Archive

Fitch lifts Thailand outlook to Stable as ADB sees 2026 GDP at 2%, but 2027 inflation and energy risks loom Prachachat · Sep 27, 2026

Fitch raised Thailand's credit outlook from Negative to Stable, and ADB raised its 2026 GDP forecast to 2% (from 1.8% in July) on stronger exports and private investment. Inflation fell to 2.5% from 2.9%, so the central bank's policy rate is expected to stay at 1% for a while. For 2027, ADB expects inflation near 1.3% as energy prices ease, but flags trade tensions, tighter fiscal room, and a possible El Niño hit to agriculture in mid-2027. Household and public debt remain high, and growth is uneven (K-shaped), so SMEs in lagging segments should plan for tighter credit and weaker demand rather than assume a broad recovery.

Six state banks ease loans and repayments for flood-hit borrowers and SMEs Prachachat · Sep 27, 2026

Six state banks, including GSB and GHB, have launched flood relief for borrowers in disaster-declared areas. GSB offers a 3-month principal and interest holiday, with interest waived, plus emergency loans up to 20,000 baht (0.60% flat per month) and up to 50,000 baht, and repair loans up to 300,000 baht at 15% effective per year. SMEs hit by flooding can borrow up to 5 million baht (up to 1 million baht with BAC guarantee), with a first-year rate of MLR minus 2.65% and up to 1 year principal grace. If your business or premises are in a declared zone, check eligibility and contact your bank now (GSB Contact Center 1115). Opting out is possible if you want to keep paying as normal.

Honda, ZEEKR and Toyota offer 30-50% parts and labour discounts for flood-damaged cars until October–December 2026 The Standard Wealth · Sep 27, 2026

Three carmakers have launched flood-relief discounts for customers with water-damaged cars: Honda 30% off parts in flood-affected Bangkok areas; ZEEKR 40% off parts and labour nationwide until 31 October 2026, excluding high-voltage batteries, drive motors and DC converters, and not combinable with insurance claims; Toyota and Lexus 30-50% off parts (50% on carpets and sound-deadening mats), until 31 December 2026, with routine maintenance excluded. Call the dealer first to confirm eligibility. If you run a fleet or repair business, check whether your vehicles or customers qualify before booking service.

Bangkok flood: GO Wholesale says all branches open and stock is sufficient for food businesses Prachachat · Sep 27, 2026

Bangkok's flood emergency now covers all 50 districts (declared from 25 September 2026). GO Wholesale, the Central Retail food wholesaler, says all branches are open as usual and it is monitoring water and transport routes 24 hours a day. Ramkhamhaeng and Rangsit branches are on watch for rising water. It says food and essential stock is adequate and that it has backup delivery routes. For restaurants, hotels and shops that buy wholesale: stock up on core ingredients early, and plan alternative routes and delivery times, since demand is rising in some areas. The article gives no price or policy change.

SME D Bank offers up to 12-month debt holiday and emergency loans for flood-hit SMEs Prachachat · Sep 27, 2026

The Industry Minister ordered SME D Bank to offer flood relief. Customers in declared disaster zones can get up to 12 months' principal and interest holiday on term loans, and P/N bills and factoring can have payment extended up to 180 days. Emergency loans are 10% of the existing limit, from 30,000 to 200,000 baht, at MLR (7.05% a year), 3 years, 12 months principal grace, no collateral, no fees. Separate recovery loans at 3% a year for the first 3 years are also available after the flood eases. Apply from today at any SME D Bank branch, via LINE Official Account "SME Development Bank", at smebank.co.th, or call 1357. Only direct and indirect flood-affected customers in designated areas qualify, so check eligibility with the bank.

Bangkok flood zone now covers all 50 districts; GO Wholesale says food supply holds for restaurants and hotels The Standard Wealth · Sep 27, 2026

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration extended its flood disaster declaration to all 50 districts, effective 25 September 2026. GO Wholesale (Central Food Wholesale) says its food and essentials supply continues, all branches are open as of 26 September 2026, and it is watching Ramkhamhaeng and Rangsit branches closely in case water rises. For restaurant, hotel and shop owners, this means wholesale stock is available now, but you should confirm delivery routes and branch status with your supplier, and plan your own stock buffer since branch status may change with water levels.

