Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra

  • Thailand NewsThailand assures China on tourist safety amid rising arrivals

    Thailand assures China on tourist safety amid rising arrivals

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra plans to personally assure Chinese President Xi Jinping of the safety measures in place for Chinese tourists during her visit to China next month, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. Thailand aims to attract 9 million Chinese tourists this year, marking a 35% increase from last year’s figure of 6.7 million. Sorawong stated that…

  • Thailand News‘Stay away’ leaflets target PM’s visit in Yala slammed as fake news

    ‘Stay away’ leaflets target PM’s visit in Yala slammed as fake news

    Reports of ominous warning leaflets telling citizens to stay away from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during her visit to Thailand’s southern border provinces have been branded misinformation by local officials. The alleged leaflets were said to have been distributed at key locations in Yala City, including the Yala Central Mosque, Old Market’s Soi 5, and the Jaru Community near Dhamma…

  • Thailand NewsPM perfects ‘Salaam’ greeting on helicopter to Muslim south

    PM perfects ‘Salaam’ greeting on helicopter to Muslim south

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepared for a visit to Thailand’s southern Muslim-majority provinces by practising the universal Islamic greeting, “as-salaam alaykum” (peace be upon you), aboard an air force helicopter. Assisted by Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, the PM repeated the greeting several times to perfect her pronunciation. “I practised this earlier too, but I want to get it just right.”…

  • Bangkok NewsThai PM faces petition over jailed activist adviser appointment

    Thai PM faces petition over jailed activist adviser appointment

    Activist Sonthiya Sawasdee has lodged a petition against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra concerning the appointment of a former jailed activist as her adviser. Sonthiya requested that the Office of the Attorney-General forward his complaint to the Constitutional Court regarding the appointment of Nattawut Saikuar, a significant figure in the red shirt movement, on October 4 last year. Sonthiya claims that…

  • Thailand NewsPM Paetongtarn to visit southern provinces amid recent bombings

    PM Paetongtarn to visit southern provinces amid recent bombings

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will visit the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat tomorrow despite recent bombings in the region, as confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham, who is also with the defence ministry, yesterday, January 14, addressed two bomb incidents: one in Ano Ru subdistrict, Mueang district, Pattani, which injured six paramilitary rangers on Monday morning,…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s new housing project targets lower income families

    Thailand’s new housing project targets lower income families

    Lower-income Thai citizens will soon have access to an affordable housing project through the Homes for Thais initiative, which offers accommodation on state-owned land without requiring down payments. The programme instead implements a monthly rental system. The Transport Ministry will present the project details to Cabinet today, January 13. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will launch the initiative on Friday, January…

  • Phuket NewsPM pledges to polish Phuket into a top-tier tourist hotspot

    PM pledges to polish Phuket into a top-tier tourist hotspot

    Phuket is turning up the glamour stakes as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra unveils ambitious plans to transform the island into a premier tourist magnet. On her whirlwind visit to the sun-drenched southern province, the Thai premier set out a bold vision to tackle key issues facing the beloved getaway, from sorting out traffic snarls to bolstering its allure as a…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s healthcare crisis: PM pushes for cancer centre

    Phuket’s healthcare crisis: PM pushes for cancer centre

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra spotlighted healthcare as a critical issue for Phuket, amid public outcry and fundraising efforts to improve cancer treatment facilities on the island. At a high-level meeting held at Phuket International Airport this morning, the 38 year old Thai PM addressed the urgent need to upgrade state hospitals like Vachira Phuket Hospital to better handle diseases such…

  • Phuket NewsPM Paetongtarn to inaugurate International Boat Show in Phuket

    PM Paetongtarn to inaugurate International Boat Show in Phuket

    Phuket is bracing for a high-profile visit as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra lands on the island tomorrow, January 9 to tackle critical local issues and boost tourism. With an ambitious agenda in tow, the 38 year old PM is set to chair key meetings and launch a glamorous luxury lifestyle event, according to the Phuket Public Relations Department. Touching down…

  • Thailand NewsPM Paetongtarn defends Thaksin amid racist remark controversy

    PM Paetongtarn defends Thaksin amid racist remark controversy

    Stepping out from a Cabinet lunch today, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra launched into a defence of her father, Thaksin, after he was caught in making controversial racist comments during a rally speech. Thaksin’s remarks yesterday, January 6, criticised as discriminatory, sparked a backlash and calls from Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit for Paetongtarn to reprimand him. Initially caught off-guard by the journalists’ pressing…

