Archive

Senate reviews 400bn baht energy-crisis loan decree; government says public debt stays under 70% cap Prachachat · Aug 31, 2026

The PM told the Senate the 400bn baht borrowing decree, already in force since 9 May 2026 and cleared by the House, is meant to tackle the energy crisis, support affected farmers and businesses, and speed the shift away from fossil fuels. The government says it stays within the 70% public-debt ceiling. The Senate still has to vote to confirm it. For a small business, watch for support programmes for energy-hit operators and any follow-on fuel or electricity cost changes; the article itself sets out no specific subsidy amounts or application steps yet.

Reports say China's three largest airlines posted heavy losses in the first half as a fuel price shock hit. Article text was not available, so this is based on the headline alone. For a Thai SME, it is a signal that fuel costs are under pressure, so check your own fuel and transport cost exposure.

Excise Dept says EV car tax change is still under Finance Ministry review, with local content a priority Prachachat · Aug 31, 2026

The Excise Department says a revised EV car tax is still being discussed with the Finance Ministry and has not yet gone to the EV Board or cabinet. Three principles were set: less pure EV importing, more EV production and export hub growth in Thailand, and higher value-added local content in the supply chain. For a Thai SME, this signals that tax incentives may shift toward local parts makers and suppliers. Nothing is final and no dates or rates were given, so there is no action needed yet beyond watching for the cabinet decision.

Stock market expected to swing this week on Fed rate-hike signals and Thai political risk Prachachat · Aug 31, 2026

A brokerage expects the SET index to trade roughly 1,575-1,590 this session. The US Fed chair sounded hawkish at Jackson Hole, and markets now put a 57% chance on a September rate hike, up from 35-40%. The US 2-year yield rose to 4.34% and the dollar neared 100. Brent is near $90 after US strikes on an Iranian launch site. Watch US payrolls at week's end. Domestic political risk may add volatility, including a Constitutional Court ruling on ballot barcodes/QR codes due 28 Sep. For an SME owner this is mainly market noise: a stronger dollar and higher oil can affect import costs and borrowing sentiment, but no action is needed on the basis of this daily stock view.

Thai gold bars drop another 700 baht to 69,550, after a 1,600-baht fall on Saturday Prachachat · Aug 31, 2026

Thai gold bar prices fell 700 baht on 31 Aug to 69,550 baht, and gold jewellery sells at 70,350 baht, after a 1,600-baht drop on Saturday. The drop follows a stronger dollar and higher US bond yields after Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's Jackson Hole speech, which lifted markets' odds of a September rate hike from 35.4% to 56.9%. Hua Seng Heng sees a short-term rebound with resistance near 70,400-70,700 baht. For a shop holding gold stock or taking gold as collateral or payment, prices are volatile, so avoid large buy-in or sell-off decisions based on one day's move.

Excise Dept: single-rate cigarette tax decision due October, export tax exemption for tobacco may end Prachachat · Aug 31, 2026

The Excise Department says the Finance Ministry will assess its single-tier cigarette tax proposal and give clarity from October 2026; the current two-tier system is 25% for packs up to 72 baht and 42% above that. Separately, the department plans to end the tax exemption for exported tobacco and move to pay-first, reclaim-later, after finding exported goods being sold back domestically. Tobacco, liquor and fuel are the top excise offences. Tobacco, retail and export-linked SMEs should watch the October decision; no change is in force yet.

Government's 400bn-baht energy loan decree still before the Senate, second 200bn tranche due soon Prachachat · Aug 31, 2026

The PM says the 400bn-baht energy-transition loan decree passed the House on 26 August and goes to the Senate next. A second 200bn-baht tranche must be allocated within a short window, and he says the projects will make it on time. Details sit with Finance Minister Ekniti, who has not published them yet. A cabinet meeting in Songkhla will consider broad projects covering tourism, logistics, industry and disaster relief. For an SME, watch for which projects and contracts are announced, especially in the south, but nothing needs action yet.

