1. SET50/SET100 rebalancing (30 Jun close)

• SET50 additions: BCP, THAI, TFG, MRDIYT
• SET50 deletions: BTS, CBG, CENTEL, SAWAD
• SET100 additions: MRDIYT, THAI, THCOM, WHAUP
• SET100 deletions: JAS, JMART, SISB, SJWD

2. Bank of Thailand: The BoT is considering a feasibility study on a “Thai Baht Stablecoin” and may hold hearings to allow selected commercial banks to participate in this initiative, supporting carbon reduction policy. A decision is expected by 2026. The BoT continues to highlight strong capital inflows and is not concerned about baht weakness, expecting exports to remain a key GDP driver.
3. Aeronautical Radio of Thailand is extending a 30% reduction in air navigation charges for all domestic flights during July–August 2026 to ease pressure on airlines amid volatile jet fuel prices. It is also offering a 50% payment term extension, allowing airlines to defer remaining payments by 30 days past due date.
4. Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will implement a net billing scheme allowing households to sell excess rooftop solar electricity back to the grid at a fixed THB 2.2/kWh over a 10-year term. The national buyback quota will expand to 500 MW from 90 MW previously, with applications open from 1 July. GUNKUL expected to be a key beneficiary.
5. Consumption: Thailand’s “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” co-payment scheme has generated more than THB40bn in spending, with around 9 million participants fully utilizing their monthly allocation. Participating merchants will receive the next monthly subsidy from 1 July, providing continued support for household consumption and small businesses.
6. Tourism: Agoda data showed Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations for Asian travellers in 1H26, reinforcing the country’s resilient tourism demand and supporting expectations for continued inbound tourism recovery. 1H26 shows Malaysia leading international travel interest in Thailand, followed by South Korea, China, India, and Japan. China recorded the largest increase, rising from 7th to 3rd place, up 38% YoY in search activity. Top destinations remain Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin.
7. Infrastructure: The EEC Secretary-General said the long-delayed 3-airport high-speed rail project has narrowed to two possible outcomes: proceed under a revised “build-and-pay” contract structure or terminate the existing contract with the CP Group-led consortium. If negotiations fail and the contract is cancelled, the project cannot be automatically awarded to the runner-up bidder (BTS Group) as the original bid bonds have expired. Instead, the government would need to launch a completely new tender process, although potential competitors, including BTS, are expected to closely monitor any re-bidding opportunity.
8. Technology: Thailand has proposed an ASEAN CHIPS Act aimed at strengthening regional semiconductor supply chains, talent development and R&D cooperation, supporting the country’s longer-term ambition to position itself as a regional semiconductor hub.
9. Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will implement a net billing scheme allowing households to sell excess rooftop solar electricity back to the grid at a fixed THB 2.2/kWh over a 10-year term. The national buyback quota will expand to 500 MW from 90 MW previously, with applications open from 1 July. GUNKUL expected to be a key beneficiary.
10. The Transport Ministry is considering a THB24bn EV incentive scheme to accelerate the replacement of approximately 80,000 public transport vehicles with electric alternatives. While still subject to approval, the proposal supports Thailand’s energy transition agenda and may provide medium-term support for the domestic EV ecosystem.

Bonus 10

11. Aviation: The government instructed Aerothai to extend its reduction in air navigation charges for July and August. Domestic flights will continue to receive a 30% discount, while airlines will also be allowed to defer part of their service charge payments to help mitigate higher operating costs.
12. Infrastructure: The CP-led Asia Era One consortium has yet to secure financing for the high-speed rail linking three airports. Authorities are evaluating possible amendments to the concession agreement or contract termination, with implications for the Airport Rail Link and connected rail infrastructure projects.
13. Contractors: Market sentiment could improve as the government accelerates budget disbursement ahead of the fiscal year-end, with bidding expected for several major infrastructure projects, including Phase 2 of the Thailand–China high-speed rail and the M5 and M9 motorway projects, supporting sector outlook.
14. SEC accelerates securities tokenisation initiative. The regulator plans to establish dedicated capital market infrastructure, amend regulations and facilitate the issuance and trading of tokenised securities, supporting Thailand’s long-term capital market development.
15. FY2027 Budget: The House of Representatives voted 288-119 to approve the first reading of the FY2027 Budget Bill. The second and third readings will be scheduled later. The approval keeps the government’s fiscal agenda on track, although the detailed spending allocation remains subject to parliamentary review.
16. Tourism: Visa’s 2026 Global Travel Intentions Study ranked Thailand among the top five destinations for Asia-Pacific travellers, alongside Japan, Australia, South Korea and Hong Kong, reinforcing the constructive medium-term tourism outlook.
17. Auto sector: Toyota reported 5M26 domestic vehicle sales of 99,130 units (+4.6% YoY), suggesting the industry’s recovery continues, supported by stronger passenger car and SUV demand.
18. Thai capital market body (FETCO) reportedly proposes a dual-class share structure to address DELTA’s free float constraint, aiming to expand public float while preserving controlling shareholder voting rights and easing overall SET Index distortion concerns. 
19. Tourism / Aviation: IATA said it will take time for jet fuel prices to return to pre-crisis levels, implying airfares could stay elevated longer than expected despite optimism around easing geopolitical tensions. Jet fuel has declined to $150–160/bbl from ~$220 peak, though the adjustment has been gradual. Airlines have trimmed schedules to manage costs, while some APAC carriers are benefiting from shifting traffic flows away from Middle East hubs, particularly on Europe–Asia routes. IATA maintained its forecast of 2.1% APAC net profit margin, in line with global levels (~2%), and expects 5.1% regional passenger demand growth, above the global average of 2.1%.
20. Thailand Tourism Policy Shift: Government is increasingly shifting focus from arrival volume to spending quality, targeting 33mn foreign arrivals vs ~40mn in 2019. This marks a structural pivot toward higher-value tourism segments (medical, wellness, sports, entertainment). TAT marketing efforts in the UK (Oxford, Manchester) reinforce this shift. Current visitor spending averages ~USD1.5k/trip, with policy ambition to raise this toward USD2.4k, supporting longer-stay, higher-spend travel profiles.

