SET Seeks Tax Exemptions for M&A Deals, Launches Growth Initiative
泰國證券交易所爭取M&A併購案免稅，並啟動增長計畫
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) plans to request a tax exemption for retrospective mergers and acquisitions (M&A) involving listed companies to encourage expansion and enhance the domestic stock market’s appeal. SET President Asadej Kongsiri stated that this measure would help listed firms acquire non-listed peers without facing tax burdens, promoting business growth and increasing government tax revenue in the long run.
As part of its strategy, the SET will launch the Jump+ project in 2025, targeting high-potential firms with “lazy balance sheets” to drive market capitalisation. The initiative includes advisory services, ESG advancements, AI-driven analytics, and incentives to enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, the SET aims to establish Thailand as a listing hub for flagship industries such as healthcare, data centres, and wellness, while leveraging AI to provide analysis on smaller stocks to improve investor decision-making.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2926726/call-to-exempt-listed-firms-from-tax-on-mergers
小編點評：泰國證券交易所（SET）計畫爭取針對上市公司追溯併購（M&A）交易的免稅優惠，以鼓勵企業擴張並吸引更多投資，同時將於2025年啟動Jump+專案，以提升具潛力企業的市值。該計畫將包含顧問服務、ESG推進、AI驅動數據分析及相關激勵措施，目標是將泰國打造為醫療保健、數據中心與健康產業等關鍵產業的上市樞紐。
Thailand to Implement Top-Up Tax in 2025, Targeting Multinational Corporations
泰國將於2025年實施補稅制度，針對跨國企業徵稅
The Thai government plans to implement the Top-Up Tax starting January 1, 2025, aiming to generate over 10 billion baht annually and align with the OECD’s global minimum tax (GMT) initiative. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed that the emergency decree for the tax has been approved by the cabinet and is under drafting, with completion targeted by year-end to ensure timely enforcement. The Top-Up Tax mandates multinational corporations with global revenues exceeding €750 million to pay a minimum corporate tax rate of 15%, addressing tax base erosion and profit shifting.
Revenue from the Top-Up Tax will be directed to the National Competitiveness Enhancement Fund to support sustainable investments in Thailand, including green economy initiatives and pollution reduction. Mr. Julapun emphasized that while some multinationals may face higher tax rates, many prefer paying the 15% rate in Thailand due to its supportive measures. This reform positions Thailand as an early adopter among over 20 nations implementing GMT regulations, reinforcing its commitment to fair taxation and investment appeal.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2925917/decree-to-ring-in-top-up-tax-in-2025
小編點評：泰國將於2025年1月1日起實施補稅制度，針對全球營收超過7.5億歐元的跨國企業，確保其企業稅率至少達15%，以符合OECD全球最低稅負制倡議。該稅收預計每年創造逾100億泰銖收入，所得將撥入國家競爭力增強基金，用於支援永續投資與綠色經濟計畫。雖然部分跨國企業可能面臨較高稅率，但此改革使泰國成為全球稅務標準的早期採用者，提升其作為投資目的地的吸引力。
Thailand’s GenAI Market Poised for Growth Amid Adoption Challenges
泰國生成式AI市場有望成長，唯仍面臨採用
Thailand’s generative AI (GenAI) market is projected to reach $80 million in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 46.5% through 2030, according to Statista. Industry leaders highlight the growing adoption of small language models (SLMs) and open-source AI solutions to reduce costs and address specialised needs. IBM and AWS are spearheading initiatives to boost GenAI adoption, with IBM targeting a rise from 6% to 20% among Thai organisations by next year and AWS providing AI training to 100,000 people by 2026. GenAI’s potential to enhance productivity and drive innovation makes it an attractive tool for sectors like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Despite optimism, experts caution about challenges such as skill shortages, unpredictable costs, and security risks. Leaders like Microsoft and Accenture emphasize the need for policy guidelines, workforce development, and real-time cost tracking to ensure scalable GenAI adoption. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the transformative potential of AI across industries, noting that advancements in robotics and AI infrastructure will shape Thailand’s future as a digital economy hub. As businesses move from experimentation to scaled deployment, the focus will shift toward achieving measurable returns on investment by 2025.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2925276/thailand-stands-on-precipice-of-major-ai-boom
小編點評：泰國生成式AI（GenAI）市場預計在2024年達到8,000萬美元，並以46.5%的年增率成長至2030年，IBM與AWS等主要參與者正推動其在金融、醫療及製造業的應用。儘管具備潛力，仍面臨人才短缺、成本難以預測及安全風險等挑戰，領袖們呼籲制定政策指引並加強勞動力培訓。隨著企業擴大GenAI應用，重點將在2025年前轉向實現可衡量的投資回報，使泰國成為數位經濟樞紐。
Thailand’s Big Data Platform Set for 2025 Launch to Drive Innovation
泰國大數據平台將於2025年啟動以驅動創新
The Big Data Institute (BDI) is poised to launch the initial phase of a national big data platform in 2025, centralizing four key systems: Health Link, Envi Link, Travel Link, and Smart Data Analytics. This initiative, part of the BDI’s 2025–27 strategic roadmap, aims to generate over 1 billion baht in economic, social, and environmental benefits and create more than 10,000 data-related jobs in its first year. The roadmap, under review by the National Economic and Social Development Council, outlines strategies for enhancing the data value chain, fostering AI development, and building a skilled talent pool.
