Archive

Government plans to change how sin-tax earmarks flow to health and sports funds, but tax rates stay the same Prachachat · Oct 4, 2026

The government spokesperson says draft laws would change how alcohol and tobacco excise money is allocated to Thai PBS, Thai Health Promotion Foundation (สสส.), the elderly fund and the national sports fund, routing it through the national budget. Excise tax is not being cancelled, and the four bodies are not being dissolved. The drafts are still in public consultation and not in force. For a liquor, tobacco or related business, excise obligations are unchanged for now; watch for the bill's final text and any effect on sponsorships or grants tied to these funds.

Gold prices rose 50 baht today, with jewellery gold at 66,750 baht per baht-weight Prachachat · Oct 4, 2026

Thai gold association prices on 4 Oct 2026 (as of 09:02): jewellery gold sells at 66,750 baht per baht-weight, up 50 baht from the previous close, and buys back at 64,430 baht. Bar gold buys at 65,750 and sells at 65,950 baht. World spot gold is about US$4,143 per ounce. If you hold gold stock or take gold as payment, reprice against the buy-back figure, not the sell price, since the spread is about 2,300 baht on jewellery.

Q4 floods and weaker consumer spending: plan for slower sales and watch for relief measures Prachachat · Oct 4, 2026

Floods are spreading across Bangkok, its surrounding provinces and several others, with water expected to linger as upstream dam releases increase. Editorial view: households will spend on repairs to cars, homes and appliances, so year-end spending on travel and goods may be delayed or reduced, and most forecasters now expect weaker GDP in the final six months. The government is weighing whether to extend the "Thai Help Thai" payment (currently 1,000 baht for two months) to three months or raise it. SMEs already face high energy costs, loan rejections and cheap imports; plan cash flow for a softer Q4 and check whether you qualify for any flood or SME support.

Floods hit rice, cassava and rubber: prices high but output falling, so plan for tighter supply Prachachat · Oct 4, 2026

Flooding in the central plains (Ayutthaya, Kamphaeng Phet, Chainat) and in parts of the south and north is damaging rice, cassava and rubber, though total losses are not yet counted. Cassava faces mosaic-virus losses (about 2 million rai affected) and a shortage of planting stock; Thai cassava chip exports have fallen from about 3 million tonnes to under 1 million. Rubber prices are good, but wet weather is stopping tapping. Businesses buying these crops or their products should expect tighter supply and higher raw-material costs. Farmers should photograph and log flooded plots now, since official disaster-zone aid (about 2,240 baht per rai for rice) requires a formal declaration first.

Heavy rain and gusts hit northern, northeastern and central Thailand today; more rain expected 8-13 October Prachachat · Oct 4, 2026

The Thai Meteorological Department warns of thunderstorms, strong gusts and heavy rain in the north and northeast today (4 Oct), spreading to central Thailand, Bangkok and the east. Rain is forecast to increase again 8-13 Oct, with heavy to very heavy falls in some areas of the east, central region, Bangkok and the south, raising the risk of flash floods and flooding. For businesses: secure outdoor stock and equipment, plan deliveries and staff travel around the 8-13 Oct window, and check flood-prone premises. Sea waves above 2 m are expected in areas with storms, so boat operators should take care.

Diesel now 42.19 baht and B20 37.19 baht a litre; check fuel costs before pricing today Prachachat · Oct 4, 2026

Bangchak's prices for 4 Oct 2026: High Diesel S 42.19 baht/litre, B20 37.19 baht (up 0.75 baht from the previous day), Gasohol 95 40.69 baht, Gasohol 91 40.32 baht, E20 35.69 baht. Prices exclude the Bangkok local land tax and take effect at 05:00 the next day. If your fleet or delivery costs run on diesel, update your cost estimates and quotes now, and confirm prices at your local station.

Flood-hit Thai traders face price checks and egg export curbs this month Bangkok Post · Oct 4, 2026

The Commerce Ministry has ordered Department of Internal Trade staff to monitor prices and stocks at wholesalers, retailers, convenience stores, food courts and fresh markets, and to enforce the law against unjustified price rises, including on existing stock. Exporters have been asked to cut egg shipments by 30-50% or postpone them two to three weeks and submit weekly export plans for October and November. Egg farmers are asked to keep hens in cages three to five weeks longer. If you sell prepared food or eggs, avoid sudden price hikes on existing stock and expect inspections; if you export eggs, plan around the shipment cuts.

