Thread: Thailand and the new coalition government

PM to meet with Google president

Meeting will focus on the tech giant’s planned investment in the country and will be followed by a reception in the Google president’s honour

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is scheduled to discuss collaboration in technology with Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of US-based technology firms Alphabet Inc and Google, today (September 30).

According to the Government House, the discussion, which is slated to start at 5pm, will also cover Google’s investment plan for digital infrastructure development in Thailand.

The PM will also host a reception for the president and chief investment officer of Alphabet Inc and Google.

Google earlier announced plans to set up a regional data centre, and develop ethical artificial intelligence (AI), Cloud and other digital infrastructure in Thailand. The plan also covers training to enhance the digital skills of Thailand’s workforce.

The plan is expected to generate over US$4.1 billion (150 billion baht) for the Thai economy by 2030 and create 50,300 jobs.

It is also expected to drive Thailand’s ambitions of becoming a digital economy.

Lawyer files complaint against Thaksin, Pheu Thai

Man whose petition brought down Move Forward takes aim at ruling party and its patriarch

The independent lawyer who brought down the popular Move Forward Party has now filed a complaint against the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its patriarch, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, accusing them of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy.

Thirayut Suwankesorn submitted the complaint against Thaksin and Pheu Thai with the Constitutional Court at 10.30am on Thursday.

The 65-page complaint accuses Thaksin and Pheu Thai separately of breaching Article 49 of the Constitution prohibiting anyone from “exercising his or her rights and liberty in a way that undermines the democratic system with the King as head of state”.

News of the complaint was revealed by Paiboon Nititawan, secretary-general of the opposition Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Paiboon claimed his party was not involved in bringing the complaint. The PPRP was kicked out of the Pheu Thai-led coalition in August, reportedly angering its leader, Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, who has since vowed to take political revenge.

Paiboon said Thirayut had petitioned the Constitutional Court to order Thaksin and Pheu Thai to halt all activities deemed hostile to the constitutional monarchy.

A similar complaint filed by Thirayut led to the dissolution of the popular Move Forward Party in August, after the court ruled it was guilty of breaching the Constitution by campaigning to amend Article 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law.

On Thursday, Thirayut said his latest complaint cited six actions he deemed as hostile to democracy with the King as head of state.

When asked if the actions included the August 14 meeting at Thaksin’s Bangkok mansion, where coalition partners discussed forming the new government, Thirayut confirmed that it was one of several actions by Thaksin and Pheu Thai that allegedly violated Article 49.

Thirayut said he had witnesses ready to testify against the two defendants and expressed confidence he would win the case.

He said he decided to file the petition directly with the Constitutional Court after his September 24 complaint to the Office of the Attorney-General resulted in no action.

Wissanu denies helping Thaksin to avoid prison cell

Former Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has called accusations that he facilitated Thaksin Shinawatra’s long stay in the Police General Hospital, rather than serving his time in a prison cell, as groundless.

Sonthi Limthongkul, a media mogul, has alleged that Wissanu helped Thaksin, who was convicted on corruption charges, transfer from the Corrections Hospital to the Police General Hospital due to, what was claimed to be, a serious ailment.

Thaksin stayed in the hospital until his release on parole and completed his prison sentence without spending a single night in a cell.

Wissanu, then a deputy prime minister in Prayut Chan-o-cha's administration, claimed that he was at home when a Corrections Department official telephoned him near midnight to inform him about Thaksin’s transfer to the Police General Hospital.

“I was told that Thaksin was seriously ill and, by the time I received the call, he was already at the Police General hospital,' Wissanu said.

He said he instructed the official to follow up on Thaksin’s condition, adding “At that time, I thought Thaksin would stay there only a few days, as I did not know how serious his illness was.”

Wissanu stated that, shortly after that, he no longer held the position of deputy prime minister.

Paetongtarn ready to host ASEAN meeting to resolve Myanmar crisis

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has proposed Thailand as a venue for a meeting of ASEAN members in December to explore peaceful solutions to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said on Saturday.
Speaking on a Radio Authority of Thailand programme, Jirayu summarised the PM's recent diplomatic mission to Laos, where she attended the ASEAN Leaders' Summit from 8-11 October as well as bilateral meetings with the host nation. The summit notably welcomed Timor-Leste as the newest member of the Southeast Asian bloc.

During her official visit, Prime Minister Paetongtarn engaged in bilateral talks with her Laotian counterpart and senior government officials. Discussions centred on transnational issues such as air pollution and drug trafficking, as well as strategies to mitigate flooding along the Mekong River, Jirayu said.

The PM had a hectic schedule, taking part in the 44th and 45th ASEAN Leaders' Summits, alongside more than 20 meetings with regional leaders. These included meetings with China, South Korea, and Japan, celebrating milestones in their respective relationships with ASEAN.

In a series of bilateral discussions, Paetongtarn also introduced herself to leaders from 12 countries – Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

She also met with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, who extended an invitation to her for the WEF meeting in Davos, Switzerland, in 2025.

Jirayu highlighted Thailand's successful promotion of economic cooperation during the summit. The PM called for increased flight connections among ASEAN nations and the extension of visa exemption periods to boost regional tourism.

The spokesman noted that Thailand and its dialogue partners agreed to collaborate closely on addressing transnational crimes, particularly drug smuggling and call-centre scams. They also discussed disaster response, water management, and tackling air pollution, including PM2.5 particulate matter.

On the final day of the summit, Paetongtarn reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to regional peace, offering to host a meeting of ASEAN member states in December to advance efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the Myanmar situation, the spokesman said.

The four-day summit was highly successful, garnering significant attention from international media and partner countries, Jirayu said. The discussions are expected to yield concrete benefits for the people of ASEAN, with Malaysia set to host the 46th ASEAN Summit next year.

