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Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has launched a formal probe into the March 28 collapse of the under-construction State Audit Office (SAO) headquarters in Bangkok's Chatuchak district, which occurred during an earthquake and resulted in at least 23 confirmed deaths and 71 individuals still missing as of April 11.

The THB 2.1 billion (USD 58 million) construction project was awarded to China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Co. Ltd, whose ownership structure has become a focal point of the investigation. The company is majority-owned by three Thai nationals (51 percent) and minority-owned by China Railway Number 10 Engineering Group Company, a Chinese state enterprise (49 percent). Authorities suspect the Thai shareholders may be nominees acting on behalf of foreign interests in violation of Thailand’s Foreign Business Act.

The DSI has urged the Thai shareholders to come forward and assist with the investigation. Their safety is reportedly being monitored, though none have yet cooperated. The Senate Committee on Commerce and Industry has launched a parallel probe into alleged nominee arrangements, noting that the three individuals are linked to at least 11 other companies with similar ownership patterns and apparent discrepancies between declared assets and financial capacity. [The Nation 1] [The Nation 2]

The investigation has been designated a special case, enabling broader inter-agency cooperation. Over 98 individuals have been interviewed, including relatives of the deceased, eyewitnesses, injured parties, and employees from involved firms. Authorities are now examining potential money laundering, bid-rigging, and the use of substandard construction materials. The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) has been asked to report on the quality of steel used, as deficiencies in materials are suspected to have contributed to the collapse. [Bangkok Post]

The findings from the Senate committee’s review will be submitted to the DSI and the national government, with members warning that nominee structures undermine Thailand’s economic sovereignty and distort fair business competition.

In parallel, the Industrial Works Department requested an investigation into a Chinese steel supplier, Xin Ker Yuan, reportedly responsible for providing rebar for the SAO building. The department requested the probe after the company allegedly refused to disclose distribution records, raising suspicions about the structural integrity of the materials used. [Anadolu Ajansı]

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Thai durian exporters and farmers, particularly from Chanthaburi and Trat provinces, are demanding urgent government intervention after China suspended the certification of two Thai laboratories that had been verifying the fruit's safety for export. Around 1,000 stakeholders gathered this week to express frustration over China's rejection of lab reports, citing the detection of Basic Yellow 2 (BY2), a prohibited dye, in some Thai durian shipments. 

Since January 10, China has required Thai exporters to use only General Administration of Customs of China (GACC)-approved laboratories to test for cadmium and BY2 contamination. The durian season, which has just begun in eastern Thailand, now faces disruption due to a lack of certified labs and ongoing uncertainty about China's approval process. 

Exporters also raised concerns about quality risks from unripe durian and fruit smuggled in from neighboring countries falsely labeled as Thai produce. They warned that these problems could undermine Thailand's reputation in the international fruit market. 

While government officials denied reports that no certified labs remain, they confirmed only four labs are currently operational, with five more awaiting Chinese approval. Talks with China to ease inspection requirements are ongoing, but no agreement has yet been reached. [Bangkok Post] 

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Thailand’s final phase of the progressive sugar tax came into effect on April 1, increasing excise rates on sweetened beverages based on sugar content. Under this fourth phase of the policy—rolled out in stages since 2017—producers who fail to reduce sugar content now face higher taxes. The Ministry of Finance and Excise Department aims to encourage healthier consumption habits and reduce risks of non-communicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes. 

Tax rates now range from THB 1 to THB 5 per liter, depending on sugar concentration. Drinks with 6 grams or less of sugar per liter remain tax-exempt. In contrast, beverages with 10–14 grams of sugar face a THB 5 tax per liter, up from THB 3. 

Despite concerns over price increases, the Excise Department said most manufacturers have already reformulated their products, substituting natural sugars with artificial sweeteners to avoid high tax brackets. Between 2018 and 2023, the number of tax-exempt low-sugar drinks rose from 90 to 4,736, while high-sugar beverages—previously over 800—have virtually disappeared from the market. [Bangkok Post] 

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On April 9, a 45-year-old Israeli citizen was arrested in Koh Phangan for allegedly operating an unlicensed tour guide business in violation of Thai law, which restricts tour guiding to Thai nationals. The arrest took place while the suspect was leading a group of 23 foreign children on a tour of the Wang Sai waterfall.

