Archive

Prachuap and Phetchaburi condo sales have slowed sharply, with unsold stock now taking about 19 years to clear Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

REIC data for H1 2026 show Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi housing markets slowing. In Phetchaburi, condo new sales fell 81.9% and remaining condo stock would take about 232 months (roughly 19 years) to absorb at current pace; landed houses need about 71 months. Prachuap new sales fell 33% overall. Developers are slowing launches and clearing stock. For Thai SMEs in these provinces, expect weaker property-linked demand (construction, furnishing, sales agents, local retail). Hold off on expansion or new property-dependent investment; the M82 motorway and the southern double-track rail are cited as future demand drivers, but no timeline for recovery is given.

Excise Department cracks down harder in FY2026, shifting to data-driven enforcement on tobacco, alcohol and fuel Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

The Excise Department reports 39,305 enforcement cases in FY2569 (12 months), with about 1,069 million baht in fines collected. Tobacco led with 24,321 cases, then alcohol (11,699) and oil products (875). For FY2570 it plans data-driven, risk-based enforcement that treats border, industrial zones and online/parcel sales differently. If you sell or distribute tobacco, alcohol or fuel products, expect tighter checks on stock sources, distribution routes and online sales, and keep tax-paid documentation for every batch.

Thailand and UAE conclude CEPA talks, opening tariff cuts on Thai food, auto parts and electronics exports Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

Thailand and the UAE concluded CEPA negotiations on 7 October 2026 (round 5, online). Once in force, the UAE will cut or remove tariffs on Thai canned tuna, prepared food, rice, fruit juice, fruit, chicken, pet food, jewellery, tyres, electronics and auto parts. The official study projects Thai exports up about 7,600-8,100 million baht and GDP up 10,700-12,200 million baht. The UAE also signalled interest in investing in energy, food processing, data centres and projects that benefit Thai SMEs. No tariff rates or effective dates were given, so for now this is a sector-watch item for exporters of food, auto parts and electronics, not a change to act on today.

SEC proposes letting existing shareholders sell stock alongside LiVEx IPOs; comments open until 9 November Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

The SEC is consulting on draft rules that would let existing shareholders of companies listing on LiVEx sell their shares to the public alongside the IPO, in line with SET and mai practice. It also revises the SME offering form (แบบ 69-SME-PO). The draft is not yet in force. Only owners planning to raise capital through LiVEx need to note it; others can skip. Comments close 9 November 2026 via the SEC website or email.

Southern rains due: Agriculture Ministry urges evacuation at first warning, and farmers to photograph flood damage for relief claims Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

The Agriculture Ministry expects the late-monsoon rain to move into the South, with heavy rain possibly exceeding drainage capacity. Flood damage since 21 August has hit farming in 53 provinces (193,171 farmers). Actions: follow official warnings closely and move assets at once when alerted; if evacuation is ordered, leave immediately. For relief, photograph the whole plot, the damaged spots, and yourself in the field; relief claims run within 90 days after the disaster ends. Rice seed reserve of 20,000 tonnes is set aside, up to 30 rai per farmer.

Flood kills about 9,000 pigs in the East, but supply is enough and prices are holding Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

The Department of Internal Trade says flooding has affected about 9,000 pigs in the eastern farm region, against normal intake of nearly 2 million a month (about 63,000 a day), so supply is judged sufficient. As of 7 October 2026, live pig price averaged 68.30 baht/kg and untrimmed lean pork 132.13 baht/kg, both steady and slightly lower week on week. If you buy pork, no urgent stock-up or price change is indicated. The department will monitor prices and supply; reports of unfair price gouging can go to the hotline 1569, with penalties of up to 7 years' jail and/or a 140,000 baht fine.

Commerce Dept asks hardware, appliance and car-service chains to hold prices as flood areas rebuild Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

The Department of Internal Trade is asking large building-materials, electrical-appliance and car-service operators to keep prices steady, stock up on goods and spare parts, and add technicians for post-flood repairs. Smaller shops in flood-hit areas may see demand for repair parts, cleaning equipment and home-repair goods rise, and local competitors may be pressured to match discounts such as free checks, trade-ins or instalment plans. The request is voluntary, and the public is asked to report unfair pricing via hotline 1569.

