The Thai Ministry of Commerce has established an export target of 142 billion baht for 2026, supported by a comprehensive strategy involving approximately 700 projects and activities.

Led by the Department of International Trade Promotion, the initiative aims to bolster over 294,500 Thai business operators through market diversification, digital trade promotion, and strategic international partnerships. While the plan aggressively targets both established and emerging global markets, officials note that the stability of the Thai baht will be a decisive factor in achieving these financial goals.

Key Highlights

• Export Target: Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has set a 2026 export target of Bt142 billion.
• Projects & Activities: Around 700 initiatives will drive this growth, including:
  • Online trade promotion via thaitrade.com
  • International trade exhibitions and business matching sessions
  • Visits to potential trading partners by Thai representatives
  • Cooperation with global modern trade outlets
  • Support for Thai franchises overseas
• Special Programs:
  • Exclusive Trade Mission (Feb 24–28, 2026): US firms like Otis McAllister Inc. will engage in talks to expand Thai exports into US sectors.
  • Thailand’s Best Friend Project (March 2026): About 20 major global importers will be honored by the Thai prime minister for long-term support of Thai products.
  • Special Task Force (STF) Project: Focused on expanding into markets such as China, India, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and regions in Africa and Latin America.

DITP Support Mechanisms and Promotional Activities

To support over 294,500 Thai business operators and achieve the Bt142 billion export goal, the DITP has planned approximately 700 projects. The specific mechanisms are detailed below:

1. General Promotional Platforms and Activities

The DITP will utilize a variety of traditional and digital channels to increase the visibility of Thai products:

• Online Trade Promotion: Leveraging thaitrade.com to facilitate digital commerce.
• International Exhibitions: Participating in and organizing trade shows to showcase Thai goods.
• Business Matching Sessions: Creating direct opportunities for Thai operators to connect with international buyers.
• Trade Representative Missions: Sending Thai trade teams to visit potential trading partners.
• Retail Cooperation: Establishing partnerships with global modern trade outlets.
• Franchise Support: Specifically providing support for Thai franchises overseas to expand their footprint.

2. Specific Strategic Initiatives

The document highlights three major initiatives designed to deepen international relationships and penetrate high-value markets:

• Exclusive Incoming Trade Missions: Scheduled for late February, this involves inviting established U.S. firms (such as Otis McAllister Inc.) to Thailand for in-depth negotiations focused on penetrating specific sectors in the United States.
• Thailand’s Best Friend Project: Launching in March, this initiative honors approximately 20 major global importers with awards from the Thai Prime Minister to recognize and encourage long-term loyalty to Thai products.
• Special Task Force (STF) Project: A targeted mechanism designed to explore and penetrate prospective markets, specifically focusing on China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam , as well as regions in Africa and Latin America .

3. Resource and Information Management

Beyond direct promotion, the DITP is focusing on the foundational needs of business operators:

• Database Development: Thai commercial offices overseas have been tasked with surveying and developing databases regarding sources of raw materials.
• Investment Expansion: Identifying potential areas and opportunities for expanding Thai investment projects abroad.
• Monitoring Economic Factors: The DITP monitors currency challenges, noting that a Thai baht exchange rate of 33–34 per US dollar is ideal for maintaining the competitiveness of local exporters.

Foreign Direct Investment Overview

Thailand has seen a noteworthy increase in foreign direct investment (FDI), as reported by the Commerce Ministry. The influx of FDI is driven by various business operators, both domestically and internationally, who view Thailand as an attractive destination for investment. Key sectors attracting investment include technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy, which are vital for economic growth. The government’s supportive policies, coupled with favorable geographic positioning, make Thailand an appealing hub for foreign investors seeking to tap into the Southeast Asian market.

Economic Impact of FDI

The rise in FDI has significant implications for Thailand’s economy. It not only stimulates local markets but also creates job opportunities and enhances the skill set of the workforce. Furthermore, foreign investment contributes to technological advancement and innovation within the country, fostering a more competitive business landscape. The Commerce Ministry highlights that FDI plays a crucial role in boosting local industries and improving infrastructure, ultimately leading to enhanced economic stability and growth. The ongoing government initiatives to improve the investment climate have been pivotal in sustaining this positive trend.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the positive outlook, there are challenges that Thailand must address to maintain and enhance its attractiveness for foreign investors. Regulatory hurdles, complex bureaucratic processes, and concerns about political stability can hinder investment potential. However, proactive measures are being implemented to create a more business-friendly environment. Looking ahead, the Thai government’s commitment to infrastructure development and innovation, along with its strategic initiatives aimed at attracting renewable energy investments, positions Thailand to become a leading destination for FDI. With ongoing improvements, Thailand aims to strengthen its reputation as a pivotal economic player in the region.

