Archive

GSB opens flood relief: 3-month principal and interest holiday, and SME loans up to 5 million baht for flood-hit businesses Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

If your business or home is in a flood-declared zone (ปภ. announcement), GSB will offer a 3-month principal and interest holiday; interest during the period is waived, and the deferred principal is added to the final installment. Eligible businesses can apply for emergency loans up to 20,000 baht (0% for 3 months, then 0.60% flat per month), business recovery loans up to 300,000 baht guaranteed by SME Guarantee Corp (0.70% flat per month, about 15% effective), or SME flood-relief loans up to 5 million baht (0% for 6 months, then MLR-based). Check eligibility at GSB branches or call 1115; the bank will notify eligible customers by SMS or letter. Large-business loans are excluded.

Wholesale vegetable prices start falling at Si Mum Mueang market after rain-hit supply Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

The Department of Internal Trade is bringing in replacement produce from Nakhon Pathom, Phetchabun, Lopburi and Nakhon Ratchasima after heavy rain flooded farms. On 7 Oct 2026 at Si Mum Mueang wholesale, cabbage fell from 12 to 8 baht/kg, green chilli from 70 to 45, morning glory from 100 to 80, spring onion from 150 to 130, and holy basil from 170 to 160. If you buy vegetables in bulk, expect input costs to ease for now, but the department says prices still depend on weather and transport, so do not lock in long-term assumptions. Vendors are asked to display prices and use accurate scales; report unfair pricing to hotline 1569.

Bangkok lists its flood-retention ponds and reservoirs, with 38 sites holding about 13.7 million cubic metres Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

Bangkok says 38 retention ponds and reservoirs now hold about 13.71 million cubic metres of floodwater: 35 on the east side (7.68 million m3) and 3 on the west bank (6.03 million m3). More capacity is due in 2026 (38,000 m3) and 2027 (162,000 m3). Two planned sites, Khlong Khu Bon and Khlong Bang Chan, were dropped after public hearings were not held and land values rose. If your shop, warehouse or factory sits near a flood-prone area, check the list for ponds near you and plan for drainage and stock protection during the rainy season.

National disaster insurance is now live, and Lamphun flood claims are open for registration Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

The National Disaster Insurance scheme took effect on 1 October and was first used in Lamphun after flash floods on 5 October hit 4 villages (225 households). Claims can be filed online or by walk-in, with help from the district office and the Thai General Insurance Association. For a small business in a flood-prone area, check whether your premises or stock fall under the scheme and keep photos, receipts and damage records ready. Details of eligibility and coverage limits were not in the article.

Oil fund is ฿100bn in the red and may need to borrow; fuel prices unlikely to fall back to pre-war levels Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

The Energy Ministry says the fuel fund is about 100 billion baht negative but has not yet borrowed; it is looking at a possible excise tax cut to help. A new 2026-2029 fund strategy, approved by cabinet on 22 September 2026, sets separate accounts for oil and LPG and a petrol-diesel price gap, and it is reviving biofuel subsidies. Ministry officials expect fuel prices will not return to pre-war levels soon, so budget fuel and transport costs on the high side and watch for pump price changes if the fund borrows or the excise cut goes through.

Cabinet approves double tax deduction for domestic trade-fair and exhibition costs through 31 Dec 2027 Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

The cabinet approved in principle a draft royal decree letting companies and partnerships deduct 2x the actual cost of renting space or paying fees for booths, exhibitions and trade shows held in Thailand, valid until 31 December 2027 (2570). Companies must obtain a letter from the event organiser confirming attendance and follow Revenue Department rules still to be issued. A similar scheme ran in 2022 and ended 31 December 2022. If you sell at domestic fairs, budget for these costs now and keep organiser certificates. The draft still needs legal review before taking effect, so confirm the final rules with your accountant.

Bangkok warns of near-full water levels and rain on 10–13 October, so Bangkok SMEs should prepare now Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

Bangkok says water levels remain near full ("น้ำปริ่ม"), with the east side (Lat Krabang, Chachoengsao link, Prawet/Bang Kapi/Lat Phrao canals) most vulnerable. Rain of 10–13 October could exceed the city's normal capacity of about 60–70 mm, causing flooding faster than usual. Residents in risk areas are told not to bring items raised to high ground back down yet. For a shop or workshop in flood-prone districts, move stock off the floor, check pumps and drainage, and plan for slow drainage. The city will issue event-based warnings when water rises locally, so watch for alerts and report overflowing drains to the city.

