Thailand’s household debt crisis threatens to keep growth below potential despite lower debt ratios

Thailand Business News - Oct 8, 2026

Thailand’s household debt problem is again moving to the centre of the economic debate as Bangkok prepares to host the IMF and World Bank annual meetings. Household debt stood at 85.2% of GDP at the end of June, while average household debt has reached its highest level in 18 years, constraining consumption and making it […]

Read full article

More News

What Would an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement Mean for Foreign Investors?

Oct 6, 2026

What Would an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement Mean for Foreign Investors?

summarize this content to 20 words The proposed ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) could reduce trade barriers between Canada and Southeast Asia while creating new opportunities for companies using ASEAN as a manufacturing, sourcing, services, or regional investment base. Canada-ASEAN bilateral merchandise trade reached C$52.5 billion (US$38 billion) in 2025, up 23.6 percent from C$42.4 billion (US$31 billion) in 2024. ASEAN’s member states collectively represented Canada’s fifth-largest merchandise trading partner. From ASEAN’s perspective, Canada ranked as its 16th-largest trading partner and 10th-largest source of foreign direct investment in 2025. ASEAN now comprises 11 member states following Timor-Leste’s admission in October 2025. Where ASEAN-Canada trade and investment stand today Manufacturing in ASEAN frequently involves regional production networks. A product assembled in Vietnam, for instance, may contain inputs from Malaysia, Thailand, or Indonesia. Whether those inputs count toward the product’s originating status could determine whether it qualifies for preferential tariffs when exported to Canada. Canada’s negotiating objectives specifically seek rules allowing the cumulation of materials and production and recognizing existing regional production patterns. If reflected in the final agreement, these provisions could give manufacturers greater flexibility to divide qualifying production and sourcing among ASEAN countries rather than concentrating activities in one jurisdiction solely to obtain tariff preferences.

Newsletter

Subscribe to us for more recent news from Biz Daily Online

Biz Daily Online

Biz Daily Online gives a complete understanding of the world of business to you. Get today’s business news and learn about the trends that are affecting every business here.