Archive

Heavy rain and flash-flood warnings for the North, Northeast and Bangkok this week, with more rain due 8–13 September Prachachat · Sep 7, 2026

The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rain in parts of the North and Northeast, with about 60% of Bangkok and surrounds expected to get thunderstorms today. Rain is due to increase from 8–13 September, starting in the Northeast. For SMEs: plan deliveries and outdoor work around flood-prone low ground, and check stock stored at ground level. Sea waves are about 2 m in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, so boat operators should take care and avoid storm areas.

Diesel up to 39.14 baht and gasohol 95 at 38.29 baht on 7 Sep 2026 — reprice fuel-dependent costs Prachachat · Sep 7, 2026

Bangchak's posted prices for 7 Sep 2026: diesel 39.14 baht/litre, B20 34.14 baht (up 0.75 baht from the previous day), gasohol 95 38.29 baht, gasohol 91 37.92 baht, E20 33.29 baht. Prices exclude Bangkok's local land tax and take effect at 05:00 the next day. If your business runs trucks, delivery vans or generators, check your fuel cost assumptions and any fuel surcharges in customer quotes now. Confirm the price at your own station, since the article notes it is a reference only.

2027 budget bill trimmed 11.2 billion baht before MPs debate it on Sept 7-9 Bangkok Post · Sep 7, 2026

The 2027 budget bill (3.78 trillion baht) was cut by 11.162 billion baht before a three-day second and third reading debate starting Monday, Sept 7. Biggest cuts: Natural Resources and Environment (down 3.12 billion to 14.37 billion), Defence (down 1.228 billion), Interior (down 912.8 million), Agriculture (down 626.9 million) and Transport (down 626.2 million). Abhisit and People's Party MPs want the 12-billion-baht energy-price relief allocation cut, arguing it overlaps with a 200-billion-baht energy transition loan. For an SME, the practical signal is that ministry spending on projects you may bid for or depend on could shift; watch the final vote before planning around any specific allocation.

Bangkok youth mental-health screening starts in secondary schools from 1 October Bangkok Post · Sep 7, 2026

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration plans to begin mental-health screening of secondary students from 1 October, covering 100 of its 437 affiliated schools. Screening found people aged 15-34 had the highest at-risk share for depression (21.25%), though the figures identify people for support and are not diagnoses. For a Thai SME owner this is background: it may matter if you employ young staff or run a business near schools, and it is a reminder to watch for stress and isolation among young workers. No action is required.

Oil leak at Bangkok data centre prompts push for tighter backup fuel rules Bangkok Post · Sep 7, 2026

Pollution officials are inspecting the DAMAC data centre in Bangkok's Rama IX area after oil-contaminated waste entered drainage pipes near Rama IX Canal. The operator hired Genco to treat and dispose of the waste, and the PCD will run follow-up tests. A Senate subcommittee wants data centres storing large backup fuel volumes (up to 400,000 litres, against a 500,000-litre legal limit) held to petrol-station safety standards. For most small firms this is background only, but if you store fuel or run diesel generators, expect tighter storage and spill-handling rules and check your own drainage and containment.

Draft AI law still under revision, so no compliance rules yet for small firms Bangkok Post · Sep 7, 2026

Thailand's draft AI Act is being revised after a public hearing and still has to go to the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, then cabinet. Industry groups want tiered rules scaled to business size, clearer liability, IP protection, and priority for Thai AI providers over foreign ones. Startups say fixed compliance costs would weigh on them. For a typical SME there is nothing to act on yet; watch for the final text, especially if you use AI tools in customer-facing work or data handling.

Rooftop solar pays off only for daytime users, analyst says Bangkok Post · Sep 7, 2026

A TDRI energy analyst says the government's household rooftop solar scheme suits homes that use most electricity during the day. Without batteries, which the scheme does not cover and which remain costly, homes that use power mainly at night gain little. Panel prices have fallen, but Thailand is unlikely to make panels locally, as Chinese supply is far cheaper. Clean power sold to the grid for businesses depends on grid connection fees, which the government has not yet set, so a direct PPA scheme is still pending.