Flood and flash-flood alert for 10-12 October covers Bangkok, the East, the West and the South Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

The National Water Resources Office (สทนช.) issued Notice No. 10/2569 warning of flooding, flash floods, mountain runoff and landslides from 10 to 12 October in the North, Bangkok (Nong Khaem, Bang Khae, Bang Khaen), Samut Sakhon, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan (including Cha-am and Hua Hin) and many southern provinces including Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani and Songkhla. Seven large reservoirs are above 80% full, including Nong Pla Lai in EEC at 106%, and the national average is 82%. Owners in these areas should move stock off low ground, check drainage and delivery routes, and plan for possible closures or staff absence. Rain over 90 mm in 24 hours is the trigger to watch.

Trade ministry warns high-energy users to brace for oil costs through year-end Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

Brent averaged $88.70/bbl in the first nine months of 2026, up 26.7% year on year, and hit $102.02 in September. The baht weakened from 31.27 to 33.22 per dollar over the same period, raising import costs. The Commerce Ministry expects prices to stay high through year-end, with EIA forecasting Brent around $105 in Q4. Road transport, petrochemicals, synthetic fibres and ceramics are most exposed. Firms should review direct energy use and hidden energy costs in raw materials, and hedge currency and stock levels.

Household costs up 326 baht a month in Jan–Sep 2026, led by fuel and transport Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (สนค.) reports average Thai household spending of 21,217 baht/month for Jan–Sep 2026, up 326 baht year on year. Transport, freight and communication rose most (+228 baht), driven by fuel and public transport fares. Food rose 118 baht, mainly ready-to-eat meals. Households are cutting non-essentials such as clothing and health services to protect cash flow. SND expects costs to stay high through year-end, with fuel price volatility, holiday travel and flood effects on fresh vegetable prices as risks. For a shop, expect customers to trim discretionary spending, and check fuel and delivery costs in your pricing.

Chao Phraya flood releases cut to 2,350 cu m/s, but new rain hits 9-13 Oct Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

The Royal Irrigation Department is cutting Chao Phraya dam releases from 2,500 to 2,350 cu m/s in steps, and lowering upstream levels to make room for new rain. Heavy to very heavy rain is forecast 9-13 Oct across the North Lower, Central, Bangkok and Metropolitan, Eastern and Southern regions, with the South the main worry. Flooded areas are still being pumped. For a business in a low-lying or flood-prone area, check stock, equipment and access routes before 9 Oct. Flood-line reports can be made via hotline 1460.

Consumer confidence fell in September as flooding and diesel above 40 baht hit spending; the Chamber expects a recovery from mid-November Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

The Thai Chamber of Commerce University's consumer confidence index fell to 52.1 in September 2026 from 53.2 in August, the first drop in four months. Flooding and diesel above 40 baht/litre are the main causes. The Chamber expects spending to pick up from mid-November, helped by the "Thai Help Thai Plus" scheme extended for two months, the high tourism season and higher crop prices. The outlook depends on whether flooding recurs in October and whether oil prices ease. The Chamber keeps its 2026 GDP forecast at 2.2-2.5%. For planning, expect cautious customer spending through October and budget for higher living costs.

ERC moves to cut rooftop-solar buy-back rates from up to 11 baht to 2.16 baht per unit, with 20-25 year contract caps Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) plans to renegotiate Adder and FiT solar power purchase contracts for SPP and VSPP producers, which in some cases pay up to 11 baht per unit against a current cost of 2.1579 baht. It will propose a 2.1579 baht/unit solar rate (wind 2.9015) to the national energy policy committee, with contract terms of 20-25 years. Contracts not yet signed may be cancelled or renegotiated; contracts signed but not yet connected (COD) face renegotiation or cancellation if they miss their deadlines. The regulator estimates consumers are overpaying about 13-17 satang per unit. This is still a proposal pending cabinet-level approval, so the impact is for planning, not immediate billing changes. Businesses with solar projects in the Adder/FiT pipeline should check their contract status and COD deadlines.

