Thai Government

  • Business News

    Thailand shifts gears: Revving up both ICE and BEV vehicle production

    The government of Thailand is pushing for a dual-track approach to vehicle manufacturing, fostering the production of both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated his desire for Thailand to be a significant centre of ICE production, even as the nation aims to become a hub for BEV manufacturing. He is due to…

  • Thailand News

    Thai govt reduces foreign worker visa fees to 500 baht to boost economy

    Foreign worker visa fees for four nationalities have been reduced to 500 baht, with the fee changes expected to be enforced from November 11 for a duration of four years. This reduction aims to stimulate the Thai economy’s recovery by promoting the legal employment of migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Somchai Morakotsriwan, currently acting as the Director-General…

  • Economy News

    Inflation rate in Thailand dips for first time in over two years

    The Commerce Ministry of Thailand announced today that the country’s inflation rate has dipped for the first time in 25 months, primarily due to a drop in energy and food prices. This development is attributed to the government’s support measures. The consumer price index (CPI) noted a 0.31% reduction in October, compared to the same period last year. This contrasted…

  • Business News

    Thailand economy: Fiscal position to suffer due to government policies like digital wallet scheme

    Thailand’s fiscal position is predicted to face a downturn in the medium term, according to analysts, as the government advances populist policies such as the digital wallet scheme. BMI, a division of Fitch Solutions, forecasts that the nation’s budget deficit will escalate from 2.9% in the current fiscal year to 3.6% in the following fiscal year. This is due to…

  • Thailand News

    Pheu Thai government opts for Chinese frigate

    An unexpected turn of events saw the Pheu Thai-led government opting for a Chinese-made frigate over a submarine, after a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding the original submarine purchase. The shift in decision came on the heels of China‘s inability to get the German-made MTU 396 engine for the submarine, as specified in the 2017 agreement. China’s suggestion of using…

  • Thailand News

    MFP charter rewrite motion rejected by Thailand House of Representatives

    A charter rewrite motion, sponsored by the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), has been rejected by Thailand’s House of Representatives. The decision was influenced by concerns that the proposed changes could lead to a biased charter amendment, as explained by Nikorn Chamnong, who leads a sub-panel tasked with gathering public opinion on a constitutional amendment referendum. The MFP intended…

  • Thailand News

    NACC probes Thai government’s 10,000-baht digital handout amid corruption fears

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) initiated an in-depth study into the Thai government’s policy for a 10,000-baht digital currency handout. This step comes as the agency intensifies its examination of the key policies of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. According to a source within the NACC, the decision was made following a suggestion from the agency’s corruption monitoring and appraisal…

  • Thailand News

    Thai firms to get tax cuts for aiding PM2.5 pollution reduction efforts

    The government is set to grant tax incentives to Thai firms that financially support the mitigation of PM2.5 fine particulate matter, primarily resulting from forest fires. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has expressed growing concern over the haze pollution expected to shroud the central and northern regions from November to March due to an extended drought period influenced…

  • Business News

    Thai government’s policy paradox: Digital wallet scheme and minimum wage hike under fire

    The Thai government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has faced significant challenges since coming to power seven weeks ago, with various commitments made during their campaign now under scrutiny. A crucial task includes the repatriation of Thai citizens affected by the Middle East conflict and the ongoing Israel-Hamas unrest. The Thai government’s promise to hike the daily minimum wage to…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand’s Social Security Office allocates 207 million baht for historic board election

    The Social Security Office (SSO) in Thailand has allocated a budget of 207 million baht for the inaugural election of Social Security Board members. The event, slated for December 24, is a first in the history of the board, according to Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the Security General. The Social Security Board, under the Social Security Act, serves as an intermediary between…

  • Business News

    Thai businesses on track to navigate energy price cuts: TDRI concerns loom

    Thai businesses are assessing the implications of the government’s recent energy price cuts, amidst concerns from the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) about the potential adverse long-term effects of the policy. The Srettha Thavisin-led government has decided to slash the power tariff from 4.45 baht per kilowatt-hour to 3.99 baht between September and December and cap the retail price of…

  • Thailand News

    JSCCIB for water: Thai committee floats idea to dip into digital wallet funds for H2O solutions

    The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) proposed that the Thai government allocate a portion of its 560 billion baht digital wallet scheme budget towards supporting water management plans. The committee argues that Thailand needs immediate and long-term solutions to deal with flooding and drought, which is forecasted to affect the agricultural sector due to El Niño-induced…

  • Business News

    Thai retailers urge government to reassess import taxes on luxury goods

    The Thai government is being implored to reassess the import taxes imposed on luxury goods to mirror the tax rates in neighbouring countries. This is a strategic move aimed at attracting foreign tourists and bolstering the competitiveness of Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) against established foreign brands in the country. The call for this revision comes from Yol Phokasub,…

  • Business News

    Thailand’s mega land bridge project: an economic boon or environmental bane?

