More Filters
There were 1107 results found for:

All Regions and All Sectors

Analysis

Strong links: The nation’s international relations are based on concentric circles
OBG
plus

As a founding member of ASEAN, a long-time ally of the US and the West – and a member of the UN, World Bank, IMF and a host of other multilateral organisations – Thailand has long been connected to the wider world. Indeed, recently Bangkok celebrated 500 years of diplomatic relations with one Western nation – Portugal. Throughout the years too, Thailand has pursued a foreign policy based on concentric…

Analysis

A balanced approach: Aiming to reduce inequality and increase domestic value added
OBG
plus

Framed by the overarching Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) developed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand’s development policy aims for inclusive and broad-based growth that leverages key strengths of the economy towards higher domestic value added. Having successfully evolved from a primarily agrarian society to an economy with a wide manufacturing base, authorities seek to leverage innovation…

Analysis

Multiplier effects: Public investment is needed to support aggregate demand and lower logistics costs
OBG
plus

While both major political parties have tabled successive large-scale infrastructure developments, centring on high-speed rail and dual-tracking of existing lines, political differences have delayed implementation over the past decade. Thailand’s ratio of public investment to GDP fell from 6.9-7.1% in 2002-08 to 5.5-5.9% in 2010-12, according to data from the National Economic and Social Development…

Analysis

Neighbourhood trade: CLMV countries are becoming a primary target for Thai exports
OBG
plus

Leveraging its central position to drive trade and investment with neighbouring countries, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) in particular, will be a driving force for Thailand’s economic prospects. Long dominated by trade with Malaysia, which accounted for roughly 60% of Thailand’s border trade in 2013, cross-border trade is increasingly developing with northern neighbours. While the…

Analysis

Securing free trade agreements: Enhanced international trade depends on political clarity
OBG
plus

While Thailand is pushing ahead with efforts to expand its network of free trade agreements (FTAs), the lack of a permanent government means that approval and implementation of any deals could be delayed. Thai officials have played down concerns that the political troubles, which may not see a new government installed until at least June 2014, will slow the formalising of a series of bilateral and…

Analysis

Outbound investment: Local corporates move to expand in regional markets and further afield
OBG
plus

Overseas investments by Thai corporates have grown significantly, overtaking inward foreign direct investment (FDI) for the first time in 2011. Encouraged by both the Bank of Thailand (BOT) and the government, cash-rich Thai firms leveraged the strengthening baht (until May 2013) to expand both regionally and further afield in developed markets, through both cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As)…

Analysis

Relaxing the rules: Foreign direct investment in the sector is set to increase
OBG
plus

As the Bank of Thailand (BOT) gradually reduces constraints on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the banking sector, Asian banks are proving the keenest to tap opportunities. A key plank of the regulator’s second Financial Sector Master Plan (FSMP) is to reduce costs and enhance the competitiveness of Thai banks by allowing more foreign entrants. While it plans to award five new foreign commercial…

Analysis

Bangkok Bank: Banking
OBG
plus

The Company Established in 1944, Bangkok Bank is the largest commercial bank in Thailand and one of the largest regional banks in South-east Asia. With total assets of approximately $64bn, it has the largest market asset share among Thai banks (18% of total system), as well as the largest share of both loans (17%) and deposits (18%), as of September 2013. Bangkok Bank is Thailand’s market leader…

Analysis

Staying solid in a lean market: Banks are making provisions to deal with bad debt
OBG
plus

Lenders in Thailand are expected to adopt a cautious position throughout 2014, keeping a close watch on household debt levels and monitoring the local economy’s return to growth following a contraction earlier in 2013. In late October 2013, Moody’s Investors Service issued a report on the outlook of the Thai banking system, saying that the sector remained stable, with loan-to-deposit ratios forecast…

Analysis

BTS Group Holdings: Transport & logistics
OBG
plus

The Company BTS Group Holdings (BTS) has four separate business units that contributed revenues of 25% (mass transit), 36% (media), 38% (property development) and 2% (services) in 9M FY2014 (ending in March). The company focuses on the mass transit business, which is operated by a 96%-owned subsidiary, Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC). BTSC is the exclusive concessionaire and operator of the…