Thread: Thai PM Srettha Thavisin receives royal endorsement

• Water resource management is needed to ensure supplies for industry : PM

The government is giving more importance to water resource management than to the high-speed train project, to ensure that there is sufficient water to meet the demands of the industrial sector, especially in the eastern region, said PM Srettha Thavisin on Friday.

Water resource management must be improved, to convince investors that there is a sufficient supply for the industrial sector, adding that he has been told by industrialists, who have factories in the eastern region, about their concern that there may not be sufficient water in April next year.

He also said that he has instructed the Irrigation Department to look at the water problem in the eastern provinces, the site of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), to make sure that there is a sufficient supply, adding that, when he or other ministers are abroad on “road show” trips to promote investment in Thailand, there must be no press reports of water shortages.

Giving a speech on the “Next Chapter Thailand” today, the prime minister said he would like to see Thailand achieve food security and be the world’s leader in food production. Water is a key element in agricultural and industrial production.

Regarding the debt moratorium for farmers, the prime minister said that does not want this measure to be repeated ad infinitum, pointing out that a similar measure has been introduced 13 times in the past nine years, yet many farmers still remain heavily in debt and poor.

He said, however, that his government’s 12-month debt moratorium for about two million farmers, who have incurred no more than 300,000 baht each in debt to the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), is necessary as a temporary respite, adding that, in the future, other measures will be introduced to improve the productivity of farmers.

The prime minister also made clear that his government will not intervene to guarantee the prices of farm produce or introduce rice pledging scheme, unless there is a devastating disaster, causing extensive damage to crops or farm produce.

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• Paetongtarn plans big push for Otop products as Thai soft power

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a key figure in the ruling Pheu Thai Party, said on Friday that Otop products would be among the first of Thai soft power to be promoted by the new government.

She said that the information obtained from the Otop Midyear 2023 event would be raised at the next meeting of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee on October 3.

“Priorities would be set for different matters. The quickest thing that can be done is to promote Otop products while improving the skills of producers,” Paetongtarn said while visiting the event.

She said the government was waiting for input from Otop entrepreneurs regarding what kind of state support they expected.

“From my observation, the fabric-weaving skills are diminishing. Younger people are looking for new occupations. The changing values have made them less interested in weaving. Beautiful weaving designs have become rare now,” Paetongtarn said.

She said that she wanted to see innovations adopted to address the issue, adding that she would consult with her team regarding the matter.

Paetongtarn was recently appointed deputy chairwoman of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, which is headed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

In her political party, Paetongtarn serves as “head of the Pheu Thai Family”. The 37-year-old political newbie is the youngest daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is regarded as Pheu Thai’s patriarch.

At the fair on Friday, she was accompanied by her staff and some Cabinet members from the Pheu Thai Party, including Prime Minister’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad, Deputy Interior Minister Kriang Kantinan, and Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri.

Paetongtarn wore a jacket made from chequered “pha khao ma” fabric at the fair, presented to her by villagers during her election campaigning.

During her visit, she talked with Otop operators and was asked by admirers for her photos to be taken with them.

Otop Midyear 2023 is being held at the Impact Challenger Hall until October 1.

Otop, which stands for “One Tambon, One Product”, is a local entrepreneurship programme initiated about two decades ago by the Thaksin government. The programme aims to support locally made and marketed products from over 7,200 tambons (cluster of villages) across Thailand.

Srettha focuses on tourism as he opens new Suvarnabhumi terminal

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stressed the importance of improving the efficiency of Thai airports to increase tourist arrivals as he presided over the soft opening of a new satellite terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Friday.

The improvement of airport efficiency is one of his government’s short-term policies to stimulate the economy, he said.

“The development of airports to handle tourist arrivals not only brings new opportunities for businesses, but also helps improve the quality of life and well-being of the people,” Srettha said.

He described tourism as Thailand’s major revenue earner and an important economic engine.

Thailand has seen over 19 million foreign tourists between January and mid-September, representing a 270% increase from the same period last year.

“SAT-1 terminal will help raise the capacity of Suvarnabhumi Airport to cope with tourist arrivals throughout the year, in addition to a third runway to be opened in the middle of next year,” the prime minister said.

The newly opened Satellite Terminal 1, also known as SAT-1, is designed to handle 15 million passengers annually – representing a 33% increase in capacity at Bangkok’s main airport. The airport can now accommodate up to 60 million passengers per year, up from 45 million.

