budget

  • Thailand News

    House committee formulates 2024 budget proposal

    The House committee responsible for scrutinising planning and monitoring budget expenditure is formulating a budget proposal for next year. The proposal is expected to be reviewed by the House in early January. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, the committee’s chair and a list MP of the Move Forward Party, confirmed that the panel is currently processing budget requests from various state agencies. These…

  • Business News

    Budget travel: Thai travelers choose affordability amid economic instability

    In the wake of an unpredictable global economy, travellers are becoming increasingly cost-conscious. A recent survey by online travel agency Booking.com revealed that the majority of Thai citizens are apprehensive about the escalating cost of living and are thus curtailing their expenditure on travel, opting for budget travel instead. Michelle Gao, the regional manager for the Mekong region at Booking.com,…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket: 3 billion baht for pipeline to solve water issues and boost tourism

    Phuket officials announced plans to yet again request a budget exceeding 3 billion baht for the construction of a water supply pipeline from Phang Nga to Phuket, aiming to resolve ongoing water issues and bolster tourism in the region. The budget request confirmation emerged during a meeting led by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at Phuket Provincial Hall. The meeting highlighted…

  • Business News

    Sky skirmish looms: Low-cost airlines face turbulence from price-dumping giants

    The survival of emerging low-cost carriers in Southeast Asia could be threatened as dominant airlines may resort to price-dumping strategies to safeguard their market share. The airline industry’s seat recovery is also projected to take a decade to fully bounce back. Really Cool Airlines’ Chief Executive, Patee Sarasin, previously the chief executive of Nok Air, expects to obtain the Air…

  • Thailand News

    Thai government denies plans to slash digital wallet initiative budget, aimed at boosting economy

    The Thai government has refuted rumours of cutting funds for the digital wallet initiative from 560 billion baht (US$ 15,426,997,600) to 400 billion baht (US$ 11,019,284,000), stating that the project is not just for the underprivileged but aimed at stimulating the economy more broadly. The government is keen on weeding out the wealthy from benefiting from the scheme, which is…

  • Thailand News

    Thai Military Commission’s six-point plan to scrutinize budget and troop size

    Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a member of the Future Forward Party and chairman of the Military Commission, revealed a six-pronged policy framework for the Military Commission of the House of Representatives, aimed at scrutinising the military budget and streamlining troop size. According to a Facebook post by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, the Military Commission of the House of Representatives convened a meeting yesterday, at…

  • Business News

    Bonding for the future: Thai govt sets sail with expanded issuance

    The director-general of the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) yesterday asserted that the planned issuance of government bonds in fiscal next year will be proportionate and appropriate. The limit for bond issuance for the said fiscal year has been expanded by approximately 160 billion baht. Patricia Mongkhonvanit revealed the increase is intended to counterbalance the budget deficit for fiscal next…

  • Economy News

    Fiscal budget deficits risks Thai economy, chief economist warns

    Kiatnakin Phatra Securities’ chief economist issued a stark warning over the government’s increasing reliance on fiscal budget deficits, cautioning that such an approach could harm the economy over an extended period. Pipat Luengnaruemitchai openly criticised the government’s latest populist strategies, including a digital money initiative and reduced oil costs, stating that these measures could erode fiscal discipline. He further warned…

  • Business News

    Economic data in China sees Asian stocks surge, Thai shares dip

    Asian stocks experienced a significant surge yesterday, a continuation of the global equity rally, following encouraging Chinese economic data that sparked optimism about the imminent culmination of major central banks’ tightening initiatives. Despite the overall momentum, Thai stocks saw a slight dip of 0.3% from the prior week, closing at 1,542.03 on Friday, with an average daily turnover of 46.97…

  • Thailand News

    Elderly allowance scheme raises financial accessibility concerns in Thailand

    In a bid to ease the strain on government finances, a transition from universal welfare payments to a stringent elderly allowance scheme has been initiated. This shift has been met with substantiated criticism, although the authorities maintain the necessity of the move, justifying it as a responsive adaptation to cope with Thailand’s rapidly ageing populace. In yesterday’s internal meeting of…

  • Thailand News

    Pattaya sets 1.9 billion baht budget aiming to revitalise tourism and local economy

    Emphasising tourism and local economy stimulation, the city of Pattaya has delineated its budget allocation for the upcoming fiscal year. Paramet Ngampichet, the Mayor of Pattaya City, announced the conclusion with the budget set to be effective from October 1. In a recent meeting participated in by municipality executives, councillors, and local government entities, a resources allotment of 1.9 billion…

  • Business News

    Penny-pinching plans: Finance ministry’s welfare budget shuffle in the works

    In an attempt to ease the strain on government spending, the Ministry of Finance is contemplating new measures regarding the allocation of the public welfare budget, an anonymous source from the finance ministry disclosed. This primarily pertains to the bracket of public welfare budget expenditure which, the source identifies, consists of redundant items that do not necessarily correlate with the…

