Thailand’s business landscape is balancing growth opportunities in trade, aviation, and EVs against economic headwinds from floods, weak GDP, and regulatory tightening. Strategic partnerships with China and Japan highlight the country’s push toward regional integration and clean energy investment, while domestic challenges continue to test resilience.
Thailand Business News Update – November 26, 2025
Economy & Finance
- GDP Outlook: NESDC projects Thailand’s GDP growth at only 2% for 2025, citing weak Q3 performance and sluggish exports (Thai PBS World, Nation Thailand).
- Credit Rating: S&P affirms Thailand’s BBB+ rating with a stable outlook, signaling resilience despite regional volatility (S&P Global Ratings, Nation Thailand).
- Currency & Gold: Authorities eye tougher gold-trade rules after recent baht swings, aiming to stabilize financial markets (Bangkok Post).
Trade & Agriculture
- Rice Deal with China: Thailand will ship 500,000 tons of rice under a government-to-government agreement, reinforcing its role as a top exporter (Thaiger, Bangkok Post).
- Border Trade: Commerce Ministry pushes diversification amid tensions with Cambodia, seeking new regional partners to reduce risk (Thai PBS World).
Aviation & Transport
- Vietjet Expansion: Vietjet Thailand receives its first Boeing 737-8 as part of a $32B fleet expansion, strengthening Thailand’s aviation hub status (AeroTime, Thaiger).
- Tourism Impact: Floods in Hat Yai are costing tourism and trade an estimated 1.5 billion baht per day, with thousands of travelers stranded (Nation Thailand, Bangkok Post).
Automotive & EVs
- Nio Partnership: Chinese EV maker Nio partners with Thonburi to launch Onvo and Firefly brands in Thailand, intensifying competition in the EV market (CnEVPost).
- Investment Climate: Thailand’s Board of Investment engages with Japan’s Keidanren to boost clean energy and advanced industry investment (Nation Thailand).
Corporate & Policy
- Immigration Crackdown: Police target visitors making multiple visa runs, a move expected to affect long-stay business travelers and digital nomads (Bangkok Post, Khaosod English).
- Prison Scandal Fallout: Governance concerns rise after the suspension of Bangkok’s prison chief, sparking debate on institutional integrity (Bangkok Post, Thaiger).