Srettha focuses on tourism as he opens new Suvarnabhumi terminal

At the opening ceremony on Friday, Srettha told participating executives from relevant state agencies that increased airport capacity and efficiency was needed to improve Thailand’s potential as a regional aviation hub and a popular tourist destination. “We need to give assurance to tourists from their first step on Thai soil to their last step boarding a flight home. [We need to] make them impressed so that they come back to Thailand,” he said.

Srettha was accompanied at SAT-1’s soft opening by Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit and other senior officials from relevant agencies.

SAT-1 is connected to the main airport terminal by an underground automated people mover train system. The building has six storeys, two of them underground, with a total floor area of 251,400 square metres.

The new terminal features 28 aircraft bays, including eight designed for Code F aircraft like the double-decker A380 super jumbo jets and 20 for Code E aircraft such as Boeing B747s.

In the first week of its soft opening, SAT-1 served 14 flights of Thai AirAsia X per day and four flights of Thai VietJet Air per day. The number of flights will rise, and more airlines will use the terminal later this year, officials said.

Originally Posted by S Landreth

aimed at charting a course of action to further deepen and expand the extensive spectrum of mutually beneficial ties under bilateral and multilateral frameworks, the statement said.

so they are discussing who is benefitting more under their chinky overlords

Originally Posted by S Landreth

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stressed the importance of improving the efficiency of Thai airports to increase tourist arrivals

are they opening a dedicated chinky/wobbly terminal?

^Maybe one day, but for now I think they’re looking at accommodating 15 million more guests.

Originally Posted by S Landreth

The airport can now accommodate up to 60 million passengers per year, up from 45 million.

A little more about the soft opening of the SAT-1 terminal

• PM OPENS SAT-1, PRAISES THAKSIN’S WELL-PLANNED SUVARNABHUMI INFRASTRUCTURE

Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, presided over the soft launch of Satellite 1 (SAT-1) on September 29. He praised the previous government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for the well-planned infrastructure, including the terminal, which has facilitated future expansions and enabled faster connectivity to SAT-1.

“The Thaksin Shinawatra government laid the foundation, and at that time the construction of the terminal was cost-effective. It had a far-reaching vision that has now resulted in significant budget savings. It is now in excellent condition and well suited for the time when we are opening the country to tourists and boosting the economy through tourism. AOT has done an excellent job,” said the Prime Minister.

Keerati Kitmanawat, chief executive officer of Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT), said that on the first day of operation of SAT -1 on September 28, 11 flights used the facility, meeting the set targets for the service.

Keerati mentioned that in December, the Immigration Bureau will introduce the biometric or identity verification system, which will eliminate the need for passports and airline tickets to verify identity.

Passengers will be able to use the counters and go through the screening gates without these documents, reducing the time from about 15 minutes to almost instant verification. This will help avoid long queues and accommodate passengers who have checked in 4-5 hours in advance. The system will support check-in up to 5 hours in advance.

AOT has also asked for cooperation from Immigration to increase staffing for passenger processing during peak periods. Their goal is to have every passenger complete all processes in just 40 seconds. They are confident they will reach that goal by 2024.

• Thai PM sends condolences to bereaved families in Pakistan over deadly explosions

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin sent his condolences on Saturday to the families in Pakistan who lost their loved ones in Friday’s explosions.

According to media reports, two suicide bombings killed more than 50 people and injured dozens of others.

“I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic explosion and the loss of lives in Mastung City, Pakistan, on September 29. Deepest sympathies and condolences to the government of Pakistan, her people, and bereaved families,” he wrote on his social media account.

According to media reports, suicide bombings at two religious ceremonies in Pakistan killed at least 56 people and injured dozens more on Friday, as worshippers marked the birthday of Prophet Mohammad.

CNN quoted local police as saying that at least 52 people were killed and 50 others wounded by an explosion at a religious procession in southwestern Balochistan province’s Mastung district.

Hours later, a separate blast took place during Friday prayers at a mosque near Peshaway City in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing at least four people and injuring 11. The explosion caused the roof of the mosque to collapse, but it was not clear how many people remained inside.

• PM orders two deputies to oversee flood relief operations in Phrae province

Deputy prime ministers Somsak Thepsuthin and Anutin Charnvirakul have been instructed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to travel to the northern province of Phrae, to oversee and coordinate relief operations for flood victims.

In his Tweet post today (Saturday), the prime minister said he has also instructed the governors of Sukhothai and Phitsanuloke provinces to prepare for possible flooding, as the swollen Yom River may burst its banks.

