Archive
August 6, 2026
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As of 5 Aug 2026, West Texas crude was US$75.22/bbl (down 0.55) and Brent was US$79.45/bbl (up 0.09). Prices moved on conflicting signals: the US President said talks with Iran were going well and threatened more strikes, while Iran denied the talks and said it reached an agreement with Oman on Hormuz management. Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea add shipping risk. A US crude inventory build of 2.5m barrels was also unexpected. For a Thai SME, keep fuel and freight cost assumptions flexible this quarter and avoid locking in prices on a single headline.
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World gold rose about 4.1% on 5 Aug to around $4,247/oz, its biggest move in seven months, after signs of progress in US-Iran talks that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lower US bond yields. The Thai Gold Traders Association raised the domestic gold bar price by 1,900 baht to 67,150 baht (jewellery 67,950 baht). Analysts note foreign investors have been net sellers of Thai stocks. If you buy or sell gold for stock, jewellery or savings, or price gold-linked goods, expect volatile domestic prices; check the day's quote before committing.
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Gold rose 2,050 baht versus the previous close on 6 Aug 2026 (data at 9:07am). Bar gold: buy-in 67,100, sell-out 67,300 baht per baht-weight (notice 2). Jewellery: buy-back 65,764.08, sell-out 68,100 baht. Global spot is about US$4,303/oz. For shops holding gold stock or taking gold as payment, reprice and check buy-back spreads before trading. Jewellery buy-back sits well below sell-out, so the spread is a real cost for any gold-based trade.
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Singapore says about $7.4 billion of its exports are affected by new US tariffs. Article text was unavailable, so this is based on the headline only; watch whether Thai exporters to the US face similar tariff changes.
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Global markets fell ahead of Friday's US jobs report while oil rose on Iran concerns. Only a title was available, so no detail beyond this; watch fuel prices at the pump if the oil rise persists.
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The State Railway of Thailand is building the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed phase (55% progress, due 2030). Phase two, Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai (356 km, 341,351 million baht), is slated for tender from December 2026, with opening around 2031. The Nong Khai transshipment centre (Na Tha, 757 rai, PPP) is still awaiting board approval, targeted for 2029. For a Nong Khai or Khon Kaen business, the near-term opportunity is logistics and land planning, not construction contracts you can bid on today. Watch the December 2026 tender and the Na Tha PPP call.
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The baht opened at 33.08 per dollar, up from 33.22 at the previous close, with a 24-hour range of roughly 33.00-33.20 (TTB). The move follows weaker dollar demand on signs of progress in Iran-US talks over the Strait of Hormuz, which also eased oil prices. Markets now have a US jobs report due Friday; analysts expect +88,000 non-farm jobs and 4.2% unemployment. For exporters, a firmer baht trims ringgit-style baht revenue; for importers, dollar costs ease slightly. Watch the range and the Friday data before fixing dollar prices or contracts.
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An OAG report says Thailand fell to third place in Southeast Asian air capacity in July 2026, with 6.9 million seats, down 3% year on year. Vietnam overtook Thailand for second place with 7.4 million seats, up 5.6%. Airlines in the region cut international routes because of higher fuel costs linked to Middle East tensions. For a Thai SME, expect fewer international flight options and possibly higher airfares and freight costs. Plan travel and shipping with more lead time.
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Iran says it has reached a provisional shipping-route understanding with Oman for the Strait of Hormuz, with a joint statement still being drafted. Iran's deputy foreign minister says the arrangement is temporary (about 2-4 months) and does not mean the strait fully reopens. Brent sat near $79 a barrel on 5 August. For a Thai business, fuel and freight costs may ease only gradually; keep current fuel, shipping and energy cost assumptions in place and watch for a signed statement and actual ship traffic before repricing.
August 5, 2026
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The yen has rebounded from near 164 to about 155-157 per US dollar after US-Japan intervention. Tour operators expect more Japanese to travel abroad on cheaper packages, with Thailand a favoured short-haul choice. TAT expects 1.1 million Japanese arrivals this year, roughly flat on 2025, and may raise that if the yen keeps strengthening. Impact is likely clearer next year because trips already booked. Thai travel businesses serving Japanese guests should plan for a gradual uplift, not an immediate jump. Thai outbound operators say the yen move will not hurt near-term bookings, but a longer strong yen could cut Thai travellers' budgets to Japan.
