Archive

Apple raises prices on older iPhones in Thailand by 4,000–12,000 baht as RAM and storage costs climb Blognone · Sep 10, 2026

Apple has stopped selling iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max now that iPhone 18 Pro is out. Prices for remaining older models went up at Apple Store, by 4,000 to 12,000 baht (e.g. iPhone 17 256GB from 29,900 to 34,900 baht). The article ties this to higher RAM and storage costs. Dealer prices may differ and stock is likely sold out. For a business buying iPhones for staff or resale, budget the higher cost; the rise is a sign that memory-driven device costs are climbing across the market.

Minister says EV excise tax must treat imported and Thai-made cars equally Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

Industry Minister Wirawut Silpa-archa said at the National EV Policy Committee meeting (No. 1/2569) that excise tax measures should give imported and locally made EVs equal incentives, so neither gains an edge, and that supply chains and local skills must be developed during the shift from combustion cars. Concrete tax rates are not given in the article. For SME suppliers of combustion-engine parts, this signals continued support for the local auto supply chain and possible future measures for ICE producers, but nothing is yet binding.

Russian crude offers jump over $20 a barrel above Brent as China scrambles for supply Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

Bloomberg, citing traders, reports ESPO crude from Russia's Pacific coast is being offered at over $20/bbl above Brent on a delivered basis for November loading, roughly double last week's premium. Chinese refiners are buying spot because Iranian supply is blocked by a US naval blockade and Hormuz shipping is disrupted. West African and Brazilian grades have also risen to about $30 over Brent. For a Thai SME, this signals that crude-linked costs (diesel, fuel, petrochemical inputs) may stay high or rise, so review fuel and energy budgets and supplier price terms. The report is based on unnamed traders, so treat the exact figures as indicative.

BoT and 11 agencies tighten cash, gold and transfer checks; October reporting rule for 5m baht deposits Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

The Bank of Thailand and 11 industry bodies, including banks, e-payment providers and non-bank lenders, have agreed to crack down on illicit money flows, online gambling and corruption. Key measures: cash withdrawals of 5 million baht must be reported; gold bar transactions of 2 kg or more (or over 10 million baht) require recording the buyer's details; foreign currency purchases are capped at 800,000 baht per person per day; and transfer limits will apply by risk group. A new rule on checking deposits of 5 million baht (source of funds) is planned for October. Since the measures began, gold trades of that size fell about 70% and large cash withdrawals fell from 100,000 to 40,000 million baht. If you run a shop, money-changing, gold trading or take large cash or transfers from customers, expect more ID and source-of-funds questions at your bank.

Thai Industry Ministry's "Top Kan" squad is cracking down on non-standard imports, from warehouses to online sellers Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

The Industry Ministry's special "Top Kan" team is now inspecting factories, warehouses, importers and online channels, not just shop shelves. Raids in 2026 seized electrical goods, LED power supplies and car tyres without TIS (มอก.) marks or QR codes. If you import, resell or sell online electrical or industrial products, check that each item has a valid มอก. licence and that your suppliers are licensed. Products that skip testing can undercut compliant sellers on price, so expect more enforcement and pressure on prices in these categories.

Small sellers on the Thung Ngern app can now use their sales data to apply for loans from Krungthai and GSB The Standard Wealth · Sep 10, 2026

The Finance Ministry launched the 'AI Nokkrasip' loan scheme on 10 September, linked to the 'Thung Ngern' app. Sales records from the app, including Thai Chuay Thai Plus and Khon La Khrueng Plus sales, can support loan applications. Krungthai offers up to 3 million baht for small SMEs from 3.5% a year, fixed for two years, and a 'Sib Muen' loan up to 500,000 baht at 11% a year. GSB offers up to 50,000 baht at a fixed 0.75% a month with no collateral. TGIF guarantees cover borrowers without collateral, with guarantee fees from 1% a year. No loan application fees. If you already sell through Thung Ngern, check your sales history and compare loan options before you need the money.

