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New Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas says the government’s economic stimulus plan will enable GDP expansion of more than 1% in the fourth quarter, up from an earlier forecast of just 0.3%.

In the first quarter of this year, the Thai economy grew by 3.2%, dipping to 2.8% in the second quarter. For the third quarter, growth is projected at 1.7%, while for the final quarter, the initial forecast was a mere 0.3%.

However, Mr Ekniti said five measures in the fourth quarter should help lift GDP by another 0.2-0.4 percentage points, raising growth to around 1%.

Regarding the “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme, which will be submitted to the cabinet on Oct 7, he said registration for the public will be open from Oct 20-26, with the scheme starting on Oct 29. Total spending under this scheme is estimated at 66 billion baht.

Shops wanting to participate can register from Oct 15 until the programme ends in December.

The tourism stimulus scheme for secondary cities will be submitted to the cabinet on Oct 14, with hotels allowed to deduct expenses from taxes up to double the amount, said Mr Ekniti.

This measure was previously implemented in 2018, resulting in only 200 million baht in lost state revenue.

In terms of government spending, ministries and state enterprises with budgets allocated for seminars will be required to accelerate spending over the next four months, front-loading their budgets, he said.

This budget for seminars is estimated at 6-8 billion baht and is intended to stimulate the economy, said Mr Ekniti.

Regarding the issue of baht appreciation, he said the currency has already started to weaken, as the recent appreciation mainly stemmed from a current account surplus driven by exports and capital inflows.

In terms of gold exports to Cambodia, Mr Ekniti said the converted value was only US$2 billion, which is small compared with total capital inflows.

A working group has been established to monitor inflows from untraceable transactions, sometimes considered “off the books” or “grey money”, which could affect baht appreciation. The working group comprises representatives from the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Fiscal Policy Office.

In a related development, finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit said Khon La Khrueng Plus conditions will differ from the previous scheme when only small retailers who were not registered as juristic persons were allowed to receive payments.

This time, micro small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small businesses registered as juristic persons are also eligible to participate.

In the Revenue Department’s system, there are roughly 3,000 micro SMEs with annual revenue of under 1.8 million baht, and another 2,000 micro SMEs with annual revenue of between 1.8 million and 30 million baht.

The Department of Airports has announced an increase in the passenger service charge – commonly known as ‘airport tax’ – for outbound passengers at six regional airports in Thailand.

Both domestic and international travellers will now pay an additional 25 baht per person.

The affected airports are Krabi, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phitsanulok.

The fee for international passengers has risen from 400 baht to 425 baht per person, while domestic passengers will now pay 75 baht per person, up from 50 baht. The fee is included in the ticket price.

Local media reported that passengers travelling between domestic airports have already seen the airport tax listed at 75 baht per person under the ‘fees and taxes’ section, in line with the department’s announcement, which took effect on Wednesday.

The increase applies only to department-operated airports that have introduced three new passenger processing technologies: automated boarding pass checks, self-service check-in kiosks, and self-service baggage drop systems, which allow travellers to manage their luggage independently.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed zero tolerance for corruption as Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob launches a probe into an alleged 40-million-baht monthly bribe linked to call centre scams.

Mr Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, on Thursday voiced full support for Mr Chaichanok, who is pressing ahead with the inquiry into the bribery allegation.

He insisted the minister would not relent in pursuing the matter and guaranteed that no corruption would be tolerated under his government.

The controversy erupted after Mr Chaichanok, son of Bhumjaithai patriarch Newin Chidchob, told parliament that a group connected to call centre gangs had offered him a monthly payment of 40 million baht in exchange for refraining from legal action against their operations.

DES permanent secretary Patchara Anantasilp said Mr Chaichanok had instructed that an independent central fact-finding panel be set up to ensure transparency.

The committee, expected to be named within days, will include representatives from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo). Mr Patchara will be the only DES official involved.

The panel has been given 30 days, with findings due by the end of October.

‘If any evidence implicates officials, the committee will act in accordance with the law. There will be no exemptions, even for DES staff,’ the permanent secretary said.

Former Democrat Party MP Nipit Intarasombat said he would petition the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the bribery allegations, claiming no political party was taking the matter seriously. He said he would act in his personal capacity as a citizen.

Responding to Mr Nipit’s move, Mr Anutin said: ‘Everyone has the right to call for an investigation. The facts must be clarified. This government has only been in office for two days, so any past irregularities must be uncovered. If wrongdoing exists, Mr Chaichanok will never let it slide.’

The prime minister dismissed suggestions that Mr Chaichanok’s disclosure could backfire, saying the minister was committed to integrity.

‘He is not corrupt, he despises dishonesty, and nothing can stop him,’ he added.