PM and Cabinet members pay respects to King Rama IX

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra led the Cabinet in a ceremony to place garlands to pay respects to the statue of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great at the King Rama IX Memorial Park in Bangkok’s Dusit district on Sunday.

The ceremony commemorated the eighth anniversary of the passing of Thailand’s beloved king. Several agencies and people visited the memorial park to pay respects to the statue.

A first-aid tent has been set up for visitors, while staff and volunteers ensure safety and cleanliness in the memorial park.

Visitors have been advised to follow staff suggestions to ensure peace and order.

King Bhumibol the Great Adulyadej passed away on October 13, 2016, at age 88. His reign, lasting 70 years and 126 days, was the longest in the history of Thailand.

The day of his passing, October 13, has been enshrined as a national holiday “King Rama IX Memorial Day” to commemorate his benevolence and royal initiatives.

The Cabinet on September 26 resolved to rename this day “Nawamindra Maharaj Day”. The name was bestowed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great’s only son, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The word Nawamin stands for the “ninth great person” and Maharaj means “great king” – an apt reference to King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, who was the ninth king of the Chakri dynasty.

Agriculture Ministry seeks 3.2-bn baht to restore flood-hit farms

The minister will take the request to the Cabinet on Tuesday now that the operations centre for flood and storm victims has approved it

The Agriculture Ministry plans to seek 3.2 billion baht from the central budget to help rehabilitate farms hit by recent floods nationwide.

Ministry spokesman Ekkapap Polsue said on Monday that Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat will ask the Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday to allocate funds to help farmers affected by the floods.

The spokesman said the request was sent for consideration earlier on Monday to the operations centre for helping floods and storm victims, led by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

A source later said that the request was approved by the Phumtham-led centre, so it would definitely be tabled at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The Interior Ministry’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department had reported that from July 17 to October 10, 52 provinces were hit by flooding and that 23 provinces have returned to normalcy so far.

The Agriculture Ministry believes about 1.28 million rai (about 204,800 hectares) of farmland had been damaged by floods from July 14 to September 27. It has surveyed 1.09 million rai or just over 85% of the affected farmland.

The spokesman added that the minister wanted the rest of the affected farmland to be surveyed soon and that it will cooperate with the Interior Ministry to speed up the survey.

Ekkapap said Narumon also wanted to reduce the processing time for handling the compensations to 45 days from 60.

He said the 3.2 billion baht will be used to restore flood-hit farmland, while affected farmers will receive additional compensation from provincial administrations using funds allocated for emergencies.

He said the Agricultural Extension Department will coordinate with the Interior Ministry to ensure provincial administrations pay the compensation to affected farmers.

Agriculture Ministry seeks 3.2-bn baht to restore flood-hit farms

Piraphan Khothong, director-general of the Agricultural Extension Department, said most of the affected farms were paddy fields, adding that an initial survey shows that about 1.2 million rai of rice fields have been damaged.

He said rice farmers will be granted compensation of 1,340 baht per rai, farmers of short-term crops will be given 1,980 baht per rai, while fruit orchards or owners of big trees will be given 4,048 baht per rai. Each farming family will be compensated for no more than 30 rai.

Thai PM discusses flooding with US Secretary of State in Vientiane

The US Department of State has published a conversation between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during the ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Laos.

Blinken attended the Summits on behalf of US President Joe Biden. The US Department of StateÂ’s website mentioned that the conversation took place prior to their meeting.

Secretary Blinken: Well, we just – we just arrived, as you all know, and spent a little bit of time at our embassy. But it’s a great pleasure to see you with the whole team. And let me just say to our colleagues here, we have an alliance between Thailand and the United States that, of course, goes back many years.

There’s a powerful shared history, a foundation of shared values, and I think also a commitment both bilaterally and also our work through ASEAN to focus on things that we can do to better the lives of our people. And whether it’s inclusive economic growth, whether it’s making sure that we work together where we have joint security challenges –

PM Paetongtarn: Yes.

Secretary Blinken: – whether it’s dealing with climate change, the clean energy transition, in all of these areas the partnership that we have is really designed to produce results for our people, and that’s what we’re determined to do.

But particularly between us, our countries have such an extraordinary history together, and we simply want to build on that.

PM Paetongtarn: Yes, indeed. I believe that USA and Thailand has a very long-term good relationship, and of course, like, anything you want to do, and we just can talk and then – but (inaudible) have something together just very, like, future-forward, something like that.

And so we can invest or we can just do some project together that can help a lot of people (inaudible). The problem right now that Thailand is facing, the main – the main problem that we – like, in the country, so the north of Thailand is flooding every day.

Secretary Blinken: Yes.

PM Paetongtarn: You heard of it already.

Secretary Blinken: Yes.

PM Paetongtarn: So yes, but right now itÂ’s getting better. Just itÂ’s in recovery stage right now.

Secretary Blinken: Well, we look forward to talking about that and many other –

PM Paetongtarn: Yes.

Secretary Blinken: – subjects we have. Thank you.

Pisan quits Pheu Thai party

Retired Lt General Pisan Wattanawongkiri, a former commander of the 4th Army Region, has resigned from the Pheu Thai party. He is wanted in connection with the deadly Tak Bai crackdown in Narathiwat province in 2004, during which 78 men died of suffocation.

Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai revealed that Pisan addressed his resignation letter, dated yesterday, to party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

In the letter, which was shown to the media, Pisan says that he became a suspect in a criminal case in Narathiwat province, related to events that occurred in 2004.

“I have learned that some groups have tried to exploit my case to exacerbate divisions in society. They have also attempted to link it to the Pheu Thai party, of which I am a member and an MP, despite the fact that the party is not involved in this case,” the letter read.

Therefore, he wrote, he has decided to resign to prevent the party from being affected by his situation and has already obtained approval for his resignation from Parliament.

He added that he has been undergoing medical treatment and is recuperating.

