Billboard advertising passport sales in Bangkok causes public outcry
Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for an urgent investigation into the source of a Bangkok billboard advertising the sale of passports and nationalities. The billboard was located in the Huai Khwang district of [...]
Thailand to legalise medical marijuana, indicating no plans for re-criminalisation
On July 23, a deputy prime minister announced that Thailand would move forward with legislating marijuana for medical use, signalling a reversal from previous intentions to re-criminalise the plant. This marks another shift in the [...]
Ananda Faces Setbacks Due to Myanmar Sale Failures
Ananda Development, a publicly traded company on the SET, sold shares in five serviced apartments, totaling 2.54 billion baht, to generate revenue in the second quarter. This decision came after several months of being unable [...]
Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train service starts operation
The Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train service has officially commenced, operating between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station in Bangkok and Khamsavath Railway Station in Vientiane. An opening ceremony held in Vientiane on Saturday was attended [...]
Prime Minister Promotes Thailand as a Financial Hub
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a keynote speech at the Finance Ministry's "Ignite Finance" initiative on Friday, a part of his "Ignite Thailand" vision to establish the country as a global financial center. The [...]
Sansiri Targets Foreign Markets and Luxury Segment
SET-listed developer Sansiri is preparing for a challenging market in the second half of the year by securing bank loans totaling 15 billion baht, aiming to boost foreign demand and launch high-end projects. Uthai [...]
Reducing Airport Wait Times
The Immigration Bureau (IB) is implementing measures to ensure that immigration control at airports will take no longer than 45 seconds per person. This initiative supports the government’s expanded visa-free scheme for foreign visitors, which [...]
Red Bull Family Now Wealthiest in Thailand
Chalerm Yoovidhya, co-owner of Red Bull, now leads Thailand's richest family, according to the latest Forbes list, overtaking the Chearavanont brothers. Despite this, the total wealth of Thailand's 50 richest families has declined by 15%. [...]
Thailand to provide visa extension to 93 nations beginning 15 July 2024
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Sunday that he will sign an extension to the visa waiver on Monday, allowing citizens from 93 nations to enter Thailand without a visa or obtain a visa on [...]
Launch of Bangkok-Vientiane Train Service on 19 July
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced the commencement of a new international train service connecting Bangkok to Vientiane, Laos, starting July 19. This extension of the existing Bangkok-Nong Khai route will depart from [...]
Property Policies Could Follow Singapore’s Example
A property research firm suggests that the Thai government should ensure housing affordability for Thais and limit foreign ownership of condos to specific zones, even within a single province, to avoid opposition. Vichai Viratkapan, [...]
Singapore and Thailand to Strengthen Civil Service Collaboration
The foreign ministers of Singapore and Thailand have confirmed that enhanced collaboration between their civil services will strengthen bilateral relations and promote regional growth. Speaking at the 14th Civil Service Exchange Programme (14th CSEP) [...]
Thailand Implements VAT on Low-Cost Imported Goods
Thailand has announced a 7% value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods priced under 1,500 baht (approximately US$40.93) effective from July to December, according to a finance ministry representative on Friday, June 21. Currently, imported [...]
Thailand Contemplates Bangkok, Pattaya, and U-Tapao as Formula 1 Hosts
Thailand is considering Bangkok and Pattaya as potential venues for hosting a Formula 1 race, aiming to enhance sports tourism within the country. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Sunday that U-Tapao Airport, Pattaya, [...]
Review of Foreign Ownership Quota in Condominiums Underway
The government is considering increasing the allowable foreign ownership in condominiums from 49% to 75% of a building's usable space, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced. The Ministry of Interior has also been tasked [...]
Bangkok-Beijing Train Route Nears Reality with Thai Rail Expansion
The prospect of train travel between Bangkok and Beijing is becoming more tangible as Thailand advances its rail network expansion. According to the State Railway of Thailand, a trial service between Bangkok and Vientiane, [...]
Myanmar Excluded from Thailand’s Visa-Free List Effective June 1
According to a statement from the Thai government, while Cambodia and Laos have joined the list of countries eligible for a 60-day visa-free stay, Myanmar has not been included. Previously, Myanmar, along with Cambodia and [...]
Foreign Interest Drives Condo Projects
Noble Development, a company listed on the SET, is shifting its focus to foreign buyers for new condominium projects in Bangkok due to weak domestic demand. Sira Udol, the Chief Operating Officer for residential [...]
Airport Rail Link Project Resumes Progress
The high-speed rail project connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports is slated to commence operations later this year, following a revised agreement between the government and the project developers. Anan Phonimdang, Deputy Governor [...]
Foreign Investors Dominate the Condominium Market
In the first quarter of 2024, foreign buyers took the lead in the condominium market, with new projects primarily targeting major tourist destinations, resulting in a total investment of over 56.6 billion baht. Phattarachai [...]
Frasers Expands Condo Market Presence
Frasers Property Home (Thailand), a leading residential developer, plans to launch three new condominium projects annually, each valued at over 1 billion baht, to diversify its portfolio and cover all market segments. Apichart Hengwanich, [...]
Myanmar Nationals Surpass Russians in Thai Real Estate Market
In the first quarter of this year, ownership of 3,938 condominium units valued at a total of 18.02 billion baht was transferred to foreign buyers. The Real Estate Information Centre reported on Thursday that [...]
Cannabis Advocates Urge Government to Maintain Decriminalization
A coalition of cannabis supporters urged the government on Thursday to reconsider its decision to reclassify marijuana as an illegal narcotic, following a recent policy shift just two years after its decriminalization. Prime Minister [...]
Thai Business Group Lowers 2024 GDP Growth Forecast to 2.2%-2.7%
Thailand’s GDP is now projected to grow between 2.2% and 2.7% this year, a reduction from the earlier forecast of 2.8% to 3.3%, due to a sluggish export recovery, according to a prominent joint business [...]
Urgent Stimulus Needed for ‘Critical’ Thai Economy, PM’s Office States
Thailand's economy is facing a "critical situation" that necessitates urgent stimulus measures and a potential rate cut, according to officials from the prime minister's office on Monday (Mar 4). The country is striving to attract [...]