Archive

Thais Help Thais Plus extended to 30 November, so small shops can sign up for the 1,000-baht e-wallet co-payment Bangkok Post · Sep 23, 2026

Cabinet approved a two-month extension of the Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme, running 1 October to 30 November, covering current and new participants. Each person gets 1,000 baht in an e-wallet, usable within two months, with a 200-baht daily cap. Large retailers are ineligible; the scheme targets small vendors and merchants. VAT-registered restaurants have asked to join but this is not yet approved. Economists expect a modest effect, mainly cushioning Q4 demand. If your shop is eligible, check registration and plan for October sales, which is usually a slow month for restaurants in many areas.

Thailand weighs a higher excise tax on fully imported EVs, with a three-tier structure coming Bangkok Post · Sep 23, 2026

The EV Board has approved a three-tier excise structure: locally produced or locally sourced EVs pay the lowest rate, vehicles assembled in Thailand from imported parts pay more, and fully imported EVs pay the highest. Finance Minister Ekniti said a 30% rate is under consideration, but the final rate needs cabinet approval and the Excise Department will set the Tier 3 rate first, with a transition period for importers. The EV3.5 incentive expires next year. If you sell, service or import EVs or parts, watch for the final rates and plan your sourcing and pricing before the transition ends.

Proposed higher excise tax on imported EVs could reshape car-parts and dealer costs Bangkok Post · Sep 23, 2026

Industry groups are asking the government to set the highest excise rate on fully imported EVs, after Finance Minister Ekniti said a 30% rate is under consideration. The final rate needs cabinet approval. The EV Board has approved a three-tier structure: lower rates for locally made or locally sourced EVs, a higher rate for vehicles assembled in Thailand from imported parts, and the highest for fully imported EVs. The Excise Department will set the Tier 3 rate first and give importers a transition period. The EV3.5 incentive expires next year. If you supply auto parts, sell or service EVs, or import them, check which tier applies and watch for the cabinet decision.

Muang Thai Life launches Flexi Retire pension plans from 1 October 2026, with flexible premium and payout ages The Story Thailand · Sep 22, 2026

Muang Thai Life says its Muang Thai Flexi Retire Series goes on sale from 1 October 2569 (2026). Customers can pick premium terms (single, 5-year, or up to age 55, 60 or 65) and pension start age (55 to 70). Premiums may qualify for tax deduction up to 200,000 baht under Revenue Department rules. Pension payouts can be sent directly to partner nursing homes. For a business owner, this matters mainly for personal retirement planning, staff or family conversations, or if you sell or advise on insurance. Check the policy terms and tax rules with the insurer before acting.

Oil fund deficit hits 92 billion baht as new borrowing and subsidy cuts loom Bangkok Post · Sep 22, 2026

The cabinet approved a 2026-29 plan for the Oil Fuel Fund and biofuel blending (B7 subsidised at 8.75 baht/litre, B20 at 12.62 baht/litre). The fund's deficit is 92 billion baht and widening about 700 million baht a day, so a new borrowing of up to 100 billion baht from domestic banks, possibly with a government guarantee, is being considered. Gradual subsidy cuts would raise pump prices. For a business that runs diesel-dependent vehicles or machinery, budget for pump prices to rise and possibly lose the subsidy, and watch for announcements on the fund's borrowing and subsidy levels in the coming weeks.

Russia and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, two key shipping chokepoints. Only the headline was available. If you import fuel or goods by sea, watch for freight and fuel price moves linked to shipping disruption in these waterways.

Oil fund deficit nears 100 billion baht, government may borrow another 100 billion and retail fuel prices could rise The Standard Wealth · Sep 22, 2026

The oil fund's cumulative deficit is about 92 billion baht and growing roughly 700 million baht a day, so it is expected to pass 100 billion by late September or early October 2026. The energy ministry is preparing a new domestic bank loan of up to around 100 billion baht, possibly with a Finance Ministry guarantee; the final amount depends on talks with the new permanent secretary and minister. Diesel and benzine are still capped at 30 baht. One option under review is phasing out the subsidy cap, which would raise pump prices. For a fuel-dependent business, budget for possible pump price increases and keep an eye on the decision in the coming weeks.

