government
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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
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…
- Thailand News
Moving ahead: MFP urges new PM to keep charter referendum promise
The Move Forward Party (MFP) called on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to address a charter to hold a referendum in his initial Cabinet meeting, as previously promised. This follows the House of Representatives rejecting MFP’s push to expedite a full constitution rewrite, currently the 33rd item on the House’s agenda. Highlighting the urgency, list-MP Parit Wacharasindhu acknowledged the House’s decision…
- Economy News
Revenue target for Thai government exceeds by 150 billion baht
Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja has announced that the Thai government is rolling in cash. The director-general declared that the government’s revenue surpassed expectations, surpassing its target by 150 billion baht in the opening ten months of fiscal 2023. This continues a positive trend reported in May when revenue targets were surpassed by 112 billion baht. As per…
- Politics News
Pheu Thai Party urges caretaker government to halt civil servants relocation
The Pheu Thai Party is calling for the caretaker government, under PM Prayut Chan-o-cha’s leadership, to heed the national constitution by not relocating leading civil servants, particularly permanent secretaries, whilst the new administration is being formed. Phumtham Wechayachai, the party’s deputy leader, voiced these calls recently. Phumtham issued a statement in which he admonished the transitional approach of Prayut’s government, reminding…
- Business News
Thai industries call for new govt to revitalise flagging exports
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) declared the urgent need for Thailand to form a new government and establish fresh policies aimed at tackling lacklustre export performance. Data revealed a 7.4% decline to US$28 billion in the nation’s exports to its largest market, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), during the period running from January to May. The FTI’s…
- Thailand News
Thai economy stimulus: Government plans 1.9 trillion baht boost during government transition
Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) unveiled plans to inject 1.9 trillion baht into the Thai economy to bridge the gap before the new government can budget for the year 2024, emphasising fiscal reforms and monitoring household debt. Secretary-General Danucha Pichayanan highlighted the need for industry restructuring and government action in response to shrinking exports, which is affecting…
- World News
Indonesia probes potential leak of election system verdict
Indonesia‘s Coordinating Minister for Politics, Legal and Security, Mohammad Mahfud Mahmodin, has called for an investigation into a potential leak involving a Constitutional Court verdict that could alter the country’s parliamentary election system. This comes after former deputy justice minister, Denny Indrayana, claimed that the court had repealed the current “open-list proportional representation” system for Indonesia’s parliamentary elections. Indrayana stated…
- World News
Japan prime minister’s son to resign amid scandal of staged news conference photos
The son of Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Shotaro Kishida, will resign as his father’s aide following a scandal involving photographs of him and other family members pretending to hold a news conference at the official residence. The prime minister announced the decision, stating that his son’s behaviour was “inappropriate” for someone in an official position. Last week, a weekly…
- Politics News
Thai pro-democracy coalition faces obstacles amid conservative backlash
Pro-democracy parties in Thailand are facing resistance in their efforts to form a government following their historic win in the recent general election. The Move Forward Party (MFP), led by prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat, has expanded its coalition to eight parties with 313 members. However, to form a government without relying on the military-appointed Senate, the bloc needs 376…
- Thailand News
Srisuwan demands 1 million compensation after being assaulted while filing complaint
Srisuwan, a complainant, now claims one million baht in damages after being physically assaulted for the second time while filing a complaint. He reports that he does not want an apology from the attacker and is determined to pursue the matter in court. Srisuwan has contacted Thung Song Hong police to investigate a case against a man who punched him…
- Lifestyle
Japanese government wants to offer additional 80,000 yen to new parents
Japan’s government is wanting to boost the amount given to new parents by 80,000 yen (US$585) to motivate citizens to have more babies. As the country’s birthrate has been declining for some time, the government has tried to find ways to boost family planning. According to the Japan Times, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare currently offer a Childbirth…
- Hot News
Xi Jinping sets record-breaking precedent with third term reappointment as general secretary
China’s president Xi Jinping is breaking the record of term limits by recently being confirmed as the leader of the Chinese Communist Party for a third term. According to The Guardian, Xi was unveiled as general secretary of the party, tilting the country back toward a one-man rule after decades of sharing power among the elite. The long-speculated reappointment signalled…
