Archive

Thais Help Thais Plus co-pay extended; small shops still the target Bangkok Post · Sep 27, 2026

Finance Minister Ekniti says the Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme is being extended because of the Middle East energy crisis. Priority goes to small shops and street vendors, with a 200-baht daily spending limit per person. About 26 million citizens and 1.2 million small shops have taken part over three months, generating about 160 billion baht in circulation. The government says it has only used part of the 200-billion-baht emergency loan, and the scheme may end once energy transition goals are met. If you run a small shop, check whether you are registered and plan for the scheme's uncertain end date.

Flooding in Nonthaburi and Ayutthaya: plan for disruption now, as 10,000 troops join relief Bangkok Post · Sep 27, 2026

Over 10,000 troops and 1,000 vehicles have been deployed nationwide for flood relief, with heavy flooding in Nonthaburi (Pak Kret bypass, Chaeng Watthana Road) and Ayutthaya. Officials say water from the North and eastern rain needs advance preparation, and some water will be diverted into fields, with farmers already harvesting rice. For a Thai SME, check road access to your site and supplier routes, move stock and equipment off low floors, and plan for recovery once water recedes. District offices are assessing damage and preparing shelters.

Raspberry Pi profits jump as RAM costs soar, a sign memory prices are squeezing hardware makers Blognone · Sep 26, 2026

Raspberry Pi's first-half 2026 revenue rose to US$256.9M and pre-tax profit rose 217%, even though its RAM cost per GB rose 269% (US$3.6 to US$13.3). It is stockpiling 8.3M GB of RAM, enough for 2026 production, and plans 2-3 months of advance stock. For a Thai SME buying electronics, boards or components, memory prices are rising sharply and may stay high, so consider locking in supply or budgeting higher costs for devices with RAM. The report does not say anything about Thai prices directly.

Flooding in Bangkok, Greater Bangkok and the central region: army deploys relief, shelters and field kitchens Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

Heavy rain on 26 September 2026 flooded Bangkok, its surrounding provinces and the central region. The Army's First Area Command is coordinating relief: food, drinking water and supply bags to people staying at home, royal field kitchens at evacuation shelters, and a hotline for requests. Hospital patients and vehicles are being moved out of flood zones, and boats and volunteers are being mobilised. For a business owner, check road and delivery routes, staff commuting, stock and equipment in low-lying areas, and whether your neighbourhood is on the affected list.

Microsoft Copilot now mixes a monthly quota with pay-as-you-go credits for heavy users Blognone · Sep 26, 2026

Microsoft has merged its Copilot apps and changed billing: the monthly fee now includes a usage quota, and heavy users can buy extra credits or switch to Auto model mode. Microsoft's own 15-task demo put Copilot at $30 on Auto, versus up to $84 for Claude and $38 for ChatGPT, but that is the vendor's comparison. If your team uses AI tools past the quota, check the bill before assuming the flat fee covers it. Enterprise plans from Claude and ChatGPT charge per seat plus separate usage fees.

Bangkok flooding: government readies extra flood budget and allows work-from-home if funds fall short Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

The PM ordered a 2-hour emergency review of flooding in Bangkok and surrounding provinces (published 26 Sep 2026). Governors must stay in their areas, and one official flood information channel will be used. The PM has approved expanding the flood budget, and work-from-home may be allowed if funds are insufficient. Heavy rain of about 200-300 mm a day is cited; the Meteorological Department says rain will ease today and move out of Bangkok toward Kanchanaburi. For SMEs in low-lying Bangkok and nearby areas: plan for possible disruption to staff commuting and deliveries this week, and watch official announcements rather than rumours.

