Archive

Vision in Action: Interview with Thanisorn Chearavanont on Makro PRO and Two Awards of the Year Techsauce · Aug 28, 2026

Thanisorn Chearavanont, Group Chief Wholesale Business Officer at CP Axtra, discusses the strategic vision behind Makro PRO's transformation from traditional wholesale to a leading Thai e-commerce platform. The article highlights key decisions including consolidating Makroclick and Makro PRO into a single system, enabling daily sales of 250–260 million baht. Key takeaway: success came through "continuous disruption"—constantly evolving systems and processes as the business scaled from 12M to 250M+ baht daily revenue—prioritizing decision-making speed and organizational agility over static frameworks.

Tops registers copyright for 'Paste Anything, Get Discount' sticker campaign as intellectual property, targets 30% sales growth in H2 The Standard Wealth · Aug 28, 2026

Tops, part of Central Retail, is copyrighting its "Paste Anything, Get Discount" sticker campaign and launching an upgraded version to capture H2 sales growth. The campaign shifts promotional power to customers—they choose which products get discounts via stickers—rather than brands dictating discounts. Previous rounds achieved 15% higher basket sizes, 16% increased repeat visits, and 22% more campaign participants. The new phase adds 200+ brand partners offering up to 30% discounts and structures earning rights in three time-bound tiers to drive repeat store visits over 1.5 months (Aug 19–Sep 30). This protects the campaign's competitive moat by codifying a customer-empowerment mechanic that competitors cannot easily replicate.

Rajavithi Skywalk Connects Medical District from BTS to Hospitals; Phase One Opening This October Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

Bangkok's Public Works announces phase one of the 1,300m Rajavithi Skywalk opens early October, completing a full loop around Victory Monument for the first time in 20 years. The project connects BTS Victory Monument station to major hospitals (Ramathibodi, Phramongkutklao, etc.) with universal design features: 4m-wide accessible walkways, anti-slip PU coating, Braille tactile paving, and four public elevators to support wheelchair and stretcher movement. Currently 38.31% complete as of late August, this infrastructure upgrade aims to streamline pedestrian connectivity in Bangkok's medical hub.

Ariya Industrial Park Expands Phase 2 to Capture New Investment Wave Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

Ariya The Eastern Gateway, a 20-billion-baht industrial estate in Bangna–Trat (km 32), has achieved 100% occupancy in its first phase just months after launch in 2025 and is now expanding Phase 2 by adding 20,000 sq m. The 4,783-rai estate features advanced infrastructure (40,000 cu m/day water, 500 MW power, AIS internet) and six zones targeting high-tech manufacturing, logistics, data centers, and innovation. First tenant is TerraCool Technology, a MNC specializing in liquid cooling for AI data centers. Phase 2 opens Q3 2025. This project directly supports Thailand's industrial diversification and AI-infrastructure positioning.

Government Must Clarify EV Strategy, Recommends 3 Points Before Reforming Vehicle Tax Structure Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

SEC board member Pachon advocates for three key policy conditions before Thailand restructures vehicle tax: (1) replace lost excise and fuel tax revenue to maintain infrastructure investment, (2) ensure consumer savings from cheaper EVs stimulate domestic economy rather than import demand, and (3) protect niches like commercial trucks and pickups where ICE still outperforms EV on range/payload. The comment highlights how tariff structures under ACFTA give Chinese EVs import exemptions while ICE vehicles face up to 50% duties—an imbalance needing resolution before tax policy shifts.

Ajaib, Indonesian Fintech Co-Founded by Thais, Raises Nearly 9 Billion Baht in Largest Indonesia Tech Funding in 4+ Years The Standard Wealth · Aug 28, 2026

Thai-founded Indonesian fintech unicorn Ajaib raised $270M (8.9B baht) from Japan's SBI Holdings, marking the largest Indonesia tech funding round in 4+ years and one of Southeast Asia's biggest recent deals. Co-founders Yada Piyajomkwan and Mantana Lertchaytavi—who studied at Thailand's Thammasat University and met at McKinsey—built Ajaib to 1B+ valuation in 2.5 years. The pair now eyes Thailand market entry with customer-centric design principles and AI investment, leveraging Thailand's advanced fintech ecosystem and regulatory framework as inspiration.

