7th Place in ICCA 2024 Report Bangkok has secured 7th place globally in the 2024 International Congress and Convention Association rankings for international conference destinations, a significant jump from 15th in 2023. Announced at IMEX Frankfurt 2025, this achievement highlights Thailand’s growing stature as a leading MICE hub. Thailand’s MICE Success in Numbers 158 International Meetings Hosted In 2024, Thailand hosted 158 international meetings, up from 143 the previous year, elevating its global ranking to 25th. Retaining 5th place in Asia-Pacific and leading ASEAN, Thailand’s MICE sector, driven by Bangkok’s 115 meetings, showcases robust regional and global appeal. Secondary Cities…
Author: Wadi
No Unusual License Returns Observed Thailand’s Ministry of Finance has dismissed reports suggesting a widespread surrender of pico-finance licenses by provincial micro-lenders. Pornchai Thiravech, Fiscal Policy Office Director-General, called such claims misleading, affirming that no significant trend of operators exiting the sector has been detected. Pico-Finance Sector Thrives 1,155 Active Operators Nationwide Launched in 2017 to expand formal financial access, the pico-finance program supports small-scale borrowers and legalizes informal lending. By May 2025, 1,155 operators were active across 75 provinces, with over 5 million loan accounts approved, totaling more than 50 billion baht. Non-Performing Loans Decline NPLs Drop to 23.40%…
Military Clash Sparks Border Crisis A military skirmish near Nam Yuen, Ubon Ratchathani, on May 28, 2025, has intensified Thai-Cambodian border tensions, threatening cross-border trade valued at 175.53 billion baht in 2024. With no resolution in sight, Thailand’s temporary checkpoint closures are already impacting this critical economic lifeline. Trade Figures Highlight Stakes Thailand’s 109.16 Billion Baht Surplus In 2024, Thai-Cambodian border trade comprised 141.85 billion baht in exports, including beverages and auto parts, and 32.68 billion baht in imports like cassava and scrap metals. Thailand’s trade surplus of 109.16 billion baht underscores the economic importance of maintaining open borders. Key…
Revenues Reach $52.19 Billion Thailand solidified its position as a global agricultural powerhouse in 2024, with exports totaling $52.19 billion, a 5.9% rise from the previous year. Agricultural products grew by 7.5% to $28.83 billion, while agro-industrial products increased 4.1% to $23.36 billion, reinforcing Thailand’s role as the “Kitchen of the World.” Cassava Starch Tops Rankings 57% Global Market Share Thailand’s cassava starch exports climbed 8.86% to $1.61 billion, capturing 57% of the $2.83 billion global market despite a 2.59% contraction. This robust performance underscores Thailand’s competitive edge in this sector, maintaining its leadership amid challenging market conditions. Durian Exports…
Memories of 2011 Clashes Resurface Residents of Ban Sai Tho 11 Tai village in Buri Ram’s Baan Kruat district, just 3-4 kilometers from the Thai-Cambodian border, are on edge following a recent skirmish. The village, scarred by heavy shelling in 2011, fears renewed conflict as tensions linger ahead of a critical Joint Boundary Commission meeting. Anxiety Over JBC Talks Hope for Peaceful Resolution Villagers are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Joint Boundary Commission meeting in Phnom Penh, hoping for a peaceful resolution to avert conflict. The May 28 clash near Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani, though contained, has left…
Thailand Expresses Deep Concern Thailand has voiced alarm over the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel, with ongoing attacks raising fears of broader regional instability. The Foreign Ministry is urging all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation, which could endanger civilian lives across the conflict zone. Emergency Support for Thais Crisis Coordination Centre Established The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a Crisis Coordination Centre to support Thai nationals in the Middle East. This hub works closely with regional Thai embassies and local authorities to ensure rapid assistance, preparing for potential emergencies as the situation deteriorates. Contingency…
Sasin and INTCC Host Key Event A recent executive forum, co-hosted by Sasin School of Management and the Indonesia-Thai Chamber of Commerce, explored strategies for scaling businesses across Thailand and Indonesia. Experts discussed navigating unpredictable global changes, including political shifts, economic downturns, and rapid AI advancements, to seize opportunities in dynamic markets. AI’s Role in Business Evolution Consumer Trends Embrace Technology Rachada Apiromdej, CEO of THINK NEXT ASIA, revealed that 92% of companies plan to boost AI investments, with 70% of Asia Pacific consumers anticipating rewarding AI-human interactions within a decade. She noted Generation Beta, born in 2025, will enter…
Fastest-Selling Nintendo Console Ever Nintendo’s Switch 2 sold over 3.5 million units worldwide in just four days after its June 5, 2025, debut, marking the company’s most successful console launch in history. This explosive start signals strong consumer demand for the hybrid gaming system, setting a high bar for Nintendo’s ambitions. Ambitious Sales Targets Aiming for 15 Million by March 2026 The Kyoto-based company is on track to meet its goal of selling 15 million Switch 2 units by March 2026, with analysts suggesting even higher numbers if production ramps up. The unprecedented launch figures have bolstered confidence in Nintendo’s…
Standard and Mario Kart Options The Nintendo Switch 2 will retail in Thailand for 17,800 baht for the standard console, with a 19,800 baht bundle including Mario Kart World, according to Synnex, Nintendo’s official distributor. The announcement has sparked excitement among Thai gamers eager for the next-generation console. Preorders and Launch Timeline Available Starting June 26 Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 begin on June 16, with the console officially hitting store shelves on June 26. The launch follows a global frenzy, with fans worldwide queuing for hours to secure the highly anticipated device, reminiscent of major tech debuts. Versatile…
Five Suspects Detained Thai authorities have arrested five individuals accused of stalking and harassing actresses Sirilak “Lingling” Kwong and Kornnaphat “Orm” Sethratanapong, stars of the hit drama The Secret of Us. The arrests follow a police complaint filed by the actresses, highlighting a disturbing pattern of obsessive fan behavior. Invasive Stalking Tactics Revealed Following Stars to Their Homes The suspects allegedly trailed Lingling and Orm to their residences, capturing photos of their vehicles and license plates. Police uncovered a coordinated effort, with stalkers using a Line group chat to share information and plan their intrusive activities, invading the actresses’ personal…