Bangkok floods cost 12.3 billion baht; politics and flood response under fire Bangkok Post · Oct 4, 2026

Five days of flooding from Sept 25–29 caused an estimated 12.283 billion baht in damage across Bangkok and 26 provinces, excluding homes, vehicles, inventory and farm output, which are still to be assessed. Analysts say there is no clear single command centre or recovery plan, and that the government said affected sois could recover within one to two weeks. For a Bangkok SME, expect slow official help and plan your own recovery: check stock and equipment insurance, keep flood-protection and drainage ready, and watch for further rain and high tides.

Floods hit 4,216 Thai businesses in 55 provinces, so check your flood plan now Bangkok Post · Oct 4, 2026

As of Friday, 4,216 businesses in 55 provinces had been hit by flooding, with preliminary damage estimated at 147.84 million baht (Industry Ministry). The government says the macro impact is under 0.1% of GDP and still expects 2-2.5% growth in 2026. For your business, the government is building a system to forecast which areas will flood three days ahead, which local authorities will use for warnings, evacuations and compensation. Sign up for local warnings, move stock and equipment off the floor, and check whether your location is in the affected provinces. The article does not describe any compensation scheme for businesses.

Chiang Mai home demand is shifting to Thai second-home buyers as foreign buyers fall and banks tighten loans Prachachat · Oct 3, 2026

Supalai, a major developer, launched a 78-rai, 1,500-million-baht house project in Bo Sang–San Kamphaeng, starting at 4.66 million baht, with pre-sales on 10–11 October 2569 (2026). It says Thai buyers, especially Bangkok second-home buyers, now drive Chiang Mai demand. Its foreign-buyer share fell by more than 50% across Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun and Lampang. Banks' loan rejection rates remain high, and developers are competing hard on price in the second half of the year. For a local SME, this points to Thai buyers and tighter mortgage access as the key demand signals, not foreign buyers.

Toyota halts four plants as floods hit parts suppliers; 5-6 more Bang Phli and Ban Pho plants may stop Prachachat · Oct 3, 2026

Floods have made Toyota suspend four plants temporarily because workers cannot reach work and parts cannot be delivered. The FTI warns 5-6 more factories in Ban Pho and Bang Phli may stop, so the bigger risk is for parts makers and suppliers down the chain. The FTI August confidence index fell to 89.7 from 90.0, and the Industrial Office says flood effects will show in September and October output. If you supply auto or electronics makers in these areas, plan for delayed orders and check on staff access and transport routes now.

Flood-hit Siam Amazing Park is shut for months and open to a sale Bangkok Post · Oct 3, 2026

Bangkok's Siam Amazing Park says flood damage is near total and initial losses exceed 500 million baht. It will stay closed for months, with restoration estimated at 3-4 months, and management is weighing a 10 billion baht sale or advance ticket sales. For most Thai SMEs this is background, but it is a reminder that flood-prone sites need pre-flood plans: stock and equipment above floor level, a staff alert process, and insurance checked for flood cover.

Bangkok drops Bueng Khu Bon–Bang Chan retention ponds as too costly Prachachat · Oct 3, 2026

Bangkok has cancelled the Bueng Khu Bon and Bang Chan flood retention pond project, now estimated at about 11,000 million baht, because it holds only about 700,000 cubic metres (about 500,000 usable). The city says Bueng Hnong Bon, which can manage roughly 5 million cubic metres and links to tunnels and main canals, is the better option for the eastern districts. For a Bangkok SME, this shifts flood-control spending toward the east-side canal and pump network, so check whether your area's drainage plans change before you commit to flood-protection works or property purchases there.

AirAsia admits cash squeeze from high jet fuel costs but says its aircraft deliveries stay on schedule The Standard Wealth · Oct 3, 2026

AirAsia's CEO admits a liquidity squeeze driven by jet fuel costs, which were up 58% in Q2, and a net loss of RM527 million for April-June. Its cash of RM954 million is among the lowest of airlines Bloomberg tracks. The group plans a refinancing of about US$500-550 million to consolidate debt and cut interest costs. For a Thai SME, the signal is that fuel-driven cost pressure is hitting even large carriers, so tight cash is a risk across travel and logistics suppliers. Watch for payment delays from transport partners and plan for slower receivables.

