Archive

SME micro-loan guarantee of up to 50,000 baht per borrower opens via SME Guarantee Corp Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

The Thai SME Guarantee Corporation (บสย.) launched Nano Plus, a guarantee scheme with 2,000 million baht in total, starting with a first phase of 500 million. Guarantees run 5,000–50,000 baht per borrower for up to 4 years, with no guarantee fees for the full term and BSY covering NPL up to 5%. Eligible micro-SMEs can apply through participating lenders, including state banks, commercial banks, 10 non-bank lenders and virtual banks. The stated aim is 100,000 SMEs, with the next phase opening after 25,000 applicants. For a small trader who lacks collateral or pays informal lenders up to 20% a month, this is a formal borrowing route to check with a non-bank or bank partner now. The article gives no application deadline.

Cabinet approves bill limiting cannabis to medical use, with 3-year licences for growers and shops Bangkok Post · Sep 22, 2026

The cabinet approved a cannabis control bill restricting cannabis and extracts to medical treatment by professionals and research. Cultivation, production, import, export and sale will need three-year licences from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. No licence is needed to sell roots, stems, leaves or seeds. Sales to under-20s and pregnant or breastfeeding women are banned, as are sales near temples, schools, dormitories, parks, zoos and amusement parks. Advertising and promotion of buds, resin and paraphernalia are banned. Violators of illegal production, sale or trade face jail and fines. The bill still has to pass parliament. If you run a cannabis shop, check your licence status and location now, since the minister estimated only about 2,000 of roughly 11,000 dispensaries may meet the clinic requirements within three years.

Free M82 toll-free expressway now carries about 30,000 vehicles a day and eases Rama 2 traffic Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

The Department of Highways says M82 (Ekachai to Ban Phaeo, about 25 km) is free to use 24 hours a day during a trial, averaging 29,689 vehicles a day in the week of 11-17 September 2026, up 3% on the previous week. It has cut traffic on Rama 2 by about 21% inbound and 23% outbound to Bangkok. For businesses in Samut Sakhon, south-bound logistics and delivery routes, this is a faster alternative to Rama 2. Only four interchanges are open (Phanthai Norasing, Mahachai 1 and 2, Ban Phaeo); Samut Sakhon 1 and 2 are still under construction. Speed limits: 80 km/h for cars, 65 km/h for trucks and buses. Motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles and pedestrians are not allowed.

Oil fund deficit nears 100 billion baht, new borrowing of 100 billion-plus coming, diesel and benzine held at 30 baht Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

The Oil Fund's deficit was about 92,000 million baht and growing roughly 700 million a day, expected to reach 100,000 million by late September or early October 2026. A new bank loan of up to around 100,000 million baht is being considered, possibly with a Finance Ministry guarantee. Diesel and benzine stay capped at 30 baht under the extended plan to 2029, and the oil price fluctuation trigger rises from $5 to $10 a barrel. The article warns the government may instead end subsidies, which would raise pump prices. For a Thai SME, plan fuel costs and transport budgets for possible price increases and watch for an announcement on subsidy exit.

Chao Phraya water to rise 0.5–1.5 m in six Ayutthaya districts; check flood readiness now Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

Deputy PM Ekniti chaired a central flood meeting after the Chao Phraya Dam outflow was raised to 1,000–1,300 cubic metres per second. Water levels are expected to rise 0.5–1.5 m in low-lying areas outside the dikes of six Ayutthaya districts: Sena, Phak Hai, Bang Ban, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-in and Bang Sai. Provincial authorities are preparing check lists, equipment and temporary shelters. If your premises, stock, vehicles or farmland sit in these areas, move stock and equipment to higher ground and plan for disrupted access. Heavy rain is forecast, so keep watching official alerts.

AMLO seizes another 1.8 billion baht from online-fraud and gambling networks, including nominee accounts Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

The Anti-Money Laundering Office froze and seized assets worth about 3.5 billion baht across 77 cases, including online gambling, investment-fraud and Chinese-linked nominee networks, and sent 28 cases to prosecutors for forfeiture. For a Thai SME this is mostly background. The practical point: bank accounts and property held through nominees or third parties can be frozen quickly, so keep business accounts in your own company's name and document the source of any large transfers. Avoid receiving money from "investment" or gambling-linked schemes.

