Archive

Diesel and gasohol prices on 13 Oct 2026: B7 at 42.94 baht, B20 at 37.19 baht per litre Prachachat · Oct 13, 2026

Bangchak's pump prices today: B7 diesel 42.94 baht/litre, B20 37.19, Hi Premium Diesel Plus 50.05; gasohol 95 at 41.44 and gasohol 91 at 41.07; E20 at 35.69 and E85 at 31.63. Prices exclude the Bangkok local land tax and take effect tomorrow at 05:00. Check the price at your own station before budgeting fuel for vehicles and generators. The gap between B7 and B20 is about 5.75 baht per litre, so a fleet that can run B20 may cut fuel cost.

Heavy rain and flash-flood warning for Bangkok, central, eastern and southern Thailand over the next 24 hours Prachachat · Oct 13, 2026

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts more rain and heavy rain in spots over the next 24 hours, especially Bangkok and surrounding provinces, the lower Central region, the East and the upper South, with flash floods and landslides possible in hillside areas. Sea waves above 2 metres are expected where storms form, so boat operators should avoid those areas. For a small business, plan for delivery and stock disruption, check drainage and goods stored at ground level, and move outdoor work or deliveries if needed.

Finance Ministry moves ahead with 1,000-baht outbound travel levy Bangkok Post · Oct 13, 2026

The Finance Ministry is pushing a proposed 1,000-baht levy on all outbound passengers to raise revenue. It is still under public consultation, not yet law. Thailand charged a 500-baht outbound tax from 1991 to 1996. For travel agencies, airlines and businesses that rely on outbound trips, the cost could hit demand and pricing. Watch for the consultation outcome and any final rules before budgeting for it.

US jasmine rice output is still too early to threaten Thai Hom Mali exports Bangkok Post · Oct 13, 2026

US farmers are expanding jasmine rice, reportedly to 50,000 acres across six states, but the Thai Rice Exporters Association says it is too early to judge the impact on Thai Hom Mali exports. Thailand shipped 640,000 tonnes to the US in 2025, its largest market. Watch three things: quality versus Thai aroma, price against Thai Hom Mali at about US$1,200 per tonne, and consumer acceptance. The acreage figures are unverified. For now, no change is needed, but rice exporters should track US supply reports.

Rooftop solar subsidies of up to 50,000 baht per household are coming, with registration expected in October Bangkok Post · Oct 13, 2026

The government is preparing a rooftop solar scheme with subsidies of up to 50,000 baht per household, aiming to attract 1.5 million households, with registration expected to begin in October. Separately, the government plans a community-based solar programme targeting 1,500 MW of solar farm capacity, which an energy firm, Mastec, plans to bid for. For a small business, rising power bills make rooftop solar worth pricing out now, and installers and maintenance providers may find new demand. Details such as eligibility and conditions were not in the article and should be checked with the authorities.

Thai SEC lets crypto ETFs list on SET, limited to Bitcoin and Ethereum Bangkok Post · Oct 13, 2026

The Securities and Exchange Commission has set rules, effective Friday, allowing crypto ETFs to be created and traded on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Initially they can hold only Bitcoin and Ethereum, with custody by SEC-licensed custodians. Thai mutual funds and private funds can now invest in locally listed crypto ETFs. Overseas crypto ETF-linked products remain barred for now. For a typical SME owner this is background only: no tax, cost or lending change, and no action needed unless you manage investments or hold digital assets.

Proposed 1,000-baht outbound departure tax draws industry opposition Bangkok Post · Oct 13, 2026

The Revenue Department wants to reinstate a departure tax of 1,000 baht per trip, which could rise to a maximum of 5,000 baht. The Thai Travel Agents Association and Thai Hotels Association have petitioned the Finance Minister to withdraw or delay it, arguing it hurts travel demand and that outbound tour operators already pay VAT on services consumed abroad. The Hotels Association says a family of four would pay about 10,280 baht. The proposal is still a draft in a public consultation, so no change is in force yet. Travel agencies and tour operators should watch the outcome, and factor possible higher traveller costs into pricing for groups and family trips.

