SET creates a plan for family enterprises and overseas companies
泰國證券交易所 (SET) 為家族企業與海外公司制定發展計畫。
Airports of Thailand (AOT) has laid out its strategy to reach its goals of carbon neutrality by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2032. The AOT, which runs the country’s six main airports, plans to reduce 50% of its 300,000 tons oThe Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has developed a strategic business plan to attract foreign industries with operations in Thailand as well as family businesses to list on the Thai bourse, aiming to bolster market capitalisation. SET executives noted significant shifts in investment trends post-pandemic, driven by the rise of technology stocks, while traditional businesses strive to adapt to the digital age. To address trust and confidence issues with small-cap stocks and significant fund outflows, the SET implemented stringent measures against naked short selling, program trading, and high-frequency trading (HFT) to ensure trading transparency and equitable growth among investors. New rules to boost investor confidence, particularly in program trading, are set for implementation in the third quarter, coinciding with the expected return of foreign investors as the economy improves and tourism recovers.
SET president Pakorn Peetathawatchai acknowledged the reduced size of the Thai stock market but highlighted positive signs from foreign investors, who showed sustained interest in Thailand during a recent SET roadshow in Hong Kong. He emphasized that the Thai market offers diverse fund mobilisation options for large firms, small enterprises, and startups. Manpong Senanarong, senior executive vice-president of the SET, added that the bourse aims to attract foreign companies, especially those considering relocation and already operating in Thailand, with a focus on sectors such as clean energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and government-promoted S-curve industries. The SET also targets family businesses, many of which are large and interested in listing on the Thai bourse.
編者按： 泰國證券交易所（SET）已制定一項戰略計畫，旨在吸引在泰國有落地業務的海外公司以及家族企業赴泰上市，以提升整體市場市值。隨著疫情後經濟復甦，SET 同時正實施相關措施以增強交易透明度與投資者信心，試圖解決市場對小型股（small-cap stocks）的疑慮，並吸引外資回流。
Carbon levy is planned for 2025
碳費計畫將於 2025 年上路
The Excise Department plans to impose a carbon tax by 2025, which will be linked to the Global Warming Act. Department director-general Ekniti Nitithanprapas assured that the overall oil tax burden would remain the same, minimizing public impact. The carbon tax will follow global standards, taxing emissions at the source, similar to how vehicle taxes are now based on carbon dioxide emissions rather than engine displacement. For example, vehicles emitting over 200 grammes of carbon per kilometre will have a 35% tax rate, while those emitting less than 150g per km will face a 25% levy. Initially starting with oil, the carbon tax will be integrated into the existing diesel excise tax, converting part of the oil tax into a carbon tax without additional legislation. This approach aligns Thailand’s carbon tax rate with Singapore’s, making Thailand the second ASEAN country to implement such a tax. The aim is to provide immediate benefits, especially as Europe begins its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in 2026, helping Thai export-oriented businesses remain competitive.
To promote environmentally friendly practices, the department supports measures to boost electric vehicle (EV) usage, which saw a 685% sales increase in 2024. This led to a reduction in excise tax from 8% to 2% for EVs, cutting the excise tax collected but also reducing carbon emissions by over 240,000 tonnes. The government’s incentives have attracted 22 EV companies to invest over 80 billion baht in Thailand. Additionally, the department is reviewing battery tax rates, currently set at 8%, to encourage recycling and environmentally friendly practices by reducing the tax for recycled batteries. With Europe fully implementing CBAM in 2026, the department is preparing mandatory mechanisms through excise tax law to help Thai businesses stay competitive and mitigate environmental impacts.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2805285/carbon-levy-slated-for-2025
編者按： 泰國消費稅部門計畫於 2025 年前開徵碳稅，以符合國際標準及《全球暖化法》。此稅務將整合至現有的柴油消費稅中，旨在減少碳排放並維持泰國企業的競爭力，特別是針對歐洲將於 2026 年實施的「碳邊境調整機制」（CBAM）。與此同時，電動車優惠政策以及電池稅率的探討，進一步彰顯了政府致力於推動環保實踐與永續經濟增長的決心。
Cabinet approves a change in VAT to limit cheap imports
內閣批准調整增值稅（VAT），以限制廉價進口商品
The cabinet has approved a Ministry of Finance proposal to collect value-added tax (VAT) on all imported goods valued at over one baht, aiming to curb the influx of cheap imports, particularly from China. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke stated that this new threshold will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette and will remain in force until December 31. The government will then assess the policy’s impact before deciding on any extensions. Currently, only imported goods valued over 1,500 baht are subject to VAT, a regime in place since 2018.
