Archive

Revenue Department opens comment on a 1,000-baht air departure tax, folded into ticket prices The Standard Wealth · Oct 8, 2026

The Revenue Department is taking public comment until 29 October 2026 on a draft Act that would charge every traveller of any nationality an air departure tax, starting at 1,000 baht per trip with a 5,000-baht cap. It would be built into the ticket price. Land and sea trips are exempt at first. The law would take effect 180 days after gazetting, and tickets bought before that date are not taxed. For a travel agency, tour or airline-linked business, this means ticket prices and tour quotes may rise once it takes effect. Check how your quotes and bookings would be affected. Comments can be submitted on the Revenue Department website.

Fruit and farm prices may rise next year after floods hit orchards Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

Floods from September 2026 affected 43 provinces and an estimated 1.66 million rai of farmland, including orchards in Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao and Chonburi. A columnist expects tighter farm supply and higher food prices in 2027, with El Niño adding pressure early that year. Chip shortages may also push up electronics prices. Plan ingredient and stock costs for higher prices, and consider locking supplier prices early.

Digital ad spend growth slows to 0.3% in 2026, with Meta and TikTok taking share Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

The Thai Digital Advertising Association expects 2026 digital ad spend to grow only 0.3% to about 32,339 million baht, the weakest growth in 14 years. Meta (25% share) and TikTok (24%) lead, while YouTube, LINE and web/app ads are forecast to fall 15-24%. Brands are expected to pause in October-November and spend heavily in December. For a small business, this means ad spend should go to short-form video and creators on Meta and TikTok, and budgets may be cheaper to buy in the slower months, with the December peak in mind.

Heavy rain in the South today, and more rain forecast across most of Thailand from 9-13 October Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

The Meteorological Department forecasts 60-70% rain coverage in the South today, with heavy rain in places, and flash-flood and landslide risk near hills and low-lying areas. From 9-13 October rain rises again in the East, Central region, Bangkok and the South, with heavy to very heavy falls in some spots. Sea waves over 2 metres are expected in storm areas, so boats should avoid them. For a shop or site owner: check stock and deliveries in low-lying areas, plan outdoor work and transport around the rain, and make sure goods are kept off the floor.

Diesel at Bangchak pumps hits 42.19 baht a litre; B20 is 37.19 after a 0.75 baht rise Prachachat · Oct 8, 2026

Bangchak's reference prices for 8 October: high diesel 42.19 baht, B20 diesel 37.19 baht (up 0.75 baht from the previous day), Gasohol 95 at 40.69 baht, Gasohol 91 at 40.32 baht, E20 at 35.69 baht. Prices exclude Bangkok's local land tax and take effect at 05:00 the next morning, so check your local station. For fleets and delivery vehicles, the gap between high diesel and B20 is about 5 baht a litre; budget fuel costs accordingly and check which grade your vehicles use.

Floods cut October tourism revenue 2-3% in Bangkok and nearby, so plan for a softer high season Bangkok Post · Oct 8, 2026

Between Sept 25 and Oct 5, arrivals fell 14.8% because of flooding in Bangkok and the east. TAT expects October revenue in affected areas to drop 2-3% and visitor numbers 1-2%. Short-haul markets such as South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia fell sharply, while long-haul bookings for the high season are up (UK +14.8%, France +17.1%). Riverside, floating and canal-side markets in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Kanchanaburi remain closed. If your business relies on these areas or short-haul visitors, plan for lower October sales. Government stimulus for the sector has not yet been announced; TAT is still assessing.

Floods trim October tourism revenue 2-3% in Bangkok and nearby provinces Bangkok Post · Oct 8, 2026

TAT expects October revenue in flood-hit areas (Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Kanchanaburi, plus the eastern region) to fall 2-3%, with tourist numbers down 1-2%. Arrivals from South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia fell sharply between Sept 25 and Oct 5. Riverside attractions and floating and canal-side markets remain closed. Long-haul bookings for the high season are strong (UK +14.8%, France +17.1%). Expect softer footfall in affected areas this month, and plan for a government stimulus that is not yet announced.