He also advised people living along waterways in the two provinces to move their valuables to high ground as a precaution, as the Royal Irrigation Department has been trying to divert the excess water into the Nan River to reduce the likelihood of flooding.

Pheu Thai MP of Phrae province, Woravat Uae-apinyakul, said today that several districts in the province have been flooded since yesterday morning and by late in the afternoon there was still no sign of a response from the provincial office of the Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, prompting him to make an urgent call to seek help from Deputy Interior Minister Kriang Kaltinan.

Woravat said he was told by the deputy minister that the provincial office cannot do anything until there is an announcement from the department on Monday, adding that he cannot afford to wait that along and he decided to call the interior permanent secretary directly.

An announcement was issued at about 7.30pm last evening and officials were dispatched to two sub-districts but managed to send only 160 survival kits to flood victims.

The swollen tributaries of the Yom River, as a result of heavy rain, have overflowed and inundated wide areas in several districts of Phrae province.

Irrigation officials have set up water pumps at the mouth of Klong Bueng Boraphet, Thailand’s largest fresh-water lake in Nakhon Sawan province, to draw water from the swollen Nan River into the lake to store for use during the dry season.

The water level in the lake has substantially reduced due to less that usual rainfall earlier this year.

• PM hails response to visa scheme

A visa-free scheme for Chinese and Kazakh tourists has received a positive response, according to Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Hotel reservations in the country by Chinese tourists have jumped by 6,220% when compared to the same period last year, he said.


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Golden Week brings influx of Chinese tourists

The Golden Week has begun, with hotel bookings in Thailand surging during the Chinese holidays compared to last year.

Chinese travelers have increased foreign travel bookings by up to 20 times during the extended Golden Week holiday, which this year encompasses both the mid-autumn festival and the National Day of China, compared to the same period last year.

Ctrip, China's largest online travel agency, said Thailand is the top foreign destination for Chinese tourists, followed by South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

This surge in travel interest follows the Thai government's policy of granting temporary visa exemptions to Chinese and Kazakhstan tourists.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he was delighted about the surge of Chinese visitors to Thailand. He posted a message on Weibo, a Chinese microblogging platform, on September 30, saying: "I am pleased that our government's temporary visa exemption policy for Chinese nationals has been positively received. Chinese tourists are choosing to visit Thailand more …I hope everyone travels safely and has a wonderful experience."

• 2 ministers show up to oversee flood alleviation measures in line with PM Srettha’s orders

The agriculture minister and a deputy prime minister visited flood victims in Lampang and Phitsanulok respectively, while the Interior Ministry instructed provincial governors to put in place alleviation measures.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow and his delegation arrived at Tambon Mae Pu in Lampang’s Mae Prik district on Sunday morning. He was accompanied by Lampang Red Cross Society president Suphannee Chayabutr and Mae Prik district chief Kontree Piyawut.

Thamanat’s delegation first visited Tambon Mae Pu Municipality to be briefed on the situation before the minister personally visited residents of Moo 3 village to hand out necessities.

Lampang in the North of Thailand has been pounded by heavy rain from Wednesday to Saturday, which not only brought flash floods but also saw the river break its banks inundating 144 villages in eight districts.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin was in Sukhothai on Sunday morning to monitor the flood situation and to ensure the provincial governor provided immediate help to the victims.

Somsak was received by the governor at the provincial hall where he was told that the Yom River was close to breaking its banks and may flood residential areas nearby on Monday. Runoffs from the upstream Phrae province are also expected to hit the area.

After the briefing, Somsak and his delegation visited the Ban Puen railway station in Phrae’s Long district to observe the flood situation before returning to Sukhothai at 4pm to meet provincial officials at Sawankhalok district’s meeting hall.

2 ministers show up to oversee flood alleviation measures in line with PM Srettha’s ordersThe Yom River, meanwhile, burst its banks and inundated the Ban Wang Hin village in Pak Kwae sub-district in Muang district and the area was still underwater on Sunday morning.

Wang Chin district chief Parnsorn Pamornkhon said on Sunday that the Yom River had started overflowing to flood communities along the river banks, but the floods were still not very high.

The district chief said Phrae governor Chutidej Meechan had ordered local officials to monitor the flood situation round the clock.

At 9am, water from the Yom River was flowing past Wang Chin district at the rate of 1,330 cubic metres per second, Parnsorn added.

Meanwhile, Suttipong Juljarern, Interior permanent secretary, said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul have instructed provincial authorities to collaborate and speed up help for flood victims in their respective areas.