Thai-EU FTA enters final round, with market access and policy issues still open Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

The 10th round of Thai-EU FTA talks (28 Sep-6 Oct, Phuket) finished the text chapters on SPS, initial provisions, energy and raw materials, and rules of origin. Goods, services, investment and government procurement remain open, and both sides still target conclusion within 2026. EU is Thailand's 4th-largest trading partner (2025 trade about US$45 billion). For most SMEs this is not a change yet; watch for tariff and rules-of-origin details if you export to or import from the EU, especially in computers, jewellery, air-conditioning, rubber and electrical transformers.

Google halves Nano Banana image AI prices; old version shuts 29 October 2026 Techsauce · Oct 7, 2026

Google released Nano Banana 2.1, an AI image model, at half the previous price, with batch jobs (results within 24 hours) costing about half that again, under 60 satang per image. If your business uses Nano Banana 2 through the Gemini API or an app built on it, Google will shut that version on 29 October 2026, so plan the switch to gemini-nano-banana-2.1 now. The model is also live in Gemini App, Google Search AI Mode, Google Ads and other Google tools. Google says it adds text in images (infographics, charts) about 3x more accurately. Check whether your vendor or app uses the old model and whether it will migrate.

Chamber of Commerce raises 2026 GDP forecast to 2.1-2.5%, warns floods are now a structural risk Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

The joint private-sector committee (กกร.) raised its 2026 GDP forecast to 2.1-2.5% (from 1.6-2.0%) and its export growth forecast to 12-16% (from 8-10%); inflation stays at 2.5-3.0%. It warns floods now cost the state roughly 50,000-60,000 million baht a year in relief and hit SMEs, farms, factories and tourism, and it will push for private-sector seats on the water committee and an early-warning system. Brent crude rose from $95 to $102 in September, and Thai long-term bond yields rose with the US 30-year near 5%, so expect higher borrowing costs and some baht weakening risk. For planning: budget for higher energy and loan costs, and prepare flood contingency for your site and supply chain.

Flood warning for western provinces this weekend: check stock, deliveries and premises in Mae Klong basin Bangkok Post · Oct 7, 2026

The government warns of heavy rain from Saturday to Monday in Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram, where local dams must release water. Floodwater is still in 28 provinces including Bangkok, affecting 1.15 million households, and 60 deaths have been recorded since Sept 16. Flooding is serious in Chachoengsao and Prachin Buri, and three Bangkok roads (Chalong Krung, Lat Krabang, Suwinthawong) were flooded 10-30 cm. For a business, this means moving stock off low floors, planning alternative delivery routes, and checking whether staff and customers can reach your premises.

GSB flood relief: 3-month loan repayment holiday and 0% repair loans for flood-hit SMEs Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

GSB (Government Savings Bank) is offering flood-affected borrowers in declared disaster zones (per the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation list) a 3-month principal and interest holiday, with interest waived during the period. Deferred principal is added to the final instalment. Business recovery options: up to 20,000 baht emergency loan, 0% for 3 months then 0.60% flat per month, no collateral; up to 300,000 baht small business recovery loan guaranteed by SME Guarantee Corp (BSY), 0.70% flat per month (about 15% effective p.a.), up to 7 years; up to 5 million baht SME relief loan, 0% for 6 months, then MLR-based rates. Existing loans outside the exclusions (e.g. large business, Soft Loan, PSA) may qualify. Contact any GSB branch or call 1115 to opt in or out. Check eligibility and SMS notices.

PM orders faster flood relief payouts and southern rain preparation, with food and drinking water supply chains at risk Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

The PM told the Interior Ministry and provincial governors to speed up surveys and transfer flood compensation via Government Savings Bank; over 10,000 households have been paid so far. Rain is now reaching southern Thailand, and roads may be cut, so food, raw materials and drinking water should be stocked ahead of time. Flooding in Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao and surrounding Bangkok-area provinces is still ongoing. For a business in flood-hit or southern provinces: plan stock buffers and delivery routes now, and check whether your shop or staff qualify for relief.

