government
- Thailand News
Beachside business caught red-handed with Pattaya city floats
Pattaya officials swooped in on a beachside entrepreneur’s operation, seizing floats that were allegedly repurposed from government property for commercial gain. Residents raised eyebrows at the brazen use of what appeared to be city-owned pontoons for private enterprise on Krating Lai Beach in north Pattaya. The Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City, Manot Nongyai, spearheaded a team of city officials yesterday…
- Thailand News
Lottery Office unveils digital lottery ticket platform for vendors
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) announced the imminent launch of its digital lottery ticket platform, set to transform the way vendors sell tickets. GLO Director Lieutenant Colonel Noon Sansanakhom revealed that the eagerly awaited website will go live this Sunday, offering registered vendors the opportunity to sell tickets for the April 1 draw. Lt. Col. Noon detailed the key features…
- Thailand News
Thai security academic calls for transparency in government assets
An independent security academic, Panitan Wattanayagorn, recently suggested a closer examination of the assets of military and government agencies in Thailand. His proposal aims to enhance transparency through regulated financial accounts and the disclosure of expenditures. Panitan, who specialises in security and foreign affairs, expressed his concerns, highlighting the ministries of Education, Higher Education Science Research and Innovation, and Finance…
- Business News
Thailand’s Q1 2024 government revenue exceeds target by 0.3%
The Fiscal Policy Office announced that government revenue collection for the initial quarter of fiscal 2024 surpassed its target by 0.3%, equating to 1.62 billion baht (US$45 million), according to the director-general, Pornchai Thiraveja. Pornchai, who also serves as a spokesperson for the Finance Ministry, disclosed that the government’s net revenue collection for the initial three-month period of fiscal 2024,…
- Thailand News
Corruption potential in the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme
Despite potential warnings from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the government has confirmed plans to proceed with the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat agreed to let the digital wallet policy committee begin work next week. The focus of the forthcoming meeting will be on the potential for corruption during the handout…
- Thailand News
World Songkran Festival to last from April 1 to 21
In an exciting announcement, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday revealed that plans were underway to organise World Songkran Festival activities nationwide. This decision comes hot on the heels of UNESCO’s recent recognition of the Songkran festival as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. “The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has formally acknowledged the significance of the Songkran…
- Thailand News
Hong Kong introduces diagonal crossings in Sha Tin
The Hong Kong government rolled out a measure allowing diagonal pedestrian crossings at selected intersections. The first pilot project, initiated yesterday, January 31, can be found at the bustling junction of Sha Kok Road and Yat Tai Street in Sha Tin. This move, aimed at streamlining foot traffic, has garnered applause from citizens eager to slash their waiting time at…
- Business News
Thai government and central bank clash over interest rates
The ongoing discord between government officials and central bankers regarding interest rate adjustments is creating uncertainty for local banks and could potentially trigger further foreign investor withdrawals. Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with key advisors, is advocating for a reduction in rates by the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to stimulate an economy the Thai PM describes as being in…
- Thailand News
Globalisation twist: Economic growth sizzles but income inequality and carbon clashes cloud horizon
The evolution of globalisation, while contributing to worldwide economic growth, has also introduced new economic challenges including increased income inequality and market failures due to carbon emissions. This was the view expressed by Eric S Maskin, Adams University Professor at Harvard’s Department of Economics. Maskin, a 2007 Nobel Laureate in Economics for his work in mechanism design theory, shed light…
- Thailand News
Delayed launch of Thailand’s 500 billion baht digital wallet rattles government
The much-anticipated 500-billion-baht (US$14.3-billion) digital wallet initiative, a flagship policy of the Pheu Thai-led government, has hit a snag. The planned rollout for May has been deferred, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, delivering a blow to Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin’s coalition government, which has been promoting the scheme as a lifeline for the faltering economy.…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha seeks extension to visa-free countries list for Thai passport
Currently boasting entry to 34 nations without a visa, the Thai government is seeking to extend this list for Thai passport holders. In a recent Cabinet meeting, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavasin announced his pursuit of a much more powerful Thai passport that will extend the list of visa-free countries. Applauding recent expansions, including visa-free access to China, Russia, and…
- Business News
Potential lithium reserves discovered in Phang Nga for EV industry
The Department of Primary Industries and Mines has identified potential lithium reserves in Phang Nga’s Takua Thung district, which could be instrumental in catering to the growing demands of the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Initial surveys indicate the presence of the element in the Ruangkiet area, where pegmatite, a rock from which lepidolite is derived, was discovered. Lepidolite is a…