Suttipong said provincial governors nationwide have been instructed to coordinate with their deputies, permanent secretaries of provincial administrations and district chiefs to assemble teams to help victims before the flooding worsens.

Village and tambon chiefs have also been instructed to assemble teams of volunteers to monitor against possible flash flooding, Suttipong added.

In Tak, local residents said the Wang River had burst its banks, flooding villages along the river banks in Sam Ngao and Ban Tak districts.

Hoping JPPR is OK, he lives that way I believe.

• New airport in Phang Nga to serve provinces on Andaman coast

The government will expropriate some 7,000 rai (1,120 hectares) in Phang Nga province to build a new international airport within the next 18 months, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Friday.

The premier, who also doubles as finance minister, visited the southern province on Friday to follow up on the Transport Ministry’s proposal to build a new airport in Phang Nga to boost tourism in the Andaman coast to the west of Thailand. The provinces that lie along the Andaman coast are Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi and Ranong.

New airport in Phang Nga to serve provinces on Andaman coast

Srettha was accompanied by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol. The team was welcomed by Phang Nga governor Ekarat Leesen and representatives of local administration and private sector.

“This project is good for people in the South, who will benefit from the comprehensive infrastructure that supports future expansion in tourism industry,” Srettha said. “The government also aims to develop the transport system linking the new Andaman airport to Phuket Airport, which will benefit the local economy of both provinces.”

New airport in Phang Nga to serve provinces on Andaman coast

Srettha added that in the next 18 months relevant agencies will study the location and estimate the area required for new airport, as well as start the land expropriation process.

Suriya, meanwhile, said earlier that studies indicate Phang Nga's Khok Kloi subdistrict in Takua Thung district would be suitable for the new airport. He added that the ministry was now exploring to see if the airport would be operated as a joint venture with the private sector or under the control of the Airports of Thailand or Department of Airports.

New airport in Phang Nga to serve provinces on Andaman coast

As per the ministry’s plans, once the Andaman airport is up and running, Phuket Airport will switch to serving only domestic flights.

• Commerce Ministry hopes to ink 3 FTAs by mid-2024

The Commerce Ministry is aiming to finalise Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sri Lanka and the European Free Trade Association (ETA) by mid-2024.

These agreements, which will tap into the markets of the Arab world, Europe and South Asia, are expected to generate trade worth more than 1 trillion baht.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said that the ministry has expedited the negotiations for these FTAs, including studying the possibility of new frameworks to facilitate trade and investment between Thailand and its partner countries. The government considers these agreements urgent and crucial for the nation.

According to Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the ministry’s Department of Trade Negotiations, these three markets are significant, with a combined trade value of up to US$31 billion annually. The Thailand-UAE FTA negotiations are in progress and are expected to conclude within this year following four rounds of talks.

The UAE has high purchasing power as it is home to a significant number of expatriates and foreign workers and welcomes many tourists. Moreover, its strategic location makes it a central logistics hub, facilitating Thai products' entry into the Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets. Studies indicate that the FTA could expand the Thai economy by up to 12.57 billion baht, leading to an increase in Thai exports to the UAE of between 21.61 billion and 30.13 billion baht. Products expected to benefit include food, textiles, clothing, leather goods, wood products, rubber, and plastics, as well as such services as transportation, finance, and business consultancies.

The Thailand-Sri Lanka FTA negotiations have reached their sixth round and are expected to conclude by early 2024. Sri Lanka is strategically located on the important maritime routes of the Indian Ocean, connecting Southeast Asia and South Asia with the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. With abundant natural resources, it could enhance trade opportunities and competitiveness for Thai entrepreneurs in the South Asian market. It could also serve as a production base for goods, spreading to Central Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The study also found that the FTA would increase the gross domestic product (GDP) by an additional 4.13 billion baht and Thailand's investment in Sri Lanka would increase by 1.91 billion baht annually. This market expansion would include such products as automobiles and parts, machinery and electrical appliances, metals, sugar, and plastics. Investment in industries would cover processed food, beverages, textiles, jewellery, and ornaments.

The final section is the Thai-EFTA agreement, which has been negotiated through 6 rounds of talks and should be concluded by mid-2024. This EFTA agreement has high standards, helping to enhance Thailand's competitiveness, attract investments, and foster beneficial cooperation.

