Thailand

The Board of Investment approved six major projects worth a combined THB958 billion (about USD29 billion), led by a large data-infrastructure expansion by TikTok System (Thailand). It also approved a second batch of fast-tracked projects under its Thailand FastPass scheme and discussed improving power supply and access to clean energy. Data centres and digital infrastructure are where incentives are flowing, and the power discussion suggests grid capacity is now a constraint the government is working on.

Thailand Board of Investment press release (via ACCESS Newswire) · 2026-09-09

On 28 September Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Thailand and the US had agreed a tariff deal in principle, with only technical details and wording left to settle. Bangkok wants to sign quickly to head off further US action under Section 301, but the terms will not be certain for exporters until the text is published.

The Nation (Thailand) · 2026-09-28

Since 24 July most Thai goods entering the US have carried a 12.5% tariff that USTR imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act. Firms planning to export to the US from a Thai base should include this tariff in their cost models and check whether their products qualify for exemptions.

Tilleke & Gibbins · 2026-10-02

A separate US Section 301 investigation into excess manufacturing capacity is still open, and talks were held up on 20 September by an extra US condition that appears to concern rules of origin and transshipment. One analysis warns that combined Section 301 duties could reach 25%, so manufacturers with China-linked supply chains or low capacity utilisation face the most risk on US market access.

Thailand Explained (Quarterly Outlook #04, independent analysis newsletter) · 2026-10-01

Headline inflation rose to 2.82% year on year in September, the highest since April. Energy accounted for more than 60% of the increase, with fresh food adding to it. The Commerce Ministry narrowed its 2026 inflation forecast to 1.8–2.2%, which means rising input costs and less room for the Bank of Thailand to keep easing policy.

The Nation (Thailand), citing the Trade Policy and Strategy Office · 2026-10-06

On 28 September the Constitutional Court ruled on whether barcodes and QR codes on February election ballots made votes traceable. The ruling removed the threat of an election rerun and kept Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's government in office. This lowers the risk of a near-term policy disruption that could have delayed trade deals and investment approvals.

Bloomberg · 2026-09-28

Heavy rain in late September flooded much of Bangkok. The cabinet gave civil servants in the capital and three nearby provinces special holidays on 28 and 29 September, and the prime minister apologised publicly and promised faster drainage and recovery aid. Firms should treat flood risk to facilities, logistics and staff access in the Bangkok area as an active operating concern.

Khaosod English · 2026-09-29