urge Caution Over 3% Tax, Tourism Recovery at Risk
Business

Hotels Urge Caution Over 3% Tax, Tourism Recovery at Risk

Bangkok is considering a 3% hotel tax to boost city revenue, but the Thai Hotels Association is pushing to start at 0.5-1% and use the funds to support operators affected by the Middle East conflict and a slower tourism pace. THA president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun notes that while hotels may not oppose a levy, Bangkok may lack the legal authority and that provincial bodies already levy such charges, with Phuket at 1% and talks to raise to 3% elsewhere. He warns that a higher rate could push up room prices and urges plans to reinvest the revenue in areas like sustainability standards and…

Editorial Staff · 14 August 2026
Thailand Proposes New Trade Deals to Cut US Tariffs
Business

Thailand Proposes New Trade Deals to Cut US Tariffs

Thailand is pursuing a fresh round of talks with the United States to trim the 12.5% Section 301 tariff through broader trade and investment cooperation, after facing two US allegations—forced-labor safeguards and subsidies that create overcapacity. It says the forced-labor issue is addressed by a signed trade agreement that has earned tariff exemptions on more than 2,000 Thai products, covering about 60% of exports to the US, and countered the overcapacity claim with studies showing 75%–95% capacity utilization in the affected sectors. The next negotiation round is set for later this month…

Editorial Staff · 10 August 2026
Thailand Airports Raise International Passenger Fees Starting June 20
Business

Thailand Airports Raise International Passenger Fees Starting June 20

Airports of Thailand will increase the international passenger service charge by over 50% starting June 20, with the funds to be used for airport expansion and infrastructure improvements. The higher 1,120 baht fee, while more than the current 730 baht, is still competitive compared to other regional hubs like Singapore.

Editorial Staff · 8 May 2026
Stocks Tumble, Oil Surges as Iran-US Tensions Escalate
Business

Stocks Tumble, Oil Surges as Iran-US Tensions Escalate

Stocks plummeted, oil surged, and tensions escalated between Iran and the US, leading to fears of a prolonged conflict and its impact on global economic growth. The US is considering a military operation to extract uranium from Iran, while Trump expressed optimism about a potential deal. Economists have revised growth forecasts and increased recession odds due to higher energy prices, borrowing costs, and the stock market slump.

Editorial Staff · 30 March 2026
Thai Shares Plunge as US-Iran Tensions Escalate, Oil Prices Roller-Coaster
Business

Thai Shares Plunge as US-Iran Tensions Escalate, Oil Prices Roller-Coaster

Thai shares dropped sharply on Monday as the United States and Iran traded escalating threats and Israel planned for “weeks” more fighting, sending oil prices on another roller-coaster ride. Other Asian markets also slid, with the Nikkei falling 3.8% and South Korea’s market shedding 5.2%. Oil prices remained volatile, with Brent crude up 0.4% at $112.62 a barrel, and analysts warning the war could last for weeks and see prices rise to $150 a barrel.

Editorial Staff · 23 March 2026