Archive

Gold prices dip 100 baht today, but Fed rate-hike talk and oil above $95 point to tighter money ahead Prachachat · Oct 15, 2026

Thai gold prices fell 100 baht on 15 Oct 2025-equivalent day (dated 15 Oct 2026): jewellery sells at 66,650 baht per baht-weight, bars buy at 65,650 and sell at 65,850. Global gold spot is at 4,145 USD/oz. Markets now price over 50% odds of a US Fed rate hike this month, after US CPI came in hotter than expected at 3.7%. WTI is above 95 USD and Brent above 106 USD, amid US-Iran tension near the Strait of Hormuz. For a shop buying or selling gold, check the day's price before quoting. For other businesses, expect higher borrowing costs and fuel costs to stay in focus.

Baht opens at 33.61 per dollar as US inflation beats forecasts and Fed hike odds rise Prachachat · Oct 15, 2026

The baht opened at 33.61 per dollar on 15 Oct 2026, with a likely 24-hour range of 33.50–33.80. US headline CPI for September rose 3.7% year on year (forecast 3.6%) and core CPI rose 2.6% (forecast 2.5%). Markets now put a 53.7% chance on a Fed rate hike at the 28 Oct meeting, up from 22.1%. For importers and exporters, the dollar may stay firm, so review FX rates on dollar-linked purchases and loan repayments and consider hedging if you have large dollar payments due. Foreign investors bought a net 5,690 million baht of Thai stocks and 3,561 million baht of Thai bonds the previous day.

FTI seeks 10-billion-baht loan package for flood-hit SMEs in 14 provinces Prachachat · Oct 15, 2026

The Federation of Thai Industries has asked the Ministry of Industry for a loan package of tens of billions of baht (over 10,000 million) for working capital, machinery repair and keeping staff, after flooding hit about 2,000 businesses across 14 provinces in the central and eastern regions. It is also pushing for a SME D Bank channel, a vehicle trade-in scheme, and a review of excise tax and Euro 6 standards. Nothing is approved yet. If your business is in an affected area or supplies flood-hit factories, track the loan terms and eligibility, and document your flood losses now so you are ready to apply.

Heavy rain of 40-60% coverage hits most regions today (15 Oct), flash flood and landslide risk near hills and waterways Prachachat · Oct 15, 2026

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts thunderstorms over 40-60% of the North, western Central, East, South and Bangkok areas from 06:00 today to 06:00 tomorrow, with some heavy rain. Flash floods and landslides are possible near slopes and low-lying areas. For your business: protect stock and equipment at ground level, plan deliveries around flood-prone roads, and keep sea-going crews off routes with thunderstorms; the Andaman and Gulf waves are over 2 m in storm areas.

Diesel and gasohol prices on 15 Oct: B7 at 42.94 baht, B20 at 37.19 baht Prachachat · Oct 15, 2026

Bangchak pump prices for 15 Oct 2026: B7 diesel 42.94 baht/litre, B20 diesel 37.19 baht (unchanged), gasohol 95 at 41.44 baht, gasohol 91 at 41.07 baht, E20 at 35.69 baht. Prices exclude Bangkok local land tax and take effect from 05:00 the next day, so check your own station before budgeting fuel for delivery vehicles or generators. The gap between B7 and B20 is about 5.75 baht per litre, so a fleet on B20-compatible engines should compare that saving against its maintenance risk.

Over 2,000 FTI firms hit by late-September floods, losses at B6-7bn Bangkok Post · Oct 15, 2026

Flooding in late September hit more than 2,000 FTI member businesses, with damage estimated at 6-7 billion baht. About 150 factories in Amata City Chonburi were flooded to 30-70 cm, and 34 suspended operations. SMEs were hardest hit and face cash-flow strain. Flood damage also disrupts logistics and component deliveries, so check your supplier and delivery exposure, especially in the eastern region. The FTI wants a better early-warning system, but nothing is in force yet. Meanwhile, the electricity tariff for September-December 2026 was cut to 3.89 baht per unit from 3.95 baht, and high energy prices remain the top concern for manufacturers.