Pisan, who was overseeing the southern province at the time of the Tak Bai massacre, and other suspects are subjects of arrest warrants in connection with the incident on October 25, 2004, after they failed to appear at a hearing in Narathiwat Court in September.

The second hearing is scheduled for today, and none of the suspects are expected to show up. Police have failed to arrest any suspects in the case.

As the 20-year statute of limitations approaches expiry on October 25th, many believe that the case will close without any wrongdoers being brought to justice.

Cabinet approves aid package for flood victims in 50 provinces

The cabinet approved a package to help flood victims today, both individuals and businesses in 50 provinces, which includes tax exemptions, soft loans, debt moratoria, interest rate cuts and loan guarantees.

Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said that the rehabilitation package is on top of the 9,000 baht one-time financial help provided by the government to about 67,000 households impacted by flooding this year.

The aid package includes:

• Corporate and personal income tax exemptions amounting to the compensation received from the government.
• Exemption of corporate income tax for legal entities which have received flood relief assistance from the government.
• Soft loans of up to 40 million baht each for flood-devastated SMEs. The loans are repayable within two years at an interest rate not exceeding 3.5% per annum.
• The Thai Credit Guarantee Corp will guarantee loans, ranging from 10,000 baht to two million baht for not more than ten years, with a service charge of 1.25% of the amount borrowed.
• Old debtors of the Government Savings Bank will be given a six-month debt moratorium, interest free for debts not exceeding 10 million baht. For those who hold credit cards, their monthly repayments will be cut to just 3% of the outstanding balance for three instalments.
• Debtors of the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, who are regarded as good customers or who have missed no more than three instalments, can negotiate for a repayment extension of up to 20 years, with a three-year grace period and interest free for three years.
• 50,000 baht emergency credit to improve liquidity and for the purchase of necessary consumer products. The credit is repayable in three years and is interest free for the first six months. After that, the interest rate will be the Minimum Retail Rate (MRR).
• 500,000 baht credit for house maintenance or repairs to farm machinery. Credit is payable in 15 years, with MRR at 2%.

Cabinet approves aid package for flood victims in 50 provinc


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PM pushes for urgent soft loans, income tax cuts for flood victims

Prime Minister Paetongtarn urges the Finance Ministry to urgently come up with financial relief measures to rehabilitate flood victims in 50 provinces

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed the Finance Ministry to grant soft loans and reduce income tax to help flood victims get back on their feet again.

Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said the Cabinet reviewed packages to help flood victims in over 50 provinces during its weekly meeting on Tuesday. At the meeting, the PM called on the Finance Ministry to swiftly come up with a soft loan programme and consider reducing income tax for people hit by floods.

This package follows the Cabinet’s earlier decision to grant 9,000 baht in cash to each flood-hit family. The Cabinet may also next week consider the option of granting an additional 10,000 baht to each flood-affected household as well as consider waiving water and electricity bills for a while, the spokesman added.

Jirayu said the Cabinet had earlier allocated 50 billion baht to provide soft loans to flood victims and small businesses in flood-hit provinces.

During the Tuesday meeting, the Cabinet was also informed of several financial measures to help SMEs and people affected by floods, Jirayu said.

He claimed one of the schemes grants loans to SMEs of no more than 40 million baht at an annual rate of 3.5% for the first two years. This scheme is being offered by state banks as well as 16 commercial banks.

The Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG) has also been granted a budget of 1 billion baht to guarantee loans for SMEs, Jirayu said. Each SME can seek a 10-year credit guarantee for loans between 10,000 and 2 million baht at the rate of 1.25%.

He said the Government Savings Bank is also allowed to approve a six-month debt moratorium for borrowers affected by floods. Only those who owe less than 10 million baht will be eligible for this moratorium, the spokesman added.

As for flood victims who have outstanding credit card payments, their minimum payment will be reduced to 3% of the outstanding amount for three rounds of payment, the spokesman added.

Meanwhile, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives has been told to extend the repayment period for flood-affected borrowers to 20 years, and they will be exempted from repaying the principal amount in the first three years. Only borrowers who have not defaulted on payments for three years will be eligible for this debt rollover, Jirayu added.

He said state banks will also provide loans of up to 50,000 baht each for emergencies, and the borrowers will be allowed to repay this amount in three years at a low MRR (minimum retail rate) for the first six months.

State banks will also consider approving loans of up to 500,000 baht for flood victims to repair their homes and farming equipment with repayment over 15 years at the MRR rate plus 2%, he added.

Jirayu went on to say that the Finance Ministry needs to first finalise income tax reduction measures before they are sent to the Cabinet for approval.

PM pushes for urgent soft loans, income tax cuts for flood victims

Finance Ministry eyes new projects to stimulate property market

Ministry eyes 55 billion baht to fund special loans for low-income persons wanting to buy or build new homes, or repair their existing property

The Finance Ministry will seek Cabinet approval for a 55-billion-baht budget to further stimulate the property market as another measure to revive the economy.

Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said on Thursday that two previous projects worth 38 billion baht were successful, so his ministry plans to launch another two projects with a combined budget of 55 billion baht. These projects will make it easier for people to buy new homes, land to build a new home or repair their existing property.

Paopoom said the two previous stimulus projects were:

- Happy Home loan project: 20 billion baht was allocated for low-income people to buy houses, and the budget was handed out within three months.

- Happy Life: 18 billion baht was allocated for low-income persons to purchase houses and the entire budget was used up.

Paopoom said the Finance Ministry aims to continuously stimulate the property market by providing soft loans to low-income persons to buy new homes to repair their existing property in two projects, namely:

- 50 billion baht: Each applicant can seek a loan of no more than 3 million baht at a special interest rate for five years to build or buy a new home.

- 5 billion baht: Applicants can seek a loan of no more than 100,000 at a special interest rate for three years for repairing or expanding their homes.