- Economy News
Thailand PM urges cautious monetary policy amid economic recovery
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin urges the Bank of Thailand to consider the potential risks to the country’s delicate economic recovery when making decisions regarding monetary policy. He expressed concern that the decade-high borrowing costs, currently standing at 2.5%, could potentially impede the nation’s economic revival and affect the populace adversely. During a parliamentary budget debate, PM Srettha revealed that the…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha extends new year wishes, discusses govt’s plans
On the advent of the new year, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in company with Supreme Patriarch and House Speaker and Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, extended heartfelt wishes to the nation and its inhabitants. PM Srettha started his year with a visit to Wat Ratchabophit, accompanied by his wife, Pakpilai Thavisin. They expressed their reverence to the Supreme…
- Thailand News
Thai government’s budget bill for 2024 fiscal year under scrutiny
The Thai government’s budget bill for the fiscal year 2024 is under scrutiny as Sanphet Boonyamanee, a Democrat MP for Songkhla, raises concerns over major budget cuts and potential misrepresentation of off-budget funds. He reveals that despite the government’s request for 3.48 trillion baht (US$ 99,917,725,200) for the 2024 fiscal year, state agencies had initially asked for up to 5.8…
- Thailand News
PM’s festive fashion fiasco: Srettha Thavisin’s Christmas socks surprise
In a yuletide twist at Government House, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin turned heads yesterday, December 25, sporting eye-catching red and green Christmas socks that left reporters questioning their powers of observation. The festive saga unfolded when the prime minister breezed into the reporters’ room, bearing gifts of decadent Italian panettone, each weighing a generous 10 kilogrammes. The sweet and buttery…
- Thailand News
Explosive growth in Thai insurance industry predicted for 2024
The Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA) has foreseen an unprecedented surge in the insurance industry, with premiums expected to skyrocket to 303 billion baht in 2024. The TGIA president, Somporn Suebthawilkul, revealed the industry’s trajectory, unveiling that premiums for the initial nine months of this year already hit a whopping 210 billion baht, marking a staggering 5.2% rise from the…
- Thailand News
EEC water miracle: Government’s plan ensures businesses swim through summer
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) can breathe a sigh of relief as the government swoops in to address concerns over looming water shortages, promising a well-hydrated future until the summer of next year. The EEC, a flagship special economic zone spanning Rayong, Chon Buri, and Chachoengsao, faced imminent water crises, raising alarms within the community. Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin…
- China News
Hong Kong civil servants face fury if they dare criticise government
Hong Kong‘s civil servants are set to face disciplinary action if they openly criticise government policies. The proposed changes to the code of conduct have ignited a firestorm of controversy, with restrictions on comments both in their official capacity and as ordinary residents. Under the unveiled amendments, civil servants must now uphold political neutrality as one of 12 core values,…
- Thailand News
Thai government proposes 15 billion baht plan for informal debtors relief
The Ministry of Finance proposed a plan to the Cabinet to assist informal debtors, allocating a budget of 15 billion baht through the Government Savings Bank (GSB) and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). This initiative will also aid debtors affected by the Covid-19 situation who have lost their credit bureau records. At the Government House at 10am…
- Business News
Thai executives warn against fiscal burden increase: SET survey
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has published a survey in which top executives from Thai listed firms have urged the government to avoid amplifying the nation’s fiscal burden and distorting markets. The executives also proposed more involvement from the private sector in policymaking. The survey, titled Economic Outlook 2023 to 2024, was the work of the SET’s research department…
- Thailand News
Thai government approves 10% increase for civil servants starting at 18,000 baht
The Thai government approved a 10% salary increase for civil servants over a two-year period, beginning with new recruits. According to Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the first increment is expected to come into effect once the budget for 2024 is approved. Danucha explained that the salary adjustment will initially target newly inducted…
- Economy News
Commerce carnival: Ministry’s mega discount campaign aims to slash living costs for Thai citizens
In a grand gesture to ease the cost of living for Thai citizens, the Ministry of Commerce is joining forces with over 300 manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and convenience stores to roll out a colossal discount campaign. Scheduled to kick off on December 15 and last until January 15, 2024, this initiative is considered a new year present to the public…
- Politics News
Thai workers left in the lurch: Government’s broken promise leaves evacuees stranded
Thai workers who have evacuated from Israel are facing a nightmare as the government’s pledged financial aid remains elusive. Despite assurances of a 50,000-baht compensation almost a month ago, some Thai workers are still waiting, struggling, and urging authorities to expedite relief. The Thai government’s vow of 50,000 baht in compensation, coupled with low-interest loans and additional funds for Thai workers,…
