Anutin pushes GDP upgrade as BOI clears ฿958B

Prime Minister Anutin told the 24 October cabinet programme that 2026 growth will exceed 2.1%, citing exports above 20% (near 25% at peaks) and H1 foreign investment already 30% above full-year 2025. He instructed the NESDC to re-examine assumptions and data. The next catalyst is the November fiscal plan review.

The Board of Investment approved six projects worth ฿958 billion at its latest meeting, with TikTok System (Thailand) receiving ฿842 billion for data-centre expansion across three provinces. Three data-centre approvals total ฿913 billion. Electricity readiness discussions accompanied the decisions.

The SET ended 22 October at 1,562.67, up 0.42% on the session with foreign net buying of ฿3.47 billion. Foreign investors have accumulated ฿24.8 billion YTD through recent weeks. Thin volume persists; next SET settlement and foreign-flow data arrive mid-week.

Strong VAT collections kept the fiscal-year deficit at 3.4% of GDP, below earlier projections. Finance Minister Ekniti said the 3% target could be reached before 2029. A formal fiscal-plan review is scheduled for November.

The Bank of Thailand opened consultation (7 October–6 November) on expanded digital-channel security requirements covering mobile and internet banking plus new provider categories. MFA rules for ATM withdrawals would take effect 90 days after gazette publication. The draft targets fraud prevention across six service-provider types.

BOI recorded 35 advanced-materials projects worth ฿23.5 billion from 2023 through H1 2026, focused on AI-server PCBs, EV magnets, battery foils and ceramics. The shift targets upstream supply-chain value rather than final assembly. Global suppliers cite Thailand's growing AI and EV demand.

The three agencies signed an MOU on 18 October creating the BOI-to-IPO track for New Economy firms in ten sectors. BOI-promoted companies listing on SET or MAI gain extra tax incentives of up to three additional years of exemption. SET and SEC are piloting faster listing processes.

New regulations effective 2 November require large firms to settle SME invoices faster, releasing an estimated ฿250 billion in working capital. The rule targets chronic late payments that have constrained smaller suppliers. Enforcement begins immediately after gazette publication.

Anantara Siam Bangkok hosts the World Gourmet Festival through early November with guest chefs and tasting menus. Venue: Anantara Siam Bangkok, Ratchadamri. Daily from 18:00; prices from ฿3,500 per person. Booking: anantarasiam.com.

H1 2026 foreign investment already exceeded full-year 2025 by 30% while Vietnam and Indonesia reported flatter application pipelines in the same period. The divergence stems from Thailand's data-centre and advanced-materials approvals rather than labour-cost arbitrage. Next BOI board meeting in November will test whether the pace holds.