Archive

Japan's policy rate now sits above Thailand's 1.00% for the first time, with Thai rates among the world's lowest The Standard Wealth · Sep 18, 2026

The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate by 0.25% to 1.25% on 18 September 2026, the highest in 31 years, so Japan's rate is now above Thailand's 1.00%. Thailand's rate was held unanimously by the Bank of Thailand's MPC on 26 August. Thailand is now the second-lowest policy rate in the world after Switzerland (0.00%). For a Thai SME this is background: no Thai rate change is announced in the article, so there is no immediate change to loan costs. Watch the next BOT meeting and the baht, since a widening rate gap with Japan and the US can move the yen and baht and affect import costs and Japan-linked trade.

Alcohol ad ban's implementing rules still missing, so brand mentions by Thais online carry fine risk Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

A former alcohol-control committee member says the Section 32 ad ban is only partly enforceable because its implementing regulations (กฎหมายลูก) have not been issued as of 17 September 2026. The clause bans anyone from using their fame to promote alcohol brands or logos to the public, with an exception for limited academic communication. Commentators say the wording is unclear, so it is hard to know what counts. For a Thai SME in beer, liquor, hospitality or influencer marketing, avoid posting brand names, logos or bottle images for promotion until the rules are clear, and check with a lawyer before using celebrity or influencer endorsements.

AirAsia's jet fuel squeeze and fare hikes signal pricier flights for Thai travel businesses Bangkok Post · Sep 18, 2026

AirAsia says jet fuel prices, which rose 66% in the second quarter to an average of $183 a barrel, are forcing it to raise fares. Its CEO says demand remains strong and bookings for the fourth quarter look solid, with load factor at 80% in the third quarter. The airline posted a 831 million ringgit net loss for the quarter, and Reuters reported Malaysia has discussed whether rivals could absorb its domestic share. For Thai SMEs in tourism, logistics or travel services, budget for higher airfares and fuel-linked costs, and expect the airline to keep Thailand routes running for now.

AirAsia's jet fuel squeeze means higher fares and possible capacity cuts on regional flights Bangkok Post · Sep 18, 2026

AirAsia's co-founder says jet fuel costs, which rose 66% in the second quarter to an average of $183 a barrel, are hitting the airline hard, and it is adjusting fares to pass on higher costs. AirAsia posted a 831 million ringgit net loss for the quarter and its shares fell after a Reuters report that Malaysia's government was planning for its domestic share to be absorbed by rivals. For a Thai SME, expect higher airfares and freight-related costs on regional travel and budget for fuel-driven price increases in travel and logistics. Fernandes said Thailand is among the markets he is optimistic about, and he reported 80% load factor for the third quarter.

Civil servant pension fund returns 1.78 billion baht to the treasury; member savings unaffected Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

The Government Pension Fund (GPF) will transfer about 1,789 million baht of surplus reserve returns to the state treasury in early October 2026, the first such transfer since it was founded. The money comes from the Finance Ministry's reserve, which sits above the legal level of 3 times the annual civil-servant pension budget. GPF says member savings of over 1.2 million people are not affected. For a private SME owner, this is background only: no filing, cost or pricing change follows.

PM says remaining 40bn baht loan will fund Thai Chuay Thai Plus for two more months Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

The PM said the Thai Chuay Thai Plus handout programme will be extended for two more months, funded from roughly 40 billion baht of remaining government loan money. The monthly payment amount (1,000 or 500 baht) was not settled; Finance Minister Ekniti was named as the one to answer. Thai SME owners should watch for the final amount and eligibility, since handouts can lift local spending in low-income neighbourhoods, but no firm details are given yet.

Thai Airways hedges 40-50% of fuel through year-end as jet fuel prices swing The Standard Wealth · Sep 18, 2026

Thai Airways (THAI) says it has hedged 40-50% of its fuel needs for the rest of 2026 and will pass part of the cost to passengers through fuel surcharges. Jet fuel prices began rising in Q3 2026 as Middle East tensions flared again. For SMEs, this signals that transport and logistics costs may keep rising through year-end. Check whether your freight or travel contracts include fuel surcharge clauses. THAI also plans to add Asian routes and frequencies, which may mean more flight options and possibly lower fares to China, India and Vietnam. The 2027 hedging plan is still undecided.