This measure is part of the government’s effort to create a level playing field between importers and local producers, following complaints from local businesses, especially online sellers, about the adverse impact of cheap imported products on their incomes. In the long term, the government plans to amend the Revenue Code to address these issues permanently. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to protecting domestic businesses and ensuring fair competition in the market.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2805046/cabinet-okays-vat-change-to-curb-cheap-imports
編者按： 泰國內閣已批准財政部的一項提案，將進口商品的增值稅（VAT）課徵門檻調降至 1 泰銖，旨在限制大量廉價商品的湧入，特別是來自中國的商品。此項措施將在《王室公報》刊登後正式生效，反映了政府致力於為在地企業創造公平的市場競爭環境。
OneWeb prepares for broadband internet service
OneWeb 為即將到來的寬頻網路服務做準備
OneWeb’s broadband internet services, offered via low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, are expected to launch locally by the fourth quarter of this year through a partnership with state telecom enterprise National Telecom (NT). NT provides gateway station facilities for OneWeb’s LEO satellite operations under a landing rights licence approved by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). The partnership allows NT to earn fees from the gateway and facility services provided to OneWeb and to share revenue from wholesaling OneWeb’s satellite broadband capacity in the local market. Col Sanphachai Huvanandana, president of NT, noted that while OneWeb’s service won’t threaten the existing fibre broadband market, it may impact broadband services provided by geostationary satellites.
The service launch was delayed by four months from the original timeline, following NT’s proposal submission to the NBTC for necessary licences under the new licensing system covering landing rights, gateways, and services. NT aims to leverage its ground station facilities in Thailand for regional service deployment, positioning itself as a hub for OneWeb’s LEO satellite services in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The gateway station for OneWeb’s connectivity is located at NT’s facility in Ubon Ratchathani province, where NT is responsible for developing, equipping, and operating the ground station facilities. The infrastructure and services provided by NT enable OneWeb to deploy commercial broadband services via LEO satellites in Thailand and the surrounding region.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2804629/oneweb-preps-broadband-internet-service
Need for SMEs to get ready for the green economy
As Thailand anticipates record-breaking heat and a cooling economy, the green economy offers vital opportunities for SMEs. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) mandates emissions reporting for carbon-intensive industries, affecting Thai exports. By 2026, a border carbon tax will be implemented, impacting SMEs’ roles in global supply chains. Simultaneously, consumer demand for sustainability is rising in tourism, transport, and construction, prompting SMEs to embrace sustainable practices to stay competitive.
Additionally, Thailand is positioning itself as an EV manufacturing hub, with prominent Chinese brands establishing local plants and national goals for zero-emission vehicle production. The green real estate sector is also growing, highlighted by projects like One Bangkok achieving platinum LEED certification. Regulatory trends, including Thailand’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the proposed climate change bill, will require companies to report emissions and adopt green initiatives. SMEs must adapt to these changes to thrive in the evolving market.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2804764/why-smes-must-prepare-for-the-green-economy
編者按： 隨著泰國在氣溫上升與經濟挑戰中積極邁向綠色經濟，中小企業（SMEs）面臨著必須永續經營以維持競爭力的巨大壓力。隨著歐盟「碳邊境調整機制」（CBAM）的啟動，以及泰國對電動車（EV）製造和綠色房地產的推動，中小企業必須適應法規趨勢與消費者對永續發展的需求，才能在不斷演變的市場格局中蓬勃發展。
Leaders applaud the ESG business plan
領導者們讚揚 ESG 商業計畫
The Bangkok Post’s annual conference, “Greening The Future: ESG Leadership in the Sustainability Revolution,” highlighted the influence of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors on the global economy. Business leaders discussed the importance of setting a unified carbon credit standard in ASEAN, termed “Asean-VER,” to enhance Thailand’s negotiating power with the EU and support international carbon reduction campaigns. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, vice-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), emphasized the need for this standard to promote business sustainability in Thailand’s industrial sector, a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
