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Sunday, August 2, 2026
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3 min read
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Quiet week on policy but two macro prints that move the needle — skim the BOT minutes and the new BOI equity tweak before Monday.
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This week: baht slips to 32.85 on weak exports, BOI tightens 51% local-equity rule for new projects, and Bangkok sees three gallery openings worth the detour.
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Did You Know?
The Land Department’s 2024 digitisation project still leaves 14,000 Bangkok title deeds in paper-only form because the original 1898 survey coordinates reference buoys that disappeared in the 1960s Chao Phraya dredging.
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| Baht check |
Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:02:32 UTC |
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1 USD ฿33.40 | 1 EUR ฿38.54 | 1 GBP ฿45.04 | 1 AUD ฿23.52 | 100 JPY ฿21.14 |
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1. Baht slips to 32.85 on July export miss
Thailand posted a $4.9 billion trade deficit in July as imports jumped 19% while exports grew only 8%. The baht closed the week at 32.85 against the dollar, down 0.8%. - Export growth slowed most in electronics and autos.
- Central bank data showed foreign inflows narrowed to ₿2.1 billion.
- Next print: August trade figures due 25 August.
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Bottom Line
exporters face margin pressure while importers see relief; watch the September MPC for any rate signal.
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2. BOI adds 51% Thai equity rule for promoted firms
From 1 September the Board of Investment requires at least 51% Thai ownership for new promotion certificates in 14 sectors including data centres and EV components. - Existing projects grandfathered until renewal.
- Foreign applicants now need local JV partners earlier in the process.
- Impact: 38 pending applications affected.
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Bottom Line
joint-venture structuring becomes mandatory for new foreign-led projects in promoted zones.
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3. SET closes week at 1,598.72, down 0.8%
The SET Index finished at 1,598.72 after thin volume and global equity weakness. Bank stocks led declines while property counters held steady. - Foreign net buy totalled ₿2.1 billion, concentrated in just nine names.
- Turnover averaged ₿42 billion daily.
- Bond yields eased 4 bps on rate-hold expectations.
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Bottom Line
equities trade in a narrow range until the next MPC minutes and August trade data.
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4. Immigration extends DTV renewal window by 30 days
Q3 DTV renewals now accepted until 30 September instead of 31 August, easing pressure on consular slots. - Fee remains ₿10,000 per extension.
- Online TDAC app v4.3 rolled out with QR renewal option.
- Applicants: 18,400 renewals pending.
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Bottom Line
book slots early September if you prefer in-person; the extension buys time but does not change eligibility.
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5. Customs tightens outbound crew screening at Suvarnabhumi
New random cash and goods declarations for airline crew start 10 August after recent smuggling cases. - Fines up to ₿500,000 or seizure.
- Target: 2,200 crew members monthly.
- Airlines notified last week.
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Bottom Line
crew should declare valuables; spot checks will continue through September.
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6. Rossini’s aperitivo series at Le Normandie
Le Normandie, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok — 5–9 August — classic Italian aperitivo with live jazz and river views for ₿1,800.
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7. Spirit Animal group show at Chaloem La Art House
Chaloem La Art House, Sukhumvit 39 — through 15 August — 12 Thai and regional artists on wildlife themes; free entry.
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8. AmCham multi-chamber networking at Sathorn
Sathorn Room, Anantara Siam — 7 August 18:30 — quarterly expat networking with 150 attendees; advance registration required.
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Also worth a look
- Volume Phase 7 live music — 8 August — indie acts at the new Thong Lor venue
- Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong July dining highlights — through 10 August — seasonal tasting menus
- BADBADNOTGOOD live at Volume Livehouse — 6 August — jazz-hiphop fusion set
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9. MPC minutes release Tuesday
Bank of Thailand minutes from the 30 July meeting drop Tuesday 5 August at 09:30; watch for any growth or inflation nuance.
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10. Monsoon peaks mid-week
TMD forecasts 70% rain chance and flash-flood risk for 27 provinces 5–7 August; Bangkok commuters should allow extra travel time.
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11. One Thing Worth Knowing
Thailand’s 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings prep team has booked 18,000 hotel rooms across Bangkok for the October event — the largest single conference block in the city’s history.
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See you next Sunday.
— ThaiOutlook
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