Archive

Indian certificate authority eMudhra's private keys leaked, browsers dropping its certificates Blognone · 2d ago

Apple, Google, Microsoft, Mozilla and Canonical have removed eMudhra's certificates from their trust stores after its intermediate CA private key was reportedly compromised. Websites using eMudhra-issued certificates may stop loading in these browsers. Check whether your website, e-invoice, e-signature or vendor portal uses an eMudhra certificate (mainly relevant if you deal with Indian partners or software), and ask your web host or IT provider to confirm. Chrome says no fake certificates were found in Certificate Transparency logs so far; the cause is not yet known.

Kasetsart academics propose flood early-warning reforms and radar forecasting for the government Prachachat · 2d ago

Kasetsart University researchers are preparing policy recommendations to the government and the National Water Resources Office on flood warnings. Their Radar4Flood tool gave 6–14 hours' notice of overbank flooding in a Rayong pilot, but the proposals are still academic and nothing is in force. For a Thai SME, the practical point is to watch local flood alerts in areas where you operate, sign up for official warnings, and plan stock and staff moves around them. Forecasts carry uncertainty, so keep a flood plan regardless.

Krungsri's nine-month profit rose 3.9%, but SME and small-retail lending shrank Prachachat · 2d ago

Krungsri reported 9-month 2026 net profit of 25,572 million baht, up 3.9%, with NPL down to 3.19%. But loans to mid-sized and small business and domestic retail customers shrank, while large corporates and ASEAN lending grew 6.5% and 7.7%. For an SME owner, this signals that banks are prioritising big corporates, so expect tighter or costlier credit for smaller firms. Krungsri also expects Thai GDP growth of 2.1% in 2026, with a slow recovery and fragile household spending.

Bangkok Bank's 9-month profit falls as lower rates squeeze interest income Prachachat · 2d ago

Bangkok Bank reported 9-month 2026 net profit of 29,981 million baht, down year on year, mainly because it cut lending rates to support the economy. Net interest margin was 2.47%, loans grew 3.2% since year-end, and deposits rose 0.8%. The bank says private consumption is weak and food and energy costs are rising. For an SME, the takeaway is that cheaper loans are a lever to negotiate with your bank now, while credit quality is being judged carefully and fiscal support is limited.

Scientists say warming is speeding up, and COP31 talks start 9 November Bangkok Post · 2d ago

Climate scientist Johan Rockström says the world will pass 1.5°C of warming within a few years and that some ecosystems are near tipping points. He advises companies to treat climate and nature as one agenda, prioritising decarbonisation plus biodiversity and freshwater projects. The EU has also weakened its 2035 car CO2 target, from 90% to 87.5% with a 7.5% steel-based top-up. For a Thai SME this is background: no immediate cost or rule change, but export buyers in Europe may ask about low-carbon practices.

Bangkok flood relief: about 40% of 1 million claims approved, with SMS site-visit appointments from 22-23 October Prachachat · 2d ago

Bangkok has approved roughly 40% of about 1 million flood-relief claims filed through the state app, and expects to reach 70% within a week. About 60% of claims are in the yellow group needing extra documents or checks, and about 10% are ineligible (for example, government housing residents) and under appeal. Site-visit appointments will be sent by SMS to the phone number registered at claim.bangkok.go.th, starting around 22-23 October 2026, and may shift. If you filed a claim, confirm the registered phone number is correct and keep damage evidence and lease or residence documents ready. Claims that overstate units or occupants can lead to legal action and repayment.

Flood relief loans and debt deferrals now open for affected Thai businesses, 2026 package Prachachat · 2d ago

The Finance Ministry and state banks (GSB, SME Bank, BAAC, Krungthai-linked SFIs) launched a flood relief package for 2026. Businesses hit by floods can get: debt principal and/or interest deferral for up to 6 months; SME loans up to 5 million baht at 0 to 3.25% a year for up to 7 years (SME Bank, GSB, Islamic Bank); temporary working-capital loans up to 2 million baht from GSB; and waived guarantee fees for businesses backed by BAK (credit guarantee corporation). Check with your bank now, since the package covers a flood that began in September 2026 and the details for each lender still need confirming.