    The Industry Ministry of Thailand is currently assessing the environmental impact of a proposed land bridge megaproject in the southern part of the country, a venture that promises to significantly bolster the Thai economy in the future. This assessment is crucial to determining the project’s viability and addressing any potential negative effects on the environment. The proposed land bridge, which…

  • Business News

    Bonding for the future: Thai govt sets sail with expanded issuance

    The director-general of the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) yesterday asserted that the planned issuance of government bonds in fiscal next year will be proportionate and appropriate. The limit for bond issuance for the said fiscal year has been expanded by approximately 160 billion baht. Patricia Mongkhonvanit revealed the increase is intended to counterbalance the budget deficit for fiscal next…

  • Thailand News

    Thai government plans further electricity tariff cut to 3.99 baht per unit

    The Thai Energy Ministry has laid out plans to further reduce electricity tariffs by an additional 11 satang per unit, announced government spokesperson Chai Watcharong yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga disclosed the plan during the meeting, stating that the current rate of 4.10 baht per unit is set to drop to 3.99 baht. Just last month,…

  • Business News

    Thailand reviews taxes and launches digital wallet to tackle income disparity

    The Finance Ministry of Thailand is set to review the new land and building tax and the inheritance tax and launch the digital wallet following an order from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The move aims to mitigate income disparity in the nation. PM Srettha, who also holds the Finance Minister post, gave the directive subsequent to the appointment of a new…

  • Thailand News

    Universal healthcare pilot scheme offers flexible hospital choice in Thailand

    The Public Health Minister, Cholnan Srikaew, has announced the readiness of a new pilot scheme that will enable members of the universal healthcare (UC) programme to seek health services at any hospital. The initiative is aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery, providing UC members with the flexibility to seek eligible services at any hospital. It is expected that the scheme will…

  • Tourism News

    Phuket tourism and property sectors propose Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor

    Phuket’s tourism and property development sectors have called on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to swiftly consider their proposal for an Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor (AWC). This initiative is intended to align with the global wellness trend, enhancing the tourism industry and related investments. This came to light during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Phuket and Phang Nga, where he…

  • Thailand News

    Birth rate plunge triggers health minister’s urgent action plan

    The national birth rate in Thailand is on a steep decline, prompting urgent action from the country’s Minister of Public Health Chonlanan Srikaew. He plans to push fertility to the forefront of the country’s national agenda, aiming for swift implementation within 100 days as part of the ministry’s “quick win” policies. Chonlanan revealed after Friday’s executive meeting that the current…

  • Thailand News

    Charter changes referendum has MFP concerned about government’s procrastination

    The potential referendum concerning changes to the charter sparked concerns as the Move Forward Party (MFP) suggests the government is procrastinating. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai tasked with forming a panel to study the referendum plans, stated that discussions about the referendum’s necessity are still ongoing. This announcement came after the Cabinet’s first meeting this week. The focus of the Cabinet’s…

  • Thailand News

    Thai PM’s digital wallet pick: Pao Tang app unlocks blockchain integration

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday that the government has chosen the Pao Tang app, operated by Krungthai Bank, for its digital wallet initiative. The integration of the app with blockchain technology was confirmed by Srettha during a policy meeting with executives from the Finance Ministry. The government is prepared with a sufficient budget to roll out a 10,000 baht…

  • Thailand News

    Thai PM ‘splits’ salary option sparks debate among civil servants

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday responded to criticisms surrounding the recent Cabinet resolution, which offers civil servants the option of receiving their monthly salary in two instalments instead of the usual single payment. The resolution, primarily aimed at stimulating the economy, was unveiled during the first Cabinet meeting of his administration on Wednesday and is tentatively set to start in January.…

  • Thailand News

    Thai government improves universal healthcare scheme with digital, patient-centric measures

    Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin mandated the country’s health minister, Cholnan Srikaew, to assemble a committee aimed at improving services provided under the universal healthcare scheme. According to government spokesman, Chai Wacharonke, the prime minister’s objective is to simplify access to healthcare services for the public. An example of the impending changes to the universal healthcare scheme includes eliminating the necessity…

  • Business News

    Energizing savings: Government’s cost-cutting shock eases financial pressure

    The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) expressed approval for the Thai government’s latest move to slash both electricity and diesel costs. This initiative is aimed at alleviating the financial pressure on households and businesses. The reduction in power tariff was confirmed yesterday, following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s policy statement announcement in parliament, reports Bangkok Post. The new…

