Key Takeaways
- Employee Welfare Fund contributions will start on 1 January 2027 instead of 1 October 2026.
- Three types of coated steel sheet will need TIS certification 90 days after publication.
- The Thai Innovation List will be tightened, including checks for nominee structures.
- Land along the Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai high-speed rail line will be expropriated.
- GH Bank will offer THB 50 billion in low-interest home loans for homes up to THB 3 million.
1. Employee Welfare Fund Contributions Postponed to 1 January 2027
The Cabinet approved in principle a draft Royal Decree and two draft ministerial regulations postponing the start of Employee Welfare Fund contributions by three months, from 1 October 2026 to 1 January 2027, because of the September floods. The rates stay the same: 0.25% of wages each from employer and employee for the first five years, then 0.5% each.
Employers do not need to deduct or pay contributions until January 2027.
2. Mandatory Standards for Three Types of Coated Steel Sheet
The Cabinet approved three draft ministerial regulations making TIS 2753-2567, TIS 3059-2567 and TIS 2981-2567 mandatory for aluminium-zinc and zinc-aluminium-magnesium coated flat steel. They take effect 90 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. Manufacturers and importers will need a licence under the Industrial Product Standards Act, and sellers may sell only certified products. The Ministry of Industry cited low-quality imports with false coating declarations.
3. Thai Innovation List to Be Tightened
The Cabinet approved new criteria for the Thai Innovation List, which gives listed products preferential treatment in government procurement. The changes include stricter screening, monthly quality spot checks, suspension or removal of non-compliant products, a check of shareholding and control under the Foreign Business Act to stop nominees, public disclosure of applications before approval with a right to object, an appeal process, and shorter benefit periods.
4. Land Expropriation for High-Speed Rail Phase 2
The Cabinet approved in principle a draft Royal Decree designating land to be expropriated in Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nong Khai for phase 2 of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, covering about 1,345 rai and 1,991 plots, with compensation of about THB 12.4 billion. Surveys will start within 180 days.
5. GH Bank Home Loan Scheme
The Cabinet approved GH Bank's Baan Khon La Lang PLUS scheme of THB 50 billion for homes up to THB 3 million, with loan terms of up to 40 years and fixed rates from 2.60% in the first two years. Applications are open until 30 December 2030.
Other Matters
The Cabinet approved a THB 12.66 billion project to divert water from Prasae Reservoir to Bang Phra Reservoir in Chonburi over fiscal years 2027 to 2030, and sent ASEAN air transport agreements to Parliament, including one allowing ASEAN nationals to hold up to 49% in cargo handling at seven Thai airports.
Where We Can Help
Immigration & Employment for welfare fund compliance; Corporate & Commercial for TIS licensing, procurement and shareholding reviews; Litigation & Dispute Resolution for expropriation compensation. Contact +66 (0)2 233 0055 or [email protected].
Disclaimer: This publication is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific legal counsel. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please contact Dej-Udom & Associates directly.