Source : Thai exports set to reach Bt142bn in 2026

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A decade in Perth’s restaurant business has taught Jacquie Chan a thing or two about timing.

So, it’s understandable that, given her commitment to growing the Miss Chow’s empire, Ms Chan has recently adopted a new strategy and direction.

While an expanding business and opening of new locations is generally seen as a positive for any brand, Ms Chan acknowledges the growth has become too much after a busy couple of years.

Under Miss Chow’s signage, Ms Chan opened a restaurant at a Margaret River vineyard in late 2024 and a CBD eatery in early 2025.

Her team also transformed the old Fremantle police lock-up to open Moon & Mary, an Asian fusion restaurant, in September 2024.

Moon & Mary was Ms Chan’s biggest undertaking, a multi-venue space with the three offerings of a dining room, a beer garden and a distillery.

Ms Chan told Business News she had now embarked on a broader strategy to consolidate the Miss Chow’s group, which includes focusing on premium dining venues and continuing to divest ventures that don’t fit with the brand.

That includes Moon & Mary, with Ms Chan putting the business on the market after nearly 18 months of operation.

“We’ve realised it really didn’t fit in with our current portfolio,” she said.

“And to be really honest, I don’t understand Fremantle as well as some other groups, so we’ve decided to move on.

“Sometimes you [have to] pick your battles. Freo is something that we will probably let go, sadly. I love the building; there is so much history in the building itself.

“There was a great deal of effort that went into designing and putting that whole story together, but it’s okay if it doesn’t fit in our portfolio.”

Ms Chan said she had no regrets.

“I’d happily let someone else have a go and we will move on,” she said.

“Eventually, after we sell Moon & Mary, we’ll be in a sweet spot that there will be less stress within the management team, and we’ll be happy to just grow the Miss Chow’s brand, maintain and probably up our game a little bit and bring in a lot more creativity into the Asian fusion space.

“We’ve been quite focused on functions and events, and we’re getting pretty good at that.”

The shift to hosting functions and events has been noticeable, particularly after the Miss Chow’s team secured singer-songwriter Christine Anu to headline a Chinese New Year event at the Margaret River restaurant in mid-February.

Ms Chan also recently divested KiRi Japanese restaurant in Shenton Park and the Miss Chow’s pantry takeaway joints in Bicton and City Beach, as part of her strategy to consolidate the group.

Within a decade, she opened and closed Miss Chow’s restaurant in Westfield Whitfords City, Rice Baby in Subiaco, and OMG Oriental Market and Grocer with the adjoining Small Talk Bar on Stirling Street, Perth.

Ms Chan opened Lucy Luu in Mount Hawthorn in 2022, which is still operating.

At one point, she and her team juggled about half a dozen venues across Perth.

But Ms Chan has leaned more towards using the Miss Chow’s name in the past couple of years.

Her previous Thai-inspired eatery in the CBD, Lena’s Bar, was rebranded to Miss Chow’s on the Terrace in early 2025.

Lygon Lane on Bay View Terrace in Claremont was also rebranded, to Miss Chow’s Petit, when the original restaurant closed for renovation.

Miss Chow’s Petit closed in mid-2025.

There are currently three restaurants under the Miss Chow’s name: in South Perth, on St Georges Terrace, and in Margaret River.

All of Ms Chan’s hospitality ventures stemmed from the very first Miss Chow’s restaurant, which pays homage to Moon Chow, the first Chinese immigrant to arrive in Western Australia, in 1829. 

That first Miss Chow’s opened in Claremont Quarter in 2015. 

“A year after that, I had opened another restaurant, and then it kept happening,” Ms Chan said. 

“But I realised last year that it wasn’t such a good idea after all, because times were very different. 

“When I had gone into my leases for Fremantle and Margaret River, that was during the pandemic, [but] things have changed.

“The market sentiments have changed. Everyone’s lifestyle is different. We’ve really now looked at the group and realised we will probably be selling what doesn’t fit within our portfolio.”

On top of the ongoing market challenges and cost-of-living pressures, Ms Chan said staffing was also difficult in an environment of high resources sector wages.

“We could not compete with them,” she said.

“That’s what we really suffered through last year.

“Staffing is quite a challenge in WA and … it’s not just isolated to the hospitality industry.

“Without staff we haven’t got a business, so it’s quite important we’ve got our staffing sorted before we can open our doors.”

The new, broader group strategy also includes a continued focus on Miss Chow’s line of prepared meals, which started as a lifeline for the business during the pandemic.