Bangkok's 6,000-million-baht EV garbage truck lease is stalled, so the city will keep renting diesel trucks for now Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Siripant says the 1,347-truck, 5-year EV garbage truck lease (6,000 million baht) has not passed the Bangkok council, so the city will go back to leasing fuel-powered trucks for now. The governor denies corruption and says the project is transparent. The article claims EV trucks would cut energy costs by about 54% versus diesel (4,745 million baht over 5 years), using diesel at 39 baht/litre and electricity at 6 baht/unit. It also says the city will not lay off waste staff and will shrink headcount through retirements. For a small business, the signal is mainly that the city's public-sector EV and outsourcing demand is on hold and unresolved; nothing requires action from your business yet.

NESDC says the Fed rate hike raises global risk, so Thai SMEs should watch baht, loan and fuel costs Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

The US Federal Reserve raised its rate by 0.25%, its first hike in three years. NESDC secretary-general Danucha Pichayanond says this raises global risk and could push Thai interest rates up, depending on how the Bank of Thailand responds. He gave no concrete measures. For an SME, this is a signal to watch: borrowing costs may rise later, and fuel and transport costs could climb if energy prices rise. Nothing in the article requires action this quarter.

KKP raises 2026 Thai GDP forecast to 2.5%, but SMEs and traditional industries lag the AI-driven rebound Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

KKP Research raised its 2026 Thai GDP growth forecast to 2.5% (from 2.1%) and 2027 to 2.7%, driven by tourism and AI-related electronics and data-centre investment. It describes a K-Shape recovery: AI-linked sectors are growing while SMEs, autos, petrochemicals and consumer electronics face import competition and structural shifts. KKP expects the Bank of Thailand to hold policy rates through end-2027, with inflation forecast at 1.8% for 2026. For an SME owner, expect demand to stay uneven: plan for tight competition from imports and do not assume the national recovery will reach your segment soon.

Crude oil prices fall for a third day as Saudi pipeline repairs ease supply fears Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

Brent fell to $104.82 and West Texas Intermediate to $101.91 per barrel on 17 Sep 2026, after three straight daily declines. Saudi Arabia is repairing the damaged East-West Pipeline, which should restore about half its capacity within days, and some tankers still transit the Hormuz strait. Oil remains very high and geopolitically volatile (US-Iran talks, Houthi activity near Bab el-Mandeb). For a Thai SME, fuel and energy-linked costs stay elevated; avoid assuming a durable drop and watch pump prices and freight surcharges before repricing or locking in contracts. A US bill allowing tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian energy also bears watching for import costs.

Gold prices rise 400 baht today: bar gold sells at 68,500 baht, jewellery at 69,300 baht Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

Gold rose 400 baht versus yesterday's close at the 9:03 am check. Bar gold buys at 68,300 baht and sells at 68,500 baht; 96.5% jewellery buys back at about 66,931 baht and sells at 69,300 baht. The gap between buy and sell prices is about 2,400 baht for jewellery, so check the buy-back spread before stocking or pricing gold items. World spot is US$4,349 per ounce. Prices move through the day, so confirm the rate before any transaction.

Thailand's US tariff deal is nearly done, with only minor details left Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

Commerce Minister Supachai said most details of the US tariff talks are settled, with only minor written points left to finalise with USTR deputy Rick Switzer, meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN economic ministers' meeting in the Philippines on 19 September. No date has been set for a leader-level call between PM Anutin and President Trump. The PM will handle the separate request for a special tariff rate linked to the Thailand-Cambodia agreement directly with the US. For exporters, the rate that applies is still not final, so keep watching for the signed text before committing to US pricing or orders.

Fed rate hike: Commerce Ministry says it is watching prices, and a new stimulus package is coming Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

The US Federal Reserve raised rates by 0.25%, its first hike in three years. Deputy PM Supachai Thongsuk said the Commerce Ministry is monitoring goods prices so consumers are not hit. The "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" stimulus was extended by two months, and the ministry is preparing a follow-on package aimed at Q4 2026 figures. No details or amounts are given yet. For a small business: keep an eye on import costs and pricing, and watch for the new package's terms before committing to hiring or stock.