Siam Paragon, the global destination long recognised as the number one ‘Top of Mind’ choice among Thai customers and international visitors, together with ICONSIAM, the world-class landmark on the Chao Phraya River, continue to create experiences beyond expectations. Driven by the strategy of Customer-Centric Experience, both destinations are committed to delivering superior service and ‘Meaningful Moments’ for their valued customers.

Most recently, the two destinations organised the exclusive event ‘Moonlight Dinner Cruise: A Mid-Autumn Celebration’, extending invitations to ONESIAM Black members for a special evening on the Chao Phraya River. The elevated dining experience was co-created with Okura Cruise, specially designed to present a memorable, one-night-only culinary journey. The event was graced by Saruntorn Asaves, Executive Vice President – Customer Centricity and Relationship Management, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., and Thanaporn Tantiyanon, Managing Director of ONESIAM Shopping Center Business Group, who warmly welcomed ONESIAM Black members including Varunya Chatphiriyaphan, Grit Supadechoochai, Supatra Yoovidhya, Nipa Cholsaipan, Nam Cholsaipan, Chanya Sawangchit and Dao Sathienthirakul.

Commencing at ICONSIAM Pier, the evening began with a delicate welcome drink on the deck as 25 ONESIAM Black member couples admired 360-degree panoramic views and captured sunset photographs along the river’s most iconic landmarks. Guests then savoured the highlight of the evening-the Okura Cruise Seasonal Kaiseki, a premium Japanese haute cuisine experience co-created by Siam Paragon, ICONSIAM and Okura Cruise. Designed as a ‘First and Only’ menu, it combined refined flavours, textures, colours and presentation to reflect the beauty and philosophy of Japanese nature, crafted exclusively for this night.

To elevate the experience further, Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM collaborated with Boucheron, the world-renowned high jewellery Maison, to present an exclusive showcase of exquisite masterpieces on board. This intimate presentation offered ONESIAM Black members a rare opportunity to view Boucheron’s finest creations up close.

The evening culminated in a surprise performance by legendary artist J Jetrin Wattanasin, whose vibrant stage presence transformed the dinner cruise into an unforgettable celebration. His dynamic performance created moments of joy, excitement and exclusivity-embodying the promise of ‘Extraordinary and Money Can’t Buy Experiences’ that Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM are dedicated to curating for their most valued customers.

This event marked yet another ‘Meaningful Moment’ designed especially for ONESIAM Black members, reinforcing Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM’s commitment to delivering world-class, unforgettable experiences.

RAYONG – Seven people, including three small children, were killed when fire destroyed their house early on Thursday.

Police and rescuers were called at about 2.20am to the scene in a housing estate in tambon Tha Pradu of Muang district, according to Pol Lt Col Chaikrit Taurat, an inspector at the Muang Rayong police station.

A fire truck from Rayong municipality office was deployed to the scene. Firefighters encountered flames engulfing house No. 66/16 and spreading to three others, police said.

The house where the fire originated was destroyed, and seven dead bodies were discovered inside. They were one man and three women, aged 29-57, and three children aged under 3.

It took about 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control. Residents of the other affected houses were injured from inhaling smoke and were taken to hospital.

The chief of Muang Rayong district, Anusorn Sangkla, said the cause was believed to have been a short circuit,

The victims appeared to have been sleeping on the second floor and tried unsuccessfully to escape after the fire started, as some of them were found at a bedroom door, he said.

Sweden and Thailand share a deep commitment to sustainability, blending tradition with innovation to achieve shared environmental goals, according to Anna Hammargren, the Swedish ambassador to Thailand.

.Speaking on Thursday at the Swedish-Thai Sustainable Talk Stage and Networking Reception during the the SX Sustainability Expo 2025, Ms Hammargren said ‘tradition and innovation, together, are the key to achieving our common sustainability goals’.

According to her, a new collaboration between the two countries under Thailand’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, which is aligned with Swedish values and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, has transformed ambitious visions into tangible actions.

She said partnerships with government, academia and the private sector are driving new solutions, with Swedish companies in Thailand showcasing how cutting-edge technologies, research and circular practices are accelerating the green transition.

Viktor Friberg, Cluster President for South East Asia and Oceania at Alfa Laval, during the talk highlighted his company’s role in redefining industrial efficiency.

Specialising in heat transfer, separation and fluid handling, Alfa Laval’s technologies address critical challenges in energy transition, clean water, sustainable food and marine transportation, he said.

With 40% of global emission reductions expected to come from efficiency improvements, Mr Friberg said, Alfa Laval’s solutions can cut energy consumption by up to 70%.

Last year, the company set a new emissions reduction target for 2027, reinforcing its commitment to operational sustainability, he said.

Strategic partnerships, including MoUs with other Swedish firms, are accelerating innovation, reducing costs and delivering transformative solutions, he said.