Miss Chow’s restaurant in South Perth opened in 2019.

Products under the Miss Chow’s at Home line include frozen dumplings, ready-to-eat sauces and chilled meals, which are stocked at major supermarkets in Australia.

“[During the pandemic] we didn’t have many choices,” Ms Chan told Business News.

“But what I really wanted was to be able to look after my staff, because 50 per cent of my workforce were not eligible for JobKeeper.

“I then created work for them to come back and pack the dumplings, make meals for the supermarket, so that I could still pay them and they could still live.

“However, one thing led to another, and before we knew it we were supplying the dumpling and the meals to a lot of the supermarkets in WA, and we went national about three years ago.”

Miss Chow’s has since become the biggest chilled meals producer in WA, according to Ms Chan.

“From that we grew out of our little central kitchen in Osborne Park, and now co-own and have a joint venture with Milne Agrigroup, and we own a food processing factory in Forrestdale called Daily Chef,” she said.

“Our partnership is pretty much the best marriage that we could probably find in WA; having my partners being into pig and chicken farming … and me being in the restaurant space and coming up with the sauces and the taste profiles for our products.”

The beginning

By day, Ms Chan is a pearl and diamond dealer; a profession she has undertaken for the past 26 years.

Her foray into the restaurant business started when a client of her jewellery business was approached to take a tenancy in Claremont Quarter.

Instead, the client put forward Ms Chan’s name, knowing she was considering opening a dumpling restaurant.

Cocktails, champagne and wine meets Asian fusion in prime locations.

The motivation to open a nut-and-preservative-free Asian fusion restaurant was personal for Ms Chan, who has several food allergies.

“I put a business case together, and because I didn’t have any experience in [food and beverage], I had to convince them why I thought it was a good idea,” Ms Chan said.

“I enjoy my drinks, so having nice cocktails or a glass of champagne with my dumplings would go down very well with me and my friends.”

There was a gap in the market for an elevated dining experience offering Asian fusion cuisine in Perth 10 years ago, she said.

“When we started back in the day, we turned the Asian fusion food ‘sexy’ … we had long queues at the door for a long time,” Ms Chan said.

“I suppose the trend caught up in Perth with Asian fusion, but I would say the food scene in Perth has really improved.”

She said the competition from similar restaurants that had opened during the past decade was welcome.

“I think the more the merrier,” Ms Chan said.

“It gives people the opportunity to lift their game as well and it challenges chefs to be more creative.”

Future

While frequently referred to as the ‘Dumpling Queen’, Ms Chan said the real legacy she wanted to leave was opening Perth up to a different way of dining.

“Because we had stuck to our guns with our food principles, it was extremely expensive and difficult to run an operation with Chinese cooks,” she said.

“We decided that we will educate the Chinese cooks to not use MSG in simple, basic things like fried rice, for example.

“We succeeded in that, and I’m extremely proud of my team, that they’ve grown to learn how to sell and prepare and create good, clean food without using any nasties.

“We’ve made a slight impact, I think, in the food scene, where we can actually run a Chinese restaurant without nuts.

“There are so many families who are able to dine with us safely, and they tell us and they thank us for being that safe restaurant … because there’s not many restaurants that are nut free.

“It is quite risky on my part, but we have completely trained the kitchen.

“Our staff are not even meant to bring food into the restaurant, into the venue [their home cooked food] because we don’t know what’s in it.”

Miss Chow’s in Claremont was one of the first places to offer Asian fusion premium dining in Perth.

The persistence in keeping a safe, allergy-free space across her venues all these years has been appreciated by the regular diners.

“Moving forward, we will continue with that even though it’s an expensive exercise for us,” Ms Chan said.

“But we do want to continue serving good, clean food, using local produce, supporting other WA producers.”

Ten years in the business and a new strategic direction have only increased Ms Chan’s enthusiasm for the challenge.

In fact, she looks forward to another decade at least with Miss Chow’s, supported by her daughters who are also involved in the business.

“I’m quite stubborn and I love my food and drinks,” Ms Chan said.

“I’m always challenging my chefs, whether we could go that one notch higher, a little bit at a time.

“The brand has evolved, our food has evolved and I’m really proud of my team that they are able to deliver, whether it’s 20 people or 120 people.

“My girls and the team [have] very much bought into it, and they agree. That is what we’re known for, and we will continue.”

Authorities told FOX Business on Sunday that an award-winning pilot and his wife died in a tragic plane crash last week after declaring an emergency landing “due to oil on the windshield.”  

Local media outlet KLTV reported that the couple’s dog was also on board and miraculously survived the devastating crash.

