Archive

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.

Reuters reports shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is down to single digits, according to data. Only the headline was available, so the scale and duration are unconfirmed. Watch diesel, fuel surcharges and import freight quotes, and consider locking in supplier prices where you can.

Apple raised iPhone 17 and Air prices in Thailand by 4,000-5,000 baht with no new features The Standard Wealth · Sep 10, 2026

Apple raised the Thai web prices of iPhone 17 (29,900 to 34,900 baht) and iPhone Air (39,900 to 43,900 baht) quietly, without an announcement. The new iPhone 18 Pro starts at 48,900 baht, 5,000 baht above the iPhone 17 Pro launch price. For an SME buying company phones or devices, budget for higher device costs; for consumer-facing staff or resellers, expect customers to pay more for the same models. Apple's price rise is a reminder to check current prices before quoting or buying.

The Indian rupee fell to a one-week low as oil prices climbed on Middle East tensions, per the headline only. Thai SMEs importing fuel or inputs may watch for similar pressure on the baht and fuel costs.

Record heat in August and a strengthening El Nino point to hotter months ahead for Thai operations Bangkok Post · Sep 10, 2026

Copernicus says August 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded globally, by a margin of 0.01C over July 2023, and ocean temperatures hit new highs. Scientists expect a strong El Nino to peak around December, with 2026 or 2027 possibly the hottest years on record. The article does not cover Thailand directly. For a Thai SME, the practical point is to plan for heat-related costs over the coming months: cooling and power bills, staff heat stress, and possible drought or water supply pressure in the dry season. The article does not give Thai-specific forecasts, so check the Thai Meteorological Department outlook before making changes.

SME loans have shrunk 15 quarters running, so plan for tighter bank credit and use the SME Credit Boost guarantee Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

Kasikorn Research says SME loans contracted 5.6% in Q2 2026, the 15th straight quarterly decline, and full-year 2026 may fall 4.5-5%. Problem-debt ratio (Stage 2 plus Stage 3) is 25.59%, and SME profits do not cover interest costs on average. Banks still weigh repayment ability and business trends, not just collateral. BOT plans to propose upgrading loan guarantees with the Finance Ministry, working alongside BSY's SME Credit Boost. For your business: expect stricter approvals, so prepare cash-flow and repayment evidence early and ask your bank about SME Credit Boost products. Labour and raw-material costs are rising even as interest rates fall.

Fed's September rate decision and dot plot could swing gold sharply, so check your gold exposure Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

Gold rose about 10% in August to close near US$4,447 and then fell sharply after Fed chair Kevin Warsh's Jackson Hole remarks. Markets now expect the Fed to hike twice this year, up from one. The September Fed meeting and dot plot will decide the next move. Analysts see a short-term range of US$4,300-4,540, with support at 4,300 and resistance at 4,540. If you hold gold for jewellery, savings or hedging, or price gold-linked goods, expect large swings around mid-September and avoid large, unhedged buying or selling before the decision.

Klong Toei fuel leak: pipeline shut for about 5 days, Lat Phrao-side and Klong Toei businesses should check fume and fire rules Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

The Pollution Control Department reports fuel vapour (VOCs up to 626 ppm, LEL 2-18%) in storm drains on Chueang Phloeng Road, Khlong Toei. The fuel pipeline was shut from 8 Sep 2026 and repairs are estimated at about 5 days once the leak is found; supply through the pipe is suspended. Officials ask everyone to check LEL before entering confined spaces, avoid spark-causing work and smoking nearby. If your business is on or near this road, plan for possible fuel supply delays and keep staff away from drains and open trenches. Oil fingerprint testing is pending to identify the source.

Crude oil climbs above $100 again as Middle East fighting escalates, so fuel and transport costs may rise Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

Brent rose to US$101.21 and WTI to US$96.05 a barrel on 9 Sep 2026, up about US$3 each, after US strikes on Iranian oil tankers near Kharg Island and Iranian retaliation. Trump reportedly expects no significant oil price drop until after the November midterms. The US CPI release on 11 Sep and the Fed meeting on 16 Sep could move rates, which affects loan costs. For an SME: review diesel and fuel budgets, check whether suppliers will pass on higher freight costs, and avoid locking in cost assumptions that assume oil falls soon.

Tilapia pest spreads to 21 provinces; Agriculture Ministry sets up provincial task forces and tighter import checks on exotic aquatic species Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

The Agriculture Ministry says the tilapia pest (ปลาหมอคางดำ) now covers 21 provinces. It plans provincial task forces in every affected province, a special committee, and a budget request for more staff and equipment. Officials will also tighten permits for importing non-native aquatic species, and a new fisheries law will add enforcement tools. Compensation for affected people is being coordinated with the Interior Ministry. For fish farmers, fishers and traders in the affected provinces, expect more enforcement and possible restrictions on moving or stocking live fish. No specific deadline or cost change for businesses was announced.