Bangkok flooding past 300mm: stock up on essentials now, and plan for 2-3 days of disruption Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

Cumulative rain in Bangkok, its outer districts and the east has passed 300 mm, and BMA has declared disaster areas in all 50 districts. Flooding on at least 13 main roads is being pumped out, and BMA expects 2-3 days to return to normal if no more heavy rain comes. Shoppers in Saiyai are buying eggs, fresh herbs, canned and processed food, and some convenience stores are out of instant noodles. Plan for stock shortages and delivery delays, and check staff commute safety. BMA has asked schools to close and some government staff to work from home, so expect lower foot traffic. The Asok-area market is holding prices steady, and the Met Department says rainfall in Bangkok and central Thailand may start to ease.

Flooding is hitting transport and staff in several provinces: check machinery, power and delivery routes now Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (Dr. Pote Aramwattananont) warns that flooding and standing water in parts of Bangkok, its vicinity, the East and several other provinces are disrupting travel, transport, goods, raw materials and staff work. Businesses should check site safety, machinery, electrical systems, stock and raw materials, and transport routes, and prepare recovery plans. Consider adjusting staff hours or working arrangements for affected areas. The Chamber will gather member problems and liaise with agencies. Recovery may take longer than the water itself takes to recede.

Driving through flood water: six steps from the Land Transport Department to keep your engine running Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

The Land Transport Department lists six steps for driving through flood water: switch off the air conditioning, keep a safe distance and steady speed, use low gear (L for automatics, 1 or 2 for manuals), avoid stopping in water, lightly tap the brakes once clear to dry them, and keep the engine idling for a while after arriving before switching off. For a business that relies on delivery or service vehicles, this is a useful checklist to share with drivers during the rainy season. The article is a seasonal safety reminder and includes no new rules or costs.

Chao Phraya flood plan caps releases at 2,300 cubic metres a second as heavy rain hits Bangkok and the Central region on 26-27 September Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

Water agency SNWA says heavy rain on 26-27 September may hit Bangkok, the Central, Eastern and Western regions. Releases from Bhumibol and Sirikit dams are being cut to ease downstream flows, and the Chao Phraya barrage release will be held at no more than 2,300 cubic metres a second, keeping the upstream level at about +17.00 to +17.50 m. Water may rise along the river in low-lying areas outside the dikes, and local authorities are warning residents in advance. Five flood-retention fields already hold 187 million cubic metres. If your shop, warehouse or workshop sits in a low-lying or flood-prone spot near the Chao Phraya, move stock up, check pumps and sandbags, and watch for local alerts this week.

Flooded Bangkok: check fuel tanks and chemical stores now, or risk a pollution fine and cleanup bill Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) is watching petrol stations, fuel tanks, and chemical or hazardous waste stores in flooded Bangkok and other disaster areas, because rising water can damage tanks or pumps and spread contamination. PCD asks operators to inspect sites, tanks and equipment closely during the flood. If you find damaged containers, leaks, oil sheens or chemical smells, report them promptly and keep people away from the area. Public pollution reports go to hotline 1650.

Man City faces possible Premier League expulsion after 114 of 115 charges upheld, with appeal expected The Standard Wealth · Sep 26, 2026

The Athletic reports, citing unnamed sources, that Manchester City was found guilty on 114 of 115 Premier League financial rule charges. Penalties are not yet decided and range from fines to point deductions or expulsion from the league. The club is expected to appeal, and the Premier League declined to comment. This is foreign football governance news with no direct action for a Thai SME owner.

Bangkok flooding: 13 main roads hit and 4,200 evacuated, so plan for access and stock disruption this week Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

On 26 Sep 2026, Bangkok Governor Chadchart and PM Anutin reviewed flooding after more than 300 mm of rain since 24 Sep. About 13 main roads are affected, around 4,200 people have evacuated to 233 shelters, and roughly 52,000 households are hit across all 50 districts. The Met Department expects rain to ease from 27 Sep, and the city will fund relief. For your business: expect delivery and staff commuting delays, check stock and vehicle access, and watch for city announcements on parking fee waivers and recovery surveys.