The incident occurred in East Texas last Wednesday around 5:30 p.m., when a Beechcraft A36 struck power lines while diverting to Brownsboro, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said. Authorities added that the small plane went down short of the runway in Murchison, according to KLTV.

The Florida Aviation Network identified the victims as Ron and Barbara Timmermans, owners of the Orlando-based aviation company AileRon T LLC. 

PLANE CRASH-LANDS ON TOP OF TOYOTA ON FLORIDA FREEWAY FOLLOWING ENGINE TROUBLE

Ron and Barbara Timmermans holding their pet dog in front of a small plane in an undated photo. (Florida Aviation Network / Fox News)

The Bonanza & Baron Pilot Training website notes that Ron was inspired by his wife, Barbara, to become a flight instructor, and the couple flew to many destinations across the U.S., Canada, and the Bahamas.

Photos of the crash scene showed the Timmermans’ plane lying nose-down in the ground with its tail jutting dramatically into the sky. 

While the couple died in the incident, their small lapdog miraculously survived and was taken in by local residents at the crash site, KLTV reported.

“The dog was alive, and so one of the neighbors took the dog to take care of,” resident Mary Ann Shoulders said.

ALL 8 TIRES BURST IN HARROWING ATLANTA LANDING FAILURE INVOLVING PASSENGER JET

Ron Timmermans was named National Certified Flight Instructor of the Year in 2021. (Florida Aviation Network / Fox News)

Ron was reportedly a veteran flight instructor and had provided pro bono services to the Florida Aviation Network since 2017.

The network described Ron as an integral figure in the flight community. He was named National Certified Flight Instructor of the Year in 2021 by an awards program associated with the Federal Aviation Administration.

“Ron was an important part of training hundreds of pilots over the years,” the organization told KLTV. “He’s done hundreds of hours of interviews with people in the aviation industry. He’s the main host of our interviews online. He was the National Flight Instructor of the Year in 2021. He and Barbara will be greatly missed.”

A single-engined Beechcraft A36 Bonanza aircraft takes flight on June 27, 2014.  (NOAH SEELAM/AFP via Getty Images)

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The NTSB said the crash is under investigation and that officials retrieved devices from the plane that could contain data about the accident.

The wreckage was also recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

FOX Business reached out to the Federal Aviation Administration for more information. 
 

Travel, in its many forms, has long been one of the most transformative experiences available to humankind.

From the simplicity of weekend getaways to long-term, immersive journeys that span continents, travel provides a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and engage with the world in ways that simply staying in one place cannot replicate.

In the context of an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, travel has become more accessible, varied, and impactful than ever before.

The Importance of Travel in a Globalized World

In a world where cultures and societies are more interwoven than ever, travel allows us to experience the diversity of the human experience. Each culture offers something distinct—from food, language, and art to customs, traditions, and ways of life. By stepping outside our comfort zones and exploring new places, we gain a deeper understanding of the world and its people. This broader perspective fosters tolerance, empathy, and an appreciation for diversity.

For instance, a trip to a bustling market in Morocco, a quiet Buddhist temple in Japan, or a scenic vineyard in Tuscany does more than just offer picturesque views or a change of scenery. It provides an opportunity to learn about history, heritage, and social practices that shape those regions. Understanding the differences between people can ultimately break down barriers and build bridges, contributing to a more peaceful and connected world.

Personal Growth Through Travel

Beyond the cultural enrichment, travel also plays a crucial role in personal development. It challenges individuals to navigate unfamiliar territories, make decisions on the fly, and step into situations that push them out of their comfort zone. These experiences, whether it’s negotiating with a local vendor, finding your way through a maze of foreign streets, or understanding a new language, can increase confidence and resilience.

For many, travel becomes a path to self-discovery. Being in an entirely new environment gives one the space to reflect on their own life, goals, and priorities. The absence of daily distractions and the novelty of new places often lead to moments of introspection, allowing travelers to gain clarity on personal values and aspirations. This sense of freedom and perspective often carries back home, influencing day-to-day decisions, relationships, and career choices.

Travel as a Tool for Education

Travel also serves as an important educational tool. The classroom may teach history, but traveling to the actual landmarks where history was made brings those lessons to life in a way no textbook can match. For example, walking the cobbled streets of Rome’s ancient ruins or standing at the foot of the pyramids in Egypt allows travelers to immerse themselves in the past and witness it firsthand. This type of experiential learning is far more effective in creating lasting memories and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Furthermore, travel fosters the development of critical life skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and communication. When faced with the challenges of navigating a new culture or environment, travelers must learn to think creatively and overcome obstacles. These skills are valuable not just during the trip but also in one’s personal and professional life.

