Archive

Bangkok cracks down on unlicensed diesel stockpiles and freezes new data centre permits Bangkok Post · Sep 3, 2026

Authorities removed about 200,000 litres of diesel stored without a licence at a Suan Luang data centre on Rama IX Road, after residents complained of fuel odour. Penalties under the Fuel Control Act can reach two years' jail and/or a 200,000 baht fine. The Bangkok Governor says no new data centre licences will be issued in the capital, and the new Data Centre Policy Committee will propose zoning rules and tighter building, environmental and safety checks. For a small business: if you store fuel for generators or run tanks on site, check your Fuel Control Act licence now, and expect more inspections where neighbours have complained.

World Bank lists 10 reforms it says could get Thailand to high-income status by 2037, with SME financing on the list The Standard Wealth · Sep 3, 2026

The World Bank's Building Thailand's Future Today report says Thailand needs GDP per person growth of 5.4% a year from 2025 to reach high-income status by 2037, versus 2.2% actually achieved in 2021-2024. It lists 10 priority reforms, including better access to finance for SMEs, digital-services trade barriers, and STEM and AI skills. These are illustrative scenarios that assume full implementation, not forecasts. For an SME owner, nothing changes today, but SME financing access is the item to watch as policy develops.

Government weighs minimum per-km rate for delivery riders; no decision yet Prachachat · Sep 3, 2026

Lalamove riders and unions are disputing per-km pay, which riders say fell to about 3 baht. The Digital Economy Ministry gave a 15-day window for both sides to gather data, and ETDA is studying a minimum rate. The ~35 baht per-trip figure from food delivery is still under consideration, not policy. For a business that uses or runs on-demand delivery, expect pricing and rider-cost pressure but no rule change yet. Watch for a follow-up after the 15 days.

EU packaging rules and US food traceability rules will shape what Thai food exporters must prepare Techsauce · Sep 3, 2026

The EU PPWR applies mostly from 12 August 2026. Stickers on fruit and vegetables sold in Europe must be compatible with industrial composting, with some member states possibly requiring home composting too. This is expected to apply from 2028. US FDA food traceability rule: compliance was originally 20 January 2026, FDA proposed a 30-month extension, and Congress barred enforcement before 20 July 2028. Exporters should still start recording which operators handled each lot, what events occurred, and how quickly they can produce data in electronic spreadsheet form within 24 hours. Fruit and vegetable exporters should check label materials and test or certification requirements with their buyers.

Three listed firms, CIMBT, GLAND and LRH, leave the SET on 12 September after failing the free-float rule Prachachat · Sep 3, 2026

The SET is delisting CIMBT (CIMB Thai Bank), GLAND (property developer) and LRH (Laguna Resort & Hotel) after they failed the free-float requirement for over a year. Trading runs 3-11 September 2569 only, under cash-balance-only buying, with delisting effective 12 September. Relevance for a typical SME is low: it matters mainly to shareholders or anyone holding these stocks, who need to sell during the 7 trading days. Otherwise there is no direct change to operating costs, tax, or lending for small businesses.

Excise tax on cigarettes, EVs and tobacco exports may change; decision expected October Prachachat · Sep 3, 2026

The Excise Department is pushing to raise revenue as the fiscal year closes. Plans under consideration: a single-tier cigarette tax (today 25% up to 72 baht a pack, 42% above), removing the tax exemption on tobacco exports (with refunds only after proof of export), and changes to car excise tax tied to EV policy. The Finance Ministry says the cigarette decision is expected in October; the EV proposal is still being detailed and has not gone to cabinet. For businesses in tobacco, auto or EV-related trade, watch for an October announcement and review pricing and stock plans, but no change is in force yet.

Crude oil prices rise again as US–Iran strikes escalate, so fuel and transport costs may climb Prachachat · Sep 3, 2026

US–Iran strikes have escalated, the first major escalation since July. Brent rose about 1% to $95.63 and WTI to $91.01 per barrel on 2 Sep 2026. Analysts say Middle East shipping and global supply risk are up. Hormuz traffic is still moving but below normal, with 4 commodity vessels against a 10-day average of about 13. A US official reported about 17 million barrels transited Hormuz on Monday, the highest since the war began in February. For a Thai SME, watch diesel and fuel surcharges on delivery, freight and raw-material costs in the coming weeks. Review fuel-cost assumptions in quotes now, and avoid locking in long fixed-price supply contracts without a fuel clause.