Oil Fuel Fund nears 100 billion baht deficit, so loans are under review Bangkok Post · Oct 8, 2026

The Energy Ministry says bank borrowing for the loss-making Oil Fuel Fund is a last resort, with the deficit approaching 100 billion baht. The fund subsidises fuel when prices spike and collects contributions from motorists when prices fall, so a future contribution hike is possible once prices drop. Any new loan needs Oil Fuel Fund Committee review and cabinet approval. The cabinet approved a 2026-29 plan on Sept 22 with clearer accounting and transparent contribution rules. Budget fuel costs with the risk of price swings from Middle East shipping disruptions in mind, but no action is needed yet.

Panel seeks to beef up flood preparedness Bangkok Post · Oct 8, 2026

Thailand's private sector and Chamber of Commerce are escalating pressure on government to accelerate flood preparedness measures. Recent floods have caused significant damage—up to 6 billion baht in industrial losses alone—affecting SMEs, agriculture, tourism, and supply chains, particularly in central and eastern regions. The panel is proposing structured interventions including a master water resource plan and warning system improvements, arguing the government underestimated flood risks and must begin preparations earlier (as early as May annually) to protect households, businesses, and investor confidence.

Experts warn Bangkok could lose a third of its area to sea by 2050 Bangkok Post · Oct 8, 2026

Water and climate experts at a Thai Journalists Association seminar warned that land subsidence of 1-2cm a year and Gulf sea-level rise could leave about a third of Bangkok permanently submerged by 2050 if water management is not overhauled. Forecasts are long-term projections, not near-term events. For a Bangkok or coastal SME, the practical signal is to check flood exposure of premises, stock and property before deciding on long-term leases, fixed investments or new sites in low-lying districts such as Bang Khun Thian, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon. Experts also flagged that the current flood response should focus on draining areas before the next high-tide cycle later this month.

Bangkok moves flood debris from Wat Bueng Thonglang to a new drop-off point at Hua Mum market Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

Bangkok authorities have temporarily stopped flood-debris drop-offs at the Wat Bueng Thonglang car park (Soi Lat Phrao 101) so crews can clear the large pile. Residents and businesses in the area should take damaged goods to the new collection point at Talad Hua Mum, Pracha Monkit Road. No fee or deadline is mentioned in the article.

Bangkok clears flood waste in Kheha Ram Klao; bins moved closer to communities Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

Bangkok is clearing flood debris in the Kheha Ram Klao community in Lat Krabang, and has set up temporary waste collection points closer to homes to cut truck travel time. The city is asking residents to carry rubbish to the designated points where they can, and says it has no clear timeline for finishing. Narrow soi block trucks, so waste is being dragged to main roads by hand. Relevant for shops and businesses in flood-hit areas: expect slow, uneven waste pickup and plan your own disposal or storage for flood debris in the meantime.

Toyota plants halted over flooded Amata Nakorn parts suppliers; check your supply chain and flood plan now The Standard Wealth · Oct 7, 2026

Toyota's three Thai plants (Samrong, Ban Pho, Gateway) stopped production from 28 September because flooded parts suppliers in Amata Nakorn phases 7-9 could not deliver. Output lost is about 30,000 vehicles; Ban Pho expected to stay down until 18 October. The Commerce Ministry is sending inspectors to Amata Nakorn, plans an upgraded government early-warning system, and says it will watch goods distribution and stop unjustified price hikes. If you supply automotive parts or sit in a flood-hit industrial estate, confirm your delivery dates with buyers and move stock and machinery early. Toyota Leasing is offering refinancing for flood-hit customers.