Social Security Board election moved to Oct 11 because of floods Bangkok Post · Sep 26, 2026

The nationwide election for a new Social Security Board has moved from this Sunday to Oct 11 because of flooding in many provinces, including Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Ayutthaya. Insured workers and employers who want to vote or check their polling station should note the new date. The opposition People's Party and labour leader Panus Thailuan had asked for a delay of at least seven days, and the main opposition objected to voting only in unaffected areas. For a business owner, the practical point is that staff who are insured under Social Security may need time off or travel support on the new date.

Heavy rain overwhelms Samut Prakan canals; flood prep for Bangkok area this week Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

Deputy PM Thorsak Thongsri visited Samut Prakan on 26 Sep 2026. Rainfall in some areas exceeded 100 mm, above forecasts for 20-27 Sep, and many canals are full, so inner-area water cannot drain and pumping is being sped up to the sea. Officials say they have equipment, staff, obstruction clearance and evacuation shelters ready, and deny the 'mahawatwatphai' (catastrophic flood) warning, saying this year will not match 2011. For a business: check stock and equipment placed on lower floors, plan for possible road closures and delivery delays in the eastern Bangkok and Samut Prakan area, and know your evacuation or shelter plan.

Flooding in Aranyaprathet municipality hits over 7,000 people, expected to last at least 5 more days Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

Water rose over 1 metre in Aranyaprathet municipality (Sa Kaeo) after continuous rain, flooding several areas including communities along Khlong Phrom Hot. The municipality estimates 7,000–8,000 people are affected, out of nearly 16,000 residents, and expects the situation to persist at least 5 days. If your shop, warehouse or transport route is in the low-lying areas, move stock and equipment up, plan for disrupted travel and deliveries, and follow official announcements.

Heavy rain floods Nakhon Pathom's main roads and underpasses, so plan delivery and staff travel around them Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

Flooding in Nakhon Pathom city has closed several roads and the rail underpass in front of Wat Phra Ngam, and Tesa Soi 7 is shut by the municipality. Phetkasem near Tesco Lotus is passable in only two main lanes, with the frontage road unusable. Cars and motorbikes are at risk from the water. Officials urge people to avoid underpasses and low-lying areas and to follow official flood updates. If you deliver, collect or have staff in these areas, reroute and allow extra time, and move any stock or vehicles parked in low spots.

Flooding in Bangkok and nearby provinces: PM orders agencies to coordinate as one team, with the PM returning on 27 Sept Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

The PM, chairing a video meeting from London, ordered agencies to share one set of flood data and coordinate, including Bangkok and Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Pathom and Nonthaburi. Agencies must set out which areas to watch, who is responsible and where equipment and staff go, and prepare vulnerable areas in advance. For a small business, this signals that flood alerts and relief could come from several agencies at once. Plan now for stock, equipment and staff movement in low-lying areas, and check official Meteorological Department and Disaster Prevention alerts directly.

Chao Phraya flood season: government caps downstream release at 2,000 cubic metres per second, so flood-prone SMEs should prepare now Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

The Agriculture Ministry opened a 24-hour flood war room after rains from a monsoon trough hit 21 provinces. Downstream releases from the Chao Phraya dams will be held at no more than 2,000 cubic metres per second, and the four main dams are about 70% full. The ministry says this year will not be as severe as 2011 or 2022. Low-lying areas outside the embankments have been warned in advance. If your premises or stock are in the Chao Phraya lower basin or Bangkok fringe, check flood barriers, move stock off the floor, and watch the Royal Irrigation Department's alerts. Nothing in the article sets a tax, price or permit change.

Thai Airways lets flyers hit by Bangkok flooding change travel dates once for free Prachachat · Sep 26, 2026

Thai Airways is waiving change fees for one date change on same route and fare class for passengers with tickets issued on or before 26-29 September 2026 who travel through Suvarnabhumi during 26-29 September. The new flight must depart before 29 September; later changes follow the ticket conditions. Relevant if your staff or clients are booked on these dates: rebook early, allow extra travel time because of flood-related traffic, and check flight status via the THAI app, thaiairways.com or the contact centre at +66 2 356 1111.