Archive

85 Employer Representatives Apply for Social Security Board Election 2026, Including Major Businesses and Organization Leaders Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

Thailand's Social Security Board election for 2026 has attracted 85 employer-side candidates, including major corporations, SME associations, and cooperative organizations competing for seats on the board that manages multi-trillion-baht social insurance funds. The election will shape welfare policy affecting employers and employees nationwide, with candidates ranging from logistics, manufacturing, real estate, and security firms to savings cooperatives and business associations.

Learning from Organizations Using 100% AI Replacement: TCCTA Points to 'AI+Human' Trend, Measured by Problem-Solving Speed Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

TCCTA warns that full AI-replacement in contact centers backfired—customer satisfaction dropped from 90% to 70%—because AI cannot yet handle complex human needs. The industry is pivoting to an "AI+Human" model where AI handles backend data tasks while employees deliver service excellence. For Thai SMEs, competitive advantage now comes from faster, more accurate problem-solving and superior customer experience, not cost-cutting alone. TCCTA is promoting this hybrid strategy as essential for brand loyalty and launched the Contact Center Awards 2026 to champion this shift.

Thai Stock Exchange Pursues Over 10 New Economy Companies; First IPO Expected by Late 2027 Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

Thailand's Stock Exchange (SET), working with the Board of Investment (BOI) and Securities Commission, launched the "BOI to IPO" program targeting 10+ new economy companies for capital market listings. The initiative offers reduced fees and support through a Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF) over 5 years, with relaxed requirements (1-year track record for BOI-promoted firms, 3 billion baht market cap for SET, 1 billion for mai). The first IPO under the program could materialize by end of 2027. The program aims to diversify Thailand's stock market by attracting high-growth sectors (EV, tech, new S-curve industries) and providing Thai investors access to emerging business opportunities.

BOI Tops 3-Year Tax Exemption via BOI to IPO Initiative to Attract New Capital and Retain Long-Term Investment Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) has launched the "BOI to IPO" initiative offering additional tax exemptions (3 years for New Economy companies, 2 years for general companies) to incentivize BOI-promoted firms to list on the stock exchange. The policy aims to retain foreign investment long-term by deepening supply chain integration with Thai businesses and positioning Thailand as a regional business hub rather than just a manufacturing base. This creates structural economic lock-in through both supply chain dependencies and capital market linkages.

Microsoft CEO on AI safety: why agents are insider risks Tech in Asia · Sep 17, 2026

Microsoft's leadership is flagging AI agents as a potential insider threat to enterprises. This underscores emerging governance and security challenges as SMEs and larger organizations adopt autonomous AI systems—organizations need to rethink access controls and monitoring for AI-driven operations.

New Political Power in Energy Transition Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

This analytical piece examines how energy system transitions reshape political power structures, drawing on Timothy Mitchell's "Carbon Democracy" framework. It argues that coal's geographic constraints enabled labor movements to negotiate democratic gains, while oil centralized power with corporations. As Thailand pursues clean energy transition (Gastech conference, AI infrastructure), the article raises a critical question: will renewable energy systems be designed intentionally for democratic participation, or will they inadvertently concentrate power with states and capital—lacking the "chokepoints" that historically empowered workers to negotiate rights?

True partners with Srinakharinwirot University to launch EdTech platform with free curriculum and AI tools for teachers nationwide The Story Thailand · Sep 17, 2026

True Corporation and Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) jointly launched a web-based EdTech platform offering 70+ free senior secondary curricula from SWU's demonstration school, accessible nationwide via browsers on smartphones and computers. The platform integrates True Business's cloud, AI, and cybersecurity infrastructure with SWU's academic expertise, featuring interactive AI-powered learning tools and an AI hub with 100+ models to support teacher upskilling. Launch is expected in 2570 (2027 academic year), with plans to expand to university-level content. This addresses educational equity in remote areas and builds educator AI capacity—a strategic alignment of telecoms infrastructure and EdTech for SME-relevant human capital development.

India's rice harvest is at a 20-year low, potentially disrupting global supply chains and rice prices — a concern for Thai rice exporters and SMEs dependent on stable commodity markets.

From Fan Club to "Traveler": How Concerts Drive Tourism Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

Concert attendance is driving significant music tourism across Southeast Asia, with Thai concert-goers leading the region at 76% traveling internationally for shows. The festival economy globally is valued at $1.63 trillion and projected to reach $2.38 trillion by 2034. Thai travelers favor South Korea (41%), Japan (34%), and Singapore (31%) as concert destinations, while 71% of Thai concert attendees say events motivate them to explore host cities longer. This creates clear opportunities for Thailand's hospitality and SME tourism sectors to capitalize on the "gig tripping" trend.

Central Civil Service Pension Fund Partners with 3 Allies to Protect 1.2 Million Members Against Digital and Online Fraud Threats Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

The Central Civil Service Pension Fund (CSPF) has formed a coalition with three partners—the Deposit Protection Agency, Whoscall, and NITMX—to combat digital fraud targeting its 1.2 million members. The initiative aims to boost financial and digital literacy among members, prevent fraud losses on retirement savings, and deploy protective technologies including Whoscall Premium Basic access to 1.5 million codes. This addresses a genuine pain point: fraudsters are increasingly sophisticated, using AI-assisted targeting and professional call centers to deceive retirees out of lifetime savings.