- Thailand News
Thai PM evaluates potential wage increase for civil servants without price hike
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday declared that an evaluation was underway to determine the feasibility of increasing wages for civil servants and government employees. However, he dismissed the notion that such a hike would lead to a rise in consumer goods prices. The prime minister’s comments came in response to inquiries concerning the potential inflationary effects of the proposed wage…
- Thailand News
Bird breeders tweet plea to un-list the red-whiskered bulbul
Thailand‘s red-whiskered bulbul breeders’ association launched an appeal to the government, seeking to remove the bird from its list of protected species. The association argues that the breeding industry previously generated a substantial income for the economy, amounting to a billion baht. Suratep Boonyavatvanit, president of the association, highlighted that half a decade ago, there were approximately a million breeders…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s fitness deficit: Running endorsed to get the nation moving
Recent statistics from this year reveal that only 62% of the Thai population engage in sufficient physical activities, while over 38% don’t. To encourage an active lifestyle, Social Marketing Thaihealth (SMT) and its network have endorsed running as an affordable and accessible form of exercise. SMT and the Thai Health Day Run believe that running can pave the way for…
- 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…
- Politics News
ASEAN air force leaders’ meet in Myanmar with Thai Air Force on board
A meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) air force leaders, chaired by Myanmar, is currently underway with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in attendance. The conference in Nay Pyi Taw sees the participation of ACM Alongkorn Wannarot, the RTAF commander, alongside air force leaders from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Brunei, according to a report by activist…
- Thailand News
Thai PM extinguishes ‘high’ hopes for recreational cannabis, prioritises medicinal path
Disagreeing with the notion of recreational cannabis use, the Prime Minister of Thailand indicated that his administration would instead continue to focus on the medicinal usage of the plant. Thai PM Srettha Thavisin, who additionally performs the role of the nation’s Finance Minister, shared his stance with the media today, Friday, September 15. Despite this, the cannabis industry in Thailand…
- Thailand News
Thai government to revoke redundant NCPO directives, streamlining functions
The Government of Thailand has initiated plans to consult the Council of State, its legal advisory body, on revoking certain directives and proclamations issued by the now-disbanded National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, announced this move, citing that some of the NCPO’s orders are currently redundant or seen as hindrances to the smooth operation of government…
- Thailand News
New government policy statement urged to focus on escalating costs, tourism
Public expectations are high as the government prepares to present its policy statement in Parliament today, with the populace eager for it to fulfil commitments to resolve daily-life issues and rejuvenate the economy. Leaders in various sectors have made their pleas, requesting the new government to pay attention to its policy to the needs of their industry. Thaniwan Koonmongkon, head…
- Politics News
Pheu Thai’s Chai Watcharong set to become new government spokesperson
Chai Watcharong, a 64 year old veterinarian and party-list member of Pheu Thai is set to take up the mantle as the new government spokesperson. Positioned 91st on the party list, Chai has confirmed he is prepared to face the challenges of the role. The cabinet is set to officially instate Chai as the government spokesperson this Wednesday. Previously, Chai…
- Thailand News
Thai MP’s ‘carry-out’ leftovers kindness goes viral among netizens
An online discussion among netizens was prompted by an act of kindness by a member of Parliament for the Pheu Thai Party who hails from the province of Phrae. Following a session in the legislature, it was reported that MP Thossaporn Sereerak was spotted carrying bags stuffed with leftovers that he intended to give to people living on the streets.…
- Thailand News
Sub-merging optimism: Thai’s submarine engine deal with Germany and China
The Thai government is hopeful of a renewed agreement with Germany and China, centring around the engine for a new submarine under construction in China. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang conveyed his confidence in a mutually beneficial deal between the three nations. The discourse involves the potential installation of a German-made engine in the Chinese manufactured submarine, as initially stipulated by…
- Economy News
Thailand’s DES minister vows to combat online scams, roll out digital wallet
The new Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert stated that he is prioritising combating online fraud and call centre scams, as well as launching the much-discussed digital wallet plan. The ministry, aligned with Pheu Thai Party goals, plans a digital wallet scheme by 2024, starting next year, offering 10,000 baht to all Thai individuals aged 16 and above via…
- Business News
Power play: FTI cheers new government’s energy cost pledge
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed its satisfaction with the newly elected government’s commitment to lowering energy costs and retail diesel prices. Newly inaugurated Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has prioritised energy price reductions as an early objective of his administration. An immediate cut in energy prices has been promised by the 61 year old Srettha and his Cabinet upon…