Tops says stock is sufficient during Bangkok flooding, with more deliveries of water and ready meals The Standard Wealth · Sep 27, 2026

Tops (Central Retail) says warehouse stock of water, dry food, ready meals and daily goods is sufficient for Bangkok flood conditions, and it has added special delivery runs to stores. Some flood-hit stores are closed or on changed hours, and 10 stores were closed as of 26 Sep 2026 (18:40), so check status before relying on them. Deliveries to some areas may be slower during high water or traffic. For a supplier or local retailer, this signals rising demand for bottled water and ready-to-eat food in affected zones, and possible shifts in shelf demand as big chains restock. Follow Tops Thailand's Facebook page for store updates.

Bangkok flooding to ease in 2-3 days as rain eases, but Lat Krabang, Nong Chok and Min Buri stay at risk Prachachat · Sep 27, 2026

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the low-pressure system has moved west, so rain is easing. About 50,000 households across all 50 districts are expected to be affected. Canals such as Premprachakorn, Lat Phrao, Saen Saeb and Prawet Burirom are still at red-level water. Drainage is expected to take 2-3 days once rain stops, but water from surrounding areas may keep flowing in. If your shop or warehouse is in Lat Krabang, Nong Chok or Min Buri, plan for access problems, check routes before travelling, and protect stock and equipment.

Flood-hit SMEs can get Thai bank principal holidays and extra credit, but apply by 31 December 2026 The Standard Wealth · Sep 27, 2026

Major Thai banks, including SCB, have launched flood relief for businesses in Bangkok's 50 districts and other declared areas. SCB offers SMEs up to 6 months' principal deferral, or 3 months' principal and interest deferral, plus temporary credit line increases of up to 20% of the existing line (capped at 10 million baht). Apply via your relationship manager or SCB Business Call Center 02-722-2222 between 26 September and 31 December 2026. Flood-repair loans run up to 7 years at 4.0% for the first 2 years. Check your own bank's terms, since Krungthai and others have their own packages.

Bangkok flooding: main roads back to normal in about 2 days, but flood-hit communities may stay wet for 2 weeks Prachachat · Sep 27, 2026

Governor Chadchart says rain in Bangkok is easing to 10-20 mm a day, but drainage is slow. Main roads may be passable within about 2 days, while flooded communities could take about 2 weeks to dry out. Canal-side areas (Saen Saep, Premprachakorn, Prawet, Lat Krabang, Suan Luang) need close watching. Government offices and about 400 BMA schools are closed or on work-from-home on 28 Sep. Plan for delivery delays, traffic bottlenecks and staff who cannot reach work, and check whether your premises or stock sit near a canal or low-lying street.

Government plans to merge regional agencies into one office per province, cutting civil service headcount over five years Prachachat · Sep 27, 2026

The Cabinet is considering a "1 province, 1 office" model that would bring overlapping regional government units under the provincial governor. The Office of the Public Sector Development Commission says about 80% of regional civil-service roles overlap. Headcount will shrink gradually through early retirement, and posts vacated by retirees within 5 years will not be refilled. Agencies must submit restructuring plans within 6 months. For a Thai SME, this means slower or changed contact with some provincial offices over time, and more digital services. No action is needed now; watch for the provincial plans.

Flooding hits eastern Bangkok districts, with streets up to 59cm deep Bangkok Post · Sep 27, 2026

Heavy flooding continued on Sunday in eastern Bangkok districts including Lat Krabang, Ramkhamhaeng, Bang Kapi and Lat Phrao, with the BMA reporting street depths up to 59cm on Soi Senanikhom in Chatuchak. Many main canals were full and some pumps had failed. If your shop, warehouse or delivery route is in these areas, plan for access problems, stock damage and delayed deliveries, and move valuables and stock off the ground floor. Check the BMA drainage updates before sending vehicles out.

Eastern Bangkok flooding still deep on main roads, so plan for stock and access disruption Bangkok Post · Sep 27, 2026

Heavy flooding continued on Sunday in eastern Bangkok districts (Lat Krabang, Ramkhamhaeng, Bang Kapi, Lat Phrao, Bang Khen, Bung Kum) with most main canals full and some pumps failing. Bangkok Drainage Department readings showed up to 59cm on Soi Senanikhom (Chatuchak) and 54cm on Lat Phrao 122 (Wang Thonglang), with 20cm on many feeder roads. If your shop, warehouse or delivery routes are in these areas, expect delays, flooded premises and higher transport costs, and move stock off the floor and check routes before the next rain.

