Archive

Southeast Asian startups raise $7.25b in H1 2026: report Tech in Asia · 3d ago

Southeast Asian startups collectively raised $7.25 billion in the first half of 2026, according to a report covered by Tech in Asia. This substantial funding indicates strong investor confidence in the region's tech ecosystem, particularly with AI driving venture capital interest. For Thai SMEs and startups, this signals a competitive regional funding environment and highlights the importance of positioning for investor attention in an AI-focused landscape.

Why AI video is fine (and how YouTube judges the output) Tech in Asia · 3d ago

Article discusses the viability and acceptability of AI-generated video content, with focus on how YouTube's platform evaluates and judges such output. Relevant for content creators, SMEs exploring video automation, and tech platforms considering AI content policies. Moderate relevance depending on whether your audience includes video producers or platform operators.

PTT Board Approves 1.40 Baht Dividend and Announces Share Buyback of 238 Million Shares Starting September 28 Prachachat · 3d ago

PTT's board approved an interim dividend of 1.40 baht per share (~39.7 billion baht, ~51% of H1 2025 net profit), ex-dividend on October 7. The board also greenlit the sale of 238.66 million repurchased shares (0.84% of total) via automated matching on SET from September 28–October 12, 2025; unsold shares will be retired. This represents shareholder returns and financial management activity from Thailand's largest energy SOE.

Semiconductor Board Launches National Strategy: "Chip Made in Thailand" Initiative Targets 2.5 Quadrillion Baht Investment Over 25 Years The Standard Wealth · 3d ago

Thailand's semiconductor board has approved the nation's first comprehensive semiconductor and advanced electronics industry strategy, targeting 500 billion baht in investment within 5 years and 2.5 trillion baht over 25 years. The roadmap spans three phases (2030/2040/2050) focusing on three high-potential semiconductor segments—photonics, power semiconductors, and sensors—with emphasis on building a complete supply chain from chip design through advanced packaging. Major global players (Lumentum, Infineon, Sony) already operate in Thailand, positioning the country to create 230,000+ jobs and drive 5 trillion baht in annual industry revenue, supported by tailored tax incentives, workforce development programs, and technology transfer partnerships.

Warning: 9 Districts in 4 Provinces at Flood Risk; Heavy Rain Sept 23-27, Chao Phraya Dam Discharge Increased to 1,800 Cubic Meters/Second Prachachat · 3d ago

Thailand's National Water Resources Office warns that 9 districts across Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, and Chai Nat provinces face elevated flood risk from Sept 23-27 due to heavy rainfall in the central and northeastern regions. The Chao Phraya Dam will discharge up to 1,800 cubic meters/second, with water levels downstream expected to rise 0.7–1.7 meters. Bangkok and Samut Prakan must urgently reduce canal levels to absorb incoming runoff; water will be diverted east and west to reduce pressure on lower Chao Phraya areas.

TMAN Pursues Health & Wellness with Propoliz International Expansion, Targets 4 Billion Baht Revenue in 2026 Prachachat · 3d ago

TMAN Pharmaceutical is pivoting toward "Longevity" as a new growth engine, launching Heaven Herb factory in Pathum Thani (100M baht annual Smart Factory investment) and expanding its health & wellness portfolio with 15 science-backed products targeting metabolism, gut, brain, sleep, and skin over the next 5 years. The Longevity segment is projected to contribute 5–10% of revenue, with total group revenue targeting 4 billion baht by 2026. Flagship product Propoliz is being aggressively expanded into 7 countries (China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, and newly South Korea and Indonesia), positioning TMAN to capture Thailand's booming wellness market (forecast to grow 8.5% annually to USD 61.4 billion by 2032).

