Archive

Heavy rain forecast for Central Plains and Bangkok area on Oct 11-14, prepare stock and transport plans Bangkok Post · Oct 3, 2026

Government warns of heavy rain on Oct 11-14 across the Central Plains from Nakhon Sawan southward, with rainfall possibly reaching 100 mm. Flooding persists in Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and several Bangkok roads, and Min Buri, Nong Chok, Prawet, Saphan Sung and Sai Mai may rise further. Rain also expected in the South, heaviest Oct 10-12 from Prachuap Khiri Khan to Narathiwat. For your business: plan deliveries and staff travel around flooded roads, move stock off low floors, and check supply of food and medicine since authorities are preparing essential supplies and evacuation centres.

Scam networks now move money in minutes, so SMEs should tighten payment checks and watch for mule-account red flags The Story Thailand · Oct 3, 2026

Police and the Bank of Thailand say scam money can leave the system within about 3-5 minutes of a victim's transfer, with roughly 70% gone in that window, while victims typically take around 20 hours to notice and report. Banks are now freezing a person's accounts across several banks, limiting receipts, withdrawals and new accounts for suspected mule accounts, and sharing data with the Department of Business Development on company directors and shareholders. For a business owner this means: verify unusual payment requests from staff or customers before sending, do not lend your account or let others use it for transfers or KYC, and report fraud to the bank immediately, since speed matters most.

Bangkok flood drainage ramps up before 5-8 October rains in Lat Krabang and Saphan Sung Bangkok Post · Oct 3, 2026

The BMA is adding pumps in Saphan Sung and Lat Krabang ahead of rain forecast for 5-8 October, which it says will come in intervals. Canal levels in four main canals are falling, but Khlong Prawet Burirom remains a priority. Flood barriers are more than a metre above water levels in the city. If your shop or workplace is in the eastern districts, plan for possible street flooding, blocked access and delivery delays this week, and move stock off the floor. Flood waste is being handled through district "buddy" teams.

Households get 50,000 baht solar subsidy and 2.20 baht buyback from Egat Bangkok Post · Oct 3, 2026

The government is preparing a 75 billion baht household solar scheme for 1.5 million homes, in two phases (50 billion, then 25 billion). It offers a 50,000 baht installation subsidy, a 10kW system cap, and surplus power sold to Egat at 2.20 baht per unit under a 20-year contract. Loans from GH Bank, GSB and BAAC carry 2.5% interest over about seven years. This is still a proposal, so eligibility and timing are not final. If you run a shop, farm or home-based business with a meter and suitable roof, space or pond, start checking the numbers now. Note that the article says the buyback limit is 5kW, while the system cap is 10kW.

Household solar subsidy of 50,000 baht and EGAT buyback planned for homes Bangkok Post · Oct 3, 2026

The government is preparing 75 billion baht for 1.5 million households to install rooftop, ground or floating solar, with a 50,000 baht installation subsidy per recipient. Surplus power can be sold to EGAT at 2.20 baht per unit under a 20-year contract, and concessional loans at 2.5% a year over about seven years are offered through GH Bank, GSB and BAAC. Still a proposal: phase one covers 1 million people, and the framework and eligibility are not yet final. Relevant for shop or home premises with suitable roof space, and for solar installers planning for demand.

True and NBTC announce flood relief for customers in affected areas: free 5GB data and 7-day payment extensions Prachachat · Oct 2, 2026

True Corporation, with the NBTC, has launched flood relief for customers in affected areas (True and dtac). Prepaid users get 7 extra days of validity, free 5GB for 3 days (via SMS), and an extended emergency loan until 5 Oct 2569 (2026). Postpaid users get free 5GB for 3 days and 7 extra days to pay. True Online and TrueVisions customers get 7 extra days to pay. Emergency numbers are 191, 1669 and 199 (free calls). If your staff or customers are in flood zones, check whether your mobile or internet account qualifies and contact 1242 or 1678 (24 hours).

Bangkok's governor and a former KMITL rector meet on Lat Krabang flooding; stagnant water and drainage fixes are under way Prachachat · Oct 2, 2026

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt met Suchatvee Suwansawat to share data on flooding in Lat Krabang and Rom Klao, where stagnant and foul water persists. BMA says it will speed up canal management and pumping, coordinating with the Royal Irrigation Department. If your shop or workshop is in the east of Bangkok, expect continued flood disruption and possible drainage works; no new cost, tax or permit change was announced.