Defense Minister Spurs Strategic Thinking in NPDC Class 3 Leadership Program, Launches 'THAIs: Five Forces, One Future' Framework to Build Five National Capabilities Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

Defense Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presented the "THAIs: Five Forces, One Future" strategic framework developed by the National Defense College's executive program (cohort 3), which identifies five critical national capabilities spanning Technology, Human Capital, Energy/Assets, Infrastructure, and Security/Resilience. The framework synthesizes 230 academic works and uses AI as an analytical tool to identify patterns and systemic connections across policy, strategy, and operational experience. Leaders are urged to adopt long-term thinking and leverage existing resources and technology to strengthen Thailand's competitive position amid economic, social, and security convergence.

Thai Stock Exchange Lists 6 DRs on Major Chinese/Hong Kong Stocks: Alibaba, Xiaomi, Pop Mart and More Start Trading August 31 Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

The Thai Stock Exchange (SET) has approved listing of 6 new depositary receipts (DRs) referencing Hong Kong-listed Chinese companies—Alibaba, Kuaishou, NetEase, Ping An, Pop Mart, and Xiaomi—issued by Kasikornbank Securities. Trading begins August 31, 2026, providing Thai investors direct access to major Chinese tech, e-commerce, fintech, and consumer companies via the local exchange without requiring overseas accounts.

Alert: Toxic substances leak into Kok River, heavy metals contaminate 21 crop types; Consumer Council reveals test results delayed 8 months Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

Heavy metals (cadmium, lead, pesticide residue) have contaminated 21 crop types in Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai, along the Kok River. Test results were delayed by 8 months, allowing contaminated produce to reach consumers and accumulate toxins in bodies. The core issue is not just contamination detection but systemic gaps in food traceability and post-market food-recall mechanisms—authorities lack rapid response protocols to remove unsafe products from shelves. Consumer Council warns that delayed testing, weak supply-chain transparency, and absent market-withdrawal procedures mean warnings cannot help the public protect themselves.

Circular Economy: New Business Rules When Sustainability Determines Competitive Advantage The Story Thailand · Aug 28, 2026

Sustainability is shifting from optional CSR activity to a competitive necessity driven by global trade rules on carbon, resource use, product design, and packaging. Thai businesses face concrete cost pressures—carbon tariffs can add 9,000 baht per steel ton—while regulations on waste management, circular economy legislation, and ecodesign standards tighten locally and internationally. Success requires system-wide participation across supply chains, not isolated corporate initiatives; early investment in sustainability can become a competitive advantage as regulatory barriers to entry increase.

Five Decades of Nawarat: From 'Billion-Baht Contracts' to Rehabilitation Mode Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

Nawarat Development (NWR), Thailand's major construction contractor with 50 years of experience and 500+ projects, has filed for business rehabilitation with the Central Bankruptcy Court (hearing set for 8 September). The company cited severe financial pressure from prolonged economic slowdown post-COVID, volatile construction costs, labour wages, and material prices. As of 30 June 2026, NWR reported revenue of 3,976 million baht, a net loss of 563 million baht, and total debt of 15,490 million baht. Key problem projects included purchases of copper wiring (copper prices doubled) and BTS Pink/Yellow Line extensions (COVID-driven delays extended work from 3 to 6 years). The company has 30 active projects and 20 billion baht in backlog revenue extending through 2027. Management expects court approval to strengthen creditworthiness and enable easier bank financing for future bids.

Anri Bakery Enters Year 11 with Co-Creation Strategy, Inviting Thai Partners into Premium Market Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

Anri Bakery, a premium Osaka pastry brand, marks 11 years in Thailand with 8 locations across regional malls and Singapore. The brand is now actively seeking Thai SME and food producer partnerships through a co-creation strategy to develop high-value products that blend Japanese craftsmanship with local ingredients (e.g., egg custard croissants, 0% fat condensed milk). This signals an accessible model for Thai food brands to scale into premium markets via collaboration. Interested producers should contact [email protected].

Government announces dual-track railway construction in southern Thailand: Three routes totaling 100+ billion baht from Chumphon to Padang Besarwhave Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

Thailand's Deputy PM and Transport Minister announced three dual-track railway lines in southern Thailand totaling 504 km and 106.8 billion baht in investment. Routes span Chumphon–Surat Thani–Hat Yai–Padang Besar (Thailand–Malaysia border), with construction starting mid-2570 (2027) and completion by 2574–2576 (2031–2033). Two accompanying bridge projects (Lake Songkhla crossing and Lanta Island connector) worth 6.7 billion baht will also commence, funded 70% by World Bank loans. Relevance for SMEs: Major infrastructure play opening supply-chain, tourism, and cross-border trade opportunities in the southern region.