Thai authorities launched an investigation after observing the individual repeatedly organizing tours for children, purchasing their entry tickets, arranging transportation, and providing meals.

He allegedly charged THB 800 (USD 23) per child for a one-day tour and between THB 6,000 and THB 8,000 (USD 174–232) for seven-day packages. Thai law mandates that tour operators must obtain a license from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and foreign nationals are prohibited from working as tour guides without appropriate authorization.

The man is now facing multiple charges, including operating a tour business without a license, acting as an unlicensed tour guide, and performing work beyond his visa’s permitted scope. Local media also reported that the suspect had formerly served in Israel’s special services and had been on active duty during the recent war prior to traveling to Thailand. [Bangkok Post]  [Khaosod] [The Jerusalem Post]

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Thailand’s cabinet has approved two new executive decrees aimed at addressing rising concerns over online criminal activity and digital asset regulation. The laws—proposed by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES)—will take effect immediately upon publication in the Royal Gazette, ahead of the Songkran holiday, according to both DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong and Deputy Government Spokesman Karom Polpornklang.

The first law, the Royal Decree on Measures to Prevent and Suppress Technology-Related Crimes, seeks to close regulatory loopholes and bolster enforcement capabilities. It updates the timeline for enforcement to become effective the day after publication and expands the legal scope to include digital asset businesses and e-wallets. New provisions are designed to enhance transparency in digital wallet address tracking and empower the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with stronger oversight over digital platforms.

Additional measures include the ability to screen suspicious messages, such as those promoting online gambling or fraudulent investments, and suspend telecommunication services when used in illegal activities. The decree also introduces guidelines for removing illicit digital content from platforms.

The second law, the Royal Decree on Digital Asset Business Operations, sets clear legal parameters for foreign digital asset companies operating in Thailand. Any firm targeting Thai users—defined by offering Thai-language content or accepting Thai baht payments—must be legally authorized under Thai law. This aims to bring offshore platforms under regulatory supervision and prevent capital outflow through unregulated channels.

Minister Prasert highlighted that both laws are intended to strengthen Thailand’s capacity to manage cyber risks, ensure transparency in financial technologies, and reinforce digital security in the face of expanding digital ecosystems. [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2] 

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The Department of Skill Development (DSD) is encouraging to apply to a zero-interest loans program to support businesses by helping them to enhance their workforce’s skills to remain competitive. This program will permit companies to access loans up to 1 million TBH (USD 27 500) per application and repayable for a one-year deadline. [Bangkok Post 1]

This financial support has the goal of assisting businesses who face budget constraints by encouraging productivity and reducing the operation costs. The Skill Development Promotion Act has allocated more than 30 million TBH (USD 823 000) of funding for 2025. Companies with over 100 employees are required to provide skill development training to at least 50 percent of their workforce or contribute to the Skill Development Fund at a specified rate. The program is accessible online at e-fund.dsd.go.th and loan agreements must be made by August 31. [Bangkok Post 2]

General training providers are eligible to multiple benefits, including income tax exemptions on training expenses and the ability to bring foreign experts or technicians into Thailand to serve as instructors. They also receive consultation and support from the Department of Skill Development, and are exempt from laws governing private schools, as well as from labor protection and labor relations laws in the case of pre-employment training. Additional privileges may be granted under Ministerial Regulations.

If the training provider operates a skill training center, they are eligible for all the same benefits as general providers. In addition, they receive exemptions from import duties and value-added tax on training-related equipment brought into the country. They can also claim double deductions on electricity and water expenses used for training purposes. [The Board of Investment of Thailand] 

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Thailand and the European Union (EU) made significant headway in their fifth round of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, with a final deal expected by the end of 2025. Held in Brussels from March 31 to April 4, the talks saw agreements in principle on two new chapters—Customs Trade Facilitation and Sustainable Food Systems—both aimed at enhancing regulatory cooperation and food security. 

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced that market access negotiations also progressed, with both sides set to exchange initial proposals for services and investment access in June. The sixth round of talks will take place in Thailand from June 23 to 27. 