  • Thailand NewsGovernment House open this Saturday for National Children’s Day

    Government House open this Saturday for National Children’s Day

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will open the Government House on Saturday, January 11, for children and their families in celebration of National Children’s Day. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub announced that the 38 year old Thai premier will participate in the festivities, which include various activities hosted by the Prime Minister’s Office. One highlight will allow children to sit in the…

  • Thailand NewsMost Thais expect Paetongtarn to remain PM all year, poll shows

    Most Thais expect Paetongtarn to remain PM all year, poll shows

    A recent poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) indicates that a majority of Thais foresee Paetongtarn Shinawatra holding the position of prime minister throughout the year. The survey, carried out over three days, involved 1,310 participants, offering insights into public opinion on the current political landscape. The results, released yesterday, January 5, reveal that 51.22% of…

  • Thailand NewsPM Paetongtarn embraces political moniker amid press scrutiny

    PM Paetongtarn embraces political moniker amid press scrutiny

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been nicknamed “Paetongphoey” by Government House reporters, as part of their tradition of assigning monikers to senior officials at the year’s end. The nickname combines the first two syllables of her name with the Thai word “phoey,” meaning “script,” referencing her reliance on prepared speeches during significant events. When asked about the nickname, the 38…

  • Thailand NewsPM Paetongtarn crowned Politician of the Year in Bangkok poll

    PM Paetongtarn crowned Politician of the Year in Bangkok poll

    Move over, rivals! Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stormed ahead in the political popularity race, clinching the top spot in a nationwide survey that crowned her Politician of the Year 2024. The North Bangkok Poll, conducted by North Bangkok University between December 10 and 15, asked 1,500 respondents from across Thailand a simple but telling question: “Who do you think…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin to become informal advisor to Malaysian PM for ASEAN

    Thaksin to become informal advisor to Malaysian PM for ASEAN

    Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the appointment of former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal advisor for Malaysia’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. The announcement was made by Ibrahim during a joint press conference with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Putrajaya today, December 16. “I have agreed to appoint [Thaksin] as…

  • Thailand NewsPaetongtarn Shinawatra 29th on Forbes’ 2024 Power Women list

    Paetongtarn Shinawatra 29th on Forbes’ 2024 Power Women list

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been named among Forbes Magazine’s 100 World’s Most Powerful Women 2024, securing the 29th position globally and ranking third in Asia. This prestigious recognition places her among influential figures such as Sandy Ran Xu, CEO of China’s JD.com, and Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, who hold the 27th and 28th positions,…

  • Thailand NewsPM Paetongtarn to outline key policies in public address tomorrow

    PM Paetongtarn to outline key policies in public address tomorrow

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to deliver a significant public address tomorrow, December 10, where she will highlight her Cabinet’s accomplishments over the past three months and underscore the importance of the government’s key policies for the upcoming year. The address, titled 2025 Empowering Thais: A Real Possibility, will commence at 10am and will be broadcast live on NBT2HD,…

  • Thailand NewsTaxing times: Thai PM backtracks on VAT hike after public outcry

    Taxing times: Thai PM backtracks on VAT hike after public outcry

    In a dramatic U-turn, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pulled the plug on a proposal to crank up the value-added tax (VAT) following a storm of public outrage. The PM took to X (formerly Twitter) today, December 6, decisively posting: “No VAT adjustment to 15%.” This swift decision emerged from a huddle at Government House with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and…

  • Bangkok NewsPM: Ex-minister’s parole release unrelated to Yingluck’s return

    PM: Ex-minister’s parole release unrelated to Yingluck’s return

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra firmly dismissed any links between the parole release of former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and the speculated return of ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra. Addressing the media yesterday, PM Paetongtarn clarified that Boonsong’s release was strictly in accordance with the Department of Corrections (DoC) regulations and had no connection to her aunt, Yingluck. “It is about the DoC’s…

  • Thailand NewsThailand grants citizenship to 72 stateless individuals in Chiang Rai

    Thailand grants citizenship to 72 stateless individuals in Chiang Rai

    A historic moment unfolded in Chiang Rai as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presented Thai citizenship cards to 72 individuals from ethnic minority groups, marking a monumental step towards addressing statelessness in the country. The ceremony, held at the GMS International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday, December 1, highlighted Thailand’s commitment to inclusivity and human rights, with key officials and…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s PM champions disability rights on International Day