CIMBT, GLAND and LRH shares make their last trade on 11 Sep 2026 before delisting Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

The SET has warned investors that 11 Sep 2026 is the last trading day for CIMBT (CIMB Thai Bank), GLAND (Grand Canal Land) and LRH (Laguna Resorts & Hotels). From 12 Sep 2026 all three are delisted, so shares can no longer be bought or sold on the exchange. If you hold any of them, decide whether to sell before the close on 11 Sep. Most Thai SME owners are unlikely to be affected unless they hold these shares or have a stake in these companies.

Tourism campaigns and a 4,000-million-baht domestic stimulus run Sept–Dec 2026, with 1 million "Thai Tiew Thai Plus" slots opening in October Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

Tourism authorities plan over 4 billion baht of domestic stimulus for September–December 2026, including the "Thai Tiew Thai Plus" scheme with 1 million slots, registration opening in October. The funding model is still pending agreement with the Finance Ministry, and the article gives no details on eligibility or the per-slot value beyond a cap of 3,000 baht. Month-by-month campaigns target domestic travellers (Southern region, Bangkok events) and new foreign flight routes (Loong Air, SAS, Sunclass, Norse Atlantic into Krabi and Phuket). For SMEs in hotels, restaurants, transport or tours near these events or routes, it is worth preparing offers and stock for Q4, but hold off on committing spend until the scheme's details are confirmed.

Baht opens at 32.90 per dollar on 10 Sep, with US CPI and the FOMC meeting next week the swing factors Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

The baht opened at 32.90 per dollar, near the prior close of 32.93. TTB expects a 24-hour range of 32.80 to 33.10. Oil prices are rising on Middle East tensions, which raises global inflation risk. US CPI on Friday and the FOMC meeting on 15-16 Sep could shift rate expectations and move the baht. For importers, price USD-linked purchases with this band in mind. For exporters, the range is narrow for now, so no major change to pricing is needed. Foreign investors bought a net 3,136 million baht of Thai stocks and sold 2,640 million baht of Thai bonds the previous day.

Gold jewellery up 250 baht to 69,500 per baht weight today, so check buy-in costs Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

On 10 Sep 2026 the Gold Traders Association listed jewellery gold at 69,500 baht per baht weight to sell, up 250 baht from the previous close. Bar gold sells at 68,700 and buys back at 68,500. Spot gold is US$4,415 per ounce. Jewellery buy-back is about 67,128 baht, so the spread is wide. If your business holds gold for sale, repairs, or gifts, reprice and check your stock value. Otherwise this is a daily price move to note, not a change in strategy.

A Reuters report says Aster is buying crude from the Americas and Africa to replace Middle East supply. Only the headline is available, so the scale and cause are unclear. Watch for any knock-on effect on fuel prices if your costs depend on diesel or petrol.

State flood, storm and quake insurance for 30 million homes starts October, using home-registration records Prachachat · Sep 10, 2026

The cabinet approved a national disaster insurance scheme, with the government paying premiums of about THB 15 billion a year (roughly THB 500 per household) to cover flood, storm and earthquake damage for about 30 million homes, targeted to start October. Eligibility is based on house registration, and payouts are THB 10,000 (flood) or THB 5,000 (storm/quake) first-part per household within 15 days, capped at THB 100,000 per event. Around 25 of 47 insurers may qualify, so the scheme is still being finalised. For a Thai SME, the practical point is that homeowners and staff's homes may gain cover, and the scheme does not replace your own business property insurance; check details once the rules are published.

Oil above US$100 a barrel would squeeze Thai SME costs and household spending Bangkok Post · Sep 10, 2026

CIMB Thai expects Thai GDP growth of about 2% this year, but warns that crude above US$100 a barrel would raise transport and business costs, pass through to consumer prices and weaken household purchasing power. Core inflation rose 0.2% month-on-month, and some businesses that held prices down may start passing costs on. Plan for higher fuel and logistics costs, review pricing, and watch for slower consumer demand. Long-term bond yields are also rising (US 30-year above 5%), which would raise borrowing costs over time.

Phuket authorities tighten security for Friday's Jewish New Year event in Patong Bangkok Post · Sep 10, 2026

Phuket officials are concerned about a planned Rosh Hashanah gathering at Chabad House Patong on Friday, expected to draw a large crowd. They flagged a possible provocation by a third party and a security-risk assessment is required. For Patong businesses, expect heavier police presence and possible traffic or access disruption around the venue this week, and watch for any tourism-image effects in the district.

Phuket Patong Jewish event on Friday faces security review, so expect police presence and possible crowd disruption nearby Bangkok Post · Sep 10, 2026

Phuket authorities are reviewing a planned Rosh Hashanah gathering at Chabad House Patong on Friday, which is expected to draw a large crowd. Officials want a security-risk assessment and are concerned about a possible third-party provocation in the crowded tourist district. If your shop or business is in Patong, expect heightened security presence and possible disruption around the event. The province says it is not opposing the gathering.