The EU was Thailand’s fourth-largest trading partner in 2024, with bilateral trade reaching USD 43.5 billion. Thai exports to the EU rose by 10.2 percent to USD 24.2 billion, while imports from the EU declined slightly to USD 19.3 billion, leaving Thailand with a trade surplus of USD 4.89 billion. [Bangkok Post] 

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The Thai government’s proposed Entertainment Complex Bill, which includes provisions to legalize casinos, is facing widespread backlash from political figures, civil society, and religious leaders, with protests erupting in Bangkok and other provinces. Although the government postponed the bill’s parliamentary debate, protesters are calling for its full withdrawal, warning of serious social and economic consequences. 

On April 9, around 1,200 demonstrators led by the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform gathered outside Parliament in Bangkok, voicing concerns over gambling addiction, money laundering, and corruption. Protesters, joined by the Thai Pakdee Party, accused the government of fast-tracking the bill under pressure from vested interests and labeled the plan a “mafia-driven casino agenda.” Religious leaders, including the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Bangkok, also urged the government to drop the bill altogether. [Bangkok Post 1] 

Despite the criticism, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra defended the proposal, asserting that legal casinos would comprise only 10 percent of each entertainment complex and denying claims that the government intends to allow widespread gambling. She accused critics of distorting facts for political purposes and has tasked state agencies with improving public understanding during the upcoming parliamentary recess. [Bangkok Post 2] 

Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva joined the opposition, calling the policy a “slippery slope” that would worsen Thailand’s struggles with gambling-related debt and transnational crime. He warned that the initiative could damage the country’s international image, especially among tourists from China, which opposes gambling. Abhisit also expressed concern over the bill’s lack of transparency and the potential for misuse of regulatory power by a government-appointed committee. [Bangkok Post 3] 

In parallel, Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said the government would wait for improved public sentiment before resuming legislative efforts. Meanwhile, a Bhumjaithai Party MP publicly broke ranks with the ruling coalition by denouncing the bill, reflecting growing tensions within Parliament over the controversial proposal. 

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Senate agreed to set up a 35-member committee to undertake a 180-day comprehensive study of the benefits and shortcomings of the government’s inclusion of a casino in the entertainment complex project. Of 35 committee members, 12 will be outsiders, including staunchest critics of casino legalization, such as Jermsak Pinthong, Kaewsan Atibodhi, Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, Jarun Pakdeethanakul, Wutisan Tanchai and Somkid Lertpaithoon. 

The decision was made following an intense 3-hour deliberation on casino-related motions during which two motions were proposed – a referendum and a committee to examine a project. During the debate, most senators voiced their opposition, particularly related to negative social impacts and the risk of loose legal enforcement by the authorities. [Thai PBS World] 

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The escalating U.S.-China trade war is beginning to impact Thailand on multiple fronts, with both its domestic industries and tourism sector feeling the effects.

According to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Chinese manufacturers are increasingly redirecting low-cost goods to Southeast Asian markets, including Thailand, as a result of steep U.S. tariffs—now totaling 104 percent under President Donald Trump’s administration. These redirected exports are flooding Thai markets with Chinese goods that are 20 to 40 percent cheaper than domestic products, significantly threatening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). An FTI survey found that 71 percent of Thai manufacturers expect to lose market share to Chinese imports, and 62 percent are calling on the government to enforce anti-dumping laws and tighten trade protections. [Bangkok Post 1] 

This surge in redirected trade is also increasingly taking place via digital platforms. Asst. Prof. Kiatanantha Lounkaew of Thammasat University warned that Southeast Asia’s major e-commerce platforms—such as Shopee, Lazada, Tokopedia, and TikTok Shop—are becoming potential loopholes for tariff evasion. These platforms, once seen as catalysts for ASEAN’s digital transformation, are now under scrutiny for facilitating cross-border inflows of low-cost, unregulated goods from China.