Royal cremation ceremony schedule set for 15-19 December 2026; expect a national mourning mood and a shift in tone for promotions Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

The Royal Household has set the cremation ceremony for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's late Royal Consort... Ceremonies run 15-19 December 2026, with the cremation on 16 December and bone collection on 17 December. Live broadcast of all ceremonies is authorised. The PR committee has discussed toning down colours in communications as the date approaches. For a Thai SME, this means planning around the public holiday-style mood in mid-December, and reviewing marketing or event schedules and colour tones that may appear out of step with national mourning.

TCG launches Nano Plus loan guarantee for micro traders and freelancers, now covering non-bank lenders and virtual banks The Standard Wealth · Sep 22, 2026

TCG (บสย.) has launched Nano Plus, a loan guarantee for micro SMEs, street vendors and freelancers, with guarantees of 5,000 to 50,000 baht per borrower for up to 4 years and no guarantee fee for those 4 years. For the first time it also covers non-bank nano-finance lenders under Bank of Thailand supervision and virtual banks. The first phase is capped at 500 million baht (about 25,000 SMEs). Eligible owners can register via LINE @tcgfirst or call 02-890-9999. Fees are risk-based, and the lender may bear part of the cost; check the terms with your lender before applying.

TISCO sees Q4 GDP at only 1.2%, with manufacturing barely growing as Chinese imports take domestic demand Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

TISCO Economic Intelligence Center expects Thai GDP to grow only 1.2% in Q4, the lowest in the year, with oil prices, weak household spending and cheap Chinese goods (many via e-commerce platforms) weighing on demand. Manufacturing grew just 0.1% in Q2 even as exports rose 20%, meaning goods made for the domestic market are being displaced. Government budget spending in Q4 and possible extra handouts of 1,000–2,000 baht per person a month could lift growth toward 2%. TISCO also warns of a possible decade-long slowdown. For a Thai SME, plan for soft domestic demand and tougher price competition from imports into the next few quarters; tourism and event-driven sales are the main bright spot this quarter.

Thai Help Thai Plus phase 2 runs Oct–Nov 2026 on LINE MAN, with shops able to tap state subsidies Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

The government extended Thai Help Thai Plus by two months (Oct–Nov 2026), and LINE MAN says it will add marketing budget. Per LINE MAN, 59,000 shops on its platform have received about 2,570 million baht in state subsidies across 16 million orders, and participating shops' sales ran 1.8 times those of the earlier Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme. LINE MAN's commission for these orders is below the normal 30% cap. If you sell through food delivery, check whether your shop is enrolled and plan for a Q4 order lift. LINE MAN also says POS sales data may support SME loan applications and a BAC (SME guarantee) nano-loan guarantee, which is a company claim to verify directly.

Thai Chuay Thai Plus 60/40 starts 1 Oct: government covers 60% of spend, up to 200 baht a day The Standard Wealth · Sep 22, 2026

Cabinet approved the Thai Chuay Thai Plus 60/40 scheme. The state pays 60% of eligible food, drink, goods and services, capped at 200 baht per person per day and 1,000 baht per person over the programme. People confirm eligibility via the Pao Tang app between 1 and 15 October 2569 (2026). Use runs 1 October to 30 November 2569 (2026), at shops and food delivery platforms that have joined. Shops use the Thung Ngern app, with purchases allowed 06.00-23.00 at stores and 06.00-21.00 on delivery apps. Shops that want to take part should check registration and the eligible product list. Welfare card holders also get a higher monthly goods limit in October 2569 (2026), from 300 to 1,000 baht per person.