PM formally launches economic recovery programme

Small businesses to benefit the most from the programme, which includes lower rent for shops and stalls and increased space

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was joined by several of her ministers at yesterday’s launch of her administration’s economic recovery programme. The event, held at Government House, was also attended by representatives from the public and private sectors, including CP Group, The Mall Group, BJC Big C, PT, OR, SeaValue, Thai Union, and OSOTSPA.

Emphasising that the government is prioritising economic stimulation and citing last month’s launch of the 10,000 baht economic stimulus, she said that the programme is crucial for maintaining the momentum in stimulating the Thai economy to ensure maximum efficiency and value. This round focuses on small businesses, which make up 90% of all businesses and form the backbone of the Thai economy, with the programme designed to reduce costs, increase income, and expand opportunities over five months.

“The government expects to stimulate the economy by up to 110 billion baht. This is the result of a strong collaboration among all sectors to revive the nation's economy. The government drives policy, while the private sector plays a key role in supporting practical implementation,” Paetongtarn said.

The programme has been running since September and will continue until January next year. The key elements of the programme are as follows:

Cost reduction for small businesses: This includes rent reductions for shops and stalls in the government and private sectors. For example, in Bangkok, rent has been reduced by up to 50% in 12 major markets, benefiting around 11,000 vendors. The Ministry of Commerce and other government agencies have waived rent for over 3,000 businesses.

Increasing sales spaces for small businesses: The government and private sectors are offering additional spaces for small businesses, such as provincial government halls and over 1,300 commercial markets across Thailand.

Reducing living costs for citizens: Through partnerships with major producers and wholesalers, the programme reduces prices on consumer goods. A nationwide sale campaign includes over 130 private sector partners, including large manufacturers, department stores, gas stations, and online platforms, with over 100,000 outlets participating in price reductions.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan added that the goal of stimulating more than 110 billion baht in the economy through this project is based on three main economic recovery activities. The first, around 78.7 billion baht, comes from stimulating spending by vulnerable groups who each received 10,000 baht.

The second, worth approximately 18.7 billion baht, comes from reducing business costs and creating opportunities for small entrepreneurs, as well as organising economic circulation activities, while the third part involves large retailers and manufacturers holding price reduction events to help lower living costs and stimulate domestic spending, which is expected to generate another 14.4 billion baht.

By the end of the project, it is anticipated that the economic stimulus will reach its target, helping all sectors of the population and revitalizing the Thai economy.

EC considers petition to dissolve Pheu Thai over Thaksin's influence

The Election Commission (EC) agreed today to consider a petition seeking the dissolution of the Pheu Thai party, for allowing Thaksin Shinawatra, an outsider, to control the party.

EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee stated in a press conference that the Commission found the complaint to have merit and will set up an investigative panel.

The investigation is expected to conclude in 30 days, but it may be extended for up to 30 days at a time until it is completed.

Sources said the five other parties that faced investigations were the Bhumjaithai Party, United Thai Nation Party, Palang Pracharath Party, Chartthaipattana Party and Prachachart Party.

The complaint was filed on August 19 and the petitioner, who requested anonymity, claims that Pheu Thai has, on several occasions, allowed a non-member to direct the party’s activities.

The party’s core members have treated Thaksin’s input as important and have acknowledged his leadership role in various media interviews.

Furthermore, the party’s executive permitted a video clip, in which Thaksin provides instructions on the duties of Pheu Thai members, to be shown at this year’s annual general meeting.

This clearly demonstrates, it is alleged, that Pheu Thai is allowing an outsider to influence the party’s activities, which contravenes the Constitution as it pertains to political parties.

The EC is asked to submit the case to the Constitutional Court and to seek the dissolution of Pheu Thai.

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Pheu Thai ‘not worried’ about EC probe into complaints over Thaksin

Election Commission to investigate complaints Thaksin is exerting control over Pheu Thai-led coalition

Prasert Jantararuangtong, deputy prime minister and a key member of the Pheu Thai Party, gave an interview on Saturday regarding the Election Commission’s decision to set up an investigation committee for complaints against Pheu Thai and other parties in the ruling coalition. The complaints allege that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is exerting control over the party.

Prasert said the party is not worried, claiming the details in the accusations do not align with the facts. However, Pheu Thai has a legal team prepared to address the allegations, with Chusak Sirinin, minister of the Prime Minister’s Office and a Pheu Thai party-list MP, assigned to handle the matter.

When asked about claims that Pheu Thai's legal team seems to lose cases consistently, Prasert, who is also minister of digital economy and society, responded that he doesn’t want people to view it that way. He emphasised that there have been many successful cases and that he believes the courts and the justice system will be fair to all parties.

He urged everyone to focus on the evidence and not speculate on potential outcomes.

Regarding the complaints involving the six coalition parties, he expressed confidence that these could be explained, acknowledging that discussions on the issue have taken place within the coalition.

When asked whether this topic would be discussed at a coalition dinner on Monday, Prasert remarked that when politicians meet, political matters inevitably come up. After the meal, discussions would likely focus on national governance and issues affecting the people. He insisted there is no secret agenda behind the meeting.

Phiphat orders speedy efforts to cut Thai products from US blacklists

US government alleges abuse of child labour in certain cases

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has instructed officials to work with relevant private agencies to try to remove three Thai end products from being blacklisted by the US government for using child labour, the ministry spokesman said on Sunday.

Phumphat Muanchan said Phiphat issued the order after reports for 2024 by the US Department of Labor showed that three end products – fish meal, pet foods and fish oil – that use fish as raw materials were blacklisted for allegedly using child labour.

Phumphat said the three products were blacklisted in the List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor mandated by the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA list) of 2005 and in the List of Products Produced by Forced or Indentured Child Labor mandated by Executive Order 13126 (EO list).

Phumphat said Phiphat had ordered the permanent secretary for the Labour Ministry to set up a committee to work with the Thai Tuna Industry Association, the Thai Pet Food Trade Association and government agencies to initiate measures for removing the products from US blacklists as soon as possible.