Thai Chuay Thai Plus may be extended 1-2 months; decision due within 2-3 weeks The Standard Wealth · Sep 10, 2026

Finance Minister Ekniti says the Finance Ministry will consider street vendors' request to extend 'Thai Chuay Thai Plus' by 1-2 months, with a decision expected within 2-3 weeks (around late September). Budget is said to be sufficient. A proposal to change the co-payment split from 60:40 to 50:50 is also under review. The ministry warns that volatile global oil prices could weigh on the timing and terms. Shops should plan for both outcomes: keep stock and staff flexible, and get ready to register. The programme reached about 1.2 million shops and 40+ million users over 3 months. Ministry also offers 'AI Nokkrasip' sales-skills coaching for small shops, which is worth using whether or not the scheme continues.

Thailand is already at 15% elderly, so silver-economy demand is a long-run opening for your business Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

Bangkok Bank's Bnomics column says Thailand's share of people aged 65+ is about 15%, versus 30% in Japan and 20% in South Korea. The article expects more demand for healthcare, long-term care, health food, health insurance, travel and specialised products aimed at older customers. It also says an ageing workforce pushes firms toward automation. For a small business, this is a signal to think about who your older customers are and what they need over the next few years, not a change to act on this quarter.

Thai bond yields jump on US buyback news, so corporate borrowing costs may rise Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

KResearch says global bond yields jumped after the US announced a Treasury buyback of about $6 billion, below the roughly $10 billion the market expected. Thai policy rate is expected to stay at 1%, which limits short-term yield moves. Thai 10-year yield rose 60 bps to 2.29%, 2-year to 1.26%. Longer-dated yields could keep rising, pushing up corporate bond costs. Lower-rated issuers face wider credit spreads and harder fundraising for the rest of the year. For SMEs: if you plan to borrow or refinance, lock in terms early and expect pricing to firm.

Foreign-nominee crackdown may cut Chonburi landed-property sales by about 100 units Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

The Commerce Ministry has published data showing 5,277 entities holding land or condos beyond the 49% foreign-ownership limit. The Chonburi Real Estate Association expects buyer hesitancy to cut landed-home sales by about 100 units in five areas near international schools: Pattaya, the Pattaya-Rayong border, Ban Chang, Bang Lamung and Laem Chabang. Foreign condo transfers in H1 2026 also fell 8.8% in units (REIC). If you sell or build homes in these eastern areas, expect slower demand for the next few quarters. A proposal to replace nominee purchases with 50-60 year leases is still only a suggestion, so no rule change applies yet.

State banks now lend to small shops using their Thai sales data, with BAC guarantees for those without collateral Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

Krungthai and GSB have launched SME loans that use real sales data from the Thai Krungsri-linked "Thung Ngern" app and its "AI Nokkrasib" analytics tool. Krungthai offers up to 3 million baht for app-using shops at 3.5% a year fixed for two years, plus a 500,000 baht loan at 11% a year. GSB offers up to 50,000 baht at 0.75% a month with no collateral. BAC (SME credit guarantee) can back loans for owners without collateral, with guarantee fees from 1% a year. Shops that record sales through QR payments and the app may find it easier to qualify. Check eligibility and fees before comparing with informal lenders.

Thai Chuay Thai Plus ends in September; no decision yet on a new phase Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

The 1,000-baht monthly cash handout under Thai Chuay Thai Plus runs until 30 September 2026. The finance minister says Q4 stimulus will use several tools and is not committing to a new phase; he is waiting for GDP data after the scheme ends and notes inflation has started to fall. Retailers in the column report sales down about 20% last year and nearly 10% this year, with Q4 expected to decline without a new phase. Plan Q4 cash flow and stock buying assuming the handout stops, and watch for the government announcement.

GUNKUL takes its solar push to the Philippines, and its PDP and Direct PPA plans could reach Thai contractors Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

GUNKUL, a listed Thai energy and EPC company, is building a 784 MW floating solar project on Laguna Lake in the Philippines, with construction targeted for late October or early November 2569 and commercial operation in Q4 2570. For a Thai SME, the direct relevance is in Thailand: the new PDP is open for public comment from 8 September 2569, with approval expected around November and a new power auction in 2570. The company also says the Direct PPA cap for clean-power buyers has been lifted and a Solar Community quota of about 1,500 MW is expected to open in Q4 2569. Grid and transmission spending (a 10-year plan of about 100,000 million baht) may create EPC and electrical equipment subcontracting work. Most of this is a listed company's investor outlook, so treat the figures as its own estimates. Suppliers of electrical equipment, cabling or construction services may want to watch the PDP consultation and tender timing.

