Archive

Phuket Vegetarian Festival ends Sunday, with road closures on the parade route Bangkok Post · 4d ago

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival closes Sunday with parades on Phunphon, Rasada, Phuket, Montri and Kra roads, ending near Saphan Hin Public Park, and a final ceremony that night. The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects about 140,000 visitors and over 1.3 billion baht in local spending this year. If your shop, restaurant or transport business is in Phuket Town, expect crowds and traffic on those streets Sunday, and plan stock and staffing for the extra demand.

TAT's Q4 domestic push: 500-baht airfare discounts and up to 40,000 baht bus subsidies, bookings open 15 Oct–15 Dec Prachachat · 4d ago

TAT launched two domestic travel schemes for Oct–Dec: a 500-baht discount per booking on domestic flights with seven airlines (code FLYTODOM, up to 1,000 baht for a return trip booked as two bookings), and a subsidy for tour operators and group travel of up to 10,000 baht/day for buses (min. 30 passengers, max 40,000 baht per trip) and 2,500 baht/day for vans (min. 6 passengers, max 10,000 baht). Bookings run 15 Oct–15 Dec and travel must be completed by 15 Jan. Tour operators and group-travel businesses should list at least one qualifying activity in their tour programmes to take part; the bus scheme is run with eight partner associations on about 48 million baht.

Thai digital-fraud losses fell 36% in nine months, but money leaves mule accounts within minutes Prachachat · 4d ago

Bank of Thailand researchers report that in the first nine months of 2026, fraud losses fell 36% and case counts fell 13% year on year. But the median time for funds to leave the first mule account is 2 minutes, and half leave the banking system within 3 minutes. Victims take about 30 hours to file a police report, and only 11.4% of Thai victims report to government agencies. For a business owner, this means: verify payment requests and transfers to new accounts yourself, do not rely on bank recovery after the fact, and report any fraud immediately. Thirty-six percent of victims lost confidence in online systems, and about one in ten stopped using financial apps.

Phatthalung beef cattle prices fall below break-even, farmers ask government to curb imports Prachachat · 4d ago

Beef cattle prices in Phatthalung fell to 50-70 baht/kg over about seven months, below the roughly 100 baht/kg farmers say they need to break even. Large and mid-sized farmers are selling breeding cows, and the cause cited is cheaper imported beef. Prices have since recovered to about 90 baht/kg as supply tightened, mainly for export to China. Farmers are asking for interest-free loans for three years and tighter import controls, but no government measure has been adopted yet. For a Thai SME in cattle, beef trade or feed supply, the point is that prices are volatile and the market is recovering from a low base; avoid restocking on the assumption of high prices until a policy is actually in place.

Flood-hit factories can get up to 12 months' loan deferral from SME D Bank Prachachat · 4d ago

As of 13 Oct 2026, the Industry Ministry counted 4,635 businesses hit by floods in 59 provinces, with about 18,206 million baht in estimated damage, most of it in Chonburi industrial estates. SME D Bank is deferring principal and interest for up to 12 months (539 borrowers so far, 1,807 million baht). The DIPROM Pay loan (50 million baht pool) is for working capital, and the Pracharat SME fund offers a 3-month deferral. If your factory or supplier was flooded, contact your lender now. Also check electrical and chemical storage safety before restarting. Expect supply and freight disruption to persist.

Prachinburi floods cause over 10 billion baht in damage; chamber asks for relief package for businesses Prachachat · 4d ago

Floods in Prachinburi (7 districts, 65 subdistricts) are estimated to have caused over 10 billion baht in damage across business, trade, farming, livestock and fisheries. The provincial chamber of commerce has proposed 7 relief measures to government: flood-victim compensation, cutting water, electricity and tax costs, special low-interest loans and debt payment holidays, and infrastructure recovery. Recovery may take more than a year, and roads are still cut. Factories were mostly spared direct machinery damage, but worker travel and freight were disrupted. If you trade or operate in Prachinburi or the lower Bang Pakong basin, check whether you qualify for any relief once measures are announced, and plan for slower deliveries and customers for the coming year.