Thailand and UAE expect to sign a free trade deal in early 2027, opening export openings for SMEs Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

Commerce Minister Supasee said the UAE FTA could be signed in early next year, after 2-3 months of legal review. She estimates trade could rise by 10,000-12,000 million baht, mainly through agricultural and other exports. The UAE also plans to bring investment in energy, data centres and food, and platforms to bring Thai SMEs into its market. Thai exporters to the Gulf should watch for timing, but nothing changes yet. The US tax talks are still in detail stage, with a possible signing at the November ASEAN summit.

Hat Yai flood season is back: Songkhla sets pre-emptive plan, businesses urged to prepare stock and documents Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

Songkhla's governor has ordered pumps placed at repeat flood spots and a central equipment hub, and the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce says businesses should plan now. Reservoirs are only about 28% full, so there is room to absorb rain, but river levels remain below banks. Chamber estimates Hat Yai's recovery at roughly 70-80%, with around 20% of businesses possibly unable to reopen. For a Hat Yai shop: prepare a flood plan per business, move stock, equipment and valuables to higher ground before water rises, and follow National Thai Water app and Water Chart for alerts.

Flood victims: Cabinet and BMA aid are different, so check which you qualify for and claim both Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

Two separate flood aid schemes apply in Bangkok. The Cabinet grant is a flat living allowance: 9,000 baht per household if the home was flooded for 7+ days or meets damage criteria, or 5,000 baht if surrounded by water. The BMA scheme pays by actual loss with receipts: home repairs up to 88,600 baht, tools and working capital up to 13,500 baht per family, temporary rent up to 3,000 baht a month for 2 months. Claim via the "ทางรัฐ" app or district office for the Cabinet grant, and via claim.bangkok.go.th for BMA. Gather damage evidence before filing to speed review.

Micron's Taiwan union votes to allow a strike, so memory chip prices may stay high Blognone · Oct 8, 2026

Micron's chip plant union in Taoyuan, Taiwan, voted 1,994 of 2,258 members in favour of a strike after profit-sharing talks failed. The union wants a special bonus of 83 months' salary plus 15% profit share; Micron had offered 68 months. No strike date is set yet, and a Taichung plant is also in talks. Micron is one of three main memory makers (about 24% share). For a Thai SME, this is indirect: RAM and memory supply could tighten and stay expensive, which matters if you buy computers, servers or electronics. No action is needed yet.

Draft B1,000 air departure tax opens for public comment until 29 October Bangkok Post · Oct 8, 2026

The Revenue Department has published a draft Departure Tax Act: 1,000 baht per trip for air travellers leaving Thailand, Thai and foreign alike, capped at 5,000 baht per trip, with land and sea travel exempt. Airlines or ticket agents would collect it with the fare. Penalties for evasion reach twice the tax plus 1.5% monthly surcharge. The online hearing runs to 29 October at law.go.th, and the article notes it is unclear if it will be introduced. For tour and travel businesses, this could raise fares and affect outbound and inbound demand; it is not yet law, so plan for it as a possibility rather than a cost.

Bangkok's Sai Mai district now accepts extra papers for 9,000-baht flood aid, including for homes with no house number or no lease Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

Flood relief of 9,000 baht per household (Cabinet resolution) is open via the "ทางรัฐ" app or local offices. Sai Mai district says applicants whose home has no house number need a certificate of residence for a home without a number; renters without the original lease can submit a lease or landlord certificate. Only one claim per household is allowed; duplicate claimants must cancel in writing with a copy of their ID. Forms are at the Sai Mai district office (2nd floor, Nopadol meeting room) or downloadable online. Relevant if you or your staff live in or rent in flood-hit areas, or if you're helping staff apply.

Google's free synthid.com checker can now flag AI-made photos, video and audio Techsauce · Oct 8, 2026

Google has opened synthid.com to the public for free. Upload a photo, video or audio file and it checks for an invisible watermark that AI tools such as Nano Banana, Veo and Gemini embed when they generate content. It is English-only for now. Also works inside the Gemini app, Chrome and Google Search. Limit: a "no watermark found" result does not prove a file is real, because many AI tools do not add SynthID. Useful for checking product images, fake reviews or suspicious payment-slip or ad media, but do not treat it as conclusive evidence.