Particularly promising sectors within the EFTA, such as technology and innovation, are expected to benefit Thailand. In terms of products, Thailand stands to gain in the agricultural and food sectors, including rice, maize, processed foods, pet food, tropical fruits, flour, vegetable oils, processed chicken, sugar, noodles and canned fruits and vegetables. In the industrial category, products such as garments, automobiles and parts, jewellery, and accessories are expected to benefit. Meanwhile, the service sectors that are expected to gain include tourism, finance, telecommunications, healthcare, and clean energy.

Govt sees B140bn from China tourism after visa waivers

The government expects to attract 2.9 million arrivals and 140 billion baht in revenue from a Chinese tourism boom as a result of a new five-month holiday period visa exemption programme, part of a bid to help strengthen the nation’s wobbly economic recovery.

• All state spending must be in line with govt policies, says Thai PM

At a seminar in Bangkok on Monday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said all state agencies should align their budget allocations with his government’s policies.

The government’s key focus is revitalising the country’s economic growth, with an aim to expand the gross domestic product (GDP) by 5% over the next four years.

The administration’s plan is to guarantee a minimum income of 600 baht for citizens and a monthly salary of 25,000 baht for degree holders by 2027.

Srettha added that tax will be channelled into investments once the economy is flourishing and the quality of life for citizens has improved.

He urged government officials to be adaptable, learn to prioritise tangible results, establish clear metrics and be responsive to public feedback.

In terms of economic stimulus, a cornerstone of the government’s policy is injecting 560 billion baht through digital wallets. This ambitious initiative is designed to stimulate both the supply and demand sides of the economy, facilitating circulation and revenue generation for the government.

Ensuring that funds reach grassroots levels, the government envisions extensive community participation within a six-month timeframe.

Srettha said a relevant committee is considering this, along with advancements in app development, financial resource preparation and regulatory readiness.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the 10,000-baht digital wallet policy by February 2024.

Meanwhile, the government plans to allocate 3.48 trillion baht for the fiscal 2024 budget in tandem with these key principles:

• Alignment with policies: Budget planning and expenditure of all units must align with that of the government and adhere to financial discipline while following due processes.

• Collaborative planning: Units are encouraged to collaborate to prevent project overlaps and replicate successful past projects.

• Efficient budget planning: Planning should be efficient and effective, with an emphasis on maximum benefit for the nation. Urgent plans should be promptly implemented and reflect current circumstances. Transparent digital systems will be employed to make taxpayers’ contributions visible.

• Measurable outcomes: Projects should have clear objectives and metrics, ensuring tangible benefits for citizens and the economy. The government will not endorse projects that do not have meaningful contributions and will discourage vague or ambiguous proposals.

• Comprehensive resource utilisation: A comprehensive spending plan should harness all available funding sources, both from within the budget and outside. Units with external funding will be urged to prioritise their spending to reduce a burden on the national budget. Collaboration with the private sector and financial tools is encouraged.

Srettha said that while the implementation of the 2024 fiscal budget may face delays, units should expedite disbursements within legal frameworks and exercise caution to avoid economic disruptions. The government has called for strict adherence to five principles, namely ensuring a streamlined approach, reducing redundancy, maintaining financial discipline and submitting detailed plans to the Budget Bureau by October 6.

• PM: Economic growth and charter amendments go hand in hand

Thailand faces many major economic and social problems, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told the seminar “Next Chapter Thailand” in Bangkok today.

Efforts to address these issues have not been neglected, but they are complex and multidimensional challenges, making solutions difficult, Srettha said. The starting point is amending the Constitution, he said, adding that a roadmap has been outlined but is not yet complete.

Settha emphasised that the solution lies in dialogue. He stressed the importance of actions and problem-solving processes that would improve society. He expressed concerns about the current economic situation and said it is necessary to move the country forward in conjunction with constitutional amendments, ensuring greater public participation.

He said the economic problems faced by Thais are serious. There are more than 10 million people suffering from economic problems. He stressed the need for further assistance to help farmers alleviate their debt burden.

Additionally, he expressed concerns about floods and droughts. Water management is divided into four parts: consumption, environmental systems, industry, and agriculture. It is the most crucial matter. This year, there has been slow and scarce rainfall, causing water levels behind dams to drop.

Srettha's recent trip to attend the UN General Assembly in New York provided an opportunity to meet leaders from various countries. It was also an announcement to the world that Thailand is open for business with every country.

Government officials will travel to meet officials in other countries to expedite negotiations to expand free trade agreements. Representatives from companies like Microsoft and Tesla have shown interest in investing in Thailand, with investment amounts not less than US$5 billion. Thailand's economy must be more diverse, and not be too dependent on the agricultural sector, Srettha said.