FTI puts late-September flood losses at B6-7bn, with SMEs hit hardest on cash Bangkok Post · Oct 15, 2026

Flooding in late September hit more than 2,000 FTI member businesses, with losses of 6-7 billion baht. About 150 factories in Amata City Chonburi were inundated and 34 suspended operations temporarily. SMEs face cash-flow strain and limited access to capital. Flooding also disrupts logistics and component deliveries. Practical steps: check your flood exposure and drainage, plan backup suppliers and transport, and review your access to recovery finance. The electricity tariff falls to 3.89 baht per unit for September-December 2026, from 3.95 baht. Energy prices remain the top concern in FTI's September survey (66.1%).

Proposed 1,000-baht departure tax could cut tourist demand, operators warn Bangkok Post · Oct 15, 2026

The government is considering a 1,000-baht departure tax on all travellers, estimated to raise about 45.9 billion baht a year. Travel agents say a 10% tax rise could cut tourist demand by 5.4%, and estimate losses of 50-150 billion baht if at least 1 million visitors stay away. Airlines, including Thai AirAsia's parent, oppose the levy and want VAT raised instead. Operators plan to meet the finance minister after the IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok. No final decision or start date is given. Hotels, tour operators and restaurants should watch for the outcome before planning bookings or hiring for the coming year.

World Bank touts business dynamism for productivity Bangkok Post · Oct 15, 2026

World Bank and IMF officials argue that business dynamism—the reallocation of resources from low-productivity to high-growth firms—is critical for productivity. Barriers include limited financing access for innovative startups lacking tangible collateral, poorly designed bankruptcy laws, and overly restrictive regulations. Solutions include fintech-enabled credit history, venture/equity financing, and streamlined market-entry rules. The World Bank is shifting from collateral-based lending to capability-enhancing credit guarantees via MIGA.

IMF says high global borrowing costs and an energy shock will squeeze Thailand's growth room Bangkok Post · Oct 15, 2026

The IMF urged Thailand to strengthen domestic fundamentals and deepen regional trade as high US bond yields keep global borrowing costs up. It forecasts global growth at 3.1% this year, with an energy supply shock from the Middle East war offsetting AI-related demand. Thailand is named as well placed to benefit from the AI investment boom. For an SME, expect financing to stay expensive and energy costs to stay volatile; plan cash flow and debt accordingly. Nothing in the piece sets a deadline or a new rule.

Cabinet delays Labour Welfare Fund contributions to 1 January 2027, giving employers and SMEs three more months Prachachat · Oct 14, 2026

The Labour Ministry proposed, and the Cabinet is considering, postponing the start of employee savings and employer contributions to the Labour Welfare Fund from 1 October 2026 to 1 January 2027. The reason cited is flood damage, lower revenue and energy and trade pressures. Employers and SMEs should not start budgeting the contributions for October; plan for them from January 2027 and confirm the final Cabinet decision and the rate rules with the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare before relying on the new date.

State audit of Thai PBS flags 4 spending lapses and a 85.22m baht repayment order Prachachat · Oct 14, 2026

The State Audit Office reviewed Thai PBS spending for fiscal 2022–2025 (over 5,094 million baht) and flagged problems in outsourced programme production and host/guest fees. It ordered repayment of about 85.22 million baht and disciplinary action against 10 staff. Thai PBS disputes the audit process and has announced a plan to cut costs by 100 million baht a year. For a private SME, the direct effect is minimal. The main lesson is that contracts awarded by direct appointment without competitive pricing, and fees paid without written rules, are being scrutinised. Check your own documentation if you sell to public agencies or media.

Central banks and IMF push a joint anti-scam playbook; Thai banks shift to stopping scams before transfers Techsauce · Oct 14, 2026

At the IMF/World Bank meetings in Bangkok, central banks from Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore, plus the FATF president, discussed putting the Bangkok Blueprint into practice against scams. Bank of Thailand's deputy governor said the focus is now tricking victims into transferring money themselves, and that banks are moving to stop criminals reaching people before a transfer. Thailand's Central Fraud Registry lets banks share scammer data, though banks remain wary of privacy and lawsuit risk. For a small business: expect banks to add more transfer checks and verification steps, and train staff and staff who handle payments to spot fake-supplier and impersonation requests.