BDI President Tiranee Achalakul highlighted plans to expand Health Link’s nationwide health data coverage, enhance Envi Link’s environmental data services for smart cities, and broaden Travel Link’s reach to key tourist hubs. The Smart Data Analytics platform will drive smart city solutions in provinces like Nan and Songkhla. Concurrently, the BDI is collaborating on the Thai Large Language Model (ThaiLLM) project to develop advanced AI tools tailored to Thai-language applications, focusing on healthcare and environmental sectors. This national platform will enable seamless, secure data integration across government agencies and unlock advanced analytics capabilities.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2925146/bdi-lines-up-national-big-data-platform
小編點評：大數據研究院（BDI）計畫於2025年啟動泰國國家大數據平台，整合HealthLink、EnviLink、TravelLink及智慧數據分析等系統，以驅動創新與經濟成長。該計畫旨在創造超過10億泰銖的效益、提供1萬個數據相關工作機會並強化AI發展，重點聚焦於醫療保健、環境數據與智慧城市解決方案，同時支援泰國大語言模型（ThaiLLM）計畫。
SET ESG Ratings 2024 Hits Record High with 228 Companies Recognized
2024年泰國證交所ESG評級創紀錄，228家企業獲認可
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) announced a milestone in its 2024 ESG Ratings, with 228 listed companies earning recognition for their sustainability efforts. Among them, 56 firms achieved the highest AAA rating, while 80 secured AA, 71 received A, and 21 attained BBB. Collectively, these companies represent 82% of the total market capitalization of the SET and Market for Alternative Investment as of Dec 12, according to SET senior executive vice-president Soraphol Tulayasathien. The ratings serve as a critical tool for investors, analysts, and fund managers to evaluate business risks and growth opportunities, aligning with the increasing focus on sustainable investments.
Notably, small and medium-sized companies with market capitalizations below 10 billion baht showed significant progress, with 106 firms meeting ESG criteria—an increase of 43% from the previous year. Companies also improved in areas such as climate risk management and carbon emissions disclosures. As sustainability gains traction, ESG-focused funds like Thailand ESG Funds and Vayupak Fund 1 are driving investment trends, managing assets of 14.6 billion baht and 150 billion baht, respectively. SET ESG Ratings will transition to the globally recognized FTSE Russell ESG Scores by 2026, with public disclosures of results enhancing transparency and investor trust.
小編點評：在2024年ESG評級中，泰國證券交易所（SET）共有228家上市公司因其在永續發展方面的努力獲得認可，其中56家獲得了最高的AAA評級。該評級凸顯了顯著進步，尤其是在中小企業方面，並反映出投資者對永續投資的日益關注，同時計畫在2026年轉向使用FTSERussellESG評分。
Thailand’s Digital Economy Surges with Foreign Investment and Government Initiatives
外資與政府舉措推動泰國數位經濟激增
Thailand’s digital economy is experiencing robust growth, fueled by over 100 billion baht in investments from global tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Datamax, alongside strategic government initiatives, according to Digital Economy and Society (DE) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. In 2024, the digital sector contributed 4.44 trillion baht to the economy, a 5.7% increase over the previous year and accounting for 23.9% of the country’s GDP. Exports of digital goods and services reached 44.6 billion baht, underscoring the sector’s role in driving economic and export growth.
The ministry has unveiled three key initiatives to sustain momentum: leveraging advanced technologies like cloud computing and Large Language Models, bolstering cybersecurity, and addressing the significant digital talent gap by collaborating with the private sector to meet an annual demand of 100,000 skilled workers. Acting secretary-general of the Digital Economy and Society Commission, Wetang Phuengsap, noted that private digital consumption grew by 5.6%, surpassing overall consumption growth. With current trends, the National Assembly projects the digital economy could contribute up to 30% of GDP by 2027.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40044146
小編點評：泰國數位經濟正迅速成長，2024年吸引超過1,000億泰銖外資，並為GDP貢獻4.44兆泰銖，佔經濟總量的23.9%。政府舉措聚焦於先進技術、網路安全及解決數位人才缺口，旨在維持此增長態勢，預計到2027年該部門對GDP的貢獻率可望達到30%。
AI System to Detect 100,000 Substandard Goods Daily, Industry Ministry Reports
工業部報告：AI系統每日可偵測10萬件劣質商品
The Industry Ministry’s newly-developed artificial intelligence (AI) system is expected to revolutionize consumer protection by identifying approximately 100,000 substandard items on online platforms each day. Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, secretary to Industry Minister Akanat Promphan, highlighted the system’s capabilities during a December 20 meeting of the Committee on Technology and Innovations for Industrial Reform. This marks a significant improvement over the current manual detection rate of 1,600 items per day, addressing the influx of low-quality goods, primarily from China.
