Archive

Krungsri Research sees flood losses at 0.1-0.2% of GDP, with household debt and weak spending the bigger risk for your sales Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

Krungsri Research estimates Bangkok and vicinity flood losses since late September at THB 17-39 billion, or 0.1-0.2% of GDP, assuming the situation does not worsen. Physical damage to assets is put at 0.6-0.8% of capital stock in Bangkok and its vicinity. The bank expects private consumption to slow because household debt remains high and purchasing power is fragile. Exports and private investment are the main support, with August private consumption index up 3.7% y/y, driven by car sales. For a Thai SME, this suggests planning for softer domestic demand into the coming months and checking exposure to flood-hit Bangkok supply chains. The US Fed is expected to hold rates at its 27-28 October meeting.

Honda and Yamaha offer free motorbike checks and labour for flood-hit riders until 9–15 October 2026 Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

Honda and Yamaha are running flood-relief programmes for motorbike owners. Honda offers 10-point free checks, free labour and free engine and gear oil at 4 central sites and dealer networks in 18 provinces, running to 15 October 2569 (2026); Honda's central sites run 1–9 October. Yamaha's free 10-point check runs to 6 October at participating centres. If your delivery riders or customers have flood-damaged bikes, check the nearest participating dealer. Fleet owners may also want to plan vehicle repairs and downtime around these dates.

Honda and Yamaha offer free motorbike checks and free labour after floods, through 9-15 October 2026 Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

Honda (Thai Honda) and Yamaha (Thai Yamaha Motor) are running flood-relief programmes for motorbike owners. Honda: free 10-item safety check and free labour at 4 central hubs (Ramkhamhaeng, Samrong, Lat Krabang, BigWing Learn Duan-Ramindra) on 1-9 Oct 2569, plus partner dealers in 18 provinces with free checks, labour and engine oil and gear oil until 15 Oct 2569 (queue closes 17.00). Yamaha: free 10-item check at Yamaha Premium Service Srinakarin and participating dealers, until 6 Oct 2569, with repairs assessed per vehicle. If your delivery riders or staff use Honda or Yamaha bikes in flood-hit areas, send them to these services now to cut repair costs and get back to work.

NBTC board infighting leaves regulator stalled for two months Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

The NBTC (broadcast and telecom regulator) has been without a working quorum for about two months after its chairman's qualifications were challenged. A special board meeting on 2 Oct 2026 went ahead with six board members, but the secretariat did not prepare the room or papers, and only five "for-noting" items were discussed. The next special meeting is set for 8 Oct, with the digital TV roadmap among the pending items. For a small business, this is background: pending licences, digital TV rules and spectrum decisions may be delayed, so avoid committing to plans that depend on an NBTC approval until the board is stable.

Chanthaburi irrigation says it did not open all dam gates at once, as heavy rain overflowed spillways Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

Chanthaburi's irrigation office denies rumours that it opened all reservoir gates at 100% and caused the flood. It says 24-27 September rain (332.4 mm in Kaeng Hang Maeo) pushed 210.91 million cubic metres into seven reservoirs, forcing overflow. Officials plan to hold back water for a possible Super El Niño drought next year, and to build bypass channels and retention ponds. For durian orchard and shop owners in Chanthaburi, expect water-release decisions to be cautious, and plan for both flood and drought risk.

Egg exports cut 30-50% until December 2026 as floods kill 3 million hens Bangkok Post · Oct 6, 2026

The Commerce Ministry has asked firms to cut egg exports by 30% to 50% until December 2026 after floods in Chachoengsao killed about 3 million laying hens. The department also asked the Egg Producers Association and major farms to hold the farm-gate price at 4 baht per egg, and asked egg collectors to source from unaffected areas and cooperate on prices. Egg supply is tight, so expect sourcing changes and price pressure on retail and food businesses. The Finance Ministry puts the overall economic impact below 0.1%.