Panyapiwat Institute develops skills transcript to supplement bachelor's degree, piloting in 2027 Prachachat · 3d ago

Panyapiwat Institute of Management launches "PIM Skill Transcript," a work-based credential documenting practical skills developed through training and real-world internships alongside traditional degree studies. The initiative addresses Thailand's labor mismatch (400K+ unemployed, ~192K without work experience) by augmenting academic credentials with demonstrable AI literacy, language proficiency, financial knowledge, and essential human skills like critical thinking and interpersonal abilities. Piloting begins in 2027, aligning with government higher education modernization goals and leveraging PIM's 20-year work-based education model with 3,000+ domestic and 900+ international partner organizations.

Thai Exchange Accelerates Applied Research, Pushes 142 JUMP+ Companies to Grow Enterprise Value Prachachat · 3d ago

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is connecting applied research findings on ESG, governance, and climate risk with 142 listed companies in the JUMP+ programme to help them build enterprise value. SET is bridging academic research with practical business application through new research initiatives focused on governance, green practices, and climate risk disclosure—areas critical to long-term competitiveness and capital access for Thai SMEs and mid-caps.

MP and actor among 34 targeted for forex scam prosecution Bangkok Post · 3d ago

The Department of Special Investigation is prosecuting 34 suspects (24 individuals, 10 companies) in a major forex scam case, including People's Party MP Pawoot Pongvitayapanu and actor Rattapoom Tokongsup. The case involves alleged fraud, unlicensed securities trading, and money laundering, with 65 million baht in assets seized. MP Pawoot denies involvement, claiming his income came from gold trading rather than forex services, and questions of political motivation have been raised given his criticism of government projects.

From Rain Forecasting to Business: tomorrow.io, a $350M Startup Trusted by Major Enterprises Prachachat · 3d ago

tomorrow.io is a $350M unicorn using "Opportunistic Sensing" (cellular microwave links, IoT sensors, LEO satellites) to deliver hyper-local weather forecasts at 500×500m resolution and 1–15 minute updates—far sharper than traditional 10×10km grids. The startup converts real-time micro-climate data into actionable B2B SaaS alerts for enterprises (airlines, delivery/rideshare, construction, logistics) that can directly affect profit/loss: airlines optimize de-icing and landing schedules; ride-sharing adjusts surge pricing before rain arrives; construction firms halt concrete pours. Physics-informed AI enables 0–2 hour "nowcasting" that turns meteorological numbers into time-critical business decisions. Partners include DoorDash, Uber, Grab, JetBlue, Delta, and NASA.

BBLAM Expands B-WEALTH into RMF Series with Global Diversified Retirement Investment Portfolios The Story Thailand · 3d ago

Bualuang Fund Management (BBLAM) launches B-WEALTH RMF Series, a new lineup of five retirement mutual funds combining asset allocation, domestic/international diversification, and continuous portfolio rebalancing under professional management. The move targets Thai SME and retail investors seeking hands-off, tax-efficient long-term retirement planning without having to select individual funds or time market entries. This builds on the success of B-WEALTH Series (launched July 2019, ฿24bn+ in sales) by bringing the same disciplined portfolio construction approach to Registered Retirement Funds (RMF), which offer tax benefits under Thai regulations.

Samtel Telecom Wins 695 Million Baht ERP Project for Government Lottery Office, Boosts Backlog to 8,692 Million Baht The Story Thailand · 3d ago

Samtel Telecom's subsidiary PortalNet won a 695 million baht ERP contract from Thailand's Government Lottery Office (first new customer in Enterprise Solutions), raising group backlog to 8,692 million baht. The win signals expansion into government digital transformation, with the company targeting 10,000 million baht backlog by year-end through additional bids in ERP, AI, Digital Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity. Revenue will be recognized over the project lifecycle.

Tencent launches TenPayGo for WeChat Pay travelers Tech in Asia · 3d ago

Tencent has launched TenPayGo, a service designed to facilitate WeChat Pay transactions for travelers. This expansion extends Tencent's fintech capabilities to international users, potentially offering Thailand SMEs insights into cross-border digital payment solutions and consumer payment preferences in the region.

