Economy and commerce

Thailand is ready to resume negotiations for a free-trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) once the new government is established, as officials seek to offset the decline in global trade, according to a leading trade official.Keep reading ...

The private sector says they’re waiting to see the new ministers emerge from the current negotiations that will be in charge of economic portfolios, who may raise the confidence of investors. Meanwhile, the Consumer Confidence Index was at 77.7 in for the month of May, ...

The Thai economy is projected to grow 3.8% in 2019, slightly below last year’s 4.2%. The main reason is slower growth in the global economy. thailand-business-news.com reports that this is likely to lead to a deceleration in Thai exports and tourism, which will impact domestic ...

Some 60% of banks in Asia-Pacific do not have full digital account-opening services for new customers, despite recent reports that nine in 10 financial institutions in the region say they are ready to embark on a “digital transformation”, according to a survey by the credit ...

The European Union (EU) has agreed to allow Thailand to negotiate its export quota for 31 products, said Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Department of Trade Negotations. Keep reading ...

Blockchain Community Initiative Co. issued the world’s first electronic letters of guarantee in the third quarter last year and plans to increase the number of electronic letters of guarantee by 50% in three years. Blockchain Community Initiative Thailand provides electronic letters of guarantee for 22 ...

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has instructed the country’s top planning agency to set up a high-powered team drawing on business leaders that will examine ways to boost Thailand’s competitiveness amid signs of slippage on key measures.Keep reading ...

Shipments of Thailand’s automobiles and auto parts are unlikely to face penalty tariffs by the US because the export values are deemed insignificant. Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Trade Negotiations Department, said Thailand’s auto exports made up just a 0.1% market share, or US$231 million ...

Thai food exporters are being urged to study and prepare for stringent new US measures on imported food aimed at combating increasing cases of foodborne illness. Keep reading ...

Heightened political uncertainties in Thailand after an election meant to herald a return to democracy have clouded the outlook for economic policy, the central bank said in minutes of a meeting earlier this month that left interest rates unchanged.Keep reading ...