The FTI is advancing carbon credit trading among companies through a dedicated platform and encouraging the adoption of bio-, circular, and green (BCG) economic strategies to minimize environmental impacts. An example of BCG application is the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from agricultural waste and used cooking oil, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. This approach underscores the importance of integrating new technologies and eco-friendly practices in business operations to support sustainability goals.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2802538/leaders-laud-esg-business-strategy
編者按： 在《曼谷郵報》舉辦的研討會上，與會領導者對 ESG 商業計畫表示讚賞，並強調了環境、社會與治理（ESG）因素在全球經濟中的重要性。相關倡議包括建立東協（ASEAN）統一的碳權標準，以及推動生物、循環與綠色（BCG）經濟戰略，這些都彰顯了泰國工業部門對於永續發展與創新的承諾。
Providing Capital for Green Growth in Vietnam: The Role of Credit Institutions and the ESG Initiative
為越南的綠色增長提供資金：信用機構的角色與 ESG 倡議
Vietnam’s ESG Initiative supports the Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030, fostering sustainable practices to enhance global supply chain competitiveness. At the Vietnam Business Forum 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized green growth as a core element for economic restructuring and sustainable development. The State Bank of Vietnam (SVB) reported a significant rise in green credit, with outstanding balances reaching VND 636.964 trillion (US$25.02 billion) by March 2024, primarily in renewable energy and green agriculture.
Credit institutions are increasingly integrating environmental and social risk management, supported by international collaborations. At the Vietnam ESG Forum, Deputy Governor of SBV Dao Minh Tu highlighted the development of green credit programs tailored to business needs. Nam A Bank, for instance, focuses on digitalization and greening strategies, offering green credit products for electric cars, renewable energy, and piloting carbon neutrality goals. This shift is vital for Vietnam’s green transition and sustainable economic growth.
https://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/funding-vietnams-green-growth-the-esg-initiative-and-work-of-credit-institutions.html/
編者按： 越南的 ESG 倡議與該國的「綠色增長戰略」相一致，強調透過永續實踐來提升全球競爭力。根據越南國家銀行報告，綠色信貸顯著增長，且信用機構對環境風險管理的整合程度也日益提高，這顯示越南正積極推進綠色轉型，並促進經濟的永續發展。
Đà Nẵng City and the World Bank will foster collaboration in digital database management
峴港市與世界銀行將加強數位資料庫管理的合作
The central city of Đà Nẵng and the World Bank (WB) are poised to intensify their collaboration in developing digital database management, marking a crucial step towards comprehensive digitalization and the realization of a ‘smart’ city. Vice Chairman Hồ Kỳ Minh, representing the city’s People’s Committee, has urged WB support for leveraging digital database solutions to benefit both communities and businesses. With 1,200 open data sources already operational, Đà Nẵng plans to introduce smart applications and platforms accessible to all city users, recognizing the pivotal role of data centrality in the digitalization process across government, economy, and society, as articulated by Minh.
In recent years, Đà Nẵng has made significant strides in its digital journey, including the implementation of an e-Government system in 2014, enabling smart connections in critical sectors such as air control, water management, and public services. However, challenges persist, particularly concerning legal frameworks, policy constraints, and human resource shortages. These hurdles underscore the need for support and expertise from the WB. Kim Leng Tan, a WB expert, highlights the transformative potential of robust digital data management, emphasizing its role in enhancing efficiency, control, and system safety while ensuring compliance with legal regulations. As Đà Nẵng collaborates with partners like Viettel and FPT in a comprehensive digital transformation across various sectors, its ambition to join the ranks of ASEAN smart cities by 2030 signals a steadfast commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development. Notably, the WB’s ongoing investment in key infrastructure projects, including a recent $100 million allocation to Đà Nẵng University, underscores its dedication to supporting the city’s digital aspirations.
編者按： 峴港市與世界銀行正加強合作，以推進數位資料庫管理，這是實現「智慧城市」願景的關鍵一步。在世界銀行的專業知識與投資支持下，峴港市專注於利用數位解決方案來造福社區與企業，旨在提升各個領域的效率與連結性。