Archive

Cabinet approves extra 1,544 million baht for rice farmers, paid via BAAC by 31 Dec Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

Cabinet approved an extra 1,544.98 million baht to pay 233,729 more rice-farming households for the 2025/26 crop year (68/69), at 1,000 baht per rai, capped at 10 rai or 10,000 baht per household. BAAC pays directly into farmers' accounts. The programme deadline moves from 30 Sep 2026 to 31 Dec 2026. For SMEs in rice-dependent provinces, this means extra cash flowing to farm households and local spending, and for ones who are farmers themselves, check whether your household is on the list.

Bolt drivers without a public driver licence face suspension from 30 September 2026 Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

Bolt says from 30 September 2569 (2026) drivers who have not uploaded the required documents or hold no valid public driving licence will be suspended from the platform. Bolt is working with the Department of Land Transport to cut steps, including real-time criminal record checks, and says a licence can be issued within hours if documents are complete. Drivers who are suspended can return once they meet the requirements. If you or your drivers use ride-hailing apps, check licence and document status now; the Department reports about 8,499 new public car licences and 8,072 new public motorcycle licences a month.

National disaster insurance starts 1 October, but cannot cover flood damage that has already happened Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

The government says the national disaster insurance covers homes and deaths from floods, storms and earthquakes from 1 October 2026 to 1 October 2027. The Office of Insurance Commission is still negotiating final terms with insurers; the government offered a 75,000 million baht cover limit after insurers proposed lower. Policies do not apply retroactively, so damage from events before the policy starts is not covered, the same as life or car insurance. For a Thai SME owner: do not wait for this scheme to cover current flood losses, check your own property and business-interruption insurance, and watch for the final terms and whether the scheme extends to business premises.

TCEB adds six new MICE cities, including Krabi, Chiang Rai and Rayong, with up to 200% tax deduction for events held there Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

Thailand's MICE agency TCEB has certified six new MICE cities (Krabi, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Rayong, Ubon Ratchathani, Hua Hin-Cha-am), bringing the national total to 16. Organisations that hold meetings and seminars in these cities may claim a tax deduction of up to 200%. If you run a venue, hotel, tour operator or event supplier in one of these areas, consider joining local MICE networks and building offers for corporate events. The article gives no details on how to qualify for the deduction or on the timing of the incentives.

Flood season: Commerce Dept inspectors check shelf prices and tow-truck fees, penalties for overcharging Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

The Department of Internal Trade has ordered inspectors into flood-hit areas after 14 complaints (26-28 Sep) via hotline 1569. Targets: missing or wrong price tags, selling above the displayed price, and unusually high prices on eggs, pork, vegetables, bottled water, milk, rice boxes and similar goods, plus tow and slide-truck fees. Shops and online sellers must charge exactly the price shown; overcharging can be prosecuted. Check your price tags now, keep price records for any emergency pricing, and price flood-period items at reasonable levels to avoid complaints.

East Bangkok flood to drain in days, but six key roads stay closed to small vehicles Bangkok Post · Sep 29, 2026

Government says eastern Bangkok floodwater should drain within days if it does not rain again; the city's drainage is running at full capacity of 51 million cubic metres a day. Six roads, including Ramkhamhaeng 24, Srinagarindra, Nawamin and Lat Phrao, remain impassable for small vehicles. The governor expects 90% of water off main roads in two days, but low-lying communities could take a week. If your shop, staff or deliveries are in Bang Kapi, Lat Krabang, Saen Saep or Nawamin areas, plan for delays, staff absence and possible stock or equipment damage. Rain is still falling upstream above dams, so further flooding is possible.

Cabinet approves 4.73 billion baht emergency fund for flood relief in 24 provinces Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

The cabinet approved 4,731 million baht from the central emergency reserve to help people affected by the 2026 rainy-season floods in 24 provinces. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation will survey affected areas with local governments and Bangkok before disbursing funds. If your business is in a flood-hit province, watch for relief payments and local recovery programmes, and check whether any delays are reported. The PM has ordered agencies to escalate any blockages.