Diesel B7 and benzine rise 60 satang a litre from 21 October; plan fuel and transport costs now Prachachat · 2d ago

The Fuel Fund Committee (กบน.) approved retail increases of 60 satang per litre for diesel B7, gasohol E10 95/91 and benzene, effective 21 October 2026. Retail prices: B7 43.54 baht/litre, benzine 51.03 baht/litre, gasohol 95 42.04 baht/litre, gasohol 91 41.67 baht/litre. B20, E20 and E85 prices are unchanged. The cause is Middle East supply disruption and high global diesel prices, which put the fund under pressure of about 229 million baht a day in compensation. Fleet and delivery operators should reprice quotes and fuel budgets from 21 October. The authorities are asking people to use fuel only when necessary.

EXIM Bank flood loans: up to 100,000 baht at a fixed 2% for affected businesses Prachachat · 2d ago

EXIM Bank's "emergency top-up" loan for flood-hit businesses: up to 100,000 baht, 2-year term, fixed 2% a year, with interest-only repayment for up to 12 months. No collateral is needed; a personal guarantor is required. The money is meant for repairs, buying raw materials and replacing damaged assets. The bank also offers debt rescheduling, term extensions and interest relief. The article does not state an application deadline, so check with EXIM Bank directly about eligibility and how to apply, especially if your area was affected by the floods.

Rabbit card now works in Samsung Wallet for BTS, MRT and Chao Phraya boats The Story Thailand · 2d ago

Samsung Wallet now holds a Rabbit Virtual Card on supported Galaxy phones, for BTS, two MRT lines, BRT and boat tickets, rolling out 20-26 October 2025 (Buddhist year 2568). Phones must meet the listed software requirements (One UI 8, Android 16 or later), so check your model. Staff and customers who commute by rail can tap without opening the phone, and it still works for about 4-5 hours after the battery dies. A 20-baht promotion for the first 10,000 cards runs 1 November to 31 December 2026 (Buddhist year 2569), with a refund of the fare above 20 baht. Registration is via LINE or SMS and costs 3 baht per SMS.

Malaysia says no bailout yet for AirAsia as fuel costs bite Prachachat · 2d ago

Malaysia's PM told parliament no financial support deal exists yet for AirAsia, whose shares fell as much as 5.5% to a near four-year low. AirAsia has no fuel hedging, posted losses for two straight quarters, and is restructuring US$1bn of debt. For Thai SMEs, the signal is that fuel-driven cost pressure is hitting regional carriers hard. Expect pricier air freight and travel, and watch for fare or route changes on budget flights. No direct action needed.

Thai-Cambodia maritime talks restart under UNCLOS mediation, but no trade rules change yet Prachachat · 2d ago

The UN law-of-the-sea mediation panel (PCA) said Thailand and Cambodia met in The Hague on 14-18 October and agreed six confidence-building measures, including limiting public statements and keeping the status quo at sea. Diplomatic ties were downgraded in July 2025 and both sides are urged to restore envoys. For a small business, nothing changes in trade, permits or costs this quarter. Watch for any reopening of border crossings or trade, which would be the real signal.

Chinese arrivals may fall further after kidnapping warnings, so plan for softer tourism demand The Standard Wealth · 2d ago

The Chinese embassy warned its citizens on 16 October 2026 about kidnapping and job-scam risks in Thailand after several incidents. ATTA had already cut its 2026 Chinese arrivals forecast to about 7 million from 9 million. The Thai Chamber of Commerce's tourism council (TCT) is proposing 8 urgent measures, including a Thai-Chinese safety coordination mechanism, and warns that social media spreads these stories quickly. For tour operators, hotels and shops that rely on Chinese guests, plan for slower bookings this quarter. Only use licensed transport and approved guides, and check the official measures when they are announced.

After floodwater recedes, don't restart farm machinery until it's been checked Prachachat · 2d ago

The Department of Agricultural Extension advises farmers not to start engines or machinery flooded by rain and floods until they are inspected and cleaned. Water in the cylinders can break connecting rods. Key steps: clean mud, replace wet paper air filters, drain and refill oil and fuel, dry electrical connections, check gearboxes, brakes, clutch and hydraulic fluid, and test idle for 5-10 minutes. Complex or badly damaged machines should go to a qualified mechanic. Keep maintenance records. For a farm or equipment-rental business, budget for repairs and check machines before putting them back to work.