ZEEKR says flood-damaged EV caught fire at its Srinakarin showroom, cause under investigation Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

A ZEEKR EV caught fire at its ZEEKR House showroom in Srinakarin on 6 Oct 2026. The company says the car was flood-damaged and awaiting repair, and no one was hurt. The cause is still under investigation and the company will update when it has clear findings. For a Thai SME owner, the practical point is the risk from flood-damaged vehicles waiting in yards or workshops: check and isolate water-damaged cars, and keep them away from people and buildings.

Samut Songkhram added to Cabinet's disaster zones, opening flood relief funds Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

The Cabinet on 6 October 2026 added Samut Songkhram province to the disaster zones declared on 29 September after flooding, on top of a budget of about 4.7 billion baht already approved. If your business operates in Samut Songkhram or was hit by the floods, check whether you qualify for relief and recovery support. Keep records of flood damage (photos, receipts, stock lost) in case you need them for claims. The article does not specify the relief terms or application process.

Budget calendar for FY2028 adds public consultation from late October, with business groups invited Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

The Budget Bureau has proposed the FY2571 (2028) budget calendar to the cabinet. A new "pre budget consultation" step opens in late October, inviting ruling and opposition parties, the three private-sector bodies (including the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking), academics and the public before agencies submit requests. Agencies also get 2-3 more months to prepare line items. For an SME owner this is background: if your trade association sits on the private-sector panel, it is a channel to raise budget priorities such as SME support. No action is required now.

September inflation hits 2.82% and the Commerce Ministry lifts its 2026 forecast to 1.8-2.2%, with energy the main driver Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

The Commerce Ministry's trade policy office reports September 2026 consumer prices up 2.82% year on year, driven by domestic fuel prices that stay high, plus processed food and fresh food. It now expects 2026 inflation at 1.8-2.2% (previously 1.5-2.5%), with energy contributing over 60% of the rise. Flooding is estimated to add only about 0.1%, mainly through leafy vegetables. For the Q4 outlook, watch fuel costs, fresh-vegetable prices and demand ahead of the vegetarian festival. Plan for input costs, especially energy and transport, to stay elevated through the rest of the year.

Thailand and US aim to sign tariff deal in November, during Trump's Asia visit Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

The PM told the cabinet that US President Donald Trump sent a letter hoping to sign a US tariff agreement with Thailand soon, ideally during his Asia trip in November. Commerce Minister Supajee Suthumpun has been asked to finish the last stage of negotiations. The article gives no tariff rates or terms, so exporters should watch for the signing and its details before changing prices or sourcing plans.

Floods shift south as monsoon arrives; plan for drainage and supply disruption Bangkok Post · Oct 6, 2026

Floods still affect about 3.14 million people across the North, Central Plains and East, with receding water in Uthai Thani, Lop Buri, Kanchanaburi, Saraburi and Nakhon Pathom, but rising levels in Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram. Chachoengsao and Prachin Buri still have slow drainage and polluted stagnant water. The government says the southern provinces are preparing for heavy monsoon rain. If your business is in or supplies these areas, check stock, premises and delivery routes now. Flood-victim compensation registration has passed 1.2 million people, so eligible businesses and households should check registration with officials.

Flood-damaged schools may get repair funds; small firms in affected provinces can expect some school repair work Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

The Education Minister says a survey found 1,096 schools damaged by flooding across 34 provinces, both state and private. Schools can apply for central repair funds. About 23 million baht has already been approved for roughly 200 education areas, but the minister says it is not enough, so a bigger budget request is being prepared. No total damage figure yet. For builders, repair contractors and suppliers in the flood provinces, school repair work may come up over the closure period, but the budget is not yet approved.

Cabinet meeting moved to 14 Oct as flood relief gets priority; vehicle towing and repair steps eased Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

The PM told cabinet to speed up flood relief across the country. Transport ministry will help lift submerged vehicles, and the education ministry will help with flood-damaged vehicle repairs, with simpler claim procedures. Cabinet moves to Wed 14 Oct because of the IMF-World Bank meetings (12-18 Oct), which bring a Bangkok public holiday. If your business is in a flood area, check whether vehicle or repair support applies to your fleet, and expect slower government approvals next week.