Bangkok floods can shut your branches even if water never reaches your shop, so plan for supply and transport cut-offs The Standard Wealth · Oct 2, 2026

Recent Bangkok floods hit SMEs outside the water zone. KARUN lost nearly 2 million baht over one weekend after its Nawamin central kitchen and warehouse were cut off, and EMILY'S closed 10 branches and all pop-ups because suppliers and riders could not reach it. Trucks, not just water, were the bottleneck. Review where your central prep, stock and delivery routes sit, keep a few days of stock off-site, and set aside cash for fixed costs that keep running during a shutdown. Recovery was reported at about 70-80% of normal by 1 October.

New rain wave 11-14 Oct could bring about 100 mm to Bangkok and the Chao Phraya basin; plan drainage and stock now Prachachat · Oct 2, 2026

The Meteorological Department and water agencies warn of a new rain wave from 11 to 14 October 2026, with possible rainfall of about 100 mm from Nakhon Sawan southward, including Bangkok. Flooding is still present in parts of Bangkok (Lat Krabang, Min Buri, Nong Chok, Prawet and others) and several roads are closed for pumping, and the Chao Phraya is releasing about 2,500 cubic metres per second for 5-6 days. Shops and workshops in low-lying areas should move stock off the floor, secure equipment, and plan delivery routes around flooded roads. Check the official flood-relief app before claiming compensation.

Bangkok floods hit travel links, not whole-country tourism, so shift Golden Week bookings and watch airport transfers Prachachat · Oct 2, 2026

Former TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn says the Bangkok flooding (about 300-320 mm of rain over 24-27 Sep 2026) mainly disrupts travel links: roads, airport access, and flights. Tourism is not in national crisis. Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang remain open, but Thai Airways cut about 30% of flights temporarily. TAT now expects Chinese Golden Week arrivals could fall 5-10% from plan. Practical steps: for Bangkok-based tours and hotels, plan for late or cancelled transfers, and consider steering guests toward Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Samui or Pattaya. Central and eastern provinces like Chonburi and Rayong face more car-based trip losses.

Chiang Mai's RTC bus returns on Route 24 with a flat 50-baht fare and free rides from 10 October Prachachat · Oct 2, 2026

RTC is relaunching its Chiang Mai public bus service, starting with Route 24 linking the airport, Nimman, Chang Phueak, Warorot market, Tha Phae Gate and Wua Lai Road. Free rides run 10–19 October with 2 buses, rising to 3 buses on 25 October, 5 with EVs in late November, and 7 full EV-era buses in December, running 06.00–22.00. The flat fare stays at 50 baht, every 20 minutes per bus, with cashless tap-to-pay by Mastercard and QR tickets. Monthly passes are planned. Ridership target is 500–700 a day, up from under 200. Small businesses near the route, especially around Warorot and Tha Phae, may see more day visitors and workers; cashless payment is the main thing to check if you take card or QR.

Finance minister sees flood hit to GDP under 0.1%, keeps 2026 growth forecast at 2-2.5% Prachachat · Oct 2, 2026

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas says the current floods will hit the economy by less than 0.1% this year, so the Ministry of Finance keeps its 2026 GDP growth forecast at 2-2.5%. He stressed that the bigger issue is people's safety and hardship. Thailand will also host the IMF-World Bank Group meetings on 12-18 October 2026, with about 15,000 financial leaders expected. For a small business, this suggests no national policy shift from the flood alone, but local flood disruption to your own premises, stock, and deliveries is still a direct risk to plan for.

Amata City Chonburi flood still high, pumping raised to 42,500 m³/hr; SMEs in nearby estates should check flood exposure Prachachat · Oct 2, 2026

Flooding inside Amata City Chonburi is still high: Phase 8 and 9 average 60 cm, Phase 7 about 30 cm, Phase 10 about 10 cm. Pumping was raised from 34,000 to 42,500 m³/hr, and the estate is repairing damaged dykes. After water recedes, the estate authority (IEAT) and Amata will survey tenant damage to plan relief. Longer term, a retention-pond plan could add about 100 million m³ of capacity. If your business operates in or supplies to this estate, plan for possible production delays, and keep damage records and photos for any relief claim.