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The NBTC board has aborted two meetings (July 27 and Aug 5) because four commissioners boycotted over the chairman's disqualification, so it lacks the quorum of four of seven. Pending items include the Thaicom 4 satellite extension (NT's permission runs to end-September and needs NBTC acknowledgement), digital TV transition measures, project funding, and four-digit shortcode allocation for private firms. For a Thai SME, the direct impact is limited: if you rely on satellite-based services, shortcode numbers, or are waiting on a telecom licence or approval, expect delays. Watch the Aug 6, 11, 13 and 19 meetings.
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The Federation of Thai Industries asked the government to relax the diesel export ban imposed at the end of March, but the talks with Energy Minister Akanat Promphan ended without a resolution. Exports are limited to Laos and Myanmar, under 5 million litres a day. Jet fuel exports to the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam were allowed in May. Refiners have a diesel glut, and the analyst notes that cutting output raises unit costs. Domestic diesel demand is slowing in the rainy season. Transport operators should not expect a quick change in diesel availability, and should keep watching for a decision on the export cap.
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The cabinet approved a 7.2 billion baht reservoir in Chanthaburi (99.5 million cubic metres, serving over 87,700 rai of farmland), to be built in fiscal 2027-2033. Eastern water demand is forecast to reach 2.89 billion cubic metres next year. For an SME in the EEC, this is a long-term supply improvement, not a near-term change: no action is needed now, but water-intensive plans should account for supply tightening before the reservoir is finished. Construction will also be restricted in protected forest and national park areas, and the project must minimise land use.
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The Thai Bankers' Association says borrowers who deliberately default could face legal action and be barred from future credit. The warning followed social media posts urging people to default on loans from Clicx Bank, Thailand's first virtual bank. For an SME owner, the practical point is that lenders are tightening credit scrutiny, and a reputation for non-payment can cut off future financing. Virtual banks also use alternative data, and Clicx loan applicants must consent to share extra data with its shareholders (KTB, AIS and PTT Oil and Retail Business). Separately, the JSCCIB expects H2 outlook to stay highly uncertain, with oil prices, inflation and a K-shaped recovery as key risks.
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The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rain across most regions on 6 Aug (2026), covering 60-70% of the north, northeast, east and western south, due to a monsoon trough. Flash floods and mountain runoff are possible near streams and low-lying areas. Upper Andaman and upper Gulf waves reach 2-4 m, and small boats there should stay in port. Storm Kujira is staying over the South China Sea and is not expected to enter Thailand. For shops, farms and delivery, plan for disrupted travel and stock deliveries, and move outdoor stock and equipment out of low-lying spots.
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Less than four months into office, the coalition led by Bhumjaithai faces corruption allegations: a 4.5-billion-baht recruitment exam fraud case with nearly 6,000 appointments under review, a 1.62-billion-baht TH-AI Passport procurement questioned by the opposition, and a probe into the 2025 Senate election. An opposition no-confidence debate is expected later this year. For a small business there is no direct rule change yet, but political turbulence can delay government spending and policy decisions. Watch for the debate and any changes to ministry budgets or procurement.
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Bangchak's pump prices for 6 Aug: diesel B7 36.69 baht/litre, diesel B20 31.69 baht (unchanged), gasohol 95 36.69 baht, gasohol 91 36.32 baht. Prices are quoted before the Bangkok local tax, and the article says tomorrow's prices take effect at 05:00. For fleet, delivery or transport costs, check your station's price and budget fuel on the new daily rate.
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A reform group asked the Central Administrative Court to revoke the postponement of the Social Security Board election, now set for Sept 27 (2026) if it proceeds. Voter registration closed July 15, and the court had earlier suspended the requirement that employers and insured workers register with the SSO before voting. The board's first term has lapsed for about five months, so SSO contribution and benefit rules are being run without a fully mandated board. For a business owner, the practical step is to check your SSO employer registration and contribution records are up to date, and watch for any new election dates or registration deadlines.
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A reform group has asked the Central Administrative Court to revoke the postponement of the Social Security Board election, which is still scheduled for Sept 27 if the court agrees. Voter registration closed on July 15. Employers and insured workers should check with the Social Security Office whether their registration and polling station are confirmed. The first elected board has been out of office for about five months, so rules on employer contributions and benefits could change once a new board is seated.
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Security researchers say Zbtlink routers made in China contain a backdoor. If your shop or office uses this brand, check the model and firmware, and consider replacing it if the vendor has no fix.
