reform

  • Thailand NewsThai defence minister mandates legal reforms to protect soldiers

    Thai defence minister mandates legal reforms to protect soldiers

    Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, has mandated legal reforms to protect conscripts and low-ranking soldiers, emphasising stricter enforcement against superior commanders who fail to address military misconduct. Following a Defence Council meeting yesterday, October 12, Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Thanathip Sawangsaeng revealed that Phumtham outlined a new framework for the online recruitment of soldiers, focusing…

  • Thailand NewsThailand explores salary reforms amid rising civil service costs

    Thailand explores salary reforms amid rising civil service costs

    The Comptroller-General’s Department, the Budget Bureau, and the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) are actively exploring reforms to salaries and benefits across all government sectors. Patricia Mongkhonvanit, Director-General of the Comptroller-General’s Department, highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue due to the substantial budget allocated for these expenses. She noted that the government’s fiscal health and long-term fiscal…

  • Business NewsThailand urged to reform high tax rates to match global standards

    Thailand urged to reform high tax rates to match global standards

    Thailand’s tax system requires comprehensive integration, as its current personal and corporate income tax rates exceed international standards, stated Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. During his keynote speech at the ACMA Business Forum 2024 on Shaping Tomorrow, Pichai highlighted that Thailand’s personal and corporate income tax rates are relatively high compared to competing nations. He noted that there is a global…

  • Thailand NewsSeri Ruamthai quits coalition over police reform dispute

    Seri Ruamthai quits coalition over police reform dispute

    The Seri Ruamthai Party has withdrawn from the Pheu Thai Party-led government, following frustrations voiced by its leader, Police General Sereepisuth Temeeyaves. During a briefing at the Seri Ruamthai headquarters yesterday, Sereepisuth announced the party executive board’s decision to vote 7:4 on Tuesday, August 27, to exit the coalition government. Sereepisuth cited the desire to switch to the opposition bench…

  • Thailand NewsNACC suggests legal reforms to exonerate innocent individuals

    NACC suggests legal reforms to exonerate innocent individuals

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) resolved to address the issue of criminal records for individuals found innocent or not prosecuted, proposing legal reforms and submitting recommendations to the Cabinet for consideration. During a recent meeting, the NACC decided to enhance the management of criminal records, aiming to improve efficiency and accuracy. The recommendation came after complaints from individuals previously accused…

  • Thailand NewsUrgent reforms needed to tackle Thailand’s education inequality

    Urgent reforms needed to tackle Thailand’s education inequality

    Urgent action is needed to tackle education inequality and restore hope among Thailand’s younger generation, according to former prime minister Anand Panyarachun. Speaking at The Scenario of Thai Society Future seminar, organised by the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Anand addressed the pressing need for reforms. The seminar marked the 50th anniversary…

  • Thailand NewsAftermath of Netiporn’s death: Activists demand judicial reform

    Aftermath of Netiporn’s death: Activists demand judicial reform

    In a dramatic showdown, Thalu Wang activists gathered outside Government House in Bangkok demanding judicial reforms following the tragic death of Netiporn Sanesangkhom. The activist’s untimely demise, attributed to medical negligence while in pretrial detention, has ignited a fervent call for change. Fewer than 20 activists converged at the Chamai Maru Chet bridge entrance, shortly after ministers concluded their weekly…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok court fines activists 11,200 baht issues suspended

    Bangkok court fines activists 11,200 baht issues suspended

    The Pathumwan District Court in Bangkok handed down a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, to prominent political figures Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, Pannika Wanich, Pita Limjaroenrat and Pairatthachot Chanthakachorn along with four others, in connection with their involvement in a flash mob protest in December 2019. Each defendant was also fined 11,200 baht for violating public assembly laws and using…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s triumph and tribulations: OECD report urges bold reforms

    Thailand’s triumph and tribulations: OECD report urges bold reforms

    Thailand has made good economic recovery post-pandemic, with tourism as a major boost, however, a recent report from the Organisation for Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlights the need for bold reforms to solidify and extend this triumph. The second OECD Economic Survey of Thailand commends the nation for averting a severe economic downturn during the pandemic, crediting robust fiscal support.…

  • Business NewsCrop déjà vu: Critics dub gov’s agri-reform a rerun of past plans

    Crop déjà vu: Critics dub gov’s agri-reform a rerun of past plans

    The government’s current measures to reform the nation’s agricultural sector, particularly rice farming, are largely seen as reiterations of former strategies, declared industry commentators. They suggest that any budget-based support should come with certain stipulations. Aat Pisanwanich, an international economics lecturer, after evaluating these measures, observes that the central policy appears to be a three-year debt suspension for farmers, with…

  • Business NewsNIA Reform: Thailand supports startups and SMEs market entry

    NIA Reform: Thailand supports startups and SMEs market entry

    The National Innovation Agency (NIA) reformed its financial assistance measures, shifting focus towards aiding startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in getting their products to market, rather than simply supporting the development of prototypes. This year, the state agency has allocated 300 million baht to support these businesses, to generate a 3 billion baht economic and social impact, which…

  • Thailand NewsPolice pursue ‘Quick Win’ transformation: Thai force targets efficiency and trust

    Police pursue ‘Quick Win’ transformation: Thai force targets efficiency and trust

    The Royal Thai Police have launched a fast-track programme, Quick Win, focusing on five key areas to transform the police force into a more efficient and trusted organisation. The spokesman for the National Police Office, Aachayan Kritong, revealed the initiative today. Aachayan explained that the National Police Chief, Torsak Sukwimon, recently briefed the entire force via video conference on the…

  • Thailand NewsThai armed forces plan to halve generals, save billions by 2027

    Thai armed forces plan to halve generals, save billions by 2027

    Thailand‘s Defence Council has recently given the green light to a reform plan that aims to reduce the number of generals in the armed forces by 50% by 2027, as stated yesterday by Deputy Defence Ministry Spokesperson, Colonel Jittanat Punnotok. Currently, there are approximately 1,200 generals in the military, a military source told Bangkok Post. Between 2017 and 2021, the…