The Latest Breaking News from Thailand

A central bank digital currency trial focused on cross-border transactions involving China, Thailand, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates has been completed, as Beijing tries to internationalise its digital yuan.

Most emerging Asian currencies weakened against a stronger US dollar on Thursday, with the Thai baht shedding more than 1% following a quarter-point rate hike that investors viewed as moderate to bring down inflation running at a 14-year high.

The Bank of Thailand on Wednesday raised the policy rate by 0.25 percentage points to 1%, in a bid to tame high inflation amid an uneven economic recovery.

Over 4,000 people in Ubon Ratchathani have been evacuated with flooding set to intensify and tropical storm Noru expected to bring more heavy rain after entering northeastern Thailand on Wednesday night.

Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday to form a deeper trade partnership through a so-called mini-free trade agreement (mini-FTA) with Gyeonggi province of South Korea, aiming to push exports to South Korea to reach US$6.6 billion over the next three years.

Thailand's Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) increased by 14.5% year-on-year to 99.28 points in August, and rose by 3.71% from July, thanks to export growth and the reopening of the country.

The global decline in currencies has not had a significant impact on Thailand's inbound market as the rates were comparable with a weakened baht, while those ready to travel are mostly high-income earners.

Long before Thailand became a hub for industries like auto manufacturing, tourism and healthcare, it was a global hub for tin. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the mining of tin along the Andaman Sea coastline created wealth for Siam.

A Myanmar beauty queen, who had spoken out against military rule in her country and became stranded at Thailand's airport, said she was relieved but remained defiant after landing in Toronto on Wednesday.