Thailand's 200-billion-baht green spending plan opens solar and EV work, but local suppliers may gain little Bangkok Post · Sep 7, 2026

The government plans to spend 200 billion baht on clean energy over the next year, funded from half of a 400-billion-baht emergency loan that the Constitutional Court upheld in July. Projects include household rooftop solar subsidies, a 24-billion-baht EV public transport scheme for about 2,300 vehicles, agricultural solar and community energy, plus training for solar and EV technicians. Most solar panels are imported from China, so installers (128 rooftop providers) may get the work while local manufacturers gain little. Watch for the household solar subsidy details and training programmes if you install, maintain or service solar or EV equipment. The framework bans spending on consultancy, study tours, overseas travel and direct handouts of goods.

Iran-US clashes around Hormuz keep oil and shipping costs at risk for Thai businesses Bangkok Post · Sep 6, 2026

Iran and the US exchanged strikes after Iran fired at US warships, and the US hit three Iranian-linked oil tankers. Iran still controls the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of world oil previously flowed, and the US counter-blockade of Iranian ports continues. The conflict is deadlocked with no ceasefire since July. For a Thai SME, this is a signal to watch fuel and freight costs and to avoid locking in fixed-price fuel or shipping contracts without a fuel-surcharge clause.

Commerce ministry tightens watch on corn buying as harvest peaks and Chicago prices fall Prachachat · Sep 6, 2026

Chicago corn futures fell on 4 September 2026 (September contract down 3.25 cents to $5.12/bushel) as US harvest runs ahead of average. Domestically, the Department of Internal Trade is inspecting feed mills and buying points and ordering buyers not to halt purchases. Reference prices at CPF's Ratchaburi plant: No.1 corn THB 10.10/kg, No.2 THB 9.80, No.3 THB 9.75, at 14.5% moisture. Mills now use advance online registration to manage truck queues. If you grow or trade maize, check your local buyer's posted price and queue system; if buyers refuse or cut prices below the announced rate, report to the Department of Internal Trade.

Bank of Thailand tightens oversight of 3,624 non-banks, with AI checks on interest and fee charges Prachachat · Sep 6, 2026

The BoT is expanding oversight of non-bank lenders and payment providers, using data and AI to check for complex interest and fee charges. It plans a new licence for buy-now-pay-later (BNPL), with a hearing on rules at end-September. Proposed limits include a minimum user age, loan caps of 20,000 baht and 15-20% interest. If you use BNPL or non-bank credit for your business, or take payments through gateways, expect stricter disclosure of total cost. Check the all-in cost of any non-bank financing, including extra fees, which the article gives as an example of 25% interest plus 10% in other charges, or 35% total.

Climate scientist warns Thailand faces up to 8 months of water shortage from the coming El Niño The Story Thailand · Sep 6, 2026

Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat (Kasetsart University) says the coming El Niño could bring a long dry spell: rain may end from November and water-conservation pressure could last about 8 months, with the heat possibly lasting until June. Expect higher costs for water and air-conditioning (one cafe owner saw electricity up about 12% in 2024). Farm income could fall about 9% (around 70,000 million baht, per NESDC data cited), which hits suppliers and local demand. Island tourism businesses face water costs during peak season. Plan water storage, power costs and staffing for the dry months now, and prepare for emergencies affecting elderly or bedridden family members.

Thai exporters can use FTA tariff breaks: durian leads, and SMEs get Switzerland, Norway and India trade trips Prachachat · Sep 6, 2026

Thai exporters used FTA tariff benefits worth US$48.07bn in January-June 2026, up 7.33% year on year, with an 80.83% utilisation rate. Fresh durian is the top FTA-using product. The Department of Foreign Trade is running an SME programme for Switzerland, Norway and India, and expects the Thai–EFTA deal to take effect around January 2027. If you export food or agricultural goods, check whether your buyer's market has an FTA rate you can claim, and keep origin documents traceable.