Gold prices hold steady today: jewellery gold sells at 68,650 baht per baht-weight Prachachat · Sep 27, 2026

Thai gold prices were unchanged from yesterday's close on 27 Sep 2026 (per the Gold Traders Association). Jewellery gold sells at 68,650 baht per baht-weight and buys back at about 66,295 baht; bar gold sells at 67,850 and buys at 67,650. Gold spot is about US$4,285.50 per ounce. The gap between sell and buy-back prices is wide for jewellery, so factor that spread into any gold stock or trade-in pricing.

Bangkok Bank closes 16 Bangkok branches temporarily due to flooding Prachachat · Sep 27, 2026

Bangkok Bank has temporarily closed 16 branches in Bangkok and nearby flood-hit areas, including branches in Lotus, Big C, The Mall and Central malls. Customers can use nearby branches or the bank's digital channels. If your business banks at one of these branches, move deposits, cheque clearing and cash runs to another branch or online banking this week, and check the bank's branch locator before visiting.

Bangkok airports say flights and aprons are running normally despite floods The Standard Wealth · Sep 27, 2026

On 26 September, AOT said Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang are open, with no flight cancellations and normal apron operations. Flooding at Don Mueang was mainly at an Air Force base, and the commercial side is open, though some water is on Vibhavadi-Rangsit road outside. AOT has raised pumping at its retention ponds from 2 to up to 6 pumps and says spare capacity remains. On 25 September, heavy traffic left passengers stranded at Suvarnabhumi; AOT is working with Grab on driver incentives and airlines are allowing free rebooking for flood-affected travellers. If you ship goods or send staff through these airports, allow extra travel time and check your flight status before leaving.

Heavy rain hits central and western Thailand today; small boats told to stay ashore until 28 Sep Prachachat · Sep 27, 2026

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rain in western central Thailand, with very heavy falls in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi. Bangkok and its vicinity have thunderstorms over about 80% of the area, with rain easing but continuing. Expect flash floods, waterlogging and landslides in low-lying and hillside areas. Small boats in the upper Andaman and upper Gulf should not leave shore until 28 Sep; waves reach 2-3 m or more. If you run deliveries, stock or site work in these provinces, plan around flooded routes and move stock off ground level.

TTB offers flood-hit borrowers 6-month principal grace for SME loans, apply by 31 Dec 2026 Prachachat · Sep 27, 2026

TTB's "Tang Luk" flood relief runs until 31 Dec 2026 (2569 BE). Business and SME customers can get up to 6 months of principal grace on long-term loans, a up-to-6-month extension on revolving credit principal, and for business hire-purchase, a term extension or instalment cut of up to 70% for 6 months. Retail customers get up to 3 months' deferral on home, car and personal loans, and 3 billing cycles on credit cards (interest still accrues). Flood-affected home-loan customers with fire insurance can also file claims with their insurer. Apply via the TTB Tang Luk page or contact your TTB business relationship manager directly.

Diesel and gasohol prices on 27 Sep 2026: B7 at 41.44 baht, B20 at 36.44 baht Prachachat · Sep 27, 2026

Bangchak's posted prices today: B20 diesel 36.44 baht/litre (up 0.75 baht from yesterday), B7 diesel 41.44 baht, gasohol 95 39.94 baht, gasohol 91 39.57 baht, E20 34.94 baht, E85 30.88 baht. Prices exclude the Bangkok local land tax and take effect at 05:00 the next day, so check your station before budgeting fuel for delivery and transport routes. The gap between B20 and B7 is about 5 baht a litre, so a fleet that can run B20 saves real money.

Govt says China's 99.3% share of solar panel imports doesn't mean government solar funds go to China Bangkok Post · Sep 27, 2026

Government says China supplied 99.3% of Thailand's solar-panel imports in the first seven months of 2026, but this only describes panel origin, not all panels used locally or residential solar programme spending. It cites 32 investment-promoted solar projects by 22 companies with over 49,000 MWp a year of capacity. If you quote or install solar for households, the programme's domestic-content requirements cover panels, breakers, fuses, cables, batteries, inverters, connectors, combiner boxes and installation standards, so check these against your supplier list.