1. Tourism slump batters restaurants: Banthat Thong area bears the brunt. Weak domestic spending and sluggish foreign tourism, particularly from the Chinese market, have caused restaurant revenue on Bangkok’s popular Banthat Thong Road to dip by 40-50%, according to the Bantadthong Association. Bangkok Post
2. Exports mark 10 consecutive months of growth in April: Exports grew 10.2% in April from the corresponding period last year, marking a 10th consecutive month of growth as importers ramped up their inventories during the US’s 90-day reciprocal tariff pause. Bangkok Post
3. State set to amend investment rules: The government has committed to revising investment regulations in the stock market to help stimulate Thailand’s capital market. In a keynote speech delivered at an investment seminar held yesterday, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said the government has to unlock some of the investment restrictions imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Bangkok Post
4. High hopes for rice convention: Thailand sees the Thailand Rice Convention securing 100,000 tonnes in orders, generating over 2 billion baht in revenue. Thailand is promoting its high-quality and distinctive rice varieties, anticipating that the Thailand Rice Convention will secure 100,000 tonnes in orders and generate over 2 billion baht in revenue. At the 10th Thailand Rice Convention (TRC) 2025 in Bangkok yesterday, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said the government is committed to enhancing Thailand’s rice industry. Bangkok Post
5. Visa card spending per visitor rises in Thailand: Visa Thailand has observed slower growth in Visa card payments made by inbound tourists, in line with stagnant foreign tourist arrivals. Bangkok Post
6. Parliament holds a 1st reading of a Bt3.78trnl spending plan for fiscal 2026 at 1pm, a big test for the PM amid widespread bickering with Bhumjaithai party, her major coalition partner. Voting to take place at 6pm on May 31.
7. Second day of debate on budget bill for fiscal yr 2026 continues today, voting to take place on May 31. The budget deficit is estimated at Bt860b, or 4.3% of GDP, with Bt669b set aside for emergencies, debt mngt, and stimulus measures.
8. The House approved in principle a draft amendment of the Mass Rapid Transit Act, a move seen as a step for implementing a flat fare of Bt20/ trip on electric train commute.
9. TH GDP is set to expand 2.1% in 2025, median f/c of 27 economists Bloomberg surveyed in May, vs 2.8% expted in a Feb survey, and below last yr’s 2.5% grwth. Last wk NESDC had lower GDP grwth range to 1.3% – 2.3%, frm 2.3% – 3.3%.
10. Department considers outbound travel tax: Payment method remains a question. The Revenue Department is studying the feasibility of reinstating an outbound travel tax on Thai nationals. According to Pinsai Suraswadi, director-general of the department, it is exploring ways to collect a travel tax from Thais heading abroad, seeking a new source of government revenue. Bangkok Post

Bonus 2

1. AIIB keen on Land Bridge investment: Bank says project benefits the region. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has expressed interest in investing in Thailand’s Land Bridge project, describing it as beneficial for both Southeast Asia and East Asia, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Bangkok Post
2. KBank reports every loan segment stalls in first 5 months: ‘‘ The bank is monitoring corporate clients with high exposure to US tariffs, as well as SMEs in their supply chains, particularly in the export and textile sectors. Pipit Aneaknithi Co-president, Kasikornbank. Kasikornbank (KBank) has reported loan growth slowed during the first five months of this year, with all loan segments affected by sluggish economic conditions and uncertainty surrounding US tariff hikes. Bangkok Post