TISA tax-saving savings account slips to January 2027, so no 2026 savings window Prachachat · Sep 3, 2026

The Finance Ministry aims to let people start saving into TISA from January 2027 (tax year 2027), later than the end of 2026 previously expected. Savers could claim the tax benefit when filing in January-March 2028. Rules have not been finalised; FETCO wants them issued this year, and the tax deduction cap is still unconfirmed. For a small business owner this is background: no action is needed now, but if you plan personal savings or retirement planning, do not count on TISA for 2026 and watch for the final rules.

Gold prices jump 1,050 baht on 3 Sep 2026, jewellery now 69,900 baht per baht-weight Prachachat · Sep 3, 2026

Gold rose 1,050 baht versus the previous close. Jewellery (96.5%) sells at 69,900 baht per baht-weight, while buy-back is about 67,523 baht, so the spread is roughly 2,400 baht. Bar gold buy-in is 68,900 and sell-out 69,100. Shops holding gold stock should reprice daily and watch the buy-sell spread before buying or trading in gold. Global spot is about US$4,409 per ounce.

Heavy-metal pollution from Myanmar's mines is reaching Thai rice, fish and tap water along the Kok and Sai rivers Prachachat · Sep 3, 2026

A Mae Fah Luang University researcher says heavy metals from mines upstream in Myanmar are spreading into Thai rice, crops, fish and drinking water along the Kok and Sai rivers. Chiang Rai's waterworks is moving its raw-water intake at a first-stage cost of over 2 billion baht, serving about 40,000 accounts. Rice on roughly 100,000 rai in the basins is affected. The expert argues the government should stop transit imports of Myanmar ore, though no policy decision has been announced. For businesses in the north, especially food, agriculture and water-dependent operations, expect possible testing demands, supply-chain scrutiny and rising water costs; watch for official measures rather than acting now.

Gold bar prices jump 1,150 baht to 69,200 baht today, so check your gold stock and pricing Prachachat · Sep 3, 2026

The Thai Gold Traders Association raised domestic gold bar prices by 1,150 baht to 69,200 baht, and gold jewellery sells at 70,000 baht. World gold rebounded above 4,400 USD an ounce after a 2.8% rise from Tuesday's low. MTS Gold says the market is in "wait and see" mode. Goldman Sachs forecasts 4,900 USD by year-end. For shops holding gold or taking gold as payment or collateral, the price swing is significant, so review stock valuation and price tags today. Prices can move again within the day.

Finance minister says no decision yet on extending Thai Chuay Thai Plus; Q4 growth to lean on investment and tourism Prachachat · Sep 3, 2026

The Deputy PM and Finance Minister says the "Thai Help Thai Plus" stimulus ended in September and an extension is not decided; it will depend on the economy, and inflation is already easing. He expects Q4 support from investment (including solar rooftop projects under the 400-billion-baht loan decree) and from visitors to the IMF/World Bank meetings and GASTECH. For a small business, plan Q4 without assuming new handouts, and watch for the solar-installer hiring and event-related tourism demand. No concrete new measure or deadline was announced.

State infrastructure funds worth about 70 billion baht are coming from mid-2027 Prachachat · Sep 3, 2026

The Fiscal Policy Office says three state agencies are preparing infrastructure-fund raises totalling about 70 billion baht: EGAT about 18 billion (floating solar and grid), Expressway Authority about 20 billion (Phuket Kathu-Patong road and a southern road), and Department of Highways about 30 billion (Motorway M8, Nakhon Pathom-Pak Thon). Clarity is expected from June 2027 onward. For a small business, this is mainly background: large road and power projects can mean construction and supplier demand in the south and around Nakhon Pathom later on, but no action is needed now.