  • Business News

    SET falls as Thai government’s new policies fail to convince investors

    The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) experienced a slight decline yesterday as the newly elected government‘s policy statement failed to impress investors. Analysts have raised concerns about the lack of specific timelines and the feasibility of implementing these policies. The Srettha Thavisin administration’s key policies include a 10,000 baht digital wallet to stimulate domestic demand, energy price reductions, tourism promotion,…

  • Thailand News

    Prime Minister plans mobile Cabinet meeting to address Nong Bua Lamphu’s economic challenges

    The Prime Minister, has confirmed his plans to hold a mobile Cabinet meeting in Nong Bua Lamphu province this November. The primary focus of the meeting will be to address the economic challenges the province is currently facing. Srettha Thavisin announced his decision during his visit to the Customs Office at the Laos border checkpoint in Nong Khai. The selection…

  • Thailand News

    Civilian defence minister to navigate Thai military reforms amid coalition challenges

    The newly appointed Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang, is in the spotlight as he is expected to navigate through various challenges within the military while maintaining stability within the Pheu Thai-led coalition government. As the first civilian to take the defence minister position without also holding the role of the prime minister, Sutin is expected to manage military reform, the southern…

  • Thailand News

    NHSO plans digital transformation, enhanced universal healthcare

    Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) is set to improve its services in alignment with the new government‘s policy, according to the NHSO secretary-general, Jadet Thammathataree. The planned modifications pertain to the universal healthcare package, commonly referred to as the gold card scheme and the digital transformation of the NHSO system. The NHSO has recently engaged in discussions with the…

  • Transport News

    Thailand’s transport sector set for major 29.7 billion baht upgrade

    A bright future is on the horizon for Thailand’s transport and logistics system. The Transport Minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, has recently outlined his ambitious plans for the country’s railways and maritime sectors. Revealed during his inaugural speech, these policies are set to be formally announced next week. Suriya believes that by focusing on these areas of transport improvement, Thailand can significantly…

  • Thailand News

    One Family, One Soft Power policy introduced to promote Thailand’s soft power

    The new government of Thailand, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has introduced a policy known as One Family, One Soft Power (OFOS). This policy aims to promote Thailand’s soft power, starting by improving the skills of Thai people with free training programmes and workshops. The political campaigns of the Pheu Thai Party gained a lot of interest from the…

  • Business News

    Thai rice body urges government to focus on new rice strains

    The Thai Rice Exporters Association is calling on the new government to avoid manipulating rice market prices and instead focus on the strategic production of new rice varieties. Chookiat Ophaswongse, the association’s honorary president, emphasised the importance of developing new rice strains to maintain competitiveness with other exporting nations. “This is crucial for the future of Thai rice. Following roadshows…

  • Technology News

    Online fraud declines as Thais embraces digital safety measures

    Chaiwuti Thanakamanusorn is confident that online crime measures are effective, as statistics of online scams show a decline. The public is also increasingly aware and cautious, preventing themselves from becoming victims of online fraud. Chaiwuti, the Thai Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), is urging the public to adopt measures to protect themselves from becoming victims of organized cybercriminal…

  • Thailand News

    Cannabis clash to coalition: Bhumjaithai’s olive branch to Pheu Thai Party PM candidate

    The fickle nature of Thai politics once again reared its ugly head when the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party extended an olive branch to the Pheu Thai Party prime ministerial candidate who levied against their cannabis legalisation policy during the General Election campaign. Pheu Thai Party leader Chonlanarn Srikaew yesterday invited Anutin Charvirakul and the Bhumjaithai Party to a press…

  • Thailand News

    Prime minister fast-tracks aid for firework warehouse blast victims

    Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, along with Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, toured the site of a devastating fireworks warehouse explosion in Narathiwat yesterday. The visit aimed to expedite the rehabilitation process for victims and address housing issues caused by the unfortunate incident. Chan-o-cha journeyed to Muno, a village in Sungai Kolok district, to evaluate first-hand the circumstances of those affected by…

  • Thailand News

    Thai state bodies unite to curb money laundering via digital assets

    In an unprecedented act of collaboration, five Thai state bodies are colluding to tackle illicit fiscal operations and money laundering across national frontiers, reveals Traisuree Taisaranakul, the deputy government spokeswoman. The cooperative pact encompasses the Royal Thai Police (RTP), the Revenue Department, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), and the Bank of Thailand (BoT). Traisuree…

  • Thailand News

    Thai organisations challenge Senate’s prime ministerial authority

    Amidst ongoing political turmoil in Thailand, a collective of forty organisations including pro-democracy bodies, non-governmental agencies, and civil society factions made a united call. The appeal, presented to the media yesterday, demanded governmental respect for the General Election held on May 14. It emphasised recognition of the Move Forward Party due to its public support and backed its leader for…