  • Business News

    Thailand boosts tourism budget to 5 billion baht

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced its plans for the fiscal year 2024, with a focus on growing off-peak customers, increasing spending per trip by 7%, and distributing income to a wider range of destinations. The budget for these initiatives is set at 5 billion baht, a significant increase from the 3.25 billion baht allocated for fiscal 2023. TAT Governor…

  • Economy News

    Thai coalition parties propose zero-based budgeting for efficiency

    The implementation of zero-based budgeting (ZBB) has been proposed by the Move Forward Party (MFP) as part of a 23-point memorandum of understanding signed by eight political parties seeking to form a new coalition government. The MFP argues that the current budgeting system fails to address the public’s needs due to bureaucratic hurdles. ZBB requires state officials to justify expenses…

  • Politics News

    Urgent call for new govt: Thai Chamber of Commerce stresses budget allocation continuity

    The Thai Chamber of Commerce emphasised the urgency of forming a new government to ensure the continuity of budget allocation, following discussions with Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), and other party executives. Sanan Angubolkul, the chamber’s chairman, highlighted the need to address issues such as costly electricity bills, wages, ease of doing business, and legal reforms…

  • Business News

    Economist warns of panic as new Thai government risks fiscal sustainability

    Concerns about fiscal sustainability have been raised by Kiatnakin Phatra Securities (KKP), as the new government‘s potential “addiction to budget deficits” may cause panic in the stock market. KKP’s chief economist, Pipat Luengnaruemitchai, expressed his apprehensions regarding the country’s fiscal outlook if excessive expenditure is allocated by politicians and the government without a clear financing plan. As Thailand prepares for…

  • Business News

    New government has room to spend 2 trillion baht on populist pledges

    The upcoming government is expected to have around two trillion baht at its disposal for implementing its populist policies, according to an anonymous source from the Finance Ministry. The figure takes into account the 500 billion baht needed for the Pheu Thai Party’s pledge to provide digital wallet handouts of 10,000 baht to those aged 16 and over. Should the…

  • Bangkok News

    Bangkok voted No.3 top destination for backpackers 2023

    Thailand‘s capital Bangkok sits among the top destinations for backpackers in 2023, according to UK retail company Cotswold Outdoor. Bangkok is a backpacker’s dream with cheap accommodation, delicious street food for a bargain, inexpensive beers, free activities, and a variety of public transport systems. While Thailand offers plenty of luxury travel options, it’s easy to have a blast in Bangkok…

  • Thailand Hotels

    Discover Thailand’s best budget friendly accommodation

    Are you planning a trip to Thailand but worried about your budget? Don’t fret! Thailand offers a plethora of budget-friendly accommodation options that don’t compromise on comfort and convenience. From the bustling city of Bangkok to the pristine beaches of Krabi and Phuket, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top 5 budget-friendly hotels in…

  • Travel

    Things to do in Bangkok that cost next to nothing (2022)

    Wondering where to go in Bangkok with a small budget? Then this article is for you! Here, we’ve compiled the best Bangkok attractions that cost little to nothing for tourists. From outdoor markets and parks to indoor, themed shopping malls, tourists will love this list of budget-friendly Bangkok attractions! 1. Talad Rod Fai (Srinagarindra Train Night Market) Address: 51 Srinagarindra…

  • Hot News

    Nok Air cancels Nakhon Ratchasima-Chiang Mai flight routes

    After just two months of operations, Thailand’s budget airline, Nok Air, is cancelling its flights from Nakhon Ratchasima to Chiang Mai province. The last flight took off yesterday morning with only 10 passengers on board. The move comes after the twice-weekly route saw low passenger numbers. The Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft that was used for the routes could carry up…

  • Economy News

    PM Prayut’s 3 trillion baht budget slammed ‘pointless’ by MFP leader

    Opposition Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat has slammed PM Prayut Chan-o-cha’s spending plans ahead of tomorrow’s budget bill as “pointless.” PM Prayut will defend the government’s 3.2-trillion-baht 2023 budget bill in a three-day House debate starting tomorrow, explain why the sum is so large and his spending plans for the fiscal year. But the MFP leader landed the first…

  • Travel

    Travel Tips: Top low-cost airlines for Thailand 2022

    Thailand is an ideal country to travel to on a budget, especially when it comes to booking flights. Slightly larger than Spain, flying cross this tropical country is a breeze, ensuring short flights and cheap prices. Meanwhile, Thailand’s central location makes it the perfect launching pad for exploring Southeast Asia, with neighbouring Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam to the east and…

  • Travel

    Travel Tips: Top low-cost airlines for Thailand 2022

    Thailand is an ideal country to travel to on a budget, especially when it comes to booking flights. Slightly larger than Spain, flying cross this tropical country is a breeze, ensuring short flights and cheap prices. Meanwhile, Thailand’s central location makes it the perfect launching pad for exploring Southeast Asia, with neighbouring Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam to the east and…