Thai car output seen falling 1.8% this year as EV incentive board meets on local-parts tax rules Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

Kasikorn Research expects Thai car production to fall 1.8% in 2026, while imports keep rising: China supplies 69% of car imports in the first seven months, and BEVs make up 72% of import value. The National EV Policy Board is weighing excise-tax incentives to push makers toward local parts. Expected effects are fewer imports, higher car prices and more local production, with a 2027 output rebound if rules are enforced. For auto-parts and supplier SMEs, the local-content rules matter most; check whether your products could qualify and watch for the final tax terms.

Regulator urges SMEs to map their risks before buying the new SME Package insurance Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

The Office of Insurance Commissioner says SME owners should first list their business risks, decide which to keep and which to transfer to insurance, and not choose policies on premium alone. The SME Package bundles building, stock, machinery, business-interruption income loss, theft, cash, glass, third-party liability and personal accident cover in one policy. Check whether your business type needs compulsory insurance, such as travel agencies, building-related cover, or passenger boats. The article gives no new rules, prices or deadlines.

Finance ministry weighs renewing Thai Chuay Thai Plus phase 2 as energy costs stay high Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

Deputy PM Ekniti says the Finance Ministry is rushing to decide whether to extend the Thai Chuay Thai Plus (60/40) phase 2 scheme, with a conclusion expected by end-September 2026. Around 40 million people (26 million on the scheme plus 13 million on state welfare cards) are eligible, and about 1.2 million shops take part, with roughly 150 billion baht in spending. Traders want an extra 1-2 months. If you are a participating shop, keep enrolment and sales records ready and watch for the decision and any change in the subsidy format.

Foreign trucks face GPS and route checks in Thailand, and fines may rise from 50,000 baht Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

The Transport Minister met Thai trucking associations on 9 September 2026 about Chinese-origin trucks entering via Laos under the GMS CBTA. Thai operators say foreign trucks are running off approved routes and taking domestic cargo, including in the south, and undercutting prices. The Department of Land Transport is preparing a rule requiring foreign cargo and bus vehicles to install GPS, and will check their insurance. Raising the current 50,000-baht maximum fine is only under study. If you run a domestic haulage or logistics business, expect tighter enforcement and possibly lower rate pressure, but no rule is in force yet.

AI ad platforms favour their own revenue, so keep a human on your media budget Thumbsup · Sep 10, 2026

Gartner expects over 70% of global ad spend (80% in the US) to run through self-serve platforms where AI drives buying, pricing and reporting by 2028. Platform AI optimises for the platform's revenue, so its "spend more" suggestions are not neutral. For a Thai SME: keep a person reviewing ad budgets, use third-party measurement instead of platform-only reports, and concentrate tests on a few major platforms so results are easier to check. Junior staff can run AI ad tools, but they need experienced oversight.

KResearch keeps 2026 Thai GDP forecast at 2.0% and warns inflation may rise in Q4 Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

KResearch keeps its 2026 Thai GDP growth forecast at 2.0%, expecting the second half to slow from the first as exports fade and household spending stays fragile, even with the "Thai Help Thai Plus" measures supporting Q3 consumption. Brent crude has moved back above US$100 a barrel after US-Iran tensions flared again in September. Inflation may accelerate in Q4 due to the Middle East conflict, El Niño and US trade measures. For a small business: plan for soft domestic demand in late 2026, keep energy and input costs under review, and expect pressure on prices in Q4.

BoT says zombie SMEs have nearly doubled to 6%, and support will focus on firms that can still grow Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

The Bank of Thailand says the share of zombie SMEs (operating profit too low to cover interest for three years running) rose from 2.7% in 2013 to 5.7% in 2024. SME credit has contracted for 16 straight quarters, and only 21% of high-efficiency SMEs can access credit, versus 60% for large firms. Policy support will target profitable, growth-capable firms, not every struggling business. For an SME owner, this means lenders are likely to favour firms with healthy interest coverage, so check your ICR now and prepare clean financial statements before applying for credit or restructuring.