Archive

Competition Commission orders some platforms to freeze GP fee hikes for 6 months Prachachat · Sep 8, 2026

On 7 Sep 2026 Commerce Minister Supajee told a competition conference that the Trade Competition Commission has ordered some platform operators to suspend GP (commission) fee increases for 6 months. Authorities will also work with the Digital Economy ministry and ETDA to review fee structures for fairness and transparency. Credit terms, nominee businesses and big-business ties with SMEs are also on the watch list. If you sell through delivery or marketplace platforms, hold current fee levels in your pricing for now, and keep records of any fee increase notices. The speech itself contains no new rules, and the measures are not yet in force as detailed rules.

UTCC says Sept–Oct 2026 is the turning point for Thai growth; oil near $95 and the US ART talks are the risks to watch Prachachat · Sep 8, 2026

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce says September–October 2026 will decide whether the recovery continues. Watch three things: Middle East tensions and oil (Brent near $95; domestic diesel 38.39 baht/litre at end-August), the outcome of the US reciprocal trade (ART) talks, and domestic politics. Consumer confidence rose to 53.2 in August, a six-month high, and exports grew 21.64% in July. Thai Chamber GDP forecast is about 2.3% central, with 2.5% possible. The UTCC will publish its official forecast on 10 September 2026. For planning, keep cost buffers for fuel and energy, and avoid committing to large expansion until the oil and ART picture is clearer.

Burger King shifts to Thai customers as tourist spending slows, a signal to rethink reliance on visitors Prachachat · Sep 8, 2026

Since 28 February 2026, Middle East tensions pushed up energy, air freight and flight costs, and foreign arrivals to Thailand slowed sharply. Burger King says its tourist-heavy branches in Phuket, Krabi and Samui (about 80% foreign customers) took the hit, so it moved focus to Bangkok and vicinity branches (about 80% Thai customers) from March. Year-to-date sales are up 2-3%. For a Thai SME, the lesson is to check how much revenue depends on tourists and to plan a domestic-customer fallback before a shock hits. The executive also said government support has not targeted the right problems and asked for faster control of energy and imported raw material costs.

Draft PDP power plan faces pushback on gas, CCS and nuclear costs Prachachat · Sep 8, 2026

At the 8 Sep 2026 public hearing on the draft PDP power plan, critics asked the planners to disclose fuel cost assumptions, especially LNG versus domestic gas, and questioned adding about 9,000 MW of gas plants and making CCS a core option. The planners said the first 12 years look similar across options because of shared emission targets, and differences start after 2037 (BE 2580). The draft is still open to revision. For a Thai SME, electricity tariff direction depends on these assumptions, so watch the final plan before locking in long-term energy contracts or solar investment.

Phuket protest seeks ban on Jewish New Year event in Patong this Friday Bangkok Post · Sep 8, 2026

A Phuket residents' group petitioned provincial authorities to stop a Rosh Hashanah celebration planned for Friday at the Chabad Patong centre and Novotel Patong, expecting about 1,000 attendees. Authorities said they would meet to address it and residents' concerns. Tension over some Israeli visitors' conduct is rising on Phuket, Samui and Phangan. For Patong businesses, expect possible crowds, police presence and road disruption around the event, and some sensitivity in tourism marketing. No ban has been announced yet.

Gold may dip toward 66,500–66,800 baht per baht-weight in September before the next leg up The Standard Wealth · Sep 8, 2026

Hua Seng Heng sees gold consolidating after peaking near $4,700/oz in August, with short-term support at $4,200–4,230 (about 66,500–66,800 baht per baht-weight locally). Pressure comes from the Fed's 15–16 September FOMC meeting, where a rate hike is being priced in, plus a stronger dollar and higher bond yields. The firm calls it a pause, not a trend reversal, with resistance at $4,530. For a business that buys or sells gold, or holds it as a cash buffer, this is a timing signal, not a reason to change long-term plans.