Airports are crucial; prosperity will be limited to Bangkok and Phuket without further development of airports in major provinces. Tourism is not just about the number of tourists, but how to make them stay longer in Thailand. All ministries need to collaborate to promote airports to accommodate more flights, allowing airplanes to land and take off at night. Thailand aims to be the hub for electric vehicle production, which might create challenges for Japanese car manufacturers. Talks are ongoing with the automobile association to make Thailand the centre for producing next-generation cars, Srettha added.

• ‘Quick Win’ policy launched to lower prices of over 151,000 goods

confidence on Monday that the government’s “Quick Win” policy to reduce the cost of living by reducing consumer goods’ prices would create a “win-win” for both operators and consumers.
Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed

Phumtham told a press conference that 288 business operators had agreed to support the measure to reduce prices of 151,675 items of goods and services from now until the end of this year.

Phumtham said the operators included 88 manufacturers of foods and necessities and 83 department stores and large retailers.

There were also 110 service providers, including hospitals, vehicle service centres, and logistics operators, Phumtham said, adding that seven online trading platforms had also joined the price reduction campaign.

The Commerce Ministry estimated that the measure would reduce living costs for the people by up to 87%.

Phumtham said the measure would reduce the cost of living by 2 billion to 3 billion baht in total.

The ministry also estimated that the measure would stimulate spending by consumers that would drive the economic growth before the year-end.

“So, it will be a win-win for consumers, farmers and small and large operators,” Phumtham said.

He said the platform that joined the programme would distribute 1 million codes for reducing prices in ordering foods and goods online.

According to Phumtham, the programme would cover three groups of goods:

▪︎ 3,058 items of foods and drinks with price reduction of up to 87%

▪︎ 8,290 daily utility items, including medicines and electric appliances with price reduction of up to 80%

▪︎ 198 items of agricultural necessities, including fertilizers and animal feeds with price reduction of up to 40%.

The services with reduced prices are divided into three groups:

▪︎ 140,000 medical services with price reduction of up to 20%

▪︎ 123 vehicle maintenance items with price reduction of up to 50%

▪︎ Seven logistics services with price reduction of up to 69%

• PM approves 35-member committee to work on amending constitution

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday signed an order establishing an ad-hoc committee to consider the public hearing approach for amendment of the 2017 Constitution, a news source reported.

The committee of 35 members from political parties will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Pheu Thai Party’s deputy leader, Chusak Sirinil, will serve as first deputy chairman while Chart Thai Pattana Party MP Nikorn Jamnong will serve as second deputy chairman and spokesperson of the committee.

Pro-democracy activist Sirawit "Ja New" Serithiwat, who has been outspoken about reform of the justice system, especially regarding political demonstrations, was among those named in the committee. He has been a member of Pheu Thai Party since October last year.

The committee also reserved a seat for a member from the main opposition Move Forward Party, which has yet to name its representative.

Move Forward spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu said on Tuesday that the party would meet later today to consider whether to nominate a representative in the committee.

He added that it was not clear to the party what role the committee would have on amending the Constitution, which the government had promised would happen in 3-4 months after it took office.

Parit, a party-list MP, said that Move Forward advocates charter amendment to be carried out by elected representatives only.

During the party meeting on Tuesday, Move Forward MPs would also discuss questioning the government regarding measures to deal with imminent flood problems when Parliament meets this week, Parit added.

• First referendum on new constitution expected in Q1 of next year

The first referendum on a new constitution for Thailand is expected to be held during the first quarter of next year, after the formation of a 35-member ad hoc panel tasked with studying how the Constitution should be amended or rewritten and how many referenda will be needed, said Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai today (Tuesday).

Phumtham, who was tasked with recruiting knowledgeable people from various disciplines to form the panel, said that he has scheduled the first meeting, to be chaired by himself, on October 10th.

He said that he has tried to bring all stakeholder voices onto the panel, including academics, student representatives, members of the business and agricultural sectors, the mass media and the opposition, among others, adding that the Move Forward party is yet to confirm whether it wants to join.

He said that the panel will decide how the Constitution is to be amended, or rewritten in its entirety, with the exception of Chapter 1, regarding the territorial integrity of Thailand and the democratic system with the King as head of state, and Chapter 2 regarding the monarchy, and whether it is necessary to have a people’s assembly to write a completely new charter.