The AI system will prioritize products critical to consumer safety, such as power extension sockets and crash helmets. It will analyze keywords and images to compare them against a database of licensed distributors and ISO-certified products. Ministry staff will verify findings and prepare legal cases against sellers of substandard goods. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for industrial reform and enhanced public safety.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/trade/40044484
小編點評：工業部開發出一套AI系統，每天能在線上平台偵測出10萬件不合格商品，相較於目前人工每日僅能偵測1,600件有顯著提升。該系統將聚焦於具安全風險的產品，並與部門人員配合進行驗證，針對販售劣質商品的賣家採取法律行動，以強化消費者保護。
NVIDIA Partnership Boosts Vietnam’s Semiconductor and AI Ambitions
NVIDIA夥伴關係助推越南半導體與AI雄心
Vietnam is poised to become a global hub for semiconductor and AI innovation following a landmark partnership with U.S. chip giant NVIDIA. The collaboration includes the establishment of an AI research and development center in Vietnam, expected to employ 130 people initially, with plans for expansion. NVIDIA also aims to shift part of its chip manufacturing operations to the country, signaling a major opportunity for Vietnam’s burgeoning semiconductor industry, which has already attracted $11.6 billion in foreign investment across 174 projects.
The partnership highlights Vietnam’s strategic importance in the global tech ecosystem, with the government investing in training 50,000 semiconductor engineers to meet industry demands. NVIDIA’s focus on chip design, the most lucrative phase of production, is expected to bring high-value projects and attract further investment from enterprises within its ecosystem. This collaboration, alongside increasing foreign interest in Vietnam’s rare earth resources and AI infrastructure, is set to solidify the nation’s position as a key player in the semiconductor and AI fields.
小編點評：越南正透過與NVIDIA的戰略夥伴關係，將自身定位為全球半導體與AI樞紐，合作內容包括建立AI研發中心及將部分晶片製造轉移至該國。此項合作配合政府培訓5萬名半導體工程師的努力，強化了越南在全球技術生態系統中的地位，並預計將吸引更多投資。
HCM City Launches Industry 4.0 Center to Lead AI and Digital Transformation
胡志明市啟動工業4.0中心以領導AI與數位轉型
The launch of HCM City’s Fourth Industrial Revolution Center (C4IR) on December 22, 2024, marks a pivotal step in the city’s journey to becoming a global hub for AI and digital transformation. Backed by the Vietnamese government and the World Economic Forum, the center aims to advance AI, smart manufacturing, and sustainable finance solutions. Key partners, including CMC Corporation, have unveiled bold strategies to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem and semiconductor infrastructure, further cementing the city’s status as a leader in Industry 4.0.
CMC Corporation, at the forefront of this initiative, is driving projects to integrate AI into governance, healthcare, and education while piloting programs in Thu Duc City and Can Gio District. The company also collaborates with Viettel to establish a semiconductor ecosystem and promote green growth through sustainable finance. City leaders, including Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nen and People’s Committee Chairman Phan Van Mai, underscored the center’s role in enhancing quality of life and fostering public-private collaboration, positioning HCM City as a beacon of technological and industrial progress.
小編點評：胡志明市啟動了工業4.0中心（C4IR），在越南政府與世界經濟論壇的大力支持下，推動AI、智慧製造與永續金融。該中心由CMC集團領導，旨在建立AI生態系統與半導體基礎設施，使該市成為工業4.0的領導者並促進公私部門協作。
Vietnam Issues Resolution No. 57 on Science, Technology, and Digital Transformation
越南發布關於科學技術與數位轉型的第57號決議
The Politburo, under the leadership of General Secretary To Lam, has issued Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on December 22, 2024, emphasizing the pivotal role of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in Vietnam’s development. The resolution underscores these areas as decisive factors in fostering national growth and achieving Vietnam’s ambitions to become a prosperous and powerful nation in the new era. While significant strides have been made in applying and advancing technology and innovation, the resolution acknowledges the country’s lag in mastering strategic and core technologies compared to developed nations.
To address these challenges, the resolution calls for bold and revolutionary policies to accelerate progress. It highlights the urgent need to enhance legal frameworks, strengthen digital infrastructure, and cultivate high-quality human resources. With a focus on achieving a modern industrial economy by 2030 and high-income status by 2045, Vietnam aims to capitalize on opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Prioritizing breakthroughs in science, technology, and digital transformation, the country seeks to overcome existing limitations and ensure information security while fostering sustainable growth.
小編點評：越南共產黨政治局發布了第57-NQ/TW號決議，強調科學技術與數位轉型在國家成長及其2030年與2045年願景中的關鍵作用。該決議概述了強化法律框架、數位基礎設施及人力資源的宏大政策，提供了對政府推進這些產業戰略的全面解讀。