National disaster insurance is now paying out: up to 100,000 baht per house, 2 million baht for flood deaths Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

The National Disaster Insurance policy has been in force since 1 Oct 2026, covering floods, windstorms and earthquakes for houses nationwide (about 30 million households) through 11 insurers. Cover is up to 100,000 baht per house per event: 10,000 baht advance for floods, 5,000 baht for windstorm or earthquake, then the balance on actual damage. Death from a disaster accident pays 2 million baht; permanent total disability pays 200,000 baht. To claim, the house must be in the registered household record with the Ministry of Interior, and claims go online via ThaiNATCAT (web, LINE @ThaiNATCAT) or 02-012-5555 with a PromptPay number, house number and damage photos. Insurers aim to pay within 15 days of complete documents. Furniture is not covered. Owners in affected areas should check their house registration and start claims now.

Grab's Thai Help Thai Plus round runs 1 Oct–30 Nov 2026; restaurants on GrabFood can use its free AI merchant tool Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

Grab reports that its Thai Help Thai Plus (60/40) campaign on GrabFood passed 20 million orders, with participating restaurants' average sales more than doubling and user redemptions up over 40% on the previous round. A further round runs 1 October to 30 November 2026. Restaurant owners on GrabFood can use the GrabMerchant AI Assistant free in the merchant app to see sales, popular menus and peak order times. Grab says regular users saw 20% higher sales than non-users, but these are company-reported figures without an independent source.

Thaksin challenges Revenue Department seizure of his assets in tax court Bangkok Post · Oct 7, 2026

Former PM Thaksin told the Central Tax Court that the Revenue Department's seizure and freezing of his assets over a 17.6-billion-baht tax debt was unlawful, calling it a duplicate enforcement of income already confiscated in 2010. The tax court rules on his injunction request on November 16. This is a personal case with no direct change to tax rules, so there is nothing for a small business to act on.

Opposition moves to censure the government on 8 October, with the 400-billion-baht energy loan decree in its sights Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

The People's Party, as the lead opposition, plans to file a no-confidence motion on 8 October (moved up from 9 October), with a debate starting at 14.00. Key targets include the Bhumjaithai-linked Senate vote-rigging case, the TH:AI Passport digital programme, and the emergency decree letting the Finance Ministry borrow 400 billion baht to cope with the energy crisis and energy transition. For a small business, the practical point is the 400-billion-baht energy loan decree: it signals public borrowing aimed at energy costs, so watch for related support schemes or cost changes. The censure debate itself does not change any obligations this week.

Bangkok flood relief: 7-day rule may bend, Krungsri... Government Savings Bank to pay flood aid this week Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

Bangkok is checking about 558,000 registrations on the "ทางรัฐ" app and 57,000 damage claims on the Claim Bangkok site, focusing on Lat Krabang, Bang Kapi and Sai Mai. The national aid rule requires 7 days of flooding, which BMA cannot change alone; it is asking the Department of Disaster Prevention (ปภ.) to accept water-surrounded areas and property damage with local evidence. Government Savings Bank is to pay approved aid directly to accounts, with a target of this week. If your business was flooded, register on ทางรัฐ or Claim Bangkok, attach damage documents and photos, and check with your district office. Aid for business property is assessed case by case.

Flood-prone Thai provinces face a 30-day drain-out, so plan for prolonged disruption Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

Academics at a Rajadamnern forum say Thailand is stuck in a reactive flood-response cycle and needs long-term water management reform. The worst current zone is the Bang Pakong basin (Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok), with about 1,700 million cubic metres of standing water that may take at least 30 days to drain. Flood-risk projections for Bangkok rise to 2030 and beyond. For a small business in these areas, check flood-proofing, stock, and delivery routes now, and expect disruption in the coming weeks.

Kanchanaburi care home loses licence over beds and psychiatric patients beyond its permit Bangkok Post · Oct 7, 2026

Health authorities ordered the Sothornchai Nursing Home in Kanchanaburi closed after finding 129 beds against a 50-bed licence, about 4,300 sq m in use against 1,600 sq m licensed, and psychiatric patients admitted under a health-facility licence. The owner faces legal action. For care-home and clinic operators, the lesson is that beds, floor area and patient types must match the licence exactly, and restraints such as caged beds are not acceptable. Check your own licence scope now.