Asked why Chapters 1 and 2 are to be left intact, Phumtham said the two chapters are sensitive and any attempt to modify them could result in political conflict.

The panel will also decide how many referenda are to be held, said Phumtham, adding that he prefers as few as possible, to save costs, estimated at about 5 billion baht for each one.

• PM heads panel to implement 10,000-baht digital wallet policy

The government on Tuesday set up a special panel, chaired by the prime minister and comprising mostly Cabinet members, to take charge of implementing the 10,000-baht digital wallet policy, deputy finance minister Julapun Amornvivat said on Tuesday.

The panel members include:

- Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, chairman
- Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai
- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara
- Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul
- Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong
- Deputy Finance Minister Krisada Chinavicharana
- Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat

Other panel members would be permanent secretaries from concerned ministries, the secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council, the governor of the Bank of Thailand, as well as representatives from the Budget Bureau, the Office of Council of State and the Royal Thai Police.

Julapun told a press conference that the formation of the committee was a suggestion from the Finance Ministry.

Julapun said the ministry saw the need for a special committee to take charge of the project as it was very important and it would need a huge budget allocation, so it must be implemented with prudence.

He said the panel would be in charge of the project from the start to evaluating the results of the policy.

The panel would consider details on how to implement the policy and the source of funds for distribution.

The panel would monitor and prevent corruption and would evaluate the success of the project, Julapun said.

The leader of the ruling coalition, the Pheu Thai Party, had promised during its election campaign to hand out 10,000 baht to all Thais aged 16 years and above, via a digital wallet for shopping.

“The committee was expected to convene its first meeting within this week,” Julapun said.

He said during the first meeting, the panel would formally receive the policy of distributing 10,000 baht via digital wallet and it would set up a subcommittee to work on various issues.

Julapun said he expected to be the chairman of the subcommittee, which would study various details for the main panel to approve.

He said the subpanel would need about two or three weeks to gather information on key points of the policy for the full committee to consider.

Julapun said the government had already consulted the BOT and found that the policy would not violate the fiscal act.

He said the distribution of the money would definitely be based on blockchain technology as it would be the most secure.

Julapun denied that the government would have to raise the public debt ceiling to accommodate the digital wallet policy.

He added that the subpanel would also study expanding the spending area from a 4-kilometre radius of their homes in provinces.

Many rural people have voiced concerns that their houses are in remote areas with no shops in a 4km radius of their houses.

Reacting to concerns about most of the money from the digital wallet policy ending up in the pockets of large stores, not local and small businesses, Julapun did not rule out the possibility, saying the government could not discriminate against anyone.

He said the government would control only two things — the six-month deadline for spending the handout, and where the money could be spent.

He added that details of conditions for spending from the digital wallet would be drafted within this month so that the policy could be enforced from the first of February next year.

He added that if the system could not be developed in time, a delay of one month might be possible.

He added that the government would have no problem in finding money for the policy.

He denied speculation that the digital wallet policy was the main reason for the depreciation of the baht.

He explained that the weakening baht was caused mainly by the increase in the key policy rate by 25 basis points to stem inflation.

The government is confident that the digital wallet policy would spur economic growth by 5% next year, Julapun said.

• PM promises swift action after one (two) tourist killed, another injured in mall shooting

The Thai government will investigate the Tuesday evening shooting at the Siam Paragon shopping mall and will handle the situation in line with the law, Chinese Embassy officials said on Wednesday.

The officials were quoting Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s phone conversation with Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang.

Two people were killed and five injured in a shooting by a 14-year-old suspect, who is now in police custody.

Those shot dead include a female Chinese tourist and a Myanmar national mall employee.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the embassy said it has dispatched consular officials to the mall and hospitals to look into the situation after learning that one Chinese national had been killed and another injured.

“We have gathered personal information of the deceased and visited the injured victim at the hospital, whose condition is now stable,” the post read.

The embassy also relayed Srettha’s condolences to the family of the deceased woman, adding that the premier and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara had visited the injured at hospital on Tuesday.

The post added that in the calls to the ambassador on Tuesday, both Srettha and Parnpree had insisted that the Thai government would quickly investigate the incident and work in line with the law to promote public safety and present a safe environment for tourists.

Separately, the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday expressed its condolences to victims of the shooting incident in a Facebook post.

The post said it was deeply saddened and shocked by the incident and expressed deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who were killed.

It also wished a swift recovery to those injured in this tragedy.

“During this very difficult time, the Ministry has been and will continue to liaise with the Embassies involved to provide any support and assistance necessary to the affected families from those countries,” the post said.