NIPPON HAKU 2026: Japan Education and Work Market Shifts as 40+ Age Group Seeks Reskilling Opportunities Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

Thailand's demand for Japanese education is shifting from young undergraduates pursuing university entry toward mid-career professionals (40+) seeking work and reskilling. Long-term course enrollment declined from 150+ to 70–100 annually due to rising living costs in Japan; annual costs range ฿500K–1M depending on location. The 11th NIPPON HAKU Bangkok 2026 expo attracted 150K+ visitors and 400+ booths, positioning Japan-Thailand bilateral ties (marking 140 years of diplomacy) around shared growth in tech, AI, healthcare, and ESG.

Real Estate Developers Point to Rama 2 as Booming Market; Luxury Homes at 10M+ Show Strongest Growth with M82 Opening Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

The opening of the M82 motorway (free for 2 years) is driving growth in Rama 2 real estate, especially luxury homes (10M+) in the Mahajai area (km 18–26) and industrial zones (km 10–14). Major developers including Sansiri, Central Pattana, and Golden Land are actively developing projects across segments ranging from townhouses (4–5M, 10–20M) to condos. However, incomplete connections to Hua Hin may limit tourism spillover initially. Absorption rates are steady at 3–4 years due to moderate supply, but future dynamics depend on economic conditions and developer activity.

Plan B deploys 275 digital OOH screens across Thailand and Singapore to promote 'Nene Royal' for AGT finals Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

Plan B Media activated 275 digital out-of-home (OOH) screens across Thailand and Singapore to promote Thai AGT contestant Nene Royal, who advanced to the finals via Golden Buzzer. The campaign emphasizes Phuket, the contestant's hometown. This demonstrates how Thai media companies leverage ambient advertising networks to capitalize on viral social moments and reach mass audiences in real-time.

Xiaomi Launches REDMI Note 17 Series with 'Pro Max' Variant for the First Time; Top Model Priced at 19,999 Baht Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

Xiaomi introduced the REDMI Note 17 Series with four variants in Thailand, headlined by the Pro Max 5G at 19,999 baht. The flagship offers a 10,000mAh battery (longest in REDMI's lineup), 6-year software and battery longevity guarantees, Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 processor, and durability features including IP68 waterproofing and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. While the series expansion represents product portfolio strengthening, the relevance for Thai SMEs remains limited—primarily consumer-facing rather than enterprise-enabling technology.

AI is everywhere in organizations now, but how trustworthy is it? No one has the answer yet. KBTG reveals 8 AI risks that organizations must review Techsauce · Aug 28, 2026

Only 7% of global organizations are mature in AI ethics governance, and just 31% have strong oversight systems—a gap KBTG's Chief Information Security Officer highlighted at Techsauce Global Summit 2026. The core message: organizations must shift from "How do we deploy AI faster?" to "How do we use AI responsibly and trustably?" KBTG outlined 8 specific AI risks organizations should audit, from data privacy and model bias to customer-facing liability. Starting points include EU AI Act, ISO/IEC 42001, NIST risk framework, and Thailand's existing guidance from ETDA, NCSA, and the Bank of Thailand—organizations can leverage these as the foundation for responsible AI governance.

Tencent released an open-source AI model for coding and research, offering Thai developers and SMEs access to advanced generative AI tools that could accelerate development cycles and research productivity.

Bangkok University and SMEDA Release GEM 2026 Survey: Thai Entrepreneurs Up 34.1%, Push to Strengthen MSMEs Against Foreign Competition Prachachat · Aug 28, 2026

Bangkok University and Thailand's SME Promotion Office (SMEDA) launched the GEM 2026 survey, revealing Thai entrepreneurial activity at 34.1% with a 16.9% Total Early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate. The research aims to benchmark Thailand against 50+ global GEM member nations, identify environmental factors supporting growth, and inform policy for developing competitive MSMEs amid rapid technological and economic change. The collaboration bridges academic research with real-world entrepreneurship support.