Heavy rain forecast for the South and East now, and for Bangkok and central Thailand 21-25 October: plan deliveries and stock Prachachat · 4d ago

The Thai Meteorological Department warns of heavy to very heavy rain in the South and East during 18-20 October 2026, then more rain across Bangkok, its vicinity, central Thailand and the upper South during 21-25 October, with gusty winds in some areas. Flash floods and runoff are possible. For a business: move deliveries and outdoor work earlier, protect stock and equipment on low ground, and expect slower transport and possible flooding in Bangkok and central areas in the week of 21 October. Sea waves above 2 metres are forecast where storms occur, so check boat and fishing schedules.

Heavy rain hits the south and east through 20 Oct, then Bangkok and central Thailand 21-25 Oct: plan deliveries and stock now Prachachat · 4d ago

The Meteorological Department warns of heavy to very heavy rain in the South and East on 18-20 Oct, with flash floods and mountain runoff possible. From 21-25 Oct rain spreads to Bangkok, its vicinity and central Thailand, with some heavy to very heavy downpours and gusty winds. Sea waves above 2 metres are expected in storm areas, so boat operators should avoid those waters. For a shop or workshop in these areas, this means possible delivery delays, flooded premises and stock damage. Check stock, storage and transport plans this week.

Diesel and gasohol prices today, 18 Oct 2026: B20 at 37.19 baht, B7 at 42.94 baht per litre Prachachat · 4d ago

Bangchak's posted pump prices for 18 Oct 2026: diesel B20 37.19 baht/litre (unchanged), diesel B7 42.94 baht, gasohol 95 41.44 baht, gasohol 91 41.07 baht, E20 35.69 baht. Prices exclude the Bangkok local land tax. Tomorrow's prices take effect at 05:00. Check the price at your own station, since these are reference figures. For fleets and delivery vehicles, use the B20 vs B7 gap (about 5.75 baht/litre) when choosing which diesel to buy.

Stiffer fines coming for illegal industrial waste dumping Bangkok Post · 5d ago

The Industry Ministry is revising the Factory Act and related waste laws to raise fines for illegal dumping, possibly to tens of millions of baht, from the current 200,000 baht cap, and to let authorities trace finances and seize assets. Existing fines are low enough that paying them can be cheaper than proper treatment. Factories should review how they dispose of industrial waste, including solar panels and EV batteries, and keep licensed disposal records. The ministry is also planning recycling estates and helping factories meet EU CBAM requirements. No effective date was given.

Rangsit canal fish deaths prompt PCD probe; lab results due in seven days Bangkok Post · 5d ago

The Pollution Control Department is investigating Rangsit canal in Pathum Thani after mass fish deaths. Initial tests put five sites in Category 4 or 5, unsuitable for most uses without treatment. Lab results are expected within seven days. Field tests found no arsenic, VOCs or hydrogen sulphide. Residents are told not to eat dead fish or touch the canal water. If your business operates or draws water near the canal, avoid using it untreated and keep an eye on the lab results. Floodwater drainage into the Chao Phraya is being accelerated with 16 outlet pumps and 164 mobile pumps.

Global time standard will stop leap seconds from May 2027, so check time-sensitive systems Blognone · 5d ago

The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) moved the end of leap seconds forward from 2035 to 20 May 2027. UTC will no longer be adjusted, and it will be locked to TAI with a fixed offset. The reason is that the Earth has been spinning faster, so a negative leap second might have been needed. Removing one for the first time was seen as risky for financial and IoT systems. For most small businesses this changes nothing day to day. If you use POS, accounting, or connected devices that sync time, your software vendor should confirm it handles the new standard.

Regional haze hits highest alert level, with schools closed in parts of the region Bangkok Post · 5d ago

ASEAN's meteorological centre raised its top haze alert (Level 3) for southern ASEAN, covering Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Timor-Leste. Schools have closed and outdoor activity is restricted in places. The article does not cover Thailand directly. For Thai SMEs, the main exposure is indirect: supply-chain or export delays for firms trading with Indonesia or Malaysia, and staff or customer disruption for businesses with regional links. Singapore is naming Indonesian pulpwood and timber suppliers, which matters only for firms that buy from them.

Haze hits Southeast Asia at top alert level, schools closed in parts of the region Bangkok Post · 5d ago

Asean's meteorological centre has raised its highest haze alert (Level 3) for the southern region, driven by fires in Indonesia. Schools have closed in parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Timor-Leste, and outdoor activity is restricted. Singapore is naming Indonesian pulpwood and timber suppliers over the fires. For a Thai business, the direct impact is limited, but any operations or supply chains in Malaysia, Singapore or Indonesia may face disruption, and staff travel or outdoor work there could be affected. Thailand's northern haze season is a separate issue to watch.