Phumphat said the labour minister realised the impact from the blacklisting because Thailand exported more US$1 billion worth of pet foods and fishery products to the United States each year.

The spokesman said the Thai agencies had studied the latest report of the US Labor Department and found that the report was inaccurate about the three end products.

Phumphat said Thailand did not have to try to remove fish from the TVPRA list and EO list right away but could send a report to affirm that no child or forced labour was used in making the three end products and ask the US Labor Department to correct the two lists.

Currently, five Thai products are blacklisted on the TVPRA list – shrimps, fish, sugarcane, clothing and pornographic media – and one on the EO list – clothing.

Phumphat said the permanent secretary was also instructed by Phiphat to try to remove these raw-material products from the lists as well.

Phumphat said that during the past two years, Thailand had been trying to solve the issue of child and forced labour in all manufacturing, and the efforts prompted the removal of shrimps from the EO list.

He said sugarcane harvesting has also been carried out by machines, so the Labour Ministry was asking its US counterpart to remove it from the TVPRA list as well.

PM sticks her neck out on Lisa

Just like her predecessor Srettha Thavisin when he faced a potential political mess concerning Taylor Swift early this year, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is putting a lot of eggs in the Blackpink star Lisa basket.

Paetongtarn has confirmed that Lisa has been invited to appear at a Thai New Year countdown at ICONSIAM. Although the prime minister did not give more details, her confirmation was quite strong.

Srettha’s comment on Taylor Swift almost negatively affected the Thai ties with Singapore, prompting him to reiterate that he did not mean to accuse the Singaporeans of using superior financial might to keep the entertainer exclusively.

No matter what he said, the hard truth was that Thailand under Srettha could not attract Taylor Swift. Singapore apparently upset its Asean neighbours when it was alleged that the country’s deal with the star included an assurance that Singapore would be her only stop in the region.

Angry reactions in Singapore’s neighbouring countries ranged from those expressed by men on the street to senior politicians’ sarcasm. Srettha was being nice, but his statement that Bangkok may need its own world superstar was all over the media and social media.

With Lisa a lot closer to Thailand than Taylor Swift, Paetongtarn, a strong advocate of “soft power” can be much more hopeful than Srettha. But with weeks still to go before the countdown, Paetongtarn’s political risks cannot be underestimated.

Paetongtarn confirms Lisa’s Countdown participation

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Minister of commerce reports successful year for fruit sector

Pichai Naripthaphan has instructed Department of Internal Trade to prepare measures for 2025 fruit season

As the 2024 fruit season in Thailand draws to a close, prices have surged across all categories, including durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longkong, mango, lychee, oranges, pomelo, pineapple, and longan, bringing smiles to farmers.

Meanwhile, Minister of Commerce Pichai Naripthaphan has instructed the Department of Internal Trade to prepare measures for the 2025 fruit season.

Pichai said the Department of Internal Trade has been monitoring fruit production and pricing for 2024. The season is nearing its end, and prices have increased across all categories, a success attributed to the 2024 fruit management plan, which involved six key measures and 25 initiatives.

These preparations began well before the fruit entered the market, and after taking office, Pichai intensified efforts to expand the domestic market, promote exports to new markets, and encourage the processing of produce to add value. This has resulted in a successful conclusion to the fruit season, marking another golden year for farmers, who have enjoyed high prices and increased income.

Looking ahead to the 2025 fruit management plan, Pichai has instructed the Department of Internal Trade to prepare measures in advance of the new season. These measures will focus on promoting production and processing, expanding the domestic and international markets, improving trade efficiency, facilitating trade, and implementing legal measures.

Once finalised, these measures will be discussed with relevant government and private sectors to be used proactively for the 2025 fruit season.

Eastern Thailand’s fruit season has already concluded, with prices improving across all categories. In the South, the season is nearly over, with 98.6% of the durian crop harvested. Northern Thailand is also nearing the end of its season, with mango production already complete.

Regarding the export of fresh fruit, 1.4 million tonnes have been exported during the first eight months of 2024 (January to August), valued at US$4.2 billion or about 150 billion baht.

China remains the main market thanks to its strong purchasing power, with increasing imports. Other potential markets include South Korea, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, which have also seen rising imports of Thai fresh fruit.

Cabinet set to approve new contract for rail project linking 3 airports

After protracted delays, the parties to the contract for the high-speed rail project agree to the amendments
The amended contract for the high-speed rail project linking three airports is now in the final phase and will be presented to the cabinet for approval next Tuesday (October 29), the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) said yesterday (October 22).

The 276.5-billion-baht rail project will link Suvarnabhumi, Don Muang, and U-Tapao international airports and form a high-speed connection between Bangkok and EEC areas.

EECO secretary-general Chula Sukmanop said that after getting Cabinet approval, the contract will be signed before the end of December by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the contractor, Asia Era One, an affiliate of Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group.

This will allow the construction of the much-delayed project to start in the first quarter of 2025, he added.

The move to amend the contract was approved by the cabinet on October 19, 2021 in a bid to compensate the contractor for a decrease in projected revenue from the Airport Rail Link due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The pandemic also caused SRT to fail to deliver construction areas to Asia Era One as per the schedule, resulting in further delays.

After nearly three years of working on the amendment, all parties have concluded that five aspects of the contract shall be amended, as follows:

1. The Public investment cost (PIC) shall be paid in instalments based on the project’s progress, at a maximum 120 billion baht, instead of a one-time payment when the project finishes of 149.65 billion baht. The contractor must also put up a collateral of 160 billion baht to ensure that they will finish the project in five years.

2. The contractor can pay for the administration rights of the Airport Rail Link in seven instalments, valued in total at 10.64 billion baht, instead of a one-time payment. The first instalment is due within this year.