Parcel-level imports of electronics and unbranded goods have reportedly increased in Thailand since the tariff hike, threatening local producers and undermining consumer safety standards. Kiatanantha has called for ASEAN-wide reforms, including real-time customs tracking, seller transparency rules, and the formation of a regional digital trade surveillance taskforce. He also stressed the need for anti-diversion clauses in the upcoming ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). [Bangkok Post 2] 

At the same time, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reported a decline in Chinese tourist arrivals, which fell by 1.2 percent during the week of March 31 to April 6, compared to a 12.8 percent rise in Malaysian visitors. While China remains Thailand’s top tourist source this year with 1.38 million visitors, the gap is narrowing as economic uncertainty affects outbound travel from China. The TAT attributes the drop in part to the trade war’s impact on the Chinese economy and has vowed to adapt its promotional strategies by targeting untapped segments in second- and third-tier Chinese cities and expanding outreach to other long-haul markets such as Italy, Spain, the UK, and India. [Bangkok Post 3] 

In response, the TAT plans to revamp its promotional strategies by targeting travelers in second- and third-tier Chinese cities and expanding outreach in long-haul markets like Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and India. 

Despite the drop in Chinese visitors to Thailand, outbound travel from Thailand to China is booming. Thai travel agents, faced with unsold seats on China-bound flights due to weaker-than-expected Chinese demand, have begun offering heavily discounted tickets—up to 50 percent off—to Thai travelers. These discounts have made China an attractive destination during the Songkran holiday. [Bangkok Post 4] 

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Siam Commercial Bank's Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC) has sharply lowered Thailand’s 2025 GDP growth forecast to 1.4–1.5 percent, down from its earlier projection of 2.4 percent. The revision comes in the wake of the United States’ 36 percent reciprocal tariff on Thai exports—a rate higher than the average for Southeast Asia (33 percent) and the global average (16 percent).

SCB EIC also cut its global growth outlook to 2.2 percent and U.S. growth to 1.3 percent. The new tariffs are expected to severely undercut Thai export competitiveness, prompting economists to recommend that the Bank of Thailand make three additional interest rate cuts this year, potentially reducing the benchmark rate to 1.25 percent by year-end.

The Thai baht is projected to trade between THB 34.50–35.50 per USD in the short term, with further depreciation likely if the government fails to negotiate a tariff rollback by July. A worst-case scenario could see the baht fall to THB 35.50–36.50 per USD, according to SCB forecasts.

Meanwhile, Thai exporters are being urged to focus on product innovation, improve manufacturing efficiency, and diversify markets to cushion the impact. SCB strategists warn that listed companies on the Stock Exchange of Thailand could see earnings fall by up to 6 percent if GDP declines further.

The outlook reflects mounting pressure on Thailand’s economy amid escalating global trade tensions, especially as the U.S.-China trade war fuels economic uncertainty and regional competition. [Bangkok Post] 

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Thailand’s persistently high household debt, currently standing at 89 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), is hindering the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery and placing it behind regional peers. In a new report released on April 9, the IMF emphasized that the high debt burden is not only weakening household purchasing power but also deterring business activity and investment, increasing the risk of broader financial instability. 

The IMF highlighted the root causes of Thailand's financial vulnerability, including widespread informal employment and inadequate access to social protections. Over half of Thailand’s workforce remains in the informal sector, lacking job security and unemployment benefits, which has forced many to rely on borrowing to meet basic living costs. The report also pointed to the compounding impact of public health challenges, particularly during the pandemic, which further strained household finances.

While Thai authorities have implemented measures to address the debt crisis—including the "You Fight, We Help" debt relief program launched in December 2024—the IMF cautioned that more needs to be done. This program allows individuals and small businesses to restructure their debt through reduced monthly payments or interest waivers. In addition, the Bank of Thailand’s responsible lending guidelines introduced in early 2024 have already enabled restructuring of over seven million loan accounts.

However, the IMF warned that overly aggressive debt reduction efforts could unintentionally disrupt credit access and undermine financial sector stability. Instead, the fund called for balanced reforms that promote financial awareness, expand social safety nets, and introduce more accessible personal debt resolution mechanisms. It cited Brazil’s recent program, which helped 15 million borrowers renegotiate debts totaling nearly 0.5 percent of GDP, as a potential model for Thailand. 

The IMF concluded that unless comprehensive efforts are made to ease household debt burdens and reduce dependence on informal credit, Thailand risks continued sluggish growth and increased economic fragility. [International Monetary Fund]