MRTA reshuffles regional rail timelines: Chiang Mai, Phuket and Korat go first, Songkhla's Hat Yai line moves to 2028 opening Prachachat · 5d ago

The MRTA is reviewing all five regional rail projects (Chiang Mai, Phuket, Korat, Phitsanulok, Songkhla) and has no firm start year. Chiang Mai's Red Line, Phuket phase 1 and Korat's Orange Line are expected to move first, with the least state subsidy going first. Phuket's bus EV trial is already running privately. Hat Yai (Songkhla) targets approval around 2028, construction around 2031 and opening around 2035 under the article's schedule. For a small business, this is long-range: consider site decisions near planned stations in Chiang Mai, Phuket or Korat, but no action is needed this quarter.

Cabinet approves 50bn baht "Baan Khon La Lang PLUS" home loans at 2.60% for 2 years, open to 2030 or until funds run out Prachachat · 5d ago

Cabinet approved a 50bn baht GHB (ธอส.) loan programme: up to 3m baht per borrower, up to 40-year repayment, 2.60% p.a. for the first 2 years for standard-income borrowers (2.80% for those under relaxed income/living-cost criteria), then repriced. Applications open 15 Oct 2026 to 30 Dec 2030 or until the limit is used. Relevant if you sell homes or condos priced up to 3m baht, or do building and fit-out work for them: buyers at this level may find financing easier, but analysts warn tight loan approvals and household debt still limit uptake, and the 50bn is a ceiling, not guaranteed sales. Plan pipeline conversions cautiously rather than assuming a quick rebound.

THAI opens flood compensation claims for passengers hit by September delays Bangkok Post · 5d ago

Thai Airways has approved case-by-case compensation for passengers hit by flight delays, cancellations and delayed bags from heavy flooding on Sept 26-30. Claims go through its Request Flight Disruption website or the Customer Care Centre at the Vibhavadi Rangsit head office (daily, 8.30am-4pm). Little changes for a typical SME, but if your staff or customers were stranded by those flights, this is where to file. Staff and travel planners should note the airline's baggage-handling problems during the floods.

Industry minister plans tenfold fines and asset seizure for illegal factory waste Prachachat · 5d ago

The Industry Ministry is amending the Factory Act and the industrial waste law, which carry fines of up to 200,000 baht from 40-50 years ago. It plans to raise penalties to the tens of millions, link enforcement to financial trails, and allow seizure of owners' assets. For factories, check now that industrial waste (oils, chemicals, solar panels, batteries) goes through licensed disposal, with paperwork kept. The ministry will also help SMEs in auto parts shift toward a multi-pathway (ICE, hybrid, EV) supply chain, with SME Bank funding, and CBAM pressure on exporters is coming. No dates for the amendments were given.

IMF says high-for-longer rates and Thai household debt will weigh on your costs Prachachat · 5d ago

At the 2026 IMF-World Bank meetings in Thailand, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said global borrowing costs will stay high longer than expected, and that Thailand's high household debt is pushing up debt-service costs. IMF Asia-Pacific director Krishna Srinivasan said household debt is holding back consumption and growth, and that support should be targeted at vulnerable borrowers. Energy import dependence adds pressure on inflation and growth; Thailand's PDP2026 power plan includes floating solar and small modular nuclear reactors. For an SME, plan for tighter credit and softer domestic demand rather than expecting relief soon.

Big C, Lotus's and Tops are closing unprofitable stores and shifting to smaller formats Prachachat · 5d ago

Big C is closing large stores with expiring leases or weak profits and expanding Big C Mini (300 sq m) toward 3,000 stores by 2030, with about 120 planned this year. Lotus's is converting stores into community supermarkets with fresh food and ready meals, and Tops is testing hybrid stores with wine and bakery concepts in 13 tourist towns (Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Pattaya). Implication: expect more competition from convenience formats in your neighbourhood, and consider whether tourist-area or community-store partnerships, or supplying these chains' smaller formats, fit your business. Store openings still outnumber closures, per the article.