3. In the event of the interest rate on the loans under the project significantly decreasing, resulting in the contractor enjoying an IRR (internal rate of return) of more than 5.52%, the SRT is entitled to demand increased revenue sharing.

4. SRT is allowed to issue the NTP (notice to proceed) to the contractor immediately after the contract is signed.

5. Contractual clauses related to force majeure and respite must align with those of other public-private joint investment projects, in a bid to prevent problems that may arise from events severely impacting the financial status of the project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said on Tuesday that the amendment of the high-speed rail contract aims to jumpstart the construction of this project, which is part of the national strategy to boost the economy and establish comprehensive transport networks.

“The amendment is not meant to benefit private companies, as they must bear the interest burdens. The contract will also be reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General to ensure that no undue benefits are granted,” he said.

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PM claims governing coalition parties are not influenced by Thaksin

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has defended the recent meeting between her father, former prime minister Thaksin, and core members of governing coalition parties, saying that it did not necessarily mean that the parties were being dominated or influenced by Thaksin.

She said that they might have engaged in informal talks on various non-political issues, because they have known each other for a long time and have developed close relationships.

She also claimed that it is impossible for Thaksin to dominate political parties, because each has its executive committee which has the final say on issues that concern the party.

Then she asked reporters whether, if she had dinner with former prime minister Srettha Thavisin, it would be interpreted as her being influenced or dominated by Srettha.

Yesterday, the prime minister was mobbed by reporters asking her about the Election Commission’s (EC) decision to accept a petition demanding the dissolution of her Pheu Thai party and its six coalition partners, for allowing themselves to be influenced or dominated by Thaksin over the appointment of his daughter Paetongtarn as prime minister, after Srettha was removed from office by the Constitutional Court for appointing an ex-convict to a ministerial post.

The prime minister said that the government is ready to cooperate with the EC in the investigation and claimed not to be at all concerned.

The prime minister hosted her first informal dinner meeting with the core members of the other six coalition parties at a Bangkok hotel yesterday. She said that they discussed a host of issues, ranging from the amnesty for political offenders to coordination among the parties on constitutional amendments.

Panel report on drafting amnesty bill for political offenders rejected by House

The chance of an amnesty bill for political offenders, including those charged with lèse majesté, appears doomed after the House of Representatives rejected, by 270:149 votes yesterday, the observations made by a House panel on a report on how to draft an amnesty bill for political offenders. Five MPs abstained.

The ruling Pheu Thai party is clearly split on the panelÂ’s observations, as the majority of MPs, including most MPs from the coalition parties, voted against. Most of the 151 votes in favour came from the opposition PeopleÂ’s party.

Before the vote yesterday afternoon, Deputy House Speaker Pichit Chuamuangphan provided a last chance for MPs and House panel members to debate the panelÂ’s observations and report on how to draft the amnesty bill.

Former Move Forward party leader Chaithawat Tulathon said that political offences and lèse majesté are inseparable and, if an amnesty bill is to be drafted for all political offenders, with the exception of lèse majesté offenders, political conflicts will not be resolved and reconciliation will not be achieved.

He said that conditional amnesty for lèse majesté offenders would, however, be acceptable.

People’s party MP Sasinan Thamnithinan said that many people do not know the full details of many who have been charged with lèse majesté offences and that the lèse majesté law has been used as a political tool to persecute opponents.

People charged, prosecuted or convicted on lèse majesté charges should be given the chance to be freed and to resume their normal life in society, she said.

Former Democrat party leader Jurin Laksanawisit, however, said he rejected both the panel’s observations and its report, noting that approval of both of them would pave the way for the enactment of an amnesty bill to exonerate all lèse majesté offenders.

The House panel chairman, Chusak Sirinil of the Pheu Thai party, said that the panel did not decide whether lèse majesté offences should be included in an amnesty bill, because the issue is sensitive and divisive, so the panel agreed that that no decision should be made.

He maintains, however, that the panelÂ’s report on how to draft such an amnesty bill would be beneficial in the future, when amnesty bills are proposed to the House for consideration.

As for the observations on the report, he said they are not binding on any agency.

Panel report on drafting amnesty bill for political offender

Paetongtarn chairs new EV board

New EV board to hold its first meeting next month and consider several measures
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has appointed a new national committee in charge of promoting the electric-vehicle industry and has decided to chair the so-called EV board by herself, the chief of the Board of Investment said.

BOI secretary general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said Paetongtarn has signed a PM’s order to appoint a new national committee on EV policies.

Narit said the appointment of the new EV board showed the government’s commitment to implement the 30@30 policy, that is, the policy to have 30% of all electric vehicles made in the country by 2030.

Narit said he will be the secretary of the new EV board and the number of deputy secretaries will be increased to three from two. The director general of the Excise Department will be added to the post of deputy secretary, and the two others are the directors general of the Office of Industrial Economics and of the Energy Policy and Planning Office.

Narit said the new EV board will hold its first meeting next month and will consider several measures.

For example, the new committee will consider how to adjust measures if EV manufacturers fail to meet the deadline of making EVs in the country to compensate for the imports of EVs that have been sold with government subsidies under the EV 3.0 policy.

The meeting will also discuss the progress of the implementation of the EV3.5 policy without considering the next package of subsidies. Instead, the committee will focus on measures to attract leading global EV battery-cell makers to invest in the kingdom, as none of them have invested in Thailand so far, Narit said.

Transport Ministry pushes for six new airports

With aviation conference predicting a doubling of passenger numbers in 20 years, investment in infrastructure will be vital
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has again pointed to the need for six new airports if Thailand is to become a regional transport hub. Her comments came on the heels of the 59th Asia and Pacific DGCA Conference, held from October 14 to 18 in the Philippines.

The conference, which was attended by representatives from 48 countries and international aviation organisations including Thailand’s Department of Airports (DOA), discussed critical areas in civil aviation on the theme “Shaping the Future of Air Transport: Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive”.

