Thai Industrial Sentiment Improves for the First Time in Three Months

Thailand’s industrial sentiment has increased for the first time in three months in June due to higher domestic demand.

Key TakeawaysThailand’s industrial sentiment improved in June due to higher domestic demand, but sluggish exports and political uncertainty remain challenging.Soft global demand continues to impact Thai exports, which are crucial for the country’s economic growth.The formation of a new government in Thailand remains uncertain after the May national election, adding to the political instability.

However, sluggish exports and uncertainty over the formation of a new government remain concerns. The Federation of Thai Industries reported that the industrial sentiment index rose to 94.1 in June from 92.5 in May.

Domestic demand has been supported by a recovery in the tourism sector, but global demand continues to hinder Thai exports. Additionally, political uncertainty persists after the national election in May as a new government has yet to be form…

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Thailand’s economic recovery remains on track says BoT

Thailand’s economic recovery remains on track, with projected growth of 2.9% in the first half of the year and 4.2% in the second half, according to the Bank of Thailand.

Key TakeawaysThailand’s economic growth is expected to be 2.9% in the first half of 2023 and 4.2% in the second half, with the central bank gradually normalizing interest rates.Despite the economic recovery, exports are projected to remain flat for the year, while annual inflation is at its slowest pace in 22 months.Thailand is expected to receive 29 million foreign tourists in 2023, with the number surpassing 15 million by the end of July.

The Thai economy is expected to continue expanding, driven mainly by tourism and private consumption. Headline inflation has returned to the target range, but there remain upside risks stemming from mounting demand pressures and higher cost pass-through from supply pressures.

The Thai economy is expected to grow by 3.6% in 2023 and 3.8% in 2024, driven by co…

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How to Avoid Online Scams in Thailand

Thailand is a popular destination for tourists, expats, and digital nomads. However, it is also a hotspot for online scams that target foreigners and locals alike.

The current financial landscape is becoming increasingly perilous, with fraudulent individuals luring unsuspecting victims into various investment schemes – especially the trading of digital currencies through applications or websites and investments in cryptocurrencies.

Damages have been calculated in the billions of Thai baht. The Royal Thai Police has also emphasized the importance of being more cautious, advising members of the public to “not believe, not hurry, and not transfer money.”

Online scams in Thailand can take many forms

Online scams in Thailand can take many forms, such as:

Fake rental listings that ask for deposits or fees before showing the propertyPhishing emails or calls that pretend to be from banks, government agencies, or other trusted entitiesRomance scams that …
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Thai drought could shave off 0.2% of GDP

Thailand is getting ready for a possible drought that could last for years and have an impact on global supplies of sugar and rice.

Key TakeawaysThailand is at risk of a prolonged drought that could significantly impact global supplies of sugar and rice.Rainfall in the country is expected to be 10% below average this monsoon season, with the possibility of further decreases due to the El Niño weather pattern in the coming years.The government is urging farmers to conserve water and avoid planting a second rice crop to mitigate the potential impact on inflation and economic recovery.The El Niño phenomenon is responsible for disrupting weather patterns and causing drier conditions in various parts of the world, including Thailand.

Thailand is expecting below-average rainfall this monsoon season and the onset of the El Niño weather pattern could worsen the situation over the next two years.

The country is facing widespread drought conditions starting in early…

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Thai Economy to Accelerate in 2023 on the back of tourists return

Thailand’s economy is expected to grow by 3.9% in 2023 due to strong demand from China, Europe, and the United States, as well as a recovery in tourism, according to a World Bank report.

However, exports have contracted for the eighth consecutive month due to global demand slowing.