Baht opens weaker at 33.15 per dollar as Fed rate-hike odds jump, so review import costs and dollar pricing this week Prachachat · Aug 31, 2026

The baht opened at 33.15 per dollar on 31 Aug 2026, weaker than Friday's 32.95 close, with a 24-hour range of 33.00-33.30. The dollar rallied after Fed chair Kevin Warsh hinted at possible rate hikes, and CME FedWatch puts the odds of a September hike at 57.5%, up from about 35%. Foreign investors sold a net 12,228 million baht of Thai equities in the week of 24-28 Aug. For an SME that imports inputs or pays in dollars, budget for a weaker baht; for exporters, the higher rate is a pricing opportunity. Watch Thailand's July current account data and oil, which fell to $83.40 a barrel WTI.

Gold prices fell 650 baht today on 31 August 2026, with jewellery sell price at 70,400 baht per baht weight Prachachat · Aug 31, 2026

Gold bars (96.5%) buy at 69,400 baht and sell at 69,600 baht per baht weight; jewellery buys at 68,007.76 and sells at 70,400 baht. Spot gold is US$4,429 per ounce. Prices fell 650 baht from the previous close. The spread between buy and sell prices is wide for jewellery, so for a shop holding gold stock or taking gold as payment, check prices before buying or selling. Figures are from the Gold Traders Association as of 09:06 on 31 August 2026.

Thai Credit Bank launches debt-restructuring and liquidity loans for small firms with past credit-bureau delays The Standard Wealth · Aug 31, 2026

Thai Credit Bank (CREDIT), a lender focused on small businesses, aims to grow its loan book to 200 billion baht in 2026 with NPLs held under 4.5%. Relevant to you if you have collateral and past payment delays on your credit bureau record: its new SME loans (SME กล้าช่วย / SME กล้าสู้) target that group, with LTV around 50%. Its consumer debt-consolidation loan offers rates below 10% and terms up to 10 years, versus the 25-28% typical on credit cards and personal loans. The bank says its branch network and relationship managers are its edge against virtual banks, which it expects to have limited short-term impact. Check terms directly with the bank before applying.

Heavy rain hits Bangkok and the north-east today, with flash flood risk; small boats in the upper Andaman should stay ashore Prachachat · Aug 31, 2026

The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rain in many areas today (31 Aug) and the next 24 hours, with 70% of Bangkok and surrounding areas under thunderstorms. Heavy to very heavy rain is forecast in parts of the north, north-east and east, with flash-flood and landslide risk near slopes and streams. Waves of 2-3 m or more in the upper Andaman; small boats there should stay ashore for now. A depression near southern China is expected to head toward Taiwan on 2-3 Sep and is not expected to enter Thailand. For shops and outlets, plan for delivery delays, flooded low-lying access roads and stock storage at ground level.

Diesel and gasohol prices at Bangchak stations on 31 Aug 2026: B7 at 38.39 baht, B20 at 33.39 baht Prachachat · Aug 31, 2026

Bangchak's posted prices for 31 Aug 2026: B20 diesel 33.39 baht/litre, B7 diesel 38.39, Gasohol 91 37.32, Gasohol 95 37.69, E20 32.69. Prices exclude the Bangkok local land tax and take effect from 05:00 the next day. Check your own station before budgeting fuel costs for delivery or fleet routes, since pump prices can differ.

Senate vote-rigging probe against Bhumjaithai figures drags on with no ruling yet Bangkok Post · Aug 31, 2026

Political background: an iLaw director alleges nine Bhumjaithai figures, including PM Anutin Charnvirakul, manipulated the 2024 Senate election. The Election Commission has not yet decided whether to recommend legal action against the 229 suspects. The iLaw director says he will publish the evidence online by the end of the month if the EC does not act. The DSI probe covers only money laundering, while the EC looks at Senate election law. No direct change for a small business owner's operations, costs, or permits.