    Thailand’s PM champions disability rights on International Day

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered a heartfelt message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, reaffirming her government’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. Celebrated annually on December 3, the day marks a significant call to action for societies to dismantle barriers and ensure the dignity and rights of individuals with disabilities are respected. Equal opportunities was…

  • Thailand News19 billion baht allocated for Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai flood repairs

    19 billion baht allocated for Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai flood repairs

    Thailand’s government has allocated 19 billion baht for infrastructure and utility repairs in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, responding to the recent severe floods, according to Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. This announcement followed a Cabinet meeting conducted in Chiang Mai, where an economic and social development plan was approved, as proposed by the National Economic and Social Development Council. The…

  • Thailand NewsOld friends, new deals: Singapore PM makes visit to Thailand

    Old friends, new deals: Singapore PM makes visit to Thailand

    In a historic first, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong touched down in Thailand yesterday, November 28, to meet Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Marking his first official visit since taking office in May, Wong is the first foreign leader the 38 year old Thai PM has hosted, setting the stage for a high-stakes dialogue on diplomacy and development. The visit coincides…

  • Thailand NewsThai PM and Energy Minister clash over clean energy vision

    Thai PM and Energy Minister clash over clean energy vision

    Tensions have erupted in Thailand’s government as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga lock horns over the nation’s clean energy future. A disagreement, which has reportedly been simmering for weeks, boiled over yesterday, November 26, leading to the abrupt cancellation of a joint press conference following a National Energy Policy Board meeting. While PM Paetongtarn addressed the…

  • Northern Thailand NewsPM leads Chiang Mai meeting to boost post-flood tourism

    PM leads Chiang Mai meeting to boost post-flood tourism

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to lead a Cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai on Friday, November 29, marking a significant effort to bolster northern Thailand’s tourism and economic recovery following severe floods. This event is part of a broader Cabinet tour of the northern provinces, including Chiang Rai, scheduled from November 28 to December 1. The Cabinet meeting in…

  • Bangkok NewsThai PM yet to unveil new stimulus to boost economic growth

    Thai PM yet to unveil new stimulus to boost economic growth

    After nearly three months in office, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is poised to influence Thailand’s economic growth through a series of new stimulus proposals. These measures aim to address various economic challenges and are anticipated to be unveiled shortly. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) recently projected Thailand’s GDP growth to be between 2.3% and 3.3% for 2025,…

  • Thailand NewsTrump and Thailand: PM Paetongtarn pledges to strengthen ties

    Trump and Thailand: PM Paetongtarn pledges to strengthen ties

    In a historic phone call, Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, reached out to congratulate US President-elect Donald Trump on his election victory, underscoring Thailand’s commitment to a robust alliance with Washington. The conversation, which took place at 9.50am today, November 19, as disclosed by government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsub, marks an early push to fortify diplomatic and economic ties between…

  • Thailand NewsSomchai tees off at Thai PM to settle Alpine Golf land dispute

    Somchai tees off at Thai PM to settle Alpine Golf land dispute

    In a blistering call to action, former senator Somchai Sawangkarn has once more urged Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to decisively tackle a fiery land dispute around Alpine Golf Course that’s been simmering for far too long. In his third open letter, Somchai implores the Thai premier to show true grit and integrity, insisting that the nation’s wellbeing is at stake.…

  • Thailand NewsThai PM meets Xi Jinping at APEC, boosts China ties

    Thai PM meets Xi Jinping at APEC, boosts China ties

    At 10am local time in Lima, Peru, on November 15, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit. The discussions highlighted the enduring partnership between Thailand and China, marking the year as the Golden Year of Thai-Chinese Friendship. PM Paetongtarn confirmed support for China’s role…

  • Thailand NewsTrump’s win sparks PM Paetongtarn’s bold investor push

    Trump’s win sparks PM Paetongtarn’s bold investor push

    Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is seizing the momentum after Donald Trump’s election victory by calling for an ambitious strategy to attract foreign investors to Thailand. Speaking in Los Angeles yesterday, November 12, to Thai ambassadors, consul-generals, and key representatives of Team Thailand from across the Americas, the Thai premier urged diplomats to become a front-line force, promoting Thailand as…