A doubling of global passenger numbers within the next 20 years was projected during the meeting, emphasising the need for significant infrastructure investment, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Following the conference, the Ministry outlined a vision for the future of air transport, anticipating passenger volume growth, infrastructure development, and travel facilitation. It also encouraged the DOA to consider sustainable and inclusive airport infrastructure investments nationwide, including capacity enhancement projects and the construction of six new airports in Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, Satun, Phayao, Kalasin, and Phatthalung.

“The importance of safety by designing secure airports and integrating advanced security equipment to improve screening processes, along with the concept of universal design for facilities cannot be emphasised enough,” Manaporn said.

The Ministry also prioritised accessibility for people with disabilities, promoting equal travel access. In terms of environmental goals, the DOA was urged to expand on its achievements after winning the 2024 EIA Monitoring Awards, aiming for carbon neutrality and achieving Level 5 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA).

Danai Ruengsorn, director-general of DOA, stated that the DOA will expedite infrastructure development across all regions. Currently, feasibility studies for future airport construction are underway, with Mukdahan and Bueng Kan airports in the design and EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) stages. Meanwhile, Satun Airport is in the contractor selection process for design and EIA.

Phayao Airport has received budget approval for design and EIA in 2025, while feasibility studies for Kalasin and Phatthalung airports are now complete.

The DOA also prioritises diversity, supporting equal rights and opportunities for all groups and leveraging diverse age experiences within its workforce. With personnel operating across Thailand, the DOA values different perspectives, religious beliefs, and cultural values, strengthening the organisation through integration.

In addition, the DOA will incorporate insights from recent meetings to plan airport development and implement practices aimed at elevating DOA-operated airports to meet international standards.

Parliament to debate charter amendments in December

The Parliament is scheduled to debate constitutional amendments in a joint sitting of the House and Senate in December, according to Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha today.

He said that four draft bills, seeking to amend the existing Constitution, have already been added to parliament’s debate agenda.

He disclosed that one of the bills, which seeks to amend Section 256 of the Constitution, pertains to the amendment process, which requires a referendum to be held before the process begins.

On August 21, the House approved, by 409:0 votes, the referendum bill advocating a single majority vote, instead of double majority, which requires a majority of votes according to two separate criteria, to endorse the charter amendment process.

Wan also noted that amending the charter as it pertains to independent organisations also requires a referendum.

Coalition parties are split on the drafting of a new charter, with the Bhumjaithai, Democrat and United Thai Nation parties taking a common stance that Chapter 1, regarding general provisions, and Chapter 2, concerning the monarchy, must be excluded from the amendment process.

Finance Ministry urges ‘suitable’ policy rate

Bank of Thailand asked to adopt policies that will boost economic growth and maintain 1-3% inflation

The Finance Ministry has called upon the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to employ monetary policies that facilitate economic growth, including setting a suitable policy rate, in a bid to keep the bankÂ’s proposed inflation framework of 1-3%.

Deputy PM and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira met on Tuesday with BOT governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput to discuss monetary and financial policies before setting the target inflation framework for fiscal 2025 to present to the Cabinet meeting in December.

Thailand has been setting the target for headline inflation at 1-3% in the past nine years, but inflation in three of those years (2018, 2021, 2023) has failed to meet the target.

"Setting an inflation target framework is a secondary issue since inflation can fluctuate based on various factors such as investment, revenue, and purchasing power. Therefore, setting the inflation target at 1-3% may not have significant effects,” Pichai said after the meeting.

He said the ministry is willing to maintain the previous target of 1-3%. However, the actual inflation rate must be above 1% and can move up to an appropriate point or the median of 2%, he added.

“To keep the inflation rate at a suitable level, the BOT and Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) must employ monetary policies that facilitate economic growth,” said the minister. “This includes setting a suitable policy rate which will help boost foreign direct investment and maintain Thailand’s competitiveness against competitors.”

Pichai said he also called upon the central bank to roll out measures to help alleviate the debt burden of the public and SME operators, which will also help boost investment and the expansion of new loans. He suggested that the BOT come up with a comprehensive debt restructuring plan in two weeks.

"Thailand's economy has not been growing at a particularly high level. In 2023, the economy expanded by 1.9% and is expected to grow by 2.7% in 2024,” said Pichai.

“For 2025, the growth is projected to be close to 3%, based on current measures. If we want the economy to grow beyond this target, we need to significantly adjust our measures. The BOT understands the government's intentions and shares the same goals,” he said.

On October 15, the MPC voted 5 to 2 to cut the policy rate by a 0.25 percentage point from 2.50% to 2.25%, effective immediately. It was the first rate cut in four years.

The MPC agreed that a neutral stance on the policy rate remains appropriate, given the economic growth and inflation outlook. Most members thus voted to cut the policy rate by 25 basis points to alleviate debt-servicing burden for borrowers.

Following the rate cut, Sethaput said the central bank will not be rushing to follow up on another cut anytime soon, adding that the bankÂ’s future actions would be guided by the outlook on inflation, economic growth and financial stability.

Minister admits trying to mediate iCon Group-investor conflict

Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has admitted that she is the person, referred to as “M” by the Palang Pracharath party in allegations of involvement in the business of iCon Group, but has denied having any connection with the beleaguered e-commerce company.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Manaporn claimed that another person referred to as “M” by the opposition party, is Mana Lohavanich, chair of the House committee on consumer protection, while her own position is chair of a subcommittee on consumer protection.

The deputy minister, a Pheu Thai party MP, claimed that, on December 12 last year, a group of people from Chon Buri filed a complaint with the House committee, stating that they each paid about 200,000 baht to become sale agents of iCon Group to sell toothpaste. They were promised delivery of 1,500 packs of toothpaste each, but actually received only 50 each.

The group of investors also said that they had filed a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection Board, but there has been no progress in the case at all.

