Economy and industry

Only 17% of 3 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have access to commercial bank loans, and as much as 84.2% of the total SME loan portfolio is concentrated in 50,000 operators, says a report by the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research. Keep reading ...

Thai consumers have reached a new high in online commerce, thanks to Facebook Messenger’s latest deal with Kasikornbank for a one-stop shopping experience on mobile apps. The deal makes online commerce on the giant social media platform easier and more convenient as payment can be ...

More than 800 illegal migrant workers, who failed to apply for a work permit by June 30, have been arrested.At a meeting on the suppression of illegal migration, Labor Minister Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkeaw was informed that among 30,000 migrant workers inspected, 800 of them ...

Elon Musk’s futuristic “mini-sub” ultimately wasn’t used in the recent daring rescue of 13 people trapped in a cave in Thailand. However, its much-publicized existence reminded the world of the important role similarly cutting-edge technology will increasingly have a role to play in similar disaster ...

The ban on trans fats by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will apply only to industrial trans fats when it takes effect starting on January 9.FDA Food Bureau chief Supattra Boonserm on Friday (July 20) dismissed suggestions that the ban would cover all types ...

Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong says the government is planning key policy actions in the second half of the year, ranging from fiscal expansion to debt restructuring for farmers, to further boost the economy and the country’s competitiveness.Keep reading ...

Policy makers and industry players from Asia-Pacific countries have been gathering in Bangkok to discuss ways to maximise the benefits in store with a transition to fifth generation (5G) mobile communications technology.Keep reading ...

Google Thailand yesterday (July 18) launched a series of initiatives, including free high-speed public Wi-Fi, to enable more Thai consumers and businesses to participate in the growth of the digital economy.The initiatives were announced at the first Google for Thailand event, held in Bangkok under ...

Japan and Thailand agreed on Wednesday (July 18) to work together towards the Southeast Asian country’s entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), as the two nations boost economic cooperation aimed at promoting free trade.Keep reading ...

The world is changing, and business in Thailand must understand the drivers of this change.This is why, as I enter my third decade in Thailand’s industrial sector, I believe it is more vital than ever for every business to observe international megatrends – changes which ...