Thai cabinet
- Thailand News
Thai MPs set to jump ship as PM Srettha prepares major reshuffle
Two Members of Parliament from the ruling Pheu Thai Party are on the brink of securing seats in the Cabinet, according to insider sources. Paopoom Rojanasakul, a party-list MP, and Jiraporn Sindhuprai, representing Roi Et, were reportedly spotted at Government House on Tuesday, fuelling speculation of their imminent ascent. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, despite dismissing rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle…
- Thailand News
Thai PM’s power play: Srettha hints at defence portfolio addition
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drops hints of an unprecedented power move, hinting at the possibility of adding the defence portfolio to his already hefty workload. This bombshell revelation comes amidst swirling speculations about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle that could reshape Thailand’s political landscape. Addressing a curious press pool after the delayed Cabinet meeting, the 62 year old PM, wearing a…
- Thailand News
Thai government’s triple referendum approach under scrutiny
The Cabinet will acknowledge the government’s stance on a triple referendum as a part of the process to amend the entire charter next week, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham asserted that despite being a protracted process, three referenda would ensure a judicious approach. However, critics have raised concerns that organising the triple referendum, each…
- Thailand News
Thailand scraps visa requirements for Kazakhstan tourists
The Thai Cabinet gave its nod for the permanent removal of visa requirements for tourists from Kazakhstan, a government spokesperson announced. This move aims to increase the influx of tourists from Kazakhstan, one of the rapidly evolving markets for Thailand’s tourism sector and a significant contributor to the nation’s economic development. Data released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand indicates…
- Thailand News
Thai govt explores legalisation of casino entertainment complexes
The Thai Cabinet yesterday endorsed a House committee report, greenlighting the prospect of legalising entertainment complexes featuring casinos within the country. The Ministry of Finance received orders to conduct a further feasibility study concerning this potential investment within a 30-day timeframe. Kenika Ounjit, the deputy government spokeswoman, highlighted that the entertainment complex initiative constitutes a vital component in the government’s…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s Cabinet to review legalisation of casinos proposal
The Thai Cabinet is set to review a proposal for the legalisation of casinos within the next fortnight, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Speaking in his role as the chairman of the special committee of the House, mandated with assessing the feasibility of legalising casinos in Thailand, he revealed that the proposal had secured preliminary approval from the…
- Thailand News
Thailand waives tolls for Songkran festival to ease travel costs
The Thai Cabinet approved a toll exemption for vehicles on Motorway No. 7 and Motorway No. 9 during the seven-day Songkran festival period to alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate convenience for travellers. The exemption will be in effect from 12.01am on April 11 to midnight on April 17, in time for the country’s traditional new year celebrations. The decision was…
- Thailand News
Cabinet green lights bills to modify alcohol control law
The Cabinet has given initial approval to five proposed bills aiming to modify the current alcohol control law, a move that could potentially lead to extended selling hours and more relaxed advertising rules. This decision has, however, sparked controversy among anti-alcohol advocates. The legislation was introduced for its first reading in the House on Wednesday, March 27, and received a…
- Thailand News
Cabinet reshuffle dismissed by key ministers following budget bill
Talk of a possible Cabinet reshuffle has been dismissed by three key Cabinet ministers, following the passing of the budget expenditure bill in early April. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, and Agriculture Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow are the ministers in question. Rumours have been circulating about a potential Cabinet reshuffle since the ministers…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet rejects gender recognition bill, citing crime concerns
The Thai Cabinet yesterday rejected the proposed Act on Gender Recognition, Title, and Protection of Gender Diversity, citing concerns about false identities if people are allowed to use preferred titles. The titles of people in the LGBTQA+ community have been trending on Thai social media since a transgender model, Phacharanat “Mimi” Nobantao, questioned why Thai citizens were unable to choose their…
- Thailand News
Cabinet meeting to discuss constitutional amendment referendum parameters
Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, announced that next month’s Cabinet meeting will focus on the parameters required for a constitutional amendment referendum. Phumtham, who is also the head of a panel examining the referendum requirements for the charter amendment, has stated that the report will be submitted to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Cabinet for…
- Thailand News
Tying the knot with change: Thailand raises marriage age to 18 in human rights stride
The Thailand Cabinet has embraced a proposal to elevate the minimum age of marriage from 17 to 18, aligning with global human rights standards. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is spearheading this change, aiming to bring the country in line with international principles. Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri disclosed that amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code, along with…
- Business News
Thai Cabinet fuels up for savings: Gasohol 91 prices set to drop
The Thai Cabinet today gave initial approval for a 2.5 baht per litre reduction in the price of gasohol 91 for three months, likely to start from October 31, as stated by the Thailand Energy Minister. Thailand Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga confirmed that this price cut would be facilitated by a 2.5 baht per litre reduction in excise tax, a method…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet wraps up 2023 with a four-day new year surprise
In a recent development, the Thai Cabinet has approved a four-day public holiday to usher in the new year. As confirmed by the secretary-general of the prime minister, Prommin Lertsuridej, this extended break will begin on Friday, December 29, and last until Monday, January 1. The decision comes as part of an effort to allow citizens ample time to celebrate…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet approves panel to draft charter amendment referendum