Bank forecasts gold near US$5,000 and baht at 32.80-33.80 by year-end: what it means for your costs Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

SCB Wealth and SCB FM forecast world gold near US$4,900-5,000/oz by end-2026 and Thai gold at 75,000-75,700 baht per baht-weight. They expect the baht to weaken slightly in the next 1-2 months (33.30-33.80/USD), driven by oil above US$100/barrel and a likely wider trade deficit, then ease to 32.80-33.80 by year-end. For an SME, this means watching import costs and export pricing against a softer baht short term, and possible US tariffs on some industries. These are forecasts from a bank and a gold futures firm, not guarantees, so avoid making big currency or gold decisions on them alone.

Central Thailand flood plan: 100m baht reserve per region, rain above 1,500 m³ diverted to side canals Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

Deputy PM Ekniti says central Thailand can still manage water levels. More rain is expected 25–27 September 2026. Each region has 100 million baht in emergency reserves, and the governor will use a committee to release funds if needed. If rainfall exceeds 1,500 cubic metres, water will be diverted into branch canals. Officials have asked provinces to prepare evacuation plans and checklists and to tell residents what to prepare now. For SMEs in Chao Phraya, Tha Chin and Mae Klong basins, this is a reason to check flood-proofing of stock and premises and plan for possible access disruption during 25–27 September.

Thai shops: 'Thai Chuay Thai Plus 60/40' phase 2 runs 1 Oct–30 Nov 2026, with a 200-baht daily cap Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

Cabinet approved phase 2 of Thai Chuay Thai Plus (60/40): each person gets 1,000 baht to spend, with the state paying 60% and users 40%, capped at 200 baht a day. Spending runs 1 Oct to 30 Nov 2026. Shops confirm their participation through the Tung Ngern app between 1 Oct and 30 Nov 2026. Food delivery purchases are limited to food and drinks, from 06.00 to 21.00. In-store sales are allowed from 06.00 to 23.00. Shops should check eligibility and prepare to register and accept the scheme before October. A separate top-up of 700 baht for welfare card holders applies only in October 2026 and is limited to Thai Flag low-price shops and other Commerce Ministry-listed stores.

Cabinet approves cannabis control bill: cannabis shops must become licensed medical clinics with a doctor on staff when permits expire Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

Cabinet approved a draft cannabis control law, now going to the House. It tightens control from planting (registration by plot size) through extraction, and raises penalties. Shops on existing 3-year licences will see them expire during 2026-2028. Any shop that wants to renew must convert into a medical facility with a resident doctor, and sales need a doctor-signed prescription. The Health Ministry says it will send inspection teams nationwide, especially to tourist cities. Shops not on the official registry are presumed illegal. If you sell or supply cannabis, check your licence expiry date and plan for the conversion cost and staffing now.

Cabinet extends 1,000-baht consumer subsidy to end of November Bangkok Post · Sep 22, 2026

Cabinet approved 43 billion baht to extend the consumer subsidy by two more months, to the end of November. Registered people get 1,000 baht each to spend, and the government covers 60% of eligible purchases, capped at 200 baht per person per day. The first phase, which started in June, ends this month. If your customers are registered, expect more spending through your shop in October and November, and check the eligible-goods rules and how the scheme is redeemed before you plan promotions or stock.

Cabinet approves Thai Chuay Thai Plus phase 2: 1,000-baht spending support for 2 months, 1 Oct to 30 Nov, merchants register via Tung Ngern app Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

Cabinet approved phase 2 of the Thai Chuay Thai Plus scheme (60/40 co-payment) plus a top-up for welfare card holders. Consumers can spend 1 Oct to 30 Nov 2569 via the Pao Tang app: the state co-pays 60% of eligible food, drink, goods and services, capped at 200 baht per person per day and 1,000 baht per person overall. Welfare holders get 700 more baht per month in October, taking it to 1,000. Eligible shops must confirm participation in the Tung Ngern app from 1 Oct to 30 Nov. Consumers confirm eligibility via Pao Tang from 1 to 15 Oct. Food delivery platforms are also included, from 06.00 to 21.00.