Temasek-backed Partior, LSEG partner on cross-border settlement Tech in Asia · Sep 17, 2026

Partior, a Temasek-backed fintech company, has partnered with LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) to develop cross-border settlement solutions. This collaboration aims to enhance financial infrastructure for international transactions, particularly relevant to regional financial hubs and institutional investors seeking faster, blockchain-enabled settlement mechanisms.

EU PPWR Regulation: Thai Exporters Face Stricter Packaging Requirements from August 12, 2025 Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

Thailand's Board of Trade warns exporters that the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) takes effect August 12, 2025, imposing strict controls across all packaging types in the supply chain. Requirements include recyclability standards, bans on hazardous chemicals (including PFAS in food packaging), and removal of dangerous metals. With EU representing Thailand's 3rd largest export market (26.5 billion USD in 2024, growing 20% in H1 2025), Thai SMEs must quickly audit and redesign packaging to comply—from cardboard boxes to e-commerce wrapping to food service containers—or risk market access loss.

Analysts expect emerging Asian currencies, including the Thai baht, to face downward pressure due to strong US dollar demand and rising oil prices.

Global Energy Price Volatility Drives Focus; Thailand Power Authority Forecasts Full-Year Demand Growth of 1.4% Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

Thailand's Energy Policy and Planning Office reports H1 2026 primary energy consumption rose 0.9% (2,062 KBOE/day), with electricity demand up 6.0% but refined oil down 0.8%. Natural gas usage surged 7.8%, driven by power generation needs (63% of gas use, +11.4%), while coal and lignite fell sharply (-6.0% and -52.5% respectively due to Mae Mao power plant outages). The authority forecasts full-year 2026 energy demand growth of 1.4%, aligning with economic expansion (GDP +2.4% YoY). Key trends: BEV registration jumped 66%, NGV fuel consumption dropped 12.5%, and CO₂ emissions fell 0.4%—reflecting Thailand's energy transition toward cleaner sources amid global price uncertainty.

IP Filings Jump 10.43% in 8 Months; Foreign Entities Hold 87% of Advanced Innovation Patents Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

Thailand's IP Office reports 53,794 IP protection filings (Jan–Aug 2025), up 10.43% YoY, with 39,096 registrations (+7.88%). While Thai utility patents (อนุสิทธิบัตร) grew 18.54% driven by universities, invention patents remain dominated by foreign filers (87%), concentrated in pharma, comms, and steel. Copyright notices surged 67.11%, led by Thai software and literary works. The data underscores Thailand's IP ecosystem strength for incremental innovation, yet limited domestic advanced-tech patenting—a potential capacity gap for SMEs seeking to commercialise high-value IP.

SEC Deploys Law Enforcement Against Scammer Networks and Money Laundering; Accelerates Pursuit of Involved Parties, Emphasizes No Discrimination Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

Thailand's SEC (ก.ล.ต.) is accelerating enforcement action against scammer networks and money laundering schemes linked to capital and digital asset markets. The agency clarified that cases with complete evidence are being prosecuted immediately, while others require careful coordination with international regulators and domestic law enforcement to ensure full liability of all parties involved. The SEC emphasized enforcement is evidence-based and non-discriminatory regardless of individuals' prior positions.

CP Group Prepares to Open "CP Innovation Exposition 2026" to Explore Global CP Innovations Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

CP Group will host the 9th CP Innovation Exposition in October 2026 at True Digital Park, rebranded as a "Future Fest" format. The three-day event will showcase innovations in AI, robotics, quantum, and space tech alongside food/health solutions, featuring global experts from AWS, Microsoft, Huawei, and others. SMEs and startups can explore partnerships, hear from innovators directly, and pitch ideas via HealthyLicious and "Ask the Expert" sessions—a significant networking and showcase opportunity for Thai tech and food-tech entrepreneurs.

HubSpot, OpenAI expand partnership with AI bundle Tech in Asia · Sep 17, 2026

HubSpot and OpenAI have expanded their partnership to offer integrated AI tools in a bundled package. This development brings advanced generative AI capabilities closer to marketing and business automation platforms, potentially lowering barriers for SMEs to adopt AI-powered solutions.

From Local Specialties to Career-Building Menu: Thai Life Insurance Opportunity & Career Building Project Year 4 Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

Thai Life Insurance has completed its fourth year of vocational training across 11 locations and 10 provinces, training over 700 people. The program now focuses on transforming local raw materials and community specialties into new menu items with added value—such as Chumphon banana-based "Banoffee Dorada" and Lampang pineapple-jasmine "Mojito"—to help people build sustainable income and financial independence. This approach combines vocational skills with financial planning education to empower SMEs and vulnerable communities.

GPSC Wins 6 Clean Power Projects of 105 MW, Starting Operations in 2028 Prachachat · Sep 17, 2026

GPSC (PTT Group's power subsidiary) secured Feed-in Tariff (FiT) contracts for 6 solar projects totaling 105 MW capacity, with commercial operation dates in 2028 and 2030. Projects include Helios 1-4, Nathap Solar, selling to state electricity utilities (EGAT and PEA). This aligns with GPSC's Net Zero 2050 target, increasing clean energy capacity to exceed 50% of portfolio. Concrete progress on Thailand's renewable energy expansion with established offtake agreements.