The Thai Cabinet greenlighted the formation of a 35-member panel yesterday, tasked with drafting a prospective charter amendment referendum, as disclosed by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Serving as the chair of the committee, Phumtham revealed that the panel will comprise representatives from both the government and opposition parties, as well as legal experts, scholars, social activists,…
- Phuket News
Cabinet approves extended holiday boosting Phuket’s economy by 2.2 billion baht
News from the Thai island of Phuket brings to attention a myriad of fascinating events that transpired yesterday, headlined by an extended holiday receiving the Cabinet’s approval. The long holidays have reportedly been known to promote expenditure within Phuket, with conjecture claiming an economic boost of close to 2.2 billion baht. Due to the surge in local activities, however, Vachira…
- Thailand News
Cabinet seems to have ignored 4am nightlife proposal
It seems that the push for 4am closing times for nightlife venues is meeting stiff opposition. But entertainment venues aren’t giving up, offering new arguments and proposing plans to solve the points of contention. Meanwhile, the briefing released after a Cabinet meeting yesterday that was expected to discuss the curfew extension did not make any mention of the 4am proposal.…
- Pattaya News
World Cup is no exception for crackdown in Pattaya venues
Staying up late to watch the World Cup? Not in an entertainment venue in Pattaya, you’re not. The Region 2 Police are cracking down on entertainment venues in the popular nightlife city and are not making any closing time exceptions for the World Cup. The police plan to strictly enforce seven important rules, according to Pattaya City officials at a…
- Thailand News
Mythical creature Naga announced as a symbol of Thai culture
The Cabinet announced yesterday that the mythical creature Naga will be used as a symbol of Thai culture to promote the kingdom’s creative economy. The Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson, Ratchada Thanadirek reported the news to the gathering Thai press pack yesterday that the Cabinet agreed to use the mythical giant serpent, Naga or Phraya Nak in Thai, as a symbol…
- Politics News
Former Thai PM slams govt’s miserly 5% minimum wage rise
A day after the Thai government announced a nationwide 5% salary increase the kingdom’s former prime minister condemned it as “not enough.” The Thai Cabinet yesterday agreed to increase the minimum wage throughout the country by 5%. The highest rate is 354 baht per day in Chon Buri, Rayong, and Phuket while it is 328 baht per day in places…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet to introduce rape and sexual harassment prevention plan
Following the recent spate of sex scandals involving Thai politicians, the Cabinet announced it intends to introduce measures to cut out sexual harassment in the workplace. The former deputy leader of the Democratic Party, Prinn Panitchpakdi, was accused of rape and sexual abuse by more than 10 victims in April, with the case still ongoing. More recently, this week Move…
- World News
Second Thai-Laos friendship bridge will house both railway and motorway- Transport Minister
Thailand is planning to build a bridge to Laos across the Mekong River for both railway and motorway. Last month, the Thai cabinet approved the project to build a second Thailand-Laos friendship bridge, connecting Nong Khai in northeast Thailand and the Laos capital Vientiane, as part of the third phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. The construction is estimated…
- Economy News
4 new holidays in Thailand hoped to stimulate domestic travel
Apparently in an effort to boost tourism revenue in Thailand, the Thai Cabinet has approved the creation of 4 new holidays in the middle of next year that allows for extra-long weekends. The government hopes that the creation of these long holiday weekends will encourage domestic travellers to take short getaway holidays around Thailand and stimulate the economy. The move…
- Thailand News
Advertisements and messages that could cause harm or danger to Thais to fall under greater gov scrutiny
The Thai Cabinet Committee has decided to take a firmer stance on advertisements that they say could instigate social harms and messages that reference the monarchy. They plan to issue laws and regulations to control such harmful advertisements. Deputy government spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul says the committee has approved the draft ministerial regulations toward advertisements or services that might cause danger…
- Phuket News
It’s happening: Phuket sandbox approved by Cabinet
It’s been talked about until the buffalo came home – and then some. It was on, it was off, it was delayed, then it wasn’t. Finally, it’s been confirmed. After being closed to foreign tourists for over a year, the southern island of Phuket is set to re-open on July 1. Yesterday, the sandbox scheme, which will see the island…
- Covid-19 News
Unvaccinated MPs must show negative Covid-19 result before each parliament session
Under new measures for Thai Cabinet sessions, members of parliament who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 must test negative for the coronavirus before each new meeting. The parliament president Chuan Leekpai says the new orders are to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among Cabinet members. If an MP has not been vaccinated and does not show a negative result…
- Tourism News
Jet fuel tax reduction extended again to aid airlines, tourism
A tax reduction, for jet fuel that has been in place to help the airline industry during the Covid-19 pandemic, has been extended until the end of 2020. With international travel decimated, this tax cut is aimed to help airlines stay afloat and get more customers with lower prices while travel figures are massively down. The extension was scheduled to…
- Covid-19 News
MP claims 2 Cabinet ministers visited Covid-cluster venue in Thong Lor
With a third of the Thai Cabinet in isolation after coming in close contact with Covid-19, a MP claims 2 Cabinet ministers went to a nightlife venue in Bangkok’s Thong Lor where a cluster of Covid-19 infections have been reported. The chair of the House committee on legal affairs, justice and human rights, Sira Jenjaka, says he has photo evidence…
- Thailand News
PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says “sorry” for spraying reporters with hand sanitiser
PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says he was just “playing” around when he sprayed puffs of hand sanitiser at reporters during a press conference. When asked questions about a possible reshuffle of the Thai Cabinet, Prayut picked up a bottle of alcohol spray at his podium and gave the front row of the press a good spray while walking off, ending the…
- Thailand News
Cabinet adds 8 holidays to the 2021 calendar including an extra day for Songkran
Get ready for more long weekends. The Thai Cabinet added 8 holidays to the 2021 calendar, including an extra day for Songkran, the Thai New Year celebrated by massive water flights. Adding the extra holidays is an effort to promote domestic tourism and stimulate the economy which was battered by the pandemic. A government spokesperson confirmed the additional holidays with…