Flood relief package opens 0–3.5% SME loans of up to 30m baht and six-month debt freezes The Standard Wealth · 2d ago

Cabinet approved flood relief in three sets. For flood-hit SMEs: a 30bn-baht Soft Loan via Government Savings Bank, up to 30m baht per borrower across all banks, at no more than 3.5% a year for the first two years and 5% in years 3–5, repayable within 5 years, to be used for repairing shops or factories or as necessary working capital. SFI loans include a 6-month debt freeze at state banks, Working Capital loans up to 5m baht at SME D Bank and Government Savings Bank (0–3.25%, up to 7 years), and EXIM Bank working capital up to 2m baht. Tax: flood-damaged business premises and vehicles can be deducted for actual repair costs (up to 100,000 and 30,000 baht for personal income tax) for expenses from 15 May to 31 December 2026, and tax filing/payment deadlines in flood areas are extended. Check eligibility and the official bank applications now.

China issues kidnap travel warning, minister says genuine tourists are safe Bangkok Post · 2d ago

China issued a new travel advisory warning of kidnapping risk in Thailand, specifically mentioning "transport provided by others". Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul says ordinary tourists are not at risk and the danger involves people lured by fake job offers who are taken to scam centres near the border. For tour operators and businesses serving Chinese visitors, expect possible softer bookings and questions from customers; the government says it will talk with Chinese authorities on measures.

Thai rice exports fell 19% in January–September 2026 as India and Pakistan undercut prices and Iraq demand dropped Prachachat · 2d ago

Thai rice exports for January–September 2026 were 4.99 million tonnes, down 19.26%, worth about 94,912 million baht (down 16.84%). Indian and Pakistani supply is pressuring prices, and Iraq shipments fell on Middle East tensions and higher freight costs. The Philippines and Malaysia are buying more Thai rice, partly offsetting Iraq. The Commerce Ministry plans to push Philippine import-permit extensions and meet buyers in Japan and South Africa in early 2027. The 2027 export target is tentatively 7 million tonnes, with a review in late 2026. For rice-linked SMEs, expect weak export volumes and price competition. Watch Philippine and Malaysian demand for new-crop rice.

Cabinet approves 58.9 billion baht rice package: low-interest loans let farmers hold paddy for sale at better prices Prachachat · 2d ago

Cabinet approved five rice price-support projects worth 58,912.64 million baht, 49,275 million in loans and 9,637.64 million in compensation. The main scheme is a storage loan for the main-crop paddy (target 3 million tonnes) with government paying the interest, at set rates per variety: Hom Mali 13,000 baht/tonne, non-region Hom Mali 11,500, white rice 6,500, Pathum Thani 8,500, glutinous 9,500. Farmer groups and cooperatives can also get loans to collect 1.5 million tonnes at 1% interest. Harvest pressure is expected in October–November. Rice traders can get interest subsidies for stockpiling (4 million tonnes target). The paddy absorption scheme still awaits fund approval. Rice millers, traders and buyers should plan purchase and stock timing around these schemes.

Cabinet approves 120.3m baht package to support corn prices and farmer credit for 2026/27 season Prachachat · 2d ago

The cabinet approved four measures worth 120.30m baht to stabilise feed-corn prices during harvest peaks, covering 2569/70 production. Key items: interest compensation at 3% a year for stockpiling 60–120 days (target 200,000 tonnes); a 51.5m baht purchase-absorption scheme via the warehouse organisation; a 1,000m baht credit line through BAAC for farmer institutions to buy and aggregate corn (4.5% rate, farmers pay 1%, up to 12 months); and 230m baht in loans to 1,000 farmers for productivity upgrades (max 230,000 baht each, 5 years). Relevant if you buy corn for feed, trade or aggregate it, or supply farmers. The two credit schemes still need cabinet approval, so terms may change.

Joint transit ticket rules slip: 20 secondary laws now expected by end-2026 Prachachat · 2d ago

The cabinet acknowledged that the implementing rules under the 2025 Joint Ticket Management Act missed their statutory deadline of 25 June 2026. The transport ministry has drafted 20 secondary laws and expects to finish all of them within 2026, after extending public consultation from 15 to 30 days and consulting transport operators on fare structures. For a small business, this means no change to fares or payment systems yet. Fare and revenue-sharing rules still to come could affect transport operators and businesses that rely on commuter traffic, so watch for final rules later in the year.