• I’m not a PM, but Thailand’s top salesman, says Srettha

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared that he wants to be Thailand’s No 1 salesman, seeking new markets and attracting more foreign investment.

“Today I don’t want you to see me as a prime minister, but as a businessman who has been appointed to drive Thailand forward,” Srettha said in a speech at the “Thailand Economic Outlook 2024: Change the Future Today” event in Bangkok on Wednesday.

The event was hosted by the Thai-language business daily, Krungthep Turakij, at Waldorf Astoria Hotel to mark its 36th anniversary.

“I’m a salesman. I have to sell Thailand’s great products and build investors’ confidence. It’s my duty and mission as the No 1 salesman of the country,” he said.

In his keynote address on “The Big Change: Empowering Thailand’s Economy”, Srettha said that like other business operators, he too believes Thailand is like an old car that moves slower than other countries.

He also said that there was no reason to talk about the last government, as it too had faced difficulties and limitations.

Instead, he said, all sectors should join hands in attracting foreign investment and that his government would help businesses negotiate deals with different countries. He also called on state enterprises to become more proactive and hoped the Stock Exchange of Thailand would participate in roadshows and send out signals that Thailand is suitable for investment.

He added that both the public and private sectors should work together as a team to build confidence among investors and that his government would enhance Thai industries and drive the country to the next chapter.

Srettha said he was aware that Thailand has many outdated regulations that make the country less competitive than its neighbours. He said amending laws was not easy, but it is Thailand’s biggest mission.

Restructuring the economy

Srettha also pointed out that the agriculture sector requires restructuring. He added that he does not agree with policies like debt moratoriums and crop price guarantees. Instead, he said, the government needs to find ways to help farmers generate more income, so they can repay their debts. He added that he hopes to boost their income by three-fold within four years.

Srettha has also added the issue of water management to his government’s agenda. He said Thailand’s agriculture industry would grow further if the country had effective ways of dealing with droughts and floods.

“We will seek new markets, especially those that do not have food security. This will further enhance Thailand’s food security,” the premier said.

Srettha also mentioned the fishery sector, which has been suffering a deficit as Thailand imports more seafood than it exports. He said the only way out is for Thailand to renegotiate the deal on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) with the European Union, so it is a more reciprocal agreement.

• Cabinet endorses debt moratorium for BAAC's farming debtors

The Cabinet has agreed to provide a 12-month debt moratorium, from October 1, to 2.698 million farmers who owe a maximum of Bt300,000 across all their loan contracts with the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC).

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said on Tuesday that any indebted farmers who are customers of the BAAC and are interested in taking advantage of the debt moratorium scheme can apply from October 1 until next September 30.

Those with Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) can also apply, but only after they have refinanced their debts with BAAC.

In parallel with the debt moratorium, the BAAC will cooperate with relevant state agencies to organise training courses for farmers, to improve their skills and potential to increase their revenues and competitiveness.

The deputy finance minister said that the debt moratorium for small farming debtors is just the first phase of the government’s three-year debt moratorium scheme for indebted farmers.

PM says new tech hub is key to unlocking Thailand’s potential

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin praised the opening of a new learning space to accelerate digital innovation and attract investors while inaugurating "SCBX Next Tech" at Siam Paragon mall today.

Srettha, who also serves as finance minister, said the new space allows tech workers to collaborate on future innovations. He expressed gratitude for its introduction, saying people of all ages interested in technology now have a new space for collaborative learning and developing their potential.

It creates the opportunity to exchange knowledge about new innovations and technologies, such as blockchain, digital assets, and fintech. The event featured global equity content and workshops.

"This is a space that offers young people the freedom and safety to exchange ideas on various social, economic, and technological issues. It also fosters experience among generations to create knowledge and solutions for society [and] prepare for future challenges," Srettha said.

He stressed the importance of support from the business sector for the development of digital technology and human resources. This will meet the demands of investors, as Thailand aims to attract investment in various industries and promote digital innovation, Srettha said.

He highlighted the significance of digital technology development and human capital, emphasising the need for high-quality labour in numerous industries. It is essential to develop technology and human resources to meet the demands of investors, Srettha said.

PM says new tech hub is key to unlocking Thailand’s potential

He said that digital communities would play a crucial role in driving economic and social development.

Following his speech, Srettha visited several booths at the event, including the TikTok booth and the booth representing South Korea, which showcased 3D graphic technology. He also posed for a photo with a 3D image of the moon.