Flooding halts Toyota and Honda lines; auto suppliers face shortages and delivery delays this week Prachachat · Oct 3, 2026

Toyota has paused production at its Samrong, Ban Pho and Gateway plants from 5 to 10 October 2026 because flooded suppliers cannot make parts and staff cannot commute. Toyota says the dates may change and it will contact dealers about delivery delays. Honda moved its Ayutthaya and Prachinburi plant workdays from 2 to 6 October to holidays. If you supply parts, transport or services to auto plants, expect order delays and plan cash flow for them; confirm delivery dates with your customers now.

Vietnam's Q3 growth hit 9.95%, but it needs over 12% in Q4 to reach its 10% target The Standard Wealth · Oct 3, 2026

Vietnam's GDP grew 9.95% in Q3 2026 (the fastest since Covid), driven by exports and infrastructure spending. To hit its 10% full-year target, Q4 needs at least 12.5%, which the statistics office calls very challenging. Vietnam's trade deficit widened to a record on costlier energy imports linked to the Iran conflict, and inflation reached 5.08% in September. For a Thai SME, the signal is stronger Vietnamese demand and regional trade, but also higher fuel and input costs to watch in pricing and sourcing.

Flood-hit SMEs can now get up to 12 months' debt relief and emergency loans from SME D Bank Prachachat · Oct 3, 2026

As of 2 October 2026, the Ministry of Industry counted 4,216 flood-affected businesses in 55 provinces, including 4,006 SMEs, with about 147.8 million baht in initial damage; Bangkok was hardest hit. SME D Bank will offer principal and interest deferral of up to 12 months, plus emergency loans of 10% of the existing credit line (max 200,000 baht) at MLR, repayable over up to 3 years. The Department of Industrial Promotion's 50-million-baht disaster loan gives existing good borrowers a 4-month automatic deferral and a 50% monthly instalment cut for 6 months. Affected factories can call 1564 for help and big bags. Watch for the plan's formal launch details and how to apply.

Heavy rain expected 4-10 Oct, with flood compensation of 9,000-10,000 baht per household for Nakhon Sawan and southern provinces Prachachat · Oct 3, 2026

The PM warned of heavy rain and possible flash floods from 4-10 Oct, mainly in the South from Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan down to Narathiwat, with Nakhon Sawan still a concern. Households can register for relief: 9,000 baht per household under existing law, plus repair support up to 80,000 baht per person, and a new insurance scheme adding up to 10,000 baht for flood-standing homes (the article says the full scheme still needs detailed review). Death compensation is 2,000,000 baht. Owners in flood-prone areas should plan for stock and equipment protection and staff safety now, and follow evacuation orders from the provincial governor immediately.

Flood-release plans for 4-7 October: Chao Phraya low-lying fields are 69% full, so prepare stock, transport and farm-orchard exposure now Prachachat · Oct 3, 2026

The National Water Resources Office (สทนช.) says a new rain wave is expected 4-7 October. Chao Phraya lower-basin fields hold 553 million m³ (69% of plan) and the Chao Phraya dam is releasing 2,500 m³/s to lower levels before easing back to about 700 m³/s. Mae Klong releases are falling to about 1,600 m³/s. Samut Songkhram flooding threatens pomelo orchards in Bang Khanthi and Amphawa. If your premises, stock, deliveries or farms sit in Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Nakhon Sawan, Samut Songkhram or low-lying Bangkok fringe areas, check access routes and move valuables and inventory up now. Watch official alerts for Prachinburi and Chachoengsao flows too.

Flooding hits 1.52M rai of farmland; farmers can get 2% loans and cooperative debt deferrals Prachachat · Oct 3, 2026

Floods have affected about 1.52 million rai across 42 provinces (about 127,000 farmers) as of 1 October 2026. Rain is forecast again for 4-7 October in the north, central, eastern and upper southern regions, so low-lying areas stay at risk. Relief on offer: the Rubber Authority plans loans up to 50,000 baht at 2% a year and grants up to 3,000 baht per rubber farmer; cooperatives (476 across 29 provinces) are preparing debt deferral or extension. Seed, seedlings and soil-restoration support is being staged for after the water recedes. Farmers and small agri-businesses in affected areas should check damage documentation and talk to their cooperative or local agriculture office now.