Bangkok opens online flood relief claims today; Saphan Sung and Lat Krabang flood-prep work under way Prachachat · Oct 2, 2026

Bangkok Governor Chadchart says rain forecast for 5-8 October 2026 is intermittent, not prolonged, but the city is pumping water from four main canals and setting up pumps in Saphan Sung and Lat Krabang. Bangkok is opening an online flood-relief application today (evening), covering buildings, household goods, main-residence rent and injuries; documents and photo evidence can be uploaded in one step. Owners in affected districts should prepare photos of damage and documents now. Those who cannot use the online system can still file in person at their district office. Check the official Bangkok Facebook page for the link and criteria.

Bangkok's Khu Bon retention pond dropped from the city plan, opening land to housing Prachachat · Oct 2, 2026

Bangkok's draft revised city plan (version 4) is open for public comment for 90 days, from 10 August to 9 November 2026. It removes six flood-retention basins, including Khu Bon, which was once a designated flood buffer for the east. Part of the land belongs to a property developer. For SMEs in property, construction or land-related trades in eastern Bangkok, this signals which zones may be rezoned for housing. Check the draft zoning for any land you own, rent or plan to buy, and submit comments before 9 November if it affects you.

Flooded vehicle? Check your policy and notify your insurer before starting the engine Bangkok Post · Oct 2, 2026

The Office of Insurance Commission has set five flood-damage levels for combustion-engine vehicles, based on how high water reached (floor carpet: 8,000-10,000 baht; fully submerged: possible total loss). Do not start a flooded vehicle. Once safe, photograph the interior and exterior with water marks, then notify your insurer with policy details, registration number and location. Type 1 motor insurance covers flood; Type 2+ and 3+ holders should check for flood add-ons. Insurers must pay clear claims within seven days. OIC hotline 1186 runs 24 hours through Oct 5. For EVs, battery damage must also be assessed. Owners of commercial vehicles and delivery vans should act on this now.

Toyota halts three Thai plants for 5 days on flood-hit parts supply, so expect delivery shifts Prachachat · Oct 2, 2026

Toyota Motor Thailand has paused production at its Samrong, Ban Pho and Gateway plants from 5 to 10 October 2569 (2026) because floods in Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao and Chonburi are disrupting parts deliveries. The company says the dates may change and that it will contact dealers and customers if delivery dates are affected. For SME owners in automotive supply chains, flood-hit parts routes and production stoppages can hit orders and cash flow this week. Check parts and delivery schedules with your Toyota-linked customers and suppliers now.

Bangkok Bank ends Bualuang iBanking on 15 Dec 2026; move your business to the mobile app and reset scheduled payments Prachachat · Oct 2, 2026

Bangkok Bank is shutting down the Bualuang iBanking internet banking service from 15 Dec 2026. Scheduled (future-dated) transfers and payments set up there will be cancelled automatically from that date, and the scheduled-payment feature on iBanking stops from 1 Nov 2026. Before then, switch your company's transfers and payments to the Bangkok Bank mobile app, re-create every scheduled payment there, and check that users can log in (Mobile PIN, or a Temp PIN from a branch or ATM). Non-app users can register with their debit card; if details are out of date, visit a branch with your ID or passport.

Thai Airways suspends CEO after flood-hit baggage and flight delays, names acting chief The Standard Wealth · Oct 2, 2026

Thai Airways' board suspended CEO Chai Iamsiri and named finance executive Samrit Samniang, 62, as acting CEO effective 2 October. The move follows flood disruption from 26-28 September that left ground handling staff unable to get to work, more than 10,000 bags backlogged, several delayed flights, and possible spillover into air cargo. For an SME, the direct impact is limited: watch for possible delays or cargo handling problems if you ship via THAI, and check flight schedules before time-sensitive shipments.

Klong Toei relocation talks stay open, no forced moves for now Prachachat · Oct 2, 2026

Transport Minister Phipat visited 26 Klong Toei communities on 2 October 2026 and said no decision has been made on moving the Klong Toei port, or whether any move would be full or partial. Development will proceed only if more than half of residents agree, and no one will be forced out. The "community title deed" idea will go to the Prime Minister for review. For Klong Toei businesses and port-linked operators, nothing changes yet, but watch for the community survey results.