Alexis Richard, General Manager of Electrolux Thailand, shared how the Stockholm-based home appliance giant has been leading the shift towards greener living since 1992.

Electrolux designs products that offer sustainable choices without compromising quality of life, he said. In 2023, the company achieved a 31% reduction in product-related greenhouse gas emissions – three years ahead of its climate targets, he added.

He said key initiatives include a zero-landfill programme, responsible sourcing and supplier environmental footprint monitoring.

Collaborating with brands like AEG and Frigidaire, he said, Electrolux continues to innovate in taste, care and well-being, with upcoming launches of highly energy-efficient laundry and vacuum products.

Ratanasiri Tilokskulchai, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Thailand, meanwhile, emphasised that the company’s mission to ‘protect what’s good – food, people and the planet’ goes beyond packaging.

Tetra Pak’s innovations tackle climate, nature, circularity and social sustainability, she said.

By reducing aluminium in its packaging, the company has cut carbon emissions by 33%, and in 2024, achieved a 25% reduction in greenhouse gases, she said.

With more fibre-based and recyclable designs, Tetra Pak is reshaping the food system with circularity at its core, she said.

Energy Complex Company Limited (Enco) organised the seminar ‘Thailand’s Real Estate Outlook 2026’ to deliver in-depth insights and expert perspectives on the future of Thailand’s property sector. The program highlighted two key themes: ‘Thailand’s Real Estate Outlook 2026: Challenges and Opportunities’, which examined opportunities and challenges in the real estate market, and ‘Green Living, Smart City: Real Estate as a Pathway to Sustainable Cities’, focusing on strategies for sustainable urban development. The seminar served as a platform to deepen market understanding, encourage knowledge exchange, and strengthen collaboration across the private sector to drive high-quality growth in Thailand’s real estate industry with an emphasis on environmental responsibility and long-term societal well-being.

Mr Sirasak Chandrema, President of Energy Complex Co., Ltd. (EnCo), stated that the company operates under a vision to develop real estate and manage facilities with service excellence, enabling sustainable business growth. EnCo is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing toward the goal of Net Zero Emissions by 2050, in alignment with PTT Group’s policy framework. The company has developed the Energy Complex into a LEED Platinum-certified green building, serving as a hub for the energy sector designed with efficient resource utilisation. EnCo also integrates Smart City concepts and Green Living technologies to enhance operational efficiency, leading to a model of Smart and Green management. Through this approach, the company seeks to deliver long-term value to business, society, and the environment.

Thailand is currently undergoing transformations across multiple dimensions. To ensure that real estate development continues sustainably, supports the creation of Smart City, and advances toward the shared goal of Net Zero Emissions, EnCo has adopted diverse ideas and perspectives from across industries. The Thailand’s Real Estate Outlook 2026 seminar has been held consistently as a platform for integrating concepts of conservation and sustainable urban development. Looking ahead to 2026, EnCo aims to elevate the standards of its mixed-use office buildings by transforming them into Green Buildings, in line with sustainable property management and building improvement principles, while also supporting development in other sectors to achieve these shared goals.

Under the theme ‘Thailand’s Real Estate Outlook 2026: Challenges and Opportunities,’ the seminar featured insights from Mr Issara Boonyoung, Chairman of the Board, Real Estate Business Trade Association under the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Honorary President of the Housing Business Association. He shared his perspectives on business direction, growth opportunities, government stimulus measures, and real estate market trends in 2026, while also discussing investment strategies for both corporate investors and end users. In addition, Mr Chetthawat Songprasert, Senior Analyst at the Economic and Business Research Center, Siam Commercial Bank (SCB EIC), provided an analysis of Thailand’s economic outlook for 2026, addressing key influencing factors such as real estate lending, the slowdown in the property sector and its spillover effects on economic growth, as well as expectations from the private sector and the public regarding government measures to stimulate the economy.

The panel discussion ‘Green Living, Smart City: Real Estate as a Pathway to Sustainable Cities’ featured distinguished experts from across the industry, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kessara Thanyalakpark, Managing Director of Sena Development PCL; Mr Narongwet Wajanapanich, Managing Director of Quality Construction Products PCL (SCG Group); Mr Samatcha Promsiri, Chief of Staff at Sansiri PCL; and Ms. Phatsareephak Srikanchananon, Head of Property Management, CBRE Thailand. The session addressed key topics such as mega-trends in sustainable urban development, the prospects and challenges of green building adoption in Thailand, the application of international case studies, urban development potential, green building certification standards, and the critical role of government support in ensuring urban development progresses in a unified and sustainable direction.

Under the theme ‘Thailand’s Real Estate Outlook 2026,’ the seminar served as a key driver in shaping a sustainable real estate business model under the Sustainable Way approach, connecting the private sector, government, and stakeholders. EnCo plays a central role in advancing both ideas and implementation, with the goal of raising industry standards and positioning Thailand’s real estate sector for stable and sustainable growth in the future.

