Thai Government
- Thailand News
THAI union fights to keep government out of airline’s rehab plan
Thai Airways International (THAI) staff are up in arms, rallying against what they see as an attempt by the government to seize control of the airline under the guise of a rehabilitation plan amendment. The airline’s labour union staged a peaceful but determined protest outside THAI headquarters yesterday, November 8, holding up placards and calling on creditors to reject the…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s life-saving Pink ID Card for Myanmar migrants
Thailand is set to transform the lives of thousands of undocumented migrant workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. As of September 24, the Thai government confirmed plans to issue official Pink Cards —identification cards typically reserved for legal workers—to those who entered the country illegally, according to sources supporting Myanmar migrant workers. U Moe Kyaw, spokesperson for the Yaung…
- Thailand News
Reel deal: Thai man is squids in with government digital wallet
Among the many recipients of the government’s digital wallet handout is a 66 year old Thai man who transformed his share into a thriving small business selling grilled squid. State welfare cardholder Suwit Inrat, also known as Uncle Ood, received the handout money via his Krungthai Bank account around 2am today, September 27, prompting Suwit to spring into action. With…
- Thailand News
New alert system to be rolled out for natural disasters in Thailand
The Government of Thailand is set to roll out SMS alerts for natural disasters, ensuring the public is warned of impending danger, Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong revealed today. Prasert, who also serves as deputy PM, announced that the decision was made during a high-stakes meeting yesterday, September 23, attended by key players such as the Disaster Prevention…
- Thailand News
Over 34% of Thai children miss out on vital support grant
A recent study by UNICEF and the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) revealed that over 34% of children from impoverished households do not receive the monthly allowance they are entitled to under the Child Support Grant scheme. This finding highlights the urgency of addressing the high exclusion error and expanding the grant to all children under six years old, especially…
- Business News
Thai stocks hit 18-month high as baht rallies post new govt formation
Thai stocks surged to their highest levels since March last year, with the baht also experiencing a significant rally. This boost in financial markets follows the formation of the new government, sparking optimism over policy continuity. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index rose by as much as 2.9%, driven by gains in the packaging, information and technology, and petrochemical…
- Thailand News
Thailand minimum wage hike to 400 baht confirmed for October 1
Pheu Thai Party’s labour policy, particularly the plan to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide, remains firm, confirmed caretaker Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Phiphat assured that the wage hike, targeting specific professions and regions, is set to take effect on October 1, with further details to be announced shortly. The national wage committee, led by the permanent…
- Thailand News
Thailand government includes cash options in 10,000-baht handout
The Thailand government’s 10,000-baht handout programme is set for adjustments, with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat acknowledging the need to include cash distributions for some recipients instead of digital money. Numerous petitions against the government’s flagship policy contributed to this decision, Julapun said yesterday. Additionally, feedback from various sectors has prompted changes to improve the programme’s effectiveness. Initially, the policy…
- Thailand News
Thai Air Force to announce new fighter jet choice this week
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is set to reveal its choice for a new fighter jet model by the end of the week, as announced by ACM Panpakdee Pattanakul. The decision aims to modernise the ageing fleet. Currently, the RTAF is considering the Swedish-made Gripen E-model and the US-made F-16 Block 70 jets. Saab AB, the manufacturer of the…
- Thailand News
Thailand minimum wage hike to 400 baht awaits govt decision
The Thai Labour Ministry and employer representatives are eagerly awaiting the new government’s decision on whether to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide, a move that could significantly impact the country’s labour market. Permanent Secretary for Labour Pairoj Chotikasathien stated yesterday, August 20, that while the policy was approved by the Srettha Thavisin administration in May, further…
- Politics News
MFP leader slams government over court case remarks
The Move Forward Party (MFP) launched a scathing attack on the Thai government, accusing them of jeopardising a high-profile court case with the publication of a personal opinion from Deputy Government spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang. The contentious article, which was briefly posted on the Government House website before being removed, sparked fears it could sway the court’s decision on the looming…
- Thailand News
Digital wallet scheme sees 5.8 million registrations in three hours
Registration for the digital wallet scheme surged to 5.8 million people within just three hours. Officials expected the number to hit 7 million by noon today, following the government’s launch of a scheme allowing citizens to claim 10,000 baht via a digital wallet through the Tang Rat application on smartphones. This initiative, open from today, August 1 to September 15,…
- Thailand News
Over 1 million vendors join Thailand’s digital wallet scheme
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will provide further details on the government’s flagship digital wallet scheme today, with over 1 million shops and vendors registering to participate, according to a government statement issued yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai revealed that the announcement will primarily cover the requirements for eligible recipients to obtain and use the digital money. Additional details will…
- Thailand News
Thailand govt debunks reports of deserted tourist spots
Reports of tourist spots Cha-am Beach and Amphawa Floating Market being deserted have been debunked by government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Contrary to a viral video showing a quiet Cha-am Beach in Phetchaburi on a Sunday and social media claims about a lack of visitors at Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram, tourists continue to frequent both destinations. A video depicting an…
- Thailand News
Thailand slashes digital wallet budget amid corruption fears
The Thai government has decided to slash the budget for its digital wallet scheme from 500 billion baht to 450 billion, scrapping plans to borrow 170 billion baht from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced the decision yesterday, July 10, citing corruption concerns raised by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Julapun revealed…
