Seeking a slice of the pie: With a green light expected later this month, demand for funds from the state’s stimulus budget has been brisk. While the government’s economic stimulus budget of 157 billion baht is scheduled for final approval later this month, the value of funding requests received from various ministries exceeds 400 billion baht. Bangkok Post
EV promotions adjusted to address glut: Sluggish market requires a shift. The government is stepping up efforts to adjust the conditions of electric vehicle (EV) promotion measures to address a potential oversupply. Government subsidies provided to EV manufacturers who import and sell EVs domestically, which are passed on to buyers, require manufacturers to establish local EV production facilities to compensate for imports. Bangkok Post
Thai sector picked for growth in 2nd half: Muang Thai Life Assurance (MTL) expects Thailand’s insurance sector to continue expanding in the second half of 2025, despite persistent global economic headwinds and regulatory adjustments under the new Thai Financial Reporting Standard 17. Bangkok Post
A 2-day session of Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) in Phnom Penh on June 15 without arriving at a definitive resolution regarding their ongoing border dispute, next meeting to be held in TH in Sept.
The Cabinet approved a capital gains tax exemption on digital asset transactions made via SEC-regulated platforms between Jan 1, 2025, and Dec 31, 2029, to promote and enhance transparency in the crypto market.
The Wage Committee approved raising the daily minimum wage to THB 400 in Bangkok (from THB 372), and in select businesses in other provinces—such as 2-star-and-above hotels or those with over 50 rooms—starting July 1, pending Cabinet approval. Around 700,000 workers are expected to benefit.
The Cabinet approved a proposal for Bangkok to host a Formula 1 street race for five years starting in 2028, with a THB 41.4 billion budget. The inaugural event is expected to attract 600,000 attendees, generate THB 16 billion in revenue, and create 8,000 jobs (full- and part-time).
The TAT Governor warned that the Israel–Iran conflict is likely to significantly affect five of Thailand’s key tourism markets, which may decline by up to 50%. Middle Eastern arrivals to Phuket have already started to fall due to airspace closures.
Econ Stimulus Board approved a Bt110b stimulus package, 70% of budget will fund infrastructure project, 10% to tourism development while remaining funds will support financial measures to counteract econ disruptions caused by external factors such as US trade policies. The proposals approved by the beard wud now go to the cabinet for final approval next week.
Thai Restaurant Association voice concern on raising daily min wage to Bt400 from Bt372 for all workers in BKK and most hotels and entertainment venues nationwide from Jul 1, some non-skilled foreigners working at restaurants wud benefit while workers earning slightly above the threshold may start demanding even higher pay, leading to a wage increase for all positions in the restaurant sector.