Cabinet approves Startup Act principle; only young, small, no-dividend companies would qualify Techsauce · Sep 8, 2026

The cabinet approved in principle a Startup Act draft that would let qualifying limited companies raise funds and manage shares more flexibly. Eligibility: limited company under 10 years old, average 3-year revenue at or below 300 million baht, never paid dividends, and not controlled by another company. Qualifiers self-certify electronically with NIA for 5 years of benefits (up to 10 for deep-tech agri and designated sectors). Registration is optional, and the bill still has to pass the Council of State review and the legislative process. For most established SME owners, nothing changes now; check eligibility only if you run a young tech-oriented company planning outside funding.

Court orders Fisheries Dept to clear tilapia pest within 180 days; Samut Songkhram may get disaster-zone aid Prachachat · Sep 8, 2026

On 8 September 2026 the Central Administrative Court ruled that the Fisheries Department and Ministry of Agriculture must complete control of the Nile-tilapia-type "pla mor khang dam" (black-chin tilapia) invasion under the 2024–2027 plan within 180 days. The Interior Ministry must also consider declaring Samut Songkhram a disaster-relief zone within 90 days. If you run a fishing, aquaculture, seafood or farming business in Samut Songkhram or nearby provinces, watch for possible emergency aid eligibility and for tighter enforcement on fish movement and stocking. The ruling does not itself create any payment or new permit rule.

State welfare card holders who applied for a 2026 review must fix their details by 20 September Prachachat · Sep 8, 2026

The Finance Ministry says people who applied to review their State Welfare Card eligibility for 2026 can check status on the programme website (welfare.mof.go.th). If the status shows corrections are needed, make them by 20 September 2026 through the relevant eligibility-checking unit or the local OSS centre. The review results are announced together on 30 September 2026. This matters mainly if you or your staff hold or are applying for a welfare card; for a small business, it is a personal-household deadline rather than a direct cost or tax change.

Sky Line children's fares change from 13 Sep 2026: under-7s ride free, 7–15s get 50% off Prachachat · Sep 8, 2026

From 13 September 2026, children up to 7 ride the Red Line free, with no height limit, and ages 7–15 get 50% off the normal fare. Proof can be a birth certificate, ID card, house registration, passport or the ThaiD app. Top-up cards can now hold up to THB 2,000 of travel value, up from THB 1,000. The rule comes from a Gazette notice dated 14 August 2026. Staff who commute with children, or who run transport or family-related services near the line, should factor in lower travel costs for families. The notice also lets the operator set further discounts for over-15s and students, within a fare cap.

Airlines are gradually resuming Middle East services after cancellations following strikes on Iran. If your business ships or travels via Middle East routes, expect schedules to stay uneven for now.

Thai stocks paused in August after five up months, but the SET is still up 26.6% this year Prachachat · Sep 8, 2026

The SET index fell 1.8% in August 2026 to 1,595.16 after five monthly gains, pressured by rising US bond yields. Foreign investors sold 24,681 million baht in August but are still net buyers of 51,183 million baht for the first eight months. Listed companies' first-half net profit rose 22.2%. For a small business owner, this is market background: it does not change your own costs, credit or pricing. The article points to year-end support from government spending and the high tourism season, which may matter if your sales depend on tourists.

Cabinet backs Startup Promotion Bill in principle; only relevant if your firm is a young tech-style company Prachachat · Sep 8, 2026

Cabinet approved the principle of a Startup Promotion Bill, now sent to the Council of State for review; it is not yet law. It is an optional framework for companies under 10 years old, average 3-year revenue up to 300 million baht, that have never paid dividends and are not controlled by another company. Eligible firms could get 5 years of benefits (public share offerings, bonds, debt-to-equity conversion, ESOP), with NIA as a one-stop contact for visas, IP, tax and procurement. Most SMEs need no action now; watch it only if you are a young, fast-growing company seeking outside equity.

