Deputy Prime Minister
- Thailand News
Government may raise foreign condo ownership limit to 75%
The government considers increasing the foreign ownership limit in condominiums from 49% to 75% of a building’s usable space, as disclosed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The Interior Ministry is evaluating the feasibility of extending the maximum leasehold period for foreigners from 50 years to 99 years. Phumtham stated that this proposal was first discussed at a Cabinet meeting…
- Thailand News
Thailand and UK forge economic alliance
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Lord Dominic Johnson of Lainston CBE, along with British Ambassador Mark Gooding, engaged in a diplomatic meeting to discuss economic collaboration between the UK and Thailand. The crux of Thursday’s discussions revolved around fortifying economic ties, amplifying trade relations, and fostering investment opportunities. This pivotal dialogue laid the groundwork for signing a Memorandum of…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s population to halve in 60 years, warns deputy PM
Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin cautioned that Thailand’s population could plummet from 66 million to a mere 33 million within six decades. This alarming forecast, issued yesterday, spells out dire consequences for the nation’s economic vitality and security, with the working-age populace dwindling from 46 million to a mere 14 million, according to Somsak. Speaking at a meeting of a…
- Thailand News
Thai minister ready to battle over funding for Russian helicopter
Thai Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, is set to challenge the parliamentary subcommittee’s refusal to approve funding for a new Russian-made helicopter. The helicopter is intended to augment the capabilities of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), particularly in dealing with the country’s increasing wildfires and haze pollution. The subcommittee, tasked with scrutinising the fiscal budget for 2024, had…
- Business News
Thailand urged to speed up joint gas project with Cambodia
Energy experts urged Thailand to accelerate discussions on a joint gas production endeavour with Cambodia in the overlapping claim area (OCA). The call comes in light of the global shift towards clean energy, which could pose challenges to new petroleum projects due to their contribution to carbon emissions. Despite its initiation in 2001, the OCA negotiations have yet to progress…
- Thailand News
Bangkok leverages Boys Love series for global Thai product boost
Bangkok’s commerce scene is set to undergo a transformative boost as the Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, revealed a groundbreaking initiative to elevate Thai products and services to the global stage through the popular and increasingly recognised medium of television and films. Slated to reach an audience of three million across 100 countries, the scheme aims for…
- Thailand News
Thai deputy PM calls for abolition of controversial teacher-guardian system
In a significant administrative shift, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is advocating for the cancellation of the teacher-guardian system, asserting that it is the responsibility of security agencies, not teachers. He emphasises that the simplest and most immediate solution is to return teachers to the classroom. This development emerged following an incident where a teacher was physically assaulted while guarding…
- Thailand News
Ministry of Energy: Exclusive discounts and extended assistance period for NGV prices
The Ministry of Energy, led by Deputy Prime Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, is rolling out an unprecedented lifeline for truck operators, public transport, and taxi drivers grappling with soaring natural gas prices for vehicles (NGV). Pirapan announced the formation of a dedicated working group aimed at tackling the escalating issue of surging NGV prices. The superhero in this saga, PTT Public…
- Thailand News
Thai prime minister’s holiday escape revelation sparks controversy
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has stepped up to shield Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin amid a storm of criticism over his unannounced four-day holiday break to be with family. Phumtham, doubling as the commerce minister, staunchly defended the PM’s right to take a breather, asserting that a holiday is perfectly normal. Striking back at detractors, he revealed that the 61…
- Environment News
Thailand’s interior minister unveils strategies to combat air pollution
The Secretary to Thailand’s Minister of the Interior, Traisulee Traisanakul, unveiled strategies to counteract forest fires, smog, and PM 2.5 smoke yesterday, December 6. These policies came as an initiative from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and were addressed to provincial governors. Every year, during the cold and drought season, Thailand grapples with air pollution…
- Thailand News
Thai deputy PM raises concerns over MFP’s political amnesty bill
Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed reservations about the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) political amnesty bill. The MFP, led by Chaithawat Tulathon, proposed an amnesty for individuals involved in politically motivated incidents dating back to the protests of February 2006. This proposition was initially introduced last year and is now under consideration for parliamentary debate. Phumtham stated that while…