Unlicensed entertainment venues in Bangkok face raids and police being held to account Bangkok Post · Aug 31, 2026

Five senior police officers in Huai Khwang were moved to inactive posts after a 1.30am raid on the 577 Club in Soi Pracha Uthit 11, which was operating until dawn with no entertainment venue licence on record. A fact-finding committee has been ordered. For a Bangkok bar, club or entertainment operator, the signal is that enforcement against unlicensed late-night venues is tightening, so check your licence status and opening hours against what is registered.

Khlong Thom fire: traders barred from site as forensics and demolition plan proceed Bangkok Post · Aug 31, 2026

A fire at Bangkok's Khlong Thom Center damaged about 100 operators and roughly 300 stalls. The building is unsafe, so operators remain barred from entering. Forensic examination was expected to start at 8am Monday if officials judged it safe, and the BMA is preparing a demolition plan. Police found no sign of arson so far. If your stall is there, register for BMA assistance (184 people had registered over two days) and document your lost goods and property, since the cause and the timeline for re-entry are still unknown.

96 proposed projects worth 13 billion baht for the Deep South, including soft loans and flood works, go to the PM Prachachat · Aug 31, 2026

Government and private sector in Songkhla and neighbouring provinces proposed 96 projects worth about 13 billion baht, before submitting them to the PM. Priorities include flood protection, food and tourism economy, and a soft-loan scheme for economic recovery. Songkhla-area SMEs in food, tourism or construction should watch for approval and tender timing. Proposals are not yet approved, so no action is needed now beyond tracking the outcome.

No arson evidence yet in Klongthom fire; traders still barred from site Bangkok Post · Aug 30, 2026

Police have found no sign of arson in the Klongthom Shopping Centre fire on Worachak Road, and the cause will not be settled until forensic and structural checks finish. Traders and business operators are still barred from the site because the building is unsafe, and the BMA is preparing for eventual demolition. If you have stock or fixtures in the market, file a damage complaint with police and keep records of losses; expect a wait before you can retrieve goods.

Sign the new job contract before resigning from your current one Prachachat · Aug 30, 2026

A columnist warns that resigning before the new employer has signed a contract can backfire: the offer may be withdrawn after the 30-day notice is already given. Before handing in notice, sign the new contract and keep a copy as evidence for the Labour Court. Watch for clauses that charge a guarantee deposit unrelated to the job, withhold the final salary if probation is failed, or forfeit the deposit if you leave within one year. An employer that refuses to give a copy of the contract is a warning sign.

EU packaging rules (PPWR) reshape export packaging for Thai food SMEs The Story Thailand · Aug 30, 2026

The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) sets new rules on packaging design, materials, recyclability and waste handling. Thai food exporters (snacks, dried fruit, processed food), who export over 100 billion baht a year to the EU, need to check their packs. The article says multi-layer foil pouches are legal but may not be sorted by EU recycling scanners (NIR), so mono-material options such as Mono PE may be worth testing. Source is a packaging-company speaker, so verify specific compliance requirements with the buyer or an EU-compliance adviser before changing packaging.

PIER study finds SMEs pay 7.8% on loans while large firms pay 3.9%, despite similar efficiency Prachachat · Aug 30, 2026

A PIER research study using DBD company accounts (1999-2024) and bank loan data finds Thai capital is misallocated: asset efficiency (ROA from 8.3% in 2013 to 6.3% in 2024) has fallen across most sectors. For SMEs, only about 1 in 5 of the most efficient 30% got bank credit, versus over 60% for large firms. SMEs paid an average 7.8% interest against 3.9% for large firms, and the researchers judge SME rates as higher than their risk explains. For an SME owner, this means bank credit is harder to get and more expensive than your performance warrants, so keep clean financial statements and compare loan offers and alternatives carefully. This is research, not a policy change, so no immediate action is required.