2026 Kaohoon

• The Thai government maintained the VAT rate at 7% on 27 July 2026 to reduce living costs and boost consumer spending. • Thai exporters face a 2.5% price gap due to the U.S. 12.5% import levy on Thai products under Section 301. • This price gap puts Thai exporters at a disadvantage compared to rivals in Indonesia and Malaysia, who are taxed at 10%.

• The White House issued a Presidential Memorandum on July 23, 2026, establishing penalties for economies that fail to prohibit or enforce laws against goods produced with forced labor. • The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will determine which nations are penalized based on their effectiveness in combating forced labor imports. • In separate economic news, Thailand reported a strong surge in trade, with June 2026 exports increasing by 20.8% compared to June 2025.

• Investors are monitoring the Thai stock market on July 14, 2026, focusing on domestic earnings reports to guide trading strategies. • TISCO’s upcoming financial results are expected to be a primary driver of activity and sentiment within the banking sector. • Maybank Securities (Thailand) predicts early market consolidation as rising crude oil prices, triggered by renewed Middle East geopolitical risks, increase investor caution.

• Deloitte Thailand's "2026 M&A Trends" survey reveals a "tale of two markets" where corporate confidence in mergers and acquisitions is returning alongside increased caution. • Organizations are increasingly integrating AI into critical deal phases, including target screening, due diligence, risk assessment, and post-merger integration planning. • This shift matters as AI allows deal teams to analyze larger data volumes and identify risks faster, though human judgment remains essential for final decision-making.

• Thailand has secured over $4.1 billion (approximately 137 billion baht) in investment pledges for its electric vehicle supply chain. • These investments aim to solidify Thailand's position as the primary automotive manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia as global carmakers shift toward clean energy. • Analysts expect the Thai stock market to move sideways next week as investors await U.S. inflation data and a decision on a THB 400 billion loan decree.

• Thailand’s SET Index closed at 1,591.24 points on June 30, 2026, marking an increase of 13.43 points or 0.85%. • The market saw a total trading value of THB 91.87 billion, driven by strong buying pressure in large-cap stocks. • This growth is attributed to significant fund inflows into specific sectors, allowing the Thai market to extend its recent gains.

• Thailand’s SET Index closed at 1,542.34 points on June 26, 2026, marking a decrease of 16.21 points or 1.04%. • The total trading value for the session reached THB 66.47 billion, reflecting significant activity despite the downward trend. • This decline highlights current volatility within the Thai stock market amidst broader global economic developments.