Key Takeaways Thailand’s economy is projected to accelerate in the coming years due to strong demand from China, Europe, and the United States, as well as recovery in tourism and private consumption growth. Risks to Thailand’s economic growth include weaker global growth, political uncertainty, an aging population, climate pressures, declining export competitiveness, and high household debt. Thailand needs to prioritize climate change adaptation and water management to better cope with the frequent floods and droughts it faces, which pose significant risks to lives, livelihoods, and the economy. Tourism sector expected to continue to strengthen

The tourism sector is expected to c…

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Chinese EV makers eye Thailand as regional hub unfazed by political uncertainties

Chinese companies are increasing their investments in Thailand, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Despite political uncertainties, Chinese electric car manufacturers are drawn to Thailand due to its status as a production and distribution hub. This was highlighted at the 16th World Chinese Entrepreneur Convention (WCEC), where the chairman of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce stated that major Chinese EV players are targeting Thailand for investment. China's Hozon New Energy Automobile Co, for example, aims to sell 15,000 EVs in Thailand by 2023. The Thai government has also expressed its support for the EV industry, with a goal to have EV production account for 30% of total auto manufacturing by 2030. Chinese companies are attracted to Thailand's stable and friendly business environment, coupled with various investment incentives for EV investors. Source
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Thailand improves to 30th place in the World Competitiveness Ranking

Thailand has improved by three places to 30th in the World Competitiveness Ranking released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). The country improved in the four main indicators used to compile the rankings, though infrastructure remained its weak link.

Key Takeaways Thailand has improved to 30th place globally in the World Competitiveness Ranking, with infrastructure remaining its weakest link. Denmark, Ireland, and Switzerland were named the top three among the 64 economies measured in the survey, with Europe excelling in the ranking. Economies that were late to open up after the Covid-19 pandemic, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are starting to see improvements in their competitiveness.

Denmark, Ireland and Switzerland have been named the top three among 64 economies measured for their global competitiveness in the 2023 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, published today by the World Competitiveness Center for the 35th con…

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How Political Uncertainty impacts Thailand’s recovery

Thailand is facing a period of political uncertainty as the Election Commission investigates the main prime minister hopeful, Pita Limjaroenrat, for alleged violations of the election law.

Thailand’s political uncertainty, caused by the Election Commission’s investigation into the main prime minister candidate, could delay the formation of a new government and hurt market sentiment.

Key TakeawaysDelays in establishing a new coalition government are causing concern for manufacturers and exporters in Thailand.Political uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts overseas, and an export slowdown have led to a drop in the Thailand Industry Sentiment Index (TISI) for a second consecutive month.Delay in a new government taking power would impact foreign and domestic investment, and the economy could grow less than 3% if there is a delay in the formation of a new government.Thailand faces competition for foreign direct investment from Indonesia, which may be more attractive due …
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Thailand Receives $164 million Investment from Japanese Data Center Providers

BANGKOK (NNT) – Two Japan-based data center providers have invested a total of $164 million (5.5 billion baht) in Thailand to capitalize on the growing demand for digital transformation and cloud computing.

Telehouse has invested $74 million in its first data center in Thailand, while NTT Global Data Centers Corporation has invested 3 billion baht to develop its largest data center in Thailand, which is set to begin operations in the second half of 2024.

An attractive destination for global cloud and data center providers

Thailand has become an attractive destination for global cloud and data center providers looking to expand their presence. Companies such as Tencent Cloud, Huawei, NTT, Alibaba Cloud, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud have already invested in the country.

Telehouse’s new data center in Bangkok aims to be an internet hub where multiple telecommunication carriers and service providers can interconnect and exchange data traffic domestica…

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Tesla to Open First Service Center in Thailand

Tesla, the world's leading electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced that it will open its first service center in Thailand by the end of this year.

The service center will be located in Bangkok and will provide maintenance and repair services for Tesla owners and customers in the country.

Tesla has been expanding its presence in Southeast Asia, with plans to launch its Model 3 sedan in Singapore and Indonesia soon. The company also opened its first showroom in Vietnam earlier this year. Tesla hopes to tap into the growing demand for clean and sustainable transportation in the region.

The service center in Thailand will be staffed by trained technicians who can perform diagnostics, software updates, battery replacements, and other services for Tesla vehicles. The center will also have a lounge area where customers can relax and enjoy complimentary refreshments while waiting for their cars.

Tesla said that it is committed to providing the best…

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