Two Bangkok children's museums close from 1 October while City Hall finds new operators Bangkok Post · Sep 22, 2026

The BMA says the Children's Discovery Museums in Chatuchak and Thung Khru will close from 1 October 2026 because the contract to run them has lapsed and a new operator is still being procured. City Hall promises a quick reopening once a winning bidder is picked, but gives no date. For Bangkok businesses that rely on family visitors, such as nearby cafés, shops or tour operators, expect weaker footfall during the October school break until the museums reopen.

Two Bangkok children's museums close from Oct 1 while BMA finds new operator Bangkok Post · Sep 22, 2026

Bangkok's Metropolitan Administration will close the Children's Discovery Museums in Chatuchak and Thung Khru from Oct 1 because the contract with the current operator has lapsed during the fiscal-year changeover. The BMA is seeking a new contractor through procurement and says it will reopen them once a winner is chosen. Relevant only if you run a family-focused business near these sites, such as a school-trip service, tour operator or nearby food and retail outlet: expect fewer school-holiday visitors until a new operator is announced.

THRE shareholders have until 20 Nov 2026 to swap shares 1:1 into holding-company stock THREH Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

Thai reinsurer THRE is restructuring into a holding company, THREH. Its 1:1 share exchange offer runs 23 Sep to 20 Nov 2026 (40 business days), and the offer will not be extended. THRE shares are expected to be delisted when THREH lists around year-end. Holders who do not tender may face thinner trading and may lose some returns and tax benefits. Only relevant if you hold THRE shares: decide and submit through Finansia Syrus Securities before the deadline. For other businesses, this is background only.

Indonesia's meteorology agency expects the wet season to begin later than normal, which may affect regional farm output. No article text was available, so this is based on the headline only.

ROH disputes hotel sale: buyback right still stands, unitholder vote on 28 Oct Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

ROH and the GROREIT trustee disagree on whether ROH's right to buy back the Royal Orchid Sheraton hotel has expired. ROH is taking legal advice. Unitholders vote on 28 Oct 2026 on a sale; options include selling to ROH at 4,873 mn baht, a rival bid from Orchid Hospitality at 5,300 mn baht, or an open auction. ROH's shares are suspended (SP), and its 280 mn-baht rights issue at 0.60 baht per share has a record date of 5 Oct and subscription 20-27 Oct 2026. If you deal with ROH, its suppliers, or hold its shares, check your exposure now.

Bangkok approves BTS Chit Lom walkway upgrade and unified fare system for January 2027 Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

Bangkok's transport committee approved BTS upgrades to the Chit Lom elevated walkway linking Gaysorn Plaza, Hyatt Erawan and Amarin Plaza: non-slip flooring, roofs, lighting and more CCTV. Also: the Green and Gold line assets and debts are being transferred to MRT authority (MRTA), and a unified fare system is set to start 1 January 2027 with a fare-reduction policy and card-reader readiness checks. For shops and offices near Chit Lom, expect walkway works and possible foot-traffic disruption; for transport-dependent businesses, a single fare card is coming in early 2027.

Bangkok's two children's museums close from 1 October over a contractor gap Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

Bangkok's Chatuchak and Thung Khru children's museums close temporarily from 1 October 2026 while the city procures a new operator under the government procurement law. The deputy governor says it is a budget year-transition gap, not a policy to shut them, and reopening dates depend on the procurement timeline, which is not set. For a Thai SME, this only matters if you run a business tied to school-holiday family visits in these two areas or sell services to the museums; otherwise, no action needed.

Gold prices fell 100 baht today on 22 Sep 2026, with jewellery sold at 69,300 baht per baht weight Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

Gold prices dropped 100 baht from yesterday's close, per the Gold Traders Association as of 09:00. Jewellery (รูปพรรณ) sells at 69,300 baht per baht weight and buys back at 66,931.40 baht, a gap of about 2,370 baht. Bars sell at 68,500 and buy back at 68,300. Spot gold is at US$4,350 per ounce. If you hold gold stock or take gold in trade, check your buy-back and resale prices before you transact. The spread on jewellery is wide, so buying and reselling it in the short term loses money.