Bangkok Life Insurance Launches "Saving + Health Care" Products to Address Longevity Trends Prachachat · 3d ago

Bangkok Life Insurance (BLA) introduced two new savings-linked insurance products—"BLA Saving 168" and "BLA Saving and Care 168"—designed to address Thailand's aging population. Both offer 8-year premium payment with 16-year coverage, returning up to 928% of the insured amount over the contract period, plus health protections including coverage for 8 severe age-related diseases. This reflects BLA's "Products+" strategy to integrate financial planning with long-term health security rather than death-only coverage.

Thailand's Fisheries Department Unlocks Three-Tier Framework for Black-Chin Tilapia Removal Tools Prachachat · 3d ago

Thailand's Department of Fisheries has released standardized guidelines for removing invasive black-chin tilapia, categorizing fishing tools into three tiers: immediately permitted (traditional hand tools, nets), conditionally allowed (requiring official approval), and strictly prohibited (destructive methods). The framework aims to accelerate removal efforts while protecting aquatic ecosystems and maintaining legal compliance, allowing provincial fisheries committees to adapt implementation to local conditions.

Agriculture Ministry Takes No Position on UPOV 1991 Entry, Reaffirms Farmer Rights Protection Prachachat · 3d ago

Thailand's Agriculture Ministry has not committed to joining UPOV 1991 plant variety protection treaty under the Thailand-EU FTA, citing the need for wider stakeholder consultation and assurances that farmer rights—especially seed-saving from traditional varieties—won't be compromised. The ministry is studying the issue and open to dialogue with farmer networks concerned about intellectual property restrictions.

Europe Shifts to EV Garbage Trucks; Market to Reach 100 Billion Baht by 2033 Prachachat · 3d ago

Europe's electric garbage truck market is projected to grow nearly 4x to $3 billion (≈100 billion baht) by 2033, driven by fleet electrification across the continent. Germany leads with ~22% market share, while medium-duty vehicles and 100–200 kWh batteries dominate segments. Major OEMs (Volvo, Mercedes, Renault) and specialized manufacturers are competing, with depot charging infrastructure becoming critical. This creates a nascent B2B EV ecosystem extending beyond vehicles to batteries, charging systems, and fleet management.

Chao Phraya Rising: Royal Irrigation Department Increases Water Release to 1,750 m³/s to Handle Additional Rainfall Until Sept 27 Prachachat · 3d ago

The Royal Irrigation Department has increased water discharge through the Chao Phraya Dam to 1,750 m³/s in response to rising upstream flows (1,777 m³/s) and continuous rainfall in upper catchment areas. The department is managing water levels proactively by gradually raising reservoir levels to slow water flow while maintaining full irrigation supply to both east and west canal systems. Additional rainfall is forecast for central Thailand through September 27, requiring continued close monitoring of Chao Phraya Basin water levels and coordinated communication with affected northern provinces and agencies.

Thailand roadshow in New York: Government engages Bank of America, PIMCO, Microsoft to showcase AI, digital economy, and clean energy Prachachat · 3d ago

Thai government officials, including PM Srettha and Deputy PM Supachai, conducted investor roadshow meetings in New York on September 22 with executives from Bank of America, Microsoft, and PIMCO to pitch Thailand's potential in digital economy, AI, clean energy, and workforce development. The engagement aims to attract foreign investment and build confidence in Thailand as an investment destination, though the article remains promotional rather than detailing concrete commitments or outcomes.

RCEP 15 Nations Open Door for New Members, Plan Major Rules Upgrade in 2027 to Support Digital Trade Prachachat · 3d ago

RCEP's 15 member states have approved a task force to review new membership applications and are planning a major 2027 upgrade to modernize the agreement for digital trade and simplify business operations. Thailand views this expansion and rules upgrade as a significant opportunity to increase market access for Thai goods and services, attract investment, and strengthen regional value chain integration.