Opposition MP warns Thailand's economy is declining, with a 1% policy rate masking household debt risk Bangkok Post · Oct 13, 2026

Democrat deputy leader Korn Chatikavanij says Thailand is slipping behind other Asean economies, citing an ageing society, a shrinking workforce and some of the world's highest household debt. He warns the 1% policy rate may make debt look manageable when it is not. This is an opinion piece with no new policy or numbers. For a small business, the practical point is to keep borrowing conservative and stress-test cash flow in case slow growth persists.

Bangkok flood relief: 88,198 households approved via Tang Rat app, 649.4 million baht Prachachat · Oct 12, 2026

As of 12 October 2026, Bangkok has approved flood relief for 88,198 households via the "Tang Rat" app, totalling 649.4 million baht: 52,107 households at 9,000 baht and 36,091 at 5,000 baht. Separately, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and Krungthai... no, Government Savings Bank (GSB) have transferred 221.9 million baht to 30,492 households as of 11 October. About 87,992 claims filed on claim.bangkok.go.th are still being verified for damage and eligibility. If your business or staff in Bangkok was flood-hit, check whether you or your employees have registered on either channel and whether your claim is still pending.

Social Security board election count is complete, official board list due within 30 days Prachachat · Oct 12, 2026

The Social Security Office has finished the unofficial count for the employer and insured-member board elections across 5,233 polling stations. About 1.003 million people voted, including 12,200 employers, with employer turnout up 733% and member turnout up 533% from 2023. The official list is expected within 30 days, after which the labour minister appoints the board members. Candidate scores can be checked at sso.go.th. For an SME owner this is background: the board sets how the social security fund is run, but nothing in your payroll or contributions changes now.

State audit orders Thai PBS board to act against its director and recover 85.22 million baht Prachachat · Oct 12, 2026

The State Audit Office found irregularities in Thai PBS's 2022–2025 spending on outsourced programme production and host/guest fees, and ordered the board to pursue disciplinary action against the director and recover 85.22 million baht. The board must start within 60 days and finish within 120 days. This is a public-sector governance story with no direct effect on private SMEs. The only practical point is that State Audit scrutiny of direct-appointment contracts and fee payments is tightening, which matters if your business sells production or services to government agencies.

National Housing Authority offers flood relief: rent-free and debt deferral up to 4 months for tenants in 66 projects Prachachat · Oct 12, 2026

The National Housing Authority (กคช.) has approved flood relief for 66 projects affecting 6,927 households. Minor-to-moderate damage (44 projects): rent-free for small tenants and 2-month instalment deferral for hire-purchase contracts, covering Oct–Nov 2026. Severe damage (22 projects): 4 months, Oct 2026–Jan 2027. Late fees waived 100% for arrears from 1 Oct–31 Dec 2026. Water, electricity, tax, common-area and community fees are NOT covered. Multi-lease tenants and space-concession tenants are still under review. If you rent from or buy a unit in a Housing Authority project, check which category applies and keep paying utilities and fees.

Border-province chambers push to extend SME debt holidays to end-2027 and unlock SME Bank loans Prachachat · Oct 12, 2026

Chambers in seven border provinces (Trat, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram) are asking the Thai Chamber of Commerce to push for a one-year extension of SME debt holidays, which expire in October 2026 while border crossings remain closed. Proposals: SME D Bank extends its "defer-cut-reduce-expand-top-up" measures to end-2027 with a border-recovery loan; the Finance Ministry asks state FIs and commercial banks for another year of relief; the Bank of Thailand allows special flexibility. They also want SME fund loan rules eased, since current conditions block borrowers who are still in a debt holiday. This is only a proposal, awaiting Cabinet review. If you have a debt holiday ending soon, talk to your bank now about restructuring options and keep your credit record clean.