Cooperative CDC hubs get 500m baht in 1-3% loans for FY2027, with special truck rates for fruit Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

The Cooperative Promotion Department plans about 500m baht in low-interest (1-3%) funds for FY2027 to expand cooperative CDC distribution centres, which can cover buildings, cold trucks and forklifts. It is also negotiating special freight rates with the Thai land transport association for cooperative produce, especially seasonal fruit. CDC sales reached 3,130m baht through September 2026 with a target of 5,000m by December. For a Thai SME that sells through or alongside cooperatives, or ships fruit and rice, this could mean cheaper logistics and a new channel. Details, eligibility and the MOU are not yet final.

Cabinet picks Salakjit Phongsirichan as next Revenue Department director-general Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

The Cabinet approved on 22 Sep 2026 the appointment of Salakjit Phongsirichan as the new Revenue Department director-general, succeeding Somsak Anantawat, who retired. Salakjit previously served as a deputy director-general (2020) and Bangkok regional revenue office head, and currently advises on tax strategy for financial and banking transactions. For a small business owner, this is a leadership change at the tax authority; no change to tax rules, filing deadlines or rates is announced in the article.

Thailand's draft plant variety law keeps farmers' right to save, swap and sell seed, but UPOV 1991 is still undecided Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

The Agriculture Ministry says Thailand has not decided whether to join UPOV 1991. The draft plant variety law still lets small farmers save seed of staple crops such as rice, maize and beans for replanting. Native, traditional, local and common commercial varieties can still be used, exchanged and sold without permission. Public comment runs until mid-2027. For a seed or agri-input business, the draft may still change, so watch the consultation rather than act now.

Iran says it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US eases military pressure and lifts its blockade. No deal is confirmed. Watch fuel and shipping costs; if the strait stays shut, expect higher diesel and freight prices.

Flood warning for 22-26 September: check stock, staff and delivery plans in the central and eastern provinces Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

The National Water Resources Office (สทนช.) warns of flash floods, waterlogging and landslides from 22 to 26 September 2026 across the north, central, east and parts of the south. Water released through the Chao Phraya dam may raise levels 0.75-1.25 m in Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani. Businesses in those provinces and in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan (Bang Bo) should move stock off the floor, plan alternative delivery routes, and check staff and customer access. Watch official alerts and be ready to evacuate if the situation worsens.

Heavy rain forecast 23-27 Sep 2026, Chao Phraya downstream may rise 0.75-1.25 m: check flood plans now Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

The National Water Resources Committee approved 99 emergency flood and drought projects worth 509.7 million baht. The agency warns of heavy rain 23-27 September 2026 across the Northeast, East, Central, Bangkok and the South, with flash floods and waterlogging in the East (Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi and others). Water released from the Chao Phraya dam could raise levels a further 0.75-1.25 m in low-lying areas outside flood walls in Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani. If your premises or stock sit in these areas, move stock off the floor, check pumps and sandbags, and watch official alerts this week.

Household costs up sharply as fuel climbs; SME owners now face extra costs of about 3,937 baht a month in the central region Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

Ratul University's new Household Cost of Living Index (CLI) shows household costs rose from Q2 2026, driven mainly by domestic fuel prices. Index 114.4 in Q2, 110.9 in Q3 (after the Thai Chuay Thai Plus scheme ended 30 Sep 2026), and forecast 111.8 in Q4. Transport accounts for 49.3% of the increase. Bangkok SMEs face about 4,590 baht/month extra cost; central-region SMEs about 3,937 baht/month; southern SMEs about 3,972 baht/month. Expect Q4 cost pressure to rise again as oil prices climb; review fuel-heavy delivery routes, pricing and staff cost planning.

Boorapha Expressway exits at Bang Wua, Bang Pakong 2 and Chonburi closed midnight to 3am on 24-25 September Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is closing several Boorapha Expressway exit points for two nights, 24 and 25 September 2026, from 00.01 to 03.00. Chonburi exit is closed for road-marking work, with Bang Wua and Bang Pakong 2 entry ramps and the Chonburi U-turn point also shut. Drivers heading to Chonburi should use Bang Pakong 1 exit and take the at-grade road. If your deliveries or night routes use this stretch, reroute those trips for these two nights.