Heavy rain forecast for 9-12 October in the east, central plains, Bangkok and the south; flood-prone areas to watch Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

The National Water Resources Office cut Chao Phraya Dam releases from 2,500 to 2,400 cubic metres per second and expects heavier rain on 9-12 October in the east, central region, Bangkok and vicinity, and the south. Chachoengsao (Bang Pakong basin) and the Pasak and Kaeng Krachan dams are under watch. For businesses in these areas, move stock off low ground, check drainage and pumps, and plan for road and delivery delays. Fish-cage farmers downstream face the most direct impact from release changes.

Flood-hit eastern pig farms rush sales, pushing live pig prices below 70 baht Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

Floods in Chachoengsao and Prachinburi have pushed grow-out pig farmers to sell early, lifting market supply. Live pig prices fell from 74-76 baht to about 66-69 baht. Expect soft prices for 1-2 weeks, and watch for disease after the water recedes and delayed restocking. Recovery is expected to take about a month. The official damage survey and any compensation are not yet announced. The industry association meets on 12 October. If you buy pork or feed, or sell into the pig chain, plan for price swings this month.

Crude oil prices rise again as Iran steps up attacks, with Hormuz exports still below pre-conflict levels Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

Brent rose to about US$100.58 and West Texas to about US$89.44 per barrel on 6 Oct 2026 after UKMTO reported 9 attacks on shipping lanes in the conflict zone in Oct. Middle East exports are around 16.5 million barrels/day, but only about 60% pass the Strait of Hormuz versus 83% before the conflict. Aramco's CEO says global inventories have fallen from about 10bn to under 6bn barrels, with only about 10% immediately usable, so the market stays fragile. For a Thai SME, expect continued pressure on diesel and fuel costs, transport and energy surcharges; review fuel budgets and pricing with suppliers now.

Gold prices hold flat on 7 Oct 2026: bars sell at 66,100 baht, jewellery at 66,900 baht Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

Gold Traders Association prices at 09:06 on 7 Oct 2026 are unchanged from the previous close. Gold bars: buy 65,900 baht, sell 66,100 baht per baht-weight. Jewellery (96.5%): buy-back 64,581.60 baht, sell 66,900 baht. World spot is US$4,146 per ounce. For a shop that buys or sells gold, the spread between buy-back and sell price (about 2,300 baht on jewellery) is the margin to watch when pricing.

Baht opens at 33.62 per dollar on 7 Oct 2026 as oil falls and US yields ease Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

The baht opened at 33.62 per USD, slightly stronger than the previous close of 33.64. The dollar weakened as Brent fell below $99 and WTI below $89, after higher Middle East exports and G7 reserve releases. Analysts expect a 33.50-33.80 range over the next 24 hours. Watch the Fed minutes due Wednesday, and Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's remarks on 16 Oct during the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok (12-18 Oct), before the Fed blackout starting 17 Oct. Foreign investors net sold Thai stocks worth 2,491.6 million baht the previous day. For an importer or exporter, this is a short-term move; no action needed yet unless you have large dollar payments due in the next few weeks.

Houthis threaten Red Sea shipping, a second chokepoint after Hormuz, so expect higher fuel and freight costs Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

The Houthis have seized more territory near Bab el-Mandeb and declared ships linked to Israel legitimate targets, on top of the Hormuz disruption. The article says Red Sea shipping carries about 12-15% of global cargo and that continued disruption would delay supply chains and push prices up. For a Thai SME, plan for higher fuel, freight and imported-input costs, and for slower delivery of imported parts, fertiliser and raw materials. The article gives no specific baht or pump-price figures.

Diesel at Bangchak stations is 42.19 baht a litre today, B20 37.19 Prachachat · Oct 7, 2026

Bangchak's prices for 7 Oct 2026: high-diesel S 42.19 baht/litre, B20 37.19 (up 0.75 baht from the previous day), gasohol 95 40.69, gasohol 91 40.32. Prices exclude the Bangkok local-area tax and tomorrow's prices take effect at 05:00. Check fuel costs in your budget and confirm at your own station, as prices change daily.