Economy

Tourists at the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex in Bangkok on Aug. 7. The Tourism Authority of Thailand fears budget delays could affect its tourism promotion plan. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Thai election

Thailand's prolonged political deadlock weighs on economy

Businesses fear government spending, FDI will be hit by transition delay

10 August 2023
The Thai baht touched a 26-year high against the yen this month.
Currencies

Baht, won soar against yen as smaller Asian economies outperform

Thai, South Korean currencies bolstered by rate hikes and years of current-account gains

10 August 2023
The Bank of Thailand began tightening in August 2022 after keeping the interest rate at a record low of 0.5% as COVID hit the economy.
Economy

Bank of Thailand raises key rate to 2.25%, a 9-year high

Central bank wary of political headwinds after election

2 August 2023
Car sales saw pronounced effects from the persistent debt crunch, with auto loans seeing the fastest rise in delinquent payments.
Finance

Consumer debt clouds outlook for Thai car sales, tourism

Bank earnings flag economic headwinds for next government

24 July 2023
Megmilk Snow Brand will add Thailand to the list of Asian markets where its long-life milk products are sold. 
Food & Beverage

Japan dairy companies bet on Asia exports as demand slows at home

Megmilk targets Thailand while Yotsuba Milk seeks higher Singapore sales

18 July 2023
Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat meets journalists after conservative forces sunk his bid to become prime minister on July 13. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Thai election

Thailand shifts focus to Pheu Thai after Pita fails in PM bid

Country's latest bout of political uncertainty weighs on its biggest businesses

14 July 2023
Thailand's household debt has swelled to 90% of its gross domestic product. 
Economy

Thailand's household debt swells amid policy stagnation concerns

Expert says next government must address long-standing problem

9 July 2023
Container terminals in Singapore. The city-state's economy is highly sensitive to external economic conditions. 
Economy

Singapore, Indonesia outlook downgraded on weak China: JCER

Political instability emerges as top concern in Thailand post-election

2 July 2023
Customers enjoy cold beers at a restaurant in Bangkok on June 28. Thailand’s overall beverage market was worth $20 billion in 2020, with alcoholic tipples accounting for 64% of that. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Food & Beverage

Thailand braces for liquor industry disruption under Move Forward

Craft brewers and distillers call for easing of production curbs

28 June 2023
Scorching conditions from the El Nino weather pattern are expected to crimp production at palm oil plantations like this one in Indonesia's East Kalimantan province. 
Economy

From Indonesia to Vietnam, El Nino fans fears of fires and drought

Returning climate pattern set to hit key crops as well as industrial sector

23 June 2023
The Bangkok skyline. Thailand is 52nd on the startup ecosystem scale, according to one ranking.
Startups

Thailand aims to duplicate Singapore model for startups

Capital gains tax breaks begin to attract investor funds to nascent industry

15 June 2023
A Chinese electric vehicle at the Bangkok International Motor show in March 2022. EVs are one of the areas Thailand is promoting for investment.
Economy

Thailand hosts giant China business convention to lure FDI

Country to promote EVs and other sectors to 4,000 attending in Bangkok

14 June 2023
Bangkok's annual Pride parade took place on June 4, drawing thousands of participants from around the world. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Economy

'Open minded' Thailand banks on LGBT tourists, 'boys love' exports

Bangkok Pride events draw long-haul tourists who stay for days after the parade

11 June 2023
A car washed away by floods caused by Typhoon Goni in the Philippines in 2020.
Climate Change

Children in Vietnam, Philippines face high climate risks: report

UNICEF urges countries to develop infrastructure to minimize impact

1 June 2023
The Bank of Thailand raised its key interest rate a quarter point to 2.0% on May 31, as it seeks to head off inflation.
Economy

Bank of Thailand raises key interest rate to 2.0%

Central bank tightens policy for sixth time as inflation lingers

31 May 2023
The arrival of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, will likely shake up Thailand's digital asset market. (Source photos by Reuters and screenshot from Gulf's website) 
Cryptocurrencies

Binance gains first Southeast Asian license from Thailand

Joint venture with Gulf Energy to begin operations in Q4

26 May 2023
A former member of the Myanmar parliament trains in an area controlled by ethnic Karen rebels.
Myanmar Crisis

Myanmar clashes stall completion of Southeast Asia economic corridor

Fighting along border with Thailand drives shipping costs to soar 50%

18 May 2023
Some businesses in Bangkok are worrying about a higher minimum wage and other policies that a populist government might push through. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Thai election

Move Forward's electoral surprise puts Thai businesses on edge

Private sector fears infrastructure and fiscal discipline might be big losers

17 May 2023
Tourists dressed in traditional Thai costumes visit Wat Arun temple in Bangkok on Jan. 18.
Economy

Thai GDP grows 2.7% as next government seen focusing on economy

Q1 figures released day after election reveal rising consumption, weak exports

15 May 2023
Leaders of ASEAN countries pose for photos during the opening of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia on May 10.
Economy

ASEAN's patchy economic growth suggests long road to recovery

At regional summit, leaders discuss how to push bloc past COVID pains

10 May 2023
Polling stations will open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. on May 14. (Source photos by Kosaku Mimura and Ken Kobayashi)
Thai election

Thai vote Sunday offers chance for change: Five things to know

Divided pro-democracy camp aims to overcome leaders tied to military coup

10 May 2023
Major Thai parties' populist election promises could result in spending of more than 500 billion baht under the next government.
Thai election

Thailand election handout pledges risk debt pileup, experts say

Central bank governor warns spending could lead to great 'side effects'

9 May 2023
HSBC's research unit last month in a report flagged "pockets of vulnerabilities" within lenders in the ASEAN.
Finance

ASEAN banks squeezed between credit risks and interest dynamics

Largely spared Western peers' woes, Southeast Asian lenders still face obstacles

5 May 2023
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha greets a supporter in Bangkok's Chinatown on April 20. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Thai election

Prayuth's new party courts Thai voters with pledge of stability

Prime minister's economic czar takes stock of nine-year legacy

1 May 2023
Election posters in Bangkok on April 19: A total of 500 seats in the lower house are up for grabs. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Thai election

Thai opposition maintains lead in election race, latest polls find

Prime Minister Prayuth's party lags behind Pheu Thai, Move Forward

21 April 2023