In her capacity as chair of the subcommittee, Manaporn said she invited representatives of the investors and the iCon Group to meet with her, in order to settle the conflict and to urge the company to compensate the investors.

She also claimed that her panel had instructed the Office of the Consumer Protection Board to investigate whether the toothpaste was up to the required standard, adding that the conflict was settled, with the company agreeing to compensate the investors and the investors agreeing to withdraw their complaint.

She said that this is how she ended up being accused of having links to the iCon Group by the Palang Pracharath party, adding that she does not personally know any of the company’s executives, including its CEO.

Minister admits trying to mediate iCon Group-investor confli


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PM takes a day off to recover from exhaustion

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced she would be taking time out from her duties on Thursday due to exhaustion and hoarseness.

Her voice was scratchy and her exhaustion noticeable when she attended the award ceremony for local organisations with good management practices at Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre in Bangkok’s Lak Si district on Wednesday.

The PM told the press that she felt ill in the morning and would be seeing a doctor for an injection. She added that she would evaluate her symptoms before deciding whether to continue working. She later announced that she would not be attending today’s engagement at the Finance Ministry or the meeting to prepare for the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion Summit in China.

Asked about Pheu Thai Party’s involvement in the case of a “guardian angel” for the alleged pyramid scheme operator iCon Group, she said it is currently under investigation.

Paetongtarn updated her symptoms on her Instagram “ingshin 21” at 4.45pm, with an image of saline drip in her arm and the message “Receiving an injection before going back home”.

The PM’s older sister, Pintongta Shinawatra, posted on her Instagram “aimpintongta” at 7.45pm, with an image of Paetongtarn receiving an injection and the message “Strong PM should take a break”.

PM takes a day off to recover from exhaustion

Thaksin visits daughter PM Paetongtarn as she takes sick leave

Ex-PM Thaksin visited his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who took sick leave yesterday suffering a sore throat.

A video posted on the prime minister’s Instagram account, @IngShin21, shows Thaksin in a white shirt and jeans, smiling at the camera before walking into a room.

Paetongtarn’s caption read, “When he learned that his youngest daughter was sick, he rushed to visit her with some gifts. He’s the best.”

The prime minister’s sore throat has left her without her voice, but she also posted to Instagram, sharing a photo of herself sitting with her two young children at home.

Today, she made an official day trip to the northeastern province of Roi Et but still declined to speak to reporters, signaling with her hand that she still had no voice.

Thaksin, whose jail term for corruption ended controversially in August, has never been shy about displaying his political influence and is believed to be behind many of his daughter’s decisions in government.

He has, however, been conspicuously absent from the public scene since several petitions were filed with the Election Commission, seeking the dissolution of his daughter’s ruling Pheu Thai party, alleging that Thaksin is controlling the party.

Thaksin visits daughter PM Paetongtarn as she takes sick lea

Govt aiming to boost Thailand’s cultural influence to world stage

The government is determined to elevate the nation’s cultural influence to the world stage, aiming to position Thailand among the 25 countries with the most significant soft power in the cultural dimension.

This ambitious goal is underpinned by the country’s recent achievement of ranking eighth globally in terms of cultural heritage richness, according to the 2024 US News & World Report.

Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting Thai culture and heritage. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the government is working to showcase Thailand’s unique cultural identity to the world.

Thailand’s rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and natural beauty have contributed to its high ranking. The nation’s iconic landmarks, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, continue to draw visitors from around the globe.

The 10 countries with the richest cultural heritage in 2024, according to the US News & World Report, are Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, Mexico, Egypt, Thailand, Portugal and India.

By leveraging its cultural assets, Thailand aims to attract more tourists, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen its international reputation. The government believes that by investing in cultural initiatives and promoting Thai culture abroad, the country can achieve its goal of becoming a leading cultural destination.

Govt aiming to boost Thailand’s cultural influence to world stage

Paetongtarn threatens to pull away in popularity race

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Paetongtarn most popular politician: Suan Dusit Poll

Survey by Suan Dusit University finds several performance indices of the government rose from September

The government’s performance indices for October rose from the previous month and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the most popular among coalition politicians with more than 50% public support, an opinion survey found.

The political-index survey by Suan Dusit University (Suan Dusit Poll) for October found that several performance indices of the government rose from those in September.

Suan Dusit Poll conducted the survey among 2,136 respondents nationwide from October 25 to 30 and announced the results on Sunday.

The respondents were asked via field and online surveys to rate the performance of the government and opposition on 25 indices on a scale of 1 to 10. The 25 indices were compiled into the Thai political index, which rose in October to 5.01 from 4.8 in the previous month.

he 25 indices included:

- Opposition performance: 5.34, a drop from 5.41
- PM’s performance: 5.27, up from 5.12
- Public safety: 5.00, up from 4.75
- Enforcing policies: 5.14, up from 4.99
- Government’s performance: 5.13, up from 4.98
- Political stability: 5.10, up from 4.91
- Tackling corruption: 4.71, up from 4.45
- Solving unemployment: 4.69, up from 4.40
- Solving poverty: 4.67, up from 4.32
- Cracking down on drugs and outsider influence: 4.58, up from 4.33.

Asked to name their favourite coalition politicians, the respondents gave the top three results as:

- Paetongtarn: 52.81%
- Anutin Charnvirakul, interior minister: 26.40%
- Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, energy minister: 20.79%
The respondents named their three favourite opposition politicians as:
- Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, People’s Party leader: 37.80%
- Sirikanya Tansakun, People’s Party MP: 34.36%
- Rangsiman Rome, People’s Party MP: 27.84%

Asked to cite the best accomplishments of the government, the respondents gave the top three answers as:

- 40.15%: Flood alleviation measures
- 36.55%: Economic stimulus and cost-of-living measures
- 23.30%: Measures to alleviate students affected by a bus fire.

Paetongtarn most popular politician: Suan Dusit Poll