Finance Ministry opens 50bn baht "Ban Khon Lang Plus" home loans at 2.6–2.8% from 15 Oct 2026 Prachachat · Oct 14, 2026

The Cabinet approved the Ban Khon Lang Plus home loan scheme via GHB (THB 50bn total). Loans up to THB 3m per borrower and collateral, up to 40 years, at 2.8% a year (relaxed income/cost-of-living criteria) or 2.6% (normal income criteria), both fixed for 2 years. Applications open 15 Oct 2026 until 30 Dec 2030 or until the quota runs out. For property-linked SMEs (builders, renovators, material and furniture suppliers), expect buyer demand to pick up; the ministry estimates about THB 125bn of circulation. Check GHB's own criteria before quoting customers.

Cabinet approves 50bn-baht 'Khon La Lang Plus' home loans from GHB at 2.6–2.8% The Standard Wealth · Oct 14, 2026

The cabinet approved a 50bn-baht home loan scheme run by GHB (Government Housing Bank). Loans go up to 3m baht per property, up to 40 years, at 2.6% (normal income criteria) or 2.8% (relaxed income and living-cost criteria), fixed for the first 2 years. Applications open 15 October 2026 until 30 December 2030 or until the quota is full. Property, construction and building-materials sellers should expect buyer interest from lower-to-middle income households; the Finance Ministry estimates about 125bn baht of circulation in the economy. Other conditions are set by GHB.

Flood-relief payments from GSB are flowing, so check your PromptPay is linked to your ID number now Prachachat · Oct 14, 2026

As of 13 October 2026 the Government Savings Bank (GSB) had paid flood-relief money to over 300,000 people, about 2.4 billion baht out of a 4.7 billion baht ceiling. The largest single day so far was 146,015 payments worth 1.124 billion baht. If your staff or your business is on the affected-persons list and is still waiting, check that your PromptPay account is linked to your 13-digit ID number through your bank app. Transfers go to linked accounts quickly once your name appears on the eligibility list. The bank is coordinating with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

Cabinet approves draft land-expropriation decree for 4 provinces on high-speed rail phase 2 Prachachat · Oct 14, 2026

Cabinet approved in principle a draft royal decree marking land for expropriation along the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail, Phase 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai), covering districts in Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nong Khai. Estimated investment is about 256,403 million baht, with roughly 1,345 rai and 1,991 plots to be acquired. The decree still needs Council of State review before it takes effect. If your shop, land or warehouse sits in these districts, check the land plot against the final decree; compensation and construction demand (materials, transport, labour) may follow in the coming years.

PM orders flood compensation paid now, without waiting for water to recede Prachachat · Oct 14, 2026

The PM has told agencies to start flood relief payments now, before floodwaters fully recede. More than 200,000 households have already received compensation, faster than in the previous round. Flood-hit SMEs should check whether they qualify for relief and prepare documents for claims. The article also mentions a 2 million baht payout under the national disaster insurance scheme to heirs of flood victims in Chiang Mai's Kalyanivadhana district. It gives no details on eligibility or business-specific support.

Cabinet holds field meeting in Udon Thani on 2-3 November, with a project budget call to follow Prachachat · Oct 14, 2026

The cabinet approved its second off-site meeting in Udon Thani on 2-3 November 2026, focused on farming, food and narcotics. NESDC will prepare a project budget similar to the Songkhla round, without the 100-million-baht-per-province cap. Projects will be screened again before going to the province and the Interior Ministry. If your business works in agriculture, food or the Udon Thani area, watch for the project call and prepare a proposal early. The Horticultural Expo runs 1 Nov 2026 to 14 Mar 2027.

Prachin Buri factories ordered shut over flood toxin leaks, Factory Act penalties may tighten Bangkok Post · Oct 14, 2026

Three Prachin Buri factories were ordered to suspend operations after suspected toxic chemical leaks polluted floodwater. Authorities will first order improvements under Factory Act Section 37 and move to closure under Section 39 if firms do not comply. Officials want higher fines and treating illegal industrial waste dumping as a financial crime that allows asset seizure. Investigators are also checking nominee shareholding and financial links at two companies with 400 million baht combined registered capital. For factory owners in flood-hit eastern provinces, check waste handling and permits now, and expect tighter enforcement and penalties if the amendments pass.