Pathum Thani property: condos selling fast near campuses, landed houses piling up unsold Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

REIC data for Pathum Thani: condo sales up 70% on student and worker demand near campuses, with Khlong Luang selling out in about 10 months. Landed houses are the risk: 37,860 unsold units, and Nong Suea would take about 40 years to sell out at current pace. If you supply materials, contractors or services to developers, favour condo-linked projects and be cautious on landed-home builds. Market-wide absorption is 1.8%, which REIC classes as a slowing market.

Cabinet approves 1.2 billion baht emergency budget for the student loan fund KYC Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

The Cabinet approved 1,206.48 million baht from the FY2026 contingency reserve for the student loan fund (กยศ.) so loan payments to about 141,838 borrowers continue. The fund had said it faced a liquidity risk, and its request for 21,900 million baht was met with only 5,100 million. The government also told the fund to push harder on debt repayment. For a business owner, the direct effect is limited, but it may mean more staff or family members can keep studying, and the fund is pressing for loan repayments.

Pattaya bookings fell about 20% after the 26–27 September floods; cancellations are running at 10–20% ahead of the high season Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

Chonburi tourism association says floods on 26–27 September 2026 led some guests to cancel 10–20% of Pattaya hotel bookings, and warns the impact could reach the year-end high season if disruption drags on. Long-haul markets (Europe, Russia) start arriving in October, so watch that window. Chonburi card spending on hotels and restaurants still rose 6% in January–September 2026 (KTC data), so demand is not collapsing. Plan for softer bookings in the short term, and on cost, note that airfares and energy prices are squeezing package prices and tour-operator negotiations.

Mae Klong flood warning: Samut Songkhram riverside businesses told to prepare evacuation now Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

The Mae Klong dam is raising releases to 2,000 cubic metres per second from 13:00 on 29 Sep 2026, and may increase to 3,000. PDPM tells residents along the river, its branches and low-lying areas in Mueang Samut Songkhram, Amphawa and Bang Khonthi to prepare to evacuate. If you run a shop or workshop there: move vehicles and stock to higher ground, cut power to low-level outlets, and keep the 1784 hotline ready. Alerts come by Cell Broadcast from AIS, True and NT.

Cabinet sets 4 billion baht flood relief fund and approves 165 billion baht drainage project Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

The cabinet approved about 4 billion baht from its contingency reserve for flood relief nationwide, not only Bangkok. Local agencies must submit requests under the legal criteria, and a committee will review them. A 165 billion baht Chai Nat–Pak Sak–Gulf of Thailand drainage project over 8 years was also approved, partly funded by loans; details are still being worked out by the Agriculture Ministry, Budget Bureau, NESDC and Finance Ministry. For SMEs in flood-hit areas, relief claims go through local agencies, so check with your district office. The big project has no near-term cash impact yet.

Flood and high-tide warning for 29 Sep–4 Oct in six river basins, including Bangpakong, Chao Phraya, Tha Chin and Mae Klong Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

The National Water Resources Office (สทนช.) warns of flood water from upstream combining with high tides from 29 Sep to 4 Oct. Riverside areas of the Bangpakong, Chao Phraya, Tha Chin and Mae Klong, plus roads such as Sukhumvit, Suksawat and Rama 2, may be affected. Chanthaburi and Bangpakong are at risk of overflowing banks, and Khun Dan Prakan Chon dam is releasing 15 million cubic metres a day. If your shop, warehouse or delivery routes are in these areas, check stock and transport plans now and watch for official updates.

ADB warns El Niño and Middle East risks could weigh on Thai growth in 2027 Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

The Asian Development Bank's September 2026 outlook keeps a cautious view on Thailand. El Niño is expected to peak around November 2026, with the strongest impact on agriculture and hydropower likely in mid-2027, while the effect this year is limited. Energy and food prices are already pressuring household and business costs. For a Thai SME, plan for weaker farm-linked demand and higher input costs in 2027, and consider stocking up on key inputs or locking in supplier prices early. Heavy rain and drainage problems in Bangkok and the central region are also a near-term operational risk.