- Thailand News
Thailand govt defends Buriram graduates amid cheating claims
The Thai government fiercely defended 40 Buriram Rajabhat University graduates against allegations of cheating in their competitive exams for assistant teaching positions. Rumours have been swirling that the graduates were aided by leaked exam papers, a suspicion magnified by the fact that the Minister of Education, Permpoon Chidchob, is from Buriram province. Addressing the controversy, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s Half-Half fertiliser project aims to grow rice prices
The Thai government has launched the Half-Half Fertiliser project, aiming to improve rice prices for farmers while continuing the 1,000 baht per rai support scheme. The initiative is intended to help farmers in times of crisis and enhance rice quality. Thammanat Prompao, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, addressed criticisms of the Half-Half Fertiliser project at the Government House today.…
- Thailand News
Korat locals protest against potash mining expansion
Korat locals gathered in force to protest against the government’s controversial plan to grant additional mining concessions in their province. Amid growing tensions and heartfelt pleas, the demonstrators demanded compensation for the devastating impacts existing mines have already had on their lives. The protesters, arriving at Rajabhat Nakhon Ratchasima University at 9am, were determined to deliver their message to Prime…
- Thailand News
Government to accelerate Sino-Thai HSR project
The Sino-Thai high-speed rail (HSR) link construction will be a major item on the agenda at next week’s mobile Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima, with the government eager to accelerate the project, according to Digital Economy and Society (MDES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. The 250.77-kilometre high-speed rail link between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima is projected to be completed by 2028. Currently,…
- Thailand News
Thailand sobers up: Slams brakes on extended alcohol sales hours
The Government of Thailand dashed hopes of extended alcohol sales hours, citing alarming statistics on road casualties and accidents. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced the decision following a tense panel meeting at the ministry on Tuesday, asserting that public safety must take precedence. “The ministry’s alcoholic beverage control committee reviewed road accident statistics and related legal implications, recognising the…
- Thailand News
Government to advance 47 billion baht in PPP projects this year
Government investment projects under public-private partnerships (PPP) are set to advance this year, nearing the target of 47 billion baht, as projected by the State Enterprise Policy Office (Sepo). Sepo’s director-general, Tibordee Wattanakul, mentioned that the PPP investments are expected to alleviate the government’s fiscal responsibilities. By February, the PPP Committee had sanctioned 18 billion baht for fiscal 2024, focusing…
- Thailand News
Weed demand justice: Cannabis advocates’ reclassification rally in Bangkok
Cannabis entrepreneurs, farmers, and activists gathered in Bangkok to protest the government’s plan to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic, only two years after its decriminalisation. The rally, held yesterday in front of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific headquarters, saw nearly 2,000 signatures collected to support a legal petition aimed at halting the government’s…
- Cannabis
Thai economy will be affected by heavy cannabis regulation
Let’s chat about a hot topic, shall we? Cannabis regulation in Thailand is like trying to find your way through a maze with no map. Now, on one hand, we’ve got this booming black market that’s ready to party when the government says no fun allowed and puts restrictions on recreational use. But on the other side of the coin,…
- Thailand News
Thailand unveils Phuket monorail plan to improve transport
The government unveiled an ambitious plan to enhance Phuket’s transportation infrastructure, featuring a new monorail system linking the airport and Phuket Town. This initiative arises from the island’s robust economic performance, with over 300 billion baht in circulation last year. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recognised Phuket’s potential, aligning with the government’s strategy to…
- Thailand News
Thai widow criticises government’s lack of aid after Hamas attack
A Thai widow, lamenting the loss of her husband in the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, voiced concerns over the lack of financial aid from the Thai government. The Thai woman, 30 year old Narisara Malee, is mourning the loss of her 34 year old husband, Tianchai Yotthongdee, who was among the Thai agricultural workers who lost their…
- Thailand News
Minimum wage increase pledge sparks hotel industry crisis
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s promise to boost the minimum wage to 400 baht by October 1 has set off alarms in the private sector, particularly among hoteliers. Concerns abound as businesses foresee a hefty 15 to 20% surge in costs across goods and services, presenting a formidable hurdle for the hospitality sector. The impending wage revision marks the third adjustment…
- Thailand News
Thai government: King’s birthday to bring 72,000 rai land allocation
In honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, the Thai government has earmarked 10 initiatives, one of which includes the allocation of 72,000 rai of military-owned land for public use. These projects were unveiled yesterday during the second meeting of the celebratory committee, presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is the leader of the ruling…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s biometric scheme for Myanmar nationals
Thailand’s latest move has sent shockwaves through the region as the government unveils a plan to gather biometric data from Myanmar nationals. But behind the guise of healthcare efficiency lies a shadow of suspicion and fear. To streamline healthcare for its transient population, Thailand has launched a controversial programme, gathering iris and face biometrics from Myanmar nationals. But as concerns…
- Thailand News
Thai government sets plans for King Rama X’s upcoming birthday
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a directive to all government departments to come up with proposals for events to mark the forthcoming sixth-cycle birthday of His Majesty King Rama X, scheduled for July 28. The announcement came in the wake of a Cabinet meeting yesterday. The 62 year old Thai prime minister requested that the plans be presented to the…
- Thailand News
Thai government’s digital wallet scheme under scrutiny
The Thai government’s digital wallet policy, specifically the planned usage of funds from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to support the initiative, will continue to be scrutinised by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The agency has previously raised concerns about potential corruption and legal risks linked to the 10,000 baht distribution scheme and will observe the government’s…