Advanced Info Service (AIS) expects its revenue from non-mobile and non-fixed broadband business to account for at least 20% of total revenue in three years, up from 10% at present.

The target calls for driving sustainable growth through new S-curve business areas, including digital finance, entertainment and retail services.

AIS is the biggest mobile operator in terms of revenue market share, and its mobile and fixed broadband services contribute almost 90% of its total revenue.

The company plans to utilise artificial intelligence (AI) across the entire organisation to enhance its capabilities and operations as it becomes a “cognitive tech” company, said chief executive Somchai Lertsutiwong.

AIS celebrated its 35th anniversary yesterday, unveiling a bold new chapter as it embraces AI for economic growth and a sustainable society.

“Expanding business from now on will be much more complicated and difficult,” said Mr Somchai.

While telecom industry revenue is projected to grow by 4-5% this year, he said the industry’s operational costs are expected to grow by 10%.

The telecom business’s revenue normally grows by 2% above the country’s annual GDP figure, according to AIS. Thai GDP is expected to expand by 2-3% this year.

However, telecom operators’ total expenses and operating costs have pressured their annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation.

For the overall fixed broadband business market, Mr Somchai said pricing and promotional packages would no longer be enough to sustain the business in the long term, but the operators have to provide value-added services through their service bundlings with smart devices and entertainment offers that serve the demands of consumers’ daily lives.

They also have to boost 5G service adoption to lift up revenue.

“Utilising 5G services in the mass market is a critical move for the country, and the market should have many more applications such as a super app for people’s adoption,” Mr Somchai said.

Mr Somchai said AIS has played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of Thailand’s digital infrastructure, becoming a key pillar in driving the nation’s telecom industry to global standards.

He said AIS continues its journey into a new chapter under the concept of AI for a sustainable nation, aiming to connect every sector and drive the Thai economy forward with strength and sustainability.

“AIS is now stepping into a new era with three core business pillars, including retail technology, to elevate the complete customer experience,” said Mr Somchai.

The other two pillars are an entertainment platform represented by content streaming platform AIS PLAY, and an upcoming virtual banking service that has been developed with the company’s partners, he said.

The colourful lighting system on the roofed walkway at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya is ready to welcome tourists during the high season, creating a new landmark in the beach city in Chon Buri.

Pattaya mayor Poramet Ngampichet visited the pier on Wednesday night to inspect the completion of the makeover.

The walkway’s roof had been completed for some time under a city project to protect residents and visitors travelling to and from Koh Lan from sun and rain.

A new electrical system was installed along the bridge, with lights synchronising with the iconic Pattaya City sign on its right. Eight different lighting styles are available and they can be adjusted to match each festival season, Mr Poramet said.

With a total of 31 lighting strips, the system automatically turns on from 6pm to 6am daily.

‘The roofed walkway not only provides convenience for travellers but also serves as a new landmark for capturing the beauty of Pattaya, both day and night,’ the mayor said.

The display is complemented by LED screens newly installed at entrances of the Walking Street to modernise the area, he added.

The makeover of Bali Hai Pier, the boarding point for coral island ferries, speedboat charters, fishing and scuba diving trips, is expected to attract tourists and boost the local economy during the upcoming high season.

Stelliers, one of Asia’s hotelier award platforms, unveiled the winners of the Stelliers Asia 2025 Awards at Capella Bangkok, recently.

The event, supported by Pernod Ricard, is held with an aim to elevate every hotel professional, so they feel seen, valued and inspired to lead. This year’s edition attracted a record-breaking number of applications from hoteliers across 12 countries in Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

Winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process led by a judging panel of industry leaders and global executives. Thailand hoteliers shone at the event with 11 winners coming from Thailand hotels and resorts, including General Manager Of The Year being awarded to Vidya Sagar from The Ritz Carlton Reserve, Phulay Bay.

Other Thai awards were: Butler Of The Year went to Wutthinan Jullao of The St. Regis Bangkok; Concierge Hotelier Of The Year to Ladawan Piirainen of The Peninsula Bangkok; Food and Beverage Hotelier Of The Year to Jeffrey Mak of Capella Bangkok; Front Office Hotelier Of The Year to Mayuree Laolugsanalerd of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok; Green Hotelier Of The Year to Payap Khunkhayan of Conrad Koh Samui; Housekeeping Hotelier Of The Year to Nittaya Ponglertvorakarn of lebua Hotels and Resorts; Hygiene and Food Safety Hotelier Of The Year to Sarawut Umthed of Rosewood Bangkok; Information Technology Hotelier Of The Year to Phutthaphon Phukmot of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok; and last but not least the Unsung Hero Of The Year award went to Varaporn Khundech of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Visit stelliers.com.