After floodwaters recede, check wiring and structure before re-entering your shop or home Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

The Occupational Safety and Health Institute (สสปท.) lists 7 steps after flood water drops. Don't switch on electrical equipment or power points that were under water until a qualified electrician has checked them. Inspect for cracks, tilting walls, sagging floors and warped doors, and stay out of any unsafe area. Get wet electrical items and stock checked before use, and move documents to a dry place. Wear boots, rubber gloves and masks during clean-up, and watch family or staff for skin, breathing or infection problems. For a shop, these checks matter before reopening and before staff return.

Malaysia starts returning Myanmar refugees, a regional policy shift with no direct cost for Thai SMEs Bangkok Post · Sep 29, 2026

Malaysia has begun deporting about 1,500 Myanmar nationals under a refugee repatriation programme, despite objections from the UN refugee agency and rights groups who say conditions in Myanmar are unsafe. A broader plan could return up to 5,000 people. For a Thai SME owner this is regional background with no direct action needed. Only watch it if your business depends on Malaysian labour or cross-border trade, where tighter migration enforcement could affect staffing or logistics.

Bangkok flood zones Khlong Chan and Ram Klao still under water; main roads expected dry within two days Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

Bangkok governor Chadchart says about 90% of main roads should be dry within 2 days as rain has stopped, but bowl-shaped communities in Khlong Chan and Ram Klao-Lat Krabang may take about 7 days. Targets, not guarantees. If you operate or deliver in eastern Bangkok, plan for detours, delayed deliveries and staff commuting problems; expect Lat Krabang and Saimai canals to stay high. Water may seep up through drains in some areas such as Phra Khanong as pumps run; authorities say it will clear once canal levels drop. Schools near closing are reviewing teaching and exam schedules.

Thai Airways cancels eight more flights as Suvarnabhumi baggage backlog grows Bangkok Post · Sep 29, 2026

Flooding in Bangkok has left Thai Airways short of ground staff, causing a baggage backlog at Suvarnabhumi from 26 Sept. Eight more flights (Khon Kaen, Phuket, Hanoi, Singapore) were cancelled on Tuesday, and 34 flights were delayed on Monday. If your staff or customers fly Thai Airways, check flight status before travel and register bag details with the airline. Allow extra time for trips out of Suvarnabhumi while the backlog lasts. The airline says backlogged bags from 52 flights are being delivered around the clock.

Eastern line trains cut back to Ban Thap Chang after flooding; 8 services back to normal from 29 Sep 2026 Prachachat · Sep 29, 2026

From 29 Sep 2026 the State Railway (SRT) changed 8 Eastern Line trains to start or end at Ban Thap Chang instead of Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) because of flooding. Four morning trains into Bangkok and four evening trains out run only part of the route. Eight other trains (367, 368, 371, 379, 383, 389, 390, 391) are back on the full Bangkok–Chachoengsao/Prachinburi route. If your staff, deliveries or customers travel or ship by this line, check the schedule before relying on it. Live status: ttsview.railway.co.th or hotline 1690.

Mae Klong Dam releases rise to 2,000 cubic metres a second, so move stock off low ground in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram Bangkok Post · Sep 29, 2026

The Mae Klong Dam is raising discharge from about 1,700 to an expected 2,000 cubic metres per second, above the 1,500 critical level, after heavy rain in western Kanchanaburi. Downstream parts of Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram face imminent flooding, and the regional irrigation office has told residents to move belongings to higher ground. Nationally, 1,162 SMEs and 52 factories across 40 provinces have already been hit, with damage estimated above US$320 million. If your premises, stock or vehicles sit in low-lying downstream areas, move them now and check your flood insurance cover.