Flood-hit pig farms in Prachinburi can claim compensation from the Livestock Department Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

About 2,000 pigs drowned in a sudden flood at farms in Mueang Prachinburi. The Livestock Department is clearing carcasses (about 1,400 expected on the day, all within about a day if no new storm) and surveying losses for compensation under the emergency disaster relief rules. Farmers or residents with animal carcasses or livestock needs can contact the district livestock office or report via the DLD 4.0 app, open 24 hours. Affected farms should document losses now so they can claim.

Prolonged floods could push damage to 29,500 million baht, mainly hitting services; GDP forecast unchanged Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

The Thai Chamber of Commerce University estimates the September-October 2026 floods will cost about 22,500 million baht in the base case, rising to 29,500 million if they drag on. Services bear the most (about 15,000 million), through lower spending, travel, restaurants and transport. Industry takes about 6,400 million, mostly from logistics and temporary plant stoppages; only one of 68 industrial estates was hit, in part. Bangkok and its vicinity are hardest hit. For a small business in affected provinces, expect weaker customer traffic and delivery disruption while water remains; the GDP outlook of 2.2-2.5% is unchanged.

Suvarnabhumi air cargo congestion gets a government task force and a 3-phase fix Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

The Thai Chamber of Commerce proposed a three-phase plan for Suvarnabhumi air cargo congestion, and the Transport Ministry has set up a working group led by its permanent secretary. Near-term (0-6 months) measures target X-ray screening capacity and warehouse space, with pre-screening at origin and a third cargo warehouse planned for the long term (2+ years). Air-freight trade was about 5.53 trillion baht in Jan-Jul 2026, of which about 2.42 trillion baht was exports. For exporters using air freight, expect possible delays and cargo backlogs in the short term. Embargo at Thai Airways was lifted on 30 September. No deadlines or cost changes were announced.

Vegetarian festival spending hits 46,913m baht, up 2.2%, but fewer people are abstaining Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

The UTCC forecasts Vegetarian Festival spending of 46,913m baht in 2026, up 2.2% from 2025, with average spend per person up 7% to 5,576 baht. Only 32% of people plan to abstain, the lowest in 11 years, so volume is flat or down while prices rise. Survey: 49.8% of consumers plan similar spending and 17.2% plan to spend less. Plan for higher ingredient costs and flat-to-lower customer counts, and consider plant-protein menu items, since health-driven demand is cited. 62% of surveyed SMEs said the Thai Chuay Thai Plus scheme would support sales of vegetarian food.

Flood relief payments start for 611 households in Sa Kaeo and Krabi, transfers due 8 October Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

The Interior Ministry's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has started flood relief transfers under the 29 September cabinet resolution. The first batch covers 611 households: 594 in Sa Kaeo and 17 in Krabi, paid through Government Savings Bank and expected in accounts on the morning of Thursday 8 October. For a business in those provinces, this matters if you employ or serve affected households, or if you are waiting on your own flood claims. The article also says the Meteorological Department's director-general nomination is still moving through the cabinet secretariat, which is unlikely to affect SME operations directly.

Factory in Prachinburi shut down after oil sheen spilled into flood water; regulator says no toxins found Prachachat · Oct 6, 2026

The Industry Ministry ordered a Si Maha Phot, Prachinburi industrial plant to halt operations under Section 39 after oil residue spread with flood water. Authorities say preliminary tests show only oil, no other toxins, but residents are told to avoid contact and wash off any exposure. The order also bars bringing waste materials into the plant and requires dike, landfill and waste-water fixes before restart. For Thai SMEs in flood-hit areas, this signals tighter enforcement on waste storage and flood-period controls, so check your own containment and waste handling now.