The Finance Ministry is expediting a tax incentive package designed to attract global manufacturers to establish electric vehicle production bases in Thailand, with emphasis on using locally-sourced components. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprayat revealed that the measure aims to create domestic supply chains and boost competitiveness in future industries like electric vehicles, with clarity expected by September 2026.

Under the initial framework, manufacturers that decide to establish production facilities will receive lower excise tax rates, provided they use raw materials and components produced domestically. Conversely, companies that do not invest in manufacturing plants in Thailand will face higher tax rates to protect domestic investors and encourage real capital inflows. For example, modern automotive manufacturers setting up factories in Thailand could qualify for lower taxes, while those importing vehicles without local production would pay premium rates.

The government has already discussed the plan with automotive manufacturers and various industry groups and is prepared to support the initiative. The Finance Ministry has also tasked the Customs Department and Revenue Department with accelerating measures to protect Thai SMEs from cheap imported goods that could undercut domestic producers. Although customs authorities have begun collecting import duties and value-added tax on imports from the first baht, the Finance Ministry is currently reviewing whether current tax rates are appropriate.

Grab, the ride-hailing and food delivery platform, reports that the longevity and HYROX fitness craze is driving urban Thais toward healthier lifestyles. Morning rides to public parks have surged over 5-fold, gym trips are up 30%, and zero-sugar beverages like black coffee and matcha now exceed 10 million orders annually. Chicken breast dishes have crossed 3.3 million orders yearly.

On August 7, 2026, Panomkorn Jirasethiyanpong, assistant managing director of marketing at Grab Thailand, revealed that over the past year, younger urbanites have increasingly embraced active lifestyles. This includes running in parks, group fitness classes, and choosing health-conscious food and drinks—especially low-sugar beverages and high-protein meals.

Grab data shows that ride bookings to major Bangkok parks such as Lumphini Park, Benjakitti Park, Railway Park, and Bueng Nong Bon Sports Center have increased more than fivefold, particularly between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., while evening rides to gyms and fitness centers (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) have grown by 30%.

This health-conscious trend extends beyond Bangkok. The five most-used provincial parks include Railway Park in Chiang Mai, Bueng Kaen Nakhon in Khon Kaen, Ban Thray Subdistrict Park in Chonburi, Suan Luang Rama IX in Phuket, and Bung Ta Lua Commemoration Park in Nakhon Ratchasima.

The HYROX global fitness race series has also fueled the trend, with Grab ride bookings to the BYD HYROX Bangkok 2026 event at Bangkok's BITEC from March 20–22, 2026, increasing 2.5 times compared to the previous year's event.

Drinking habits are shifting too. Orders for beverages with 0–75% sugar through GrabFood have risen over 50%, with sugar-free drinks accounting for over 40% of that category. Black coffee and clear matcha with zero sugar together exceed 10 million orders annually.

High-protein foods are increasingly popular, especially dishes featuring chicken breast, which total over 3.3 million orders yearly with 30% growth. Searches for healthy menu items such as salads, Greek yogurt, and clean food have reached nearly 1 million combined, showing that younger consumers are not only exercising more but also choosing foods aligned with their health goals.

Sports nutrition products are also thriving. Ready-to-drink protein beverages ordered through GrabMart exceed 450,000 bottles annually, a growth of over 3.5 times. Superfoods remain popular, with kale leading health product sales at about 80 tons per year, followed by blueberries and salmon. Top health product stores on GrabMart have seen sales grow over 10 times.

Grab noted that these trends reflect consumers' shift toward prioritizing health across all dimensions—from transportation and exercise to food and product choices. The platform has piloted a Nutrition Tag feature to recommend high-protein, low-carb, low-calorie, and low-sugar menu options. Grab also offers health-conscious users a 10% discount (up to 100 baht) with code "HEALTHY" on food, beverages, and related items.

Thailand's construction industry is shifting from cost-based competition to technology, innovation, sustainability, and carbon reduction. Finding modern knowledge and expanding business networks has become essential. FutureBuild Asia 2026 will take place November 11-13, 2026 at BITEC Bangkok under the theme "Shaping the Future of Construction in Asia – by Bridging Professionals, Stakeholders and Technologies." The international conference and exhibition will bring together project developers, contractors, engineers, architects, investors, government agencies, and technology providers to drive regional construction and urban development.

"This event will elevate the construction industry ecosystem by connecting all parts of the supply chain—from project owners and designers to contractors, suppliers, and government—to advance the construction industry's future, foster collaboration among stakeholders, integrate innovation and sustainability, and connect Thai entrepreneurs to the global stage," organizers said.

The event aims to serve as a gathering place for construction professionals from every sector, bringing together leading organizations, professional associations, experts, and industry thought leaders. Participants will have the opportunity to meet and exchange knowledge with over 100 industry leaders and speakers, fostering B2B business connections across the region.