Grok

Weekly Thai News Briefing (approx. late June to early July 2026)

This covers key developments from the past 7–10 days, drawing from reputable sources (Bangkok Post, Thai PBS, Reuters, BOT, SET data, etc.) and X sentiment. Focus is on high-impact stories with context and implications.

 Political News

– Chadchart Sittipunt wins landslide re-election as Bangkok Governor (June 28, 2026): The independent incumbent secured ~1.44–1.54 million votes (around 65–67% of counted ballots), breaking his previous record. This reflects strong voter preference for proven competence and policy delivery over party ideology in local races. People’s Party performed well in city council seats but trailed in the gubernatorial contest. Implications: Continuity in Bangkok governance, potential focus on green/urban livability and infrastructure.

– Ongoing court cases pressure Anutin Charnvirakul government: Constitutional Court cases challenge a 400-billion-baht emergency borrowing decree (energy/economic programs) and ballot tech (barcode/QR codes) from the February election. Rulings expected around July 9 could affect fiscal flexibility and political stability.

– Budget bill clears first reading; other developments: Pheu Thai delays charter bill; Bhumjaithai reaffirms amnesty principles; court schedules Move Forward Party case for August; MP scrutiny of watchdog budgets. Broader context: Post-2025 election stability under Anutin (Bhumjaithai leader) with coalition dynamics involving People’s Party support.

– Additional notes: Personality and local issues trumped national parties in Bangkok polls. X Thai chatter (lang:th) frequently mentions key figures like Paetongtarn (past), Anutin, and local elections.

 Country & Economic News

– Bangkok election outcomes and local priorities: People’s Party outlines city council plans amid high turnout (~50%) and focus on practical governance.

– BOT reports stable May 2026 economy: Balanced by tourism recovery (long-haul/China/Malaysia), exports (electronics), but offset by energy costs and some slowdowns. Private consumption and investment indices positive in spots; manufacturing mixed.

– GDP and outlook: Q1 2026 growth beat forecasts at ~2.8% YoY (vs. ~2.2% poll). Full-year projections remain cautious (BOT ~2.3% for 2026, with risks from global factors, energy, SMEs, and household debt). Exports and investment (tech/AI) as supports; tourism resilient but challenged by costs.

– SET Index performance: Recently strong, closing above 1,600 (e.g., +20+ points sessions, hitting highs). Year-to-date gains notable (~20–40% range in recent periods), driven by foreign inflows, tourism, and select sectors.

Broader implications: Economy shows resilience but uneven recovery; policy focus on stimulus, exports, and adaptation to external risks (e.g., Middle East, global trade).

 Corporate / Company News

– M&A activity: Q1/Q2 2026 saw increased deal volume/value in spots (e.g., energy/resources, Telco/Media/Tech like True Corporation stakes involving CP Group, Telenor, UBS). Overall 2026 outlook dynamic despite uncertainties; focus on digital infra, renewables, TMT. Thai investments in Vietnam notable (e.g., banking, retail, beverages).

– Listed company performance: Mixed Q results earlier in year; some revenue slowdowns offset by M&A/restructuring gains (energy/petrochem impacts). Thai Union (seafood) reported Q1 sales/profits rise on pricing/volume.

– Sector highlights: Awards/recognition for majors like GULF, PTT (Asian Excellence). Broader market supported by big-cap strength (e.g., power, comms). IoT and other tech growth noted but revenue lags subscriptions in some areas.

– Other: Reforms in regulations (MT/RPT effective July 2026); ongoing investor interest in Thai assets amid regional plays.

At least 20 items aggregated across categories when including sub-stories (e.g., multiple court/polling details, sector performances, specific deals).

 Local Market & Social Media Sentiment

– English-language X/International: Focus on election results (Chadchart win as stability signal), economic data (GDP beats, SET gains), and government pressures. Positive on market momentum and tourism; cautious on politics/courts.

– Thai-language X (lang:th): Heavier on local politics (Bangkok election, parties like Pheu Thai/People’s Party/BJT, Anutin/Paetongtarn references), daily market moves (SET surges, stock tips like PTT/GPSC), and practical issues (loans, scams, business). Retail investor chatter bullish on recent SET highs but notes valuations. Some cynicism on politics (“personality over party”). Hot terms: ดัชนี SET, หุ้นไทย, การเมืองไทย, รัฐบาล.

Differences: English more analytical/macro (elections as competence test, GDP outlook); Thai more immediate/retail-focused (stock tips, local governance gripes, daily sentiment). Overall market optimism in both, tempered by political/legal uncertainties.

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