Oil leak under Rama 3 viaduct: pipeline operators reopen soil, fuel delivery rerouted Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

BFPL and BPT (Bangchak group) reopened soil under the Rama 3 elevated road on 16 September 2569 (2026) to find the source of an oil leak from the pipeline along Charoen Phleng road. Earlier checks on 12 September found no pipe fault, and traces of oil were found nearby, with the cause not yet confirmed. The companies say they will repair any damage to the Department of Energy Business's standards, inspect the 32 km line with an intelligent pig afterwards, and keep fuel deliveries running through other routes. They say they hold insurance covering third-party liability and business interruption, and are helping affected operators. If your business relies on fuel deliveries in the Rama 3 area, expect possible supply routing changes; if you were affected by the spill, check whether you can claim under their insurance and register your losses.

Baht opens stronger at 33.26 per dollar; expect a 33.15–33.45 range today Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

The baht opened at 33.26 per dollar on 18 Sep, up from 33.36 at yesterday's close, with a 24-hour range of roughly 33.15–33.45 (TTB). The stronger baht follows a softer US dollar after the Fed's 0.25% hike and weaker oil prices. For a small importer or exporter, this is a modest move: check FX-linked costs and quotes against this range, and avoid locking in rates on the back of one day's move. Foreign investors net bought Thai stocks (THB 1.65bn) and bonds (THB 0.69bn) the previous day.

Chinese cosmetics now top the Thai import market, so local beauty brands need a faster product and data plan Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

Krungthai COMPASS reports China became Thailand's top cosmetics import source in H1 2026, with a 24% share and imports from China up 39.8% year on year. In 2025 Thai cosmetics imports from China reached about 5.38 billion baht (+34.3%) while total cosmetics imports fell 7.4%. ASEAN is about 38% of Thai cosmetics exports, so Chinese brands now compete in both the home and export markets. For a Thai beauty SME, the article points to three levers: faster product development, using consumer data and social-commerce signals, and building proof-backed differentiation (Thai herbs, OEM/ODM strength) rather than competing on price.

Chinese tourists expected to surge for Golden Week in early October, with six new China-Thailand routes adding about 10,000 seats Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

Tourism authority TAT expects about 250,000 Chinese visitors over the 13-day National Day holiday (25 Sep-7 Oct 2569), up 24%, and about 137,000 during Golden Week itself (1-7 Oct), up 21%. Flight searches from China to Thailand are up 24%. Six new routes add roughly 10,282 seats, including Shanghai-Phuket and Shanghai-Chiang Mai. The baht is about 9.8% weaker against the yuan (4.93 baht per yuan on 1 Sep), which makes Thailand cheaper for Chinese buyers. If you run shops, restaurants, tours or hotels in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani or Bangkok, plan extra Chinese-speaking staff, stock and promotions for late September to early October. These are forecasts, and 2569 overall foreign arrivals are down 3.38%.

Diesel B7 at 40.69 baht and B20 at 35.69 baht on 18 Sep 2026; B20 up 0.85 baht Prachachat · Sep 18, 2026

Bangchak station prices for 18 Sep 2026: diesel B7 40.69 baht/litre, B20 35.69 baht (up 0.85 baht from the previous day), Gasohol 95 39.94 baht, Gasohol 91 39.57 baht. Prices exclude the Bangkok local maintenance tax and take effect at 05:00 the next day. Check your own station's price before budgeting fuel for delivery vehicles or machinery, since prices can move daily.

Household debt forecast to ease to 84% of GDP, but credit is getting harder to get Bangkok Post · Sep 18, 2026

UTCC forecasts the household debt-to-GDP ratio falling from 85.2% in Q2 to about 84% by Q4 2026, even though total household debt still rises from 16.3 to 16.5 trillion baht. The drop reflects tighter lending, not stronger repayment: 8.6% of recent consumer loan applicants were rejected, mainly for low income, high debt-service ratios or bad credit-bureau records. For a business owner, expect tougher personal and consumer loan approvals for staff and customers, so plan cash flow with less reliance on borrowed customer spending.