The Benefits of Sustainable Travel

As the world becomes more aware of the environmental impact of human activity, sustainable travel has emerged as a key consideration. This approach focuses on minimizing the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities while maximizing the positive effects. Sustainable travel involves choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, reducing waste, and respecting the natural and cultural heritage of destinations.

Eco-tourism has gained popularity in recent years, with travelers opting to visit destinations that prioritize conservation and preservation. Whether it’s visiting national parks that protect wildlife or participating in conservation efforts in rainforests, sustainable travel offers a chance to explore the world without harming it. Moreover, this kind of travel promotes cultural preservation, as local communities benefit directly from the tourism dollars that come their way.

The Rise of Digital Nomadism and Remote Travel

The rise of digital technology and the global shift toward remote work has made it possible for more people to travel and work at the same time. Digital nomadism, which refers to a lifestyle where individuals work remotely while traveling, has gained traction in recent years, especially among millennials and Gen Z. With the ability to carry out most work-related tasks online, many people are no longer tied to a single location and can explore the world while continuing their careers.

This shift has also led to the rise of “workations,” where people combine work with leisure travel. Digital nomads may spend a few weeks or months living and working in an exotic location, blending productivity with the benefits of exploring a new destination. Whether it’s a beach in Bali, a city in Europe, or a mountain retreat, the ability to work from anywhere has allowed travel to become more integrated into everyday life, giving people the freedom to experience the world on their own terms.

The Future of Travel

Looking ahead, the future of travel is likely to be shaped by technological innovations, such as virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and advancements in transportation. While these technologies will make travel more accessible and efficient, they may also change the way we interact with destinations. For example, VR could allow people to experience far-off places from the comfort of their homes, offering a preview of what a trip might be like before committing. Similarly, AI could be used to offer personalized travel recommendations, making it easier to plan customized trips based on individual preferences.

Despite these advancements, the core essence of travel will likely remain unchanged: the desire to connect with new places, cultures, and people. As long as people continue to seek adventure, learning, and growth, travel will remain one of the most powerful tools for broadening one’s horizons and enriching one’s life.

Conclusion

In an era of rapid change and connectivity, travel remains one of the most meaningful ways to gain insight into the world. Whether for leisure, personal growth, education, or professional purposes, travel allows individuals to experience new cultures, build relationships, and challenge themselves in ways that staying in one place simply cannot. In a globalized world where connections are more important than ever, travel is not just a luxury—it’s a powerful tool for fostering understanding, empathy, and personal transformation.

Former business secretary Sir Vince Cable has called for a police and government investigation into the conduct of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy, following the release of US justice department files that appear to show he shared official and commercial information with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The newly released documents suggest that Andrew, who served as Britain’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011, forwarded UK government documents and commercially sensitive material to Epstein.

Sir Vince, who was secretary of state for business and trade during part of Andrew’s tenure, described the alleged behaviour as “totally unacceptable” and said the matter should be scrutinised by law enforcement authorities.

“We need a police or DPP check on whether criminal corruption took place and a government investigation into how this was allowed to happen,” he said.

Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

According to the documents, in 2010 Andrew forwarded an email exchange concerning Royal Bank of Scotland and Aston Martin to a contact, David Stern, who subsequently passed it to Epstein. The correspondence reportedly included details about RBS restructuring plans and comments regarding its then chief executive, Stephen Hester, as well as references to internal tensions at Aston Martin.

It remains unclear whether the information originated directly from Andrew’s official role. At the time, RBS was majority-owned by the taxpayer following its financial crisis bailout. Andrew was also a customer of the bank and may have had separate dealings with management.

Further emails cited in the US files indicate that Andrew may have shared government visit reports relating to Vietnam, Singapore and China with Epstein. Separate correspondence suggests information about Iceland was passed from Treasury sources to banker Jonathan Rowland.

Under official guidance, trade envoys are bound by confidentiality obligations covering sensitive commercial and political information obtained during official visits.

Thames Valley Police confirmed it had consulted specialists at the Crown Prosecution Service regarding the allegations.

Labour MP Sarah Owens, chair of the women and equalities committee, said Andrew must answer questions from police and Parliament. Fellow Labour MP Rachael Maskell called for greater transparency and accountability, arguing that Andrew should be stripped of his remaining constitutional roles.

King Charles has previously expressed “profound concern” over allegations surrounding his brother. Buckingham Palace has said it stands “ready to support” police if requested.

The latest disclosures add to longstanding scrutiny of Andrew’s association with Epstein. Additional images released in the US document tranche have further intensified calls for him to testify in the United States.

The former duke recently relocated from his Windsor residence to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk as pressure surrounding the case continues to mount.

Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.