Academic says the government's 30,000 early-retirement plan won't cut civil-service costs much Prachachat · Sep 6, 2026

Associate Professor Samsai Srisan (Thammasat) argues the government's plan to cut recurrent spending from 70% to 30% of the budget via 30,000 early retirements is not realistic. He warns of outsourcing replacing retirees, as happened after the 2002 reform, so spending may not fall. For a Thai SME, this is background on public spending and policy uncertainty. No immediate action is needed, though government contract and payment timing could be affected by a reform process.

Data centre boom pulls power and water from locals, academic urges tighter rules Prachachat · Sep 6, 2026

A Rangsit University economist's analysis says data-centre FDI reached 839,231 million baht in the first half of 2026, 73.7% of all FDI. He proposes banning data centres from taking power and water from residents, requiring renewables, disclosing resource use, and reviewing BOI incentives. For a typical SME this is policy background: it may shape future electricity and water tariffs or permitting in the areas where data centres are built, but it changes nothing you need to do now.

Nakhon Si Thammarat's mangosteen auctions and cooperative trucking open new sales routes for growers this August Prachachat · Sep 6, 2026

Nakhon Si Thammarat's 2569 mangosteen crop is forecast at 45,994 tonnes, up 16.22% on 2568, and about 64% has already been harvested. The Department of Agricultural Extension is adding two auction points in Lan Sak and Phrom Khiri, plus open-auction spots where buyers bid directly on growers' fruit (growers must pre-sort). Cooperatives and the provincial OrBorTor will help with collection and trucking. Sales peak in August at about 21,371 tonnes, and the department is also running online pre-orders (10 kg pack at 300 baht). If you buy or trade mangosteen, or supply fruit to buyers, check these new collection points and direct-buy channels before the peak.

Heavy rain this week in Bangkok and the Upper Northeast; flash-flood risk in Ubon Ratchathani Prachachat · Sep 6, 2026

The Meteorological Department warns of heavy to very heavy rain across the Upper Northeast and Mekong basin, with flash floods and mountain runoff possible in Ubon Ratchathani. Bangkok and vicinity have a 60% chance of rain over the next 24 hours. Sea waves in the upper Andaman Sea are above 2 metres. For a business, this means checking stock and deliveries in low-lying areas, avoiding flood-prone routes, and delaying sea trips in storm zones.

Thai visa-free stay cut from 60 to 30 days for 60 countries from 15 September 2026, and work or business visits no longer covered Prachachat · Sep 6, 2026

From 15 September 2026, the visa-free scheme for 93 countries is replaced. 60 countries (including China, Japan, the US, UK, Singapore, Malaysia) get 30 days visa-free, but only for tourism. Seychelles and Mauritius get 15 days, and Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia get 15 days on arrival. Work, meetings and business contacts need the correct visa or permit. Check guests, foreign staff, suppliers and tour bookings from affected countries now. Travellers who arrived before the date keep their original stay. Land-border entries are limited to 2 per calendar year for most nationalities.

Diesel and gasohol prices at Bangchak on 6 Sep 2026: B7 at 39.14 baht, B20 at 34.14 baht Prachachat · Sep 6, 2026

Bangchak pump prices today: B7 diesel 39.14 baht/litre (up 0.75 baht from yesterday is cited for B20 at 34.14), B20 34.14, gasohol 95 38.29, gasohol 91 37.92. Prices exclude the Bangkok local land tax. Tomorrow's prices take effect at 05:00. Fleet and delivery operators should check fuel budgets against these figures and confirm the price at their own station, since prices can differ by station.

Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme enters its final month, so shops should push remaining balances now Bangkok Post · Sep 6, 2026

The government says cumulative spending under the "Thais Help Thais Plus" co-payment scheme reached 138.38 billion baht as of 11pm on 4 September 2026, with about 1.19 million merchants verified. The scheme runs 60:40, with government paying 60% of eligible purchases and the customer 40%. The programme is now in its final month, so unused consumer balances will expire. Participating shops should check they are verified, promote to customers who still hold balances, and consider food-delivery channels, which have also brought in 5.16 billion baht in transactions. Confirm the exact end date and eligible-goods rules with the official source, as the article does not give them.