Baht opens stronger at 33.20 per dollar on 3 September as US yields and weak jobs data shift currency flows Prachachat · Sep 3, 2026

The baht opened at 33.20 per USD on 3 September, up from 33.33 the previous close. TTB expects a 24-hour range of 33.10 to 33.50. Drivers: US 10-year yield hit 4.80%, a 19-month high, on inflation worries and Fed hike expectations, while weak US private payrolls (38,000 vs 47,000 forecast) pulled the dollar down. Foreign investors sold a net 655 million baht of Thai stocks the previous day. For an importer or exporter, this is a small intraday move; if you pay USD bills or hedge, the 33.10 to 33.50 band is the reference for this week.

Chamber raises 2026 export forecast to 12-16% on AI electronics demand and tourism Bangkok Post · Sep 3, 2026

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking now projects 2026 export growth of 12-16%, up from 8-10%. Thai Chamber of Commerce vice-chairman Visit Limlurcha expects tourism and AI-driven electronics to support the economy through the final quarter of 2026 and into Q1 2027. For SMEs, this points to demand upside in tourism-linked and supply-chain businesses. He also flagged that small retailers need access to digital channels and that businesses face difficulty getting loans, so check your financing options now rather than assuming credit will ease.

New SEC travel rule takes effect 27 Feb 2027 for crypto operators Bangkok Post · Sep 3, 2026

The SEC is tightening "travel rule" requirements for digital asset businesses. Operators must collect and verify customer and counterparty information before processing transfers, verify counterparty providers and intermediaries, and keep transfer records for at least five years in an accessible format. Rules take effect 27 Feb 2027. This mainly affects crypto exchanges and digital asset operators; most ordinary SMEs have no direct obligation, but any business dealing with crypto payments or exchanges should check with its provider.

SEC's stricter Travel Rule for crypto transfers takes effect 27 Feb 2027 Bangkok Post · Sep 3, 2026

The SEC has tightened Travel Rule requirements for digital asset operators: they must collect and verify customer and counterparty information, verify counterparty virtual asset service providers, and keep transfer records for at least five years in a format regulators can inspect immediately. The rules take effect 27 Feb 2027, and Amlo is still preparing its implementing regulations. If your business accepts or pays out in crypto, or deals with licensed digital asset operators, start checking your records and counterparty processes now. Most small businesses are not directly affected.

Heavy rain across most of Thailand today as Storm Sodel passes over the South China Sea Prachachat · Sep 3, 2026

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts 40-60% rain coverage nationwide for 3 Sep 2026, with heavy rain in parts of the north, northeast, east and south, and Bangkok at 60%. Flash floods and landslides are possible near streams and low-lying areas. Storm Sodel is expected to weaken and not enter Thailand. For a small business, plan delivery and staff travel around flood-prone routes, and check sea conditions if you ship or fish: the Andaman Sea has waves around 2 metres, with higher waves where storms form.

Diesel B20 at 34.14 baht and B7 at 39.14 baht today (3 Sep) at Bangchak; check your fuel budget Prachachat · Sep 3, 2026

Bangchak's reference prices for 3 Sep: diesel B20 34.14 baht/litre (up 0.75 baht from yesterday), B7 39.14, gasohol 95 38.29, gasohol 91 37.92. Prices exclude the Bangkok local-area tax and tomorrow's prices take effect at 05:00. Fleet and delivery operators should reprice their fuel cost assumptions, and check actual station prices before filling up, since these are reference figures.

Khlong Thom fire site sealed as clean-up starts; 137 affected households and businesses have filed complete claims Bangkok Post · Sep 3, 2026

Authorities have sealed the area around the fire-damaged Khlong Thom Centre in Pomprap Sattruphai district as heavy machinery begins removing debris. Much of the rubble is electronic waste, so removal is under strict controls. Forensics is still determining the cause, including possible electrical short circuit or deliberate action. As of Tuesday, 228 people had registered for assistance and 137 had submitted complete documents; a registration centre at Wat Phra Phiren stays open daily for more paperwork. If your business was hit or is nearby, check whether you are on the registration list and keep your own records of losses.