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Exports surge 17.8% to reach 3-year high of $29.5bn in March

In March 2025, Thailand’s exports surged by 17.8% year-on-year, reaching a three-year high of USD 29.5 billion. This growth was driven largely by urgent orders from key trading partners like the US, China, and the EU, ahead of expected tariff increases by the US.

For the first quarter of 2025, Thai exports rose 15.2% compared to the same period last year, totaling USD 81.5 billion, with a trade surplus of USD 1.08 billion. Commerce Minister Phichai Naripatapan expressed optimism that exports would continue to grow in the second quarter, possibly exceeding the annual growth target of 2-3%.

However, Thailand faces challenges in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. If a new agreement isn't reached before the July deadline, Thai exports could be hit by tariffs as high as 36%. The US recently requested more time to review key issues, delaying the talks.
The export boost in March is partly due to buyers accelerating orders to avoid future tariffs, especially from the US — Thailand’s largest export market, accounting for 18.3% of total exports. Exports to the US jumped 34.3%, and to China by 22.4% during the month.

Despite potential tariff risks, Thailand’s Commerce Ministry remains positive about the overall export outlook for 2025.

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DITP’s campaigns help generate nearly THB 37 billion in revenue for over 42,000 exporters

As of April 2025, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has successfully generated THB 36.92 billion in trade value through its export promotion campaigns, benefiting over 42,000 entrepreneurs. This achievement is part of DITP’s broader plan for the 2025 fiscal year, which includes 510 projects and more than 700 activities, aiming to reach THB 92.36 billion in trade value and support over 261,000 entrepreneurs.

Key Highlights:
  • Major Trade Fairs: Four significant international trade fairs—Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair, THAIFEX Horec Asia, STYLE Bangkok, and TAPA—collectively generated over THB 11.16 billion in trade value, aiding Thai SMEs in accessing global markets.
  • Additional Events: DITP also supported events like Bangkok Design Week, ADFEST, and Bangkok Rights Fair, contributing an extra THB 256 million in trade value.
  • Upcoming Events: Planned events for the remainder of the year include THAIFEX Anuga Asia 2025 (May 27–31), TILOG-Logistix (August), and the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair (September). DITP also anticipates significant revenue from the Bangkok International Digital Content Festival, expecting contributions of no less than THB 50 billion.
  • Fruit Export Initiatives: As part of the Ministry of Commerce’s 2025 fruit management strategy, DITP has facilitated business matching events for fresh fruit and processed agricultural products, generating over USD 115.29 million (approximately THB 4.04 billion). Efforts include promoting Thai fruits in international markets and expanding export channels, particularly for durians.
  • Soft Power Promotion: DITP supports six of the 14 targeted creative industries—books, games, design, fashion, films, and TV/series—focusing on markets such as Japan, South Korea, China, and the U.S. From September 2024 to March 2025, these activities generated over THB 9.66 billion in trade value, benefiting 323 entrepreneurs.
  • Seminar on U.S. Tariffs: On April 25, DITP will host a seminar titled “Decoding Trump’s Tax Policy: Opportunities in the New Trade Era” in collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries. The seminar aims to explore strategies for turning challenges posed by U.S. tariffs into opportunities for Thai exporters. 
Director-General Sunanta Kangvalkulkij emphasized DITP’s commitment to supporting Thai exporters through various initiatives, including international trade fairs, promotional campaigns, and strategic partnerships, to enhance Thailand’s presence in global markets.

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BOI boosts clean energy investment in Thailand to over THB560 billion in 10 years.

Over the past decade, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has approved more than 2,900 clean energy projects, amounting to over 560 billion baht, positioning Thailand as a leading clean energy hub in ASEAN. These initiatives encompass waste-to-energy, solar, wind, biomass, and other renewable sources. Notably, 28 electric vehicle (EV) production projects by 22 companies have been approved, with a combined investment of approximately 78 billion baht and a production capacity exceeding 880,000 units.

Despite shifts in U.S. clean energy policies under President Donald Trump, major economies like the EU, UK, and China continue to prioritize clean energy. Trade mechanisms such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are being implemented, necessitating close monitoring by Thailand. Analysts suggest that changes in U.S. policy may redirect over $500 billion in clean energy investments toward Asia, with countries like China, Japan, and South Korea rapidly developing renewable energy sources.

Thailand aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065. Under the Power Development Plan (PDP 2024), the country targets increasing clean energy's share to at least 50% of total electricity generation. Currently, clean energy accounts for 26% of Thailand's power capacity. According to the 2023 SDG Index, Thailand ranks 43rd globally and 1st in ASEAN for clean energy progress.

The BOI continues to promote clean energy projects, supporting a sustainable energy ecosystem and enhancing Thailand's competitiveness in the global market.

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Cambodia: NBC ink MoU for Japanese cross-border QR payments

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the Payments Japan Association (PJA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate on cross-border QR code payments between Cambodian KHQR and Japanese JPQR, with the goal of establishing a framework for cross-border payments between the two countries.

According to an April 25 press release by the NBC, the MoU signing between was intended to facilitate easier and faster cross-border payments between Cambodia and Japan. This cooperation is divided into two phases: Cambodians using local banking apps will be able to scan JPQR codes for payments in Japan, and Japanese nationals will be able to scan KHQR codes for payments in Cambodia.

The NBC has selected ACLEDA Bank Plc. and SathapanaBank as liaison banks for cross-border payment connectivity with Japan. JPQR has chosen NETSTARS as the QR code payment operator on the Japanese side.

“This initiative will support and promote the digital payment ecosystem, enhance transaction security, and simplify cross-border payments, aiming to boost tourism and reduce the need for currency exchange during stays in Cambodia or Japan,” said the NBC release.

It also noted that large and small local merchants who accept KHQR payments in Cambodia or JPQR payments in Japan will benefit by offering more convenient payment options to customers. Furthermore, businesses will be able to manage their operations more efficiently, securely, quickly and cost-effectively.

Overall, cross-border payments will contribute to the growth of trade, investment and especially tourism, thereby supporting the economic development of both countries.

According to the NBC, the MoU is based on a broader national-level cooperation framework which was signed between the NBC and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) in December 2023, under the leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The agreement outlines the collaboration on cross-border QR code payments between the two countries.

For full article, please read here

Source: The Phnom Penh Post

Thailand approves 200 billion baht of projects to expand Bangkok metro system, data-centre network

Thailand has approved a 200 billion baht (approximately 7.9 billion USD) investment plan to expand Bangkok’s mass transit system and data center network. The main project involves a 109 billion baht investment by Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) to extend the Orange Line, which will connect the western and eastern suburbs of Bangkok.

Additionally, three data center and cloud services projects have been approved, with the largest being a 72.7 billion baht plan by Chinese company Beijing Haoyang Cloud Data Technology to build a data center in Rayong province. These investments are expected to boost the country’s economic growth.

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