Niwat Thanpitinanthan, Advisory Board Chairman of FutureBuild Asia 2026, explained that this event differs from typical exhibitions because it is designed as a horizontal connective platform where all construction industry stakeholders—from upstream to downstream—can meet in person.

"Most events we see tend to be vertical, focusing on specific expertise within their own groups. While those remain important and should continue, FutureBuild Asia will serve as a bridge connecting these vertical events horizontally, allowing construction industry stakeholders to meet, discuss, and better understand each other's roles," Niwat said.

He added that although the event features conferences and exhibitions, the primary goal is not simply to showcase cutting-edge technology, but to create space for entrepreneurs and executives across all disciplines to build sustainable relationships.

"We want project owners, government and private sector representatives, designers, material suppliers, site supervisors, contractors, financial institutions, insurance companies, logistics providers, and engineering educational institutions to learn from each other about how to collectively improve and elevate construction standards," Niwat said.

The three-day program will feature conferences and seminars covering critical industry topics: Capital, Urbanization & Partnership Foundations; Infrastructure, Technology, Energy & Sustainable Delivery; and Energy, Data Center Resilience & Future Workforce. The content is organized around five main pillars: strategic direction featuring voices from policymakers and industry; professional network power fostering collaboration among organizations; key improvement areas drawing lessons from construction challenges; and industry-driven perspectives.

The laughter of children from a newly renovated playground may seem ordinary, but for Ban Khao Loi School in Rayong province, it represents the start of an opportunity space where children learn, grow, and discover their potential. Near the playground, students are planting nectar-bearing flowers to create food sources for bees and learning the relationship between nature and beekeeping—from caring for trees to processing honey into school products.

These small stories reflect how "good health" begins with everyday opportunities: learning, exercise, and spaces for children to explore and unlock their abilities. This concept underpins the CSR activities under the "Taisho Go Health" program by Taisho Pharmaceutical (Thailand) Co., Ltd., which aims to improve the quality of life for children and communities in Rayong province.

Yasumasa Iwamoto, chairman of Taisho Pharmaceutical (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said the company believes good health encompasses not just treating illness but also physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Through "Taisho Go Health," Taisho supports children, youth, and communities via education, sports, vocational skills, and public health initiatives. The company has helped develop Ban Khao Loi School by upgrading the playground, creating a vocational skills classroom, providing sports equipment and uniforms, health products, and scholarships, while also donating health equipment to the local health promotion hospital.

More than 30 executives, employees, volunteers, and team members worked together to create this opportunity space, upgrading the playground, providing sports equipment, offering scholarships, and renovating the vocational skills room so children can learn and develop their abilities. The team also supported Ban Khao Loi Health Promotion Hospital by improving facilities, donating beds and equipment for bedridden patients, providing patient meals, and supplying Taisho products to strengthen healthcare capacity in the area.

For the children of Ban Khao Loi School, these changes represent more than physical improvements—they are new opportunities for learning and personal development. One student, Thawichai Prakong (nickname Tiew), a sixth-grade pupil and talented shuttlecock athlete, shared his excitement at participating in the activities. Beyond painting the vocational skills room, he received sports equipment and uniforms that will encourage physical activity and stronger health. "I was excited and had fun painting the vocational skills room. Usually I play shuttlecock and football, and with the new equipment I want to invite friends to exercise together so we all stay strong. I'm also grateful that Taisho supported our playground, sports gear, and medical supplies for the school and health promotion hospital, making our school and community a better place," he said.

Thailand's women's volleyball team fielded a full-strength squad and cruised past the Philippines 3-0 in sets to capture an opening victory at the BYD DMI 6th SEA V Cup 2026 Leg 2, held at Chiang Mai's 700 Years Stadium on August 7. In their head-to-head record, Thailand has won all five of their most recent matchups against the Philippines. In the first leg of CV Cup 2026, Thailand defeated the Philippines 3-2 (25-17, 19-25, 25-15, 18-25, 15-10).

Coach Kiattipong Ratchatagrienggai deployed Thailand's premier roster, featuring Pornpraporn Kaetprachaya, Taddao Nuekchang, Chatchua Moksin, Kaewkalya Komulthala, Acharaporn Kongyos, and Sasicha Janthawisut, with Piyanus Paennoi as the libero. Thailand's dominant performance resulted in a commanding 3-0 victory with set scores of 25-19, 25-17, and 25-19, earning them three points in the second leg.

In the opening match of the day, Vietnam fell to Indonesia 2-3 (25-20, 25-18, 22-25, 20-25, 9-15). The CV Cup matches in Chiang Mai have drawn huge fan interest, with ticket resellers pushing prices up tenfold. Thailand's women's team will face Indonesia in their next match on August 8 at 4:30 p.m.