Bill Gates warns AI could hit entry-level and mid-level jobs first, so plan hiring accordingly Techsauce · Sep 8, 2026

Bill Gates' September 2026 memo, The Turbulent AI Era Is Here, argues AI's labour impact will be disruptive and will not fade with the economic cycle. He says sales and customer service, software engineering and paralegal work are likely hit first, and that robots may compete with humans in construction and hotel work by the end of this decade. For a Thai SME, this is long-range background: no policy or cost change is announced. Still, it is worth reviewing which entry-level roles you rely on and where automation could reduce your staffing needs over the next few years.

Cabinet approves five draft laws, including tighter government procurement rules that weigh service quality over price Prachachat · Sep 8, 2026

Cabinet approved in principle five draft laws on 8 Sep 2026 (still drafts, not yet in force). For SME owners selling to government, the procurement bill shifts contractor selection toward government benefit, usage purpose and ability to perform the contract, not just the lowest price. It also adds grounds for contract termination, blacklisting for serious defects, and requires an appeal bond. Check your bids and delivery track record. The bill also lets community forest carbon-credit income go to forest members instead of the treasury, which matters if you work with community forests. The other bills cover exam fraud, gun licences and electricity fund use.

Cabinet approves Sri Lanka labour MOU: construction firms can hire under 2-year contracts Prachachat · Sep 8, 2026

Cabinet approved a labour cooperation MOU with Sri Lanka to ease shortages, mainly in construction. Key terms: employment contract signed before workers enter Thailand; valid work permit and only legally permitted occupations; contracts run 2 years, renewable once for 2 more; workers must leave on expiry, and the employer pays all return costs. Labour minister says the roles are operational, labour-intensive jobs Thais are not taking. If you plan to hire foreign workers, prepare the pre-departure contract and budget for repatriation costs. The article gives no start date or quota.

Industry ministry permanent secretary to retire; successor not yet named Prachachat · Sep 8, 2026

The Industry Ministry's permanent secretary, Nattapon Rangsitpol, is moving to a prime ministerial adviser post around 3-4 September, as his four-year term ends on 30 September. Minister Wirawut Silpa-archa says the successor will be an insider with industry experience, but no name has been announced and the appointment needs a royal command first. For SMEs dealing with factory permits or industry rules, expect a short gap in ministry leadership and no immediate change to policy; a longer tenure is the stated aim.

US tariff on Thai goods still unclear: 12.5% now, 19% cap in talks, deal not closed Prachachat · Sep 8, 2026

The US Section 301 tariff on Thai exports is currently 12.5%, versus 10% for Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia, so Thai exporters carry about 2.5 points more tax. A ministry spokesperson said on 7 Sept 2026 that the talks are not yet concluded and the final rate is still pending, even though a ruling-party page had claimed a closed deal at 19%. Former deputy minister Worawong says the government has not explained the gap. For exporters to the US, keep pricing on the 12.5% rate and avoid locking in long contracts on the assumption a lower rate is coming. Watch for an official final rate from the Commerce Ministry.

Thailand tightens enforcement on foreign visitors who break local law, including Israeli tourists Bangkok Post · Sep 8, 2026

Foreign Minister Sihasak told Israel's ambassador that Thailand will strictly enforce the law against any foreign national who breaks it, citing deportation orders against an Israeli and a French national. Some Israelis running businesses long-term have reportedly broken Thai law. Concern centres on Phangnga and Phuket. The embassy may distribute guidance on expected visitor conduct. For a Thai SME, the practical point is that enforcement on foreign-run businesses and visa compliance is tightening; check that any foreign partners, staff or customers in tourist areas hold proper permits and work within their visa terms.

Bangkok warns against smoking near Rama III oil leak drains, 85-metre stretch affected Bangkok Post · Sep 8, 2026

The BMA and Pollution Control Department warned people not to smoke or create sparks near drains on an 85-metre stretch of Rama III Road (Klong Toey and Yannawa), where VOC readings of 350 ppm pose explosion and fire risk. Ten manholes show oil leaks, and 50-metre sections of the local drainage are blocked while crews pump out 5,000 litres of contaminated wastewater. If your shop, warehouse or delivery route is on this stretch, avoid hot work and smoking outside, expect access disruption and odour, and follow any official instructions. The source of the leak is not yet known.