  • Guides

    Best of Bangkok attractions that cost next to nothing

    If you are looking for cheap things to do in Bangkok, you can look no further. Here, we have the best of Bangkok attractions that cost little to nothing for tourists. From outdoor markets and parks to indoor, themed shopping malls, tourists will love this list of budget-friendly Bangkok attractions! Top Bangkok Attractions To See For Next To Nothing 1.…

  • Thailand Travel

    A backpacker’s travel guide to visiting Thailand on a budget

    Backpackers love trekking throughout the amazing Kingdom of Thailand. Thus, its ancient cities, local markets, exclusive hill tribes, and plethora of natural attractions are a dream for most travellers. However, along with backpacking, is the desire to spend as little as possible. Here, we have the best places to visit on a budget, which offer a great experience while remaining…

  • Travel Guides

    Top 10 budget Airbnbs to rent in Bangkok

    For Bangkok visitors, finding a place to rest is certainly at the top of lists, especially when there is so many accommodations in which to choose. From hotels to apartments, Thailand’s capital has it all available at your fingertips. Moreover, some of the coolest places to stay the night are, surprisingly, quite affordable. Instead of booking a hotel where you…

  • Expats

    Aging American expat “living the dream” in Phuket on US $2,500 a month

    An American says he is living the dream in paradise in Phuket for only US$2,500 a month. 70 year old Pete Bowen arrived in Thailand back in 2009 with only a suitcase and guitar after self-admittedly making an impulsive decision to sell his house and belongings and move across the world to look for a place in which he could…

  • Tourism News

    Dinner cruise in Bangkok on the Chao Phraya for only 650 baht | VIDEO

    Imagine a romantic cruise on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Or maybe just the finish to a long day of sight-seeing around the Thai city. Cruises on the Chao Phraya, looking back at the city of lights from the famous river is about as good as it gets. Some of the cruises can be quite expensive, although altogether worth…

  • Food

    The Great Convenience Store Gourmet Challenge l Chef Belinda Tuckwell

    The Thaiger caught up with some great local chefs to see what they could put together after 5 minutes in a convenient store with 1,000 baht budget. Not only did they come up with some surprising ideas, they tasted DELICIOUS! Join Tim Newton as he learns more about the chefs, their inspirations and how they ended up in Thailand. Our…

  • Transport News

    The Phuket ‘light rail’ may end up being an electric bus instead

    The Phuket mass rapid transport system, aka. Phuket Light Rail and Phuket Tram, is receiving more attention as the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand mull more changes to the design. The initial route, which would run from the Phuket Airport, follow the main north/south artery, Thepkasattri Road, then through Phuket Town and on to Chalong circle, has a projected…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket tops travel destination list of cheapest hotel prices – Dertour 2020 Price Index

    Phuket tops a list of the cheapest travel destinations with a 1 night stay at a hotel costing on average less than $30 USD, according to a study by the German travel company Dertour. Phuket is going through what some say is a “crisis”, certainly a current tourist vacuum. The island province largely relies on income from foreign tourists, but…

  • Covid-19 News

    Malaysian PM proposes a state of emergency in a political move to postpone budget vote

    Malaysia’s head of state is said to be consulting with the country’s other hereditary rulers to discuss a proposal by Malaysian PM Muhyiddin Yassin, who has requested that the King declare a state of emergency. The Star newspaper is reporting that the country’s rulers would meet at 2.30pm tomorrow, after which the king will deliver a decision to the PM. Muhyiddin…

  • Video

    Thailand News Today | Prison release?, Pattaya Makeover, 6 new Covid cases | October 2

    Justice Minister proposes releasing chronically ill inmates to reduce prison overcrowding In an effort to reduce overcrowding in Thailand prisons, the Justice Ministry is looking into allowing chronically ill inmates to be released on a royal pardon. There’s also talk of shortening sentences for those incarcerated on drug charges. Overcrowding has been a problem at Thailand’s prisons, especially now more…

  • Thailand News

    Phuket residents going hungry after local government assistance runs out

    Residents in Phuket, particularly those living in and around the west coast townships, are reportedly going hungry as the government’s municipal budget to provide food has been depleted. Despite efforts to revive tourism in the area, thousands of people are still in need of donated food to survive and continue to queue up for donated food every day. A public…

  • Economy News

    New lease on life for 7 of Thailand’s budget airlines

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha today threw a lifeline to 7 of Thailands’ domestic low-cost airlines, beginning with the injection of 24 billion baht in soft loans for the struggling aviation sector, battered by the Covid-19 pandemic. Representatives of Thai Air Asia, its long haul division Thai Air Asia X, Thai Smile, Thai Lion Air, Thai Viet Jet, Bangkok Airways and Nok…

  • Politics News

    Thanathorn demands answers over budget increase for Royal office

    Progessive movement leader and former head of the now-defunct Future Forward Party Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit has been banned from politics for 10 years… but he’s still making his voice heard in the halls of power. In his capacity as an advisor to the House committee examining the budget bill, he questioned the justification for the increase in the budget for the…