NESDC to revise 2026 GDP after industrial output method change, final figures due early 2027 Prachachat · Oct 12, 2026

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) is revising Thailand's 2026 GDP for Q1-Q3 after the Office of Industrial Economics changed how the Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) is calculated to capture new production activity. August 2026 MPI rose 4.44% year on year to 103.43. Revisions are not yet in the November release, Q4 will be reassessed, and clear figures are expected in early 2027. The full-year effect is not yet known. For a typical SME, no action is needed now; treat the official GDP figures as provisional until then.

Social Security board election nears completion; official results due within 30 days Prachachat · Oct 12, 2026

The Social Security Office reported unofficial vote counts for employer and insured-worker representatives on the Social Security board, 84% of polling units reported as of 08:30. Employer voter turnout was 10,737, and insured-worker voters were 819,482, both up sharply from 2023. Official results require Election Commission verification and typically take up to 30 days, after which the Labour Minister appoints the board members. Employers and insured workers can track the unofficial tally on the SSO dashboard or call 1506. No action is required from most SMEs, but employers may want to watch who is appointed, since the board sets direction for Social Security administration.

GRAND asks shareholders to waive ROH rights issue to fix free float before 31 Oct 2026 Prachachat · Oct 12, 2026

Listed hotel group GRAND (holds 97% of ROH) plans to waive its share of ROH's rights issue (up to 271.6m shares, about THB 163m) so retail shareholders can buy in and lift free float from 3% to the 15% minimum. ROH has been under an SP trading suspension since 5 June 2025 and faces possible delisting if the deadline of 31 Oct 2026 is missed. The rights offer period is 20-27 Oct 2026. Relevant only if you are a listed-company shareholder or supplier; otherwise it is background.

Phetchabun adventure tour accident puts tour operator safety rules under review Bangkok Post · Oct 12, 2026

Two foreign tourists were seriously hurt abseiling a 150-metre cliff at Tat Mok Waterfall, Nam Nao, Phetchabun, on a Saturday. Local groups have petitioned the governor for a fact-finding panel to review safety equipment, operator qualifications, permits and emergency plans for high-risk activities. If you run or book adventure tours, expect tighter checks on permits, guide certification and equipment, and document your safety procedures now.

Government Plus savings bonds go on sale again on 26 October, 4 billion baht, 1.80–2.80% a year Prachachat · Oct 12, 2026

The Finance Ministry opens a new round of Plus savings bonds worth 4 billion baht on 26 October 2026, via the Pao Tang wallet app. Banks, securities firms and streaming apps sell it on 27–29 October. The 3-year bond pays 1.80% a year and the 10-year pays 2.80%, the same rates as the last round. For a business owner this is a place to park spare cash or staff savings, not a business financing source. Check the cash you can lock up before buying.

Progressive team takes all 14 worker and employer seats on the Social Security Board Bangkok Post · Oct 12, 2026

The Progressive Social Security team swept all seven worker seats and all seven employer seats on the 21-member SSO board, based on unofficial results with over 95% of ballots counted. Official results are expected by the end of the year. The board sets direction for the 2.8 trillion baht Social Security Fund, which covers over 24 million insured people, and it has a two-year tenure. For a business owner, this changes little in the short term: contribution rates and benefits are not affected by this vote itself. Watch for any policy shifts from the new board, and keep your SSO contributions and employee registrations up to date as usual.

SCB EIC expects Thai policy rate to hold at 1% through 2027 and baht to firm toward 33 by year-end Prachachat · Oct 12, 2026

SCB EIC expects the Thai policy rate to stay at 1% until 2027 because the baht is stable and inflation is low, so cheap credit should persist. SCB FM sees the baht at 33.30-33.80 per dollar over the next 1-2 months, with a possible firming toward 33.00-33.50 by late 2026 on tourism season and trade balance. Oil prices, Fed hikes and trade-war risk are named as downside pressures. For importers and exporters, the 1-year hedging cost is about 3.6%, so hedge only what is needed. Forecasts only, not guarantees.